Songs of Ramakrishna - 2

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(The allusion of this song is to the well-known kite-flying competitions in

India.

Several people fly their kites and try to cut one another's kite-strings.

Whoever has his

string cut loses his kite and quits the game):

 

In the world's busy market-place, O Syama, Thou art flying kites;

High up they soar on the wind of hope, held fast by maya's string.

Their frames are human skeletons, their sails of the three gunas made;

But all their curious workmanship is merely for ornament.

Upon the kite-strings Thou hast rubbed the manja-paste of worldliness,

So as to make each straining strand all the more sharp and strong.

Out of a hundred thousand kites, at best but one or two break free;

And Thou dost laugh and clap Thy hands, O Mother, watching them!

 

On favoring winds, says Ramprasad, the kites set loose will speedily

Be borne away to the Infinite, across the sea of the world.