Death · मृत्यु (mrityu)

कबीरा सोया क्या करे, उठि न भजे भगवान। जम जब घर ले जाएंगे, पड़ी रहेगी म्यान।।८।।

Kabir asks, why does one sleep without worshiping God? When death comes to take you away, your body will be left behind like a useless scabbard.

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.

आए हैं सो जाएंगे, राजा रंक फकीर। एक सिंहासन चढ़ चले, एक बँधे जात जंजीर।।१३।।

Those who have come will leave, whether they are kings, paupers, or saints. Some leave in grandeur on thrones, while others leave in chains.

क्या भरोसा देह का, बिनस जात छिन माँह। सांस-सांस सुमिरन करो, और यतन कुछ नाँह।।१६।।

What is the trust in this body? It can perish in a moment. Remember God with every breath, there is no other effort needed.

बैद मुआ, रोगी मुआ, मुआ सकल संसार। एक कबीरा ना मुआ, जेहि के राम अधार।।२७।।

The physician dies, the patient dies, and the entire world dies. Only Kabir, who has the support of God, does not die.

सुमिरन में मन लाइए, जैसे नाद कुरंग। कहैं कबीर, बिसरे नहीं, प्राण तजै तहि संग।।४२।।

Focus your mind on remembrance, like a deer chasing the sound. Kabir says one who does not forget it, even when giving up life, is the true devotee.

उज्‍जवल पहरे कापड़ा, पान सुपारी खाय। एक हरि के नाम बिन, बाँध‍ा यमपुर जाय।।९५।।

Wearing bright clothes and consuming betel leaves and nuts may seem important, but without the name of the Divine, one is bound for the abode of Yama (death).

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?

चलती चक्की देख के, दिया कबीरा रोय। दुइ पट भीतर आइके, साबित बचा न कोय।।१२१।।

Seeing the millstone turning, Kabir weeps. As it grinds the grain, none can escape its relentless motion.

माली आवत देख के, कलियान करी पुकार। फूल-फूल चुन लिए, काल हमारी बार।।१३७।।

Seeing the gardener come, Kaliyan (a name for the gardener) called out. Collecting flowers one by one, the time for our end has arrived.

तू तू करता तू भया, मुझ में रही न हूँ। वारी फेरी बलि गई, जित देखौं तित तू।।१५४।।

You, you kept doing, and you became. I was not there within. Going around in circles, I am now lost in seeing you everywhere.

एक दिन ऐसा होएगा, सब सूँ पड़े बिछोइ। राजा राणा छत्रपति, सावधान किन होइ।।२०८।।

A day will come when everyone will lay down; kings, rulers, and warriors all will be rendered helpless.

कबीर कहा गरबियौ, काल कहै कर केस। ना जाणै कहाँ मारिसी, कै धरि के परदेस।।२११।।

Kabir says, why be proud? Death may strike you anytime, anywhere, and in any foreign land.

उजला कपड़ा पहिरि करि, पान सुपारी खाहिं। एकै हरि के नाव बिन, बाँधे जमपुरि जाहिं।।२१३।।

Dressed in fine clothes and chewing betel leaves, without taking Hari's name, they are bound for the land of Yama.

आपा भेटियाँ हरि मिलै, हरि मेट् या सब जाइ। अकथ कहाणी प्रेम की, कह्या न कोउ पत्याइ।।२३७।।

When one meets the self, they find Hari, and all other desires vanish. The indescribable story of love, no one can truly understand.

कबीर मन मृतक भया, दुर्बल भया सरीर। तब पैंडे लागा हरि फिरै, कहत कबीर कबीर।।२३८।।

When Kabir's mind became lifeless and his body weakened, then Hari came to him again, Kabir says.

छठे मास नहिं करि सके, बरस दिना करि लेय। कहैं कबीर सो भक्तजन, जमहिं चुनौती देय।।३१५।।

If one cannot perform rituals for six months, they can do it for a year. Kabir says such devotees challenge even Yama (the god of death).

ढोल दमामा दुरबरी, सहनाई संग भेरि। औसर चले बजाय के, है कोई रखै फेरि।।४२२।।

The drums and trumpets sound, accompanied by the shehnai and horn. When the time passes, can anyone bring it back?

कुल करनी के कारने, ढिग ही रहिगो राम। कुल काकी लाजि है, जब जमकी धूमधाम।।४३०।।

Due to the deeds of the lineage, Ram remains steadfast. The shame of lineage is only when there is grandeur in death.

ज्यों कोरी रेजा बुनै, नीरा आवै छौर। ऐसा लेखा मीच का, दौरि सकै तो दौर।।४३१।।

As a potter weaves clay, and clear water comes through. Such is the account of the faithful, if you can run, then run.

