Mind, why art thou so anxious?
Utter Kālī’s name, and sit in meditation
From all this pomp of worship the mind grows proud
Worship her in secret, that none may know
What is thy gam from images of metal, stone or earth?
Fashion her image with the stuff of mind,
and set it on the lotus-throne of your heart
Parched rice and plantains,
ah! how vainly do you offer these!
Feed her with the nectar of devotion,
and satisfy your own mind
Why seek to illumine her with lamp and lantern and candle?
Light the jewelled lamp of the mind,
let it flash its lustre day and night
Why do you bring sheep and goats and buffaloes for sacrifice?
Saying ‘Victory to Kālī,' ‘Victory to Kālī,’
sacrifice the Six Passions*
Rāmprasād Sen (Sadhak Rāmprasād Sen) (1718 - 1775) India
Translated by Edward J. Thompson and Arthur Marshman Spencer
Source: Bengali Religious Lyrics, Śākta, selected and translated by Edward J. Thompson and Arthur Marshman Spencer, Association Press, 1923
*The Six Passions are
- Kāma or Sexual Appetite,
- Krōdha or Anger,
- Lōbha or Covetousness,
- Mōha (literally. Stupefaction) or Lapse or Aberration due to Infatuation,
- Mada or Pride,
- Māisarya or Envy.
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