Hypocrisy · पाखंड (pakhand)

सुख में सुमिरन ना किया, दुःख में किया याद। कहे कबीर ता दास की, कौन सुने फरियाद।।३।।

In times of happiness, you did not remember God, but in times of sorrow, you cry out to Him. Kabir says, who will listen to the plea of such a servant?

कबीरा जपना काठ की, क्या दिखलावे मोय। हृदय नाम न जपे अगर, यह जपनी क्या होय।।२५।।

Kabir says, what use is a wooden rosary if the heart does not chant the name of God? What value does such a rosary hold?

राम रहे बन भीतरे, गुरु की पूजा न आस। कहै कबीर पाखंड सब, झूठे सदा निराश।।२९।।

Even if Lord Ram resides in the forest, there is no hope in worshiping a false guru. Kabir says, all hypocrisy leads to disappointment.

फूटी आँख विवेक की, लखे न संत-असंत। जाके संग दस-बीस हैं, ताको नाम महंत।।५२।।

With the eye of wisdom gone blind, one cannot distinguish between the saint and the non-saint. The one who is surrounded by ten or twenty followers is considered a great soul.

ऊँचे कुल में जामिया, करनी ऊँच न होय। सौंरण कलश सुरा भरी, साधु निंदा सोय।।७२।।

Being born into a high caste does not make one noble. A pot filled with holy water or wine is still considered low if it is used for criticizing the pious.

लोग भरोसे कौन के, बैठे रहें उरगाय। जीय रही लूटत जम फिरे, मेंढ़ा लुटे कसाय।।७७।।

Whom can people rely on, while they sit comfortably? Life continues to be robbed by time, and the wicked are looting everywhere.

साँई आगे साँच है, साँई साँच सुहाय। चाहे बोले केस रख, चाहे घौंट भुण्डाय।।७९।।

The truth is in the presence of the Divine; the Divine is truth and beauty. Whether one keeps long hair or shaves, it is of no consequence.

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.

आस पराई राखता, खाया घर का खेत। औरन को पथ बोधता, मुख में डारे रेत।।९३।।

He who keeps others' hopes alive while eating the produce of his own field, shows others the way but hides sand in his mouth.

बानी से पहचानिए, साम चोर की घात। अन्दर की करनी से सब, निकले मुँह की बात।।१३४।।

Recognize the deceit of a thief through their speech. The truth of one's actions will come out through their words.

मूँड़ मुड़ाये हरि मिले, सब कोई लेय मुड़ाय। बार-बार के मुड़ते, भेड़ न बैकुण्ठ जाय।।१३५।।

Turning around to meet the Lord is futile; everyone just turns around. Repeated turning will not lead the sheep to heaven.

कबीर सतगुर ना मिल्या, रही अधूरी सीष। स्वाँग जती का पहरि करि, धरि-धरि माँगे भीष।।१५२।।

Without finding the True Guru, the head remains incomplete. Wearing the disguise of a hermit, one keeps begging for blessings.

पतिबरता मैली भली, गले कांच को पोत। सब सखियन में यों दिपै, ज्यों रवि ससि को जोत।।१६५।।

A devoted wife may be unclean, but if she applies glass (to adorn herself) around her neck, she shines among all friends, like the sun and moon's light.

परनारी का राचणौ, जिसकी लहसण की खानि। खूणैं बेसिर खाइय, परगट होइ दिवानि।।१६६।।

The conduct of a woman is compared to a container of garlic. One who eats without consideration of others, reveals their true nature.

कबीर कलि खोटी भई, मुनियर मिलै न कोइ। लालच लोभी मसकरा, तिनकूँ आदर होइ।।१६८।।

The Kali Yuga has become corrupt, and no sage is found. The greedy and deceitful are honored instead.

काजी-मुल्ला भ्रमियां, चल्या युनीं कै साथ। दिल थे दीन बिसारियां, करद लई जब हाथ।।१८४।।

The clerics and scholars wander around with their followers. They forget the essence of faith and only focus on rituals.

जेता मीठा बोलरगा, तेता साधन जारिग। पहली था दिखाइ करि, उडै देसी आरिग।।१९०।।

The sweeter the speech, the more deceptive the practice. Initially, it may appear appealing, but ultimately, it leads to illusion.

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.

कैसो कहा बिगाड़िया, जो मुंडै सौ बार। मन को काहे न मूंडिये, जामे विषम-विकार।।२१८।।

What harm is there in shaving the head a hundred times? Why not shave the mind that is full of severe defects?

माला पहरयां कुछ नहीं, भगति न आई हाथ। माथौ मूँछ मुंडाइ करि, चल्या जगत् के साथ।।२१९।।

Wearing a rosary achieves nothing, devotion is not attained. Shaving the head and mustache, they follow the ways of the world.

बैसनो भया तौ क्या भया, बूझा नहीं बबेक। छापा तिलक बनाइ करि, दगहया अनेक।।२२०।।

What is the use of being a Vaishnav if one does not understand wisdom? Wearing marks and tilak, they deceive many.

स्वाँग पहरि सो रहा भया, खाया-पीया खूंदि। जिहि तेरी साधु नीकले, सो तो मेल्ही मूंदि।।२२१।।

Donning a disguise, one falls asleep, eating and drinking without care. The path your saints took, you have sealed it shut.

