Within This Body - Mystic Poem by Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, India

"Within this body

breathes the secret essence.

Within this body

beats the heart of the Vedas.

"Within this body

shines the entire Universe,

so the saints reveal.

"Hermits, ascetics, celibates

-- all are lost

seeking Him

in endless guises.

"Seers and sages perfectly parrot

the scriptures and holy books,

blinded by knowledge.

"Their pilgrimage,

and fasting,

and striving

but delude

"Despite their perfect practice,

they discover no destination.

"Only the saints

who know the body’s heart

have attained the Ultimate, O Tulsi.

"Realize this, and you’ve found your freedom

(while teachers trapped in tradition

know only the mirage

in the mirror).

"Enter within thy self and there behold

the Invisible Beloved;

And cherish thou and ever foster thy love for Him.

With knowledge, discrimination and contemplation

Let the bonds of Kal [lord of time and death] be severed.

"Reach thou the banks of the Lake of Nectar, 0 Tulsi,

There take a holy dip and wash away thy karmas.

Pure is the love of that immaculate Lord,

Seeing whom the soul is filled with bliss."

-- Sant Tulsi Sahib