The empty temple is its abode

Bhima Bhoi

Translated by Sailen Routray

A palm leaf umbrella traditionally carried by the monks of Mahima religion
Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org/Swetapadma07

Without form or shape,
the empty temple is its abode.

The two feet do not mix,

hold on to the lone foot. [0]

Its home is

the unmarked harbour.

There, it is neither pleasant

nor is it hot.

Oh wise ones, reflect on this. [1]

It’s sweet to drink stuff

that does not have flesh and

is not touched by another mouth.

Its taste is unseen, unnamed;

such is this, the essence of nectar. [2]

Seeing the grace of its moves

the learned are distracted to death.

It is faster than a blink,

far swifter than lightening. [3]

When one sees it in unknowing,

one goes beyond birth and death,

dissolving in its wholeness. [4]

It’s not gotten by any actions,

neither mundane nor spiritual.

One gets it in the company of the wise.

Its initiation is action without desire,

following ones nature.

It only entails chanting the singular letter. [5]

There is no arising or setting

where it resides.

This secret is beyond the alphabet,

says Bhima, the unprotected one. [6]

Note: Bhima Bhoi (1850-1895) was an 19th century Odia saint poet. His compositions were instrumental in the spread of Mahima religion in peninsular India, especially in the Odia speaking regions. His bhajans remain popular even today, and are performed widely. Although he was ignored by the literary establishment of his times, he is a major figure in the history of Odia literature now, with texts like "Stuti Chintamani" and "Bramha Nirupana Gita" considered as classics.