JK/NKK 8
a:yas kami diSi tà kami vate,
gatshà kami diSi kavà za:nà vath |
antiH da:y lagimay tate,
chanis phôkas ka:nh ti no sath ||
From which direction
did I come, and
by what road?
In which direction
shall I go, and how
know the path?
In the end, may I
receive right guidance
to take me there.
There is no substance
in an empty breath.
Note: It is clear that Lalla is telling us the importance of a trustworthy guide (called "gu:ru" in the Indian tradition). What is not so clear is how to interpret "There is no substance (nothing true or real) in an empty breath." Some have interpreted this to mean that controlling the breath (to which she refers elsewhere) is not enough. Grierson pointed out (page 61) that we are to think of our life as one breath. It is subject to illusion (ma:ya), but in Kashmiri Shaivism it is not thought of as unreal, but rather part of the Divine, as are we. But I am inclined to the view that she meant empty words, not backed up by experience. Fortunately, I am only a translator, and do not have to decide among the various interpretations.
ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ
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