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I am true to my Lord by Mirabai (1498 - 1565?) Timeline English version by F. E. Keay Yoga / Hindu : Vaishnava (Krishna/Rama) 16th Century I am true to my Lord, O my companions, there is nothing to be ashamed of now Since I have been seen dancing openly. In the day I have no hunger At night I am restless and cannot sleep. Leaving these troubles behind, I go to the other side; A hidden knowledge has taken hold of me. My relations surround me like bees. But Mira is the servant of her beloved Giridhar, And she cares nothing that people mock her.     -- from Women Writing in India: 600 BC to the Present: Volume 1, Edited by Susie Tharu / Edited by K. Lalita Amazon.com	Themes   Honey   Lover and Beloved   Night     Recommended Books The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry, by Stephen Mitchell For Love of the Dark One: Songs of Mirabai, Translated by Andrew Schelling Holy Fire: Nine Visionary Poets and the Quest for Enlightenment, Edited by Daniel Halpern Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, Translated by Daniel Ladinsky Mirabai: Ecstatic Poems, Translated by Robert Bly More >>
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

When spiritual ecstasy is strongly upon you, often there is an energetic heat in the belly that feels delightful. This warmth is nourishing and filling. You may go some time without wanting to eat solid food, since food's physicality and the process of digestion typically disrupt that sense. This is why Mirabai says she has no hunger.

And the energy coursing through the body, particularly along the spine can be quite intense, giving you a sense of "restlessness." This is not the same as physical agitation, though for some it can feel uncomfortable or static-y. At times that electrical charge can disrupt sleep, making you feel like a light bulb stuck in the on position.

Mirabai equates these feelings with being a lover so close to her Beloved that it is almost painful.

But then Mirabai finds herself "leaving these troubles behind" and goes to "the other side;" that is, she lets go of even the subtle, energetic consciousness of the body, emerging on the other side of the experience, the other side of awareness of the manifest world.

There, "a hidden knowledge has taken hold" of her. In the deepest ecstatic states, there is a profound sense of "knowledge." This is not the knowledge of information, of accumulation of data; it is more a sense of knowing, without an object that is "known." It is pure knowledge; what in the west would be called gnosis. Yet this knowledge or knowing is not something you have or do, it is more of a state that comes upon you, that surrounds you; it takes hold of you in a living, loving embrace.

In this state, the discordant bee-like buzzing of the discontented world around her means nothing. Mirabai is one with her Beloved. And, by participating in her poem, so are we.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2009 by Ivan M. Granger.
All other material is copyrighted by the respective authors, translators and/or publishers.