I shared my poem in Russian with my friend, Vladimir Korobov. And he sent this beautiful couplet back, from a Russian poet, Osip Mandelstam. I loved it. Here is a reflection on it.
Uttering the name of a divine entity signifies more than a mere vocalization; it serves as a catalyst for introspection and an aspiration to embody the loftiest virtues within oneself. This transformative act propels individuals towards their fullest potential, enabling them to transcend their personal obstacles and attain a state of liberation. Osip Mendelsohn's poignant poem, "Freedom," encapsulates this notion. It encapsulates the profound journey of shedding burdens and constraints to embrace true emancipation.
Unveiling the Unseen Within: From Poetry to Wisdom, the potent resonance of invoking the divine name sparks inner transformation, leading to personal liberation and inspiring freedom in others.
Freedom by Osip MandelStam:
Your image, painful and fragile,
I could not feel in a fog.
"Lord!" - I said by mistake,
Without thinking of saying it
God's name like a big bird
flew out of my chest in a rage
Leaving a foggy swirl ahead
And an empty cage in the back
This sentiment is reminiscent of Guru Nanak's wisdom as conveyed in the concluding verses of the Japji Sahib, where he imparts the significance of "pavan guru," the wind that carries enlightenment.
Through dedicated remembrance and diligent effort, one liberates not only themselves but also inspires liberation within others. Guru Nanak's wisdom echoes the belief that resonates through Mendelsohn's poem – the idea that invoking the divine essence fosters a transformative process leading to personal growth and a ripple effect of freedom for those in proximity.
In essence, these interconnected reflections underscore the profound impact of invoking a higher power's name. It serves as a beacon guiding individuals towards self-realization and empowerment, propelling them to transcend limitations and become beacons of freedom for the world around them.
Образ твой, мучительный и зыбкий,
Я не мог в тумане осязать.
"Господи!" - сказал я по ошибке,
Сам того не думая сказать.
Rough English Translation:
Your image, painful and fragile,
I could not feel in a fog.
"Lord!" - I said by mistake,
He did not think to say.
My version
Your image, painful and fragile,
I could not feel in a fog.
"Lord!" - I said by mistake,
And a loving embrace I got
Update Nov 19/2010
I obtained the rest of the poem today:
Образ твой, мучительный и зыбкий,
Я не мог в тумане осязать.
"Господи!" - сказал я по ошибке,
Сам того не думая сказать.
Божье имя, как большая птица,
Вылетало из моей груди.
Впереди густой туман клубится,
И пустая клетка позади.
So, will make a change to the previous version (Changed Sep 2020)
Your image, painful and fragile,
I could not feel in a fog.
"Lord!" - I said by mistake,
Without thinking of saying it
God's name like a big bird
flew out of my chest in a rage
Leaving a foggy swirl ahead
And an empty cage in the back
Changed using Google Translate (Sep 2020)
Your image, painful and unsteady,
I could not touch in the fog.
"Lord!" - I said by mistake,
Without thinking to say it.
God's name is like a big bird
Flew out of my chest.
Ahead a thick fog swirls
And an empty cage behind.
Reflection -
Saying the Lord's name is like flinging open the cage and freeing your soul.
Singing oneness!
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