I Cannot Live Without You

<p>Wild and passionate Mirabai is Indiaís greatest poet of devotion and love. Married at a young age after her husbandís premature death she dedicated her life to worshipping the flute-playing Krishna. It was a decision that led her parents-in-law to evict her from their home. Mirabai spent the rest of her life travelling from village to village singing and dancing to celebrate her love of Krishna. The rapturous lyrics she wrote enthralled worshippers then and continue to be sung in India today.</p><p>Kabir was a controversial figure. An illiterate weaver Kabir celebrated both Indian and Muslim spirituality while criticising each religionís blinkered believers. Yet his straight talking his wit and the continued relevance of his cutting insights ensure his often knotty poems still resonate powerfully for contemporary readers.</p><p>Superbly translated into English-language poems that reflect their original imagery and forms this collection shows why Mirabai and Kabir have enchanted devotees for five centuries. Their poems are accompanied by new versions of two of the key Upanishads that laid the foundations for Indian spirituality. These engaging versions will delight readers new to the work of two of Indiaís greatest mystical poets and surprise those already familiar with their playful profundity. </p><p><br></p><p>MIRABAI: I SHALL DANCE</p><p><br></p><p>I shall dance in the presence of Krishna my lord.</p><p>Purely to please my bare feet will caress the floor.</p><p><br></p><p>So solemn and enticing I shan't be ignored</p><p>and as I turn closer-to examine him-will I draw.</p><p><br></p><p>Yes love's tied bells to my ankles tinkling so small.</p><p>And who knows? Perhaps as I dance all my veils will fall.</p><p><br></p><p>What do I care for customs and the world's joyless laws?</p><p>When he arrives I shall silently close the door.</p><p><br></p><p>Yes Mira will share her lover's bed embraced and warm.</p><p>They'll laugh and sip love's wine-she knows she won't be bored!</p><p><br></p><p>KABIR: ON THE COMPETENT GURU</p><p><br></p><p>No competent gurus nor pupils I found</p><p> just players of greedy games.</p><p>All sank in maya's sea</p><p> for they sailed boats made of stone.</p><p><br></p><p>I say cut off that guru's beard whose</p><p> teaching doesn't scythe doubt</p><p>for not only does he sink but</p><p> he drags his pupils down.</p><p><br></p><p>An incompetent guru means</p><p> the pupil is incapable:</p><p>grasping pupil profit-seeking guru</p><p> and both are in trouble.</p><p><br></p><p>Without a competent guru</p><p> you'll remain an illiterate fool.</p><p>Dress like a saint inside you're an idiot</p><p> begging from door to door.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>