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!~

IMAGINE A WOMAN by Patricia Lynn Reilly

This poem invites you to look upon yourself with loving kindness… Gazing at your own true reflection, you will discover that everything you have longed for “out there” is already within you! I invite you to love your creativity fiercely. Faithfully plant seeds, allowing under-the-ground dormant seasons, nurturing your creative garden with love and gratitude. In the fullness of time, the green growing things thrust forth from the ground. It's a faithful, trustworthy process. AND it takes time and patience. Blessed is the fruit of your creative womb! I invite you to trust your vision of the world and express it. With wonder and delight, paint a picture, create a dance, write a book, and make up a song. To give expression to your creative impulses is as natural as your breathing. Create in your own language, imagery, and movement. Follow no script. Do not be limited by the customary way things have been expressed. Your creative intuition is original. Ga...

IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT by Ginny Brannan

Just take a moment to pause... When life becomes rote, and frustration grows from being immersed in the same routine—different day, sometimes we need to remind ourselves that peace is still there—within our grasp— if we just take a moment to pause and enjoy the stillness and beauty around us. In the Stillness of the Night by Ginny Brannan Late winter’s eve and all is still the lawn lies bathed in silver light— gray shadows race across the yard and climb atop the windowsill to draw my gaze upon the sight. I stare out to the moonlit night, across the deck and wooded path fresh–painted by new fallen snow. The scene infuses with delight; this gift inside storm’s aftermath. Half–buried now, the old birdbath lies shadowed deep in indigo— it waits on promise of the spring when arctic chill has finally passed and snow gives way to new green grass. With gratitude, I hedge to go; tranquility allays my soul… I turn ...

STILL I RISE by Maya Angelou

Six years ago, I had the privilege of listening to Maya Angelou speak live on the value of poetry at the University of Florida. I share these reflections with you again today, in honor of her birthday. I was relieved to get one of the last seats available for this rare event, having arrived at five for Maya Angelou ’s free speech at eight. The historically long line began with people settled into beach chairs in winter coats busying themselves on tablets, or eating sandwiches for dinner. As helicopters hovered above and newscasters below, I felt the excitement of realizing that thousands of people were gathering together to hear an eighty four year old black woman recite her poetry! Maya Angelou speaking at University of Florida on Feb. 27, 2013 When the curtain rose -after an overflow of hundreds were sent away- we lucky ones on the inside greeted Maya with a standing ovation, as she smiled sweetly, beginning her talk using metaphors from nature. Maya asked...

Journey of the Heart

Search This Blog