* One of the “Pick Six” recommended pieces in the ACDA-MN Publication, Star of the North *
Duration: 3 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Each being distinct, yet ever united.
You are the tree, the seed, and the cell;
You are the flower, the fruit, and the shade;
You are the sun, the light, and the lighted;
You are the manifold form of infinite space;
You are the breath, the word, and the meaning;
You are the limit and the limitless.
You are the Immanent Mind in us;
You are the Supreme Soul within the soul.
Blessed are all who see You.
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About the poet: Kabir (1440-1518) grew up amidst Hinduism and Islam, and was deeply influenced by both. He had little use for the rites and trappings of any religion, and despised the pious quoting of scriptures, be it from the Vedas or from the Quran. His poetry invoked the divine using both Hindu and Muslim names – “Allah” and “Brahma” – but in all cases Kabir engaged with the divine in a deep and intimate way. Today he is revered by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike, and his songs are loved by people of all faiths.
About this lyric: Rabindranath Tagore translated many of Kabir’s songs into English, introducing them to a worldwide audience. His 1915 rendering of this poem reflects the writing style of his culture and time:
“The creature is in Brahma, and Brahma is in the creature: they are ever distinct, yet ever united.
He Himself is the tree, the seed, and the germ.
He Himself is the flower, the fruit, and the shade…”
The lyric used in this musical setting is adapted from Tagore’s version, in a modern rendering which reflects the universality of Kabir’s God as well as the less florid language of our time.
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