Oneness

You and Me

2011-06-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

This night of my wait
will have to say goodbye,
and these flickering stars
then better cease to lie,

when walking once perchance,
I'll see you on my way
and rising from my ranch,
the sun will shower a day

that is so brightly lit
that everyone would see
my dream of our epic,
the tale of you and me.

- Shiv

Saavan - Mirabai

2011-05-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. ~Rabindranath Tagore

The clouds of Saavan* rain,
to join my heart's humming
A familiar perfume airs
my love must be coming

Dark clouds from all sides
come together for an attack
Electricity charges the air,
lights a series of flash.

Tiny droplets dance around
as my hope slowly grows
my heart sings love songs
while a pleasant wind blows

- Shiv

*Saavan - rainy season

Inspired by Mira Bai's "Barsai Badariya Saavan Ki"

Sunrise After 8.9

2011-03-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

"I truly hope the victims of the disaster never give up hope, take care of themselves, and live strong for tomorrow"
- Emperor Akihito in a TV address following Japan's 8.9 earthquake in March 2011, resulting in a devastating tsunami and a nuclear disaster.

Yes
there was
a gory dark time
of the eclipse
of 8.9!

But far
on a rosy horizon
to have darkness undone
sits another baby
sun

I feel
it somewhat low
but I still feel it
with glow
:)

This is
the sun that
will bring close those
who in current life are cast
and memories of those
who were amongst us
in the near
past

This is
the sun that will
shine upon what's in disdain
and upon what cannot be
put together
again

Now
its rays
reflect the
pain (that trembling thrust)
of my dear brothers and sisters
and warmly touch me
as a reminder
of oneness
of us

My soul
feels the warmth
in their acceptance
of the power of nature's will
and feels the pain in
their surrender-
ed smiles

I feel
them somewhat near;
and ever more
dear
:)

far out
on a rosy horizon
to have grave darkness undone
I feel surely sits
baby sun

will again
from its cradle
in the east shine the sun
just like ages ago
its luster had
begun

Hail the sun
for rising again!
Hail the sun
for shining again!

I feel
it somewhat low
but I really feel
it glow
:)

My feelings world will grow
as per the master plan
the sun that now lies low
will again rise from Japan

- Shiv

Inspired by a project (Poets for Tsunami Relief) by inspiring Montreal poet Heather Grace Stewart earlier today I wrote this poem. As my other poems, this is a poem I wrote for strength for myself after seeing media coverage of Japan's monster quake, which I refer to by 8.9. If this resonates with you, please share it with friends and family.

Here are 10 ways of donating for Japan's relief: Donate for Tsunami Relief

- Shiv

Hope of Spring

2011-03-11T19:17:00.000-08:00

Do you know
what California hills
look like now?
They are full
of mustard flowers
now.
Full!

O soul,
grow the mustard flowers of love
on the soil of your heart,
and let them spread wildly ...

and you will sing
too
like California hills
are singing now,
mesmerizing onlookers
into thinking
they are you

- Shiv

Mustard Hills

2011-03-10T13:57:00.001-08:00

I was travelling
on the train today
on bay area rapid transport.
we call it "BART" here.

Like I do almost everyday
going rapidly back and forth
home to office,
then home again.
So I think.

It takes me about an hour
(when I am not dreaming)
and it usually gives me time
to read something or think.
Today I couldn't do either.

Because I was mesmerized.
I couldn't stop looking
at the mustard flowers
on lush green hills
alongside the tracks.

I couldn't hear the train,
its timely movements
or the person behind me,
his loud inclinations
I couldn't see the spots
of fargone rain on the window
No distractions
None at all
Just green and yellow.

This is absolutely
the most beautiful season
in northern california
this is what makes this place
the best place to live
this makes this place
home.

Home is where love lives
where the soul rests in peace
because greed has died
not because
it is diminished at all
it has ballooned so large
that it has consumed
my self and the surroundings
into ONE
it has compelled me
to hold a little
child's hand
because she needs it
(so I think)
so she can learn to
play the piano.
Thats home.

I have become the yellow
spotting on the green,
the flower of the connection,
which is green
because it is connected
or else it would be a twig;

I am not a twig
I am alive
I am at home,
connected
and flowering yellow
and my soul sings:

mustard spots, green hills
consumed my greed
I am at home now
Love is all I need

- Shiv

Credit: God, Kabir, John Lennon

The right knock

2011-03-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

I was very sad
until I heard
a knock on the door.

Not one, not two
many knocks.

Someone was
banging on the door
incessantly
shouting at the
same time promises.
promising this that
and everything
a lot more than
I had ever thought
possible in my life

I opened the door
and I was surprised
by the galore of gifts
tantalizing cups
sparkling wine

I was happy
but the fizz did not last
He left in a hurry
almost as soon
as he had come
leaving me behind
more sad than before

My tears hadn't dried
And I heard another knock
A second person
knocked on the door
but this time, just once
quite boringly
promised no gifts
said he had something to show
if I could open the door.

Why would I open the door
What was the point?

Then magically
an angel knocked
from the inside
of my beating heart
and sang:
"open your eyes
now is the time
realize realize
the first person
was temptation
but now who's there
is opportunity!
So go
now
open the door"

My angel's call
was just
in the nick of time
I opened the door
before opportunity
had gone
and as soon as the
door was opened
sun came walking in
brightened my house
like never before.

