Tirumantiram - TANTRA ONE - 3 TRANSITORINESS OF WEALTH

Tirumantiram

English translation of the Tamil Spiritual Classic by Saint Tirumular

 

TANTRA ONE

3 TRANSITORINESS OF WEALTH

 

168: Kingly Regalia, Domains and Riches are Impermanent

 

Before others seize and away your riches take,

Your elephant and car, your kingship and grace,

Even while life pulses, if you the Lord's asylum seek,

To you thus in fear dazed, the penance true its reward pays.

 

 

169: Wealth Waxes and Wanes Like Moon

 

The radiant moon that life animates into massive darkness turns;

Why then speak of riches which no better fate can meet?

If the Heaven's King, you unwaveringly seek,

Like pouring clouds choicest treasures fall at your feet.

 

 

170: Your Shadow is With You, Does it help You? How About Wealth Then?

 

Foolish they who claim their wealth their own,

Seeing their own shadows to them useless though nearby;

The life that with the body comes as surely departs;

They see not; the light that lends lustre to the seeing eye.

 

 

171: The Bee Stores Honey Only to be Appropriated by Others; So is Your Hoarded Wealth

 

The industrious bee from flower to flower hops,

Seeking, scenting, gathering its store of honey sweet;

But soon the subtle thief digs and steals the hoarded wealth;

Likewise, our earthly treasures the same story repeat.

 

 

172: Wealth is a Flood that Ebbs and Flows

 

Weigh well the pros and cons, and having weighed, waver not,

Lose not your bearings, caught in wealth's eddy;

Fling aside the transient trappings of earthly treasures

And thus when the Pale Sargeant comes, for the great leap be ready.

 

 

173: Wealth is a Boat in Dangerous Waters

 

How fast we cling to stock of cattle and riches gay

Less stable even than the boat which midstream upturns!

They but see the dissolving body and know not

The Binding Knot to salvation eternal.

 

 

174: Earthly Treasures are Fleeting

 

"Joys of life and wife, children and brothers--all ours," they claim

Little knowing how fragile and fleeting these delights be;

But the yearning souls that seek and build on treasure true,

Find support firm and ne'er failing company.

 

 

175: Worldly Desires are Never-Ending

 

Our desires grow, but none the truth to find;

There's one stake to hold but nine exits to leave;

The old familiar faces come smiling to greet and bow;

Deceivers ever, they abandon us without a reprieve.

 

 

176: All Your Wealth Cannot Bribe Death Away

 

When the vital spark leaves this mortal mould,

Bribe be none to lure it back; think, think of the Lord;

Death's loyal servants on restless mission bent,

Do nothing consider that with hot breath you pulse.