THE INNER FLASH

                        

        

                               

                         

     

                                          

1.   On a long religious tour they wished to go

      They wished to see as many places as they could;

      They made a list of holy places with care;

      All expenses among themselves to share;

      Of their comforts and needs, they struck no compromise

      They studied every detail and thought themselves wise.

 

2.   They booked their tickets well in advance

       They used their clout to get a nearer view

       Of God in sanctum wherever they went

       On clothes and cosmetics, they lavishly spent.

       They had no patience to stand and pray at one place

       They rushed around the temple as if in a race.

 

3.   No time to view the splendid sculptures old

      No time to view the lofty, imposing towers;

      No time to view the pillars and corridors broad

      They quickly cast their look at shining God.

      No time they had to see the temple gate

      They rushed away to visit the next temple in haste.

4.    No time they had to read the temple lore

       No time to do time-consuming religious rites;

       No time to see grand processions or blessings seek

       No time to offer charity to hermits meek.

       No time to view the hills and temple gardens green

       No time to take a holy dip in lakes serene.

 

5.    So many temples they saw as per their plan

       Wasting not a moment of their valuable time;

       Confounded by their visits to many a place

       Which temple where they saw, they could not trace;

       As if in a dream with puzzling sights bizarre

       They felt much tired after touring so far.

 

6.    No sense of satisfaction, it seems, they had;

       No pervading sense of peace and serene mind;

       Ruffled like scattered leaves in a whirling storm

       They moved hither and thither without being calm;

        Except enjoying travel and staying in hotels grand;

        Nothing they felt in their pilgrimage they planned.

 

7.    A vague conglomeration of pictures, their minds;

       Except a few fancy items and gifts, they bought

       Except a few photos in their mobiles, they caught;

       Of local customs and culture, they never thought;

       Have they felt at least a spark of inner flash;

       The spirit of the place without excitement rash?

                       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

      8th August, 2023                           Somaseshu Gutala

 

Note : The attitudes, manners and living ways of modern pilgrims are  indirectly juxtaposed with the older generation people who did not have so many transport facilities, accomodation and varieties of food duringtheir travel to holy temples. The prime deciding factor is sincere devotion, and decent and devout demeanour.