There is nothing
like having an angel
who is hiding in your
heart come out and
speak and lead.

Now I sing to you
My friend, its time
Find your angel
He will lead you
to answer the knock.
The right one.

Where is Woman's Place - Guru Nanak

2011-03-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Woman

Within woman, man is conceived;
From woman, man is born;

To woman he is engaged, then married.
Woman remains his close friend;
she lays the path of life with him.

When his woman dies,
man seeks another woman;
he cannot do without her.

Weren't kings
born from her?
And other women too?

And Man calls her bad!
And He thinks her low!
Why I ask, why?

Without woman there'd be no one at all;
I say woman's place is next to God.

– Guru Nanak, Raag Aasaa Mehal 1, Page 473

I did this translation to celebrate the International Women's Day: http://shivsangels.blogspot.com/2011/03/guru-nanak-rightful-place-of-woman.html

I thank my angels

2011-03-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

I thank my angels

who sang their lives

to keep me awake

to see starry nights

and feel cool dampness

of love's lost dew

on leaves of grass

until I fully grew

to be as small

as they had too

and One as large

as One they knew

Credit: God, Guru Arjan Dev, Walt Whitman

A guide to understanding this poem:

who sang their lives - one's filled with thankfulness, grace.
awake - spiritually awake / in bliss
starry nights - even when times are bad, angels see positives. At nights they are mesmerized by stars. From Guru Arjan's Bhinni Rainariye
cool dampness - cooling/calming nature of spiritual love
lost dew - angels feel the calmness of dew, when others think it is lost
as small - angels have lost their egos and become insignificant
leaves of grass - a composition of walt whitman, which grew as he grew!
One as large - they have become so small, that they can only be identified by the universe that surrounds them -- the one, the largest entity of all

Timely Karma

2011-03-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

Karma works right here,
karma works right now too.
If you waste time,
time will just waste you.

Give someone a smile,
this world will smile for you.
Just say goodbye to hell,
as heaven waits to greet you.

- Shiv

Credit: God, Shakespeare

My Friend

2011-02-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

When life needs courage
He is there to lend
When life's patch is rough
He stays till the end

When life is broke
He is there to mend
That, my dear angel,
is my love, my friend

Credit: God, Shirley Veliz Cruz

Shirley asked me today to write a poem on friendship. So this was it!

Have you stolen this?

2011-02-27T21:04:00.000-08:00

One who has seen truth
Does not need to lie,
One who owns this world
will steal, tell me why?

- Shiv

Credit: God

I posted this picture on facebook, and someone asked me "You have stolen this from a Tokyo drift film, haven't you?"

El verdadero Amor

2011-02-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

A amar con todo tu corazón;
Amor con toda pasión
A amar con toda tu alma
Amor sin ninguna razón

Which means,

To love with all your heart
Love with every passion
To love with all your soul
Love without any reason

Credit: God, Maria Jose Contreras

Maria said:

ama sin razon,
ama con corazon,
ama con el alma,
y con toda la pasion

which means,

Love without reason,
love with heart,
love with the soul,
and with all the passion

Hukam - His Will

2011-02-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

The truth is spoken By His Will
No one else does have a say
Through His Will begins all life
His Will makes small or great

His Will brings high or low stature
His Will is what brings joy and pain
In his Will are those in peace
In his Will too wandering in vain

Everyone everywhere in His Will
Without His Will there is no one
And once His Will is understood
Says Nanak "I" becomes defunct

- Shiv

Previous: Path to Peace - Guru Nanak (Japji 1)

Credit: God, Guru Nanak (Japji Sahib, Pauri 2)

Earlier Version:

In His Will is the body
one does not have a say
In His Will comes life
And Will makes it great
High or low stature
Willed is joy and pain
Willed are in peace
Willed wandering in vain
Willed is everyone
Without Will no one
once this is understood
The "I" becomes defunct

Hukam Rajai - Surrender to Wll!

2011-02-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

Thinking does not unthaw truth
by churning thoughts tier on tier
Silencing scarcely brings silence
by sitting soundless year after year

Hunger will still linger no matter
how many heaps are hoarded here
Like flickers of candles in the wind
the best of wits will disappear

What is then the light of truth
whose brillance makes the path clear
Living in grace inspite of darkness
and singing His song everywhere

- Shiv

Next: His Will (Japji 2)- Guru Nanak

Previous: Truth Meditation

Credit: God, Guru Nanak (Japji Sahib, Pauri 1)

Notes:

Guru Nanak says "Hukum Rajai Chalana". Hukum is "order", Rajai is "accepting" or "satisfied" and Chalana is "Walk" ... In your order I walk satisfied. Or simply, I sing in your grace!

So two alternatives for the last stanza:

How will I see the light of truth
and remove falsehood's dark layer?
In His game by accepting His rules,
and being now a joyful player

What is then the light of truth
whose brillance makes the path clear
Living in grace inspite of darkness
and singing His song everywhere

I chose the second one,

An earlier version of the poem:

Thinking doesnt bring rest
having thoughts a-million
Silencing doesnt bring peace
sitting silent years a-million
Hunger is not filled by stashing
piles of cash a-million
Like candles in the wind
temporary wits a-million
how to attain truth
and remove dark falsehood?
By singing His Will
and being thankful!

Wake up sleepy head!

