Salutation to the Dawn
By Kālidāsa, translated from the Sanskrit
Listen to the salutation to the dawn.
Look to this day for it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of our existence;
The bliss of growth, the splendour of beauty.
For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well spent makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore to this day.
Such is the salutation to the dawn.
Comments
Amazingly evocative poem, beautiful ancient wisdom; a little frustrating trying to get accurate sourcing, with different names and eras cited for the author
An anonymous visitor, 13th July 2025