Impermanence · अनित्यता (anityata)

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?

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.

माया मरी न मन मरा, मर-मर गए शरीर। आशा तृष्णा न मरी, कह गए दास कबीर।।१०।।

Neither the mind nor desires die even as the body keeps perishing. Kabir says, despite dying repeatedly, hope and greed never die.

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.

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.

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.

कहना सो कह दिया, अब कुछ कहा न जाय। एक रहा, दूजा गया, दरिया लहर समाय।।३४।।

I have said what was to be said, now nothing more can be spoken. One (life) remains, the other has merged into the waves of the river.

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.

दिल का मरहम ना मिला, जो मिला सो गर्जी। कहै कबीर — आसमान फटा, क्योंकर सीवे दर्जी।।५०।।

I did not find a remedy for the heart; what I found was a mere patch. Kabir says, the sky is torn, but how can a tailor mend it?

कबीरा, धीरज के धरे, हाथी मनभर खाय। टूटे एक के कारने, स्वान घर-घर जाय।।५६।।

Kabir says, patience can fill an elephant’s belly, but a dog will go home if its bone breaks.

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.

कबिरा, यह तन जात है, सके तो ठौर लगा। कहि सेवा कर साधु की, कहि गोविंद गुण गा।।६५।।

Kabir says, this body is transient; if possible, find a place of refuge. Serve the saints and sing the praises of the Lord.

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.

केते दिन ऐसे गए, अनरुचि काको नेह। अवसर बोवै उपजै नहीं, जो न बरसै मेह।।८७।।

The days have passed without the affection of others. Opportunities do not arise if there is no rainfall.

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).

कबीरा गरब न कीजिए, कबहूँ न हंसिये कोय। अजहूँ नाव समुद्र में, का जाने का होय।।१००।।

Kabir advises not to be proud or laugh at others. Even if the boat is in the ocean, one does not know what will happen next.

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?

कबीरा सोता क्या करे, जागो जपो मुरार। एक दिना है सोवना, लांबे पाँव पसार।।११३।।

What is the use of sleeping, Kabir says? Wake up and chant the name of the Divine. Sleeping is for a single day, while the journey is long.

कबीर यह जग कुछ नहीं, खिन खारा मीठ। काल्ह जो बैठा भण्डपै, आज भसाने दीठ।।११५।।

Kabir says this world is nothing, just a moment of bitterness and sweetness. Yesterday, someone sat in the shop, today it is in ashes.

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.

पत्ता बोला वृक्ष से, सुनो वृक्ष बनराय। अब के बिछुड़े ना मिले, दूर पड़ेंगे जाय।।१३१।।

The leaf said to the tree, 'Listen, O tree, I will leave you.' Once separated, we may never meet again, we will drift apart.

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.

साँझ पड़े दिन बीतबै, चकवी दीन्ही रोय। चल चकवा वा देश को, जहाँ रैन नहिं होय।।१४३।।

As evening falls, the day passes away, and the chakvi (bird) cries. Go, chakva, to that land where there is no night.

लकड़ी कहै लुहार की, तू मति जारे मोहिं। एक दिन ऐसा होयगा, मैं जारौंगी तोहि।।१४४।।

The wood says to the blacksmith, 'Do not burn me.' One day will come when I will burn you.

ज्ञान रतन का जतनकर, माटी का संसार। आय कबीर फिर गया, फीका है संसार।।१४५।।

Protect the jewel of wisdom, as the world is made of dust. Kabir says, once you come and go, the world seems pale.

कबीरा प्रेम न चषिया, चषि न लिया साव। सूने घर का पांहुणां, ज्यूं आया त्यूं जाव।।१५६।।

Kabir did not taste love, nor did he drink it. A guest in a deserted home comes and goes just as they arrived.

इहि उदर के कारणे, जग पाच्यो निस जाम। स्वामी-पणौ जो सिरि चढ़यो, सिर यो न एको काम।।१६७।।

Because of this belly, the world is perishing in the night. The pride of being a master is futile, as it does not serve any purpose.

हरि-रस पीया जाणिये, जे कबहुँ न जाइ खुमार। मैमता घूमत रहै, नाहि तन की सार।।१७१।।

One who drinks the nectar of Hari never experiences intoxication. The ego continues to roam, while the body remains worthless.

कबीर सो घन संचिये, जो आगे कू होइ। सीस चढ़ाये गाठ की, जात न देख्या कोइ।।१७४।।

Kabir says that one should accumulate wealth for the future. No one has seen the end of one's journey by placing a knot on the head.

हरिजन सेती रुसणा, संसारी सूँ हेत। ते णर कदे न नीपजौ, ज्यूँ कालर का खेत।।१९६।।

Anger towards the devotees and affection towards worldly people never leads to fulfillment, just like a barren field.

पाणी हीतै पातला, धुवाँ ही तै झीण। पवनां बेगि उतावला, सो दोस्त कबीर कीन्ह।।१९८।।

Water is thin when it is beneficial, smoke is thin when it is hot. The fast-moving wind is a friend to Kabir.

मनह मनोरथ छाँड़िये, तेरा किया न होइ। पाणी में घीव नीकसै, तो रूखा खाइ न कोइ।।२०७।।

Abandon your desires; your actions won't always succeed. If you expect ghee to emerge from water, no one would eat dry food.

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.

कहा कियौ हम आइ करि, कहा कहैंगे जाइ। इत के भये न उत के, चलित भूल गँवाइ।।२०९।।

What did we do upon coming here, and what will we say upon leaving? We neither belonged here nor there, and we lost our way.

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.

एष ले बूढ़ी पृथमी, झूठे कुल की लार। अलष बिसारयो भेष में, बूड़े काली धार।।२२३।।

This earth has aged, filled with false pride of lineage. Lazy and lost in appearances, they drown in the dark current.

कबीर सब जग हंडिया, मांदल कंधि चढ़ाइ। हरि बिन अपना कोउ नहीं, देखे ठोकि बनाइ।।२३१।।

Kabir says, the whole world is like a clay pot carried on a shoulder. Without Hari, no one is truly ours, no matter how hard we try.

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.

जो ऊग्या सो आंथवै, फूल्या सो कुमिलाइ। जो चिणियां सो ढहि पड़ै, जो आया सो जाइ।।२४६।।

What has grown will wither, what has blossomed will fade. What has been gathered will fall, what has come will go.

लच्छ कोष जो गुरु बसै, दीजै सुरति पठाय। शब्द तुरी बसवार है, छिन आवै छिन जाय।।२५४।।

If the Guru resides in the treasury, offer your focus. The words of the Guru are fleeting, coming and going in moments.

गुरु शरणागति छाड़ि के, करै भरौसा और। सुख सम्पति की कह चली, नहीं परक ये ठौर।।२५६।।

Leaving the refuge of the Guru, one places trust elsewhere. The promises of comfort and wealth are transient; this place is not reliable.

लौ लागी विष भागिया, कालख डारी धोय। कहैं कबीर गुरु साबुन सों, कोई इक ऊजल होय।।२६४।।

The fire of poison burns the unfortunate, while time washes away the stain. Kabir says that only the Guru's soap can cleanse anyone of their sins.

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?

पशुआ सों पालो परो, रहू-रहू हिया न खीज। ऊसर बीज न उगसी, बोवै दूना बीज।।२९९।।

Raise and nurture even animals, but do not lose patience. Seeds sown in barren land will not grow, even if you sow twice as much.

