I'm a pilgrim, you well know, you've counted my breaths before
You also know where I’ve to go, please guide me there for sure
My forests are not dark & deep, my path vends through places fine
Nor do I have promises to keep, just one I promised the Divine
I promised I'll return one day, shorn of all that’s gross
And with my Guru’s blessings, I'm now closer to who I was
Mountains, rivers, prayags all, Mathura, Kashi, Kedar
Other temples, graceful, tall, none of these is far
In serene moments calm, inside me these I find
Visited in past lives, they’re in my heart & mind
I yearn to stay there, where I’ve often been before
Words from wise books, at times, come to the fore
I bow to my Guru, wise & calm, who led me here but said,
"You’ve more lives to learn, there’s still too much in your head."
"Yagnavalkya echoes in you, and rishis many more.
When even their voices are stilled, you will see the Pure."
"This is the highest wisdom, and I also wish to say,
Forget all your erudition; beyond your senses stay."
"Till vara-nasi between your eye-brows, becomes your permanent home,
And bliss your normal state of mind, be still - and continue to roam!"
So I pray, revered Timekeeper, bless this pilgrim with your smile
Keep me healthy, keep me happy, for I'll be here awhile
Kishore Asthana
6.05.25