राजा की चोरी करे, रहै रंग की ओट। कहैं कबीर क्यों उबरै, काल कठिन की चोट।।२६५।।

A king's theft is hidden behind the guise of color. Kabir asks, how can one escape the severe blows of time?

गुरुवा तो घर फिरे, दीक्षा हमारी लेह। कै बूड़ौ कै ऊबरो, टका परदानी देह।।२८५।।

The Guru returns home after giving initiation, leaving us to drown or swim on our own. Such a Guru is like a penny-pinching miser.

गुरुवा तो सस्ता भया, कौड़ी अर्थ पचास। अपने तन की सुधि नहीं, शिष्य करन की आस।।२८६।।

The Guru has become so cheap, worth just a few pennies, that he does not even care for himself, yet hopes to guide his disciples.

शिष किरपिन गुरु स्वारथी, किले योग यह आय। कीच-कीच के दाग को, कैसे सके छुड़ाय।।२९३।।

A miserly disciple and a selfish Guru—how can this be a good match? The stains of greed cannot be washed away, no matter how hard they try.

साकट का मुख बिम्ब है, निकसत बचन भुवंग। ताकि औषण मौन है, विष नहिं व्यापै अंग।।३००।।

The face of an ungodly person is like a fruit, but their words are like a serpent’s venom. The best ornament for them is silence, so the poison does not spread.

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.

साकट सूकर कीकरा, तीनों की गति एक। कोटि जतन परमोघिये, तऊ न छाड़े टेक।।३०८।।

The wicked, the pig, and the thorn tree all have the same nature. Despite a million efforts, they do not change their ways.

हरिजन आवत देखिके, मोहड़ो सूखि गयो। भाव भक्ति समझयो नहीं, मूरख चूकि गयो।।३०९।।

Seeing the devotee of God, the wicked person’s face becomes pale. They do not understand the essence of devotion and miss the true path.

खसम कहावै बैरनव, घर में साकट जोय। एक धरा में दो मता, भक्ति कहाँ ते होय।।३१०।।

The master may call her a wicked woman, but if there is a wicked person in the house, how can true devotion exist where there are two opposing ideas?

घर में साकट स्त्री, आप कहावे दास। वो तो होगी शूकरी, वो रखवाला पास।।३११।।

If a wicked woman is in the house, she may call herself a servant, but she is actually like a pig, and the guardian is near.

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.

बार-बार नहिं करि सके, पाख-पाख करिलेय। कहैं कबीरन सो भक्त जन, जन्म सुफल करि लेय।।३१४।।

One cannot perform rituals repeatedly, but if done properly, it is effective. Kabir says that such devotees will make their lives fruitful.

आज काल के लोग हैं, मिलि कै बिछुरी जाहिं। लाहा कारण आपने, सौगन्ध राम कि खाहिं।।३४६।।

People of today meet and then part ways. They seek their own gain, swearing by Ram's name.

यह कलियुग आयो अबै, साधु न जाने कोय। कामी क्रोधी मस्खरा, तिनकी पूजा होय।।३५५।।

This age of Kali has arrived, and no one knows the true saints. The lustful, angry, and foolish are worshipped instead.

साधु भया तो क्या भया, माला पहिरी चार। बाहर भेष बनाइया, भीतर भरी भंगार।।३६३।।

What if one becomes a saint, wearing a garland of four beads? Externally adopting a disguise, but filled with rubbish inside.

मन मैला तन ऊजरा, बगुला कपटी अंग। तासों तो कौवा भला, तन मन एकहि रंग।।३६९।।

The mind is impure and the body is outwardly clean, like a deceitful heron. Compared to such a person, a crow is better as its body and mind are of the same color.

भेष देख मत भूलिये, बूझि लीजिये ज्ञान। बिना कसौटी होत नहीं, कंचन की पहिचान।।३७०।।

Do not be deceived by outward appearance; seek the inner knowledge. True gold is identified only through a proper test.

फाली फूली गाडरी, ओढ़ि सिंह की खाल। साँच सिंह जब आ मिले, गाडर कौन हवाल।।३७१।।

A jackal dressed in a lion's skin may seem mighty, but when a real lion arrives, the jackal's disguise is worthless.

मन दिया कहुँ और ही, तन साधुन के संग। कहैं कबीर कोरी गजी, कैसे लागै रंग।।३८०।।

The mind is elsewhere, while the body is with the saints. Kabir says, it is like a barren field; how can it bear fruit?

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.

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.

खेत बिगारेउ खरतुआ, सभा बिगारी कूर। भक्ति बिगारी लालची, ज्यों केसर में घूर।।४१५।।

A careless farmer ruins the field, a cruel person disrupts the assembly. A greedy person ruins devotion, like adding dirt to saffron.

कहते तो कहि जान दे, गुरु की सीख तु लेय। साकट जन औ श्वान को, फेरि जवाब न देय।।४५२।।

If they say, say you know; take the Guru's teaching. Don’t reply to the hypocrites and dogs again.

सोना सज्जन साधुजन, टूट जुड़े सौ बार। दुर्जन कुंभ कुम्हार के, एके धक्का दरार।।४५४।।

Gold and virtuous saints may break and rejoin a hundred times. The wicked, like a clay pot, breaks with a single blow.

गुरवा तो सस्‍ता भया, पैसा केर पचास। राम नाम धन बेचि के, शिष्‍य करन की आस।।५१४।।

The Guru has become cheap, valuing himself at just fifty rupees. Selling the wealth of God's name, he hopes to make disciples.