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).

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.

कबीर मेरा कोइ नहीं, हम काहू के नाहिं। पारै पहुँची नाव ज्यों, मिलि कै बिछुरी जाहिं।।३४८।।

Kabir says, I have no one, I belong to no one. Just as a boat reaches the other shore, people meet and then part ways.

हेत बिना आवै नहीं, हेत तहाँ चलि जाय। कबीर जल और सन्तजन, नवैं तहाँ ठहराय।।३५९।।

Without purpose, nothing comes; with purpose, everything happens. Kabir says that just as water and saints do not stay in one place, they move on.

माँगन गै सो भर रहै, भरे जु माँगन जाहिं। तिनते पहिले वे मरे, होत करत है नाहिं।।३७४।।

One who asks for alms remains full, but those who keep asking keep demanding. They who keep asking will perish before they fulfill their desires.

मूरख को समुझावते, ज्ञान गाँठि का जाय। कोयला होय न ऊजला, सौ मन साबुन लाय।।३८७।।

Explaining to a fool is like trying to remove the dirt from coal; no matter how much soap you use, it won't become clean.

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.

प्रीति कर सुख लेने को, सो सुख गया हिराय। जैसे पाइ छछून्दरी, पकड़ि साँप पछिताय।।३९३।।

The pleasure gained from false love is fleeting, like the leech that, having grasped a snake, regrets it.

ज्ञान सपूरण न भिदा, हिरदा नाहिं जुड़ाय। देखा देखी भक्ति का, रंग नहीं ठहराय।।४१६।।

Knowledge is not complete without penetrating the heart. Imitative devotion does not last; it fades away.

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?

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?

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.

बारी-बारी आपने, चले पियारे मीत। तेरी बारी जीयरा, नियरे आवै नीत।।४३३।।

One by one, dear friends come and go. In your turn, the heart does not come near regularly.

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.

जिन घर नौबत बाजती, होत छतीसों राग। सो घर भी खाली पड़े, बैठने लागे काग।।४३५।।

In the houses where the drum is played, there are thirty-six tunes. Even such houses remain empty, and crows sit there.

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.

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?

बिरिया बीती बल घटा, केश पलटि भये और। बिगरा काज सँभारि ले, करि छूटने की ठौर।।४४२।।

The vigor of youth has passed, strength has diminished, and hair has turned grey. Fix what is broken before it’s too late.

धरती करते एक पग, समुंद्र करते फाल। हाथों परबत लौलते, ते भी खाये काल।।४४४।।

With one step, they traverse the earth; with a leap, they cross the seas. They can roll mountains in their hands, yet time devours them too.

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.

लेना है सो जल्द ले, कही सुनी मान। कहीं सुनी जुग जुग चली, आवागमन बँधान।।४४८।।

If you need something, take it quickly; heed what is said. What is heard has lasted ages, the cycle of birth and death is bound.

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.

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.

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?

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.

बिन सद्गुरु बाचै नहीं, फिर बूड़े भव मांहि। भौसागर की त्रास से, सतगुरु पकड़े बाहि।।४९९।।

Without the True Guru, one cannot escape the cycle of birth and death. The True Guru holds your hand to save you from the fear of the worldly ocean.

सतगुरु शरण न आवहीं, फिर‍ि फिरि होय अकाज। जीव खोय सब जायेंगे, काल तिहूं पुर राज।।५०३।।

Without seeking refuge in the True Guru, one repeatedly fails in their endeavors. The soul will be lost and everyone will face the reign of time.

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.

देश देशान्‍तर मैं फिरुं, मानुष बड़ा सुकाल। जा देख सुख उपजे, वाका पड़ा दुकाल।।५३८।।

Traveling from country to country, humanity finds great ease. Wherever there is happiness, there is also suffering.

पशुवा सों पालौ पर्यो, रहु रहु हिया न खीज। ऊषर बीज न ऊगसी, बोवै दूना बीज।।५४८।।

Kabir says, do not lose heart if you find yourself among ignorant beings. Just as seeds will not sprout on barren land, no matter how many you sow.

गुरु बिन माला फेरते, गुरु बिन देते दान। गुरु बिन सब निष्‍फल गया, पूछौ वेद पुरान।।५५४।।

Without a guru, one only spins the beads and makes offerings. Without a guru, everything is futile; ask the Vedas and Puranas.

साधु चलत रो दीजिए, कीजै अति सनमान। कहैं कबीर कछु भेट धरु, अपने बित्त अनुमान।।५९२।।

When a saint leaves, let him go with utmost respect. Kabir says, give some gift, according to your means.

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.

कबीर हमारा कोई नहिं, हम काहू के नाहिं। पारै पहुंची नाव ज्‍यौं, मिलिके बिछुरी जाहिं।।६३२।।

Kabir says, we belong to no one and no one belongs to us. Like a boat reaching its destination, people part ways upon meeting.

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.

बैरागी बिरकत भला, गिरही चित्त उदार। दोऊ चूकि खाली पड़े, ताको वार न पार।।६४०।।

Renunciants who are detached are good, but householders with a generous heart are also commendable. Both, if they are devoid of essence, are ultimately of no use.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

कबीर गुरु की भक्ति बिन, धिक जीवन संसार। धूवां का सा धौरहरा, बिनसत लगे न बार।।७२२।।

Without devotion to the Guru, life and the world are cursed. It is like a cloud of smoke, which never clears away.

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.

कबीर गुरु की भक्ति करु, तज विषया रस चौंज। बार-बार नहिं पाइये, मानुष जनम की मौज।।७२६।।

Practice devotion to the Guru, abandon the allure of worldly pleasures. Human life is rare and should not be wasted.

कहता हूं कहि जात हूं, कहूं बजाये ढोल। श्‍वासा खाली जात है, तीन लोक का मोल।।७२८।।

I speak and proclaim, but all is just noise. The breath is fleeting, and the value of the three worlds is worthless.

जाप मरै अजपा मरै, अनहद भी मरि जाय। सुरति समानी शब्‍द में, ताहि काल न खाय।।७२९।।

Recitation may perish, and so may the Ajapa, even the unspoken divine sound can die. But the essence, which is absorbed in the Word, is not consumed by time.

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.

कहा भरोसा देह का, बिनसि जाय छिन मांहि। सांस सांस सुमिरन करो, और जतन कछु नांंहि।।७४०।।

Where is the trust in the body, which perishes in an instant? Instead, remember each breath and do not rely on worldly efforts.

जाकी पूंजी सांस है, छिन आवै छिन जाय। ताको ऐसा चाहिए, रहे नाम लौ लाय।।७४१।।

One whose capital is the breath, which comes and goes in an instant, should aim to keep the flame of the name burning.

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 हरि-हरि सुमिरि ले, प्राण जाहिंगे छूट। घर के प्‍यारे आदमी, चलते लेंगे लूट।।७५८।।

Kabir says that by remembering Hari (God), one's soul is liberated. Those who are dear at home may end up taking away the loot (worldly gains).

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?

जीना थोड़ा ही भला, हरि का सुमिरन होय। लाख बरस की जीवना, लेखै धरै न कोय।।७६९।।

A short life is good if it is spent in the remembrance of Hari. A lifetime of a million years is of no account if it is not spent in devotion.

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.

