Body · शरीर (sharir)

पाँच पहर धंधे गया, तीन पहर गया सोय। एक पहर हरि नाम बिन, मुक्ति कैसे होय।।७।।

Five hours were spent in worldly affairs, three hours in sleep. How can one attain salvation if not even one hour is spent in chanting the name of God?

दुर्लभ मानुष जन्म है, देह न बारंबार। तरुवर ज्यों पत्ती झड़े, बहुरि न लागे डार।।१२।।

The human birth is rare and does not come again and again. Just as a leaf falls from the tree and does not reattach, so too, once life is lost, it cannot be regained.

दस द्वारे का पिंजरा, ता में पंछी का कौन। रहे को अचरज है, गए अचम्भा कौन।।१९।।

The body is like a cage with ten doors, where the soul resides. It is surprising when it stays, and more surprising when it leaves.

काया काठी, काल घुन, जतन-जतन सो खाय। काया वैद्य ईश बस, मर्म न काहू पाय।।६०।।

The body is a wooden vessel eaten by the worms of time. Despite all efforts, it is governed by the divine, and no one understands its essence.

तन बोझत, मन काग है, लक्ष योजन उड़ि जाय। कबहुँ के धर्म अगम दई, कबहुँ गगन समाय।।६६।।

The body is very frail and the mind is like a crow that flies away. Sometimes the path of righteousness is elusive, sometimes it is as vast as the sky.

ज़हर की ज़र्मी में है रोपा, अभी खींचे सौ बार। कबिरा खलक न तजे, जामे कौन विचार।।७६।।

Even if poison is planted a hundred times, the soul does not abandon the body. Kabir questions, who can contemplate this?

कांचै भांडे सम रहे, ज्यों कुम्हार की देह। भीतर राखे राखणा, बाहर चोई देह।।८५।।

Just as a clay pot is protected from within, the body is protected from the inside. The external appearance is like the clay pot itself.

अवगुन कहूँ शराब का, आपा अहमक होय। मानुस ते पशु भया, दाम गाँठ ते खोय।।९७।।

The faults of alcohol make one foolish and arrogant. It transforms a human into an animal, and wealth is lost due to greed.

काह भरोसा देह का, बिनस जात छिन मारहिं। साँस-साँस सुमिरन करो, और यतन कछु नाहिं।।१०५।।

Why rely on the body, which perishes every moment? Remember the Divine with every breath and make no other effort.

काया काढ़ा काल घुन, जतन-जतन सो खाय। काया बह्रा ईश बस, मर्म न काहूँ पाय।।१०६।।

The body is consumed by the worm of time, no matter how much effort you make. The body is impermanent; no one understands its essence.

कहे कबीर देय तू, जब तक तेरी देह। देह खेह हो जाएगी, कौन कहेगा देह।।११२।।

Kabir says, give away all you can while your body is still here. When the body is gone, who will speak of it?

तन को जोगी सब करे, मन को बिरला कोय। सहजै सब विधि पाइये, जो मन जोगी होय।।१२७।।

Many practice yoga for the body, but few do so for the mind. The true essence is easily attained if the mind is focused on yoga.

दस द्वारे का पींजरा, तामें पंछी मौन। रहे को अचरज भयौ, गये अचम्भा कौन।।१२९।।

In the cage with ten doors, the bird remains silent. It is surprising that no one notices, and who is astonished by this?

राम नाम चीन्हा नहीं, कीना पिंजर बास। नैन न आवे नीदरौं, अलग न आवे भास।।१३९।।

One does not recognize the name of Rama, though one lives in a cage (body). Sleep does not come to the eyes, and there is no distinct vision.

इस तन का दीवा करौ, बाती मेल्यूं जीवउं। लोही सींचो तेल ज्यूं, कब मुख देख पठिउं।।१५९।।

Make this body a lamp, and the wick is the life. Pour the oil of devotion like molten iron, and then you will see the divine face.

माषी गुड़ मैं गड़ि रही, पंख रही लपटाई। ताली पीटै सिरि घुनै, मीठै बोई माइ।।१९४।।

The jaggery is melting in the syrup, while the fan continues to stir it. The sweetness remains, and the noise continues.

पाव पलक तो दूर है, मो पै कहा न जाय। ना जानो क्या होयगा, पाव के चौथे भाय।।४२६।।

Not even a moment is certain, let alone a step. Who knows what may happen in the next few moments?

