Two Birds

Live a life that is free of preferences: both likes and dislikes are chains
They tend to cause vacillation and are the cause of pleasure and pain
We travel on a certain path along life's journey but our sight is on a byway
There is a yearning in us to explore that side road which is off the highway

Thus there are two birds that are seated on the same tree bearing fruit
One of them is of majestic plumage and serene in visage, peaceful offshoot
The other is disturbed and distracted, seeking fulfilment in varied bounty
Alternately elated and depressed based on attained goal, seeking serenity

We are like the lower bird in daily life, our desires are a raging ocean's waves
Constant turmoil is its characteristic, now rising and now plunging always
In this maelstorm there is little occassion for a moment of blissful peace
As there is always one desire rising to replace another without any cease

But the lower self is not to be shunned for its variations of mind and character
It is never separate from higher self and is constantly moving towards latter
Each and every experience that befalls it in constantly moving life is blessing
It is the light that shows the path leading towards final goal that is in the offing