A poem inspired by (and with shades of) the Upanishad mantra, “ಓಂ ಭದ್ರಂ ಕರ್ಣೇಭಿಃ ಶೃಣುಯಾಮ ದೇವಾ । ಭದ್ರಂ ಪಶ್ಯೇಮಾಕ್ಷಭಿರ್ಯಜತ್ರಾಃ …”
As usual, here is a recording of my reciting the original Kannada poem.
A Prayer (ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ)
Let only what is good be heard, let only what is good be said, let only what is good be seen, let only what is good be spread. Let only what is good be done, let good itself always pervade, feed on the good, breathe in the good, let good live among us enfleshed.
(Translated by Madhav K. Ajjampur)
Poem Details: From the collection “ಗಂಗಾವತರಣ,” first published in 1951.
I'm Madhav, from Bangalore. I write my own poetry in English and translate Da Ra Bendre's poetry from Kannada into English. (You can read my poetry at https://madhavajjampurwritings.com/). I also translate sundry other Kannada writings into English. My favourite poets include Yeats, Tagore, Bendre, Dylan Thomas, Emily Dickinson, and Gerard Hopkins.
If you'd like to get in touch, do write to me at mk.ajjampur@gmail.com. I'd be very happy to hear from you!
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