कहा चुनावै मेड़िया, लम्बी भीत उसारि। घर तो साढ़े तीन हाथ, घना तो पौने चारि।।४२८।।

Where is the choice of the media? The high walls are narrow. The house is only three and a half hands, and the courtyard is barely four.

कबीर काया पाहुनी, हंस बटाऊ माहिं। ना जानूं कब जायगा, मोहि भरोसा नाहिं।।४३६।।

Kabir’s body is a guest, a swan residing within. I do not know when it will depart, I have no trust in it.

जरा श्वान जोबन ससा, काल अहेरी नित्त। दो बैरी बिच झोंपड़ा, कुशल कहाँ सो मित्र।।४४१।।

Old age is like a dog, youth like a rabbit, and time is the hunter. In between these two enemies, where is the friend called well-being?

देह धरे का गुन यही, देह देह कछु देह। बहुरि न देही पाइये, अकी देह सुदेह।।४५०।।

This is the virtue of holding the body; the body is just the body. You won’t get this body again; it’s a rare body.

षड़ विकार यह देह के, तिनको चित्त न लाय। शोक मोह प्‍यासीह छुधा, जरा मृत्‍यु नशि जाय।।६१९।।

The six vices of the body should not be in one's mind. Grief, illusion, thirst, hunger, old age, and death are transient.

माला तिलक तो भेष है, राम भक्ति कछु और। कहैं कबीर जिन पहिरिया, पांचों राखै ठौर।।६४२।।

Garlands and tilaks are mere attire, while devotion to Ram is something else entirely. Kabir says, those who wear it, keep all five places sacred.

भक्ति की यह रीति है, बंधे करे जो भाव। परमारथ के कारने, यह तन रहो कि जाव।।७१०।।

The nature of devotion is to bind with feelings. For the sake of higher purpose, whether this body remains or not, does not matter.

जा घट प्रेम न संचरै, सो घट जानु मसान। जैसे खाल लुहार की, सांस लेत बिन प्रान।।८१८।।

A body where love does not reside is like a cremation ground. Just like a leather hide that breathes without life.

ज्‍यौं कोरी रेजा बुनै, नीरा आवै छोर। ऐसा लेखा मीच का, दौरि सके तो दौर।।८४४।।

Just as a weaver creates cloth with thread and water, Such is the account of the thread of life; if you can, understand it.

कबीर गर्व न कीजिये, देही देखि सुरंग। बिछुरे पै मेला नहीं, ज्‍यों केचुली भुजंग।।८६३।।

Kabir, do not be proud seeing the beauty of the body. Once separated, it will not meet again, like the snake sheds its skin.

यह तन काचा कुंभ है, लिया फिरै थे साथ। टपका लागा फुटि गया, कछू ना आया हाथ।।८८९।।

This body is like a fragile earthen pot, which you carried with you. When it struck the ground, it broke, and you were left with nothing in hand.

यह तन काचा कुंभ है, माहिं किया रहि वास। कबीर नैन निहारिया, नहिं जीवन की आस।।८९०।।

This body is like a fragile pot, within which life resides. Kabir looks at it and realizes there is no hope for eternal life.

कबीर नौबत आपनी, दिन दस लेहु बजाय। यह पुर पट्टन यह गली, बहुरि न देखहु आय।।८९६।।

Take your time to play your own drum for ten days. This city, this street, will never be seen again.

पांच तत्‍व का पूतरा, मानुष धरिया नाम। दिन चार के कारने, फिर फिर रोके ठाम।।९००।।

The human body is made of the five elements, bearing a name. For just four days, it remains at rest before it moves on again.

कबीर थोड़ा जीवना, माढै बहुत मढ़ान। सबही ऊभा पंथ सिर, राव रंक सुलतान।।९२१।।

Kabir says life is short, and the world is very deceptive. All paths are open, whether for kings or commoners.

यह औसर चेत्‍या नहीं, पशु ज्‍यौं पाली देह। राम नाम जान्‍यो नहीं, अन्‍त पड़े मुख खेह।।९२३।।

This opportunity is not recognized, like animals maintaining the body. Not knowing the name of Ram, in the end, one faces suffering.

आज काल के बीच में, जंगल होगा बास। ऊपर ऊपर हल फिरै, ढोर चरेंगे घास।।९३१।।

In the midst of Time, there will be a forest dwelling. Above, the plow moves, and cattle graze on the grass.

