This I write when I think of living a detached life amidst the attachment towards this materialistic world.Going back to the good old college days where I read and learnt many, when reminded of all the Literature classes , I had an urge to translate a few of my favorite 4 lines from the "Brahma" by Emerson.
ப்ரஹ்ம்மா
தொலைவும் மறதியும் என் அருகே
நிழலும் வெயிலும் எனக்கு ஒன்றே
மறைந்த தெய்வங்களும் என் முன்னே
மேலும்,
அவமானம் புகழ் என் முன், சமமான ஒன்றே.
Brahma" is a lyric poem in which the author assumes the persona of the Hindu God Brahma. Emerson completed the poem in 1856, and the Atlantic Monthly published it in 1857.
Brahma
BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON
If the red slayer think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass, and turn again.
Far or forgot to me is near;
Shadow and sunlight are the same;
The vanished gods to me appear;
And one to me are shame and fame.
They reckon ill who leave me out;
When me they fly, I am the wings;
I am the doubter and the doubt,
I am the hymn the Brahmin sings.
The strong gods pine for my abode,
And pine in vain the sacred Seven;
But thou, meek lover of the good!
Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.
ப்ரஹ்ம்மா
தொலைவும் மறதியும் என் அருகே
நிழலும் வெயிலும் எனக்கு ஒன்றே
மறைந்த தெய்வங்களும் என் முன்னே
மேலும்,
அவமானம் புகழ் என் முன், சமமான ஒன்றே.
Brahma
BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON
If the red slayer think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass, and turn again.
Far or forgot to me is near;
Shadow and sunlight are the same;
The vanished gods to me appear;
And one to me are shame and fame.
They reckon ill who leave me out;
When me they fly, I am the wings;
I am the doubter and the doubt,
I am the hymn the Brahmin sings.
The strong gods pine for my abode,
And pine in vain the sacred Seven;
But thou, meek lover of the good!
Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.