2011-02-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

This morning,
the sun of truth
rose through
the window of my heart
and quite annoyingly
giving me a jolt
screamed at me
loud and clear:

"Yo sleepy head
the morning has come
it is a new day
filled with new hope
what has never happened before
will happen today
O soul
its time now
wake up!"

- Shiv

Credit: God, My dear guru

The light of Guru Nanak's Truth

2011-02-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

How fortunate am I
The supreme giver
has infinite mercy upon me
and brought to me
none other than
my dear Guru Nanak
so he can guide me.

My Guru meets everyone
with a peculiar humility
strange to our world
Despite knowing so much
he brings no Ego along.
He learns freely from those
who are spiritually gifted
He shows me that the path
to attain spiritual freedom
to attain perfect bliss
is to learn from the learned
with utmost humility.
How fortunate am I

He travels many million miles
he travels far and wide
and and when his feet are washed
Particles of his noble ways
turn the wash water
into sweet ambrosial nectar
a drop of which I get to drink
How fortunate am I

With that luminious drop
all fog starts to disappear
Himself my dear Guru shows me
there is no difference betwee
one who knows everything
and the mysterious one
that no one can fully fathom
How fortunate am I

This world of ours has
those of different religions
and as many opinions,
those of disparate social strata;
some rich live the lives of king
others, paupers, just survive
they have all, in one drop.,
through his blessed vision
become ONE for me
How fortunate am I

At times when
everything looks dark
he lights my path
with the torch of the
mantra of truth, Satnam.
A drop of his light
has the immense power
to shine my heart.
My dear Guru Nanank
has removed my darkness
How fortunate am I
How fortunate am I

Credit: God, Guru Nanak, Bhai Gurdas
More info: http://shivsangels.blogspot.com/2011/02/bhai-gurdas-light-of-guru-nanaks-truth.html

"Guru Nanak" in Raag Bageshri:

Waterlillies In My Soul's Lake

2011-02-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

I look vainly, out for serenity
on the San Francisco bay
to Golden gate, pale red laid,
in a foggy mist of grey.

Even glowing bulbs at night
glistening its curvacious sight
are only momentarily bright
much to my dismay.

My poor heavy heart's gate
is finally thrown open by
whats gushing true, a red hue,
that forever plans to stay.

Awakening me, the creator Sun,
is the very same old one
that on my soul now shines
hope of an early summer day.

Having driven the fog clear then
He himself makes my karmic hay.
And now awake, in my soul's lake,
are waterlillies of Monet.

- Shiv
2/15/2011

Credit: God, Guru Nanak, Robert Haydn
Inspiration:Waterlillies by Robert Hayden: http://shivsangels.blogspot.com/2011/02/robert-hayden-monets-waterlilies.html

Monet was a famous impressionist painter; one of his famous paintings is "Waterlillies"
Waterlillies are a symbol of pure beauty.
Waterlillies "wake" during the day and apear dead at night.
Karmic is from "karma"
Water lillies stay beautiful despite growing around dirt.

My thinking behind this poem:

This poem is my description of the feeling before and after singing Ekonkar.

I look at the the symbol of freedom, the golden gate bridge, but it is fogged. Even when it has lights decorating it, it is not so beautiful because they do not stay forever. They come and go as night flows into day.

But then Ekonkar enters my heart. It wakes me up! Like the Golden gate its hue is red; but it is alive, it gushes in, it does not get fogged or dark. It has come to stay forever.

The question of karma is thrown out of the window. I don't need to make 'karmic' hay when the sun shines. I don't need to worry about doing good. Ekonkar handles my karma.

Ekonkar shines on my soul like sunlight first rays. It freshens like an early summer day. Making the lake of my soul beautiful like water lillies that open with the sun. But not any water lillies. These are the waterlillies in Monet's painting: classic, beautiful, and immortal ... just like its creator created them.

True beauty is found residing inside, not the temporary beauty that physically surrounds you.

Come my love, come!

2011-02-14T19:18:00.001-08:00

Come my love, come.
Come my love, come.

Your priceless laugh
has stayed with me
My heart you've taken
but its ache is still with me

My love is lost
My eyes tiresome
Come my love, come.
Come my love, come.

So very pretty
is your love's trick
so what if it
made my soul sick

I do not know
What will happen
My eyes still call
Come my love, come.

- Shiv
2/14/2011

Credit: God
More on the inspiration: http://shivsangels.blogspot.com/2011/02/raag-bhairavi-says-i-miss-you-aa-jaa-o.html

Warmth of Love

2011-02-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Warmth of Love:

My heart dark in winters chill
Was icicle topped, cold and still
Your warm eyes sent love's ray
It sings and along with ice, melts away

Credit: God, Jules Verne

More on this inspiration:
http://shivsangels.blogspot.com/2011/02/jules-verne-greenland-song.html

Simple Heart - Bulleh Shah

2011-02-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

"Simple Heart" on a stone by D. Goth
(http://dgothartist.blogspot.com/)

You seek knowledge
of a thousand books
your simple heart
You have read not

You've barged into
temples and mosques
Your pious heart
you've entered not

You've tried your best
to fight some Satan
your evil thoughts
You have not fought

You've tried your best
to catch some heaven
what lives in your heart
you have not caught

Inspired by: God, Bulleh Shah

Where is God found? - Bulleh Shah

2011-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

If God was found
by taking sacred baths
then God would be
found by fishes and frogs

If God was found
roaming in the wild
then God would been
found by beasts and hogs

If God was found
by going to the mosque
then God would be
found by ants in its walls

Bulleh shah says
God is found
living in the goodness
of pure heart throbs

Inspiration: God, "Je Rab Milda" by Bulleh Shah

A Poet's Gratitude

2011-01-28T22:14:00.001-08:00

Often I write at first,
then in wonder I read!
And more often than not,
I simply cannot believe.

