Theme
Illusion that veils reality.
537 dohe
कबिरा माला मनहि की, और संसारी भीख। माला फेरे हरि मिले, गले रहट के देख।।२।।
Kabir says, the true rosary is the one in the mind, while worldly desires are like begging. If one could find God by rotating a rosary, then why don’t you see the oxen tied to a well becoming saints?
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.
सोया साधु जगाइए, करे नाम का जाप। ये तीनों सोए भले, साकत, सिंह, और साँप।।२३।।
Wake up a sleeping saint to chant the name of God. But let these three sleep: the worldly, the lion, and the snake.
बाज़ीगर का बांदरा, ऐसा जीव मन साथ। नाना नाच दिखाय के, राखे अपने साथ।।२४।।
The mind is like a juggler's monkey, it performs various tricks but always remains with its master.
सुमिरन से मन लाइए, जैसे पानी बिन मीन। प्राण तजे पल बिसरे, कहे कबीर दीन।।३२।।
Focus your mind on remembrance (of God), like a fish that cannot live without water. Without such devotion, life is meaningless, says Kabir.
साधु ऐसा चहिए, जैसा सूप सुभाय। सार-सार को गहि रहे, थोथ देइ उड़ाय।।३९।।
A saint should be like a sieve, which retains the essence and lets go of the chaff.
लगी लगन छूटे नाहिं, जीभ-चोंच जरि जाय। मीठा कहाँ अंगार में, जाहि चकोर चबाय।।४०।।
Once attached, it is hard to leave. The tongue burns like a beak. How can sweetness be found in embers, where a parrot would chew?
जा कारण जग ढूँढ़िया, सो तो घट ही मांहि। परदा दिया भरम का, ताते सूझे नाहिं।।४६।।
What you seek in the world is within you. The veil of delusion covers it, and therefore, you cannot see it.
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?
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.
जहाँ गाहक, तहाँ हूँ नहीं, जहाँ मैं गाहक नाँय। मूरख यह भरमत फिरे, पकड़ शब्द की छाँय।।६७।।
Where there are no customers, I am not there; where I am not a customer, there is no place for me. Fools wander about, grasping at the shadow of words.
कबिरा खालिक जागिया, और न जागे कोय। जाके विषय विष भरा, दास बंदगी होय।।७१।।
Kabir says that the Creator is awake, but no one else is. Only the one who is full of worldly poison and devotion can truly awaken.
यह माया है चूहड़ी, और चूहड़ा कीजो। बाप-पूत उरभय के, संग न काहू कीजो।।७५।।
This illusion is a mere game, and the game is the illusion. Father and son are entangled in this game, with no one remaining unaffected.
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.
अपने-अपने साख की, सब ही लीनी जान। हरि की बात दुरंतरा, पूरी न कहूँ पहचान।।९२।।
Everyone has their own reputation; all are aware of it. The words of the Divine are profound; I cannot fully describe them.
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.
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 कलह अरु कल्पना, सतसंगति से जाय। दुख बासे भागा फिरै, सुख में रहै समाय।।१०१।।
Kabir says that conflict and illusion vanish through association with the righteous. Suffering departs and one remains in joy.
को छूटौ इहिं जाल परि, कत फुरंग अकुलाय। ज्यों-ज्यों सुरझि भजौ चहै, त्यों-त्यों उरझत जाय।।१०४।।
Whoever gets caught in this net is troubled and restless. The more you try to understand and get free, the more entangled you become.
कहता तो बहूँना मिले, गहना मिला न कोय। सो कहता वह जान दे, जो नहीं गहना कोय।।१०९।।
One who says he has everything does not possess any ornaments. He who speaks of having nothing truly possesses nothing.
कबिरा मनहि गयन्द है, आकुंश दै-दै राखि। विष की बेली परि रहै, अम्रत को फल चाखि।।११४।।
The mind is intoxicated and keeps grasping at attachment. It remains entangled in the poisonous vine while it tastes the fruit of immortality.
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.
कबिरा आप ठगाइए, और न ठगिए कोय। आप ठगे सुख होत है, और ठगे दुख होय।।११६।।
Kabir says, deceive yourself and not others. Deceiving yourself brings happiness, while deceiving others brings sorrow.
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.
तब लग तारा जगमगे, जब लग उगे नसूर। तब लग जीव जग कर्मवश, जब लग ज्ञान ना पूर।।१२८।।
Stars continue to shine until dawn breaks. Similarly, life continues with its actions until knowledge is complete.
दस द्वारे का पींजरा, तामें पंछी मौन। रहे को अचरज भयौ, गये अचम्भा कौन।।१२९।।
In the cage with ten doors, the bird remains silent. It is surprising that no one notices, and who is astonished by this?
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.
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.
भज दीना कहूँ और ही, तन साधुन के संग। कहैं कबीर कारी गजी, कैसे लागे रंग।।१३६।।
Worship the poor and be in the company of saints. Kabir says, how can the color of a blacksmith be perceived?
राम नाम चीन्हा नहीं, कीना पिंजर बास। नैन न आवे नीदरौं, अलग न आवे भास।।१३९।।
One does not recognize the name of Rama, though one lives in a cage (body). Sleep does not come to the eyes, and there is no distinct vision.
ना गुरु मिल्या न सिष भया, लालच खेल्या डाव। दुन्यू बूड़े धार में, चढ़ि पाथर की नाव।।१५०।।
Neither did I find a Guru, nor did I become a disciple; greed played its tricks. The world is sinking in the flood, and I am riding a boat of stone.
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.
राम पियारा छांड़ि करि, करै आन का जाप। बेस्या केरा पूतं ज्यूं, कहै कौन सू बाप।।१५५।।
Leaving aside the beloved name of Ram, one chants the name of another. Like a courtesan's son, who is his true father?
बिरह-भुवगम तन बसै, मंत्र न लागै कोइ। राम-बियोगी ना जिवै, जिवै तो बौरा होइ।।१५८।।
The body suffers from separation and intense longing; no mantra or ritual seems effective. A person separated from Ram cannot live peacefully; they become mad with longing.
जो रोऊँ तो बल घटै, हँसो तो राम रिसाइ। मन ही माहिं बिसूरणा, ज्यूँ घुँण काठहिं खाइ।।१६०।।
If I cry, my strength diminishes; if I laugh, Ram becomes angry. Grieving within my mind is like wood being eaten by termites.
भारी कहौं तो बहुडरौं, हलका कहूं तौ झूठ। मैं का जाणी राम कूं, नैनूं कबहूं न दीठ।।१६३।।
If I say it is heavy, then it becomes burdensome; if I say it is light, it seems false. I do not know the essence of Ram; I have never seen Him.
चतुराई सूवै पढ़ी, सोइ पंजर मांहि। फिरि प्रमोधै आन कौं, आपण समझे नाहिं।।१६९।।
Cleverness is learned and is contained in the cage. Then it delights in others, but fails to understand itself.
कबीर मन फूल्या फिरै, करता हूँ मैं घ्रंम। कोटि क्रम सिरि ले चल्या, चेत न देखै भ्रम।।१७०।।
Kabir's mind wanders, thinking that I am calm. Even after following millions of steps, awareness does not recognize the illusion.
त्रिक्षणा सींची ना बुझै, दिन दिन बधती जाइ। जवासा के रुष ज्यूं, घण मेहां कुमिलाइ।।१७३।।
Thirst is not quenched by watering; it grows daily. Like a dish in the pot, it shrinks even with time.
कबीर जग की जो कहै, भौ जलि बूड़ै दास। पारब्रह्म पति छांड़ि करि, करै मानि की आस।।१७५।।
Kabir says that one who talks about the world drowns in water. Leaving the Supreme Lord behind, they seek hope in worldly matters.
बुगली नीर बिटालिया, सायर चढ़या कलंक। और पखेरू पी गये, हंस न बौवे चंच।।१७६।।
The frog's water has evaporated, the lark is covered with stains. The other birds have drunk, but the swan remains unruffled.
कबीर इस संसार का, झूठा माया मोह। जिहि धारि जिता बाधावणा, तिहीं तिता अंदोह।।१७७।।
Kabir says that this world is false, an illusion of attachment. The one who holds on to this illusion is enveloped in darkness.
माया तजी तौ क्या भया, मानि तजि नही जाइ। मानि बड़े मुनियर मिले, मानि सबनि को खाइ।।१७८।।
What happens if one renounces illusion? The ego does not leave. Even if one meets great sages, the ego still consumes everyone.
पद गाएं मन हरषियां, साषी कह्मां अनंद। सो तत नांव न जाणियां, गल में पड़िया फंद।।१८२।।
The feet dance in joy, the soul rejoices in the divine. But those who do not know the essence, fall into the trap.
खूब खांड है खीचड़ी, माहि ष्डयाँ टुक कून। देख पराई चूपड़ी, जी ललचावे कौन।।१८६।।
The sweet pudding is abundant, yet within it are six grains. Seeing another's meal makes one greedy.
तीरथ तो सब बेलड़ी, सब जग मेल्या छाय। कबीर मूल निकंदिया, कौण हलाहल खाय।।१८८।।
All pilgrimages are just a sham, the entire world is shadowed. Kabir says the essence is elusive, who can consume the poison?
उज्जवल देखि न धीजिये, वग ज्यूं माडै ध्यान। धीर बौठि चपेटसी, यूँ ले बूडै ग्यान।।१८९।।
Do not be misled by brightness, like a moth attracted to light. Those who sit patiently and discern, will attain true knowledge.
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.
माषी गुड़ मैं गड़ि रही, पंख रही लपटाई। ताली पीटै सिरि घुनै, मीठै बोई माइ।।१९४।।
The jaggery is melting in the syrup, while the fan continues to stir it. The sweetness remains, and the noise continues.
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.
काजल केरी कोठड़ी, तैसी यहु संसार। बलिहारी ता दास की, पैसिर निकसण हार।।१९७।।
This world is like a room filled with kajal (black dye). I am devoted to the servant who sees beyond the illusion and emerges victorious.
घन गरजै दामिनि दमकै, बूँदैं बरसैं झर लाग गए। हर तलाब में कमल खिले, तहाँ भानु परगट भये।।२०१।।
The clouds thunder, lightning flashes, and the rain pours down. Lotuses bloom in every pond, and the sun shines brightly there.
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.