एक दिन ऐसा होयगा, कोय काहु का नाहिं। घर की नारी को कहै, तन की नारी जाहिं।।४३४।।

One day such will come, when no one will be left. The wife of the house will say, the body will depart.

कुशल-कुशल जो पूछता, जग में रहा न कोय। जरा मुई न भय मुवा, कुशल कहाँ ते होय।।४४०।।

No one remains in the world to ask about well-being. Old age and death are inevitable; where is well-being?

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?

संसै काल शरीर में, जारि करै सब धूरि। काल से बांचे दास जन, जिन पै द्दाल हुजूर।।४४५।।

Death resides within the body, burning everything to dust. But those who have the Lord's grace are saved from it.

मरण भला तब जानिए, छूट जाए हंकार। जग की मरनी क्यों मरें, दिन में सौसौ बार।।४५५।।

Death is only understood when pride is shed. Why die the worldly death, a hundred times a day?

साधो रण में मिट रहा, टूटन दे हंकार। जग की मरनी क्यों मरें, दिन में सौसौ बार।।४५६।।

The saints are destroyed in battle, relinquishing their pride. Why die the worldly death, a hundred times a day?

गगन दमामा बाजिया, पड़े निसाने घाव। खेत बुहारे सूरमा, मोहे मरण का चाव।।४५८।।

The sky reverberates with drums, but the marks of wounds remain. The field is ploughed by warriors, I yearn for death.

गुरु को मानुष जानते, ते नर कहिए अन्‍ध। होय दुखी संसार में, आगे जम का फन्‍द।।४७१।।

Those who recognize the Guru as a human are blind. In this world of suffering, they are trapped in the snare of death.

गुरु कीजै जानि के, पानी पीजै छानि। बिना बिचारे गुरु करे, परै चौरासी खानि।।५३१।।

Know the guru and drink filtered water. Without consideration, the guru acts, leading to eighty-four reincarnations.

बाना पहिरे सिंह का, चलै भेड़ की चाल। बोली बोले सियार की, कुत्ता खावै काल।।६३४।।

Dressing like a lion but walking like a sheep, speaking like a jackal, the dog meets its end.

मांगन मरण समान है, तोहि दई मैं सीख। कहैं कबीर समुझाय के, मति कोई मांगै भीख।।६४४।।

Begging is akin to death; this is what I teach you. Kabir says, those who ask for alms are like those who beg for their lives.

जा घर गुरु की भक्ति नहीं, संत नहीं मिहमान। ता घर जम डेरा दिया, जीवत भये मसान।।६५४।।

In a home where there is no devotion to the guru and no saintly guest, the house becomes a dwelling place for death, and life becomes a graveyard.

गुरु आज्ञा मानै नहीं, चले अटपटी चाल। लोक वेद दोनों गये, आये सिर पर काल।।६७७।।

If one disobeys the Guru's command and follows a misguided path, they lose both worldly and spiritual knowledge, and doom awaits them.

सतगुरु शब्‍द उलंंघि के, जो सेवक कहुं जाय। जहां जाय तह काल है, कहैं कबीर समझाय।।६८०।।

If a servant disobeys the true Guru's words, wherever they go, death awaits them, Kabir explains.

अपने पहरै जागिये, ना परि रहिये सोय। ना जानौ छिन एक में, किसका पहिरा होय।।७३१।।

Wake up in your own time; do not remain asleep. You do not know for a single moment whose watch you are under.

नाम जो रत्ती एक है, पाप जु रत्ती हजार। आध रत्ती घट संचरै, जारि करे सब छार।।७३३।।

The name is worth a single unit, whereas sin is worth a thousand units. A half-unit of sin spreads throughout the entire body, burning everything to ashes.

नीद निशानी मौत की, उठ कबीरा जाग। और रसायन छांडिके, राम रसायन लाग।।७५२।।

Sleep is a sign of death; wake up, Kabir, and be aware. Abandon other medicines and embrace the medicine of Rama's name.

कबीर सूता क्‍या करै, गुण सतगुरु का गाय। तेरे शिर पर जम खड़ा, खरच कदे का खाय।।७६४।।

What does a sleeping person achieve? Sing the virtues of the true Guru. Yama (Death) stands on your head, what will you spend on?

कोई न से जम बांचिया, राम बिना धरि खाय। जो जन बिरही राम के, ताको देखि डराय।।७७८।।

No one has escaped from Yama (Death) without holding on to Ram. Those who long for Ram, even Yama fears them.

राम नाम जाना नहीं, लागी मोटी खोर। काया हांड़ी काठ की, ना वह चढ़े बहोर।।७८८।।

If one does not know the name of Ram, it is like having a heavy load. The body is a clay pot, it will not rise again.