All the marvels
that You doled
All the planets
that You rolled

Passing through so
many generations,
You make me play
perfect emotions,

have me scribe words
that fit just right
in sacred poetry
You make me write.

- Shiv

Is there life after death?

2011-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

Some curious person asked
what comes after life?
Are there beds of roses,
or laden thorns of strife?

All the wise men surmised
but the man was dissatisfied
until one quiet soul
hearing everyone replied:

"If there is life before death,
then so it must be after death.
but in the city of the living dead
there is nothing behind, nor ahead!"

Live!

Credit: God, Guru Nanak

Death undone

2011-01-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

That doesn't die
that hadn't taken birth.
And that isn't born
that will not die.

The only way to escape
both life and death
is to remove I's birth
in the first place!

Then the communion
with the ONE
is called perfect
and Death undone.

Credit: God

Hungry

2011-01-25T07:18:00.000-08:00

From the day I was born
I was hungry.
I cried for mommy
and she understood.
She understood before I
even could say anything.
And She fed me!

When I grew up
She cooked for me.
And cooked she well
because whatever she made
was so delectable,
so succulent.
Just the right spices
salt and water.
She chose the purest,
the best ingredients.

She still does.
I can eat outside too
but there is
no better cook than mommy
and there is
no better kitchen than hers
and no one had
as many pots as she.

She has pots of brass
those made of steel
She has expensive
ones made in silver
and even delicate
earthern pots.

Her food prepared
in different pots
tastes slightly different
even when
the main ingredients
remain the same.

But what remains the same
is not the pot;
the pot is merely to prepare
and then to serve.
what remains the same
is the lingering taste;
it has the same amount of
unending love in it
the best you ever had.

Yes I am grown up
but still live with mommy
because my hunger
has grown too with me
and she is the only one
who can feed.

My mommy is my Guru
and for an eternity
she has prepared
the same dish ...
the dish of truth!

But its not bland
Its very colorful
because she uses
multilingual pots
every pot even adds
a new, different flavor
to her dish.

But the truth remains
Her food tastes awesome
it used to sate me then,
it removes my hunger now.
And will forever!

Love Union

2011-01-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

With just enough space in my heart,
You, my love, can live forever where,
and just the right sight in my eyes
to see Your reflection everywhere,

my hand intently funnels my ear
to hear Your warm and passionate call
and my tongue promptly answers back:
"Yes, Yes, I want Your affair!"

So in my hands holding the yarn
that already binds the two of us,
with quick, yet very confident feet
closer towards You, I tear.

On Your sight my head slowly swells
bowing naturally down at Your feet;
I shed all loans of my life*,
leaving in union, me, just bare.

Inspiration: God, Bhai Nand Lal Goya

*loans of life = every breath we take has been borrowed; its not ours, because we don't get to keep it -- it is the Creator's. Without breath, after life, the body goes while the soul remains. It is only the soul that unifies with the Creator, not the body, therefore in union one has to be "bare". From the readings I have done, this is a poetic way to explain our connection with unity, not necessarily a definition of the truth (so I don't expect a soul to magically fly towards heaven after death or hover about in my backyard to trouble me).

Other Notes:
It is impossible to translate poetry, especially beautiful Farsi (Persian) poetry. I have just taken the essence of a Farsi poem written by Bhai Nand Lal and from that inspiration written this poem. Like the poems of my dear Gurus, his poems ooze love for the supreme mystery. I am the 10th descendent of Bhai Nand Lal, so his poetry remains special to me personally.

Bhai Nand Lal, despite being a Hindu, was considered to be an authority on the holy Quran during Mughal ruler Aurangzeb's time (17th century) and was hired to teach Farsi to Aurangzeb's kids (specifically Bahadur Shah) to prepare them for the throne. However, Bhai Nand Lal opposed Aurangzeb's fanaticism and intention to forcibly convert the population to Islam, and left to become a disciple and poet laureate of my dear Guru Gobind Singh. His poems are sung in the Golden Temple and across the world even now. He is a great example, in my mind, of someone who favored Truth over falsehood, and for that, is remembered till date.

Truth Meditation - 真理冥想 (Chinese)

2011-01-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

在真正开始
在过去的真实
真的现在是
真的将永远是

Mool Mantra Truth

2011-01-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

That,
the Only One entity
in the form of Om
named "Truth"
creates
without fear or enmity
living at all times
before birth, beyond death
self sufficiently,
has been revealed
by my Master

My Master guides me
to become one with
the one entity,
the song of Om,
so I am Truth too,
and my purpose is
to create more truth
without fear or enmity
remaining beyond time,
remaining free from
the painful cycle
of birth and death
of false desires
and thus
remaining
self sufficient.

I'm indebted to
my master for
his revelation
of truth.

Credit: God, Guru Nanak, Bhai Gurdas

Bhai Gurdas says "Guru Nanak read the mantra of Truth" refering to Mool Mantra.

