Psalms 57:1 Meaning Be Merciful to Me

Saraṇa: Refuge

Going for shelter to something worthy of trust. Crouched in the cave with Saul's men on the hills, the plea runs to a covering that will hold, the shadow of thy wings. The mind stops casting about for its own hiding place and rests under one roof. A chick that hears the hawk and darts under the hen's spread feathers.

Saddhā: Trust

The leaning of the heart on what can bear its weight. My soul trusteth in thee is the whole self handed over, no reins kept back for the frantic escape. Where that trust settles, the clutching hands come loose. Full weight let down onto ground that will not give way.

Karuṇā: Compassion

The wish that another's pain be eased. Be merciful, cried twice, reaches toward a tenderness that bends down to the trapped and frightened. The doubled cry is the sound of one who has learned where mercy waits and runs straight to it. A hand lowered to someone stuck at the bottom of a pit.

Anicca: Impermanence

Every arising thing passes on. Until these calamities be overpast holds the plain truth that even this cornered terror has an end written into it, like weather. The refuge is needed for a season, not forever, because the storm itself will move through. Wait under the ledge and watch the rain slacken and stop.