Today's reading is a poem by Kabir, a fifteenth century mystical poet and saint honored by both Hindus and Muslims. He spent his life in a tiny shop on one of the winding alleyways of Varanasi, north India, as a weaver. Legends say that at Kabir's death, Hindus came to carry his body to the cremation ground and Muslims came to bury him. Yet, when the cloth covering the body was lifted, all that could be seen was a heap of flowers, a fitting fulfillment of his poetry.
Here is one of his poems. Its is worth learning by heart!
THE RIVER OF LIFE
I am a citizen of that realm where God reigns in fullness of Glory.
There, neither pain nor pleasure cast their shadows, for the sun of joy never sets.
I am a citizen of that realm where every day is a day of celebration.
The river of Love overflows its banks, and the lotus blooms in the devotee's heart.
I am a citizen of that realm where God shines as the Source of Light,
and lights the lamp of wisdom in my soul to burn without oil, without wick.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kabir's realm sounds like what Jesus calls The Kingdom of Heaven, which he says is within and among us. I want to not only be a citizen of that heavenly realm, or state of consciousness, but dwell there daily. Maybe you do to.
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