Finding Tagore's treasure trove

All of my leisure over the last few years were spent in savoring Tagore's poems and songs, yet there is more to unearth from the exquisite treasure trove of Rabindra Sangeet.

What a blessing that such a sensitive, creative and noble human being lived and walked on this earth leaving behind these immortal songs! Every poem is a gift that contains the distilled essence of life, nature, love, joy, beauty, humanity, friendship and more.

How insipid my life would have been without these songs that enliven every aspect of living. Having found this wealth, I am rich!

Tagore: Uplift my soul ..

Tagore, poet and sage 

Today I’m lost in the meditative hymn by Tagore ..Antaro mamo bikoshito karo. A sublime prayer in which the poet seeks to be uplifted ..to become pure, beautiful and joyful.

Lyrics
Antaro mamo bikoshito karo antaro-taro he
Nirmalo karo ujwalo karo sundaro karo he 
Antaro mamo bikoshito karo antaro-taro he 

Jagrato karo, udyhata karo, nirbhayo karo he
Mangalo karo, nirolaso, nishamshaya karo he 
Antaro mamo bikoshito karo antaro-taro he 

Yukta karo shobara shonge, mukta karo bondha
Sanchara karo sakhalo karme, shanto tomaaro chhondo
Antaro mamo bikoshito karo antaro-taro he 

Charan padme mamo chitta,nispondito karo he
Nondita karo, nondita karo, nondita karo he 
Antaro mamo bikoshito karo antaro-taro he 

Nirmalo karo ujwalo karo sundaro karo he 
Antaro mamo bikoshito karo antaro-taro he 

Meaning 
Uplift my soul, O Innermost One
Make me pure, radiant and beautiful
Uplift my soul, O Innermost One

Awaken me, raise me, make me fearless
Bless me, energize me, make me doubtless
Uplift my soul, O Innermost One

Unite me with everything, liberate me from all shackles
Let your peace permeate all my actions
Uplift my soul, O Innermost One

Keep my mind steady at your lotus feet
Make me joyful, joyful, joyful
Uplift my soul, O Innermost One

Make me pure, radiant and beautiful
Uplift my soul, O Innermost One

Leisure, to stand and stare ..

Today leisure is sadly equated to laziness. We are hell bent on eliminating leisure entirely from our lives and that of our children too. We pack every bit of our time with activities and the lull between activities is filled with anxieties. I came across this beautiful poem on "leisure" by Welsh poet W.H. Davies where he laments the futility of a life without leisure.  The beauty of living is lost when leisure is lost. Let us allow then some leisure in our lives, a daily sabbath of a half hour sans activities or anxieties!

Some time to stand and stare .. 

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad day light,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare. - W.H. Davies

Jack Grunsky: Child of the Universe

My daughter's class sang this song at her primary school's Spring concert a few days back. Such an inspiring song urging children to love, care and celebrate the land that we live on.. by our very own Canadian singer Jack Grunsky!

To love the earth and all that lives and thrives on it .. 

"This song is a celebration of the beauty of the earth and its abundance and how we are all part of the cycle of life on this planet and the universe. It is about sharing the responsibility for providing our children with a better future and doing our part to leave a legacy of love and enlightenment."

I am a child of the universe
And I follow my destiny
I have come to inherit the earth
Cherishing the legacy
Caring for this gift to me
I have come to inherit …  the earth

The lakes and the land
And the soft shoreline sand
And the rocky mountains high and so steep
And the oceans so deep       ….          

The birds flying high
And the clouds in the sky
All the flowers and the forests and trees
All the fish in the seas       …. 
 
The sunlight, the air
Living things in our care 
All the precious seeds we plant and we sow
All the food that we grow 
All the rivers and streams
All your hopes, all your dreams
All the magic in the songs that you sing
All the love that you bring    

Everyone connected to the universe 
Everyone connected to each other
I walk in beauty -  I walk in harmony 
My spirit journey - Nothing but love I see  

I am a child of the universe       
And I follow my destiny
I have come to inherit the earth

Tagore: O enchanting mother of earth ..

