Finding Heaven in Mother Earth

-
A vein of sapphires
hides in the earth,
a sweetness in fruit;

and in plain-looking rock
lies a golden ore,
and its seeds,
the treasure of oil.

Like these,
the infinite
rests concealed in the heart.

No one can see the ways
of our jasmine-white Lord.

Mahadevi, India twelfth century
translated by Jane Hirshfield
Ford-Grabowsky, Mary: WomanPrayers, HarperCollins, 2003

Comments

Terri said…
I like most of this prayer, but I have to admit, Jasmine-white Lord is an unsettling phrase....
9/02/2009 2:52 PM
altar ego said…
First of all, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Also sending you a cyber hug (((((( )))))).

If it makes you feel any better about jasmine-white I don't think that's a racial reference. I think Jasmine has a particular significance in India to which that might refer (like purity, fragrance, power... just guessing).
9/02/2009 5:37 PM
Anonymous said…
Jasmine flowers (in garlands) are often used in worshiping Shiva and Vishnu. Sometimes the statues of these gods are covered with garlands, which is probably where the "jasmine-white Lord" comes from.
9/02/2009 10:22 PM
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