Poetry Chaikhana: Serving Up Meditation By The Poem

Chaikhana, Bolo Hauz, Bukhara

Source: http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/uzbekistan/

In my experience, those who meditate regularly over a long period of time develop a different perspective. There is less boxed-in thinking because the process of meditation breaks down conditioned thinking. Spiritual poetry goes beyond culture and religion to a universal space that we all share, if we have the vision to realize this.

So when I stumbled upon Poetry Chaikhana, it was sheer joy to “meet” someone who read the poems in a different light, well beyond the conventional light.  And Ivan Granger has built a cyber treasure trove of poems with his special commentary to help trigger one’s own internal vision. But first a word about chaikhana. Feel free to make yourself a cup of steaming tea, settle comfortably, and read on. We are the most receptive and open when we are relaxed.

A chaikhana is a tea house in Central Asia. These typically lined the overland Silk Route (that connected Europe to China) and were resting places for caravans and weary travelers. But they were not like the places we have along highways where we eat, fill gas, and run. Chaikhanas served more like the local English pubs which provide a place for a community to come together. There is food, often shelter, and always a place to be with others. Entertainment was provided through story telling and poems. This also created a space for a tremendous exchange of ideas across cultures.

Poetry Chaikhana’s home page states:

Poetry Chaikhana joyfully shares the sacred poetry of cultures, religions, and spiritual traditions from around the world…..As you explore the Poetry Chaikhana, notice the similarity of experience and unity of heart described by Christian saints, Sufi shaikhs, and Hindu mahatmas. While we must cherish the differences within each tradition, those who believe that there is something fundamentally irreconcilable between the spiritual traditions of the world are trapped in misunderstanding and have not yet touched the heart of their own tradition.

It takes a special vision, often obtained through years of training in meditation to see what Ivan sees. Curious to know more, I reached out to him via e-mail.  What was his background?

It was no surprise to read that Ivan has been intensely interested in questions of spirituality and the deeper meaning of life since early childhood.  He did not follow a single path or teacher  although he studied with a few over the years–primarily in the traditions of yoga and esoteric Christianity.  Books, teachers, and saints from many traditions have also been great sources of inspiration.