Tagore loved the earth as a beloved son loves his mother. He worshiped her with tender affection all through his life.. 

Oyi Bhubano Monomohini  
Oyi bhubano monomohini ma

Oyi nirmalsurjakarojjal dharoni janakjanonijanoni

Nilsindhujaldhautocharontal, anilbikampito-shyamal anchal

Amarchumbito bhalo Himachal subratusharo kiritini

Pratham prabhate udoy tabo gagone pratham samrob tabo tapobone

Pratham pracharito tabo banobhabone gyandharmo kato kabbokahini

Chirokalyanmoyi tumi dhanno desh bidheshe bitoricho anno 

Janhobijamuna bigolito karuna punnopijusstannobahini ..

Meaning:

O my enchanting mother of earth, mother o mother ..

O mother earth, bathed in the bright, pure glow of the sun, o mother of all ..

Blue waters of the ocean washes your feet, billowing in the wind is your green protective veil

Kissing the blue sky, the snowy white peaks of the Himalayas adorns your crown  

The very first dawn arose in your skies, the very first prayer echoed in your forest

You the harbinger of knowledge, you brought enlightenment and wisdom

Forever prosperous you are my blessed mother, nourishing the world with food

Overflowing compassion of your rivers quenched thirst for eons as streams of nectar flows from your breasts

O my enchanting mother of earth ..

A Dirge For Mother Earth

The great Malayalam poet ONV Kurup mourns deeply for the impending death of our beloved mother earth in his poem Bhoomikkoru Charamageetham. He pens this funeral song for her in advance as no one is going to remain to tend to her in her last hours. The poet paints an unforgettable image of what the human race has done to mother earth and the shame that we all have to live with. This is a haunting dirge that will stay with me forever!

ഇനിയും മരിക്കാത്ത ഭൂമി! നിന്നാസന്ന-
മൃതിയില്‍ നിനക്കാത്മശാന്തി!
ഇത് നിന്റെ (എന്റെയും) ചരമശുശ്രൂഷയ്ക്ക്
ഹൃദയത്തിലിന്നേ കുറിച്ച ഗീതം.
Still not dead Mother Earth! In your impending death, peace to your soul .This song is for your (and mine too) funeral, penned straight from my heart. 

മൃതിയുടെ കറുത്ത വിഷപുഷ്പം വിടര്‍ന്നതിന്‍-
നിഴലില്‍ നീ നാളെ മരവിക്കേ,
ഉയിരറ്റനിന്‍മുഖത്തശ്രു ബിന്ദുക്കളാല്‍
ഉദകം പകര്‍ന്നു വിലപിക്കാന്‍
ഇവിടെയവശേഷിക്കയില്ലാരു, മീ ഞാനും!
ഇതു നിനക്കായ് ഞാന്‍ കുറിച്ചീടുന്നു ;
ഇനിയും മരിക്കാത്ത ഭൂമി ! നിന്നാസന്ന-
മൃതിയില്‍ നിനക്കാത്മശാന്തി!
Under the dark shadow of deaths black poisonous flowers, when you die tomorrow, no one remains , including me to wipe the tears off your lifeless face, or to give you a few sips of water and cry. For you I write this song now.  Still not dead Mother Earth! In your impending death, peace to your soul.

