Pomba Mundo
 
The Long Life of a Spiritual Soul
 
 
Kahlil Gibran
 
 
 
 
 
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An Editorial Note:
 
The following poem by Kahlil Gibran
can be read as a commentary to the first
noble truth of Buddhism, Dukkha. It teaches
that living implies  suffering, or afflictions.
 
In theosophy, the “Song of Man” could
well be called “The Memories of a Monad” or
“Autobiography of a Spiritual Soul”. On the other
hand, it is also a story of mankind’s spiritual evolution.
 
The poem is reproduced from pp. 63-64 of “Tears
and Laughter”, by Gibran,  The Wisdom Library /
The Philosophical Library, New York, 1949, 94 pages.
 
(Carlos Cardoso Aveline)
 
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I was here from the moment of the
Beginning, and here I am still. And
I shall remain here until the end
Of the world, for there is no
Ending to my grief-stricken being.
 
I  roamed the infinite sky, and
Soared the ideal world, and
Floated through the firmament. But
Here I am, prisoner of measurement.
 
I heard the teachings of Confucius;
I listened to Brahma’s wisdom;
I sat by Buddha under the Tree of Knowledge.
Yet here I am, existing with ignorance
And heresy.
 
I was on Sinai when Jehovah approached Moses;
I saw the Nazarene’s miracles at the Jordan;
I was in Medina when Mohamed visited.
Yet here I am, prisoner of bewilderment.
 
Then I witnessed the might of Babylon;
I learned of the glory of Egypt;
I viewed the warring greatness of Rome.
Yet my earlier teachings showed the
Weakness and sorrow of those achievements.
 
I conversed with the magicians of Ain Dour;
I debated with the priests of Assyria;
I gleaned depth from the prophets of Palestine.
Yet, I am still seeking the truth.
 
I gathered wisdom from quiet India;
I probed the antiquity of Arabia;
I heard all that can be heard.
Yet, my heart is deaf and blind. 
 
I suffered at the hands of despotic rules;
I suffered slavery under insane invaders;
I suffered hunger imposed by tyranny;
Yet, I still possess some inner power
With which I struggle to greet each day.
 
My mind is filled, but my heart is empty;
My body is old, but my heart is an infant.
Perhaps in youth my heart will grow, but I
Pray to grow old and reach the moment of
My return to God.[1] Only then will my heart fill!
 
I was here from the moment of the
Beginning, and here I am still. And
I shall remain here until the end
Of the world, for there is no
Ending to my grief-stricken being.
 
 
NOTE:
 
[1] Since there is no monotheistic “god” in the universe or outside of it, such a word can only mean one’s own higher self and spiritual soul, also known as Atma-Buddhi, the Monad; or the higher levels of consciousness inhabited by one’s spiritual being. (CCA)
 
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On the role of the esoteric movement in the ethical awakening of mankind during the 21st century, see the book “The Fire and Light of Theosophical Literature”, by Carlos Cardoso Aveline.  
 
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Published in 2013 by The Aquarian Theosophist, the volume has 255 pages and can be obtained through Amazon Books.
 
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