Asian Reflection
HomeThe main page of Asian Reflection Perennial Joy1st extract from the Katha Upanishad, which casts death as the perfect teacher The Razor's Edge2nd extract from the Katha Upanishad, which casts death as the perfect teacher The Ruler Within3rd extract from the Katha Upanishad, which casts death as the perfect teacher The Tree of Eternity4th extract from the Katha Upanishad, which casts death as the perfect teacher Simple UnionSimple Union was penned by the Punjabi mystic Kabir, adored by Muslims and Hindus alike The Path to Your DwellingMeera looked to the Hindu figure Krishna as her husband, and won the respect of India with her verse Life of My LifeMeera looked to the Hindu figure Krishna as her husband, and won the respect of India with her verse Come, BelovedMeera looked to the Hindu figure Krishna as her husband, and won the respect of India with her verse Finding UnityLao Tzu gets straight to the point in this delightful passage Discourse on Good WillThis Buddhist text speaks of love and unity, reminding us of our highest aspirations The IslandFacing fear of death can be a great motivator for those on the spiritual path, and this simple Buddhist speaks confidently of what can be achieved

Simple Union

Simple Union was penned by the Punjabi mystic Kabir, adored by Muslims and Hindus alike.

O seeker, the simple union is the best.
Since the day when I met with my Lord,
There has been no end to the sport of our love.
I shut not my eyes, I close not my ears,
I do not mortify my body; I see with eyes open
And smile and behold his beauty everywhere:
I utter his name, and whatever I see,
It reminds me of him; whatever I do,
It becomes his worship.
The rising and the setting are one to me:
All contradictions are solved.
Wherever I go, I move round him.
All I achieve is his service: when I lie down,
I lie prostrate at his feet.
He is the only adorable one to me:
I have none other.
My tongue has left off impure words;
It sings his glory, day and night.
Whether I rise or sit down, I can never forget him,
For the rhythm of his music beats in my ears.
Kabir says: My heart is frenzied
And I disclose in my soul what is hidden.
I am immersed in that great bliss
Which transcends all pleasure and pain.

From God Makes the Rivers to Flow by Eknath Easwaran, founder of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, copyright © 1991; republished by permission of Nilgiri Press, Tomales, California.