अधिक सनेही माछरी, दूजा अलप सनेह। जबही जलते बीछुरै, तबही त्‍यागै देह।।७९७।।

The fish with more love is more attached, while the other has less affection. When it is burning in water, it abandons the body.

यह तो घर है प्रेम का, ऊंचा अधिक इकंत। शीष काटि पग तर धरै, तब पैठे कोई संत।।८०५।।

This is the abode of love, exalted and solitary. One must cut off their head and place their feet there to enter this sacred place.

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.

जब लग मरने से डरैं, तब लगि प्रेमी नांहि। बड़ी दूर है प्रेम घर, समझ लेहु मन मांहि।।८२०।।

As long as there is fear of death, true love is not present. The home of love is very far; understand this in your mind.

कबीर जो दिन आज है, सो दिन नांहि काल। चेति सके तो चेति ले, मीच परी है ख्‍याल।।८४२।।

Kabir says, the day that is today is not the same as tomorrow. If you can, realize this now, as the moment is slipping away.

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.

मरुं मरुं सब कोइ कहै, मेरी मरै बलाय। मरना था सो मरि चुका, अब को मरने जाय।।८५०।।

Everyone says 'I am dying, my death is inevitable.' If I had to die, I have already died; now who will die?

कबीर गर्व न कीजिये, ऊंचा देखि अवास। काल परे भुंई लेटना, ऊपर जमसी घास।।८५४।।

Kabir, do not be proud, even if you see a high dwelling. Beyond time, the ground remains; above, only grass grows.

कबीर गर्व न कीजिये, चाम लपेटे हाड़। हय बर ऊपर छत्र तट, तो भी देवे गाड़।।८५८।।

Kabir, do not be proud, you are just bones covered with skin. Even if you have a canopy over your head, you will still be buried.

कबीर गर्व न कीजिये, काल गहे कर केश। ना जानौ कित मारि हैं, क्‍या घर क्‍या परदेस।।८६१।।

Kabir, do not be proud, death has grabbed your hair. You do not know when it will strike, whether at home or abroad.

कबीर गाफिल क्‍या करै, आया काल नजीक। कान पकरि के ले चले, ज्‍यौं अजियाहि खटीक।।८६५।।

Kabir, what will the careless person do, as death approaches? It grabs you by the ear and takes you away, like a butcher takes a sheep.

कबीर पानी हौज का, देखत गया बिलाय। ऐसे ही जीव जायगा, काल जु पहुंचा आय।।८६६।।

Kabir, the water of the tank evaporated as I watched. In the same way, the soul will depart when death arrives.

मरेंगे मरि जायंगे, कोय न लेगा नाम। ऊजड़ जाय बसाहिंगे, छोड़‍ि बसन्‍ता गाम।।८६८।।

People will die and pass away, and no one will remember their name. Settlements will be deserted, and the village of spring will be abandoned.

मूरख शब्‍द न मानई, धर्न न सुनै विचार। सत्‍य शब्‍द नहिं खोजई, जावैं जम के द्वार।।८७३।।

The fool does not heed wise words, nor does he listen to reason. He does not seek the truth, and thus he walks toward the gates of death.

कबीर वा दिन याद कर, पग ऊपर तल सीस। मृत मंडल में आयके, बिसरि गया जगदीस।।८७४।।

Kabir, remember that day when your head will be beneath your feet. When you enter the circle of death, you will have forgotten the Lord.

कबीर रसरी पांव में, कह सौवे सुख चैन। मांस नगारा कूंच का, बाजत है दिन रैन।।८७७।।

Kabir says, you feel secure with the rope around your feet, But the drum of death is beating day and night.

आये हैं तो जायेंगे, राजा रंक फकीर। एक सिंहासन चढ़‍ि चले, एक बांधे जात जंजीर।।८७८।।

Everyone who comes must leave, whether king, pauper, or saint. One ascends the throne, and another leaves bound in chains.

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.

मौत बिसारी बावरे, अचरज कीया कौन। तन माटी में मिल गया, ज्‍यौं आटा में लौन।।९०३।।

The foolish forget about death, amazed at what? The body returns to dust, just as flour returns to dough.

पाव पलक की सुधि नहीं, करै काल का साज। काल अचानक मारसी, ज्‍यौं तीतर को बाज।।९१०।।

No attention is paid to the feet or eyelids; time makes its arrangement. Time will strike suddenly, like a hawk on a partridge.

ऊंचा दीसै धौहरा, मांडो चीटां पोल। एक गुरु के नाम बिना, जम मारेंगे रोल।।९११।।

The high is seen as a double ridge, and the ant is caught in the net. Without the name of a guru, Yama will roll you over.

बारी पारी आपने, चले पियारे मीत। तेरी बारी जीवरा, नियरै आवै नीत।।९१३।।

Your turn will come after a while, as dear friends move on. Your turn for life is approaching, but it does not come near as expected.

