Holy Company · सत्संग (satsang)

जाके जिव्याँ बंधन नहीं, हृदय में नाहीं सांच। वाके संग न लागिए, खाली वटिया कांच।।३०।।

Do not associate with those who are not bound by any principles and have no truth in their hearts. It is like eating shards of glass.

संत पुरुष की आरसी, संतन की ही देह। लखे जो चाहे अलख को, तिनहीं में लख लेह।।८२।।

The mirror of a saint is the body of saints. If you wish to see the Divine, recognize it within those saints.

हरि संगत शीतल भया, मिटी मोह की ताप। निशि-बासर सुख निधि लही, प्रगट भया हरि आप।।८९।।

Being in the company of the Divine brings tranquility, and the heat of worldly attachment fades away. The treasure of eternal joy is attained by seeking the Divine.

कबीरा संगति साधु की, जौ की भूसी खाय। खीर खांड़ भोज मिले, ताकर संग न जाय।।९८।।

Kabir says, even if you eat husks, if you are in the company of the saint, you will receive the finest food and nourishment. The association with the saint is more valuable than worldly comforts.

कबीरा संगति साधु की, जित प्रीत कीजै जाय। दुर्गति दूर वहावति, देवी सुमति बनाय।।१०२।।

Kabir says that by associating with saints and showing love, misfortune is removed and divine wisdom is attained.

कबीरा संगत साधु की, निष्फल कभी न होय। होमी चन्दन बासना, नीम न कहसी कोय।।१०३।।

Kabir says that the association with saints is never fruitless. The fragrance of sandalwood is never compared to that of neem.

कबीरा मन पँछी भया, भये ते बाहर जाय। जो जैसे संगति करै, सो तैसा फल पाय।।११०।।

Kabir says the mind is like a bird, which flies outside. It receives the fruit according to the company it keeps.

घी के तो दर्शन भले, खाना भला न तेल। दाना तो दुश्मन भला, मूरख का क्या मेल।।१२०।।

Seeing ghee (clarified butter) is good, but eating it is better than oil. Even a grain can be better than a foe; what is the use of being foolish?

बन्धे को बँनधा मिले, छूटे कौन उपाय। कर संगति निरबन्ध की, पल में लेय छुड़ाय।।१३३।।

One can find bound people bound by bondage, but there is no way to escape. By associating with the unbound, one can be freed instantly.

भज दीना कहूँ और ही, तन साधुन के संग। कहैं कबीर कारी गजी, कैसे लागे रंग।।१३६।।

Worship the poor and be in the company of saints. Kabir says, how can the color of a blacksmith be perceived?

राम बुलावा भेजिया, दिया कबीरा रोय। जो सुख साधु संग में, सो बैकुंठ न होय।।१४०।।

Ram sent a summons, and Kabir wept. The joy found in the company of saints cannot even be found in paradise.

संगति सों सुख्या ऊपजे, कुसंगति सो दुख होय। कह कबीर तहँ जाइये, साधु संग जहँ होय।।१४१।।

Good company brings happiness, bad company brings sorrow. Kabir says, go where there is the company of saints.

कबीर मन पंषो भया, जहाँ मन वहाँ उड़ि जाय। जो जैसी संगति करै, सो तैसे फल खाइ।।१९२।।

The mind becomes what it associates with; it flies wherever it is drawn. One reaps the fruit of their associations.

मूरख संग न कीजिये, लोहा जलि न तिराइ। कदली-सीप-भुजगं मुख, एक बूंद तिहँ भाइ।।१९५।।

Do not associate with fools, who cannot be purified by fire. They are like the fruit of a banana, a shell, or a snake's mouth; a single drop is their worth.

पदारथ पेलि करि, कंकर लीया हाथि। जोड़ी बिछटी हंस की, पड़या बगां के साथि।।२४५।।

Holding a pebble with the hand, and pairing it with a swan, was like getting along with the beggar.

कबीर चन्दर के भिरै, नीम भी चन्दन होय। बूड़यो बाँस बड़ाइया, यों जनि बूड़ो कोय।।२९८।।

Kabir says, in the company of the sandalwood tree, even the bitter neem tree becomes fragrant. But a bamboo tree, despite its height, sinks in water. Let no one sink like that.

कबीर साकट की सभा, तू मति बैठे जाय। एक गुवाड़े कदि बड़ै, रोज गदहरा गाय।।३०४।।

Kabir says, do not sit in the company of wicked people. Even if you join them for a moment, their negative influence will grow daily.

संगत सोई बिगुर्चई, जो है साकट साथ। कंचन कटोरा छाड़ि के, सनहक लीन्ही हाथ।।३०५।।

The company that associates with wickedness will be ruined. It is like leaving a golden bowl to hold a piece of coal.