पानी केरा बुदबुदा, अस मानुष की जात। देखत ही छिप जाएगा, ज्‍यौं तारा प्रभात।।९३३।।

The bubbles of water are like the human race. They will disappear as soon as they are seen, like stars at dawn.

या दुनिया में आय के, छांडि देय तू ऐंठ। लेना है सो लेय ले, उठी जात है पैंठ।।९६१।।

Having come into this world, abandon your arrogance. Take what you need, as the market is about to close.

जैसा भोजन खइये, तैसा ही मन होय। जैसा पानी पीजिये, तैसी बानी होय।।९७१।।

As is the food you eat, so becomes your mind. As is the water you drink, so becomes your speech.

शब्‍द गुरु का शब्‍द है, काया का गुरु काय। भक्ति करै नित शब्‍द की, सत्‍गुरु यौं समुझाय।।१०२५।।

The word is the guru's word, and the body is the guru's body. One should constantly worship the word, as the true guru teaches.

पांचों इन्द्रिय छठा मन, सम संगत सूचंत। कहैं कबीर जग क्‍या करे, सातों गांठ निश्चिन्‍त।।१०३३।।

The five senses and the mind together make six, with the right company, Kabir says, the seven knots become free of worries.

जरा कुत्ता जोबन ससा, काल अहेरी नित्त। दो बैरी बिच झोंपड़ा, कुशल कहां सो मित्त।।१०४२।।

Old age is like a dog, youth is like a rabbit, and Death is the constant hunter. In the hut between these two enemies, where is safety, friend?

आप स्‍वारथी मेदिनी, भक्ति स्‍वारथी दास। कबीर जन परमार्थी, डारी तन की आस।।१०९४।।

You are self-interested earth, devotion is self-interested servant. Kabir's followers are selfless, abandoning attachment to the body.

काया देवल मन धजा, विषय लहर फहराय। मन चलते देवल चले, ताका सरबस जाय।।११०५।।

The body is a temple, and the mind is its flag. When the mind moves, the temple moves along with it; thus, everything follows.

मन पांचौं के बस पड़ा, मन के बस नहिं पांच। जित देखूं तित दौं लगी, जित भाग् तित आंच।।११४७।।

The mind is under the control of the five senses, but the five senses are not under the control of the mind. Wherever I look, there are distractions; wherever I go, there is burning.

इन पांचौ से बंधिया, फिर फिर धरै शरीर। जो यह पांचौं बसि करै, सोई लागै तीर।।११५५।।

Bound by these five senses, the body repeatedly takes birth. He who controls these five senses, crosses over to safety.

मन नहिं मारा करि सका, न मन पांच प्रहारि। सील सांच सरधा नहीं, अजह् इन्द्रि उघारि।।११५७।।

The mind cannot be killed by force, nor can it be conquered by five attacks. Without virtue, truth, and faith, the senses remain uncovered.

मन ते माया ऊपजै, माया तिरगुण रूप। पांच तत्‍व के मेल में, बांधे सकल सरूप।।१२०८।।

Illusion arises from the mind and takes on the form of the three gunas (qualities). It binds all forms through the combination of the five elements.

कामी कुत्ता तीस दिन, अन्‍तर होय उदास। कामी नर कुत्ता सदा, छह रितु बारह मास।।१२२७।।

A desirous dog may become sad after thirty days, but a desirous man is like a dog forever, throughout the six seasons and twelve months.

कामी तो निरभय भया, करै न कहाूं संक। इन्‍द्री केरे बसि पड़ा, भूगते नरक निसंक।।१२३३।।

The desirous person becomes fearless and does not have any doubts. Controlled by the senses, he experiences hell without fear.

भक्ति बिगाड़ी कामिया, इन्द्रिन केरे स्‍वाद। हीरा खोया हाथ सों, जनम गंवाय बाद।।१२३५।।

Desire spoils devotion and indulges the senses. One who loses a gem from his hand wastes his life in the process.

काया खेत किसान मन, पाप पुन्न दो बीव। बोया लूनै आपना, काया कसकै जीव।।१३३२।।

The body is like a field and the mind like a farmer. The actions of sins and virtues are like seeds sown; the consequences affect the body.

