KNOWLEDGE by Krishna Priya Dasi

This poem means a lot to me because it reminds us to rise above the conception that we are limited to just our bodies...

Photography by Gregory Colbert

I was born with a physically deformed body and many times people would give me a hard time because of it, and forget that I have feelings like everyone else.

As I wrote this poem in Sri Vrindavan dham, India, I had a very deep feeling in my heart, that maybe my poetry can illuminate the message of Bhagavad gita to others: that we are all beautiful parts of the Supreme Divine.

This poem is based upon Chapter 18, verses 20-22 of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is translated by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada where Lord Krishna explains to His devotee and intimate friend, Arjuna, the different types of knowledge. It appears in my poetry book 'Lotus Lyrics'.

One of the first and main points that the Gita elucidates is that we are not these bodies, but eternal spiritual beings, full of knowledge and bliss and are small sparks of the Supreme Person, Sri Krishna.

Through the process of Bhakti-yoga we will be able to realize this and see all of the different types of living entities - plants, animals, birds, humans, etc. - equally.

Artistic photography by Gregory Colbert

Some may think, however, that only human beings have - or are - the soul and because of this mentality, consider others inferior. As a result, they cause others distress through their actions and words. But every living entity has feelings; they experience pains and pleasures and if we cause any one of them difficulty, then we are displeasing the Supreme Person, who is the Father of all and resides in every one's heart.

I think we should therefore make a study of the Bhagavad-gita's timeless wisdom, which will enlighten and bring us back to our true nature, one of eternality and happiness in connection with Krishna or God. This study will actually will help us understand how in reality we are all brothers and sisters.

I dedicate my writing not only to The Supreme Divine, but also to all of you: His created living beings, so that everyone can live with peace and harmony.

Painting by Krishna Priya Dasi

Krishna Priya Dasi is a disciple of His Holiness Lokanath Swami, in the bhakti-yoga tradition under His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. She was born in Rajasthan, India and was raised in Jaipur. Although she encountered major structural and bone problems from the beginning of her life she was trained in traditional Rajasthani painting and one of her paintings ‘Rasa-Lila’, appears on the front cover of Graham Schweig’s book, Dance of Divine Love. She is also a talented henna body artist, and is the author and illustrator of a poetry book titled: Lotus Lyrics, based on Bhagavad-gita As It Is by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. Her first cookbook “The Art of Indian Sweets” has been well praised, so she is currently working on several more. She can be via e-mail krsnapriyad96@gmail.com or at her website here, or facebook here.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

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