The Chanting Stones

Summary

In “The Chanting Stones,” Leona Smith Kremser presents a lyrical meditation on a pilgrim’s experience at Old Stone Cliff. The poem describes an ancient cave carved into the cliff, where a serene image of the Jina sits amid marigolds and incense. The solitary pilgrim, kneeling at the lotus seat, begins to hear a “paiseful chant” emanating from the stones themselves: they praise the Jina and remind him that knowing the soul in living stones and all living beings leads to the highest religion—non‑injury. As the pilgrim follows the sound, he finds mites of stones tumbling down and hears the stones’ tiny voices praising him. The chanting conveys a universal message: even inanimate stones and moss carry the echo of ahimsa, reinforcing the idea that non‑violence is not merely a human ethic but a cosmic principle. The pilgrim joins the chant, realising that all beings—including stones—“abide in faith in the Jina of non‑injury.” The poem culminates with a salutation to the Jina and notes that the experience occurred on 8 April 1994. Through vivid imagery, Kremser illustrates the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality, suggesting that sacred spaces resonate with the teachings of Jainism for those who listen deeply. The piece uses the motif of chanting stones to symbolise the persistence of Jaina values in the natural world and the pilgrim’s inner transformation as he attunes himself to those values. It also reflects on the simplicity and humility of pilgrimage, emphasising that profound insights often arise in quiet, unassuming environments. Overall, the poem underscores that reverence for life and the practice of non‑injury are inscribed not only in scriptures but also in the very stones of the earth.