Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Yoga / Hindu : Vaishnava (Krishna/Rama) 14th Century	About Vidyapati Timeline (1340? - 1430)
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English version by Edward C. Dimock, Jr. and Denise Levertov Original Language Maithili	My friend, I cannot answer when you ask me to explain
Commentary by Ivan M. Granger Themes   Bliss   Fire   Heart   Honey   Lover and Beloved   Recommended Books In Praise of Krishna: Songs from the Bengali, Translated by Edward C. Dimock, Jr. / Translated by Denise Levertov	My friend, I cannot answer when you ask me to explain what has befallen me. Love is transformed, renewed, each moment. He has dwelt in my eyes all the days of my life, yet I am not sated with seeing. My ears have heard his sweet voice in eternity, and yet it is always new to them. How many honeyed nights have I passed with him in love's bliss, yet my body wonders at his. Through all the ages he has been clasped to my breast, yet my desire never abates. I have seen subtle people sunk in passion but none came so close to the heart of the fire. Who shall be found to cool your heart, says Vidyapati.     -- from In Praise of Krishna: Songs from the Bengali, Translated by Edward C. Dimock, Jr. / Translated by Denise Levertov Amazon.com
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

The speaker in this poem is Radha and the "him" she refers to is Krishna. Bhakti poetry often celebrates the love affair between Radha and Krishna, but it plays with multiple levels of reality at once: it can be read as erotic love poetry and, at the same time, as an exploration of the love between the soul (Radha) and God (Krishna).

Try reading this poem a few times. Start with the poem's surface meaning, its beauty, sensuality, and yearning. And, with each reading, look progressively deeper and with an open heart. See what emerges.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2008 by Ivan M. Granger.
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