गुरु लोभी शिष लालची, दोनों खेले दांव। दोनों बूड़े बापुरे, चढ़‍ि पाथर की नांव।।५२२।।

The greedy guru and the avaricious disciple both play tricks. Both are old and decrepit, riding a boat made of stone.

जा गुरु को तो गम नहीं, पाहन दिया बताय। शिष शोधे बिन सेइया, पार न पहुंचा जाय।।५२४।।

The guru who is indifferent and gives stone as guidance. The disciple searches without a boat, cannot cross the river.

पूरा सतगुरु न मिला, सुनी अधूरी सीख। स्‍वांग यती का पहिन के, घर-घर मांगी भीख।।५२९।।

Without finding a complete true guru, one hears incomplete teachings. Wearing the disguise of a monk, begs for alms from door to door.

गुरु भया नहिं शिष भया, हिरदे कपट न जाय। आलो पालो दुख सहै, चढ़‍ि पाथर की नाव।।५३३।।

Neither has the guru become a guru, nor has the disciple become a disciple. The heart remains deceitful, and the boat of stone does not rise above pain.

साकट का मुख बिंब है, निकसत बचन भुवंग। ताकी औषधि मौन है, विष नहिं व्‍यापै अंग।।५४९।।

The face of the wicked is like a snake, whose words are poisonous. The remedy for such a person is silence, as poison does not spread if the body is not exposed to it.

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.

कोटि-कोटि तीरथ कर, कोटि-कोटि करु धाम। जब लग साधु न सेवई, तब लग काचा काम।।६०२।।

Visiting millions of pilgrimage sites and performing countless rituals are futile as long as one does not serve a saint.

जौन चाल संसार की, तौन साधु को नाहिं। डिंभ चाल करनी करै, साधु कहो मत ताहि।।६०८।।

Whatever is the trend of the world, a saint does not follow it. Do not call someone a saint who practices hypocrisy and deceit.

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.

आजकल के लोग हैं, मिलिके बिछुरी जाहिं। लाहा कारण आपने, सोगंद रामकि खांहि।।६२३।।

People nowadays separate even when they meet. They cause their own loss and take an oath in the name of Ram.

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.

माला तिलक लगाय के, भक्ति न आई हाथ। ढाढ़ी मूंछ मुंडाय के, चले दुनी के साथ।।६३६।।

Wearing a garland and applying a tilak does not bring devotion. Shaving one's beard and mustache, and moving along with the world is not true devotion.

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.

ऊंचे कुल कह जनमिया, करनी ऊंच न होय। कनक कलश मद सो भरा, साधुन निन्‍दा सोय।।६५६।।

Even if one is born into a high caste, their actions may not be high. A pot filled with gold is still filled with wine; so is a person who criticizes the saints.

भक्ति भेष बहु अन्‍तरा, जैसे धरनि अकाश। भक्‍त लीन गुरु चरण में, भेष जगत की आश।।७०१।।

Devotion can be concealed under many disguises, just as the sky is covered by the earth. A true devotee is absorbed in the guru's feet, disregarding the world's appearance.

जब लग नाता जाति का, तब लग भक्ति न होय। नाता तोड़े गुरु भजै, भक्ति कहावे सोय।।७०२।।

As long as one clings to caste and lineage, true devotion is not achieved. One must break these attachments and worship the guru for true devotion.

प्रेम बिना जो भक्ति है, सो निज दंभ विचार। उदर भरन के कारन, जन्‍म गंवाये सार।।७०३।।

Devotion without love is mere hypocrisy. It is a result of seeking to fill one's own needs, rendering the birth useless.

और कर्म सब कर्म है, भक्ति कर्म निहकर्म। कहैं कबीर पुकारि के, भक्ति करो तजि भर्म।।७०८।।

All actions are just actions, but devotion is beyond action. Kabir says, renounce deceptive rituals and practice true devotion.

भक्ति कठिन अति दुर्लभ, भेष सुगम नित सोय। भक्ति जु न्‍यारी भेष से, यह जानै सब कोय।।७१२।।

Devotion is extremely difficult and rare, while external appearances are easy to attain. Everyone knows that devotion is different from mere appearances.

देखा देखी भक्ति का, कबहुं न चढसी रंग। विपत्त‍ि पड़े यो छाड़सी, केचुलि तजत भुजंग।।७१४।।

Imitative devotion will never take root. When difficulties arise, it will be abandoned just like a snake sheds its skin.

टोटे में भक्ति करैं, ताका नाम सपूत। मायाधारी मसखरैं, केते गये अऊत।।७२४।।

Those who practice devotion in the parrot (of the world) are considered virtuous. Those who are false and deceitful, many have left this way.

माला फेरत जग भया, मिटा न मन का फेर। कर का मनका डारि दे, मनका मन का फेर।।७४५।।

Turning the beads does not remove the inner turmoil. Throw away the beads of the hand and focus on the turmoil of the mind.

बाहिर क्‍या दिखलाइये, अन्‍तर जपिये राम। कहा महोला खलक सों, पयों धनी सों काम।।७५६।।

Why display externally? Meditate on Rama within. What is the use of showing off with the crowd when you have work with the Divine?

