The Clay Jug, by Kabir

[Lisa Walford]

Kabir was an Indian mystic poet who wrote ecstatic verses in the early 15th century. The imagery in this poem is ripe with relevance to our practice. Clay begins in its unformed potential, the element of earth. Well shaped at the potter's wheel, clay becomes something something useful, and is a frequent symbol in Hinduism (Chandoga Upanishad), The Old Testament (Isiah) among other religions. 

Here, I see clay as our own body, our own potential to shape how we sit, breath, and walk so that the organic systems within can function optimally. The clay pot is only useful it has been well shaped, and hardened in the kiln. 

The seven oceans may refer to the chakras, like whirlpools, or to the water element in general. The body is, after all, 80% water. And the hundreds of millions of stars! The multitude of cells and neural networks within, we are formed of millions of sparks! Perhaps the "acid test" is the digestive fire, filtering essentials from waste. This analogy works for the mind as well! Definitely the "one who judges jewels" would be the mind. 

I love the final sentences, "music of the strings that no one touches".... I leave that to your imagination!       

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Kabir: 

Inside this clay jug there are canyons and pine mountains,

and the maker of canyons and mountains!

All seven oceans are inside, and hundreds of millions of stars.

The acid that tests gold is there, and the one who judges jewels.

And the music from the strings that no one touches, and the 

source of all water.

If you want the truth, I will tell you the truth:

Friend, listen: the God whom I love is inside.