Seed and Essence

Filled with much information and pride

Shvetketu returns from the school of his guru and guide

But unable to answer the questions of his dad

He becomes so very sad

In order to hear that which can’t be heard

And to see when the vision is ever so blurred

The son then implores his dad

“Father, please teach me that which makes one glad”

“Pluck a fig

From the tree so big

Break it—and what do you see in all”

“Multitude of seeds extremely small”

“Break one seed and look inside

With your eyes open wide”

“Nothing I could discern

Howsoever I yearn”

“That which can’t be perceived

In that the fig tree is conceived

That subtle essence

Permeates the whole existence”

Gross is the body of law

But if we analyse it without flaw

Justice is what we find

Subtle alone is its kind