Aniketana - The Unhoused Consciousness

Poem "Aniketana" ( The Unhoused Consciousness) is written by a great poet of Kannada language, Kuvempu aka Kuppali Vekankatappa Puttappa (1904-1994). Usually, this poem is understood as reference to  Aparigraha or Vairāgya (non-attachment), the art of living in the world, but not being of the world. The tale of King Janaka and Shuka Deva exemplifies a little that concept. The story is as follows:

Janaka was looked upon as the ideal philosopher - king and became known as Rajarshi. This was resented by many people, including Shukadeva who, himself a great saint, could not understand how a person like Janaka, surrounded by courtiers and evidently engrossed in worldly pursuits, could deserve such a title.
He decided to test the king and one day, without notice, appeared at court carrying his only possession — a begging bowl or kamandala. The king, who was in the midst of managing the daily durbar, greeted him courteously and seated him by his side.

Kamandala

When the durbar was over, he invited Shukadeva to accompany him for a stroll. After the two had walked for over an hour, they found themselves in a great forest. Suddenly, there was the sound of a horse approaching at great speed. A messenger rode into view, jumped off his mount and breathlessly told the king, "Your majesty, a great fire has reduced the entire Palace to ashes!" On hearing this, king Janaka said, "nothing of mine is burning." Shukadeva said  "What about my kamandala?"" and started running back towards the Palace.
In this poem it is possible to see more. As everywhere.

Aniketana

The Unhoused Consciousness

Be unhoused , O my soul!

Only the Infinite be your goal.

Leave these myriad forms behind,

Leave the million names that bind,

A flash piercing your heart and mind,

Be unhoused , O my soul!

Only the Infinite be your goal.

Winnow the chaff of a hundred creeds

Beyond these systems .hollow as reeds,

Turn unhorizened to the Truth that leads;

Be unhoused, O my soul!

Only the Infinite be your goal.

Stop not on the unending way.

Never build a house of clay.

Endless the quest both night and day:

No end, no end to you play!

Be unhoused , O my soul!

Only the Infinite be your goal.

The Infinite cancels its end,-

Diurnal seer , to descent.

Endless the quest your apprehend

And so , Infinite, you ascend,

Be unhoused , O my soul !

Only the Infinite be your goal

--by Kuvempu,

Translation by Prof.V.K.Gokak.