We climb the Chamundi Hills in Mysore
searching for the holy man
who dwells in a cave on the summit
dispensing wisdom to seekers
of truth

Barefoot I bend over and enter
the deep cave of the heart
in search of the flame that dispels
the darkness that blinds
mankind

Sitting on a ledge in lotus position smiling
is sannyasin swamiji Jamanagiri who in glow
of burning candles and scent of sandalwood
and incense greets us
with Sanskrit Vedic verses and white lotus petals

He shares his Hindu vision of becoming
the lotus that rises from mud and water
blossoming in sun and air and moon and fire
the supreme spirit of Shiva
detached from the World, the Flesh and the Ego

Chanting Sanskrit Vedic verses
he blesses me with white petals
as we leave the cave of the heart
with love prayer and solidarity

paz tomas