Then compassion came

[Guest guest]

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I spent my days idly as a vine

growing slowly in some holy place.

 

Then compassion came,

and I saw the Absolute.

 

All the names are true,

but I kept repeating that

of my teacher, and OM.

 

And sometimes I sang Om

Namah Shivaya, the greeting

that gives peace to the world

as well as to the spirit.

 

- Lalla

14th Century North Indian mystic

 

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From " Naked Song "

Versions by Coleman Barks

Maypop 1992