A Riddle from an Upanishad Re-told ~
Two birds sit on a peepal bough
One flies off to pick a dry twig
with his beak to build a nest
The other bird just watches
quietly this process
Both are happy,
but one is happier of the two
Which one?
Guess.
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Note: Peepal is a common tree of India, sacred in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Its botanical name is 'Ficus religiosa'. Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya.
Sunil Uniyal ( born 1953-) is a poet and translator based in New Delhi, India. He has been writing haiku and poems for over thirty years and many of these have appeared in e-journals like Muse India, Kritya, AHA Poetry, Poetica Magazine, Sketch Book, Notes From the Gean, A Hundred Gourds and Haiku Dreaming Australia. His work in translation includes, The Target is Behind the Sky -Fifty Poems of Kabir, brought out by the Low Price Publications, Delhi in February 2012.
I may be wrong, but I would say the one building the nest because he found a place to call home. Very nice thought provoking poem!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Poppy, for your very encouraging comment. I appreciate that you have liked this poem. Best wishes.
DeleteDear Sunil
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled to see your newest entry. Your poem is indeed a riddle. I must be among the unwise but I think there is no answer. Who can tell who is happier if either one? The purpose of life is to serve wherein lies the joy - with that in mind it could be the provider.
Makes one think
Sunil, Nice poem. Artistic and fun. Continued success to you.
ReplyDelete-MJ
www.tgbtgpublictions.com
Thank you, Maurice, for your very encouraging comments. Warm regards.
DeleteThe paradox of life... Very nice... Terry
ReplyDeleteThank you, Terry, for liking the poem. Best wishes to you.
DeleteHmmm, I think the bird who is waiting for the nest to be built - for he will fall safely asleep next to his friend who built their nest...LOL
ReplyDeleteRhoda Galgiani
Thank you, Rhoda. But I'm not sure which bird is happier.
DeleteThey say the third time is the charm. I am determined like I am sure the bird on the peepal bough, to get this comment published. The frustrations of a computer that doesn't run to my liking nevertheless will not deter me from my chosen goal and that is to tell you I love this poem. It brought to my thoughts much introspection. I would have to say the bird that was the happiest was the one working for her goal. I never saw anyone who just sat be happy for very long. Inertia eventually causes boredom. One can sit in boredom only so long without needing to get up and do something. Hopefully it is with a song in their heart. Thank you for perpetuating my morning devotional to myself.
ReplyDeleteLove, Charlene
Thank you, Charlene, for your efforts to post your comments here. I'm thrilled by your comments. Which bird is happier, is perhaps difficult for me to say. Is it the bird in the act of creation (building of the nest), or the one which is simply gazing at the effort of her partner building a home? The latter seems to be overwhelmed by the care and love shown by the former, who in turn finds delight in his effort of creating a home. But who is happier? It's a puzzle to me.
DeleteDear Sunil,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the comments you left for other writers today. Thank you for sharing your talent and your encouragement here at Whispers. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors.
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen, thank you for your comments. You have been very supportive and encouraging to me in my efforts. I've no words to express my gratitude to you and the Whispers. A big THANK YOU and all the best.
DeleteA good read.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ndaba for liking the poem. That means a lot of encouragement to me. Warm regards.
Deletei love the mystery wrapping of the tree with its history, adds a certain something! if the birds are children, they are having a happy time, equally...trust me! :-) ralph
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ralph, for reading and giving your comments. Best wishes.
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