Guru Nanak's Mool Mantra says (with literal meanings):
Ek Omkaar, Satnaam, Karta Purakh,
Nirbhau, Nirvair, Akaal Moorat,
Ajuni, Saibhang, Gur prasaad

Because this is a mantra, I am not putting a period at the end ... "Gur prasaad" is followed by "Ek Omkaar" forever. Similarly the first sentence in my translation can be read continuously from beginning to end.

Ek Omkaar - one Om shape
Satnaam - true name
Karta Purakh - Creator Purakh (Purakh or Purush is a vedic term for the creator)
Nirbhau - Without fear
Nirvair - Without enmity
Akaal Moorat - Timless shape
Ajuni - pronounced Ajooni, Joon is cycle of birth of death, Ajooni is "one who is unaffected by the cycle of birth and death"
Saibhang - Self existing (from vedic 'svyam bhu' -- self existing)
Gur prasaad - Guru's blessing or gift (attained by Guru's blessing)

Истина - Truth (Guru Nanak)

2011-01-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

Изначально истинное,
было истинным,
сейчас истинное,
во все времена было истинным

- Гуру Нанака (Russian, translated by Svyatos Albireo)

In the beginning True,
For ages has been True,
In the present is True,
Will forever be True.

- Guru Nanak (English, translated by Shiv)

Aad Sach, Jugaad Sach
Hai Bhi Sach, Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach.

- Guru Nanak (Gurmukhi original)

A fling with Truth

2011-01-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Legend talks of Mount Falserest's corrie
with water that would any thirst quell,
only if someone could go, imbibe its glory,
and came back to the valley to tell.

On this tall mound I too tried to climb,
traversed terrain that no pardon would give;
but aghast near the top was I to find
there was no water, not even air to live.

Knocked down by deceptions so many
I now trust my tryst that a fling fells
me as I sing plain truth in the valley
not needing to remember anything else.

Credit: God, Guru Nanak, Mark Twain

Notes:
Mount Falserest: A mount, as tall as mount everest, but instead of rock, made of a tall order of falses (many deceptions).

A corrie is a lake close to the summit of a mountain. Usually of breathtaking beauty like the one in the picture above(that one is from Ireland): calm, serene, and peaceful!

World's concept of success is like Mount Falserest; we all try to climb Mount falserest; and we can never reach the corrie on the top, because it is a myth; there is no peace on the "top."

One has to fall to the valley of truth for peace of mind. A fling with truth is liking falling in love the conception of truth; in this case one is falling from Mount falserest. "Trusting my tryst" is apt because its suggests living in God's will.

Once you have fallen to the valley of truth, you don't have to remember anything else; you are in bliss. Just like when you tell the truth, you don't need to remember all the stories you made up to support the false corrie of Mount Falserest.

We try to climb Mount Falserest for peace, when it lies right here with us in the valley.

On a personal note, I love the reference to Mount Everest because I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal!!!

Guru Nanak:
In the beginning true
Throughout the ages true
Even at present true
Forever shall be true

Mark Twain:
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."

True Love tones

2011-01-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

Some do Do,
some sing Sa;
some say So;
Others play Pa.

Somewhere cuckoo sings;
somewhere koyal kooks;
kukushka bliss brings;
elsewhere carol kakukks.

Some love in vermelho,
in some red flows,
some bleed rosso,
in others rouge grows.

Love tones enthralled
are everywhere the same;
they are just called
by many a different name.

Har Allah God Raam
Sung whichever way
makes soft souls calm
and hale hearts play

Credit: God, Rig Veda

Notes:

Sa and Pa - 1st and 5th notes in Hindi Octave
(Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa)
Do and So - 1st and 5th notes in English octave

This comes from solfege or solfeggio system which assigns each note a particular syllable. The notes 're' 'mi' 'fa' and 'la' come from syllables from words from the "Hymn of St John" written in the 8th century -'do, 'ti' and 'so' added later

cuckoo -- english
Koyal kooks - hindi
kukushka - russian
Kakukks - hungarian

vermelho - italian
red - english
rosso - portugese
rouge - french

Truth Meditation

2011-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Rising with the sun
What was true
Will be at sunset
Still golden truth

Its Summer's warmth
Grey winter's dew
Autumn's red fall
And Spring's life too

Like hours pass
So Seasons do
Grey has a range
But Truth stays true

So In this new year
Last year's white truth
Like bygone millennia
will again ring true

Its reign will sustain
With it's royal blue
For ages and eons
Forever true

So Hold still my dear
As Vapor Flows through
You too will Be clear
In a moment or two

Why shy away from
Truth's boldness due,
And Why seek outside
For what's inside true?

Credit: Guru Nanak, George Couttolenc

"From Beginning's Dawn True
to whichever Age True
In Today's Morn True
And Forever Will be True"
- Guru Nanak

Giving into Love - Harivansh Rai Bachchan

2010-12-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Love completely
but what for tell?
Cast wholly, why hear
for heart in spell?

Sing joyously
why have song heard?
Touch softly, why feel
the feelings spurred?

Smell heartily
why pluck the roses?
Wear gaily, why expect
what garland exposes

The child of love plays
in the crib of giving.
Give truly in Love
Cradle truth in living.

Credit: God, Guru Nanak, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Jude Folkman

This is what Harivansh Rai Bachchan, a great poet from India, taught me. The primary origin of most of this poem is his Hindi poem, "Aadarsh Prem" or "Ideal Love". Like always, I try to capture the essence in my interpretation, and do not strive to exactly translate. It is impossible to translate great works. Here is the original poem in Hindi: "Aadarsh Prem" And credit to Jude Folkman, for loving her job and going beyond the call of her duty to help me.