माला तो कर में फिरै, जीभ फिरै मुख मांहि। मनुवा तो चहुं दिशि फिरै, यह तो सुमिरन नांहि।।७७६।।

The rosary moves in the hand, the tongue moves in the mouth. The mind wanders in all directions, this is not true remembrance.

प्रेम बिकाता मैं सुना, माथा साटै हाट। पूछत बिलम न कीजिये, तब छिन दीजै काट।।७९८।।

I have heard that love is sold, and heads are placed at the market. Do not delay in asking; when the moment is gone, it is cut off.

प्रेम बिना नहिं भेष कछु, नाहक करै सुवाद। प्रेम बाद जग लग नहीं, सबै भेष बरबाद।।८१५।।

Without love, no disguise is of any use, and it leads to unnecessary pretense. After love, the world seems meaningless, and all disguises are ruined.

प्रेम प्रीति से जो मिले, ताको मिलिये धाय। कपट राखिके जो मिले, तासे मिलै बलाय।।८२४।।

Meet those who come with genuine love and affection. Avoid those who come with deceit and falsehood.

अहिरन की चोरी करै, करे सुई का दान। ऊंचा चढ़‍ि कर देखता, केतिक दूर विमान।।८७१।।

He steals from the poor but donates a needle. He climbs high to see how far the airplane is.

बैल गढन्‍ता नर गढ़ा, चूका सींग रु पूंछ। एकहि गुरु के नाम बिनु, धिक दाढ़ी धिक मूंछ।।९०७।।

The bull may dig the ground, its horn and tail are misplaced. Without the name of the single guru, shame upon the beard and mustache.

कुल करनी के कारनै, हंसा गया बिगाय। तब कुल काको लाजि है, चारि पांव का होय।।९१५।।

Due to the actions of the family, the swan has become flawed. Then what is the shame for the family, if it affects the four-legged?

खाय पकाय लुटाय के, कर‍ि ले अपना काम। चलती बिरिया रे नरा, संग न चलै छदाम।।९४९।।

Eat, cook, and plunder, and then complete your work. The procession continues, but the deceitful are not carried along.

गारी ही से ऊपजै, कलह कष्‍ट औ मीच। हरि चले सो सन्‍त है, लागि मरै सो नीच।।९८७।।

From abuse arise conflicts, pain, and destruction. Those who walk with Hari are saints; those who fall are lowly.

शब्‍द कहै सो कीजिये, बहुतक गुरु लबार। अपने अपने लाभ को, ठौर ठौर बटपार।।९९५।।

Do what the word says, many gurus are deceivers. Each one looks for their own gain, everywhere they bargain.

कुबुधि कमानी चढ़‍ि रही, कुटिल बचन के तीर। भरि भरि मारे कान में, सालै सकल सरीर।।९९९।।

Wickedness is like a bow, and cruel words are its arrows. These words strike the ears repeatedly and pierce the entire body.

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.

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.

सुर नर मुनि सबको ठगै, मनहिं लिया औतार। जो कोई याते बच, तीन लोक ते न्‍यार।।११२२।।

The gods, humans, and sages all deceive, taking the mind as their vehicle. Those who escape this deception are beyond the three worlds.

बात बनाई जग ठग्‍यो, मन परमोधा नांहि। कहैं कबीर मन लै गया, लख चौरासां मांहि।।११४०।।

The world is deceived by crafted stories, but the mind remains unsatisfied. Kabir says that the mind has gone astray, amidst countless deceptions.

माया मन की मोहिनी, सुर नर रहे लुभाय। इन माया सब खाइया, माया कोय न खाय।।११८८।।

Illusion is the enchantress of the mind, captivating gods and humans alike. Everyone is deceived by illusion, but illusion itself is not deceived.

माया तो ठगनी भई, ठगत फिरै सब देस। जा ठग से ठगनी ठगी, ता ठग को आदेस।।११८९।।

Illusion has become a deceiver, roaming around the entire world. When one deceiver is deceived by another, it shows the essence of deception.

माया माथे सींगड़ा, लम्‍बे नौ नौ हाथ। आगे मारै सींगड़ा, पाछै मारै लात।।११९०।।

Illusion has horns on its head, nine hands long. It strikes with its horns in front and kicks from behind.

कबीर माया मोहिनी, मोहै जान सुजान। भागै हू छूटे नहीं, भरि भरि मारै बान।।१२०३।।

Kabir says, illusion is enchanting and deceives even the wise. Even if one tries to escape, it does not let go and continually strikes with its arrows.

गार अंगार क्रोध झल, निन्‍दा धूवां होय। इत तीनों को परिहरै, साधु कहावै सोय।।१२३८।।

Anger is like burning embers, and slander is like smoke. One who abandons these three is called a saint.

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.

मान बड़ाई देखि कर, भक्ति करै संसार। जब देखै कछु हीनता, अवगुन धरै गंवार।।१२६४।।

Seeing pride and greatness, the world engages in devotion. When they see any inferiority, they blame others as ignorant.

ऊंचा देखि न राचिये, ऊंचा पेड़ खजूर। पंखि न बैठे छांयड़े, फल लागा पै दूर।।१२७१।।

Do not admire height; the date palm tree is tall. Birds do not sit in its shade, and its fruits are far away.

निन्‍दक तो है नाक बिन, निसदिन विष्‍ठा खाय। गुन छाड़े अवगुन गहै, तिसका यही सुभाय।।१२८२।।

A critic is like a leech; it feeds on waste every day. Abandon virtues and hold onto vices, such is the nature of the critic.

