Go through the scripture of the body

Bhima Bhoi

Translated by Sailen Routray

Shadows of a group of tourists, including a photographer,
on the slope of Mount Bromo volcano, Indonesia
Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org/Jakub Hałun

Go through the scripture of this body.

Recognize the forms 

and choose the one that you must. [0]

The body extends.

It carries the empty mansion within.

Oh wise ones, understand the body.

You will surely then

arrive at the house of the absolute. [1]

In this vessel of the body

you carry the eternal one.

Manifestly, you move it back and forth.

When this vessel dissolves, 

who will be able to see His grace? [2]   

I speak directly, in front of your eyes.

But you think of it as a dream. 

This body that is the universe,

functions with His commands,

which melts even stones. [3]

Do not roam around deluded 

in the world outside.

Move towards determining the self.

To become acquainted with the ultimate,

persist in your pursuit.

He will take you to the city immaterial. [4]

The ultimate truth is always, already available.

It operates through actions.

Serve the Guru. 

Follow It through meditation,

the one who resides inside this body. [5]

He is the formless Being.

He can be seen through desireless devotion.

Bhima the Kondh says,

the lake of the Guru's lotus feet

lie high above this body. [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.