Meditative Poetry A Spiritual Journey

Her life opened up to the joy and beauty of Yoga postures, and recitations of Mantras from the Vedas at the age of five. From five to fifteen, living in a ‘Gurukul’–in an Aashram-like setting- in Dehradun, in the pristine environment, at the foot of Himalayas, in India, Nature was her classroom and playground. With Yoga and Mantras at dawn and dusk - a canopy of clouds full of light above, and green mantel of deodars around, the full-throated, shrill voices of young girls kept the ‘fire of eternity’ alive. The Chanting of Vedic mantras reverberated in this place of worship. Their poetic beauty and uplifting thoughts elevated minds to a spirit of devotion. The resultant calmness and serenity, and the organic flow of life created an environment where minds were invigorated to absorb knowledge. In open air, under tall trees, surrounded by colorful fragrance of Hibiscus, Frangipani, Kalidas’ beautiful poetry written in 4th century B.C. was consumed with as much relish as was the modern poems of Bachan or Mahadevi Varma. The spirit and practice of these spiritual and deep-breathing exercises generated tranquility all around, creating reflection, relaxation and wholeness in tender souls. The oblations of fragrant, nourishing herbs purified the air with heavenly aromas, as clarified butter and camphor lit Fire in a large urn, the ‘Havan Kund’. Fire a symbol of the Divine Light that perpetuates and nourishes life on earth. Meditative Poetry, a Spiritual Journey: ‘On A Chariot of Stars My Heart Flung Open’ - is a collection of poems divided into four sections. It Starts with “Hymn of Creation’, followed by ‘Dance is Life, Stillness is Love’, followed by ‘God’s Beauty Illuminates Existence’, and ends with ‘Gathering Up the Petals’. In a very Special Journey, we see glimpses of something very special, as mind opens up to self-discovery and self-awareness of life and life’s celebration. It is a heartwarming, inspiring book for the soul. The love, joy and beauty and godliness of her life’s spiritual journey enlivens heart and mind, uplifts the spirit. It is a ‘Wonder to be Experienced!’ Especially insightful are the warm personal narratives– aspects of her life that find the spiritual in Everyday life. In living a life with mindfulness – with clarity and insight, she gives us a look into her personal Journey of Life. The enriching, meditative and spiritual experiences calm the mind, enrich the spirit. The Joy, Beauty and Love that she experiences in Life and in Nature, opens up the mind to new dimensions that we could explore in our own personal journeys. Having garnered peace in the heart after cultivating right attitude to the presence of grace and beauty in life, we are able to capture the Joy of Existence. In a childhood from age five to fifteen, and now, through Yoga and spiritual Mantras, she lives and breathes in its Essence. In a life lived with Yoga and Meditation, she realizes that ‘Being in the Moment’ opens up the mind to the present moment. We become aware of our thoughts, words, emotions and actions. When we are open to the present moment, we are in a state of joy. With open hearts to the beauty of the moment, we become that enlivened spirit. We become inwardly aware of our Wholeness. We rest in our true nature, that is of joy, beauty and love. We live in ‘Grace’. In still, soft moments of tranquility, those special ‘Moments of Being’ are relived then you feel an Epiphany, as you experience the magic of your life. In retrospection, the significance of those events is revealed, and relived. Spiritual Living is self-awareness. It is the pleasant feeling of just Being. A realization and awareness of the beauty, joy and peace that is meant to be pervasive in our inner life and in our outer life. It is in the inner world of our spirit – the world of consciousness that we experience true love, joy and beauty that is inherent in the whole of creation. While reading the poems slowly, listening to the rhythm of the heart, one feels a gentle tap of awakening to one’s own life’s precious moments. A triumph of the heart and mind! While some of the pieces of this anthology are about meditation, others are more subtle, while some are pure meditations. Free of Time Spirit floats carrying hopes of Love, Joy, and Devotion to the Supreme Spirit- the Light that gives Radiance to His whole Creation. Man’s connection with that Core is renewed every dawn, when Nature is awakened to witness Creator’s joy. “Nature always wears the colors of Spirit: I quote. Her poetry’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, and every personal connection is meaningful, and can have spiritual dimension. Our inner world connects with the outer world. On Love, in a sense of being, she feels “as a wave on the infinite ocean of Being”, I quote: *TENDERNESS OF THE SWORD* The Beautiful Ancient Warrior With intent, purposeful gaze Fixed on burning summit Of frozen mountain haze Embraces bright flame of Dawn. The shimmering, lingering maze Does not his stature faze. His heart is besotted By the image of Divine Maid. Like a phantom, nay a Vision She had awakened him from a dream A life he had shrugged for so very long! Like a Spirit of Light She enters frozen heart With a sweet incense With a playful smile An apparition from a world afar. Like a melting wax Around a burning candle Her tender touch, ruby-red smile Puts ablaze a yearning heart Swirls around a heavy, thumping chest. Swish-swash flashes in his mind Thin flame running under his skin The Spirit enkindled by Beauty of Joy Fresh like the dew in the morn. Life glows with live flame The joyful bud of the heart The flash enkindles brilliant resolve A sparkling candle of Tender Love. From *Tenderness of the Sword* Section 11 (*Dance is Life, Stillness is Love*)