Where the destination journeys towards the traveller
Kailas for me is a destination. The painting came first. As I was contemplating the journey – some walking towards it, some meditating on it, some approaching it through science – my attention went to the little figures in the waters. A small baby, a little soul with the arms extended… Then this poem flowed…
Footsteps paved their arduous way
Taking spells from the mind
Each step brings them closer
To the peak that is desired
Mind sat quietly
Counting every breath inhaled
For every breath exhaled
Must bring it closer to the peak
A little soul in the pond wasn’t quiet
Nor did it have feet to walk
The little soul broke the silence
With its wail, uncontrollable
I do not have any feet to walk
Nor do I know any tricks of the mind
Extending my arms up to you
All I have, I give to you
The lotus bent over
“A little shade, my little one”
Fishes formed a bed under
“A little lift, my little one”
The elements all came to join in
Bracing in ways incredible
Kailas itself at long last
Leaned over to reach the child