कबीर केवल नाम की, जब लगि दीपक बाति। तेल घटै बाती बुझै, तब सोवे दिन-राति।।९१४।।

Kabir speaks of the name as the wick of a lamp. When the oil depletes and the wick burns out, then day and night cease.

ऊजल पहिनै कापड़ा, पान सुपारि खाय। कबीर गुरु की भक्ति बिन, बांध जमपुर जाय।।९१७।।

Wearing clean clothes and eating betel leaves, Without devotion to the Guru, one is bound to the realm of death.

परदै रहती पदमिनी, करती कुल की कान। घड़ी जु पहुंची काल की, छोड़ भई मैदान।।९१८।।

The beautiful woman stays hidden, managing her family's honor. When the moment of death arrives, she leaves the field behind.

दुनिया के धोखै मआ, चला कुटुंब की कानि। तब कुल की क्‍या लाज है, जब ले धरा मसानि।।९२७।।

Deceived by the world, the family’s reputation is questioned. What is the pride of lineage when the earth becomes a cremation ground?

हाड़ जरै ज्‍यौं लाकड़ी, केस जरै ज्‍यों घास। सब जग जरता देखि करि, भये कबीर उदास।।९३२।।

Flesh burns like wood, hair burns like grass. Seeing the whole world burning, Kabir became despondent.

एक दिन ऐसा होयगा, सब सों परै बिछोह। राजा राना राव रंक, सावधान क्‍यों नहिं होय।।९३८।।

One day, there will be separation from everyone. Why are not the kings, nobles, and common people alert?

जीवत कोय समझै नहिं, मवा न कह संदेस। तन मन से परिचय नहिं, ताको क्‍या उपदेस।।९५६।।

The living do not understand; death does not give any message. If there is no self-awareness in the body and mind, what advice can be given?

कबीर यह तन जात है, सको तो राखु बहोर। खाली हाथो बह गये, जिनके लाख करोर।।९७३।।

Kabir says, this body is passing away, if you can, save it again. Many with millions passed away empty-handed.

कहैं कबीर देय तू, जब लग तेरी देह। देह खेह हो जायेगी, कौन कहेगा देह।।९७९।।

Kabir says, give while you still have your body. When the body turns to dust, who will ask for it?

काल फिरै सिर ऊपरै, जीवहि नजरि न आय। कहैं कबीर गुरु शब्‍द गहि, जम से जीव बचाय।।१००२।।

Death hovers above, unseen by the living. Kabir says, hold on to the guru's word, it saves the soul from death.

जीवन में मरना भला, जो मरि जानै कोय। मरना पह‍िले जो मरै, अजर अमर सो होय।।१०२९।।

It is better to die while living, if one knows how. One who dies before death, becomes eternal and immortal.

मैं मेरा घर जालिया, लिया पलीता हाथ। जो घर जारो आपना, चलो हमारे साथ।।१०३६।।

I have burned my house, taking the torch in hand. Those who burn their own house, come with me.

सुर सती का सहज है, घड़ी इक का घमसान। मरै न जीवै मरजिवा, धमकत रहे मसान।।१०३९।।

The state of a true saint is natural, but it can be turbulent for a moment. Neither fully dead nor alive, they hover around the cremation ground.

कबीर मिरतक देखकर, मति धारो विश्‍वास। कबहूं जागै भूत ह्वे, करै पिंड का नाश।।१०४०।।

Kabir says, do not trust a dead person as they might wake up as a ghost and destroy the body.

आस पास जोधा खड़े, सबे बजावै गाल। मंझ महल ते ले चला, ऐसा परबत काल।।१०४१।।

Warriors stand all around, all boasting loudly. But when Death arrives, he takes them away from their palaces.

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?

काल पाय जग ऊपजो, काल पाय सब जाय। काल पाय सब बिनसिहैं, काल काल कह खाय।।१०४४।।

Everything in the world arises in time, and everything passes in time. In time, everything perishes, and time devours all.

मैं अकेला वह दो जना, सेरी नाहीं कोय। जो जम आगे ऊबरो, तो जरा बैरी होय।।१०४५।।

I am alone, but they are two; no one is on my side. If I can escape Yama (Death), then old age will be my enemy.

जो उगै सो आथवे, फूले सो कुम्‍ह‍िलाय। जो चूनै सो ढहि पड़, जामै सो मरि जाय।।१०४६।।

Whatever sprouts, fades after blooming. Whatever ripens, eventually falls; whatever is born, ultimately dies.

काल काल सब कोइ कहे, काल न चीन्‍हे कोय। जेती मन की कल्‍पना, काल कहावै सोय।।१०४८।।

Everyone talks about time (death), but no one truly understands it. Whatever is imagined by the mind is called time.