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.
मैं-मैं बड़ी बलाइ है, सकै तो निकसौ भाजि। कब लग राखौ हे सखी, रुई लपेटी आगि।।२१५।।
I' is a great trouble; escape it if you can. How long can you keep fire wrapped in cotton, O friend?
कबीर माला मन की, और संसारी भेष। माला पहरयां हरि मिलै, तौ अरहट कै गलि देखि।।२१६।।
Kabir says, the true rosary is that of the mind, not just wearing worldly attire. If wearing a rosary brings Hari, then watch the oil press go round and round.
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.
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.
काबा फिर कासी भया, राम भया रे रहीम। मोट चून मैदा भया, बैठि कबीरा जीम।।२२९।।
Kaba has become Kashi, and Ram has become Rahim. The coarse flour has turned fine, and Kabir sits to eat.
कबीर दुबिधा दूरि करि, एक अंग है लागि। यहु सीतल बहु तपति है, दोऊ कहिये आगि।।२३०।।
Kabir says, cast away doubt and focus on the One. Both cold and intense heat are forms of fire.
कबीर सोई सूरिमा, मन सूँ मांडै झूझ। पंच पयादा पाड़ि ले, दूरि करै सब दूज।।२३३।।
Kabir says, the true warrior is the one who fights with his mind. He conquers the five senses and removes all duality.
जिसहि न कोई विसहि तू, जिस तू तिस सब कोई। दरिगह तेरी सांइयाँ, जा मरूम कोइ होइ।।२४१।।
Those who do not admire you, admire you; those who admire you, do not.
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.
हीरा परा बजार में, रहा छार लपिटाइ। ब तक मूरख चलि गये, पारखि लिया उठाइ।।२४९।।
The diamond remained covered in dust in the market. Only the discerning picked it up and recognized its value.
भौ सागर की त्रास तेक, गुरु की पकड़ो बाँहि। गुरु बिन कौन उबारसी, भौ जल धारा माँहि।।२६२।।
To overcome the fear of the ocean of worldly troubles, hold on to the Guru's arm. Without the Guru, who can rescue one from the turbulent waters of life?
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?
सतगुरु मिला जु जानिये, ज्ञान उजाला होय। भ्रम का भांड तोड़ि करि, रहै निराला होय।।२६८।।
When one meets the true Guru, enlightenment dawns. The vessel of delusion is shattered, and one remains unique.
डूबा औघट न तरै, मोहिं अंदेशा होय। लोभ नदी की धार में, कहा पड़ो नर सोइ।।२७३।।
One who is drowned cannot cross the treacherous path; I fear. In the stream of greed, why does a person fall?
यह सतगुरु उपदेश है, जो मन माने परतीत। करम भरम सब त्यागि के, चलै सो भव जल जीत।।२७६।।
This is the true Guru's teaching: when the mind fully believes, abandoning all doubts and illusions, one can cross the ocean of worldly existence.
जग सब सागर मोहिं, कहु कैसे बूड़त तेरे। गहु सतगुरु की बाहिं, जो जल थल रक्षा करै।।२७७।।
The world is like an ocean; tell me, how will you drown in it? Hold the true Guru's hand, who will protect you on land and water.
कबीर गुरु है घाट का, हाँटू बैठा चेल। मूड़ मुड़ाया साँझ कूँ, गुरु सबेरे ठेल।।२७९।।
Kabir says, the Guru is like a marketplace, and the disciple is a haggler. He shaves his head in the evening, but the Guru pushes him away in the morning.
जो गुरु ते भ्रम न मिटे, भ्रान्ति न जिसका जाय। सो गुरु झूठा जानिये, त्यागत देर न लाय।।२८१।।
If the Guru does not dispel delusion and does not remove doubts, know that Guru to be false and waste no time in leaving him.
जो गुरु को तो गम नहीं, पाहन दिया बताय। शिष शोधे बिन सेइया, पार न पहुँचा जाए।।२८३।।
A Guru who has no concern for your well-being and only points to lifeless stones cannot help you cross the ocean of life.
जाका गुरु है गीरही, गिरही चेला होय। कीच-कीच के धोवते, दाग न छूटे कोय।।२८७।।
If the Guru is worldly, the disciple will also be worldly. No matter how much they try to cleanse themselves, the stains will not go away.
गुरु बिचारा क्या करे, ह्रदय भया कठोर। नौ नेजा पानी चढ़ा, पथर न भीजी कोर।।२९०।।
What can the poor Guru do when the heart has become hard? No matter how much water is poured, the stone remains dry.
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.
कह अकाश को फेर है, कह धरती को तोल। कहा साध की जाति है, कह पारस का मोल।।३२५।।
Question the sky for its rotation, and the earth for its weight. Ask about the caste of a saint and the worth of a touchstone.
साधु-साधु सब एक है, जस अफीम का खेत। कोई विवेकी लाल है, और सेत का सेत।।३३७।।
The wise are all the same, like the field of opium. Some are red as a precious stone, and others are simply common.
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.
चाल बकुल की चलत हैं, बहुरि कहावै हंस। ते मुक्ता कैसे चुंगे, पड़े काल के फंस।।३६२।।
The walk of a swan is elegant, but it is still called a duck. How can those who are bound by the traps of time be truly liberated?
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.
साध संग अन्तर पड़े, यह मति कबहु न होय। कहैं कबीर तिहु लोक में, सुखी न देखा कोय।।३८२।।
When there is a gap in the company of saints, this intellect is never right. Kabir says, I have not seen anyone truly happy in all three worlds.
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.
जो छोड़े तो आँधरा, खाये तो मरि जाय। ऐसे संग छछून्दरी, दोऊ भाँति पछिताय।।३९२।।
If you abandon it, you will face hardship; if you consume it, you will die. Such is the regret of the leech, which suffers in both ways.
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.
आशा करै बैकुण्ठ की, दुरमति तीनों काल। शुक्र कही बलि ना करीं, ताते गयो पताल।।४०६।।
Hoping for paradise leads to delusion through all three ages. Praising the goddess without true devotion leads one to hell.
कबीर सपनें रैन के, ऊधरी आये नैन। जीव परा बहू लूट में, जागूँ लेन न देन।।४२१।।
Kabir says, in the dream of night, illusions come before the eyes. The soul is caught in worldly plunder, unaware of giving or taking.
कहा चुनावै मेड़िया, लम्बी भीत उसारि। घर तो साढ़े तीन हाथ, घना तो पौने चारि।।४२८।।
Where is the choice of the media? The high walls are narrow. The house is only three and a half hands, and the courtyard is barely four.
मलमल खासा पहिनते, खाते नागर पान। टेढ़ा होकर चलते, करते बहुत गुमान।।४२९।।
Wearing fine muslin and eating betel leaves, They walk in a crooked manner, full of pride.
क्यों खोवे नरतन वृथा, परि विषयन के साथ। पाँच कुल्हाड़ी मारही, मूरख अपने हाथ।।४३८।।
Why does man waste his life on worldly pleasures? He cuts himself with five axes, the fool himself.
साधो रण में मिट रहा, टूटन दे हंकार। जग की मरनी क्यों मरें, दिन में सौसौ बार।।४५६।।
The saints are destroyed in battle, relinquishing their pride. Why die the worldly death, a hundred times a day?
भीतर तो भेदा नहीं, बाहिर कथै अनेक। जो पाई भीतर लखि परै,भीतर बाहर एक।।४६०।।
Inside, there is no difference, but outside there are many. What is found inside is the same as outside.
राम नाम कड़वा लगे, मीठा लागे दाम। दुविधा में दोनों गए, माया मिली ना राम।।४६५।।
The name of Ram may seem bitter, while money seems sweet. In the dilemma of both, neither the illusion of wealth nor the name of Ram is attained.
कहैं कबीर तजि भरम को, नन्हा है कर पीव। तजि अहँ गुरु चरण गहु, जमसों बाचै जीव।।४८२।।
Kabir says to abandon delusions, as the child (soul) should hold onto the Guru’s feet. By forsaking ego and taking refuge in the Guru’s feet, one can be freed from the cycle of birth and death.
गुरु किया है देह का, सतगुरु चीन्हा नांहि। भवसागर के जाल में, फिर फिर गोता खांहि।।५१६।।
If you consider the body as your Guru and do not recognize the true Guru, you will keep drowning again and again in the ocean of existence.
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.
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.
मात पिता सुत स्त्री, आलस बन्धु कानि। साधु दरश को जब चलै, ये अटकावै आनि।।५७१।।
Mother, father, son, wife, laziness, and friends can cause hindrance. When a saint walks towards the path of truth, these obstacles come in the way.
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.
सन्त मता गजराज का, चाले बन्धन छोड़। जग कुत्ता पीछै फिरै, सुनै न वाका सोर।।६००।।
A saint is like a wise elephant, who leaves the bonds of worldly attachments. The world chases after false things and does not hear the true call.
आशा तजि माया तजै, मोह तजै अरु मान। हरष शोक निंदा तजै, कहैं कबीर संत जान।।६०५।।
A saint abandons hope, illusion, attachment, and pride. He renounces joy, sorrow, and criticism. This is what Kabir describes as a true saint.
तूटै बरत अकास सों, कौन सकत है झेल। साधु सती और सूर का, अनी ऊपर का खेल।।६१२।।
Just as one cannot bear the destruction of the sky, so too is the play of the saint, sage, and hero beyond ordinary understanding.
उड़गण और सुधाकरा, बसत नीर के संग। यों साधु संसार में, कबीर पड़त न फंद।।६१३।।
The moon and the nectar reside with the water. Similarly, a saint lives in the world but is not caught in its traps.
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.
संत समागम परम सुख, जान अल्प सुख और। मान सरोवर हंस है, बगुला ठौर ठौर।।६२४।।
The company of saints is supreme bliss; know that worldly pleasures are minor. The swan swims in the lake of honor, while the heron stays at different places.
हांसी खेल हराम है, जो जन रमते राम। माया मन्दिर इस्तरी, नहिं साधु का काम।।६२६।।
Laughter and play are forbidden for those who revel in Ram. The temple of illusion and women’s allure is not the work of a saint.
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.
बोली ठोली मसखरी, हंसी खेल हराम। मद माया और इस्तरी, नहिं सन्तन के काम।।६३९।।
Chatter, mockery, laughter, and play are forbidden. The intoxication of illusion and women’s allure have no place in the work of saints.