Reverbnation Honey

2010-12-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

"Work will be done when,
Papa, its not very hearty"
"I'll come soon children
let me enjoy the party.

Papa Bear too celebrates,
kids, let me wine and dine
on sweet honey cupcakes
of colorful song and rhyme.

As the cupcakes bake,
my soul intertwines
and within every flake,
my love honey lines.

Since this honey smells
of the rose of eternity;
to me its essence tells
what buzzed Mother Bee

Solitary bears retract
let them hibernate;
for hearty honey from angels
let me reverbnate."

Credit: God, Reverbnation Artists, Reverbnation

Notes
1. Mother bee is a reference to our source of true love, and therefore eternal life.

2. I created the verb reverbnate from Reverbnation, the biggest site for independent musicians: http://www.reverbnation.com

3. An angel is whoever reminds me to sing about our common father, because thats just magical: My Angels Blog

4. Apart from my job, music, poetry ... I love spending time playing with my kids!!! Gobind is 7 and Jania almost 5 (in January). I am very very fortunate to have the love of these kids who are obviously jealous of the time I spend on my job, music, and poetry.

5. In San Ramon, California ... as must be true in other small suburbs across America, birthday celebrations especially in School are made with sharing of colorful cupcakes!

Love Grows Like a Napa Vine

2010-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

It follows nature's etiquette
love grows like a Napa vine;
it crawls from soil to palette
like a tortoise from a fine line.

Know that well when a vine you plant,
you need a few grapes to make wine,
so go slow, very slow, my heart,
fine things in life take time.

Credit: God

Drive the Fall to Love

2010-12-08T08:56:00.001-08:00

Someone asked me today, "Shiv,
how do in Love I fall?"
I said "Drive and live
in New England in the fall"

"That doesn't make any sense,"
she looked at me perplexed.
I said, "Let me commence
the love story I know best.

Learning love, my friend,
is like learning to drive;
Well, not exactly, I amend,
it's been a mighty tough ride.

Sometimes I'd drive a mile,
but then I'd stop again;
after stopping for a while
another cycle would begin.

On this fine fare I found
sparkling preachers who'd preach,
and even more profound
sagacious speakers who'd speak.

I've had teachers intense
who've failed to me teach;
with even my nifty Benz
halting to discordant screech.

Then one fall I sang a song,
there was really something wrong,
'Cuz my car too sang along,
a mystical migration of a Trogon.

That song made me realize
what ignition beats my heart
as I started to analyze
which kick gave me this start.

Masters sloppily strewn along
are everywhere outside,
While true Guru's love song
I did only find inside.

Just listening for the sound
is the best way to speak
And only learning I found
is the best way to teach

New England roads, fall season,
there's no time, no drive above.
Than loving with no reason
there's no better way to love."

Credit: God, Kirtan

Your Sanctuary

2010-12-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

You have sometime
surely asked someone
for the beautiful beech tree
beneath the sun

Where no sorrows tide,
no wave of glum
Just balmy breezes
of pure pleasure aplomb?

I say tired traveller,
no longer ask anyone,
since I already sized
the simple sum;

To this sanctuary
since I succumbed,
All bondage brittle
have been undone;

It is the town where
Truth's songs are sung
And everyone is
without exception welcome.

Jubilant a joyous
journey now begun,
I nest in the Name
of the Only True ONE.

Credit: God, Guru Arjan

In French: Votre Sanctuaire
In Russian: Ваш Святилище

Temps perdu (Lost Time, French)

2010-12-07T15:37:00.001-08:00

Temps perdu
Le temps qui n'est pas passe a chanter les louanges de l'unique est du temps perdu.

Sur un arbre, haut perche
Se tenait mon nid
J'ai gazouille mon chat de printemps
Sans m'inquiéter de l'automne.

Quand celle-ci est arrivée je
Me suis trouve tout dépourvu
Ce que je croyais posséder ici
Appartenait a un autre la-bas!

Que l'année apporte avec elle
Le printemps ou l'automne
Cela n'a pus d'importance.
Ton chant divin fait rayonner mon âme .

Oui! Maintenant j'ai trouve ma voie.
Un seul peut venir a mon secours.
C"est maintenant que je le réalise.
Je me demande pourquoi n'ais-je pas passe mon temps
A chanter tes louanges et te glorifier!

Translated by Declan (More on Declan)
Original Poem By Shiv: Lost Time
Related music: Lost Time in Raag Maru Bihag

Votre sanctuaire (Your Sanctuary, French)

2010-12-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

As-tu jamais demandé à quelqu'un
De t'indiquer ta place au soleil

Là où il n'y a ni chagrin ni tristesse
Mais où seul règne la Joie sans fin

Oh! ami voyageur
Ne cherche pas plus longtemps.
Car je l'ai trouvé ce Sanctuaire!

Depuis , me voilà libéré
De toutes mes chaînes!

En ce lieu résonnent
Les chants de Vérité
Chacun y est le bienvenu!

Mon voyage a enfin commencé
Au son glorieux de l'Unique!

Translated by Declan (More on Declan)
Original Poem by Shiv: Your Sanctuary

Sumptous Love - Farid

2010-12-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Love devoured me down to a mere cage;
A raven scrapes whats left of my flesh;
But no black bird can eat my rage,
as of sumptuous love I am still bereft.