लूटि सके तो लूटि ले, राम नाम की लूट। फिर पाछे पछताहुगे, प्राण जाहिंगे छूट।।७८५।।

Steal if you can, steal the loot of Ram's name. In the end, you will regret; the soul will be liberated.

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.

तू तू करता तू भया, तुझ में रहा समाय। तुझ मांहि मन मिलि रहा, अब कहुं अनत न जाय।।७९५।।

You are, you do, you become; you reside within yourself. The mind merges with you; now there is no end to it.

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.

आया प्रेम कहां गया, देखा था सब कोय। छिन रावै छिन में हंसै, सो तो प्रम न होय।।८०८।।

Where has love gone, which was seen everywhere? If it fades in a moment and laughs in another, that is not true love.

मिलना जग में कठिन है, मिलि बिछरौ जनि कोय। बिछुरा साजन तिहि मिलै, जिहि माथै मनि होय।।८१४।।

Meeting in the world is difficult, and once met, separation is inevitable. The separated beloved is found in the one who has a gem on their forehead.

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.

गहरी प्रीति सुजान की, बढ़त-बढ़त बढ़‍ि जाय। ओछी प्रीति अजान की, घटत घटत घटि जाय।।८१९।।

Deep love of the wise continually grows and expands. Shallow love of the ignorant diminishes and fades away.

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 यह संसार है, जैसा सेंमल का फूल। दिन दस के व्‍यवहार में, झूठे रंग न फूल।।८३८।।

Kabir says, this world is like a cotton flower. In ten days, its false colors do not last.

राम भजो तो अब भजो, बहोरि भजोगे कब्‍ब। हरिया हरिया रुखड़े, ईंधन हो गये सब्‍ब।।८३९।।

Worship Ram now if you will worship; otherwise, you will regret later. The green trees have become firewood.

कबीर यह तन जात है, सकै तो ठौर लगाव। कै सेवा कर साधु की, कै गुरु के गुन गाव।।८४१।।

Kabir says, this body is transient; if possible, find a place for it. Serve the saints and sing the praises of the guru.

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.

क्‍या करिये क्‍या जो‍ड़ि‍ये, छोड़ जीवन काज। छाडि छाडि सब जात हैं, देह गेह धन राज।।८४८।।

What to do and what to join, abandon the affairs of life. All are left behind, including body, home, wealth, and kingdom.

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?

तन सराय मन पाहरु, मनसा उतरी आय। को काहू का है नहीं, देखा ठोंकि बजाय।।८५२।।

The body is an inn, the mind is a guest. The mind has come down from its desires. Nothing belongs to anyone; it is all merely observed and abandoned.

जिनके नौबत बाजती, मैंगल बंधति बारि। एकहि गुरु के नाम बिन, गये जनम सब हारि।।८५३।।

Those whose trumpet sounds, and who are bound by worldly bonds. Without the name of the one Guru, all their lives are lost.

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.

ऊंचा महल चुनाइया, सुबरन कली ढुलाय। वे मन्दिर खाली पड़े, रहै मसाना जाय।।८५७।।

A tall palace was built, golden buds were laid. But these temples remain empty, while the soul wanders to the graveyard.

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.

जागो लोगो मत सुवो, ना कुरु नींद से प्‍यार। जैसा सपना रैन का, ऐसा यह संसार।।८६०।।

Wake up people, do not love sleep. This world is like a dream of the night.

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 गर्व न कीजिये, इस जोबन की आस। टेसू फूला दिवस दस, खंखर भया पलास।।८६२।।

Kabir, do not be proud of youth, it will not last long. Just as the palash flower blooms for ten days and then dries up.

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.

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.

नर नारायन रूप है, तू मति जानै देह। जो समझे तो समझ ले, खलक पलक में खेह।।८६९।।

Man is a form of God, do not mistake it as mere flesh. Understand this if you can, for the world can turn to ashes in a blink of an eye.

आंखि न देखे बावरा, शब्‍द सुनै नहिं कान। सिर के केस उज्‍जल भये, अबहूं निपट अजान।।८७०।।

The foolish person neither sees with his eyes nor hears with his ears. Even though his hair has turned white, he remains utterly ignorant.

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 बेड़ा जरजरा, कूड़ा खेवन हार। हरुये हरुये तरि गये, बूड़े जिन सिर भार।।८७५।।

Kabir, the boat is fragile, and the boatman is weak. Those who have faith crossed safely, but those burdened with pride sank.

कबीर पांच पखेरुआ, राखा पोष लगाय। एक जू आया पारधी, लइ गया सबै उड़ाय।।८७६।।

Kabir, you nurtured five birds with care. But a hunter came and took them all away.

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.

या मन गहि जो थिर रहै, गहरी धूनि गाड़ि‍। चलती बिरियां उठि चला, हस्‍ती घोड़ा छाड़ि‍।।८७९।।

If you can control the mind and stabilize it, it becomes deeply rooted. Otherwise, it will wander off, leaving behind even the strongest of things like elephants and horses.

तू मति जाने बावरे, मेरा है सब कोय। प्रान पिण्‍ड सो बंधि रहा, सो नहिं अपना होय।।८८०।।

Don't be foolish and think that everything is yours. Even your life and body, bound together, are not truly your own.

महलन मांही पौढ़ते, परिमल अंग लगाय। ते सपने दीसे नहीं, देखत गये बिलाय।।८८४।।

Lying in palaces, perfumed and relaxed, These pleasures vanish like a dream when you look closely.

जंगल ढेरी राख की, उपरि उपरि हरियाय। ते भी होती मानवी, करते रंग रलियाय।।८८५।।

A heap of ashes in the forest, green on top, Even this, when seen by humans, leads to merrymaking and pleasures.

जिसका रहना उतघरा, सो क्‍यों जोड़े मित्त। जैसे घर पर पाहुना, रहै उठाये चित्त।।८८६।।

Why form attachments to those who are temporary residents? Like a guest in a house, they will leave with their belongings.

राम नाम जाना नहीं, पाला सकल कुटूम्‍ब। धन्‍धाही में पचि मरा, बार भई नहिं बुम्‍ब।।८८७।।

You did not understand the name of Ram and took care of your entire family. You perished in worldly affairs and did not get a chance to utter his name even once.

कहा किया हम आयके, कहा करेंगे जाय। इत के भये न ऊत के, चाले मूल गंवाय।।८८८।।

What did we achieve by coming into this world, and what will we do when we leave? We neither belong here nor there, and in the process, we lost our essence.

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.

राजपाट धन पायके, क्‍यों करता अभिमान। पड़ासी की जो दशा, भई सो अपनी जान।।८९२।।

Why be proud after gaining wealth and power? The fate that befell your neighbor will soon be yours.

चले गये सो ना मिले, किसको पूंछू बात। मात पिता सुत बान्‍धवा, झूठा सब संघात।।८९३।।

Those who have departed will never return; whom should I ask about them? Mother, father, son, and relatives—all these bonds are false.

कबीर मन्दिर लाख का, ज‍ड़ि‍या हीरा लाल। दिवस चारि का पेखना, विनशि जाएगा काल।।८९४।।

A temple worth a million with gems and rubies inside, In just four days, even such wealth will be destroyed by time.

कबीर धूलि सकेलि के, पुड़ी जो बांधी येह। दिवस चार का पेखना, अन्‍त खेह की खेह।।८९५।।

A bread wrapped in dust, made by a baker— In just four days, its essence will be forgotten.