പന്തിരുകുലം പെറ്റ പറയിക്കുമമ്മ നീ
എണ്ണിയാല് തീരാത്ത,
തങ്ങളിലിണങ്ങാത്ത
സന്തതികളെ നൊന്തു പെറ്റു!
ഒന്നു മറ്റൊന്നിനെ കൊന്നു തിന്നുന്നത്
കണ്ണാലെ കണ്ടിട്ടുമൊരുവരും കാണാതെ
കണ്ണീരൊഴുക്കി നീ നിന്നൂ!
പിന്നെ, നിന്നെത്തന്നെയല്പാല്പമായ്ത്തിന്നുഃ
തിന്നവര് തിമിര്ക്കവേ ഏതും വിലക്കാതെ
നിന്നു നീ സര്വംസഹയായ്!
You are the mother to the outcast who delivered 12 children. Enduring a lot of pain, you delivered countess children who have no love among themselves. You have seen with your own eyes as one kills and eats the other and you stood there crying hiding your tears so no one sees. Then little by little they even started eating you. Those who ate rejoiced, but you did not stop them. You stood there helplessly bearing all the pain.
 

 More to come.. 

A red rose has blossomed, my beloved: Oru Chempaneer ..

This is a melodious and touching song from the malayalam movie Sthithi. A song for every ordinary married couple who have faced together the extreme hardships, financial worries and the bitter uncertainties of life. Love for each other seldom gets expressed in the harsh routine of daily living. Despite that one remain secure in the knowledge that the love for the other is still very much alive .. deep within the heart. It is only when we take a moment to sit back and look, do we realize the beauty of this soundless symphony that is our daily lives.

Oru chempaneer pooviruthu njan omalle
Oru vela ninnerkku neettiyilla
Enkillum engane neeyarinju
Ente chemapneer pookunathay ninakkai
Sugandham parathunathayi ninakkai
Parayu...nee parayu....parayu...nee parayu
(A red rose has blossomed my beloved
Not even once have I extended one to you
But still, how did you know?
The very reason my red roses bloom is for you  
The very reason it spreads its fragrance is for you
Tell me..you tell me..)

Akamme niranja snehamam
Mathuryam oru vaakinal thottu njan nalkiyilla
Nira neelaraaville ekandathayil
Nin mizhiyille nannavoppi mayachathilla
Enkillum nee arinju
En ninavennum nin ninvariyunathayi
Ninne thazhukunathayi
( The love that fills me inside..
I haven't, with a single word, expressed its sweetness to you
In the solitude of the blueish early morning..
I haven't wiped away the wetness from your eyes
But still, you knew ..
That my thoughts everyday knows of your thoughts.
That my thoughts everyday are caressing you.)

Thanniye thelinga bhavamam
Shree ragam oru mathra nee othu njan mooliyilla
Pularmanju peyyunna yamathillum
Nin mridhu meni onnu thalodiyilla
Enkillum nee arinju
En manamennum nin manam ariyunathayi
Ninne thunarunnathayi
( Alone, when I sing the Sree ragam, the depth of feelings that arise ..
Not a verse have I hummed for you
Even when hardships, like the morning due, rained on us
I never embraced your soft body
But still, you knew ..
That my mind everyday knows what is in your mind
That my mind everyday is accompanying you )

Oru chempaneer pooviruthu njan omalle
Oru vela ninnerkku neettiyilla
(A red rose has blossomed my beloved
Not even once have I offered one to you )

Listen to this song on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhZiR20hYP8

Azhage Azhage from Saivam: Lyrics and meaning

I heard this song for the first time and fell in love with the melody, the voice of the young singer and its classical feel. My mother-in-law translated the lyrics and now I love it even more for the message it brings that When there is love in your heart everything is beautiful. The song wakes us up to the inherent natural beauty and strengths in everything around us and in our own selves.

