World Ocean Day Poem by Savita Tyagi

'तस्मिन्नपो मातरिश्वा दधाति'।

'Tasmin apo matarishwa dadhati'.

'In That the Master of life establishes the Waters.

The above quote is the last line of verse four from Esha Upanishad.

Tat or That is neutral gender word used here for the divine principle that pervades the Universe.

‘Apas' means waters. It can also mean works or cosmic activities.

‘Matarishwan' is an epitaph for Vau (Air) . Here the word signifies the Cosmic Principle of Life pervading the entire Universe. The divine life force that presides in all forms of cosmic activity.

Mater means space or container.

Dadhati-means establishing.

Watching news yesterday I came to know that June 8th is declared as an ‘Ocean day'. The declaration at once reminded me of the above ancient verse.

This ancient vedic verse seeks and places divinity in all worldly existences and utilizes it to create harmony with Nature and activities of human-being. Reaching beyond words it imposes a sublime feeling upon our psych. When you think of Ocean day think of that ancient verse and connect yourself with that highest emotion underlying it in all its magnificence.



Note: Last year in our scripture study group we devoted a long time reading the beautiful verses of Esha Upanishad with Sri Aurobindo's commentary. The translation and the words meaning above is taken from his commentary. For more details please find and read the complete shlok. It can easily be found on internet.

6.9.2022

Savita Tyagi

I have been lucky enough to visit many Oceans of the world. Some of the sweetest memories I have of those times. In U.S my married life started just nine streets away from the Ocean. The world Ocean Day invoked many emotions since yesterday. This is an old poem that I am sharing again.

The Ocean

Have you ever stood by the ocean at sunset?
When the wind is calm,
And an orange glow kisses the grey waters.
The tranquil surface deceives its agitated undercurrent.
Have you heard the shrieking waves
Hitting the wet slippery rock?
It sounds more or less like cries of a tormented heart
Hitting the palms curled up around trembling lips.
Have you ever felt the burning sand under your feet?
Like desire burning through pores of lovers' body.
The abrasive wet sand feels as heavy
As a heart torn apart in deceit.
I dig my fingers deep in water
To feel the cold, mushy lumps
And watch it being swept away in the sea.
Shard of some sultry memory
Creates a lump in my throat.
I let it slip away with sand.
Ocean is the confidant and dossier of all.
The waves, the sand, the light, the pain-
The memories!

11.16.2016

Savita Tyagi