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.

यह तन कांचा कुंभ है, चोट चहूं दिस खाय। एकहिं गुरु के नाम बिन, जदि तदि परलय जाय।।८९९।।

This body is a fragile pot, subject to injury from all sides. Without the name of the guru, it will perish in due time.

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.

खलक मिला खाली हुआ, बहुत किया बकवाद। बांझ हिलावै पालना, तामें कौन स्‍वाद।।९०२।।

The world becomes empty with much talk and argument. A barren cradle shakes; what pleasure does it hold?

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.

माटी कहै कुम्हार सो, क्‍यों तू रौंदे मोहि। एक दिन ऐसा होयगा, मैं रौदूंगी तोहि।।९०५।।

The clay says to the potter, 'Why do you trample on me?' One day will come when I will trample on you.

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.

काल करै सो आज कर, आज करै सो अब। पल में परलय होयगी, बहुहि करेगा कब।।९१२।।

What should be done tomorrow, do today; what should be done today, do now. In a moment, destruction may come; when will you do it then?

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.

हे मतिहीनी माछीरी, राखि न सकी शरीर। सो सरवर सेवा नहीं, जाल काल नहिं कीर।।९१९।।

O foolish fish, unable to save the body, The pond's service is futile, the net of time is not a cure.

रात गंवाई सोय कर, दिवस गंवायो खाय। हीरा जनम अमोल था, कोड़ी बदले जाय।।९२०।।

Wasted the night in sleep, wasted the day in eating. The precious diamond of life is exchanged for a mere penny.

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.

पाकी खेती देखि के, गरबहिं किया किसान। अजहूं झोला बहुत है, घर आवै तब जान।।९२२।।

Seeing clean farming, the farmer is proud. Even now, the bag is full, only when he returns home will he realize.

कुल खाये कुल उबरै, कुल राखै कुल जाय। राम निकुल कुल भोटिया, सब कुल गया बिलाय।।९२४।।

One's lineage eats and supports, and then lineage perishes. The name of Ram is the true lineage, all other lineages eventually fade away.

हाड़ जले लकड़ी जले, जले जलावन हार। कातिक हारा भी जले, कासों करुं पुकार।।९२५।।

Bones burn, wood burns, and the fuel-burner burns. Even the defeat of Kartik burns, who will help now?

झूठा सब संसार है, कोउ न अपना मीत। राम नाम को जानि ले, चलै सो भौजल जीत।।९२६।।

The whole world is false, no one is a true friend. Knowing the name of Ram, one can cross the ocean of worldly existence.

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?

यह बिरियां तो फिर‍ि नहिं, मन में देख विचार। आया लाभहि कारनै, जनम जुआ मति हार।।९२८।।

These worldly pleasures do not last, think and consider in your mind. Gains have come for a reason; life is like a gamble where the mind loses.

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.

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.

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.

ऊजड़ खेड़े टेकरी, घड़‍ि घड़‍ि गये कुम्‍हार। रावन जैसा चलि गया, लंका को सरदार।।९३४।।

The deserted place and the potter have gone repeatedly. Like Ravana, who went to Lanka as a leader.

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?

अति हठ मत कर बावरे, हठ से बात न होय। ज्‍यूं ज्‍यूं भीजे कामरी, त्‍यूं त्‍यूं भारी होय।।९४८।।

Do not be excessively stubborn, for stubbornness does not help. As the cloth gets wet, it becomes heavier.

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.

लेना होय सो जल्‍द ले, कही सुनी मत मान। कही सुनी जुग जुग चली, आवागमन बंधान।।९५०।।

If you need something, take it quickly, do not heed rumors. What is said and heard has been going on for ages, binding cycles of birth and death.

बन्‍दे तू कर बन्‍दगी, तब पावै दीदार। औसर मानुष जनम का, बहुरि न बारंबार।।९५५।।

Serve with devotion, and you will have the vision of the divine. This opportunity of human life does not come again and again.

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?

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.

जिहि जिवरी ते जग बंधा, त जनि बंधै कबीर। जासी आटा लौन ज्‍यौं, सोन समान शरीर।।९६४।।

The world is bound by that delicate thread, Kabir says, do not bind yourself to it. The golden body will perish like flour and salt.

चतुराई क्‍या कीजिये, जो नहिं शब्‍द समाय। कोटिक गुन सूवा पढ़ै, अन्‍त बिलाई खाय।।९६५।।

What use is cleverness if it does not contain the Word? A parrot may learn a thousand tricks, but in the end, the cat eats it.

देह खेह हो जायेगी, कौन कहेगा देह। निश्‍चय कर उपकार ही, जीवन का फल येह।।९६८।।

The body will turn to dust, who will then call it a body? Know for sure, only good deeds are the true fruits of life.

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.

या दुनिया दो रोज की, मत कर यासो हेत। गुरु चरनन चित लाइये, जो पूरन सुख देत।।९७४।।

This world is temporary, do not develop deep attachment to it. Focus your mind on the Guru's feet, which bring complete happiness.

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?

गान्ठि होय सो हाथ कर, हाथ होय सो देह। आगे हाट न बानिया, लेना है सो लेह।।९८४।।

Whatever you have in hand, take it as your body. Ahead, there is no market or merchant, take what you can now.

सार शब्‍द जानै बिना, जिव परलै में जाय। काया माया थिर नहीं, शब्‍द लेहु अरथाय।।९८९।।

Without knowing the essence of the word, the soul perishes in delusion. The body and wealth are not permanent, grasp the meaning of the word.

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.

शब्‍द खांजि मन बस कर, सहज जोग है येह। सत्त शब्‍द निज सार है, यह तो झूठी देह।।१०२१।।

Make the word dwell in your mind, this is the true yoga. The true word is the essence, while this body is false.

शब्‍द विचारी जो चले, गुरुमुख होय निहाल। काम क्रोध व्‍यापै नहीं, कबहूं न ग्रासै काल।।१०३८।।

Those who walk with consideration of the word and are aligned with the Guru, are blessed. Lust and anger do not affect them, and death never consumes them.

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?

पात झरन्‍ता देखि के, हंसती कूपलियां। हम चाले तुम चालियो, धारी बापलियां।।१०४३।।

Seeing the leaves fall, the buds laugh. We are leaving, and you will follow, dear buds.

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.

जाय झरोखे सोवता, फूलन सेज बिछाय। सो अब कहूं दीखै नहीं, छिन में गयो बिलाय।।१०५०।।

One who lay in the window, sleeping on a bed of flowers, is now nowhere to be seen; he vanished in an instant.

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.

चलती चाकी देखि के, दिया कबीरा रोय। दो पाटन के बिच आय के, साबुत गया न कोय।।१०५८।।

Seeing the grinding mill turning, Kabir weeps. Between two stones (millstones), nothing remains whole.

मूसा डरपे काल सूं, कठिन काल का जोर। स्‍वर्ग भूमि पाताल में, जहां जाव तहं गोर।।१०५९।।

Moses feared the time, the force of harsh time. In heaven, earth, or hell, where one goes, there is darkness.

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.

बेटा जाये क्‍या हुआ, कहा बजावै थाल। आवन जावन होय रहा, ज्‍यों कीड़ी का नाल।।१०६१।।

What if the son leaves? What is there in the plate? The coming and going continues, like the passage of an ant.

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.

