Perfect Ripeness

 “The softest thing in the universe

Overcomes the hardest thing in the universe.

That without substance can enter where there is no room.

Hence I know the value of non-action.

Teaching without words and work without doing

Are understood by very few.” Lao Tsu, Tao Te Ching

Empty your heart of  desire and fill it with gratitude.

Why beg for grace, when nothing but grace exists?

True prayer’s a gamble where you gladly offer your own head 

To the executioner’s sword.

Ah! Who can describe the wonder of that victory?

Let the illusion of selfhood drop off like a discarded cloak.

Once merged with the ocean, does the river still yearn for the sea?

Does the flute know anything of the sequence of  notes

When the divine musician plays His infinite melody?

Maturity means the end of all knowing and doing.

When all is one, all suffering will cease.

Clothed in infinite space, the sage stands firm as a mountain –

Perfect ripeness shines in unshakable peace.

“The Maharshi was an embodiment of Peace and Silence. The ocean’s surface dances in waves, laughs in sparkling foam, roars as its thunderous waves clap and clash! And yet, deep in its inner vaults, it rests in eternal Silence and Peace. Without such a divine and spiritual depth, the work and activities of this universe would become worthless and aimless. Work should be undertaken and pursued to take us ultimately to the workless abode of divine Silence and endless Peace. This is the secret doctrine of all our Vedas and ancient scriptures.” Swami Tapovanam, on Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharishi