Poem ‘Chastity’ by Alan Wherry

Johnny drives a Lamborghini
It's a beauty to the eye
But he'd never have the notion that
At its fastest motion
It can't move as fast as his Kundalini can rise

He owns an apartment building,
Been engaged three times,
The women all loved him,
But he sleeps alone at night

Chastity is the foundation of dharma
In dharma we sustain
Joy, we become as little children
See heaven in a wild flower.

To advocate chastity now
Offers a contradictory view
A condition without apparent benefit
It's joy beyond understanding but only once you experience it.

The practiced air of wellbeing that all is well
Is offered through a wafer thin veneer
We exercise, express concern for climate change, the extinction of species,
While electing politicians who represent only capital and the status quo.

Even a child can see that despite their attempts at spiritual practice
They swirl in depression's mist
They talk about soul in a disconnect with spirit.
Chastity and innocence are the missing sparks to reignite the flame of joy.

But this old order is under threat
What seems changelessness is always illusory
Innocence is a power not acted upon
Its enactment is through chastity

There are three stages, first
Sthita pragya, a realized soul
Detached, beyond ego and conditioning
Beyond jealousies and grievances.

Second, work, without regards for the fruits of it
"Pushpam phalam toyum.” Flowers, fruit and water.
Whatever you offer Me, I will take it." The state of ananya bhakti

Third: we the Virata,
As Christ said, 'When you enter into the Kingdom of God you have to be like children.'
Chaste, Innocent like children.
Chaste, Innocent like children.