बिरिया बीती बल घटा, केस पलटि भये और। बिगरा काज संभारि लै, करि छूटन की ठौर।।१०६६।।

The youth has passed, and the hair has turned grey. Fix what is broken and find a place to escape.

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.

यह जीव आया दूर ते, जाना है बहु दूर। बिच के वासै बसि गया, काल रहा सिर पूर।।१०६९।।

This soul has come from afar and will travel much further. It resides in the middle, while time stands overhead.

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.

निश्‍चय काल गरास हो, बहुत कहा समझाय। कह कबीर मैं का कहूं, देखत ना पतियाय।।१०७२।।

Certainly, time devours everything, though much is said and explained. Kabir says, what can I say, seeing none believe.

जारि बारि मिस्‍सी करै, मिस्‍सी करिहै छार। कहैं कबीर कोइला करै, फिर दे दै औतार।।१०७३।।

The coal burns repeatedly, turning to ash. Kabir says, if one acts like coal, they will face the consequences in the end.

माली आवत देखि के, कलियां करें पुकार। फूली फूली चुनि लई, कल हमारी बार।।१०७६।।

Seeing the gardener arrive, the buds call out. Picking the blooming flowers, time is our chance.

संसै काल शरीर में, जारि केर सब धूर। काल से बांच दास जन, जिन पै दयाल हजूर।।१०७७।।

Time is burning in the body, turning everything to dust. The servant who is saved from time, is blessed by the compassionate Lord.

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.

कबीर पगरा दूर है, आय पहूंची सांझ। जन जन को मत राखतां, वेश्‍या रहि गई बांझ।।१०७९।।

Kabir’s turban is far away, and the evening has arrived. The advice given to everyone remains unheeded, like a prostitute left barren.

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.

फागुन आवत देखि के, मन झूरे बनराय। जिन डाली हम केलि किय, सोही बयारे जाय।।१०८२।।

Seeing the arrival of spring, the mind rejoices. The branch on which we played, now withers in the season.

कबीर सब सुख राम है, औरहि दुख की रासि। सुर नर मुनि अरु असुर सुर, पड़े काल की फांसि।।१०८४।।

Kabir says all happiness is in Ram, and suffering is a heap. Gods, men, sages, and demons all fall into the snare of time.

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.

तरुवर पात सों यौं कहै, सुनो पात इक बात। या घर याही रीति है, इक आवत इक जात।।१०८७।।

The tree speaks through its leaves, listen to this one truth: In this house, the way is such that things come and go.

पात झरन्‍ता यौं कहै, सुन तरुवर बन राय। अबके बिछुड़े ना मिले, दूर पड़ेंगे जाय।।१०८८।।

The leaves fall and say, listen, the tree is in the forest. Those who part this time will not meet again, they will go far away.

धन रहै न जोबन रहै, रहै न गांव न ठांव। कबीर जग में जस रहै, करिदे किसी का काम।।११०१।।

Wealth and youth do not last, nor do villages or places. Kabir says that reputation in the world remains only by serving others.

मेरे मन में परि गई, ऐसी एक दरार। फाटाफटिक पषान ज्‍यूं, मिलै न दूजी बार।।११०६।।

A crack has appeared in my mind, like a stone split. It cannot be found again once it has been broken.

मना मनोरथ छांड़‍ि दे, तेरा किया न होय। पानी में घी नीकसै, रूखा खाय न कोय।।१११४।।

Abandon the desires of the mind; what you have done will not be achieved. Just as ghee does not flow in water, so does not a dry diet fulfill.

धरती फाटै मेघ मिलै, कपड़ा फाटै डौर। तन फाटै को औषधि, मन फाटै नहिं ठौर।।११२३।।

The earth cracks when rain meets clouds, and cloth tears when pulled. There is medicine for the body’s ailments, but there is no cure for the cracks in the mind.

मन के बहुतक रंग हैं, छिन छिन बदले सोय। एक रंग में जो रहे, ऐसा बिरला कोय।।११२७।।

The mind has many colors, changing every moment. Rare is the one who remains in a single color.

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.

कोटि करमकर पलक में, या मन विषया स्‍वाद। सद्गुरु शब्‍द न मानहीं, जनम गंवाय बाद।।११५३।।

In the blink of an eye, countless actions are performed, but the mind still finds pleasure in worldly desires. If one does not heed the words of the true guru, they waste their life.

मन अपना समुझाय ले, आया गाफिल होय। बिन समुझे उठि जायेगा, फोकट फेरा तोय।।११५९।।

Understand your own mind, or it will rise without understanding, and you will wander aimlessly.

करक पड़ा मैदान में, कुकुर मिले लख कोट। दावा कर लड़‍ि मुए, अन्‍त चले सब छोड़।।११८२।।

A person lay in the field, surrounded by thousands of dogs. They fought claiming victory, but in the end, they left everything behind.

माया का सुख चार दिन, कहं तूं गहे गंवार। सपने पायो राज धन, जात न लागे बार।।११८४।।

The pleasure of illusion lasts only four days; how long will you hold onto it, fool? You dream of royalty and wealth, but it never lasts.

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.

कबीर माया बेसवा, दोनूं की इक जात। आंवत को आदर करैं, जात न बूझ बात।।११९५।।

Kabir says, illusion is a courtesan, of the same class as both the high and the low. It shows respect to those who come, but does not understand the essence of one's nature.

जग हटवारा स्‍वाद ठग, माया वेश्‍या लाय। राम-राम गाढ़ा गहो, जनि जहु जनम गंवाय।।१२०२।।

The world is a deceitful pleasure, and illusion is a courtesan. Hold onto the name of Ram firmly, and do not waste your life in vain.

माया मुई न मन मुआ, मरि मरि गया शरीर। आशा तृष्‍णा ना मुई, यौं कथि कहैं कबीर।।१२०७।।

Illusion does not die, nor does the mind die. The body may perish repeatedly, but desires and cravings do not die. Thus says Kabir.

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.

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.

यह जग कोठी काठ की, चहुंदिस लागी आग। भीतर रहै सो जलि मुये, साधु अबरे भाग।।१२४०।।

This world is a wooden mansion with fire blazing all around. Those who stay inside it burn and die; the saint escapes.

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.

बहुत जतन करि कीजिये, सब फल जाय नसाय। कबीर संचै सूम धन, अन्‍त चोर ले जाय।।१२४३।।

No matter how much effort is put into accumulating wealth, it all ultimately gets stolen by the thief of time.

सूम थैली अरु श्‍वान भग, दोनों एक समान। घालत में सुख ऊपजै, काढ़त निकसै प्रान।।१२४६।।

A beggar’s bag and a dog are alike. Both give temporary comfort but eventually, they cause life to be at risk.

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.

कबीर गर्व न कीजिये, रंक न हंसिये कोय। अजहूं नाव समुद्र में, ना जानौं क्‍या होय।।१२५१।।

Kabir says, do not be proud or laugh at the poor. Even now, the boat is in the ocean; we do not know what will happen.

ऊंचे कुल के कारने, भूलि रहा संसार। तब कुल की क्‍या लाज है, जब तन होगा छार।।१२५८।।

Because of high lineage, one forgets the world. What is the pride of lineage when the body turns to dust?

