208 Results in the "Poetry" category


    • CHAPTER X -The Bhagavad-Gita Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter X of the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna extends his discourse to Arjuna, emphasizing the uniqueness and vast extent of his divine existence. Krishna begins by asserting that neither the multitude of gods nor the ancient sages fully comprehend his true nature. He alone is free from sin and possesses wisdom, for he is the unborn, undying origin of all creation. The variety of natural qualities and emotions humans experience—intelligence, skill, truthfulness, joy, sorrow, fear, and courage, among…
    • CHAPTER VII -The Bhagavad-Gita Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter VII of the Bhagavad-Gita, as translated, reveals Krishna's profound teachings to Prince Arjuna, focusing on devotion, understanding the universe's nature, and recognizing Krishna's omnipresence. Krishna begins by encouraging Arjuna to steadfastly set his soul on Him, ensuring Arjuna's path to achieving perfect harmony with the divine. He promises to impart the ultimate knowledge that leaves no further mysteries in this world for a seeker like Arjuna. Krishna elucidates the rareness of true…
    • CHAPTER VI -The Bhagavad-Gita Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter VI of the Bhagavad-Gita, entitled "Atmasanyamayog," or "The Book of Religion by Self-Restraint," Krishna imparts the profound teaching that the true Sanyasi (renouncer) and Yogi is one who performs rightful duties without seeking personal gain from the work. He emphasizes the importance of self-control and the cultivation of a soul-centered life, free from the attachments and aversions that bind individuals to the cycle of birth and rebirth. Krishna advises the importance of meditative practice…
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      Chapter Two

      Chapter Two Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus attending an AA meeting at Camp5 Center, a dingy lavender recovery clubhouse frequented by a mix of old-timers and reluctant newcomers. The setting is vividly described—cigarette smoke, a dim basement with plastic tables, and the no-nonsense presence of Angus B. selling cheap snacks. Cyrus’s sponsor, Gabe Bardo, a seasoned figure with 33 years of sobriety, sits quietly beside him. The meeting’s broad topic, “life on life’s terms,” sparks disjointed shares, from a…
    • Chapter Twenty-two Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus dreaming of Orkideh, a bald woman with bushy eyebrows and oversized sunglasses, walking through a luxurious mall alongside President Invective, who struggles to keep pace. Orkideh appears amused by his discomfort, while Invective, clad in an ill-fitting suit, pants heavily despite carrying nothing. Cyrus reflects on his tendency to involuntarily include repulsive figures in his dreams, such as past bullies or infamous criminals, suggesting a subconscious grappling with…
    • Chapter Twenty-three Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter depicts a pivotal moment between Roya and Leila during a visit in Tehran, August 1987. While their husbands are away camping, Leila leads Roya through the bustling Tajrish bazaar, filled with vendors and sensory details like flowers, kabobs, and perfumes. The atmosphere is lively yet ordinary until Leila abruptly pulls Roya into a secluded alley, where she kneels and presses her ear to the ground, claiming to hear angels drumming beneath the earth. Roya, confused but intrigued, follows suit,…
    • Chapter Twenty-six Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens in Tehran, August 1987, with the narrator reflecting on a transformative first kiss with Leila, described as a word that evokes "heaven" rather than just "sky." The moment is charged with emotional depth, setting the tone for their intimate connection. The narrative shifts to a phone call from Ali and Gilgamesh, who are drunkenly checking in from a campsite, their boisterous banter contrasting with the quiet tension of the narrator and Leila's shared space. Leila's playful interaction…
    • Chapter Twenty-seven [When asked about…], Martyr! Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a reflection on Michelangelo's approach to sculpture—removing excess stone to reveal the masterpiece within. This metaphor extends to life, where eliminating negative elements (toxic relationships, bad habits) is often mistaken for creating goodness. The author critiques the Abrahamic moral framework, arguing that avoiding wrongdoing doesn't equate to active virtue. A rich man, for instance, may pride himself on not harming others while neglecting positive action, exposing the…
    • Chapter Twenty-seven [Sitting on a…], Martyr! Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Cyrus sits on a bench in Prospect Park, reeling from the news of Orkideh’s death after receiving a voicemail from her ex-wife and gallerist, Sang. Despite having known Orkideh for only a short time, Cyrus is deeply affected, contrasting his grief with the seemingly effortless composure of those around him. The chapter reflects on the fleeting nature of modern grief, reduced to a brief interruption in the constant stream of daily life. As Cyrus hesitantly returns Sang’s call, the weight of the moment is…
    • Chapter Twenty-one: Ali Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus Shams in Brooklyn, attempting to call his friend Zee but hesitating to leave a message. His hands tremble uncontrollably, reflecting his inner turmoil. The narrative then shifts to memories of his father Ali's funeral, where only a handful of people attended, including his high school teacher, ex-girlfriend, and friends. Cyrus recalls the somber atmosphere and the scent of wet soil, a sensory memory that lingers with him. His uncle Arash's absence is noted, along with the later…
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