साकट संग न बैठिये, करन कुबेर समान। ताके संग न चलिये, पड़ि हैं नरक निदान।।३०६।।

Do not sit with the wicked, even if they are as rich as Kubera. Do not walk with them, as it leads to hell.

आँखों देखा घी भला, न मुख मेला तेल। साघु सो झगड़ा भला, ना साकट सों मेल।।३१२।।

Seeing clarified butter with your eyes is good, but if your mouth is oily, it is not useful. It is better to have a dispute with a saint than to have a friendship with a wicked person.

जा सुख को मुनिवर रटैं, सुर नर करैं विलाप। जो सुख सहजै पाईया, सन्तों संगति आप।।३२७।।

The happiness that sages recite about is lamented by gods and men. The happiness that comes easily is found in the company of saints.

साधु सिद्ध बहु अन्तरा, साधु मता परचण्ड। सिद्ध जु वारे आपको, साधु तारि नौ खण्ड।।३२८।।

Saints are often great, their knowledge profound. Saints are the masters of wisdom; they can guide one through the nine regions of existence.

सन्त समागम परम सुख, जान अल्प सुख और। मान सरोवर हंस है, बगुला ठौरे ठौर।।३४९।।

The meeting of saints brings supreme happiness, which is known to be greater than all other pleasures. The swan resides in the lake of honor, while the heron dwells in its own place.

सन्त मिले सुख ऊपजै, दुष्ट मिले दुख होय। सेवा कीजै साधु की, जन्म कृतारथ होय।।३५०।।

Meeting saints brings happiness, while meeting the wicked causes sorrow. Serve the saints, and your life will be fulfilled.

संगत कीजै साधु की, कभी न निष्फल होय। लोहा पारस परस ते, सो भी कंचन होय।।३५१।।

Association with saints is never futile. Just as iron turns to gold when touched by the philosopher's stone.

कबीरा संगत साधु की, नित प्रति कीर्ज जाय। दुरमति दूर बहावसी, देशी सुमति बताय।।३७८।।

Constant association with saints drives away evil thoughts and brings wisdom and good understanding.

कबिरा संगति साधु की, जो करि जाने कोय। सकल बिरछ चन्दन भये, बांस न चन्दन होय।।३७९।।

In the company of saints, anyone who understands it becomes like sandalwood trees, but bamboo does not become sandalwood.

साधुन के सतसंग से, थर-थर काँपे देह। कबहुँ भाव कुभाव ते, जनि मिटि जाय सनेह।।३८१।।

From the company of saints, the body trembles with reverence. One should be careful that the affection does not fade due to feelings of false attachment.

साध संग अन्तर पड़े, यह मति कबहु न होय। कहैं कबीर तिहु लोक में, सुखी न देखा कोय।।३८२।।

When there is a gap in the company of saints, this intellect is never right. Kabir says, I have not seen anyone truly happy in all three worlds.

काचा सेती मति मिलै, पाका सेती बान। काचा सेती मिलत ही, है तन धन की हान।।३८५।।

One gains intellect with raw (imperfect) means and skill with mature (perfect) methods. Associating with raw means results in loss of body and wealth.

ब्राह्मण केरी बेटिया, मांस शराब न खाय। संगति भई कलाल की, मद बिना रहा न जाए।।३८९।।

The daughters of Brahmins may not consume meat or alcohol, but if they associate with drinkers, they cannot stay away from intoxication.

जीवन जीवन रात मद, अविचल रहै न कोय। जु दिन जाय सत्संग में, जीवन का फल सोय।।३९०।।

Life is like a night of intoxication, and no one remains steadfast. But if one spends the day in the company of saints, the fruit of life is realized.

मैं सोचों हित जानिके, कठिन भयो है काठ। ओछी संगत नीच की, सरि पर पाड़ी बाट।।३९७।।

I realize that the wood is hard; the path becomes difficult when one takes the lowly company, like a river that has lost its course.

साधू संगत परिहरै, करै विषय का संग। कूप खनी जल बावरे, त्याग दिया जल गंग।।३९९।।

One who leaves the company of saints and indulges in worldly pleasures is like someone who forsakes the Ganges for the water of a pit.

तेल तिली सौ ऊपजै, सदा तेल को तेल। संगति को बेरो भयो, ताते नाम फुलेल।।४०१।।

Oil yields from the seeds, always the oil from the seeds. The fruit of association is similar, and thus the name flourishes.

साधु संग गुरु भक्ति अरू, बढ़त बढ़त बढ़ि जाय। ओछी संगत खर शब्द रू, घटत-घटत घटि जाय।।४०२।।

Association with saints and devotion to the guru increases continually. But association with the lowly and the harsh words decrease continuously.

