Inner Guru: “… my friends, follow Supreme Being who lives within you and is the soul of everyone and everything … Experience this Presence! … “ ~ Kabir
Ah! The inner guru … the wisdom of That which is within … That which is already and always here …
In these deeply troubling times – with the sad and increasing divisiveness between “ideological tribes” … and now with the horrific and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine – one can naturally feel doubtful about such wisdom …
As we’ve done before – especially during 2020 and 2021 – we suggest bringing in balance by nourishing and deepening qualities like kindness and compassion … OR reminders of such wisdom through the timeless and mystical poetry from Rumi, or Hafiz … OR through words of Thich Nhat Hanh (and many more) … all with the simple aim to help navigate life with ever deepening equanimity …
So, today we offer Kabir via Andrew Harvey’s recent (November 2021) translation: Engoldenment: A Year with Kabir: 366 Timeless Poems … in the Introduction of which Andrew aptly says: “… May this book of songs from humanity’s bravest mystic seer give you the courage, the alignment with truth, the deathless love and joy you will need, not only to survive our dark night but to work with its secret will to birth you into what Kabir called “simple union”, engoldened in heart, mind, soul and body …”
Andrew reminds us “… to continue to trust in the Divine, whatever happens, knowing that if you do, you will live the divine life on earth and be born into your full freedom at last …”
And, in Kabir’s words: “… plunge within, you’ll win the rarest of the jewels …” …
Of course, all of our poetry based explorations {/posts} are “pointers” inviting pause and self reflection so we can com to our own insights as we hear (in Jonathan Star’s most apropos words) the “… voice in us all that is ever-present, a voice that always sings its melody to the world …”
Happy reflections ! 🙂
Kabir’s Inner Guru
When I miss my way
My inner guru shows it.
I’ve given up
All prescribed ways of worship,
No pilgrimages for me!
People think they’re clever
And I’m crazy.
I don’t worship in temples
I don’t ring the bell for God
I don’t offer idols
Heaps of fresh flowers.
I don’t even meditate
Or sacrifice
Or do for Him
Any painful austerities.
I’m kind to every being I meet
I treat them as my equals
I live free from any
Worldly pleasures or connections.
I tolerate the harsh things
Others say about me
I’ve stripped pride from my heart.
Kabir says: I believe deeply
For these observances
God will shower grace on me.
~ Kabir
Of course, the wisdom of the inner guru is infused in Kabir’s poetry … and here’s another short one – from Andrew’s same book – that underscores the profound truth and the resulting gift from recognizing the inner guru …
My friends,
Follow Supreme Being
Who lives within you
And is the soul of everyone and everything
You are Him: Contemplate this!
Experience this Presence!
When you know Supreme Being
You’ll live in bliss
Free from the cycle of birth and death.
~ Kabir
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Let us bring such wisdom to bear on the current humanitarian crisis of the Ukraine invasion … by helping in whatever way we can … and to that end here are two posts:
1) NPR: Want to support the people in Ukraine? Here’s how you can help
2) Washington Post: Here’s how Americans can donate to help people in Ukraine.
3) Go Fund Me: How to Help: Donate to Ukraine Relief Efforts.
4) USA Today: Want to support the people of Ukraine? These apps and websites can help you send money.
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We are all facing financial challenges but IF your situation allows you to donate and help then please do so …
THANK YOU!
May you be drawn to listening to your inner guru … and may your life be infused with the insights therein … and …
May you remain safe and healthy as you navigate these unsettling times.
All italicized text (including in the blockquotes) is from: Engoldenment: A Year with Kabir: 366 Timeless Poems by Andrew Harvey.
Images: (edited and logo added): Featured and 1) Lake in marono with water reflections by mimadeo, 2) Engoldenment book cover image from its Amazon page. 1) purchased from depositphotos, for use only on our website/social channels (these images are not permitted to be shared separate from this post).
The world needs to soak up spiritual nourishment and guidance at these times,like a dry sponge.Thank you for providing that at this crucial time the world finds itself.The Light in me honours the Light in you.
Thank you for the Stillness.
Graham
Indeed Graham!
May your light within honor all those around you.
Thanks for stopping by.
Namaste’
Sanjiv