काल फिरै सिर ऊपरे, हाथों धरी कमान। कहैं कबीर गहु नाम को, छोड़ सकल अभिमान।।१०४९।।

Death hovers over your head with a bow in hand. Kabir says, hold onto the name (of God) and abandon all pride.

कबीर टुक टुक चोंघ्‍ज्ञता, पल पल गई विहाय। जिव जंजाले पड़‍ि रहा, दिया दमामा आय।।१०५१।।

Kabir observes each moment passing by, as life is entangled in worldly affairs. And suddenly, the call of death arrives.

काल जीव को ग्रासई, बहुत कह्यौ समझाय। कहैं कबीर मैं क्‍या करूं, कोई नहिं पतियाय।।१०५२।।

Death devours life, as I have often explained. Kabir says, what can I do if no one believes?

झूठे सुख को सुख कहै, मानत है मन मोद। जगत चबेना काल का, कछू मुख कछू गोद।।१०५३।।

The mind finds false pleasures delightful, believing them to be true joy. But the world is just a snack for Death, some in its mouth, some in its lap.

चहुं दिस ठाढ़े सूरमा, हाथ मिले हथियार। सबही यह तन देखता, काल ले गया मार।।१०५४।।

Warriors stand ready in all directions, weapons in hand. Yet, even they watch as Death takes their body away.

हम जान थे खायंगे, बहुत जिमीं बहु माल। ज्‍यौं का त्‍यौं ही रहि गया, पकड़‍ि ले गया काल।।१०५६।।

We thought we would eat and enjoy the vast wealth we had accumulated. But as it was, Death took us away, leaving everything behind.

जोबन सिकदारी तजी, चला निशान बजाय। सिर पर सेत सिरायचा, दिया बुढ़ापा आय।।१०६०।।

Giving up youth and authority, the old age comes with its marks. The head that was adorned, now shows signs of old age.

बालपन भोले गया, और जुवा महमंत। वृद्धपने आलस गयो, चला जरन्‍ते अन्‍त।।१०६२।।

Childhood is innocent, youth is grand. Old age brings laziness, and eventually, death follows.

संसै काल शरीर में, विषम काल है दूर। जाको कोइ जानै नहीं, जारि करै सब धूर।।१०६३।।

In the body, time is a challenge; harsh time is far away. No one knows it; it burns all in its haze.

कबीर गाफिल क्‍यौं फिरै, क्‍या सोता घनघोर। तेरे सिराने जम खड़ा, ज्‍यूं अंधियारे चोर।।१०६४।।

Why is Kabir heedless? What, is he asleep in deep darkness? Death stands by your pillow like a thief in the dark.

जरा आय जोरा किया, नैनन दीन्‍हीं पीठ। आंखौ ऊपर आंगुली, वीष भरै पछ नीठ।।१०६५।।

Old age has come, making the eyes weak. The fingers point upward, filling the eyes with poison and deceit.

पंथी ऊभा पंथ सिर, बगुचा बांधा पूंठ। मरना मुंह आगे खड़ा, जीवन का सब झूठ।।१०६८।।

The traveler stands at the crossroads, the garden is tied with a rope. Death stands before the face, and life is all falsehood.

सब जग डरपैं काल सों, ब्रह्मा विश्‍नु महेस। सुर नर मुनि औ लोक सब, सात रसातल सेस।।१०७०।।

The whole world fears time, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Gods, humans, sages, and all beings, all are subject to time.

कबीर मन्दिर आपने, नित उठि करता आल। मरघट देखी डरपता, चौड़े दीया डाल।।१०७१।।

Kabir's own temple is always attended, yet he fears the cremation ground and lights a broad lamp.

कबीर जीवन कुछ नहीं, खिन खारा खिन मीठ। काल्हि अलहजा मारिया, आज मसाना दीठ।।१०७८।।

Kabir says life is nothing, moments are both bitter and sweet. Yesterday was full of lament, today is a scene of mourning.

काल हमारे संग है, कस जीवन की आस। दस दिन नाम संभार ले, जब लग पिंजर सांस।।१०८०।।

Time is with us, clinging to the hope of life. Ten days of maintaining the name, until the last breath of the cage.

टालै टूलै दिन गयो, ब्‍याज बढ़न्‍ता जाय। ना हरि भजा न खत कटा, काल पहुंचा आय।।१०८१।।

Days pass in delay and the interest increases. Neither devotion to Hari nor resolving the accounts, time reaches its end.

काची काया मन अथिर, थिर थिर करम करन्‍त। ज्‍यौं-ज्‍यौं नर निधड़क फिरै, त्‍यौं त्‍यौं काल हसन्‍त।।१०८५।।

The body is fragile and the mind unstable, yet one performs steady deeds. As the fearless person moves, time laughs at them.

