Interesting posting on the 100 verses of renunciation

[Guest guest]

Posting on our list which may be of interest:-

 

Karen has asked about the background of the "100 Verses of

Renunciation".

 

According to the publisher (Advaita Ashrama, 1981), Bhartrhari was a

Mediaeval poet -- and was perhaps the elder brother of the renowned

King Vikramditya of Ujjain, though it is impossible to know for

certain. According to the editor, he belonged to a royal family and

renounced the world later in life. A cave bearing his name, near

Ujjain, is pointed out as the place he practised austerities.

 

I believe there is very little known about him that is certain. The

importance of Bhartrihari is his 100 verses on renunciation, which

stand alone. But perhaps someone else knows more about him than I, and

will respond.

 

Verse #18:

 

Without knowing its burning power, the insect jumps into the glowing fire.

The fish, through ignorance, eats the bait attached to the hook. We, having

full discernment, do not renounce sensual desires, complicated as they are

with manifold dangers. Alas, how inscrutable is the power of delusion!

 

So only answer would seem to be: Be the Witness!

Edith