Something in Each of Us Longs to Surface

by Karuna Devi

www.innerlight-publications.com

What is it that compels us towards positive transformation, towards that journey the aspirant takes to expand both heart and mind? Moreover, what defines that process by which we consciously endeavor to realize our untapped potential?  In drawing from my own personal experience, I have come to realize that these questions cannot be answered from the linear perspective of one.  It seems to me there is something very pleural, very fluid about consciousness which goes beyond the boundaries of language. Perception is ever shifting and depends upon where our attention is, therefore how can one speak of this running river of Spirit, using only one voice?  During my twelve years as a disciple of Yoga Master, Swami Kailashananda, I have learned that the journey of the aspirant is an all inclusive one. It is a tapestry of voices; all telling their story, all embracing every aspect of what is at once weak and strong in the human spirit.

Surfacing: A Poetic Journey of The Self, has given me a chance to explore and express these many voices against the backdrop of the all knowing witness-The Self. It tells the story of a seeker: the longing, the passion, the victories and defeats which are universal to all regardless of caste, creed or religion.  Sometimes Yogic/Eastern in context, other times Catholic, the main essence of this work reflects that of The Heart where both East and West draw from the same well. It is in that space, I found the boundaries of dogma disappear as Christ and Krishna became one in the same object of devotion.  Something extraordinary “surfaces” when we use the touchstone of The Heart to tap into our intuitive faculties, hence the collection title, Surfacing.

This collection of 108 poems was twelve years in the making.  During that stretch of time a lot of changes, both internal and external have taken place.  I’ve married, moved states, changed jobs, done battle with a serious illness, lived in an Ashram and fallen in and out of love with God again and again. One thing seems true about engaging in something as long term as Self- Realization, it’s important to stay inspired, to constantly remember what your mission statement is and why it is of great value; to stay vigilant and committed to the goal, after all Samadhi is not a sprint. I have found inspiration for this book and my life through a number of sources primarily from being at the feet of my Master and the experience which results from engaging in “satsang” or holy company.  I have also turned to scripture such as The Upanishads and other Vedic texts as well as the Bible.  Being raised Catholic, I was amazed to discover so many similarities between Christianity and Yoga both metaphysically speaking and in practical application.  I have also been impressed by the writings of others on the path such as the poet-saints Rumi of Persia and Kabir of India.  Both seem to touch upon the very heart of spiritual life enabling there poems to appeal to everyone in a language that remains lucid and simple, honest and true. 

To me, poetry is a wonderful medium because most poems can be read in a short amount of time which means one can gain rather immediate inspiration.  Since the lofty idea of Spirit often has us tongue tied in semantics, poetry allows us to use the language of metaphor and symbolism which links us directly to the unspoken and spontaneously brings us to the heart of the matter. Over the years, I have found this intimate and open, “dialogue of the heart” indispensable for my work and my life. It is The Self in all its wonder and glory that ultimately punctuates my every page. It has taken me through an ever expanding landscape of inner psychology beginning with Praseed (a word used in prayers to the Divine Mother which means “be pleased”) and ending with the title poem Surfacing.  Some of the other titles in this work include: Brahman of the Upanishads, Guru, Inner Mystic, Voices of Vedanta, Revelation, Lotus, Chant, Dissolution and Glory, Hills of Frankincense and Asana. 

In answering the opening question: What compels us towards positive transformation, I’d like to refer to the poem Evolution

I became a distant place,

then set out to advance across the divide.

Small pieces of me pass and loose their worth

as I rush on and reach for Thee.

From the depths of a place

maddened with fearful joy,

my soul awakes

and seeks for its own.

No senseless, restless surface

can keep me from the One

who remains the same within and without

my own True Self!

I am here amongst you now,

but a deathless voice conjures me

to rise and become the extent-

and it is only natural that I go.

So what exactly is Surfacing?  Timeless Truths, the lightness of Love and an ever reckoning voice of The Divine, courting the aspirant in all of us!

Karuna lives with her husband, Hrishikesh, in New York City.  They are both students of Yoga and Vedanta and practice under the direct guidance of their spiritual teacher, Swami Kailashandanda.  Surfacing is a twelve year compilation of the inspirations and aspirations along Karuna Devi’s journey.  It is distributed by New Leaf and is available at enlighten-minded bookstores worldwide.  For more information, visit www.innerlight-publications.com.