For heat, we have the thermometer, for height the scale,
But have you ever thought?
If we want to measure spirituality,
What have we got?
One easy measure you may consider,
Is your compassion for others.
Do you feel the same for all beings,
As for your sisters and brothers?
How do you see animals & birds?
Do you feel them a part of you?
Are their joys and suffering,
For you equally true?
Look at the plants and trees
Do you feel them in your heart?
Are you one with them,
Or are they still apart?
Next,
What of yonder stone;
The hill and dale you see;
Do you feel inside you
They're the same as me?
When you reach that stage
You'll meet the Divine Mother
Then All will be just you
There will be no Other.
You'll find what seers call
The eye of the eye, the ear of the ear
You'll live the life of the life*
Full of love, you'll feel no fear
No rituals are here, no pilgrimages too.
They were the path, you've crossed the door.
No names are relevant in this place;
You don't need them any more.
There are no men or women,
All are the same under this sun.
You are now in a realm,
Where all are but One!
Measure your milestones this way,
With Guru's wisdom in your heart,
And remember,
This journey is for simple ones,
It isn't for those too smart!
Kishore Asthana
kishore.asthana@gmail.com
*Kena Upanishad