Bhartrihari Knihy

Young, doe-eyed maidens beguile lovelorn men. Timeless wisdom is dispensed through brief, colourful vignettes. The bounty of the earth is celebrated even as the seasons bear witness to the amorous play of lovers. In Three Hundred Verses, Bhartrihari, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets of all time, brilliantly expounds on our most enduring concerns and dilemmas: living, loving and leaving. Although composed centuries ago, the full force of his genius is abundantly evident in these poems, bursting with lush imagery and brimming with deep philosophical musings. Covering a wide range of themes-from the first stirrings of young love to the challenges of accepting life's transience-these verses are sure to resonate with contemporary readers. By turns playful and wise, A.N.D. Haksar's gorgeous and accessible translation captures the verve, acuity and erotic charge of Bhartrihari's most significant work.

An award-winning translator finds surprisingly modern themes in a selection of erotic and religious stanzas from one of classical India's most celebrated poets. Although few facts are known about his life, the Indian poet Bhartrihari leaps from the page as a remarkably recognizable individual. Amidst a career as a linguist, courtier, and hermit, he used poetry to explore themes of love, desire, impermanence, despair, anger, and fear. “A thousand emotions, ideas, words, and rhythmic syllables stormed through him,” writes translator Andrew Schelling in an evocative introduction. “In particular he shows himself torn between sexual desire and a hunger to be free of failed love affairs and turbulent karma.” Schelling’s translation represents a rare opportunity for English-language readers to become acquainted with this fascinating poet. Attuned to Bhartrihari’s unique poetic sensibility, Schelling has produced a compelling, personally curated set of translations.