I first came across this poem in 2004 – a phase when I often found myself searching for meaning, trying to understand life and my place in it. It was around this time that I got to read Swami Vivekananda’s biography. His words had a real impact on me – they felt powerful, raw, and deeply inspiring. In one of the chapters, he mentioned a poem from the Dhammapada, a collection of Buddha’s teachings. Something about those lines struck a chord within me.

I didn’t fully understand their depth back then, but they stayed with me. And still, those words hold a quiet strength, reminding me to keep moving forward. Even today, this poem continues to inspire me.

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Here’s that poem – a timeless reminder from Buddha’s wisdom:

Bina kisi bhay ke, sab kuchh se udaseen

(Without any fear, detached from everything)

Bina kisi nirdishta path ke

(Without any predestined path)

Beparwah badhe chalo

(Walk on carefree)

Gainde ki bhaati ekaki vicharan karo |

( And like a rhino, wander alone)

Jaise sinh kisi awaaz se bheet nahi hota

(The way a lion is unafraid of any thunder)

Jaise vayu kisi jaal me nahi fasti

(The way no net can catch the wind)

Jaise padm patra jal se bhi achhuta reh jata hai

(The way lotus leaf remains untouched by the water)

Waise hi tum bhi, sab kuchh se mukt hokar

(Similarly you too, being detached from everything)

Beparwah badhe chalo

(Walk on carefree)

Gainde ki bhaati ekaki vicharan karo ||

(And like a rhino, wander alone)