536. Exaltation

The other night I was exalted
When I dined with God the Supreme.

The other day I was exalted
When I breathed the excruciating pangs
Of earth-penuries.

From this life of mine
Only two more exalted experiences I need,
I most desperately need.

I need the experience unprecedented
Of seeing two human shoulders
Carrying the burdens of hell-fire,
Earth-water and Heaven-wine.

I need the experience
Of seeing Heaven-Beauty’s glorious Transcendence
Fulfilling earth-beauty’s splendour-light.

My journey’s start was the exaltation
Of God-man in me,
And my journey’s close will be the exaltation
Of man-God in the Absolute Supreme.
Sri Chinmoy, The Wings of Light, part 11, Aum Press, Puerto Rico, 1974