Inspirations

‘We cannot put the fire out with water!’

He said, ‘Indeed that fire’s a sign of God –

a flame out of your fire of stinginess.

What’s water? What is vinegar? Give bread!

Bypass your meanness if you are my people!’

The people said, ‘We’ve opened wide our doors;

we have been liberal and bountiful.’

‘You’ve given out of habit and by custom.

You have not opened up your hands for God

But all for glory, showing-off and pride,

not piety and fear and dedication.

Wealth is a seed, don’t sow in barren soil;

don’t put a sword in every brigand’s hand!

And know the faithful from the hateful ones;

seek out companions of the truth and join them!

Each person shows a liking for their own.

A fool alone then thinks he’s done good deeds.’

RABINDRANATH TAGORE

from Selected Poems

Brahma, Viu, Siva

In a worldless timeless lightless great emptiness

Four-faced Brahma broods.

Of a sudden a sea of joy surges through his heart –

The ur-god opens his eyes.

Speech from four mouths

Speeds to each quarter.

Through infinite dark,

Through limitless sky,

Like a growing sea-storm,

Like hope never sated,