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POEMS
Verses from Cidananda
[ Cidananda, one of the saint-poets of the Jainas, was born in the middle of the 19th century. His real name was Karpura Candra. We do not know much about his life or activities, but it is said that once he went on pilgrimage with a Jaina devotee from Bhavnagar in Saurashtra to Girnar and from there he disappeared. After that he rarely came to human locality. He died at Pareshnath Hills. His verses reveal his deep knowledge not only of religion and philosphy of the Jainas, but also of other Faiths, more particularly of the Yogic school. Besides theoretical knowledge, it appears that he had intuitive knowledge and supernatural power of a yogi. His verses are direct, full of rhythm and excel in poetic vision and beauty. ]
Now I understand, Now I realise How unreal is this mutable world. Fool, ye talk 'Tomorrow Tomorrow', When a moment has no certainty. Remain not unprepared, For, Death hovers over thy head. Says Cidananda, Know these words of mine, my dear, To be the truth, the only reality.
Forsake me not Leaving me alone, my love, Forsake me not. Pāpiyā sings 'piu', 'piu', 'piu' And thunders the raven-black cloud.. Lightnings flash and crash, And all the peacocks respond in chorus. I go upstairs. The night is dark.
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