दोष पराया देखि के, चले हसन्‍त हसन्‍त। अपने चित्त न आवई, जिनको आदि न अन्‍त।।१२८९।।

People laugh and point out others' faults, but they cannot see their own faults. They are ignorant of both the beginning and the end.

आप राखि परमोधिये, सुनै ज्ञान अकराथि। तुस कूटै कन बाहिरी, कछू न आवै हाथि।।१३०३।।

Preserve yourself with wisdom, for those who speak knowledge but act otherwise gain nothing.

कथनी मीठी खांड सी, करनी विष की लोय। कथनी से करनी करै, विष से अमृत होय।।१३०६।।

Words are as sweet as sugar, but actions are like poison. When actions are taken based on words, the poison turns into nectar.

कथनी काची होय गयी, करनी करी न सार। श्रोता वक्‍ता मरि गया, मूरख अनंत अपार।।१३०८।।

Words have become hollow, and actions lack essence. The speaker and the listener are both lost, endlessly ignorant.

पानी मिलै न आप को, औरन बकसत छीर। आपन मन निहचल नहीं, और बंधावत धीर।।१३१४।।

You do not get water, but others are given milk. Your own mind remains unsettled, while you remain steadfast in holding others.

जैसी मुख ते नीकसे, तैसी चालै नाहिं। मानुष नहीं वे श्‍वान गति, बांधे जमपुर जांहि।।१३२०।।

One's actions should match their words; otherwise, they are not human but like dogs, bound by the noose of fate.

करनी बीन कथनी कथै, अज्ञानी दिन रात। कूकर सम भूकत फिरै, सुनी सुनाई बात।।१३२२।।

Without actions, mere words are meaningless. Ignorant people speak day and night without understanding, like a dog that keeps barking at hearsay.

चोर चोराई टूंबरी, गाड़े पानी मांहि। वह गाड़े तो ऊछलै, करनी छानी नाहिं।।१३२६।।

A thief hides in a well, and when the water is filled, he jumps out. Actions reveal their truth, unlike superficial appearances.

कबीर सजड़े की जड़ा, झूठा मोह अपार। अनेक लुहारे पचि मुये, उझड़त नहीं लगार।।१३३४।।

The root of deceit is false pride. Many metalworkers have perished, yet the falsehood remains unshaken.

पाहन लै देवल रचा, मोटी मूरत माहिं। पिण्‍ड फूटि परबश रहै, सो लै तारे काहिं।।१३४८।।

The stone makes a temple and forms a grand image. But the broken stone remains in its place, why worship it?

पाहन पूजि के, होन चहत भव पार। भीजि पानि भेदै नदी, बूड जिन सिर भार।।१३४९।।

Worshipping stones, one seeks to cross over the cycle of life. But those who drown in the water of a river cannot cross with a heavy load on their head.

पाहन पानी पूजि के, पचि मूआ संसार। भेद अलहदा रहि गया, भेदवन्‍त सो पार।।१३५१।।

Worshipping stones and water, the world dies away. The distinctions remain, and those who understand them cross over.

कुबुधी को सूझै नहीं, उठि उठि देवल जाय। दिल देहरा को खबरि नहीं, पाथर ते कह पाय।।१३५४।।

An ignorant person does not understand; they keep going to temples. They don't know the heart's residence, how can they know the stones?

कबीर सालिगराम का, मोहिं भरोसा नाहिं। काल कहर की चोट में, बिनसि जाय छिन माहिं।।१३५६।।

Kabir says he doesn't trust the idol of Shaligram, as it can be destroyed in an instant by the stroke of time.

पूजा सेवा नेम व्रत, गुड़ि‍यन का सा खेल। जब लग पिव परसै नहीं, तब लग संसै मेल।।१३५७।।

Worship, rituals, and fasts are like the play of dolls, until you experience the touch of the Beloved, doubt remains.

पाहन पूजै हरि मिलै, तो मैं पूजूं पहार। ताते तो चक्‍की भली, पीसि खाय संसार।।१३५८।।

If God could be found by worshipping a stone, then I'd worship a mountain. Better to use a millstone and feed the world.

पाहन ही का देहरा, पाहन ही का देव। पूजन हारा आंधरा, क्‍यों करि मानै सेव।।१३५९।।

The temple is made of stone, and the deity is also stone. The blind worshiper, how can he be truly devoted?

आतम दृष्टि जानै नहीं, न्‍हावै प्रात:काल। लोकलाज लिया रहे, लागा भरम कपाल।।१३६०।।

He doesn't understand the vision of the self, but bathes early in the morning to maintain his social reputation, carrying the illusion on his forehead.

कबीर जेता आतमा, तेता सालिगराम। बोलनहारा पूजिये, नहिं पाहन सो काम।।१३६१।।

Kabir says that every soul is a Shaligram. Worship those who speak wisdom, not the stones.

तुरक मसीत देहर हिन्‍दू, आप आप को धाय। अलख पुरुष घट भीतरे, ताका पार न पाय।।१३६४।।

The Turk (Muslim) rushes to the mosque, the Hindu to the temple. The unseen Divine is within the heart, yet they cannot find it.

