PagineThe river and its waves are one
by Kabir
Translated by Rabindranath Tagore (1915) · From Songs of Kabir, XIV
The river and its waves are one surf: where is the difference between the river and its waves?
When the wave rises, it is the water; and when it falls, it is the same water again. Tell me, Sir, where is the distinction?
Because it has been named as wave, shall it no longer be considered as water?
Within the Supreme Brahma, the worlds are being told like beads:
Look upon that rosary with the eyes of wisdom.
This poem and this translation are in the public domain. Source text: Project Gutenberg.