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.
अनुराते सुखा सोवना, राते नींद न आय। ज्यों जल छुटी माछरी, तड़फत रैन बिहाय।।६७२।।
In deep love, one finds peace in sleep; without love, sleep doesn't come, like a fish out of water, one spends the night in restlessness.
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.
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.
भक्ति गेंद चौगान की, भावै कोइ लै जाय। कहैं कबीर कछु भेद नहिं, कहां रंक कहं राय।।७२१।।
Devotion is like a game of ball; anyone who desires can take part. Kabir says there is no distinction; whether one is a pauper or a prince, all can partake.
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.
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.
बिना सांच सुमिरन नहीं, बिन भेदी भक्ति न होय। पारस में परदा रहा, कस लोहा कंचन होय।।७३०।।
Without true remembrance, there is no devotion. Without understanding the essence, devotion cannot be achieved. Even if gold is hidden in iron, it remains iron.
तन थिर मन थिर बचन थिर, सुरति निरति थिर होय। कहैं कबीर उस दास को, कल्प न व्यापे कोय।।७४८।।
When the body is steady, the mind is steady, speech is steady, and perception and attention are steady, says Kabir, then no illusion can affect such a devotee.
कबीर सुमिरन सार है, और सकल जंजाल। आदि अंत मधि सोधिया, दूजा देखा काल।।७५७।।
Kabir says that remembrance is essential and cuts through all entanglements. Seek the essence from beginning to end; otherwise, time will deceive you.
जसे माया मन रमैं, तैसा राम रमाय। तारा मण्डल बेधि के, तब अमरापुर जाय।।७६६।।
As the mind dwells in illusion, so does Ram dwell in the heart. When you pierce the cosmic sphere, you reach the eternal abode.
आदि नाम पारस अहै, मन है मैला लोह। परसत ही कंचन भया, छूटा बन्धन मोह।।७८४।।
The primal name is like the philosopher's stone, the mind is impure iron. Upon its touch, it becomes gold, and the bonds of illusion are broken.
दुख में सुमिरन सब करै, सुख में करै न कोय। जो सुख में सुमिरन कर, तो दुख काहे को होय।।७९२।।
Everyone remembers in sorrow, but no one does in happiness. If one remembers in happiness, then why would sorrow exist?
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.
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.
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.
प्रीति बहत संसार में, नाना विधि की सोय। उत्तम प्रीति सो जानिये, सतगुरु से जो होय।।८२८।।
Affection is widespread in the world, in many forms and ways. True affection is known to be that which comes from the true guru.
प्रेम पंथ में पग धरै, देत न शीश डराय। सपने मोह व्यापे नहिं, ताको जन्म नशाय।।८२९।।
One who walks the path of love does not fear or bow his head. He is not affected by illusions or dreams, and his birth is not wasted.
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.
जो तू परा है फंद में, निकसेगा कब अंध। माया मद तोकूं चढ़ा, मत भूले मतिमंद।।८४७।।
When you are trapped in the snare, when will you escape, O blind one? The intoxication of illusion has consumed you; do not forget, O foolish one.
एक बुन्द के कारनै, रोता सब संसार। अनेक बुन्द खाली गये, तिनका नहीं विचार।।८४९।।
Because of a single drop, the whole world weeps. Many drops have gone by without a thought.
मन मूआ माया मुई, संशय मुआ शरीर। अविनाशी जो ना मरे, तो क्यों मरे कबीर।।८५१।।
The mind is dead, illusion is dead, and doubt has killed the body. The imperishable one does not die; then why does Kabir die?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
दीन गंवायो दूनि संग, दुनी न चाली साथ। पांव कुल्हाड़ी मारिया, मूरख अपने हाथ।।८८१।।
You lost your spirituality for the sake of the world, but the world won't accompany you in the end. You have struck your own foot with an axe, foolish one.
काल चक्र चक्की चलै, बहुत दिवस औ रात। सगुन निगुन दोय पाटला, तामें जीव पिसात।।८८२।।
The wheel of time grinds day and night, With virtues and vices as the grinding stones, and the soul is ground between them.
मेरा संगी कोय नहिं, सबै स्वारथी लोय। मन परतीति न ऊपजै, जिय विस्वास न होय।।८८३।।
I have no true companions, everyone is selfish. Trust doesn't arise in my mind, and there is no belief in my heart.
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.
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.
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.
पांचों नौबत बाजते, होत छत्तीसों राग। सो मन्दिर खाली पड़े, बैठन लागे काग।।८९७।।
The five instruments play, creating thirty-six melodies. Yet that temple remains empty, as crows come to sit.
कहा चुनावै मेड़िया, चूना माटी लाय। मीच सुनैगां पापिनी, दौरि कि लेगी आय।।८९८।।
Where is the media election, bringing clay and dust? The sinner will hear, running to fetch the truth.
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?
कबीर सुपने रैन के, उधरी आये नैन। जीव परा बहु लूट में, ना कछु लेन न देन।।९०९।।
In the dream of the night, the eyes are not engaged. The soul is caught in numerous plundering; there is neither giving nor taking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
मन राजा नायक भया, टांडा लादा जाय। है है है है ह्वै रही, पूंजी गयी बिलाय।।९३९।।
The mind has become the king and the hero, but the baggage of life is heavy. Alas, the wealth is gone and the misery remains.
हरिजन तो हारा भला, जीतन दे संसार। हारा तो हरि सों मिला, जीता जम के द्वार।।९४३।।
The loss of a devotee is good, for they gain the divine. A loss is a gain with Hari, while a win is just a victory in the worldly domain.
हस्ती चढ़िये ज्ञान का, सहज दुलीचा डार। स्वान रूप संसार है, भूंकन दे झकमार।।९४४।।
The self rises with knowledge, like a simple piece of cloth. The world is like a dog; barking causes it to stir.
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.
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.
शीतल शब्द उचारिये, अहं आनिये नाहिं। तेरा प्रीतम तुझहि में, दुसमन भी तुझ माहिं।।९९४।।
Speak gentle words, do not bring in ego. Your beloved is within you, as is your enemy.
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.
जंत्र मंत्र सब झूठ है, मति भरमो जग कोय। सार शब्द जानै बिना, कागा हंस न होय।।१००३।।
All charms and spells are false, don't be deluded by the world. Without knowing the essence of the word, a crow cannot become a swan.
कर्म फंद जग फंदिया, जप तप पूजा ध्यान। जाहि शब्द ते मुक्ति होय, सो न परा पहिचान।।१००४।।
The world is trapped in the snares of karma, rituals, and meditation. They fail to recognize the word that leads to liberation.
कागा काको धन हरै, कोयल काको देत। मीठा शब्द सुनाय के, जग अपनो करि लेत।।१००७।।
Who does the crow rob? Whom does the cuckoo give? By speaking sweet words, one wins over the world.
जिभ्या जिन बिस में करी, तिन बस कियो जहान। नहिं तो औगुन ऊपजे, कहि सब संत सुजान।।१०११।।
Those who control their tongue, control the world. Otherwise, vices arise, as all wise saints say.
रैन तिमिर नासत भयो, जबही भानु उगाय। सार शब्द के जानते, करम भरम मिटि जाय।।१०१७।।
Just as the darkness of night disappears when the sun rises, knowing the essence of the word dispels the illusions of karma.
एक शब्द सुख खानि है, एक शब्द दुख रासि। एक शब्द बन्धन काटै, एक शब्द गल फांसि।।१०२८।।
One word can be a source of joy, and another a cause of sorrow. One word can break bonds, and another can ensnare the neck.
भक्त मरे क्या रोइये, जो अपने घर जाय। रोइये साकट बापुरे, हाटों हाट बिकाय।।१०३४।।
Why weep when a devotee dies, for they return home. Weep for the unfortunate non-believer, who is sold in the marketplace of the world.
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.
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.
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.
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 पाका कोट था, मन्दिर नगर मझार। खिरकी खिरकी पाहरु, गज बंधा दरबार।।१०५५।।
In all directions were fortified castles, temples in the city center. Guards at every window, and elephants tied in the courtyard.
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.
खुलि खेलो संसार में, बांधि न सक्कै कोय। घाट जगाती क्या करै, सिर पर पोट न होय।।१०५७।।
Play freely in the world; no one can bind you. What can a riverbank do, when there is no pot on the head?
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.
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.
जरा आय जोरा किया, नैनन दीन्हीं पीठ। आंखौ ऊपर आंगुली, वीष भरै पछ नीठ।।१०६५।।
Old age has come, making the eyes weak. The fingers point upward, filling the eyes with poison and deceit.
पंथी ऊभा पंथ सिर, बगुचा बांधा पूंठ। मरना मुंह आगे खड़ा, जीवन का सब झूठ।।१०६८।।
The traveler stands at the crossroads, the garden is tied with a rope. Death stands before the face, and life is all falsehood.
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.
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.
स्वारथ कूं स्वारथ मिले, पड़ि पड़ि लूंबा बूंब। निस्प्रेही निरधार को, कोय न राखे झूंब।।१०९०।।
Self-interest leads to self-interest, resulting in endless cycles. The unattached and indifferent remain unperturbed by such cycles.
माया कू माया मिले, कर कर लम्बे हाथ। निस्प्रेही निरधार को, गाहक दीनानाथ।।१०९१।।
Illusion meets illusion, hands reaching out long. The unattached and non-dependent remain as the cherished customer of the Lord.
संसारी से प्रीतड़ी, सरै न एकौ काम। दुविधा से दोनों गये, माया मिली न राम।।१०९२।।
Attachment to the worldly does not achieve any purpose. Both are lost in doubt, neither attaining Maya nor Rama.
कबीर मन तो एक है, भावै जहां लगाय। भावै गुरु की भक्ति कर, भावे विषय कमाय।।१११२।।
Kabir says the mind is one; it follows where it is inclined. If it inclines towards devotion to the Guru, it will also incline towards worldly pursuits.
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.
यह मन नीचा मूल है, नीचा करम सुहाय। अमृत छाडै मान करि, विषहि प्रीत करि खाय।।११२४।।
The mind is inherently low, and low actions seem pleasant. It abandons nectar for the sake of pride and embraces poison with affection.