Beauty is all around us, we have to open our hearts to see it

Meaning : 
There is beauty in anything and everything. In the light of love, all is beautiful. Is it only rain that is beautiful? The scorching sun has its beauty too. Is it only the flower that is beautiful? The falling leaf too has its own beauty. The sight of a smile is beautiful. The silence that follows the end of speech is also beautiful. A lie told for a good cause is beautiful. Truth, is indeed very beautiful. When a Cuckoo sings its melodious birdsong, is there a need for music notes? When  a peacock trots and dances, is there a need for rhythmic steps? For a river to reach the ocean, does it need a companion. For the waves in the ocean to form its sounds, is there a need for language or grammar. When you commune with natural beauty, the whole world is beautiful. If you forget all your worries, this whole life is beautiful. The tender heart is a swing that sways to the left and right. The heart can be lost in happiness or drowned in sorrow. There is no meaning in pondering about the past and there is nothing greater than looking at the present and counting our blessings. The fragrance wafting off a blooming flower is so beautiful. But even better is the fragrance of love that flows from our hearts) 

Lyrics: Azhage Azhage 
Sa Sa Sa Sa Ni Sa Ri Sa Pa
Ma Ma Tha Tha Thasa Ri Pa Pa
Sa Sa Sa Sa Ni Sa Ri Sa Pa
Ma Ma Tha Tha Thasa Ri Pa Pa
Ga Ma Tha Ni Sa
Ni Ri Sa
 Azhage azhage edhuvum azhage, anbin vizhiyil ellaam azhage
mazhai mattumaa azhagu, sudum veyil kooda oru azhagu
malar mattumaa azhagu, vizhum ilai kooda oru azhagu

Punnagai veesidum paarvaigal azhagu
Vaarthaigal theergayil mounangal azhagu
Nanmaikku sollidum poigalum azhagu
Unmai adhuthaan meiyaai azhagu

Ga Ma Tha Ni Sa
Ni Ri Sa
Ga Ma Tha Ni Sa
Ga Ri Sa 

kuyil isai adhu paadida, swara varisaigal thevayaa
mayil nadanangal aadida, jadhi oligalum thevayaa
nadhi nadandhu sendrida, vazhi thunaithaan thevayaa
kadal alai athu pesida, mozhi ilakanam thevayaa

iyarkkaiyodu inaindhaal, ulagam muzhudhum azhagu
kavalai yaavum marandhaal, indha vaazhkai muzhudhum azhagu
Ga Ma Tha Ni Sa
Ni Ri Sa

azhage azhage edhuvum azhage

Janu Thaka Dheem
Nirisa Nipa Gamarisa
Janu Thaka Dheem
Madhani Paga Madhanisa
Thajum Thajanu Thaka Dheem
Maga Nireesa Ni Madhanipa Thaka Thajam Thajunuthaka

idhayam oru oonjale, idam valam adhu aadidum
inbathil adhu tholaindhidum, thunbathil adhu moolgidum
nadandhadhai naam naalume, ninaipadhil porul illaye
nadapathai naam enninaal, adhiavida uyarvillaye

pookkum poovil veesum, vaasam enna azhagu
adhayum thaandi veesum, nam nesam romba azhagu

Ga Ma Tha Ni Sa
Ni Ri Sa
Ga Ma Tha Ni Sa
Ga Ri Sa

azhage azhage edhuvum azhage, anbin vizhiyil ellaam azhage
mazhai mattumaa azhagu, sudum veyil kooda oru azhagu
malar mattumaa azhagu, vizhum ilai kooda oru azhagu

punnagai veesidum paarvaigal azhagu
vaarthaigal theergayil mounangal azhagu
nanmaikku sollidum poigalum azhagu
unmai adhuthaan meiyaai azhagu
Ga Ma Tha Ni Sa
Ni Ri Sa
Ga Ma Tha Ni Sa
Ga Ri Sa

Deeper meaning of Mantra Pushpam

Veda means "understanding" in Sanskrit. Mantra Pushpam is about a deep understanding of nature and all elements in nature. As one ponders on the elements, the interconnectedness of all of creation is revealed to us.

Yopam pushpam veda

The sublime inter relationship between air, water, fire, light and heat from the sun, the moon, stars, clouds, rains is what sustains life and keeps the continuous flow of life energy. In this understanding, we will understand ourselves, our place in the universe and our purpose in life. Only this understanding can bring everlasting peace in us allowing us to sail through life in tranquility

This sacred interconnectedness of all things in the universe was understood not only by the wise sages of India but also by the native, or tribal people all over the world who lived in close proximity and alignment with nature.

