The Inner Foes

By N.V.Krishna

Within the soul, a hidden war takes hold,

Six ancient foes, in shadows, brave and bold.

First, Kama, Lust, with eyes of burning fire,

Whispers sweet nothings, fuels unblest desire.

It paints false images, a fleeting, grand design,

But leaves behind an emptiness, a hollow shrine.

Break free, dear heart, from passion's fervent chain,

Let purity and purpose brightly reign.

Then Krodha rises, Anger, swift and keen,

A venomous serpent, rarely truly seen.

It clouds the judgment, poisons every thought,

And leaves behind the damage it has wrought.

Forgive the wounds, release the bitter sting,

Let calm reflection, inner solace bring.

Next, Lobha, Greed, with grasping, hungry hand,

Demands possession, across every land.

It hoards and clutches, never satisfied,

A barren spirit, where true joys have died.

Embrace abundance, share with open grace,

Find riches not in things, but time and space.

Moha follows, dark Delusion's sway,

It binds the mind, and steals the light of day.

Distorts the truth, creates a web of lies,

And cloaks the spirit from enlightened skies.

Seek wisdom's dawn, let knowledge light the way,

Dispelling shadows, bringing forth the day.

Mada, Pride, a lofty, gilded throne,

Exalts the self, and stands entirely alone.

It scorns connection, blinded by its might,

And falters, stumbling, in the darkest night.

Be humble, kind, a servant to the good,

In shared humanity, be understood.

Last, Matsarya, Envy, green and cold,

Resents the fortune, stories to be told.

It gnaws at happiness, a bitter, constant pain,

Wishing another's sunshine turns to rain.

Celebrate triumphs, in another's gain,

For joy expands when shared, again, again.

These inner foes, though potent, can be tamed,

Through conscious effort, bravely to be named.

Awaken spirit, let your true self gleam,

Conquer these shadows, live your vibrant dream.

By N.V.Krishna