Namdev : The Drum with no Drumhead Beats

Readers may want to try the riddle in the first verse of this poem by the Indian Vaishnavite mystic and poet Namdev (1270 – 1350 CE). For more about Namdev, see this earlier post.

The drum with no drumhead beats;
clouds thunder without the monsoon;
rain falls without clouds.
Can anyone guess this riddle?

I have met Ram the beautiful,
and I too have become beautiful.

The philosopher’s stone turns lead into gold;
costly rubies I string with my words and thoughts.
I discovered real love; doubts, fears have left me.
I found comfort in what my guru taught me.

A pitcher will fill when plunged in water,
so Ram is the One in all.
The guru’s heart and the disciple’s heart are one.
Thus has the slave Namdeva perceived Truth.

Translation by NIrmal Dass

3 Replies to “Namdev : The Drum with no Drumhead Beats”

  1. Jelila Marlina Rinzen

    Namaste, Sri Namdeva, beloved of Ram, for the riddle and prayers which unclouded our minds so that we, too, may become more true in our hearts’ love and activities on this divine path. Ahhhh….
    Jai Ram! Jai!

    Bowing to you, Pir Nawab, for bringing us this devototional inspiration.

    Reply
  2. Jelila

    a big gig
    in Arizona

    I, the drummer
    for the band

    dancers form circles
    while I keep the beat

    a Greek celebration
    “Opa!” resounding!

    joy and laughter
    dancers jumping

    we play louder
    our music expands!

    then my beater crashes
    through the bass drumhead!

    dancers dance
    to silence

    Reply

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