मन मक्‍का दिल द्वार‍िका, काया काशी जान। दश द्वारे का देहरा, तामें ज्‍योति पिछान।।१३८६।।

Consider the mind as Mecca, the heart as Dwarka, and the body as Kashi. Recognize the light within the temple of ten doors (the body).

सद पाणी पाताल का, काढ़‍ि कबीरा पीव। बासी पाव पड़‍ि मुए, विषै बिलंबे जीव।।१४२८।।

The true water is from the depths of the underworld, and Kabir drinks it. The stale water is deadly, and its poison delays life.

आजु काल दिन कइक में, स्थिर नाहिं शरीर। कहहिं कबीर कस रखिहो, कांचे बासन नीर।।१४४९।।

In these times, the body is not stable even for a day. Kabir questions, how can you preserve delicate clothes?

कलि काठी कालो घुना, जतन जतन घुन खाय। काया मध्‍ये काल बसतु है, मर्म न कोई पाय।।१४७५।।

The body is like a wooden log infested with termites. Despite all efforts, the termites continue to eat away. The essence of death resides in the body, but no one understands its secret.

काहे हरिणी दुर्बली, चरे हरियरे ताल। लक्ष्‍य अहेरी एक मृग, केतिक टारे भाल।।१४८४।।

Why is the deer so weak, even though it grazes on green grass? The hunter targets one, but how long can the arrow be avoided?

खेत भला बीज भला, बोइल मुठिका फेर। काहे बिरवा रूखरा, ई गुण खेतहिं केर।।१४८८।।

The field is good, the seed is good, yet the plant grows rough. It is the quality of the field that matters.

गोरख रसिया योग के, मुये न जारे देह। मांस गलि माटी मिली, कोरो मांजी देह।।१४९७।।

Gorakh, the lover of yoga, did not burn his body after death. The flesh decayed and merged with the earth, leaving nothing but bones.

चंदन वास निवारहु, मूये सबै निपातिया। जिवत जीव जनि मारेहु, मूये सबै निपातिया।।१५०१।।

The fragrance of sandalwood disappears after death, but do not harm a living being, for all perish after death.

जिव बिनु जीव जिवे नहीं, जिव को जीव अधार। जीव दया के पालिये, पंडित करहु विचार।।१५२७।।

Without life, the living cannot survive; life is the foundation of existence. Show compassion to all living beings, ponder on this, O scholars.

दोहरा कथि कहहिं कबीर, प्रतिदिन समय जु देखि। मुई गये न बहुरे, बहुरि न ऐहैं फेरि।।१५६८।।

Kabir says this twice: observe the passage of time daily. Once life is gone, it does not return; it does not come again.

पंच तत्त ले या तन कीन्‍हा, सो तन काही ले दीन्‍हा। कर्महि के वश जीव कहत है, कर्महि को जिव दीन्‍ह।।१५८०।।

The body is composed of the five elements, and it is given its form. The life of the being is subject to actions, and actions define the life.

पंच तत्‍व का पूतरा, मानुष धरिया नाम। एक कला के बीछुरे, बिकल होत सब ठांव।।१५८१।।

The body is made of the five elements and is called human. Detached from one art, it becomes disturbed everywhere.

पंच तत्त्‍व को पूतरा, जुक्ति रची मैं कीव। मैं तोहिं पूछौ पंडिता, शब्‍द बड़ा की जीव।।१५८३।।

The body made of five elements, I have composed the logic. I ask you, scholars, which is greater, the word or the life?

पूर्व उगे पश्चिम अथवे, भखे पवन को फूल। ताका राहु काल गरासे, मानुष काहे को भूल।।१५९६।।

East rises, west also, like the flower in the wind. Time consumes all paths, why does man forget?

बांह मरोरे जात है, सोबत लिया जगाय। कहहिं कबीर एकारि कै, पिण्‍ड रहौ कै जाय।।१६११।।

One twists their arms, but it remains in vain. Kabir says that life continues in this manner; the body remains as it is.

मनुष्‍य जन्‍म दुर्लभ है, होय न दूजी बार। पक्‍का फल जो गिर परै, बहुरि न लागै डार।।१६३५।।

Human birth is rare and cannot be attained again. Once a ripe fruit falls, it does not return to the branch.

मानष तेरा गुण ही बड़ा, मांस न आवे काज। हाड़ न होते आभरण, त्‍वचा न बाजन बाज।।१६३६।।

The quality of a human is great; flesh does not serve the purpose. Without bones as ornaments, the skin does not make music.

