Complete Collection

by James Allen

Yashas Lo, in the night, when all the world was sleeping, Yashas, the noble and aspiring youth, Pondering upon the world’s great sorrow, weeping, Searched for the holy pathway unto Truth. " I search in vain," said he, " and will betake me Unto the Blessed One, and seek release ; Healer of sorrow, he perchance will make me Partaker in his deep, Nirvanic peace." Then came the youth, with footsteps fast and faster, Unto the Blessed Teacher of mankind, And, weeping, fell before the Holy Master, Saying, "Great Lord, I seek and cannot find. How great is my distress and tribulation ! Thou knowest all my sorrow and my pain ; Give me the holy balm of thy salvation, Let me depart not from thy side again." The Blessed One, seeing his perturbation, Spake softly thus unto the gentle youth " Lo, here is no distress, no tabulation ; Come unto Me, and I will show you Truth The Truth will bring you joy, dispelling sadness, And as the night before the light of day Flees and departs, e’en so your rising gladness Sorrow and pain and care will chase away." Then spake He of things pure and high and holy Giving full freely of His wisdom’s store, And Yashas, listening, rapt, all meek and’lowly Drank deeply of the Master’s wondrous lore ; And lo! the cooling breath of Wisdom o’er him Stole softly, fanning all his care to rest ; Sorrow departed, and Compassion bore him Unto the Path the Master’s feet had prest.