An Unfair Trade - A poem dedicated to Spiritual Teachers

My Comment: The poem shared in the video below tells the story of all disciples of a spiritual guru, while also thanking them for bringing light into our lives.

Key themes of the poem:

The Trade: Leaving behind worldly attachments (family, work, desires) which feels like a loss.

The Gain: Finding the "true self" and divine grace.

The Guru's Role: Guiding the seeker from darkness to light by destroying worldly desires. 

An Unfair Trade

(Shared by Rahul Mohaniya at the end of the session)

I came with dreams, a longing heart,

To reach the height, to play my part.

I met my Guru, wise and kind,

Hoping new treasures I would find.

Yet with each step along this road,

I watched my world grow dark and cold.

Relationships, family, work—all vanished,

As I searched more, I felt more banished.

I cried for what I thought was mine,

I mourned the loss, the steep decline.

What kind of trade—unfair and strange?

To lose it all... what did I gain?

But later I realized, this is truly an "unfair trade,"

For in my hands, the grains of sand have slowly faded.

I lost what I called mine in worldly lands,

But found a treasure that forever stands.

Oh Guru, by your grace, I found the flame,

That burned away my desires, pride, and name.

I lost the world but found its source,

My heart dissolved with deep remorse.

No longer bound by fleeting things,

No cage of name, or place, or rings.

I found the gold, the boundless sea,

In losing "all," I found the true "Me."

No more am I the one who cries,

For fleeting joy or passing ties.

I bow to you with folded hands,

Oh Guru, the Lord of all lands.

So here I stand with empty hands,

Grateful for your gentle plans.

Through loss and pain, the path was shown,

Through you, my soul is finally known.