जप तप दीखै थोथरा, तीरथ ब्रत विश्‍वास। सूवा सेमल सेइया, यों जग चला निरास।।१३६५।।

Chanting and penance appear hollow, pilgrimages and vows are empty faith. Like a parrot sitting on a silk-cotton tree, the world moves on in disappointment.

कांकर पाथर जोरि के, मसजिद लई चुनाय। ता चढ़‍ि मुल्‍ला बांग दे, बहिरा हुआ खुदाय।।१३७०।।

They built a mosque by piling up bricks and stones, and the mullah calls out from it as if God has become deaf.

पाहन केरी पूतरी, करि पूजै संसार। याहि भरोस मत रहो, बूड़ो काली धार।।१३७१।।

The world worships a doll made of stone, but don't rely on it, for it will drown you in the dark stream.

पांच तत्‍व का पूतरा, रज बीरज की बूंद। एकै घाटी नीसरा, ब्राह्मन क्षत्री सूद।।१३७२।।

This body is made of five elements and a drop of semen and ovum. From the same source emerge Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Shudra.

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?

पाहन को क्‍या पूजिये, जो नहिं देय जवाब। अंधा नर आशा मुखी, यों ही खोवै आब।।१३७६।।

Why worship a stone that cannot answer? The blind man, driven by hope, loses his essence in vain.

नहाये धोये क्‍या भया, जो मन मैल न जाय। मीन सदा जल में रहै, धोये बास न जाय।।१३७८।।

What is the use of bathing and cleaning if the mind's impurity remains? Even though the fish lives in water, it still smells.

पूजै सालिगराम को, मन की भ्रान्ति न जाय। शीतलता सपने नहीं, दिन दिन अधिक लाय।।१३८२।।

Worshiping the Shaligram does not remove the delusions of the mind. Instead of peace, it only increases more day by day.

सेवै सालिगराम को, माया सेती हेत। पहिरै काली कामली, नाम धरावै सेत।।१३८३।।

One worships the Shaligram out of attachment to material wealth. He wears a black blanket but pretends to have a pure white name.

मूरति धरि धंधा रचा, पाहन को जगदीस। मोल लिया बोलै नहीं, खोटा बिसवा बीस।।१३८५।।

By setting up an idol, people have created a business, turning stone into God. Though they bought it, it doesn't speak, and it's worth less than a counterfeit coin.

दया भाव हिरदै नहीं, ज्ञान कथै बेहद। ते नर नरकहि जाहिंगे, सुनि सुनि साखी शबद।।१३९१।।

Those who have no compassion in their hearts but talk endlessly about knowledge will end up in hell, despite hearing countless teachings.

आचारी सब जग मिला, बीचारी नहिं कोय। जाके हिरदै गुरु नहीं, जिया अकारथ सोय।।१३९२।।

The world is full of those who follow rituals, but there is no one who truly contemplates. Those without a guru in their hearts live a wasted life.

नीचे नीचे सब तिरै, संत चरण लौ लीन। जातिहि के अभिमान ते, बूड़े सकल कुलीन।।१४०३।।

Those who remain humble and devoted to the feet of saints, sail through life. But those who are proud of their caste drown despite their high status.

सांचै कोई न पतीयई, झूठे जग पतियाय। गली गली गो रास फिरै, मदिरा बैठ बिकाय।।१४११।।

No one believes in the truth, but the falsehoods of the world are widely accepted. The streets are full of deception, and wine is sold everywhere.

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.

सांचे को सांचा मिलै, अधिक बढ़ै सनेह। झूठे को सांचा मिलै, तड़ दे टूटे नेह।।१४२१।।

The truth found in truth increases love; the truth found in falsehood causes love to break.

कबीर सिरजनहार बिन, मेरा हितू न कोइ। गुण औगुण बिहड़ै नहीं, स्‍वारथ बंधी लोइ।।१४३७।।

Kabir says that without the Creator, there is no one who benefits me. Virtue and vice are not separate; all is bound by self-interest.

औरनि के समुझावते, जिभ्‍या परिगौ रेत। राशि बिरानी राखते, खयिनि घर का खेत।।१४६८।।

While advising others, your own tongue turns to sand. Guarding others' wealth, you eat up your own fields.

कबीर का घर शिखर पर, जहां सिलहली गैल। पांव न टिके पिपिलि का, तहां खलकोन लादा बैल।।१४७०।।

Kabir's home is at the peak, where the path is slippery. Even an ant cannot stand firm there, how can the wicked load a bull?

ऐसी गति संसार की, ज्‍यों गाडर के ठाट। एक परे जेहि गाड़ में, सबै गाड़ में जाय।।१४८२।।

The fate of the world is like a herd of sheep. Once one falls into a ditch, the rest follow.

चंदन सर्प लपेटिया, चंदन काह कराया। राम-राम विष भीनिया, अमृत कहां समाय।।१५०२।।

The sandalwood tree is entwined by a snake, rendering its fragrance useless. Even the name of Ram is tainted with poison, how can nectar remain?

चकोर भरोसे चंद के, निगले पप्‍तांगार। कहहिं कबीर दाधे नहीं, ऐसी वस्‍तु लगार।।१५०३।।

The chakora bird, trusting the moon, swallows burning embers. Kabir says, do not be misled by such false things.

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.

तीरथ गए ते बहि मुए, जूड़े पाणि नहाय। कहहिं कबीर पुकारि के, राक्षस होय पछताय।।१५६१।।

Those who go to pilgrimage die outside, they do not bathe in the holy water. Kabir says, those who lament are demons.