Oh Raven, feel free to drill me around,
nibble all the sullied flesh you can get.
But alas, love's sight I still havent found
favor me, don't take these two eyes yet

Credit: God, Sheikh Farid

Remembrance of Love

2010-11-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

Years didn't let my remembrance falter
I still dream the knot we didn't tie
And I still stand at the sunny altar
Cuz I never heard you say goodbye

Be it nonchalant noon on the dot,
Or naughty night creeping by,
Damned distance has since moved a lot,
Dainty time's been too slow to try.

Only if I were a feather of thought,
To you I'd instantly fly;
Alas of earth 'n' water I'm wrought,
Just heavy tears I can cry,

whose army rolls down in a trot
to my heart right from my eye;
which sun tramples dry to salt
to roast my heart, Oh my!

Its beat could stop, Come fast, ajar;
With every hope I stand by
Come fast, come, be that crowbar
that my body from soul can pry

Who cares if that's the end of I
because that would be a fair goodbye

Credit: God, Guru Arjan, Shakespeare, Arvinder Kaur

Magic of Your Love (In the making!)

2010-11-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

Myself I could not write a line
I became a poet in your love
Myself I could not walk a mile
Now I fly the skies as a dove

Credit: God

A Thanksgiving Prayer

2010-11-25T12:42:00.001-08:00

How should I find the boat
That sails the sea of life
How should I find the star
That shows the path thats right

I've got the gift of life
But deeds are far from good
I've got the gift of heart
but true love has withstood

I've got the gift of tongue
but it doesnt sing of You
In thought, speech and deed
I haven't remembered You

You gave me my daily bread
And all provisions to grow
You gave me a mind to learn
all there is to know.

Despite your gifts, Oh Father,
True wisdom fails to sprout
Like a pig I fill my hunger
My mind remains in drought

My Lord, to you, I pray
All is at your behest
So on this Thanksgiving day
Fulfill another request

Take me on that boat
That sails me across
And be my guiding star
So I am never lost

Credit:
God, Guru Tegh Bahadur

Freedom

2010-11-19T13:46:00.001-08:00

Your image, painful and fragile,
I could not feel in a fog.
"Lord!" - I said by mistake,
and couldn't believe what I got

Your name like a big bird
flew out of my chest in a rage
Leaving a swirl in the front
And in the back an empty cage

Credit:
God, Osip Mandelstam

Osip Mandelstam's original verses in Russian:

Образ твой, мучительный и зыбкий,
Я не мог в тумане осязать.
"Господи!" - сказал я по ошибке,
Сам того не думая сказать.

Божье имя, как большая птица,
Вылетало из моей груди.
Впереди густой туман клубится,
И пустая клетка позади.

An Infectious Smile

2010-11-17T21:16:00.001-08:00

Believe me, He was
listening all night long
cuz early in the morn
He whispered my song

Which gave me the smile
I had long foregone
Breezed my mind cool
when the sun was strong

Seeing my smile, He must've
smiled all day long
Cuz I saw red roses
smiling late in dawn

Time was forgone,
He was singing for so long
No longer can I tell,
if it was His or my song

Through this vision of His
a true love must've born
Cuz the scent of His memories
my eyes still adorn

And Now and forever,
to Him I belong
And harmonious ecstasy
to our love bond

Thanks for my smile,
thanks for my song
No ...
Thanks for your smile,
thanks for your song

Credit: God

Walk Alone - Rabindranath Tagore

2010-11-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

If no one answers your call
make a stride and walk alone
When you see everyone closed
Open your mind and speak alone.

If they turn away and desert
and the wild path obstacles exerts
trample thorns no matter the hurt
and alone on the blood-stained track traverse.

If no one holds up the light
and a fierce storm shakes the night,
with thunder pain's flame ignite
your heart, alone, and let it burn bright

Credits
God, Rabindranath Tagore

Ваш Святилище - (Your Sanctuary In Russian)

2010-11-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

Мой друг,знаешь ли ты место на этой Земле,
где нет печали, лишь - мир и счастье.

Мой спутник, не спрашивай об этом у других,
я нашел это место.

Когда я пришел в этот храм,
Цепи, сковавшие меня, были разорваны.

Здесь поются песни истины,
здесь рады каждому гостю

Credits: God, Guru Arjan Dev, Sergey Lenkov, Konstantin Dimidov

That very one wish

2010-10-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

I meditate on
that very ONE,
That very ONE,
yes That very ONE,

Source of light,
that very ONE
That very ONE,
yes that very ONE,

My song's candle's lit
by the One bright
Who lights minds
and hearts of everyone.

Illumined by His
blissful light
darkness of my doubts
is undone.

Glowing scriptures spin
that very ONE
who had the weighty
scriptures spun.

A single iota
of that very ONE,
can raise glory
by a thousand tonne.

"You live in a palace
that is par none
'n' Me, a lame beggar,
dweller of a slum

There's been much ado,
for it to come true,
A wish I ask of you,
A very simple one

Disabled I am,
You know as much;
And a million miles
I have to run.

Lend me your Angels
as my crutch,
So like them I pine
for Your one touch."

Lend me your Angels
as my crutch,
So like them I pine
for Your one touch."

For that one touch,
that very ONE
will light my wish,
I pray as much.

To extinguish my pains
that very ONE
will give me limbs,
I know as much.