बड़ा हुआ तो क्‍या हुआ, जोरे बड़ मति नांहि। जैसे फूल उजाड़ का, मिथ्‍या हो झड़ जांहि।।१२७५।।

What is the use of being great if there is no wisdom? Like a flower that withers, greatness without wisdom is false.

आपन को न सरारिये, पर निन्दिये न कोय। चढ़ना लम्‍बा धौहरा, ना जाने क्‍या होय।।१२९०।।

Do not criticize yourself or others. The climb is long and steep; who knows what will happen.

कथनी कथै तो क्‍या हुआ, करनी ना ठहराय। कालबूत का कोट ज्‍यौं, देखते ही ढहि जाय।।१३१०।।

What is the use of mere words if actions do not persist? Like a fort of sand, it collapses as soon as it is seen.

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.

दुख लेने जावै नहीं, आवै आचा बूच। सुख का पहरा होगया, दुख करेगा कूच।।१३३६।।

One does not need to seek sorrow; it comes naturally. When happiness prevails, sorrow will leave.

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.

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.

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.

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.

कबीर झूठ न बोलिये, जब लग पार बसाय। न जानों क्‍या होयगा, पल के चौथे भाय।।१४१८।।

Kabir says, do not speak lies, even if you are established in the world. One never knows what might happen in the blink of an eye.

झूठ बात नहिं बोलिये, जब लग पार बसाय। अहो कबीरा सांच गहु, आवागवन नसाय।।१४२२।।

Do not speak falsehood, even if you are established in the world. Oh Kabir, hold onto the truth, for it does not perish.

नांव न जांगौं गांव का, मारगि लागा जांऊं। काल्हि जु काटा भाजिसी, पहिली क्‍यों न खड़ाऊं।।१४२४।।

I do not want to wander in the village by name; I want to walk on the path. Why wait until tomorrow to make a change, when it could be done today?

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.

कबीर अब तो ऐसा भया, निरमोलिक निज नाऊं। पहली कांच कबीर था, फिरता ठांवैं ठाऊं।।१४३१।।

Kabir has now become such, his own self is priceless. Previously, he was like glass, wandering from place to place.

अर्व खर्व लौ द्रव्‍य हैं, उदे अस्‍त लौं राज। भक्ति महातम न तुले, ई सब कौने काज।।१४४२।।

The riches and wealth of the world are fleeting, they rise and set like a kingdom. The greatness of devotion cannot be compared to these; what purpose do they serve?

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.

आगि जो लागि समुद्र महं, जरे जौ कांदो झारि। पूर्व पछिम के पंडिता, मुए विचारि विचारि।।१४४७।।

When fire burns in the ocean, it consumes everything like a burning ember. Scholars of the east and west ponder and die contemplating it.

आगे सीढ़ी सांकरी, पीछे चकनाचूर। परदा तर की सुंदरी, रही धको ते दूर।।१४४८।।

In front is a fragile ladder, behind it is destruction. The beauty of the veil remains hidden and distant.

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?

ई माया है चूहड़ी, औ चुहड़े की जोय। बाप पूत अरुझााय के, संग न काहुक होय।।१४५७।।

This illusion (maya) is like a rat catcher, always trapping. Even father and son get entangled in it, but in the end, no one stays together.

कनक कामिनी देखिके, तू मत भूल कुरंग। मिलन बिछुरन दुहेलरा, जस केंचुलि तजे भुजंग।।१४६९।।

Seeing gold and women, do not be deceived like the deer. Union and separation are painful, just like a snake shedding its skin.

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?

काह बड़े कुल ऊपजे, जो रे बड़‍ि बुद्धिहि नाहिं। जैसे फूल उजारि के, मिथ्‍या लगि झरि जाहिं।।१४८३।।

What is the use of being born into a great family if one lacks wisdom? Just like a flower that blooms beautifully but soon withers away.

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?

कोठी तो यह काठ की, ढिग ढिग दीन्‍ही आगि। पंडित पढ़‍ि गुणि झोली भये, साकत उबरे भागि।।१४८७।।

The wooden house is set on fire from nearby. The learned ones ponder and get trapped, while the non-believers escape.

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.

गृह तज के भये उदासी, वन खंड तप के जाय। चोली थाके मारिया, बेरई चुनि चुनि खाय।।१४९६।।

After abandoning the household, one becomes a recluse and goes to the forest for penance. Despite all efforts, they are left with nothing but picking wild fruits.

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.

चार मास घन वर्षिया, अति अपूर जल नीर। पेन्‍हे चढ़त न बखतरी, चुभे न एको तीर।।१५०७।।

For four months the clouds rained, but not a single drop of water quenched the thirst. The armor didn’t rise, nor did an arrow pierce.

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.

जब लगि डोला तब लगि बोला, तब लगि धन व्‍यवहार। ड़ाला फूटा बाला गया, कोई न झांके द्वार।।१५११।।

As long as the pitcher was intact, there was speech and trade. But when it broke and the water spilled, no one looks at the door.

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.

जहर जिमीदे रोपिया, अमि सींचे सत बार। कबीर खलक नाहीं तजे, जामहं जौन बिचार।।१५१५।।

If you sow poison and water it with nectar a hundred times, Kabir says, it won’t yield good results; the world won’t abandon its wrong ways.

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.

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.

जो जानहु जिव आपना, करहू जीव का सार। जियरा ऐसा पाहुना, मिले न दूजी बार।।१५४३।।

One who understands his own life, understands the essence of all lives. Such a guest (soul) is rare and does not come again.

झालि परे दिन आथये, अन्‍तर परिगो सांझ। बहुत रसिक के लागते, वेश्‍या रह गइ बांझ।।१५४९।।

After the flame burns out, the day turns to dusk. Many pleasure-seekers find themselves left barren, like a courtesan abandoned at dusk.

झिलमिलि‍ झगरा झूलते, वाकी छुटी न काहु। गोरख अटके कालपर, कौन कहावे साहु।।१५५०।।

The twinkling quarrel swings, and nothing remains the same. Even Gorakh is trapped by time; who can say otherwise?

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.

तन संशय मन सुनहा, काल अहेरी नीत। उतपति परले नहिं होता, तब की कही कबीर।।१५५४।।

Body is uncertain, mind is weak, and time is a constant hunter. The creation does not exist beyond, this is what Kabir says.

ताकी पूरी क्‍यों परे, गुरु न लखाई बाट। ताके बेरा बूड़ही, फिरि औघट घाट।।१५५५।।

Why does the task remain incomplete? The guru does not show the way. When the time is over, it returns to the same old path.

तीनि लोक टीड़ी भया, उड़े जो मन के साथ। हरि जाने बिनु भटके, पर काल के हाथ।।१५५८।।

All three worlds are like a net, and they move with the mind. Only Hari (God) knows without wandering, but time captures everyone.

तीनि लोक भो पींजरा, पाप पुण्‍य भो जाल। सकल जियरा सावज भया, एक अहेरी काल।।१५६०।।

The three worlds are a cage, sin and virtue are traps. All souls are trapped, and time is the hunter.

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.

नित खरसान, लोह घुन छुटे। नित की गोष्टि, माया मोह टूटे।।१५७३।।

Daily, the iron rusts away. Daily gatherings break the attachment and illusion.

नव मन दुग्‍ध बटोरिके, टिपके भया विनास। दूध फाटि कांजी भया, हुआ घृतहु को नास।।१५७५।।

New milk gathered, but it turns to ruin. The milk turned sour and curdled, leading to the destruction of even ghee.

