When I first came to Mumbai, all I heard was relentless car-honking, construction hammering, and shouts.
All I saw was trash in gutters, slums, the hollow eyes of beggars.
All I smelled was the sewer, the burn of gasoline.
Over the past month, I have learned to listen to the arati bell, the ocean of voices singing the holy name in unison, the murmur of my own voice chanting on beads.
I have learned to see the gold and brown sheen within the eyes the beggar child, to not let my eyes dart away. I have learned to see the names of God in almost every shop name in this city.
I have learned to smell the richly burning ghee lamps which illuminate the forms of Laxmi Narayan.
I have learned to remember the dozens of names of the people I have met. I have learned to lead a kirtan even when I'm nervous and I don't believe in myself.
I have learned to let go, receive, surrender.
I seem to have found the holy dham within this city of Mumbai.
All I saw was trash in gutters, slums, the hollow eyes of beggars.
All I smelled was the sewer, the burn of gasoline.
Over the past month, I have learned to listen to the arati bell, the ocean of voices singing the holy name in unison, the murmur of my own voice chanting on beads.
I have learned to see the gold and brown sheen within the eyes the beggar child, to not let my eyes dart away. I have learned to see the names of God in almost every shop name in this city.
I have learned to smell the richly burning ghee lamps which illuminate the forms of Laxmi Narayan.
I have learned to remember the dozens of names of the people I have met. I have learned to lead a kirtan even when I'm nervous and I don't believe in myself.
I have learned to let go, receive, surrender.
I seem to have found the holy dham within this city of Mumbai.
Panihati 3rd June 2011. This Kirtan is a lullaby , i listen to it and sleeep .Thanks
ReplyDeleteLovely! Yes, the holy dham is everywhere, if only we develop the eyes to see it. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have begun a women's spiritual poetry blog I would love for you to participate in. Jahnavi mentioned to me that you would be the perfect candidate. I would love it if you felt inspired to submit a poem on your experiences in India. Thank you in advance. :))