Credit: God, Guru Arjan Dev

Related Music:
"That very ONE" in Raag Gauri - 2010
http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_5450539

"Pearl of Bliss" - 2008
http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_3894279

ONE as the Lovebug

2010-10-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Art by Simer from Sim creation!

Doesn't matter how long
our shut eyes meditate
and howsoever long
our open minds contemplate

How far we rummage
from place to place;
every holy pilgrimage
just goes to waste!

How far down deep
holy scriptures are dug,
we still fail to be
ONE like the lovebug. (See notes below)

The plain truth remains
the eternal life of spring
that we wish to attain
only true love can bring

Credit:
God, Guru Gobind Singh's "Jin Prem Kiyo", Simer Kaur

Notes:
The lovebug is a member of the family of march flies (thats why the reference of Spring). The specialty of the lovebug, because of which it gets its name, is that during and after mating, adult pairs remain coupled, even in flight, for up to several days! In that spring, there are not two, but just ONE! Two bodies one soul.

"Prem" means Love

Advice From My Spiritual Guide

2010-09-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

I asked my loving spiritual guide,
"On cardinal blessings whats your advice?"
"To attain four blessings," he replied,
"You must commit to service for life"

I asked my loving spiritual guide,
"On removing sorrows whats your advice?"
"To remove all sorrows," he replied,
"Sing Praises of God day and night"

I asked my loving spiritual guide,
"On gaining Glory whats your advice?"
"If you seek Glory," he replied,
"Dim your ego so you see His light."

I asked my loving spiritual guide,
"On death's fear whats your advice?"
"If you're afraid of death and life"
"Read the scriptures of the wise."

I asked my loving spiritual guide,
"What if I only long for His sight?"
He said, "True Love removes all vice
Shiv you need no more advice"

Credit: God, Guru Arjan Dev "Chaar Padaarath Jeko Maange"

Lost Time

2010-08-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

I had built my royal nest
on a tree very tall
pranced through the spring
but alas, its now fall

Death's noose now engulfs my neck
I have lost all of my sense
The twigs I had amassed here
Will be someone elses hence

Its Only Krishna that can help
Its Now that I realize
Wonder why I didnt spend my time
To sing praises and eulogize!

Loosing sense has stirred my soul
And I don't care much at all
Year be spring or year be fall
Your song's my only call

Credit
God, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Edna St. Vincent Millay

My Love, My Life

2010-07-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Once I thought
the most awesome light
Was of the full moon
on a clear night

One night you were here
right by my side
you shone in my heart
a wonderous light

Now there is no
better glimmer in sight
any more beautiful
any more bright

My love my life
My love my life

My hope my light
My love my life
My soul my spirit
my guru my guide

In everything and everywhere
with every passing of every day
my guru my guide
on every path every way

My love my life
My love my life

Oh how can I find
Where do you hide
Oh Please help me
I struggle I strive
all hopes I have
all desires I dream
I will sacrifice
If you're by my side

And this sacrifice
Will make me survive
I plead Oh please
come by my side
I struggle and strive
come by my side
My hope my light
My love my life
My soul my spirit
my guru my guide

In everything and everywhere
with every passing of every day
my guru my guide
on every path every way

My love my life
My love my life

A Love Song

2010-05-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

I hear a song
I hear a song

In the darkness of a cave it shows the light.
In the conundrum of a maze removes all plight
In suffering and pain, eyes tearing like rain,
hearts heavy with disdain, (it) makes all things right.

I hear a song that moves me
inspires my heart in your beauty
it kindles my soul to sing of thee
your ocean of love it pours in me

When my mind is lost in illusion
It breaks all binds, sets my soul free
When the world is blazing in fire
Holding my hand, out it pulls me

In the darkness of a cave it shows the light.
When I’m lost in a maze it removes all plight
In suffering and pain, eyes tearing like rain,
hearts heavy with disdain, it makes it all right.

I hear a song
I hear a song

It is a sacred song that moves me
that inspires my heart in your beauty
May this song guide me for eternity
To you, my true love, my destiny
To you, my true love, my destiny

When you will be mine

2010-03-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

What is the place, when is the time?
Whence I'll be true, When you'll be mine

What would that fortunate moment be
when yearning stays for you my love
What would that ornate pathway be,
on which I tread my way to love

What is the place, when is the time?
Whence I'll be true, When you'll be mine

What would that good intuition be
that sparks the flame of my love
What circumstance what fortuity
that my lips touch your name my love

What is the place, when is the time?
Whence I'll be true, When you'll be mine

What would those beloved footsteps be
following which lead to my love
What would the sacred doorstep be,
where you'll be waiting for your love

I have no place, I have no time
How can I wait for my divine
On such a path, Oh friend, put me
where besides me's always my love

That is the place, then is the time?
Whence I'll be true, When you'll be mine

I long for your embrace

2010-03-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

May fortune favor me
so I ever sing your praise
I never loose your hope
I long for your embrace

I ever sing your grace
I long for your embrace

Innocent as a child,
I’m strewn with mistakes
Overlook my errors
Give me a break

Give me a break
I seek your embrace

A Hummingbird on a flower
Your kiss is all I await
Alas Without you
What Love nest can I make

Your kiss is all I await
I seek your embrace

What is it that may suffice
What is the true price
I will give you my life
If that’s what it’ll take

Is that what it’ll take
I seek your embrace

I’m singing with your grace
You will open your gate
I know you will embrace
Cuz you know I cannot wait