तीरथ गए तीन तीन जना, चित चंचल मन चोर। एको पाप न काटिया, लादिन मन दस और।।१५६२।।

Three people went on pilgrimage, with restless and thieving minds. They did not cut a single sin, but carried ten more in their minds.

कबिरन भक्ति बिगारीयां, कंकर पत्‍थर धोय। अंदर में विष राखि के, अमृत डारिन खोय।।१६२६।।

Kabir says that devotion is tainted, washing pebbles and stones. Inside, poison is kept while nectar is lost.

मानुष केही अथाइया, मति कोइ पठे धाय। एकहि खेत चरत है, बाघ गदहरा गाय।।१६३७।।

The human is deceitful, the intellect sends him astray. He roams in the same field, like a tiger among cows.

मुख की मीठी जो कहै, हृदये है मति आन। कहहिं कबीर तेहि लोकनि से, ऐसो राम सयान।।१६४२।।

One who speaks sweetly with the mouth, yet has evil intentions in the heart. Kabir says that such people are deceivers, pretending to be wise.

मूरख सों का कहिए, सठ सों कहा बसाय। पाहन में का मारिये, चोखे तीर नसाय।।१६४५।।

What can be said to a fool, and what can be done to a scoundrel? Hitting a stone does not remove the arrow's mark.

मलयागिरि के बास महं, बेधो ढ़ाक पलास। वेणा कबहन बेधिया, जुगजुग रहते पास।।१६५७।।

In the residence of Malaya Mountain, there are trees like Dhak and Palash. The Veena (a musical instrument) has always resided there, enduring through ages.

हंसा के घट भीतरे, बसे सरोवर खोट। एकौ जीव ठौर नहिं लागा, रहा सो ओटहि ओट।।१७०८।।

Within the vessel of the swan resides the tainted lake. No living being finds a place; all remain hidden behind covers.

मन फाटा वाइक बुरै, मिटी सगाई साक। जौ परि दूध तिवास का, ऊकटि हूवा आक।।१८८८।।

An evil-torn mind destroys all relationships and connections. Just as a drop of poison spoils an entire pot of milk.

कबीर प्रगट राम कहि, छांनै राम न गाइ। फूस क जौंड़ा दूरि करि, ज्‍यूं बहुरि न लागै लाइ।।१९३०।।

Kabir says, if one speaks of the revealed Ram but does not sing of Ram, then it is like removing the thatch from the roof, which does not stop the rain from falling again.

राम जपत दालिद भला, टूटि घर की छांनि। ऊचे मंदिर जालि दे, जहां भगति न सारंगपांनि।।१९८८।।

Chanting Ram is good for the poor, even if the roof of the house breaks. Set fire to the high temple where devotion does not reach.

पांहण केरा पूतला, करि पूजैं करतार। इही भरोसै जे रहे, ते बूड़े काली धार।।२०२१।।

Worshipping a stone idol, relying on it, is like trusting a broken, old, and worn-out piece.

पाहिन कूं का पूजिए, जे जनम न देई जाब। आंधा नर आसामुषी, यौंही खोवै आब।।२०२३।।

Why worship a stone that does not give birth? The blind man remains in darkness and loses his way.

हम भी पाहन पूजते, होते रन के रोझ। सतगुर की कृपा भई, डारया सिर के बोझ।।२०२४।।

We also worship stones, but it is like facing the battlefield. By the grace of the True Guru, the burden on the head is removed.

सेवैं सालिगराम कूं, मन की भ्रांति न जाइ। सीतलता सपिनैं नहीं, दिन दिन अधकी लाइ।।२०२६।।

Serving the Saligram does not remove the delusion of the mind. The coolness of the dream is not found, it remains incomplete each day.

सेवैं सालिगराम कूं, माया सेती हेत। ओढ़ें काला कापड़ा, नांव धरावैं सेत।।२०२७।।

Serving the Saligram is for the sake of illusion. They wear black cloth and take the name for show.

जप तप दीसैं थोथरा, तीरथ ब्रत बेसास। सूवै सैबल सेबिया, यौं जग चल्‍या निरास।।२०२८।।

The rituals of chanting and penance appear hollow, and pilgrimages and fasts are meaningless. Those who sleep in comforts, see the world go by in vain.

परनारी राता फिरै, चोरी विढता खांहिं। दिवस चारि सरसा रहै, अंति समूला जांहिं।।२०३९।।

A woman who roams around with someone else's affection appears sweet for a few days, but ultimately, she ends up in ruin.

कलि का स्‍वामीं लोभिया, पीतलि धरी षटाइ। राज दुबारां यों फिरै, ज्‍यूं हरिहाई गाइ।।२०६७।।

The master of Kali Yuga is greedy, hiding brass under gold. He wanders in the royal court, like a cow tied in a circle.

पाड़ोसी सू रूसणां, तिल तिल सुख को हांणि। पंडित भए सरावगी, पांणी पीवें छांणि।।२०७२।।

Quarreling with neighbors, bit by bit, happiness is lost. Scholars have become hypocrites, drinking only filtered water.

पंडित सेती कहि रह्या, भीतरि भेद्या नाहिं। फिर‍ि प्रमोधै आन कौं, आपण समझै नाहिं।।२०७३।।

The scholar speaks outwardly but has not pierced within. He misleads others but does not understand himself.

