Poetry Chaikhana Blog

Ivan M. Granger October 27th, 2008

Who can describe the Source of the universe,
by Dariya

English version by K. N. Upadhyaya

Who can describe the Source of the universe,
Containing this world, the underworld and clusters
      of galaxies manifested in higher regions?
The One whose luster, like a luminous gem,
      illumines the universe,
Which poet can comprehend and follow
      the pattern of His manifestations?

It is the Merciful Lord
      who bestowed His grace on me,
And I could see the glory
      of His entire manifestations.
The play of love of the Limitless Primal Being,
      I did see in entirety.
This is an inaccessible and unfathomable Divine Wonder,
How can any poet give its description?

— from Dariya Sahib: Saint of Bihar, Translated by K. N. Upadhyaya

/ Photo by Knick! /

As the days grow shorter and darker (for those of us in the northern hemisphere), I thought we should take a moment to celebrate Diwali or Deepavali, India’s celebration of Light…

The One whose luster, like a luminous gem,
      illumines the universe…

Light is one of the primary metaphors in sacred poetry, suggesting the Divine not framed within a mental concept. But for genuine mystics, this light is directly experienced.

This sense of light is more than a brightness one might experience on a sunny afternoon. This light is perceived as being a living radiance that permeates everything, everywhere, always. This light is immediately understood to be the true source of all things, the foundation on which the physicality of the material world is built.

The sense of boundaries and separation, long taken for granted by the mind as the fundamental nature of existence, suddenly seems illusory, for this light shines through all people and things. It has no edges, and the light of one is the light of another.

This light is recognized as your own Self, while simultaneously being the Self of all others. Since this light is you and, at the same time, it radiates within all, the question arises: How can there be separation? conflict? loss?

The play of love of the Limitless Primal Being,
      I did see in entirety.

This is the light of the true mystics.

Dariya India (1634 - 1780) Timeline Sikh Yoga / Hindu

Sant Dariya Sahib of Bihar was born in India at a time when the power of the Muslim Mughals was declining and the British had not yet fully asserted their power over the region. It was an era of many petty rulers and warlords and general social turmoil and religious strife.

Sant Dariya emerged as a poet-saint who encouraged harmony between Hindus and Muslims. Today he is revered by Sikhs, as well as Hindus and Muslims.

He received enlightenment at the age of 20, and began to teach a path of non-violence and love for all.

As a poet, Sant Dariya composed more than 15,000 verses.

In fact, in one of his books, Dariya suggests he was the great poet Kabir in a previous incarnation.

There is some disagreement about the years of his life, but many assert he lived nearly 150 years.

More poetry by Dariya

• Poetry