Wednesday, April 6, 2011

When I was packing for the hospital, at the last minute, almost as an afterthought, I threw in a book of poetry by the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore is something like the Walt Whitman of India, but perhaps even more diverse. He wrote poetry, songs, plays, and kept up a correspondence with intellectuals all over the world. One of his most famous works is called “Gitanjali” which was gifted to me by a client, born in India, when she found out I was into poetry. This copy has a beautiful introduction by W.B. Yeats. During some of the dark days in my hospital room, post surgery, the words of Tagore spoke to me deeply. One passage in particular stood out, and I would like to share it with you here:

Life of my life, I shall ever try to keep my body pure,

Knowing that thy living touch is upon all my limbs.

I shall ever try to keep all untruths out from my thoughts,

Knowing that though art that truth which has kindled the

light of reason in my mind.

I shall ever try to drive all evils away from my heart

and keep my love in flower,

knowing that thou hast thy seat in the innermost shrine of my heart.

And it shall be my endeavour to reveal thee in my actions,

knowing it is thy power gives me strength to act.



6 comments:

  1. Bruce, You've been such a beacon of light,healing, and love in everyone's life, especially mine. I hope we can now give back to you and complete the circle of divine love, compassion, and connection. Ganesh and lots of Reiki will be arriving at your house soon. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Love and Light

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  2. Bruce, My first ever yoga session was at your studio. Day one you gave me words of wisdom: take off the watch, forget about time, be calm, and breathe. Listen to the echo. You have my prayers for recovery. Ever new joy and love to you and your family, ..Ray

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  3. Meditating on beautiful devotions like this transforms the experience into a sacred journey. Lovely.

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  4. Swami Bruce: This is a hard thing you're going through and my hope is that you'll come out with more peace and joy than you ever imagined. I have to tell you when I read what you say about your wife it gives me an incredible sense that all it right with the world and the universe is unfolding as it should. Thank you for sharing all of it. narro pacis.

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  5. Aloha Bruce, Sorry to hear there are health concerns,I am sure you will recover quickly you have always been a warrior,I am not sure what you are dealing with, but my love is there with you through it all. You are a beautiful light , keep shining.. namaste, Spring

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  6. Man must overcome obstacles in order to achieve greatness. You are a beacon for those who seek enlightenment. Your gifts of healing, balance and love have been far from forgotten and those you have touched are rallied around you now. Even in this terrible time you continue to inspire. Our love and healing prayers are being sent through the universe, Mariah, Caleb, Rowan and Gray

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