रासि पराई राषतां, खाया घर का खेत। औरां कौं प्रमोधतां, मुख मैं पड़‍िया रेत।।२०७४।।

Coveting others' wealth, you eat up your own fields. Misleading others, you fill your mouth with sand.

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.

साधु सती औ शूरमां, राखा रहै न ओर। माथा बांधि पताक सों, नेजा घालैं चोर।।२०९३।।

Saints, virtuous ones, and warriors cannot be protected in any other way. Even if one wraps their head in a flag, thieves will still intrude.

कहै दरबारी बातरी, क्‍यों पावै वह धाम। शीश उतारै संचरै, नाहिं और को काम।।२०९७।।

The courtier speaks of divine realms, but why does he attain that state? He bows his head and wanders, but does not engage in other tasks.

घटी बढी जानै नहीं, मनमें राखे जीत। गाडर लडै गयन्‍दसा, देखो उलटी रीत।।२१४६।।

One who does not know the ups and downs, keeps victory in the mind. The hypocrite fights with pride, and observes a reversed way.

मा मारी धी घर करै, गऊ सो बच्‍छा खाय। ब्राह्मन मारै मदपिये, तो स्‍वर्गापुर जाय।।२१४८।।

The mother dies, and the daughter-in-law manages the house, the cow eats the calf. If the Brahmin kills the drunkard, he goes to heaven.

कबिरा भलि बिगारिया, करि करि मैला चित्त। नफर भि एसा चाहिये, साहब से राखै हित्त।२१८८।।

Kabir has ruined himself, making his heart dirty repeatedly. Even punishment should be such that it preserves the Lord's goodwill.

ब्राह्मन राजा बरन का, और पवनी छत्तीस। रोटी ऊपर माछली, सब बरन भये खबीस।।२२४३।।

Brahmins, kings, and people of all varnas and professions eat fish with their bread. All varnas have become corrupt.

कलियुग केरा ब्राह्मना, मांस मछलिया खाय। पांय लगे सुखमानई, राम कहे जारि जाय।।२२४४।।

In the Kali Yuga, Brahmins eat meat and fish. Even if they touch their feet, they will perish, says Ram.

पापी पूजा बैठिकै, भखे मांस मद दाइ। तिनकी दीक्षा मुक्ति नहिं, कोटि नरक फल होई।।२२४५।।

The sinner who sits in worship, with hunger for flesh and intoxication. His initiation does not lead to liberation, instead results in millions of hellish consequences.

विष्‍ठा का चौका दिया, हांडी सीझै हाड। छूति बचवै चास की, तिनहूं का गुरु राड।।२२४७।।

They cook in a place filled with excrement, and bones boil in the pot. The residue of buttermilk remains untainted, even such people have a guru who is a rogue.

तिलभर मछली खाय के, कोटि गऊ दै दान। काशी करात लै मरै, तो भी नरक निदान।।२२५१।।

Even if one eats a tiny bit of fish and then donates millions of cows, Or dies in Kashi with sacred rituals, hell is still their destiny.

काटि कटि जबह करै, या पाप संग का भेस। निश्‍च राम न जानही, कहै कबीर संदेस।।२२५२।।

Those who butcher and commit sacrifices, adopting the guise of sin, Will certainly not know Ram, says Kabir's message.

बकरी पाती खात है, ताकी काढी खाल। जो बकरी को खात है, तिनका कौन हवाल।।२२५३।।

The goat eats leaves, yet its skin is stripped off. What fate awaits those who eat the goat itself?

आठ बाट बकरी गई, सांस मुलां गये खाय। अजहूं खाल खटीकै, भीस्‍त कहांते जाय।।२२५४।।

The goat, split in eight parts, has been eaten by the priest. Even now, they scrape its skin; how will they reach heaven?

मुल्‍ला तझै करीम का, कब आया फरमान। घट फोरा घर घर किया, साहब का नीसान।।२२५६।।

Mulla, when did you receive the command from Karim (God)? You go from house to house breaking vessels, claiming it as a sign from God.

मुरगी मुल्‍ला सों कहै, जबह करत है मोहिं। साहब लेखा मांगसी, संकट परिहै तोहिं।।२२५९।।

The hen says to the Mulla, 'You slaughter me, But when God asks for your account, you will be in trouble.'

कबिरा काजी स्‍वाद बस, जीव हते तब दोय। चढ़‍ि मसीत एको कहै, क्‍यों दरगह सांचा होय।।२२६०।।

Kabir says, 'Driven by taste, the Qazi kills two lives. He climbs the mosque and asks, how can the truth be found in the afterlife?'

काजी मुल्‍लां भरमिया, चले दुनी के साथ। दिल सो दीन निवारिया, करद लई तद हाथ।।२२६१।।

The Qazi and Mulla are deluded, following worldly desires. They have removed religion from their hearts, taking the knife in hand.

काला मुंह करि करद का, दिल सूं दई निवार। सब सूरति सुबहान की, अहमक मुला न मार।।२२६२।।

They have blackened their faces with the knife, removing religion from their hearts. All forms belong to God, but the foolish Mulla does not understand.

जोरी करि जबह करै, मुखसों कहै हलाल। साहब लेखा मांगसी, तब होसी कौन हवाल।।२२६३।।

They commit slaughter by force, claiming it is permissible. When God asks for an account, what will be their state?