Akha's Sestets

Book Details

• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
• Language: English
• Pages: 197
• Edition: 2009
• Dimensions: 24 cm x 16.5 cm (9.5 x 6.5 inch)
• Weight: 370 gm
• Cover: Paperback

About the Book

This profound volume introduces the mystical poet Akha (also known as Akho or Aksaya, meaning "imperishable" in Sanskrit), a 17th-century spiritual poet from Gujarat, whose succinct and powerful sestets continue to resonate across centuries. Akha’s writings are not confined to the conventional boundaries of poetry; he transcends these to guide the human soul towards inner awakening and alignment with the Supreme Being.

Akha, a goldsmith by profession, expressed his deep spiritual insights in a clear, direct manner, almost telegraphic in its urgency, as though each poem was a call to action. Unlike many mystics, Akha did not engage in occult rituals; instead, he criticized such practices and emphasized the individual soul’s responsibility to recognize its true nature. His poetry serves as a map and affirmation for those on a spiritual quest, offering compassion and immediate knowledge.

Edited by Krisnaditya, this work is a translation of Akha's sestets into English, aiming to make his mystical teachings accessible to a wider audience. Krisnaditya, an acclaimed writer and teacher of philosophy and ethics, shares his deep admiration for Akha’s clarity and brevity, highlighting how his works offer timeless wisdom that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.

The book is a spiritual treasure trove for those interested in the mystic poets of India, offering a profound look into Akha's philosophical musings and spiritual insights.