Sant Dariya Saheb was born in Bihar, India, and spent most of his life there. There are few specific details about his life; some sources assert that he was born in 1634 and died in 1780, which would mean a lifespan of nearly 150 years. He is said to have attained illumination at the age of 20, and taught in the Sant Mat tradition, although he has also been called a Sufi. He emphasised the need for kindness, and left thousands of verses which are treasured to this day.

The musk is within the deer,
But he searches for it outside in the grass
     instead of searching within himself.
He runs back and forth,
Wondering where the fragrance comes from.
The fragrance is nearby,
But he knows it not.

Caught by delusion, he roams about.
So do all people who wander in pilgrimages
     and outer observances.
If you wish to obtain your own true Home,
Then find it by looking within yourself
     and dwell therein.

The true Lord resides within this body,
Recognize Him through the manifestation of true love.
By churning this body,
And by entering within yourself,
See the manifestation of true wisdom.

Translation K. N. Upadhyaya