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.  - Chief Seattle
 
These is nothing superior. Like pearls strung on a thread, everything is hooked unto me. ( mattah parataram nanyat| kincid asti dhananjaya | mayi sarvam idam protam | sutre mani-gana iva )  - Bhagavad Gita

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe. - John Muir 

A human being is a part of the whole called by us as universe - Albert Einstein

Poem: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou

A poem on what freedom really means. This is cry from every animal captured in zoos, from every lab animal, from every pet. All enslaved and deprived of their freedom in their natural environment.

The free bird leaps on the back of the wind
and floats downstream till the current ends
and dips his wings in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage
can seldom see through his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with fearful trill
of the things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.

Maya Angelou

Anondo Dhara Bohiche Bhubone

An immortal song by Tagore urging us stop wallowing in our petty miseries and wake up to the endless outpouring of bliss.

Anando Dhara Bohichhe Bhubone 
Dino Rojoni Koto Amrito Rosho
Utholi Jai Ananto Gogone
Anando Dhara Bohichhe Bhubone
(Joy and bliss flows through the universe
Day and night so much ambrosia of life overflows
Through endless skies.
Joy and bliss flows through the universe)

Pano Kore Robi Shashi Anjali Bhoriya
Shoda Dipto Rohe Akhhoyo Jyoti
Nittya Purno Dhora Jibone Kirone
Anando Dhara Bohichhe Bhubone
(Sun and moon drink in this divine offering it
And stays glowing forever their eternal light
Everyday the earth is replete with the light of life.
Joy and bliss flow through the universe)

Bosiya Accho Keno Apono Mone
Shartho Nimogono Ki Kaarone
Chari Dike Dekho Chahi Hridoyo Proshari
Khudro Dukkho Shobo Tuchho Mani
Prem Bhoria Loho Shunno Jibone
Anando Dhara Bohichhe Bhubone
(Why are you sitting all on your own?
Preoccupied within yourself for what reason?
Look all around with an open heart.
Brush away your little sorrows
Fill your empty life with love
Joy and bliss flow through the universe)

A beautiful rendition by Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya on YouTube

What is Poetry

Poetry is an attempt to capture an intimate feeling in words. It is a cup that holds an overflowing emotion. Poetry draws us out of the drudgery of everyday living and urges us to see differently, think differently and feel differently. It lets us sink into a different world and let the feeling envelop our entire being.

Today is a work day. An end February friday. I am in no mood to work. I am tempted to indulge and and Tagore's poem aptly captures my feeling today. Come with me, lets savor these gems! 


A Moments Indulgence - Rabindranath Tagore
I ask for a moment's indulgence to sit by thy side. The works
that I have in hand I will finish afterwards.

Away from the sight of thy face my heart knows no rest nor respite,
and my work becomes an endless toil in a shoreless sea of toil.

Today the summer has come at my window with its sighs and murmurs; and
the bees are plying their minstrelsy at the court of the flowering grove.

Now it is time to sit quite, face to face with thee, and to sing
dedication of life in this silent and overflowing leisure.

Matsuo Basho's Haiku
Oh, these spring days!
A nameless little mountain,
wrapped in morning haze!

a peasant’s child
husking rice, pauses
to look at the moon

Rumi's Poem
There is a candle in your heart,
ready to be kindled.
There is a void in your soul,
ready to be filled.
You feel it, don't you?
You feel the separation from the Beloved.
Invite Him to fill you up, embrace the fire.
Remind those who tell you otherwise that
Love comes to you of its own accord,
and the yearning for it
cannot be learned in any school.

