I make my body into a lamp and my breath into a
wick.
I make my blood into oil in the lamp, and patiently
wait to see my Lover's face. ~Kabir~
Kabir's Imagery of Devotional
Longing
Kabir presents a powerful image of devotion using the metaphor of a lamp.
He describes transforming his own body into the lamp itself, symbolizing the complete offering of oneself in the pursuit of the divine.
His breath becomes the wick,
signifying the intimate connection between life and spiritual aspiration.
Further deepening the metaphor, Kabir likens his blood to oil that fuels the lamp.
This suggests a willingness to dedicate the very essence of his being in devotion, maintaining the flame of longing and love for the divine.
With patience, he
waits in hopeful anticipation to behold the face of his Beloved, expressing
both yearning and surrender as central aspects of his spiritual practice.
Through these poetic images, Kabir illustrates the depth of devotion and the transformative power of longing in the spiritual journey.
The act of making one's body,
breath, and blood part of the ritual lamp reflects the total commitment and
focus required to seek union with the Divine.