अपने उरझै उरझिया, दीखै सब संसार। अपने सुरझै सुरझिया, यह गुरु ज्ञान विचार।।११२६।।
The one who is entangled in their own confusion sees the entire world in confusion. The one who is clear within sees the true essence through the wisdom of the guru.
मन मोटा मन पातरा, मन पानी मन लाय। मन के जैसी ऊपजै, तैसी ही ह्वै जाय।।११२९।।
The mind is thick, the mind is a vessel, the mind is water and the mind is a vessel. Whatever the mind produces, that is how it becomes.
कहत सुनत सब दिन गये, उरझि न सुरझा मन्न। कहैं कबीर चेता नहीं, अजहूं पहला दिन्न।।११३१।।
All days pass in speaking and listening, yet the mind remains entangled and not clear. Kabir says one remains unaware as if it were the first day.
मन की घाली हूं गई, मन की घाली जाउं। संग जो परी कसंग के, हाटै हाट बिकाउं।।११३२।।
The mind is like a worn-out vessel, and it will remain so. Those who are attached to false company, are sold off in the market.
मन के मते न चालिये, छांडि जीव की बानि। कतवारी के सूत ज्यौं, उलटि अपूठा आनि।।११३३।।
Do not follow the whims of the mind; leave behind the sayings of the living. Like a twisted thread, it is all meaningless.
यह मन हरि चरणे चला, माया-मोह से छूट। बेहद माहीं घर किया, काल रहा शिर कूट।।११३५।।
This mind has turned towards the Lord's feet, freed from illusion and attachment. It has settled in the infinite, while time remains bound to the head.
कबीर बैरी सबल है, एक जीव रिपु पांच। अपने-अपने स्वाद को, बहुत नचावै नाच।।११३८।।
Kabir says that the enemy is strong, and there are five enemies in one being. Each one dances to its own tune.
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.
मनुवां तो पंछी भया, उड़िके चला अकास। ऊपर ही ते गिर पड़ा, मन माया के पास।।११४३।।
The mind became like a bird, flying up to the sky. But it fell down from above, and now it is caught in illusion.
मनुवा तो फूला फिरै, कहे जो करुं धरम।। कोटि करम सिर पर चढ़े, चेति न देखै मरम।।११४४।।
The mind wanders in delusion, saying it will follow righteousness. Countless deeds are piled on the head, but it does not recognize the essence.
मन दाता मन लालची, मन राजा मन रंक। जो यह मन गुरु सो मिलै, तो गुरु मिले निसंक।।११४५।।
The mind is both the giver and the greedy one, the king and the beggar. If this mind meets the true guru, it will find the guru without doubt.
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 के हारै हार है, मन के जीते जीत। कहैं कबीर गुरु पाइये, मन ही के प्रतीत।।११६०।।
Victory and defeat are determined by the mind; the mind’s defeat is defeat, and the mind’s victory is victory. Kabir says, one finds the guru through the mind’s perception.
या मारा जग भरमिया, सबको लगी उपाध। यहि तारन के कारनै, जग में आये साध।।११६१।।
The world is deluded by false labels; it is for this reason that the wise ones came into the world to guide.
मन मते माया तजी, यूं करि निकस बहार। लागि रहि जानी नहीं, भटकी भयो खुवार।।११६३।।
Renounce illusion from the mind and exit from it. Without realizing it, one remains lost and bewildered.
माया जात है, सुनो शब्द निज मोर। सुखियों के घर साध जन, सूमौं के घर चोर।।११६४।।
Illusion is fleeting; hear my words. In the homes of the content, there are saints, and in the homes of the rich, there are thieves.
कबीर माया पापिनी, लोभ भ्ज्ञुलाया लोग। पूरी किनहुं न भोगिया, इसका यही बिजोग।।११६५।।
Kabir says, illusion is sinful, and greed has misled people. No one has fully enjoyed it; this is its problem.
कबीर माया पापिनी, फंद ले बैठी हाट। सब जग तो फदै पड़ा, गया कबीरा काट।।११६६।।
Kabir says, illusion is sinful and has set up a trap in the marketplace. The whole world is caught in it, and Kabir has escaped.
माया छोड़न सब कहै, माया छोरि न जाय। छोरन की जो बात करु, बहुत तमाचा खाय।।११६८।।
Everyone speaks of abandoning illusion, but it does not leave. Those who speak of abandonment face many rebukes.
माया सम नहिं मोहिनी, मन समान नहिं चोर। हरिजन सम नहिं पारखी, कोई न दीसे ओर।।११६९।।
There is no enchantress like illusion, and no thief like the mind. There is no connoisseur like a saint, and none can be seen elsewhere.
माया जगवे कौन गन, अंत न आवै काज। सोई नाम जोगावहु, भये परमारथ साज।।११७०।।
What is the benefit of illusion in the world? It never ends. Only the name of the divine is worthy; it leads to ultimate welfare.
कबीर या संसार की, झूठी माया मोह। जिहि घर जिता बधावना, तिहि घर तेता दोह।।११७१।।
Kabir says, this world is full of false illusion and attachment. The house where one is celebrated is the same house where falsehood resides.
माया करक कदीम है, यह भव सागर माहिं। जंबुक रूपी जीव है, खैंचत ही महि जाहिं।।११७२।।
Illusion is an ancient tool in this ocean of existence. The soul, in the form of a jackal, is pulled into it.
आंधी आई प्रेम की, ढही भरम की भीत। माया टाटी उड़ि गई, लगी नाम सों प्रीत।।११७३।।
A storm of love has arrived, breaking the walls of delusion. The illusion has flown away like a torn cloth, and love for the divine has begun.
झीनी माया जिन तजी, मोटी गई बिलाय। ऐसे जन के निकट से, सब दु:ख गये हिराय।।११७४।।
Those who have abandoned the subtle illusion become free from the gross troubles. From the proximity of such a person, all sorrows disappear.
मीठा सब कोय खात है, विष ह्व लागै धाय। नीम न कोई पीवसी, सबै रोग मिट जाय।।११७७।।
Everyone eats sweet things, but poison seems to linger. If one drinks bitter neem, all ailments would disappear.
मोटी माया सब तजैं, झीनी तजी न जाय। पीर पैगम्बर औलिया, झीनी सबको खाय।।११७८।।
Gross illusion can be abandoned by all, but subtle illusion cannot be easily left behind. Saints, prophets, and holy people all fall prey to the subtle illusion.
माया सेती मति मिली, जो सोबरिया देहि। नारद से मुनिवर गले, क्याहि भरोसा तेहि।।११८०।।
Intellect gained through illusion is unreliable. Even revered sages like Narada have been deceived by it.
माया दीपक नर पतंग, भ्रमि भ्रमि माहिं परन्त। कोई एक गुरु ज्ञानते, उबरे साधु सन्त।।११८१।।
Illusion is like a lamp and humans are like moths, wandering and burning. Only one true guru’s knowledge can help a saint escape.
माया देाय प्रकार की, जो जानै सो खाय। एक मिलावै राम को, एक नरक ले जाय।।११८३।।
Illusion comes in two forms: one that leads to God and one that takes you to hell. The wise understand and choose the right path.
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 सांपिनी, जनता ही को खाय। ऐसा मिलना न गारुड़ी, पकड़ि पिटारे बांय।।११८६।।
Kabir says, illusion is like a poisonous snake that consumes the people. Meeting it is like meeting a venomous serpent; it seizes and devours you.
माया छाया एक सी, बिरला जानै कोय। भगता के पीछे फिरै, सनमुख भाजै सोय।।११८७।।
Illusion is like a shadow, and only a few understand it. It follows the devotee and flees from those who face it directly.
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.
गुरु को चेला बिष दे, जो गांठी होय दाम। पूत पिता को मारसी, ये माया के काम।।११९१।।
Illusion makes a disciple poison the guru, if it brings a price. It causes a son to harm his father; these are the deeds of illusion.
माया दासी सन्त की, साकट की शिर ताज। सांकट की सिर मानिनी, सन्तों सहेली लाज।।११९२।।
Illusion is a maidservant to saints, but it crowns the miser. Illusion, in times of crisis, is honored as a friend, but among saints, it is a source of shame.
माया माया सब कहैं, माया लखै न कोय। जो मन से ना ऊतरे, माया कहिए सोय।।११९३।।
Everyone talks about illusion, but no one truly understands it. That which does not leave the mind is called illusion.
कबीर माया मोहिनी, मांगी मिलै न हाथ। मना उतारी जूठ करु, लागी डोलै साथ।।११९४।।
Kabir says, illusion is enchanting but cannot be grasped by hand. If you rid the mind of false desires, illusion will no longer follow you.
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.
कबीर माया मोहिनी, जैसी मीठी खांड। सद्गुरु की किरपा भई, नातर करती भांड।।११९६।।
Kabir says, illusion is an enchantress, as sweet as sugar. With the grace of the true guru, it becomes like a broken vessel.
माया संख पदुम लौं, भक्ति बिहुन जो होय। जम लै ग्रासैं सो तेहि, नरक पड़े पुनि सोय।।११९७।।
Illusion is like a lotus flower, which lacks devotion. Those who are caught in its grasp end up in hell again and again.
कबीर माया मोहिनी, सब जग छाला छानि। कोइ एक साधु ऊबरा, तोडी कुल की कानि।।११९८।।
Kabir says, illusion is enchanting and has deceived the whole world. Only a few saints have managed to break free from its clutches, rescuing their lineage.
कबीर माया डाकिनी, सब काह् को खाय। दांत उपारुं पापिनी, सन्तो नियरै जाय।।११९९।।
Kabir says, illusion is like a witch that consumes everyone. Its fangs are like sins, and it approaches even saints.
भूले थे संसार में, माया के संग आय। सतगुरु राह बताइया, फेरि मिलै तिहि जाय।।१२००।।
Having wandered in the world lost in illusion, one comes under its influence. The true guru shows the way, leading to liberation from its grip.
माया काल की खानि है, धरै त्रिगुण विपरीत। जहां जाय तहं सुख नहीं, या माया की रीति।।१२०१।।
Illusion is the abode of time, opposite to the three gunas (qualities). Wherever it goes, there is no happiness; such is the nature of illusion.
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.
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.