Poem: Pain

Mother, I couldn't sleep last night
My heart ached knowing your daily pain
In silence you have borne for so many years

Of what use is my worry and lost sleep
I fret no more. My love is with you and
I know the power of the earth will heal you

Kuvempu's Poem: O Nanna Chetana

Great poets Tagore and Kuvempu have given us a glimpse of the eternal through their poems. Their poems are offerings of praise and deep devotion to the divine, infinite power ..that power which creates the seasons, that power which causes sap to rush up every tree in the spring.

Poet Kuvempu

Meaning: "O nanna chetana" is a call for absolute freedom from all shackles that binds a man down. Shackles of the body and the mind. The poet calls on his spirit to rise beyond forms, images, identities and philosophies that arise from our associations with country, religion, caste and creed that are passed down from generations. When these limiting thoughts and narrow walls and boundaries are broken down, we stand pure, uncontaminated and free as nature created us! Our spirit will be free to roam like the wind that blows all over the earth. O nanna chetana, aagu nee aniketana .. O my spirit, be free, be eternal!!


O nanna chetana, Aagu nee aniketana!
(O my spirit, Transcend all boundaries!)

Roopa roopagalanu daati, Naama kotigalanu meeti, Edeya biriye bhaavadeeti,
O nanna chetana, Aagu nee aniketana!
(Transcend all forms, Transcend all identities, Even as sentiment pierces the heart, O my spirit,  Transcend all boundaries!)

Nooru matada hotta thoori, Ella tatvadelle meeri, Nirdigantavaagi aeri,
O nanna chetana, Aagu nee aniketana!
(Blow away the chaff of a hundred religions, Transcend the limits of all philosophies, Rise beyond the horizons, O my spirit, Transcend all boundaries!)

Elliyoo nilladiru, Maneyanendu kattadiru,Koneyanendoo muttadiru,
O anantavaagiru!  O nanna chetana, Aagu nee aniketana!
(Do not stop anywhere, Do not be bound by narrow walls, Never be content in reaching the finite,O be eternal, O my spirit, Transcend all boundaries!)

Ananta taan anantavaagi, Aagutihane nityayogi,
Ananta neen anantavaagu: Aagu, aagu, aagu, aagu,
O nanna chetana, Aagu nee aniketana!
(The eternal always remains eternal, A yogi becomes eternal, You are eternal, be always eternal: Be, be, be, be eternal, O my spirit, Transcend all boundaries! )

Poem. My dear

Many a times I have told you
You were born a rare gem
A dew drop in this cosmic chaos
Still, content and complete

Many a times, you have shown me
The way through the maze that life is
The right way to live
The right things to say and do. 

Many a times, you have shown me
The beauty in ordinary things
Perfection in the mundane
The joy in the smallest of things

Many a times you have taught me
The value of patience, an unhurried pace
Of kindness and tenderness
Of boundless love and affection

You are music without a discordant note
Thank you, thank you for this journey ..

Poem: To you, my child

Oh! the exquisite joy, in hearing your gurgling laughter
the peace in me, when I snuggling in with you
the unalloyed joy when you hug me tight
the look on your face overcome with love
the feel of your skin pressed against mine

In you, everyday is beautiful, everyday, I rejoice

Poem: Oh! To find myself..

Born into cities
Amidst concrete and things
Smoke and smog
Noise, chaos, a fast pace

Tied to the desks
In so called schools 
Fed with ambition 
Dreams, hopes and fears

Trapped in costumes
Fashion and trends 
Lost amidst activities 
Rituals and festivities..

No trees at sight..
Not a bird in the sky..
Away from the streams,
And blowing winds..

Oh! What it takes, to find myself ...

Poem: My friend my sister..

On this spring day, I think of you
My friend my sister ..

Our walks in the park, coffee and chats
Time has gone by .. nine years almost .. 

You, so beautiful and true..
Open to all ..good and the bad 

Curled you are,  in a tight cocoon
Closed to all that life has to give 

I wait for you to fly like a butterfly..
Sucking the nectar, savoring the dew ..

Until then, I stay with you . .
My friend, my sister ..