Opening Thy Palm

Here's my translation of a Kabir /Tagore poem In this tree a single bird with dancing song–almost unheard– swoops & thrills its deepest leaves with the enchanting tune she weaves. Who knows its purpose? For at night she comes, and leaves by dawn’s first light. For whom she sings, if not for me, who knows? It may be nobody. Suddenly present, as if from nowhere … she may as quickly disappear. I was not told about this tree, far less the bird – nor have I seen either its colour or its form, nor e’en what dance it may perform; yet its etheric call I hear – its ballet, tho unseen, is clear. Beside an abandoned path, this place is missed by those who’re ruled by haste. Few there are who know the way, and fewer still who choose to stay. Fellow seeker, Kabir says, don’t invite the race of fools who’ll drown the songs and cut the branches; rather, merely leave them clues. One or two within your days may note your path and share your gaze: them embrace without a word – for in their silence sings that bird. (MMS 2010) Hide full comment

Reading this makes me think of G-d, my beloved Jesus, the King . We are here to let go and let G-d do and be all things through us. When we hold back, stay closed, only open a little, only give somewhen we can give all of ourselves, we willweepbitterly and ask why, why didn't I give my whole self? why didn't I give my all to my beloved? why did i let my ego prevail?

"Thy golden chariot appeared in the distance" the beginning ofmy awakening, I see the king. He has come to me. I imagine allwill be mine, he will showerme with all Icouldpossibly want for. "My hopes rose high and me thought my evil [hungry] days were at an end"
"Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open thy palm to a beggar to beg! I was confused and stood undecided and then from my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to thee." I am surprised to learn itisnotso, the purpose of His coming is for me to give to Him myself --willI give myself to Him---themeaning of all existence.
Tragore is reminding us that when we hold back "the least little grain" is symbolic ofour giving only some of all we can give ofourselves....

"At the day's end"as theend of our time here approaches, how one will weep when reflecting on how we did not truly give all of ourself to Him.
Howgrateful I am to Tragore for writing this piece... to help me realize NOW, that I have ONLYmyselfto give and if Ihold back any portion of thee...what a wasteit will all be. Hide full comment

RabindranathTagore is my most beloved poet. His poems and songs have enriched my inner world. I am very grateful to Tagore for offering such gifts to me and to many people in the world.
By giving we receive. This message is offered by all wisdom traditions. My offering gifts to others has always enriched my mind and heart. Offering help to others, listening to others empathically and doing small acts of kindness everyday creates inner abundance of joy, contentment, and gratitude in my life. Such are my everyday blessings.
Many times I have opened my palm and have begged for help from others.
People have been very kind to fill my bowl.Their offerings have filled my heart with gratitude and have created inner abundance in my heart. Everyday becomes a Thanksgiving and a ThanksreceivingDay! Nature's abundance delightsmy heart everyday. Songs of birds, light of the sun and the moon, gentle touch of the wind, and sweet fragrance of flowers are my never failing friends. How blessed I am!
Such daily experiences of my life are gifts to me and I am very grateful for receiving such gifts. May we continue giving and receiving such priceless precious gifts in everyday life!
Namaste!
Jagdish P Dave
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