मैं जानूं हरिसूं मिलूं, मो मन मोटी आस। हरि बिच डारै अन्तरा, माया बड़ी पिचास।।१२०५।।
I know I will meet the Lord, but my mind has a deep desire. The Lord is in my heart, but illusion is a great deceiver.
माया तरुवर त्रिविधका, शोक दुख संताप। शीतलता सुपनै नहीं, फल फीका तन ताप।।१२०६।।
Illusion is a tree with threefold sufferings: grief, sorrow, and pain. It does not offer coolness or sweet fruit; instead, it brings the heat of the body.
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.
मन ते माया ऊपजै, माया तिरगुण रूप। पांच तत्व के मेल में, बांधे सकल सरूप।।१२०८।।
Illusion arises from the mind and takes on the form of the three gunas (qualities). It binds all forms through the combination of the five elements.
अष्ट सिद्धि नव निद्धि लौं, सबही मोह की खान। त्याग मोह की वासना, कहैं कबीर सुजान।।१२०९।।
The eight siddhis and nine treasures are all sources of illusion. Renounce the desire for illusion, says the wise Kabir.
सुर नर मुनि सब फंसे, मृग त्रिस्ना जग मोह। मोह रूप संसार है, गिरे मोह निधि जोह।।१२१०।।
Gods, humans, and sages are all trapped by the illusion of desire. The world is a form of illusion; those who seek its treasures fall into its trap.
अपना तो कोई नहीं, देखा ठोकि बजाय। अपना अपना क्या करै, मोह भरम लपटाय।।१२११।।
There is no true ownership; observe how things are struck and played. What can one do with 'own'? It is illusion and delusion that entangles us.
मोह फंद सब फंदिया, कोय न सके निवार। कोई साधु जन पारखी, बिरला तत्व विचार।।१२१२।।
Desire is the net of all nets; no one can escape it. Only a few wise saints, who have truly contemplated the essence, can understand it.
जहं लगि सब संसार है, मिरग सबन को मोह। सुर नर नाग पाताल अरु, ऋषि मुनिवर सब जोह।।१२१४।।
Wherever there is the world, there is the illusion of desire. Gods, humans, serpents, and sages are all entangled in this illusion.
जब घट मोह समाइया, सबै भया अंधियार। निर्मोह ज्ञान विचार के, साधु उतरे पार।।१२१५।।
When the illusion of desire fills the vessel, everything becomes dark. Only those who have transcended illusion through knowledge and contemplation reach the other shore.
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.
मोह सलिल की धार में, बहि गये गहिर गंभीर। सूक्ष्म मछली सुरति है, चढ़ती उल्टी नीर।।१२१८।।
In the current of the river of illusion, many have been carried away deeply. The subtle fish of awareness swims against the current of the water.
कुरुक्षेत्र सब मेदिनी, खेती करै किसान। मोह मिरग सब चरि गया, आसन रहि खलियान।।१२१९।।
Kurukshetra is a fertile land where farmers cultivate. The deer of illusion roam around, while the fields remain barren.
एक मोह के कारनै, भरत धरी दो देह। ते नर कैसे छूटिहैं, जिनके बहुत सनेह।।१२२०।।
Due to a single illusion, Bharat had to take two bodies. How can those who are deeply attached ever escape?
कामी अमी न भावई, विष को लेवै सोध। कुबुधि न भाजै जीव की, भावै ज्यों परमोध।।१२२८।।
The desirous person does not enjoy nectar; he investigates poison. Ignorant thoughts do not affect the soul, as if they are like the highest nectar.
जहां काम तहां नाम नहिं, तहां नाम नहिं काम। दोनों कबहू ना मिलै, रवि रजनी इक ठाम।।१२३१।।
Where there is desire, there is no name (spiritual presence); where there is name, there is no desire. They never meet, just like day and night are in separate places.
दीपक सुन्दर देखि करि, जरि जरि मरे पतंग। बढ़ी लहर जो विषय की, जरत न मोरै अंग।।१२३४।।
Seeing the beautiful lamp, the moth burns and dies. The wave of desire grows, and it burns without harming my body.
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.
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.
दीप कू झोला पवन है, नर को झोला नारि। ज्ञानी झोला गर्व हैं, कहैं कबीर पुकारि।।१२४७।।
A lamp’s bag is the wind, a man's bag is a woman, and a wise person’s bag is pride. Kabir says, this is what is called pride.
माया तजी तो क्या भया, मान तजा नहिं जाय। मान मड़े मुनिवर गले, मान सबन को खाय।।१२६७।।
What has been achieved by renouncing illusion if pride is not abandoned? Even the greatest sages are consumed by pride.
हाथी चढ़ि के जो फिरै, ऊपर चंवर दुराय। लोग कहैं सुख भोगवै, सीधे दोजख जाय।।१२७०।।
The one who rides an elephant and waves a fan above is thought to enjoy luxury, but in reality, he goes straight to hell.
मान बड़ाई जगत में, कूकर की पहिचान। प्यार किये मुख चाटई, बैर किये तन हान।।१२७२।।
Pride and greatness in the world are like a dog's identity. It licks with love and harms with enmity.
मान दिया मन हरषिया, अपमाने तन छीन। कहैं कबीर तब जानिये, माया में लौ लीन।।१२७७।।
One may feel happy with pride, but shame will strip away the body. Kabir says, understand that such a person is lost in illusion.
माखी गहै कुवास को, फूल वास नहिं लेयै। मधुमाखी हैं साधु जन, पुष्प बास चित देयं।।१२८५।।
A fly is attracted to filth and does not care for flowers. But a honeybee, like a saint, is attracted to the fragrance of flowers.
साखी लाय बनाय के, इत उत अच्छर काटि। कहैं कबीर कब लगि जिये, जूठी पत्तर चाटि।।१३११।।
Bringing together scraps from here and there, Kabir says, when will you stop eating the false leaves?
कथनी के सूरे घने, थोथै बांधै तीर। बिरह बान जिनके लगा, तिनके बिकल सरीर।।१३१२।।
The arrows of hollow words bind the body with dense pain. Those who are struck by the arrows of separation, suffer greatly.
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.
कबीर चंदन पर जला, तीतर बैठा मांहि। हम तो दाझत पंख बिन, तुम दाजत हो काहि।।१३४२।।
Kabir burns on sandalwood, while the peacock sits on it. How is it that we are scorched without wings, while you, with wings, are honored?
बाहिर सुख दुख देन को, हुकुम करै मन मांय। जब उठे मन बखत को, बाहिर रूप धरि आय।।१३४५।।
External happiness and sorrow are dictated by the mind. When the mind is ready, it manifests as external experiences.
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.
अकिल बिहूना आदमी, जानै नहीं गंवार। जैसे कपि परबस पर्यो, नाचौ घर घर द्वार।।१३५०।।
A foolish and ignorant person does not understand. Just like a monkey, who, when controlled, dances around door to door.
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.
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.
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.
अकिल बिहूना आंधरा, गज फन्दे पड़ो आय। ऐसे सब लग बंधिया, काहि कहूं समझाय।।१३६२।।
The blind man without wisdom is like an elephant caught in a trap. Everyone is bound like this, how can I explain it to them?
लिखा पढ़ी में सब पड़े, यह गुन तजै न कोय। सबै पड़े भ्रम जाल में, डारा यह जिय खोय।।१३६३।।
Everyone is lost in reading and writing, but no one leaves this habit. They are all trapped in a web of illusions, losing their minds.
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.
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.
मनही में फूला फिरै, करता हूं मैं धर्म। कोटि कर्म सिर पर चढ़े, चेति न देखे मर्म।।१३७३।।
The mind swells with pride, thinking 'I am righteous.' But despite countless deeds, one fails to see the essence.
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.
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.
काजर केरी कोठरी, भसि के किये कपाट। पाहन भूलि पिरथवी, पंडित पाड़ी वाट।।१३८४।।
The room full of soot, with doors shut tight, forgets the earth while the learned ones pave their own paths.
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.
कंचन केवल हरि भजन, दूजा कांच कथीर। झूठा आल जंजाल तजि, पकड़ा सांच कबीर।।१४१०।।
Gold is only useful for singing praises of the Lord, everything else is mere glass. Let go of falsehood and complications; hold on to the truth.
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.
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 सुपिनैं हरि मिल्या, सूतां लिया जगाई। आंखि न मीचौ डरपता, मति सुपिनां ह्वै जाइ।।१४२९।।
Kabir met the Lord in a dream and woke up. Not closing the eyes in fear, the understanding remains even in dreams.
अमृत की मोटरी, सिर सों धरे उतारि। ताहि कहैं मैं एक सो, कहे मोहिं चारि।।१४४१।।
The elixir is worn on the head like a crown, yet they say that I am one, while calling me four.
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.
आपनि आपनि शरी की, सभनि लीनो मान। हरि की बात दुरन्तरे, परी न काहू जान।।१४५१।।
One's own body is taken as important by everyone, but no one understands the deep essence of Hari's words.
इहां ई शंबल करि लेउ, आगे विषयी वाट। स्वर्ग बिसाहन सब चले, जहं बनिया नहि हाट।।१४५४।।
In this world, if you accumulate wealth, it will only lead to a difficult path ahead. Even heaven is deserted; where there is no market for merchants.
ई जग तो जहड़े गया, भया जोग नहिं भोग। तील झाारि कबिरा लिया, तिलठी झारे लोग।।१४५५।।
This world has turned into a wilderness, where there is no joy or comfort. Kabir says, after removing the sesame seeds, people are still searching for them.
ई मन चंचल ई मन चोर, ई मन शुद्ध ठगहार। मनमनम कहत सुर नर मुनि जहंड़े, मन के लक्ष दुआर।।१४५६।।
This mind is restless, this mind is a thief, and this mind is a pure swindler. Even saints, sages, and deities speak of the mind as the door to all goals.
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.
ऊपर की दोऊ गई, हिय की गई हिराय। कहहिं कबीर जाके चारों गई, तासो कहा बसाय।।१४५८।।
Both external eyes are gone, and the internal heart is lost too. Kabir says, the one who has lost all four (external and internal), how can he be managed?
एक बात की बात है, कोई कहे बनाय। भारी परदा बीच का, तातें लखी न जाय।।१४६३।।
It's a matter of one thing, yet people make stories. There's a heavy curtain in between, so it remains unseen.