मनुवा तू क्‍यों बावरा, तेरी सुध क्‍यों खोय। मौत आय सिर पर खड़ी, ढलते बेर न होय।।११४२।।

O mind, why are you so foolish? Why have you lost your awareness? Death stands above your head, and you are not prepared.

माया संच संग्रहै, वह दिन जानै नांहि। सहस बरस की सब करै, मर मुहूरत मांहि।।११८५।।

Illusion gathers and stores, but it does not know the day it will end. All the efforts of a thousand years come to nothing in a moment of death.

अपना तो कोई नहिं, हम काहू के नांहि। पार पहूंची नाव जब, मिलि सब बिछुड़े जांहि।।१२१३।।

There is no true ownership; we belong to no one. When the boat reaches the other shore, all those who were separated are reunited.

मोह नदी विकराल है, कोई न उतरै पार। सतगुरु केवट साथ ले, हंस होय जम नार।।१२१७।।

The river of illusion is vast and no one can cross it alone. With the guide of the true Guru, one can become a swan and cross the river of death.

काम कहर असवार है, सबकों मारै धाय। कोई एक हरिजन ऊबरा, जाके नाम सहाय।।१२२९।।

Desire is a devastating calamity, it destroys everyone. Only a few saints, whose names are remembered, escape its effect.

जगत मांहि धोखा घना, अहं क्रोध अरु काल। पौरि पहुंचा मारिये, ऐसा जम का जाल।।१२४१।।

The world is full of deception, with pride, anger, and time. The net of death catches those who reach the end.

अभिमानी कुंजर भये, निज सिर लीन्‍हा भार। जम द्वारे जम कूटहीं, लोहा घड़े लुहार।।१२४८।।

An arrogant elephant carries a heavy burden on its head. At the gate of death, the blacksmith breaks the iron pot.

अहं अगनि हिरदै जरै, गुरु सों चाहै मान। तिनका जम न्‍यौता दिया, हो हमरे मिहमान।।१२४९।।

The fire of ego burns in the heart. Those who desire respect from the guru are invited by death as guests.

आगा पीछा दिल करै, सहजै मिलै न आय। सो बासी जमलोक का, बांधा जमपुर जाय।।१३६९।।

The one who keeps worrying about the past and future doesn't find peace. Such a person is destined for the world of the dead.

मरती बिरियां दान दे, जीवन बड़ा कठोर। कहैं कबीर क्‍यों पाइये, खांड़ा का व चोर।।१३७५।।

At the time of death, people give charity, but life has been harsh. Kabir says, why should we praise a thief with a sword?

नहिं दीन नहिं दीनता, संत नहिं मिहमान। ता घर जम डेरा किया, जीवत भया मसान।।१४०२।।

Where there is no humility or humble behavior, where there are no saints or guests, death has made its home there, and the house becomes a living graveyard.

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.

आगि जो लागि समुद्र महैं, टूटि टूटि खसे झोल। रोबे कबिरा डंफिया, हीरा जरे अमोल।।१४४६।।

When fire burns in the ocean, it breaks and causes an overflow. Kabir says, a priceless gem burns away in its essence.

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.

काल खड़ा सिर ऊपरै, जागि विराने मीत। जाका घर है गेल में, सो कस सोवे निर्चीत।।१४८०।।

Death stands above your head, and yet you sleep peacefully, unaware. How can one sleep soundly when their house is on fire?

गुरु माथे से उतरे, शब्‍द विमूखा होय। बाको काल घसीटि है, राखि सकै नहिं कोय।।१४९४।।

When the Guru's teachings are removed from one's mind, and one turns away from the words, death drags that person, and no one can save them.

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.

घुंघची भर के बाये, उपजी पसेरी आठ। डेरा परा काल, सांझ सकारो जाय।।१५००।।

From a handful of seeds, a large harvest grows. But when death arrives, it takes everything away, whether it is morning or evening.

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.

चलती चक्‍की देख के, मेरे नयन आया रोय। दो पाटन के अन्‍तरे, सालिम बचा न कोय।।१५०४।।

Seeing the grinding mill in motion, tears come to my eyes. Between the two grinding stones, no grain is spared.

चौगोड़ा के देखते, व्‍याधा भागो जाय। अचरज एक देखहु हो संतो, मुवा कालहि खाय।।१५०८।।

The hunter runs away at the sight of the four-sided drum. Oh saints, see this wonder, that death eats the dead.

जरा मरण बालापना, चौथा वृद्ध अवस्‍था आह। जस मुसमसा तके बिलाइ, अस जम घात लगाय।।१५१३।।

Youth, death, childhood, and the fourth is old age. Just like a cat stalks a mouse, death strikes similarly.

