Mirabai: Bhakti's Ecstatic Poems Translated by Robert Bly

Mirabai was a 16th-century Indian mystic and poet, one of the most beloved figures in Indian literature. Her ecstatic poems, full of longing and devotion for Krishna, have inspired generations of readers. Mirabai was born into a royal family in Rajasthan, but she renounced her wealth and地位 to follow Krishna. She spent her life traveling and singing her poems, which were often critical of the established religious and social order.

Mirabai: Ecstatic Poems

by Robert Bly

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	403 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	82 pages
Paperback	:	100 pages
Item Weight	:	8.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	7.87 x 5.51 x 1.57 inches

FREE

Mirabai's poems are characterized by their intense emotional fervor and their vivid imagery. She often uses the language of love and longing to express her devotion to Krishna. Her poems are full of longing for union with Krishna, and they often describe the physical and emotional pain she experiences in separation from him.

Robert Bly is an American poet and translator who has been instrumental in introducing Mirabai's work to Western readers. Bly's translations are known for their beauty and accuracy, and they have helped to make Mirabai one of the most popular poets in the English-speaking world.

Mirabai's Poems

Here is a sample of Mirabai's poems, translated by Robert Bly:

The Heart's Longing

My heart longs for you, Krishna, Like the chakor bird longs for the moon. My eyes are filled with tears, And my body trembles with desire.

I have given up all else, To be with you, Krishna. I have renounced my family and my wealth, And I have even given up my own body.

Now I am yours, Krishna, Body and soul. Take me to your heart, And let me be forever united with you.

The Pain of Separation

O Krishna, my love, Why have you left me alone? My heart is breaking with pain, And my eyes are filled with tears.

I cannot bear to be without you, Even for a moment. I feel like a fish out of water, Or a bird without its wings.

Please come back to me, Krishna, And fill my heart with joy. I cannot live without you, My love.

The Joy of Union

O Krishna, my love, You have come to me at last! My heart is filled with joy, And my eyes are shining with love.

I am so happy to be with you, My love. I feel like I am in heaven, And that all my dreams have come true.

Thank you, Krishna, For loving me. I will never forget this moment, And I will cherish it forever.

Mirabai's poems are a powerful expression of the human heart's longing for God. They are full of passion, devotion, and longing, and they have the power to inspire and uplift readers of all backgrounds. Robert Bly's translations have made Mirabai's work accessible to a wide audience, and they have helped to spread her message of love and devotion throughout the world.

Image Alt Attributes

• Mirabai, 16th-century Indian mystic and poet (image of Mirabai)
• Robert Bly, American poet and translator (image of Robert Bly)
• Mirabai's poems are characterized by their intense emotional fervor and their vivid imagery (image of Mirabai writing poetry)
• Mirabai often uses the language of love and longing to express her devotion to Krishna (image of Mirabai and Krishna)
• Mirabai's poems are full of longing for union with Krishna (image of Mirabai and Krishna embracing)
• Mirabai renounced her wealth and地位 to follow Krishna (image of Mirabai giving up her wealth)
• Mirabai spent her life traveling and singing her poems (image of Mirabai singing)
• Mirabai's poems are a powerful expression of the human heart's longing for God (image of Mirabai praying)
• Robert Bly's translations have made Mirabai's work accessible to a wide audience (image of Robert Bly translating Mirabai's poems)
• Mirabai's message of love and devotion has spread throughout the world (image of Mirabai's poems being read by people from all over the world)

Mirabai: Ecstatic Poems

by Robert Bly

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	403 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	82 pages
Paperback	:	100 pages
Item Weight	:	8.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	7.87 x 5.51 x 1.57 inches

FREE