like two golden birds

Like two golden birds perched on the selfsame tree,

Intimate friends, the ego and the Self

Dwell in the same body.  The former eats 

The sweet and sour fruits of the tree of life

While the other looks on in detachment.

As long as we think we are the ego,

We feel attached and fall into sorrow.

But realize that you are the Self, the Lord

Of life, and you will be freed from sorrow.

When you realize that you are the Self,

Supreme source of light, supreme source of love,

You transcend the duality of life

And enter into the unitive state. 

The Lord of Love shines in the hearts of all.

Seeing him in all creatures, the wise

Forget themselves in the service of all.

The Lord is their joy, the Lord is their rest;

Such as they are the lovers of the Lord.

~ Mundaka Upanishad

Modes of Knowing 

translation by Eknath Easwaran

art by Jane Rosen