Hindu Poetry: "When I didn't know myself" by Akka Mahadevi

[ysabetwordsmith]

Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with strong mystical and philosophical components. It has been ranked as the world's third largest tradition. It is among the oldest organized religions. Some branches of this faith advocate nonviolence, and vegetarianism is common though not universal. A belief in reincarnation underlies many of the practices.

Akka Mahadevi lived during the 12th century. She was a devotee of Shiva, the god of destruction and rebirth. Her poems often express self-discovery and exalt spiritual over material experiences.

When I didn't know myself
by Akka Mahadevi

English version by
A. K. Ramanujan

Original Language
Kannada

When I didn't know myself
where were you?

Like the colour in the gold,
you were in me.

I saw in you,
lord white as jasmine,
the paradox of your being
in me
without showing a limb.

Comments

[bookblather]

This is lovely, very representative of the Hindu faith and the way they find divinity in everyone, curled up inside. It's like... the poetic equivalent of "namaste."

Yes...

[ysabetwordsmith]

I love the idea of traits that are immanent and inseparable. They are always there but not always noticed.