Within this body <br />breathes the secret essence. <br />Within this body <br />beats the heart of the Vedas. <br /> <br />Within this body <br />shines the entire Universe, <br /> so the saints say. <br /> <br />Hermits, ascetics, celibates -- <br />all are lost <br />seeking Him <br /> in endless guises. <br /> <br />Seers and sages perfectly parrot <br />the scriptures and holy books, <br /> blinded by knowledge. <br /> <br /> Their pilgrimage, <br /> and fasting, <br /> and striving <br />but delude. <br />Despite their perfect practice, <br />they discover no destination. <br /> <br />Only the saints <br />who know the body's heart <br />have attained the Ultimate, O Tulsi. <br /> Realize this, and you've found your freedom. <br /> <br /> While teachers trapped in tradition <br /> know only the mirage <br /> in the mirror.<br /><br />Goswami Tulsidas<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/within-this-body/