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?

परदे पाणी दाधिया, संतो करह विचार। सरमा सरमी पचि मुवा, काल घसीट निहार।।१५८५।।

Behind the veil, water and curd, reflect on the saints. The cloth of the worldly, having been burnt, does not withstand the wear of time.

फल में परले बीतिया, लोगहि लागु तिवारि। आगिल सोच निवारि के, पाछिल करहु गुहारि।।१५८७।।

The fruit has become overripe, and people are waiting for it to fall. Instead of worrying about the future, address the concerns of the past.

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.

पानी ते अति पातला, धुआं ते अति छीनि। पवनुहु ते उतावला, दोस्‍त कबीरनि कीनि।।१५९१।।

The water is very thin, the smoke is very clear. The wind is restless, says Kabir, my friend.

पारस परसि ताम्र भो, कंचन बहुरि न तांबा होय। परिमल बास परासहि, बेधे काठ कहै नहिं कोय।।१५९२।।

The touch of the philosopher's stone turns copper into gold, but it doesn’t turn gold back into copper. The essence of the touch is not visible in wood.

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.

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.

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.

मन कहे कहौं जाइये, चित्त कहो कहां जाउं। छव मास के हींडते, आध कोस पर गांउ।।१६२९।।

The mind says go here, the heart says where should I go? After wandering for six months, one still finds oneself in the same place.

तन बोहित मन काग है, लक्ष जोजन उड़‍ि जाय। कबहुंक भरमे आगम दरिया, कबहूं गगन समाय।।१६३०।।

The body is a boat and the mind is a crow; the goal may fly away. Sometimes the river of delusion is filled, sometimes the sky is reached.

मन स्‍वारथी आपु रस, विषय लहरि फहराय। मन चलाये तन चले, ताते सरबस जाय।।१६३४।।

The selfish mind enjoys itself, while the waves of desire spread. When the mind moves, the body follows, and thus everything perishes.

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.

माग तो अति कठिन है, तहं कोई मति जाय। गया तो बहुरा नहीं, कुशल कहै को आय।।१६४१।।

The quest is very difficult, and few have the understanding to succeed. Once gone, one cannot return; who can say if one has succeeded?

मूढ कर्मिया मानवा नख, शिख पाखर आहि। वाहनहारा का करे, जो बाण न लागे ताहि।।१६४३।।

Foolish human actions are like the claws and feathers of a bird. What can the rider do if the arrow does not hit?

मूरख को समुझावते, ज्ञान गांठ का जाइ। कोयला होइ न ऊजरो, नव मन साबुन लाइ।।१६४४।।

One who tries to explain to a fool, knowledge gets tied up. Coal does not get cleaned; new soap is needed for the mind.

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.

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 विचारा क्‍या करे, जाके कहे न खुले कपाट। सोनहा चाक बैठाइए, फिर‍ि फिर‍ि एषन चाट।।१६४८।।

What can a foolish human do, whose doors are not open? Set up a golden plate, but still keep licking it repeatedly.

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.

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.

रतन का जतन करि, माटी का सिंगार। आया कबीरा फिरि गया, झूठा है संसार।।१६६१।।

Care for jewels and decorate with earth. Kabir came and went, this world is false.

राम वियोगी विकल तन, इन दुखवै मति कोय। छूबत ही मरि जाहिंगे, तालाबेली होय।।१६६६।।

The body of one separated from Ram is restless, no one understands this sorrow. When touched, they die, like a dry leaf in a pond.

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?

शब्‍द हमारा आदि का, शब्‍दे पैठा जीव। फूल रहन की टोकरी, धोरे खाया घीव।।१६७४।।

The word is from the beginning, the soul resides in the word. The basket of flowers remains, but the ghee is consumed.

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.

सायर बुद्धि बनाय के, बाए बिचक्षण चौर। सारी दुनिया जहड़े गया, कोइ न लागा ठौर।।१६९६।।

With sharp intellect and wisdom, the clever thief roams around. The entire world is lost, and no place seems stable.

सुकृत वचन माने नहीं, आपु न करे विचार। कहहिं कबीर पुकारि क, स्‍वप्‍न हु भया संसार।।१७०२।।

The words of virtue are not accepted, and no one contemplates. Kabir calls out, this world has become a dream.

सोना सज्‍जन साधुजन, टूटि जुरहिं शत् बार। दुर्जन कुंभ कुम्‍हार का, एकहि धरे दरार।।१७०५।।

A good, virtuous person is broken and mended a hundred times. A wicked person, like a potter's vessel, breaks with just one crack.

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.

हाथ कटोरा खोवा भरा, मग जोवत दिन जाय। कबिरा उता चित्त सों, छांछ दियो नहिं जाय।।१७१५।।

With a bowl and a pot full of offerings, the day passes by. Kabir says, even with a full mind, buttermilk does not come.

झिरमिरि झिरमिरि बरषिया, पांहण ऊपरि मेह। माटी गलि सैजल भई, पांहण वाही तेह।।१७२१।।

The rain falls softly on the stone. The soil melts into moisture, the stone remains the same.

कबीर मूंडठ करमियां, नष सिष पाषर ज्‍यांह। बांहणहारा क्‍या करै, बांण न लागै त्‍यांह।।१७२४।।

Kabir says, the actions of the wicked destroy the essence of the stone. What can the archer do when the arrow does not hit the mark?

जालौं इहै बड़पणां, सरलै पेड़‍ि खजूरि। पंखी छांह न बीसवै, फल लागे ते दूरि।।१७२९।।

This is the arrogance of the date palm tree. The bird does not sit in its shade, the fruit is far away.

कबीर बहुत जतन करि कीजिये, सब फल जाय नसाय। कबीर संचै सूम धन, अन्‍त चोर लै जाय।।१७३२।।

Kabir says, despite much effort, all the fruits may be lost. Kabir advises to accumulate true wealth, for in the end, the thief takes it all.

कबीर सूम थैली अरु श्‍वान भग, दोनों एक समान। घालत में सुख ऊपजै, काढ़त निकसै प्रान।।१७३४।।

Kabir says, the pot of wealth and the running dog are the same. In handling, joy arises, but in removing, life is lost.

बिरहिन ऊठै भी पड़े, दरसन कारनि राम। मूवां पीछें देहुगे, सो दरसन क‍िहिं काम।।१७४२।।

The separation causes pain, even the beloved falls due to longing. If you see from behind, does the sight serve any purpose?

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.

मन लागा उनमुनि सौं, उनमनि मनहि बिलग। लूंण बिलगा पाणियां, पांणी लूंणा बिलग।।१७९५।।

The mind attached to the sage is separated from the mundane mind. Salt dissolves in water, and the water dissolves in salt.

पांणी ही तै हिम भया, हिम ह्वे गया बिलाइ। जो कुछ था सोई भया, अब कछू कह्या न जाइ।।१७९६।।

Water has turned into ice, and the ice has melted away. What was there has become the same; now nothing can be said.

भली भई जु भै पड्या, गई दशा सब भूलि। पाला गलि पांणी भया, ढलि मिलिया उस कूलि।।१७९७।।

The good fortune that once seemed to be the case is now forgotten. The vessel has turned into water, and it has merged with its own shore.

जा कारणि मैं जाइ था, सोई पाई ठोर। सोई फिरि आपण भया, जासूं कहता और।।१८१६।।

The reason I went was to find a resting place. That same place turned out to be myself, though I was speaking of others.