जीव मरण जानै नहीं, अन्‍धा भया सब जाय। वादी द्वारे दार नहिं पावै, जन्‍म जन्‍म पछिताय।।१५३१।।

The living do not understand death, they become blind and perish. The orator cannot reach the door, and thus regrets life after life.

ढाढस देखह मरजीवा को, धर जोरि पैढा पाताल। जीव के अटक माने नहीं, ले गहि निकसा लाल।।१५५२।।

See the assurance given to the dying, even if it reaches the depths of the underworld. The living does not understand the meaning, holding onto the red thread.

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.

पांवहिं पहुमी नापते, दरिया करते फाल। हाथन्हि पर्वत तोलते, तेहि धरि खायो काल।।१५८८।।

Measuring the earth with feet, and making waves in the river. Balancing mountains with hands, and yet death consumes it all.

पाव पलक की गमि नहीं, करे काल के साज। बीच अचानक मारिहैं, ज्‍यों तीतर कों बाज।।१५९४।।

The feet cannot measure the blink of an eye, but death prepares its traps. In the midst, it strikes suddenly, like a hawk on a partridge.

बेलि कुढंगी फल निफरो, फुलवा कुबुधि गंधाय। ओर विनष्‍टी तुंबिका, सरो पात करुवाय।।१६१९।।

The creeper produces no fruit; the flower has a bad smell. In this manner, the tender plant withers; the pond dries up.

बैठा रहे सो बानिया, खड़ा रहे सा ग्‍वाल। जागत रहे सो पाहरु, तिहि धरि आयो काल।।१६२०।।

The merchant sits, the cowherd stands. The one who remains awake, death comes to them only after a long time.

मूवा हे मरिं जाहुगे, बिनु सर थोथे भाल। परहु करायल वृक्ष तल, आज मरहु के काल।।१६४६।।

The dead will die, without the head's support. Under the tree of misfortune, today is the time of death.

मानुष ह्वे के नहिं मुवा, मुवा सो डांगर ढोर। एकां जीवहिं ठौर नहिं लागा, भये सो हाथी घोर।।१६५१।।

The human does not die like an animal; the dead one is like cattle. Without a place to live, it becomes a fierce elephant.

मन माया की कोठरी, तन संशय का कोट। विषहर मंत्र न माने, काल सर्प का चोट।।१६५४।।

The mind is a chamber of illusion, and the body is a fortress of doubt. The poison of spells does not affect; it is the bite of the serpent of time.

विरहिनि साजी आरती, दर्शन दीजे राम। मूये दर्शन देहुगे, आवत कवने काम।।१६७३।।

The woman in separation performs the ritual, asking for the sight of Ram. Once she is dead, what is the use of the sight?

समुझाये समुझे नहीं, पर हाथ आप बिकाय। मैं खींचत हौं आपु को, चला सो जमपुर जाय।।१६९२।।

One tries to explain but is not understood, while oneself is sold in the process. I pull myself along, yet it leads to the city of death.

हंस बकु देख एक, रंग चरे हरियरे ताल। हंस क्षीर जानिये, बकु धरेंगे काल।।१७०६।।

The swan looks at the crane, the color of the green lake. Know the swan to be pure, while the crane will eventually meet its end.

हाड़ जरत जैसे लाकरी, केस जरे जैसे घास। कबीरा जरे रामरस, कोठी जरे कपास।।१७१४।।

Just as wood burns and hair burns like grass, Kabir says, the essence of Ram burns, and the mansion burns like cotton.

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.

राम राम सुं दिल मिली, जम सो पड़ी बिराई। मोहि भरोसा इष्‍ट का, बंदा नरकि न जाई।।१८७८।।

When the heart is united with the name of Ram, even Yama (death) becomes a stranger. With faith in the Lord, the soul will not go to hell.

नां कुछ किया न करि सक्‍या, ना करणे जोग सरीर। जे कछु किया सु हरि किया, भया कबीर कबीर।।१८९६।।

I have done nothing, nor was I capable of doing anything; my body was not fit for it. Whatever has been done, it was done by God; thus, I became Kabir, Kabir.

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.

अब तो ऐसी ह्वै पड़ी, मनका रुचित कीन्‍ह। मरनैं कहा डराइये, हाथि स्‍यंधौरा लीन्‍ह।।१९१७।।

Now that it is like this, it has pleased the mind. Why should we fear death? The elephant's tusk has been seized.

जिस मरनै से जग डरै, सो मेरे आनंद। कब मरिहूं कब देखिहूं, पूरन परमानंद।।१९१८।।

That which causes fear to the world is my joy. When will I die and when will I see the complete bliss?