रामनाम जिन चीन्हिया, झीने पिंजर तासु। रैनि न आवे नींदरी, अंग न चढ़‍िया मांसु।।१६६४।।

Those who recognize the name of Ram, find the cage of the body. Night does not bring sleep, and flesh does not satisfy.

यहु तन जालौं मसि करूं, ज्‍यूं धूवां जाइ सरग्‍ग‍ि। मति वै राम दया करै, बरसि बुझावै अग्‍ग‍ि।।१७४६।।

Let this body be burnt like ink, as smoke rises to heaven. The mind, however, needs Ram's grace to extinguish the fire within.

यह तन जालौं मसि करौं, लिखौं राम का नाउं। लेखणि करूं करंक की, लिखि राम पठाउं।।१७४७।।

Let this body be burnt like ink, and let me write the name of Ram. Using this pen, I inscribe Ram’s name and send it.

इस तन का दीया करौं, बाती मेल्‍यूं जीव। लोही सींचौं तेज ज्‍यूं, कब मुख देखौं पीव।।१७५८।।

I make the lamp of this body, and the wick is my life. I pour the oil of devotion, and when will I see my Lord’s face?

नींव बिहूंणां देहुरा, देह बिहूंणां देव। कबीर तहां बिलंबिया, करे अलष की सेव।।१८२०।।

The temple without a foundation is the body, and the deity without a body is God. Kabir says that there, neglect and indolence are worshipped.

पाणी केरा पूतला, राख्‍या पवन संवारि। नानां बांणी बोलिया, जोति धरी करतारि।।१८६६।।

Humans are mere dolls of water, sustained by the breath of life. The Creator has infused them with divine light, allowing them to speak and act.

षूंणै पड्या न छुटियो, सुण‍ि रे जीव अबूझ। कबीर मरि मैदान मैं, करि इंद्रया सूं झूझ।।१९०८।।

The deaf will not escape from the truth, listen, O soul. Kabir says, even in death, struggle with the senses.

कोइ एक देखै संत जन, जांकै पांचूं हाथि। जाके पांचूं बस नहीं, ता हरि संग न साधि।।१९३४।।

One who truly sees a saint knows that all five senses are under control. If one's senses are not under control, one cannot attain union with the Divine.

दौं लागी साइर जल्‍या, पंषी बैठे आइ। दाधी देह न पालवै, सतगुर गया लगाइ।।१९४६।।

Both the fire and the water have been consumed, and the birds have come to sit. The unworthy body cannot be saved; the True Guru has departed.

जेती देखौं आत्‍मा, तेता सालिगराम। साधू प्रत्‍यक्ष देह हैं, नहीं पाथर सू कांम।।२०२५।।

The soul that I see is the same as the Saligram. The saint's visible form is more significant than the stone.

विषै विलंबी आत्‍मां, ताका मजकण खाया सोधि। ग्‍यांन अंकून न ऊगई, भावै निज प्रमोधि।।२०५४।।

The soul indulged in poison, finds its joy in the feast of senses. Knowledge doesn't sprout in such a mind, they revel in their own delusion.

ग्‍यांनी तो नींडर भया, मांजै नां‍हीं संक। इंद्री केरे बसि पड़या, भूंचौं विषै निसंक।।२०६०।।

The wise become fearless, free from doubt. But those under the sway of senses, are fearless in worldly poison.

कब‍िरा सोई शूरमां, जिन पांचों राखी चरि। जिनके पांचूं मोकली, तिनसूं साहब दूर।।२०८०।।

Kabir says, true heroes are those who control their five senses. Those who fail are far from the Lord.

कबिरा सोई शूरमां, जाके पांचूं हाथ। जाके पांचूं वश नहीं, तो हरि संग न साथ।।२०८१।।

Kabir says, true warriors are those who have control over all five senses. Those who don't have control are not close to God.

रन धसिया ते उॅबरा, आया गरह निंवास। घरूं बधावा बाजिया, औ जोवन की आस।।२१२०।।

The brave rise from the battlefield and return to their home. Celebrations at home and the hope of life continue.

यह कूकर को भक्ष है, मनुष्‍य देह क्‍यों खाय। मुख में आमिख मेलिके, नरक परते जाय।।२२४२।।

This is the food for dogs, why should it be eaten by humans? With such impurities in the mouth, one will end up in hell.