The Jewel Lamp - Lalla

’Good or bad. Im happy to welcome both.

i dont hear with my ears. I dont see with my eyes. 

A voice speaks inside my heart,

my jewel-lamp burns bright even in a rampaging wind.’

A shining, priceless jewel, we love Lalla at the Way of Recognition and think of her as one of our patron saints. A 14th century poet mystic from Kashmir, venerated by both Muslims and Hindus alike as well as modern day mystics, she is one of a handful of recognised female mystics.  An early feminist, leaving a marriage to follow her spiritual path and become a questor and Teacher, her vakhs (verses) burst forth in provocation and shimmer with inspiration and revelation. They are as relevant today as they were 700 years ago. The translation I carry everywhere with me is I, Lalla by Ranjit Hoskote.