ए मरजीवा अमृत पीवा, क्यों धसि मरसि पताल। गुरु की दया साधु की संगति, निकरि आव एहि द्वार।।१४६५।।
O living dead, you have drunk the nectar of immortality. Why then are you sinking into the underworld? Through the grace of the Guru and the company of saints, you can emerge from this door.
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.
कबीर भर्म न भाजिया, बहुविधि धरिया भेष। साई के परच बिना, अन्तर रहा न लेख।।१४७२।।
Kabir says, despite wearing many disguises, my illusions did not leave. Without the Lord's realization, the inner self remains divided.
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.
काजर की ही कोठरी, काजर ही का कोट। तोंदी कारी ना भई, रही सो ओट हि ओट।।१४७८।।
In a room full of soot, wearing a coat of soot, the heart remains unaffected, hidden beneath layers of pretense.
काजर की ही होठरी, बुड़ा ई संसार। बलिहारी ताहि पुरुष की, पैठि जु निकलनि हार।।१४७९।।
This world is like a room full of soot, and everyone is drowning in it. Praise be to the one who can enter and come out unscathed.
काला सर्प शरीर में , खाई सब जग झारि। बिरला ते जन बांचिहें, जो रामहिं भजे विचारि।।१४८१।।
A black serpent resides within the body, consuming everything in the world. Only a few rare souls will survive, who meditate on Lord Ram.
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.
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 की भेली जिब डरे, काया सिचनिहार। कुमति कमाई मन बसे, लागु जुबाकी लार।।१४९२।।
The disciple fears the sweetness of the Guru's teachings, which are meant to nourish the body. However, the mind is filled with wrong thoughts and the mouth waters for worldly pleasures.
घाट भुलाना बाट बिनु, वेष भुलानी कानि। जाकि मांडी जगत महं, सो न परा पहिचानि।।१४९९।।
Lost is the path to the riverbank without direction, and one forgets their attire in confusion. Despite living in the world, one cannot recognize the divine.
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.
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.
चार चोर चले, पग पनही उतारि। चारों दर थूनी हनी, पंडित करहु बिचारि।।१५०६।।
Four thieves set out, removing their shoes. They hit the four doors' pillars, oh scholars, think about it.
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.
जंत्र बजावत हो सुना, टूटि गए सब तार। जंत्र विचारा क्या करें, गए बजावन हार।।१५१०।।
The instrument is heard playing, but all its strings are broken. What can the poor instrument do, as the player has left.
जब लगि तारा जगमगे, तब लगि उगे न सूर। जब लगि जीव कम बस डोले, तब लगि ज्ञान न पूर।।१५१२।।
As long as the stars shine, the sun does not rise. Similarly, as long as the soul is entangled in worldly desires, true knowledge does not dawn.
जहं गाहक तहं हौं नहीं, हौं तहं गाहक नाहिं। बिनु विवेक भरमत फिरे, पकड़ो शब्द की छांहि।।१५१४।।
Where the customer is, I am not there, and where I am, the customer is not. Without wisdom, people wander aimlessly; grasp the shadow of the word.
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.
जहिया जन्म मुक्ता हता, तहिया हता न कोय। छठी तुम्हारी हौं जगा, तू कह चला वियोग।।१५१७।।
When you were born free, there was no separation. On your sixth day, I awakened, but now you speak of separation.
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.
जासों दिल नहि मिलिया, शब्द बेधा अंग। कहहिं कबीर पुकारि के, हंस बके का अंग।।१५२४।।
When hearts do not unite, words pierce like arrows. Kabir calls out, how can a swan and a crane be the same?
जेते पत्र वनस्पति, औ गंगा के रेणु। पंडित विचारा क्या कहे, कबीर कहा मुख वेण।।१५३२।।
The number of leaves on trees and the dust of the Ganges are countless. What can scholars say? Kabir speaks with clarity.
जेहि वन सिंध न संचरे, पक्षी नहिं उड़ि जाय। सो वन कबिरन्हि हींडिया, शून्य समाधि लगाय।।१५३६।।
The forest where the ocean does not flow and birds do not fly, is like a forest of Kabir, immersed in void and meditation.
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?
ढिग बूडे उछले नहीं, इहै अंदेसा मोहिं। सलिल मोह की धार में, का निंदिआई तोहिं।।१५५३।।
The wooden log does not float even when it is old; this is the feeling in me. In the current of the stream of illusion, how can you be indifferent?
तामस केरे तीन गुण, भंवर लेहि तहं बास। एकहि डारी तीन फल, भाटा ऊख कपास।।१५५६।।
Three qualities of tamas: dwelling in a whirlpool, the fruits of a single branch, and the gourd, sugarcane, and cotton.
ताहि न कहिए परखू, पाहन लखे जो कोय। नर नग या दिल जो लखे, रतन पारखू सोय।।१५५७।।
Do not judge by appearances; the stone reveals only what is within. The wise recognize the value of a person, a city, or a heart.
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 चोरी भया, सर्वस सब का लीन्ह। बिना मूड़ का चोरवा, परा न काहू चीन्ह।।१५५९।।
The three worlds are a theft, everything is absorbed. Without a thief's mask, no one is a thief.
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.
तीर्थ भई विष वेलरी, रही जुगन जुग छाह। कबिरन मूल निकंदिया, कौन हलाहल खाय।।१५६३।।
Pilgrimage became poison, the shadow remained for ages. Kabir says, who eats the poison of the root?
दर्पण केरी गुफा महं, सोनहा पैठे धाय। देखे प्रतिमा आपनी, भंकि भूंकि मरि जाय।।१५६४।।
In the cave of the mirror, gold is reflected. One sees their own image, but dies while watching.
नित खरसान, लोह घुन छुटे। नित की गोष्टि, माया मोह टूटे।।१५७३।।
Daily, the iron rusts away. Daily gatherings break the attachment and illusion.
नाना रंग तरंग है, मन मकरंद असूझ। कहहिं कबीर पुकारि के, अकलि कला ले बूझ।।१५७८।।
There are various waves of color, and the mind is like nectar that cannot be understood. Kabir says, understand the subtle art with wisdom.
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.
पर्वत ऊपर हर बहे, घोरा चढ़ बसि ग्राम। बिना फूल भंवरा रस चहै, कहु बिरवा को नाम।।१५८६।।
On the mountain, the river flows, while the horse sits in the village. Without flowers, the bee seeks nectar; tell me, what is the name of the tree?
पाणी भीतर घर किया, सेज्या किया पताल। पासा परा करीम का, तामंह मेले जाल।।१५९०।।
Inside the water, a house was built, and a bed was made in the underworld. The net of Karim is spread everywhere, entangling all.
प्रथम एक जो हीं किया, भया सो बारह बान। कसत कसौटी ना टिका, पीतर भया निदान।।१६००।।
What was done first as one became twelve arrows. It could not withstand the test; the yellow metal became the solution.
बहुत दिवस तें हींडिया, शून्य समाधि लगाय। करहा पड़ा गाड़ में, दूरि परे पछिताय।।१६०९।।
For many days, one may sit in a state of zero meditation, but in the end, they regret being lost in delusion.
बिन डांडै जग डांडिया, सोरठि परिया डांड। बाटनिहारा लोभिया, गुड़े ते मीठी खांड।।१६१३।।
Without a stick, the world is disciplined. The one who travels the path of greed finds sweetness in the stones.
बिनु रसरी गृह खल बंधा, तासू बंधा अलेख। दीन्ह दर्पण हस्त मधे, चसम बिना का देख।।१६१४।।
Without a rope, the house is bound, it is bound in an unseen manner. The mirror in the hand of the poor, shows what is not visible without a glass.
विष के बिखहिं घर किये, रहा सर्प लपटाय। तातें जियरहिं डर भया, जागत रैन विहाय।।१६१५।।
In the house filled with poison, the serpent remains coiled. Hence, the soul remains fearful, wandering the nights.
बूंद जो परा समुद्र में, यह जाने सब कोय। समुद्र समाना बूंद में, बुझे बिरला कोय।।१६१६।।
The drop that is in the ocean is known by everyone. To understand the ocean in the drop, is known only to a few.
बेढा दीह्नहो खेता का, बेढा खेतहि खाय। तीनि लोक संशय परी, काहि कहा बिलगाय।।१६१७।।
The boat is in the field, but the boat eats the field. The three worlds are filled with doubt; why then does it say that it is separate?
बेरा बांधिनि सर्प का, भव सागर अतिमाह। छोड़े तो बूड नहीं, गहे तो डसे बांह।।१६१८।।
The rope is tied by the serpent; the ocean of existence is immense. If you leave it, you will drown; if you hold it, it will bite your arm.
बोलना है बह भांति का, नैनन नहिं कछु सूझ। कहहिं कबीर पुकारि के, घट बानी बूझ।।१६२१।।
The words are of many kinds, but the eyes do not see anything. Kabir says, understand the words of the self.
भंवर जाल बगु जाल है, बूड़े बहुत अचेत। कहहिं कबीर ते बांचिहैं, जाके हृदय विवेक।।१६२३।।
The whirlpool and the net are traps; many drown unconsciously. Kabir says, those who have wisdom in their hearts will be saved.
भंवर विलंबे बाग में, बहु फूलन की बास। ऐसे जिव बिलमे विषय में, अन्तहु चले निरास।।१६२४।।
The whirlpool is delayed in the garden, filled with the scent of many flowers. Similarly, the soul lost in desire eventually becomes disillusioned.
भर्म भरा तिहुँ लोक में, भर्म बसे सब ठाम। कहहिं कबीर कैसे बाचिहौ, जब बसे भर्म के ग्राम।।१६२७।।
The three worlds are filled with illusion; illusion resides everywhere. Kabir asks, how can one escape when illusion is everywhere?
मच्छ बिकाने सब गये, धीमर के दरबार। अंखियां तेरी रतनारी, तुम क्यों पैन्हीं जाल।।१६२८।।
Everyone went to the fish market, to the fisherman’s court. Your eyes are like precious jewels; why then do you wear the net?
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.
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.
माया के बस परे, ब्रह्मा विष्णु महेश। नारद सारद सनक सनन्दन, गौरी और गनेश।।१६३९।।
Beyond the control of illusion are Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Narad, Saraswati, Sanak, Sanandan, Gauri, and Ganesh.
