Topic: Lalleshwari

[Jaharkta]

Ocean and the mind of man are both alike:
Under the ocean's bottom lies
the destructive fire, vadvaagni*;
And in the breast of man doth rage
the fire of wrath.
When the fire breaks out, its flames
of angry, abusive words,
sear and scorch and burn.
But if one ponders unruffled and calm,
and weighs the words, though angry they be,
They have no substance, no, nor weight.


~Lalla


*Vadvaagni which, according to legend, would destroy the whole world if it were to burst forth from under the ocean.

[Jaharkta]

I practiced what I read,
And learnt what was not taught.
From its jungle abode
I brought the lion down
as I a jackal would;
(From pleasures of the world
I pulled my mind away).
I practiced what I preached,
and scored the goal.


~Lalla~