संगत कीजै साधु की, होवे दिन-दिन हेत। साकुट काली कामली, धोते होय न सेत।।४०३।।

Associate with saints daily, and it will benefit you day by day. The blackened cloth will not get clean, even if you wash it repeatedly.

सह ही में सत बाटई, रोटी में ते टूक। कहैं कबीर ता दास को, कबहुँ न आवे चूक।।४५१।।

The truth lies in the presence of good company, not just a piece of bread. Kabir says to the servant, never let the mistake happen.

जो सुख को मुनिवर रटैं, सुन नर करै विलाप। सो सुख सहजै पाइया, सन्‍तों संगति आप।।५८२।।

Those who recite the happiness of ascetics will lament in life. True happiness is obtained effortlessly through association with saints.

निर्बेरी निहकामता, स्‍वामी सेती नेह। विषया सो न्‍यारा रहे, साधुन का मत येह।।५८८।।

True renunciation and devotion are to be with the Lord. The worldly matters remain separate; this is the belief of saints.

आज काल दिन पांच में, बरस पांच जुग पंच। जब तब साधु तारसी, और सकल परपंच।।५९५।।

In this era of five days, five years, and five ages, saints will continue to save and transcend all deceptions.

साधु साधु सब बड़े हैं, जस पस्‍ते का खेत। कोई विवेकी लाल हैं, और सेत का सेत।।५९९।।

All saints are great, like fields of crops. Some are wise and pure, and some are full of virtues.

सुनिये पार जो पाइया, छाजन भोजन आनि। कहैं कबीर संतन को, देत न कीजै कानि।।६०३।।

Listen, if you have achieved the other shore, provide shade and food. Kabir says, do not let the saints go without offering something.

संत समागम परम सुख, जान अल्‍प सुख और। मान सरोवर हंस है, बगुला ठौर ठौर।।६२४।।

The company of saints is supreme bliss; know that worldly pleasures are minor. The swan swims in the lake of honor, while the heron stays at different places.

सो दिन गया अकाज में, संगत भई न संत। प्रेम बिना पशु जीवना, भाव बिना भटकंत।।६३०।।

The day went in vain without meaningful company. Without love, life is like that of an animal, and without feeling, one wanders aimlessly.

कबीर संगत साधु की, कभी न निष्‍फल जाय। जो पै बोवै भूनिके, फूल फलै अघाय।।६५०।।

The company of saints is never fruitless. Those who sow seeds in fertile soil will yield abundant flowers and fruits.

कबीर कुसंग न कीजिए, पाथर जल न तिराय। बदली सीप भुजंग मुख, एक बूंद तिर भाय।।६५१।।

Do not engage in bad company; a stone does not become wet by water. A drop of water falling into a shell's mouth cannot save it from the snake's bite.

कबीर संगति साधु, जो करि जाने कोय। सकल बिछ चन्‍दन भये, बांस न चन्‍दन होय।।६५३।।

Kabir says that the company of saints transforms everything into sandalwood; bamboo cannot become sandalwood.

एक घड़ी आधी घड़ी, आधी में पुनि आध। कबीर संगत साधु की, कटै कोटि अपराध।।६५७।।

One moment, half a moment, and within half a moment, another half. The company of saints, even for a short time, erases countless sins.

सन्‍त सुरसरी गंग जल, आनि पखारा अंग। मैले से निरमल भये, साधु जन के संग।।६६०।।

The water of the saintly river Ganges purifies the body. The company of the saints cleanses one from impurities.

कबीर कलह अरु कल्‍पना, सत्‍संगति से जाय। दुख वासो भागा फिरै, सुख में रहै समाय।।६६१।।

Quarrels and imagination vanish with the company of the wise. Sorrow flees away, and happiness remains.

मथुरा काशी द्वारिका, हरिद्वार जगनाथ। साधु संगति हरिभजन बिन, कछु न आवै हाथ।।६६२।।

Even visiting sacred places like Mathura, Kashi, Dwarka, Haridwar, and Jagannath brings no benefit without the company of saints and the worship of God.

कबीर संगत साधु की, नित प्रति कीजै जाय। दुरमति दूर बहावसी, देसी सुमति बताय।।६६५।।

Kabir advises to engage in the company of saints regularly. This will dispel evil thoughts and bring wisdom.

कबीर संगत साधु की, जौ भी भूसी खाय। खीर खांड भोजन मिले, साकट संग न जाय।।६६६।।

Kabir suggests that even if one eats simple food in the company of saints, it's better than indulging in rich food in bad company.

कबीर संगत साधु की, ज्‍यों गन्‍धी की बास। जो कुछ गन्‍धी दे नहीं, तो भी वास सुवास।।६६७।।

The company of saints is like the fragrance of perfume, even if the perfume is not applied, the fragrance spreads.

दुनिया सेती दोसती, होय भजन में भंग। एका एकी राम सों, कै साधुन के संग।।८४०।।

Friendship with the world causes disruption in devotion. True unity is with Ram alone, and with the company of the saints.