माया जग सापिनि भई, विष ले बैठी आथि। सब जग फंदे फन्दिया, चले कबीरू काछि।।१६४०।।
Illusion has become a snake in the world, sitting with poison. The whole world is caught in its trap, says Kabir.
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.
मैं रोवों ऐहि जगत को, मोको रोवे न कोय। मोको रोवे सो जना, जो शब्द विवेकी होय।।१६४७।।
I cry for this world, but no one cries for me. Only those who are wise in words can truly understand my sorrow.
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 बिचारा क्या करे, जाके हृदय शून। सोनहा चाक बिठाइये, फिरि फिरि चाटे चून।।१६४९।।
What can a poor human do, whose heart is empty? Set up a golden plate, but still keep licking the dust.
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 एक है, माया मनहिं समाय। तीनि लोक संशय परे, काहि कहौं बिलगाय।।१६५३।।
Mind and illusion are the same; illusion resides in the mind. Beyond the three worlds, there is doubt; why should I speak of separation?
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.
बाजीगर के वानरा, जियरा मन के साथ। मन सायर समुद्र है, वहि कतहूं जानि जाय।।१६५५।।
The monkeys of the magician, along with the heart and mind. The mind is like the ocean; where it goes, no one knows.
रंगहि ते रंग उपजे, सब रंग देखी एक। कवन रंग है जीव को, ताकर करहु विवेक।।१६६०।।
Colors arise from colors, all colors are seen as one. What color is there in the soul? Use your wisdom to understand.
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.
रतन लराइन रेत में, कंकर चुनि चुनि खाय। कहहिं कबीर पुकारिके, बहुरि चले पछिताय।।१६६२।।
Jewels are scattered in the sand, picking stones to eat. Kabir says, after calling, one would regret again.
रही एक की भइ अनेक की, विश्वा बहु भर्तारी। कहहिं कबिर काम संग जरिहै, बहुत पुरुष की नारी।।१६६३।।
What was one became many, the world has many caretakers. Kabir says, those consumed by desire will burn, many men’s wives.
राउर के पिछवारे, गावें चारों सन। जीव परा बहु लूट में, नहिं कछु लेन न देन।।१६६५।।
At your back, the four directions are singing. The living being is in much loot, with nothing to gain or lose.
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.
लोग भरोसे कवन के, बैठ रहे अरगाय। ताते जियरहिं जमे लूट, जस मटिया लुटै कसाय।।१६६९।।
On whose trust do people sit and relax? Meanwhile, their souls are looted, like clay being looted by the potter.
विरह की ओदी लाकरी, सपचे औ धुंधवाय। दुख ते तब ही बांचिहो, जब सकलो जरि जाय।।१६७२।।
The wood of separation is burning, causing true pain and confusion. One will only be freed from suffering when everything is burned away.
हौं जाना कुलहंस हौ, ताते कीन्हा संग। जो जानत बगु बावरा, ठये न देतेऊं अंग।।१६८०।।
I know the true self, why should I join with others? Those who understand the true essence do not get entangled in falsehood.
संगति के सुख ऊपजे, कुसंगति के दुख होय। संसय खंडे जो जना, जो शब्द विवेकी होय।।१६८२।।
Happiness arises from good association, and misery from bad association. One who can discern this is wise and free from doubts.
सज्जन ते दुर्ज्जन भयो, सुनि काहु के बोल। कांसा तांबा होय रहा, हता ठिकों के मोल।।१६८४।।
One becomes virtuous or wicked based on what one hears. Just as brass and copper remain, their value is measured by worth.
सपने सोवा मानवा, खोलि जो देखे नैन। जीव परा बहुलूट में, ना कुछ लेन न देन।।१६८७।।
Dreams are mere illusions for the mind, only visible through the eyes. The soul is caught in many illusions, having nothing to give or take.
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.
सांप बिछी का मंत्र है, महुरो झारा जाय। सलिल मोह नदिया बहै, पांव कहां ठहराय।।१६९५।।
The mantra of the snake and scorpion has gone away; the flowing river of delusion continues, where can the feet find rest?
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.
साहू चोर चीन्हे नहीं, अन्ध मति के हीन। पारख बिना बिना सहै, करि विचार ही भिन्न।।१६९८।।
The merchant does not recognize the thief, being blind in understanding. Without insight, even the expert suffers; all opinions are different.
साहेब साहेब सब कहें, मोहि अंदेशा ओर। साहेब से परचा नहीं, बैठहुगे कहि ठौर।।१७००।।
Everyone calls the master 'master,' but I have doubts. There is no recognition from the master; one must find their own place.
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.
सुगना सेमर बेगि तजि, तेरी घने बिगूची पांख। ऐसा सेमर सेइया, जाके हृदय न आंख।।१७०३।।
The beautiful peacock forsakes the Seemar tree quickly; its dense feathers adorn you. Such a peacock is rare, who has the heart but not the eyes.
सेमर का सुगना, छिहुले बैठा जाय। चोंच संवारे सिर धुन, ई उसी ही को भाय।।१७०४।।
The peacock of the Seemar tree sits on the branch. It decorates its beak and head, delighting in its own beauty.
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.
हंसा तूं तो सबल था, हलकी तेरी चाल। रंग कुरंगे रंगिया, त किया और लगवार।।१७०७।।
O swan, you were strong, with your light gait. Why, then, is there a disparity in colors and hues?
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.
हरिया जांणे रूंषड़ा, उस पांणी के नेह। सूका काठ न जाणई, कबहू बूठा मेह।।१७२०।।
The green one knows the essence of water. The dry wood does not understand, it only knows the false rain.
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.
पार ब्रह्म बूठा मोतियां, बांधी सिषरांह। सगुरां सगुरा चुणि लिया, चूक पड़ी निगुरांह।।१७२२।।
The supreme Brahman ties the pearls in a string. The true Guru selects the genuine pearls, the false ones are left out.
रात्यूं रूंनी बिरहनीं, ज्यूं बंची कूं कुंज। कबीर अंतर प्रजल्या, प्रगट्या बिरहा पुंज।।१७३६।।
The night is spent in separation, like a deer in a thicket. Kabir says, within the soul is a burning flame, and separation manifests as a bundle of pain.
अंबर कुंजा करलियां, गरजि भर सब ताल। जिनि थैं गोबिंद बीछुटे, तिनके कौण हवाल।।१७३७।।
The sky roars with thunder, filling all the valleys. For those separated from Govind, who can offer solace?
चकवी बिछुटी रैणि की, आइ मिली परभाति। जे जन बिछुटे राम सूं, नां सुख धूप न छांह।।१७३८।।
The nightingale, separated from its mate, finds the morning. Those who are separated from Ram, neither find happiness in sunlight nor shade.
बासुरि सुख नां रैणि सुख, ना सुख सुपिनै मांहि। कबीर बिछुट्या राम सूं , नां सुख धूप न छांह।।१७३९।।
The flute does not bring happiness, nor does the night. Neither does sleep provide joy. Kabir says, those separated from Ram, neither find pleasure in sunlight nor shade.
बिरहनि ऊभी पंथ सिरि, पंथी बूझे धाइ। एक सबद कहि पीव का, कब रे मिलैंगे आइ।।१७४०।।
The separation causes pain, the traveler understands and runs on the path. Speaking one word to the beloved, when will we meet again?
आइ न सकौं तुझ पैं, सकूं न तूझ बुलाइ। जियरा यौही लेहुगे, बिरह तपाइ तपाइ।।१७४५।।
I cannot come to you, nor can you call me. The heart is burning with separation, continuously burning.
कबीर पीर पिरावनी, पंजर पीड़ न जाइ। एक जू पीड़ पिरीति की, रही कलेजा छाइ।।१७४८।।
Kabir says, the agony of love remains in the heart, even though the external pain may go away. The heart is constantly overwhelmed by the pain of separation.
चोट सतांणी बिरह की, सब तन जरजर होइ। मारणहारा जांणिहै, कै जिहिं लागी सोइ।।१७४९।।
The wounds of separation cause enduring pain, making the whole body frail. Only the one who inflicts this pain understands its true nature.
बिरह भुवंगम तन बसै, मंत्र न लागै कोइ। राम वियोगी ना जिवै, जिवै त बौरा होइ।।१७५३।।
The body is consumed by the sting of separation; no mantra can help. The one separated from Ram does not live, they live only as a mad person.
सब रग तंत रबाब तन, बिरह बजावै नित्त। और न कोई सुणि सकै, कै साई कै चित्त।।१७५५।।
Every vein and fiber of the body plays the tune of separation. No one else can hear it; it is only for the Lord’s own mind.
बिरहा बिरहा जिनि कहौ, बिरहा है सुलितान। जिह घटि बिरह न संचरै, सो घट सदा मसान।।१७५६।।
One who speaks of separation, speaks of it as a sovereign. The body in which separation does not reside is always a cremation ground.
कबीर देखत दिन गया, निस भी देखत जाइ। बिरहणि पिव पावै नहीं, जियरा तलपैं माइ।।१७६९।।
Kabir sees the day go by, and the night also passes. The longing of separation does not end, the heart keeps burning.
कै बिरहिन कूं मींच दे, कै आपा दिखलाइ। आठ पहर का दाझणां, मोपै सहया न जाइ।।१७७०।।
To the beloved in separation, one shows their own ego. The burning of eight hours is unbearable for me.
बिरहणि थी तौ क्यूं रही, जली न पीव के नालि। रहु रहु मुगध गहेलड़ी, प्रेम न लाजूं मारि।।१७७१।।
Why did the separation persist if it was there? It did not burn with the beloved. I remain bewildered, enduring the pain of love, which does not let shame die.
हौं बिरहा की लाकड़ी, समझि समझि धूंधाउं। छूटि पड़ौं यों बिरह तैं, जे सारीही जलि जाउं।।१७७२।।
I am like a log of separation, searching for understanding. I would be free from this separation if I could burn completely.
कबीर तन मन यौं जल्या, बिरह अगनि सूं लागि। मृतक पीड़ न जांणई, जांणेगी यहु आगि।।१७७३।।
Kabir says that the body and mind are burned by the fire of separation. The pain of the dead is not known; only this fire is understood.
बिरह जलाई मैं जलौं, जलती जल हरि जाउं। मो देख्यां जलहरि जलै, संतौं कहां बुझाउं।।१७७४।।
I am burned by the fire of separation, and it burns continuously. Seeing me burn, where will the saints find solace?
