Vedic Prayer 5 - A Profound Chant From Rig Veda & The Upanishads Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon
Vedic Prayer 5 - A Profound Chant From Rig Veda & The Upanishads
Two birds,
They sit on the same tree.
They are alike and connected,
They are friends and bonded.
One bird is ever active and lively,
Plucking and eating the fruits of the tree,
Tasting, relishing and enjoying the fruits,
To its heart's content.
The other bird
Is inactive and silent,
Is not interested in the fruits of the tree,
Just a mere witness!
Who are these birds?
The first bird is the individual soul,
The second bird is the Universal Soul.
They both reside together in the same tree of life!
Rig Veda Chapt 1.164.6
Shvetashvatara Upanishad - 4.6
Mundaka Upanishad - 3.1
I have taken the liberty to translate the original Sanskrit verses into English. I, most humbly declare, that a translation can never do full justice to the original Sanskrit verse. Sanskrit has its own divine beauty and grace.
This profound verse is repeated in the Vedas and the Upanishads.
It is highly philosophical with deep hidden meaning.
Who are these birds? The first bird is the individual soul, The second bird is the Universal Soul. They both reside together in the same tree of life! Almost all indians who have studied the Vedas about the individual soul and the universal soul. but when it comes from you the poetess of PH, it has a greater flare. thank you dear Geeta.
I think this prayer consists of a fine metaphor which presents before us the oneness or Advait between Atma and Paramatma, Jeevatma and Brahma. This is an exquisitely magnificent translation of the Vedic prayer. Thanks a lot.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/11/2025 3:22:07 AM # 1.0.0
Who are these birds? The first bird is the individual soul, The second bird is the Universal Soul. They both reside together in the same tree of life! i was reading the vedic texts today and thought of this poem and wanted to comment again. individual soul and the universal soul. so profound in our mystical search. tony