कबीर संगी साधु का, दल आया भरपूर। इन्द्रिन को तब बांधिया, या तन कीया घूर।।९७६।।

Kabir says, when the company of saints arrives in full force, Only then are the senses controlled, and the body turned to ashes.

इष्‍ट मिले अरु मन मिले, मिले सकल रस रीति। कहैं कबीर तहं जाइये, यह सन्‍तन की प्रीति।।९८३।।

When you meet your chosen one and your mind aligns, all pleasures and rituals unite. Kabir says, go where such love among saints exists.

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.

मन की घाली हूं गई, मन की घाली जाउं। संग जो परी कसंग के, हाटै हाट बिकाउं।।११३२।।

The mind is like a worn-out vessel, and it will remain so. Those who are attached to false company, are sold off in the market.

मन फाटै बायक बुरै, मिटै सगाई साक। जैसे दूध तिवास को, उलटि हुआ जो आक।।११४६।।

The mind's flaws are removed through good company, and unity is established. Just as milk turns into curd, so does unity come from the mind.

कागद केरी नावरी, पानी केरी गंग। कहै कबीर कैसे तिरै, पांच कुसंगी संग।।११५४।।

The paper boat and the water of the Ganges are alike. Kabir asks, how can one cross over with five bad companions?

अकिल बिहूना सिंह ज्‍यों, गयों ससा के संग। अपनी प्रतिमा देखिके, कियो तन को भंग।।१३५३।।

Even a foolish lion, when it associates with rabbits, loses its pride. Seeing its own reflection, it destroys its body.

दीन गरीबी बंदगी, साधुन सो आधीन। ताके संग मैं यौं रहूं, ज्‍यौं पानी संग मीन।।१३९८।।

Humility and service are the true devotion, and the humble are dependent on the saints. I wish to stay with them just as a fish stays in water.

सांचै कोई पतीयई, झूठे जग पतियाय। पांच टका की धोपटी, सात टके बिक जाय।।१४१६।।

No one believes in the truth, but falsehood is widely accepted. A cloth worth five rupees is sold for seven rupees.

कबीर लज्‍जा लोक की, बोलै नाहिं सांच। जानि बूझि कंचन तजै, क्‍यों तू पकड़े कांच।।१४१९।।

Kabir says, out of social shame, people do not speak the truth. Knowing and understanding the value of gold, why do you cling to mere glass?

सांच कहूं तो मारि हैं, झूठे जग पतियाय। यह जग काली कूतरी, जो छेड़े तो खाय।।१४२०।।

If I speak the truth, I am punished; falsehood is accepted in this world. This world is like a black bitch; whoever provokes it will suffer.

जाकी जिह्वा बंद नहिं, हृदय नांही सांच। ताके संग न लागिये, घाले बटिया मांझ।।१५१८।।

One whose tongue never stops and whose heart lacks truth, don't associate with them; they lead you astray.

संगति के सुख ऊपजे, कुसंगति के दुख होय। संसय खंडे जो जना, जो शब्‍द विवेकी होय।।१६८२।।

Happiness arises from good association, and misery from bad association. One who can discern this is wise and free from doubts.

कबीर संगति साध की, कदे न निष्‍फल होइ। चंदन होसी बांवना, नीव न कहसी कोइ।।२००८।।

The company of the virtuous is never fruitless. Even sandalwood, if applied, will not diminish its fragrance.

कबीर संगति साधु की, बेगि करीजैं जाइ। दुरमति दुरि गंवाइसी, देसी सुमति बताइ।।२००९।।

The company of saints swiftly removes ignorance. It dispels foolishness and imparts true wisdom.

मथुरा जावै द्वारिका, भावै जावै जगनाथ। साध संगति हरि भगति बिन, कछु न आवै हाथ।।२०१०।।

One may visit Mathura, Dwarka, or Jagannath, but without the company of saints and devotion to Hari, nothing is achieved.

मेरे संगी दोइ जणां, एक वैष्‍णों एक राम। वो है दाता मुक्ति का, वो सुमिरावै नाम।।२०११।।

I have two companions, one is Vaishnava and the other is Ram. One is the giver of liberation, and the other is the one who remembers the name.

जांनि बूझि सांचहि तजै, करै झूठ सूं नेहु। ताको संगति राम जी, सुपिनै ही जिनि देहु।।२०१६।।

One who understands and abandons falsehood while engaging in truth. That person will have the company of Ram, even in dreams.

मांस अहारी मानवा, प्रत्‍यक्ष राक्षस जानि। ताकी संगति मति करै, होइ भक्ति में हानि।।२२३६।।

A person who consumes meat is known to be a visible demon. Associating with such a person harms one's devotion.