It's righteousness that sustains the world

Bhima Bhoi

Translated by Sailen Routray

Geometry by chance
https://commons.wikimedia.org/Christian Vollmer

It's righteousness that sustains the world 

through the four ages. [0]

Those who recognise the soul

by donating food,

and practice peace, virtue, mercy and forgiveness,

come under its dominion. [1]

Surrender to the Name.

Show mercy to all living beings.

There is no dharma truer than this

in the whole wide world. [2]

Know through the body.

Then it would be evident

that the indescribable, formless Being 

fills all the pots holding life. [3] 

That Being is the inner witness.

Endless is His grace.

Knowing adoration and service,

He is revealed in devotion. [4]

When His Being is probed in the mind

is only then that truth is performed. 

If one feels so, then He is nearby,

having arisen for the devotees' welfare. [5]

Tears flow from both the eyes.

My heart is in torment.

Bhima Kandha, the devotee,

is seeking him ceaselessly. [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.