कबीर सोचि विचरिया, दूजा कोई नांहि। आपा पर जब चीन्हिया, तब उलटि समाना मांहि।।१८६५।।

Kabir reflects and finds there is no one else. When he realizes the self, he merges back into the source.

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.

हरि मोती की माल है, पोई कांच तागि। जतन करि झंटा घंणा, टूटेगी कहूं लागि।।१८७०।।

The necklace of the Lord's pearls is strung on a fragile thread of glass. No matter how carefully you handle it, it may break at any time.

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.

जाता है सो जांण दे, तेरी दसा जाई। खेवटिया की नाव ज्‍यूं, घणों मिलेंगे आई।।१८९२।।

Let go of what is leaving; your situation will change. Just like a boatman who finds many new passengers, you too will encounter many new opportunities.

कबीर करणी क्‍या करै, जे राम न करै सहाइ। जिहि जिहि डाली पग धरै, सोई नवि नवि जाइ।।१९०४।।

Kabir says, what can deeds accomplish if the Lord does not assist? Whichever branch you step on, it bends and breaks.

जदि का माइ जनमियां, कहूं न पाया सुख। डाली डाली मैं फिरौं, पातौं पातौं दुख।।१९०५।।

If in my birth I did not attain happiness, I wander from branch to branch, finding sorrow everywhere.

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.

सूरैं सार संबाहिया, पहरया सहज संजोग। अब कै ग्‍यांन गयंद चढ़‍ि, खेत पड़न का जोग।।१९१३।।

The essence of the sun is carried by the seasons, which naturally connect. Now with the rise of knowledge, the field is ready for sowing.

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?

मारया है जो मरैगा, बिर सर थोथी भालि। पड्या पुकारै ब्रिछ तरि, आजि मरै कै काल्हि।।१९४२।।

One who is killed is of no value; the wise one knows this. The tree that is struck, still calls out to be saved, whether it dies today or tomorrow.

झल ऊठा झाोली जली, खपरा फूटिम फूटि। जोगी था सो रमि गया, आसणि रही बिभूति।।१९४४।।

The burning flame has risen, the pot is shattered. The yogi who was there has gone, and the seat remains covered in ashes.

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.

जिहि सर घड़ा न डूबता, अब मैंगल मलि मलि न्‍हाइ। देवल बूड़ा कलम सूं, पंषि तिसाई जाइ।।१९५५।।

The pitcher that does not sink in the pond, even if it repeatedly bathes in impurities, will eventually be destroyed by the pen of the divine writer, and the bird will depart.

ऐसा कोई ना मिले, जासौं रहिये लागि। सब जग जलता देखिये, अपणीं अपणीं आगि।।१९६८।।

No one is found who remains constant. Seeing the whole world burning, one must attend to their own fire.

ऐसा कोई ना मिले, सब विधि देइ बताइ। सुंनि मंडल मैं पुरिष एक, ताहि रहै ल्‍यो लाइ।।१९६९।।

No one is found who explains everything as per the laws of nature. In the circle of existence, there is only one person who remains constant.

हम देखत जग जात है, जग देखत हम जांह। ऐसा कोई ना मिले, पकड़‍ि छुड़ावे बांह।।१९७०।।

We observe the world as it moves, and the world observes us as we go. No one is found who can grasp and release the arm.

राम वियोगी तन बिकल, ताहि न चीन्‍है कोइ। तंबोली के पान ज्‍यूं, दिन दिन पीला होइ।।१९९६।।

The body of the one separated from Ram is in distress, but no one recognizes this. Just like the betel leaf turns yellow day by day, so does the body of such a person.

केती लहरि समंद की, कत उपजै कत जाइ। बलिहारी ता दास की, उलटी मांहि समाइ।।२०१८।।

How many waves arise and fade in the ocean? I am devoted to that servant who immerses himself even in adverse conditions.

अब तो एसी ह्वै पड़ी, नां तू बड़ी न बेलि। जालण आंणो लाकड़ी, ऊठी कूंपल मेल्हि।।२०३१।।

Now it is like this, neither big nor much. The firewood is burning, but the sprouts are coming up.

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.

पर नारी कै राचण, औगुण है गुण नांहं। षार समंद मैं मंझला, केता बहि बहि जाहं।।२०४१।।

The creation of a woman is considered a defect rather than a virtue. She is like a ship lost in the sea, drifting here and there.

नारी नसाबैं नीति सुख, जा नर पासैं होइ। भगति मुकति निज ग्‍यान मैं, पैसि न सकई कोइ।।२०४५।।

The virtue and happiness that come from a woman are temporary. True devotion and liberation come from one’s own knowledge and cannot be attained through others.

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.

सुंदरि से सूली भली, बिरला बंच कोय। लोह निहाला अगनि मैं, जलि बलि कोइला होय।।२०५१।।

Better the gallows than beauty, rare is the one who escapes. Iron, once placed in fire, burns and turns to ashes.

इसी उदर कै कारणै, जग जांच्‍यौ निस जाम। स्‍वामीं पणो जु सिर चढ्यो, सरया न एकौ काम।।२०६३।।

For the sake of this belly, the world searches day and night. The burden of duty on the head, yet not a single task is fulfilled.

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.

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.

तारा मंडल बैसि करि, चंद बड़ाई खाइ। उदै भया जब सूर का, स्‍यूं तारां छिपि जाइ।।२०७५।।

The stars gathered, boasting of the moon's greatness. But when the sun rose, all the stars disappeared.

देषण के सबको भले, जिसे सीत के कोट। रवि कै उदै न दीसहीं, बंधै न जल की पोट।।२०७६।।

Even the best covering is useless, if it traps cold inside. When the sun rises, it does not appear, and water cannot be bound.

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.

ऊंचा तरुवर गगनफल, पक्षी मुआ बिसूर। अनेक सयाना पचि गया, फल निर्मल पर दूर।।२०८४।।

The tall tree bears fruits high in the sky, and birds lament as they die in their pursuit. Many wise ones have perished, unable to reach the distant, pure fruit.

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.

जोग ते जौहर भला, घरी एकका काम। आठ पहरका जूझना, बिना खंडे संग्राम।।२१०९।।

Asceticism and valor are good, but for a short time. Struggling for eight hours without interruption is like a battle without weapons.

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.

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.

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.

अचर रचै चर पर रहै, मरै न चारै जाय। बारह मास बिलोधनां, घूूमे एकै भाय।।२१५०।।

The eternal is present on the perishable, it does not die nor depart. For twelve months, it remains hidden, roaming with a single appearance.

हीरा को कछु ना घटा, घट जो बेचन हार। जन्‍म गमायो आपनौ, अंधे पशू गंवार।।२१६०।।

The jewel does not diminish, it is diminished by the seller. Life is wasted, like blind and foolish animals.

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.

औसर बीता अल्‍पतन, पीव रहा परदेश। कलंक उतारो रामजी, भानो भरम अंदेश।।२१९७।।

The time of youth has passed, and my beloved remains far away. O Lord, remove the stain of doubt and deception.

कांसे ऊपर बीजुरी, परै अचानक आय। तात निर्भय ठीकरा, सतगुरु दिया बताय।।२२१६।।

A lightning strikes on brass suddenly. The fearless guidance was shown by the true Guru.

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.

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.

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.