Live in the soul

[Guest guest]

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The soul, like the moon,

is new, and always new again.

 

And I have seen the ocean

continuously creating.

 

Since I scoured my mind

and my body, I too, Lalla,

am new, each moment new.

 

My teacher told me one thing,

Live in the soul.

 

When that was so,

I began to go naked,

and dance*.

 

- Lalla

14th Century North Indian mystic

 

* " She is most well known for wandering and dancing

naked as she sang her songs. In the ecstatic line of the

hassids and the sufis she joined the pure joy of existence,

and so completely merged with it that the bare form of

" Lalla, " whom she often addresses, seemed clothing

enough. Her awareness observes the body, but is not

identified with it. " (Coleman Barks)

 

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From " Naked Song "

Versions by Coleman Barks

Maypop 1992