Category: Literature

  • Response vs Reaction

    Below is a Vedantic poem composed by Jayaram, an ardent Vedanta student of Arsha Vidya.

    Response vs Reaction

    The Mind as given;

    Is a receptacle?

    For un-manifested tendencies;

    Born of distant pasts;

    It’s also an instrument;

    Along with intellect;

    As host to precious choice.

    Un-manifested tendencies;

    Like hidden serpents;

    Unprocessed in the conscious mind;

    Often raise their poisonous hoods, and;

    To actions-reactions foul lead;

    Causing great harm,

    To the Doer and the Done.

    Mindfulness of desires;

    Desires to thoughts;

    Thoughts to action;

    And the exercise of choice;

    Alone leads;

    To response best;

    Of a mature mind.

    Om.