हौं तोहि पूछौं हे सखी, जीवत क्‍यूं न मराइ। मूंवा पीछे सत करै, जीवत क्‍यूं न कराइ।।१९२९।।

I ask you, my friend, why does one not die while living? The dead can be rectified after death, but why is it not rectified while living?

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.

आहेड़ी दौं लाइया, मृग पुकारै रोइ। जा बन में क्रीला करी, दाझत है बन सोइ।।१९४८।।

The deer is crying out and calling in the forest. When the fire rages in the forest, it burns everything within it.

कबीर यहु जग अंधला, जैसी अंधी गाइ। बछा था सो मरि गया, ऊभी चांम चटाइ।।१९७९।।

Kabir says, this world is blind, just like a blind cow. The calf was born but has died, and the skin is left behind.

जांण भगत का नित मरण, अणजाणे का राज। सर अपसर समझै नहीं, पेट भरण सूं काज।।१९९४।।

The devotee is constantly dying in knowledge, while the ignorant seek comfort. They do not understand the essence of the self and are only concerned with fulfilling their basic needs.

एक कनक अरु कांमनी, दोऊ अगनि की झाल। देखें ही तन प्रजलै, परस्‍यां ह्वै पैमाल।।२०४७।।

One gold and one woman, both are like flames of fire. Just seeing them can burn the body, touching them brings destruction.

साषित सण का जेवड़ा, भींगां सू कठठाइ। दोइ अषिर गुरू बाहिरा, बांध्‍या जमपुरि जाइ।।२०७१।।

The rope made of straw, soaked and hardened. Those without a true Guru are bound and taken to the city of death.

तीरथ करि करि मुवा, जुड़े पाणी न्‍हाइ। रामहि राम जपंतडां, काल घसीट्यां जाइ।।२०७७।।

Many have died visiting holy places, bathing in sacred waters. Even while chanting 'Ram', they are dragged away by time.

गगन दमामा बाजिया, हनहनिया के कान। शूरां घिरां बधावना, कायर तजिहैं प्रान।।२०८२।।

The war drums sound in the sky, alarming the ears. Brave ones rejoice in the call to battle, while cowards flee and lose their lives.

ढोल दमामा गडगडी, सहनाई औ तूर। तीनौ निकसि न बाहुरै, साधु सती और शूर।।२०८८।।

The drums, trumpets, and flutes sound aloud. Three types of people never return once they leave: the saint, the virtuous, and the brave.

साधु सती और शूरमां, ज्ञानी औ गजदंत। ऐते निकसि न बाहुरैं, जो युग जाहिं अनंत।।२०८९।।

Saints, virtuous ones, warriors, the wise, and elephants with tusks. Once they leave, they never return, even across endless ages.

शिर राखे शिर जात है, शिर काटै शिर होय। उसे बाती दीप की, कटि उजियारा जोय।।२०९८।।

He who keeps his head safe maintains his dignity, while one who loses his head loses his honor. Like a lamp's wick, he who cuts it makes the light shine bright.

तीर तुपक बरछी बहैं, बिगसि जायगा चाम। शूरा के मैदान में, कायर का क्‍या काम।।२१११।।

Arrows, guns, and spears may be used, but they will only bring death. In the battlefield of the brave, what use is a coward.

बांका गढ बांका मता, बांकी गढकी पौलि। कछि कबिरा नीकसा, यम सिर घाली रौलि।।२१३९।।

The strong fort is the strong mind, and the strong fence is the strong intellect. Kabir says the true protection is the one that conquers even Yama (death).

माता मुये एक फल, पिता मुये फल चार। भाई मूये हानि है, कहैं कबीर बिचार।।२१४९।।

The mother who dies yields one fruit, the father who dies yields four fruits. The death of a brother is a loss, says Kabir.

कबिरा करत है बीनती, भवसागर के तांइ। बंदे पर जोरा होत है, यम को बरजु गुसांइ।।२१८०।।

Kabir makes a plea to cross the ocean of existence. When one is bound, it is the deity of death who is the true enforcer.

मांस भखै औ मद पिये, धन वेश्‍या सों खाय। जूआ खेलि चोरी करै, अंत समूला जाय।।२२४०।।

One who consumes meat and drinks alcohol, eats with prostitutes, gambles, and commits theft, will meet a complete downfall in the end.

सकल बरन एकत्र ह्व, शक्ति पजि मिलि खाहि। हरि दासन की भ्रांति करि, केवल जमपुर जाहिं।।२२४६।।

All castes come together, worshiping strength and eat together. In confusion of being devotees of Hari, they only head towards the land of death.

जीव हनै हिंसा करै, प्रगट पाप सिर होय। निगम पुनि ऐसे पाप तें, भिस्‍त गया नहिं कोय।।२२४९।।

Killing living beings and committing violence are obvious sins. According to the scriptures, no one who commits such sins has ever reached heaven.