haiku is a minimalistic art, a way of thinking to assimilate self with the divine nature and its blissful beauty. It is an art that amalgamates the spiritual romanticism and intellectual cadence of human beings in the perennial journey along the corridor of nature
- Pravat Kumar Padhy, senior haiku poet
the doha, is a lyrical verse-format which was extensively used by Indian poets and bards of North India probably since the beginning of the 6th century AD. They are quotations of worldly wisdom. In Duhasuktavali it is said that doha should be quoted where talented persons have gathered.
In one of my presentations, for a session on healing through poetry, I experimented to pair dohas of Sant Kabir and my haikai creations (haiku/tanka) to create a symphony between two forms of poetry. These haiku and tanka I wrote, speak of the learnings I have had from life and loss. These pieces were written and published during the lockdown.
Ego
doha
कबीरा गर्व न कीजिये, ऊंचा देख आवास
काल परो भुई लेटना ऊपर जमसी घास
Kabira Garv Na Keejiye, Uncha Dekh Aavaas
Kaal Paron Bhuin Letna, Ooper Jamsi Ghaas
Says Kabir don't be so proud and vain looking at your high mansion. Death makes one lie on bare land and grass will grow there on.
tanka
shiuli flower
trembles in night breeze
and perishes at dawn ...
what shall I give into
but the burden of my karma
(Usawa Literary Review, March 2020)
Letting go
doha
चलती चक्की देख कर, दिया कबीरा रोय
दुई पाटन के बीच में,साबित बचा न कोय
Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye
Dui Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye
Looking at the grinding stones, Kabir laments, in the duel of wheels, nothing stays intact.
tanka
morning dew
shines on the grass
the moment
I live in
would soon be gone
(Ribbons, November 2020)
Humility
doha
बड़ा हुआ तो क्या हुआ, जैसे पेड़ खजूर
पंथी को छाया नहीं, फल लागत अति दूर
Bada hua to kya hua, jaise ped khajoor
Panthi ko chhaaya nahi, phal laage ati door
It is of no use to be great like a date palm tree as it neither gives shade to travelers nor does it allow its fruit to be plucked with ease.
tanka
morning ritual
I offer water
to the holy basil
giving it all
that remains of me
(Drifting Sands Journal, December 2020)
Patience and Acceptance
doha
धीरे धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होए
माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ऋतु आये फल होए
Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kutch Hoye
Mali Seenche Sau Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye
Slowly slowly O mind, everything at its own pace happens. The gardner may water with a hundred buckets, fruit arrives only in its season
haiku
new moon ...
the stillness of sea
awaits a tide