वेड़ा पाया सरप का, भौसागर के मांह। जै छाडों तो डूबिहौं, गहौं त डसिये बांह।।१७७८।।
I have gained a snake's venom in the ocean of the world. If I leave it, I will drown; if I hold on, it will bite me.
रैणा दूर बिछोहिया, रहु र संषम झुरि। देवलि दवलि धाहड़ी, देसी ऊगे सूरि।।१७७९।।
The night of separation is far, and I remain enduring the hardship. The temple is burning, and the local sun rises.
सुखिया सब संसार है, खयै अरु सोवै। दुखिया दास कबीर है, जागै अरु रोवै।।१७८०।।
The entire world is happy, eating and sleeping. The unfortunate servant Kabir is awake and weeping.
पारब्रह्म के तेज का, कैसा है उनमान। कहिबे कूं सोभा नहीं, देख्याहीं परबान।।१७८३।।
What can be said about the radiance of the Supreme Being? It is beyond description; it is seen but cannot be expressed.
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.
पंषि उडाणी गगन कूं, प्यंड रह्या परदेस। पांणी पीया चंच बिन, भूलि गया यहु देस।।१७९९।।
The bird flew to the sky, remaining far away from its land. It forgot this land after drinking water without disturbance.
अंक भरे भरि भेटिया, मन मैं मांही धीर। कहै कबीर ते क्यूं मिलैं, जब लग दोइ सरीर।।१८०४।।
The filled vessel overflows, the mind is steadfast in its devotion. Kabir questions why one should meet, while both bodies are separate.
आकासे मुखि औंधा कुवां, पाताले पनिहारि। ताका पांणी को हंसा पीवै, बिरला आदि विचारि।।१८२४।।
The sky is like an upside-down well, and the underworld is the water carrier. The swan of that water drinks it; few think deeply about this.
सिव सकती दिसि कौंण जु जोवै, पछिम दिसा उठे धूरि। जल मैं स्वंघ जु घर करै, मछली चढ़ खजूरि।।१८२५।।
Who sees the power of Shiva in the directions, dust rises in the west. The fish lives in water, but climbs the date palm.
कबीर सुख कौं जाइ था, आग आया दुख। जाहु सुख घरि आपणैं, हम जाणौं अरु दुख।।१८३३।।
Kabir, where is happiness? Fire has come as sorrow. If happiness is at home, then we know it, and so is sorrow.
आसा एक जू राम की, दूजी आस निरास। पांणी माहैं घर करें, ते भी मरैं पियास।।१८३८।।
One hope is in Ram, the other is despair. Even if water is gathered in the house, thirst remains unquenched.
कबीर मधि अंग जेको रहै, तौ तिरत न लागै बार। दुइ दुइ अंग सूं लागि करि, डूबत है संसार।।१८४६।।
If someone remains focused on the inner self, pilgrimage has no significance. Engaging in dualities leads to drowning in the world.
जिहि पैडे पंडित गए, दुनिया परी बहीर। औघट घाटी गुर कही, तिहिं चढ़ि रह्या कबीर।।१८४९।।
Where the learned scholars have gone, the world has turned outward. Kabir remains in the sacred place described by the Guru.
दुखिया मूवा दुख कों, सुखिया सुख को झूरि। सदा अनंदी राम के, जिनि सुख दुख मेल्हे दूरि।।१८५२।।
The unhappy one dies in sorrow, the happy one lives in pleasure. The truly blissful one is with Ram, who transcends the dualities of joy and sorrow.
कबीर हरदी पीयरी, चूना ऊजल भाइ। राम सनेही यूं मिले, दुन्यूं बरन गंवाइ।।१८५३।।
Kabir says that the saffron is yellow and the lime is bright. Those who meet Ram with love, forsake the world’s colors.
काबा फिर कासी भया, राम भया रहीम। मोट चून मैदा भया, बैठि कबीरा जीम।।१८५४।।
The Kaaba became Kashi, Ram became Rahim. Flour, sugar, and bread are present; Kabir sits and eats.
धरती अरु असमान बिचि, दोइ तूंबड़ा अवध। षट दरसन संसै पड्या, अरु चौसारी सिध।।१८५५।।
Between the earth and the sky, there are two vessels of the sacred city. Six views are in doubt, and forty-two are the paths to realization.
औसर बीता अलपतन, पीस रह्मा परदेस। कलंक उतारी केसवां, भांनौ भरंम अंदेश।।१८५९।।
The time for repentance is short, and you are wasting it in ignorance. Remove the stains of sin, for illusion and doubt have taken over.
सोई आशिष सोई बैयन, जन जू जू बांचवंत। कोई एक मेलै लवणि, अमी रसाइण हुंत।।१८६९।।
Blessings and curses are the same, those who understand realize their essence. When combined with wisdom, even poison turns into nectar.
चित चेतनि मैं गरक ह्व, चेत्य न देखैं मंत। कत कत की सालि पाड़िये, गल बल सहर अनंत।।१८९१।।
When the mind is deeply engrossed in thought, it does not heed advice. Even if you tear the threads of ignorance one by one, the knots of delusion are endless.
झल बांयें झल दांहिनैं, झलहि मांहि ब्यौहार। आगैं पीछे झलमई, राखै सिरजनहार।।१९०१।।
The world is ensnared to the left, to the right, and in every action. Yet, the Creator sustains all, protecting them in the front and back.
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.
सांई से सब होत हैं, बंदे से कछु नाहिं। राई से परबत करे, परबत राई मांहि।।१९०६।।
Everything happens through the Lord, nothing through the individual. A mustard seed can turn into a mountain, and a mountain into a mustard seed.
सो सांई तन मैं बसै, भ्रम्यों न जाण तास। कस्तूरी के मृग ज्यूं, फिर फिर सूधैं घास।।१९३५।।
The Divine resides within the body, but the deluded do not recognize this. Just like the musk deer keeps searching for musk in the grass, they search outside for what is within.
घटि बधि कहीं न देखिए, ब्रह्म रह्या भरपूरि। आप पिछांणै बहिरा, नेड़ा की थैं दूरि।।१९३७।।
Do not look elsewhere for the Divine, for Brahman is present everywhere. If you are blind to it, you are far from it even when it is near.
मैं जाण्यां हरि दूरि है, हरि रह्या सकल भरपूरि। आप पिछांणै बहिरा, नेड़ा की थैं दूरि।।१९३८।।
I know that the Divine is not distant; it is present everywhere. If you are blind to it, you are distant even when it is close.
अगनि जू लागि नीर मैं, कंदू जलिया झारि। उतर दषिण के पंडिता, रहे बिचारि बिचारि।।१९४५।।
Fire has come into the water, and the reed is burning in the embers. The scholars of the south are still pondering and reflecting.
गुर दाघा चेला जल्या, बिरहा लागी आगि। तिणका बपुड़ा ऊबरया, गलि पूरे कै लागि।।१९४७।।
The disciple has been burned by the Guru, and the fire of separation is intense. The little fellow has survived, but only to complete his task.
पाणीं माहै प्रजली, भई अप्रबल आगि। बहती सलिता रहि गई, मंछ रहे जल त्यागि।।१९४९।।
Water that was once on fire has become a fierce blaze. The flowing stream remains, but the fish have abandoned the water.
कबीर मन तीषा किया, बिरह लाइ परषांन। चित चरणूं मैं चभि रह्या, तहां नहीं काल का पाण।।१९६१।।
Kabir made his mind a razor, troubled by the pain of separation. His heart remained fixed on the feet, where time’s hand does not reach.
ऐसा कोई ना मिले, राम भगति का गीत। तन मन सौंपे मृग ज्यूं, सुनै बधिक का गीत।।१९६६।।
No one is found to sing the song of Ram's devotion. Just as a deer surrenders its body and mind, it listens to the hunter's song.
ऐसा कोई ना मिले, अपना घर देइ जराइ। पंचूं लरिका पटिक करि, रहै राम ल्यौं लाइ।।१९६७।।
No one is found who will set fire to their own house. Five children are dressed as beggars, while Ram remains in the same place.
माया मिले महोबंती, कूड़े आखे बैन। कोई घायल बेध्या ना मिलै, साई हंदा सैण।।१९७२।।
Maya (illusion) gives great pleasure, but it is like the sound of trash. No healer or savior is found to cure the wounded, only the blind and helpless ones.
पाइ पदारथ पेलि करि, कंकर लीया हाथि। जोड़ी बिछुटी हंस की, पड्या बंगा कै साथि।।१९७५।।
Having obtained the treasure, I took a pebble in my hand. The pair of separated swans found it and rested by the riverbank.
एक अचंभा देखिया, हीरा हाटि बिकाइ। परिषणहारे बाहिरा, कौड़ी बदले जाइ।।१९७६।।
I saw a wonder: diamonds are sold in the market. The rare outer stones are exchanged for cowries.
कबीर गुदड़ी बीषरी, सौदा गया बिकाइ। खोटा बांध्या गांठड़ी, इब कुछ लिया न जाइ।।१९७७।।
Kabir's worn-out rag has been sold. The false knot that was tied, now nothing is taken.
पैड़ै मोती बिखरया, अंधा निकस्या आइ। जोति बिनां जगदीस की, जगत उलंघ्या जाइ।।१९७८।।
Pearls are scattered on the ground, but the blind cannot see them. Without the light of the divine, the world is crossed over.
क्यूं नृप नारी नींदये, क्यूं पनिहारी कौं मान। व मांग संवारै पीव कौं, वा नित उठि सुमिरै राम।।१९८४।।
Why do the king and queen sleep, and why is the water carrier honored? One who adorns the bride and always remembers Ram, is truly honored.
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.
जदि बिषै पियारी प्रीति सूं, तब अंतर हरि नांहि। जब अंतर हरि जी बसै, तब विषिया सूं चित्त नांहि।।२०००।।
If one loves the world with deep affection, then the divine does not dwell within. When the divine resides within, the mind is not attracted to worldly pleasures.
फाटै दीदै मैं फिरी, नजरि न आवै कोइ। जिहि घटि मेरा सांइयां, सो क्यू छाना होइ।।२००४।।
I roam about, showing my wear and tear, but no one notices. When my beloved resides within, why is there any obscurity?
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.
काजल केरी कोठरी, मसि के कर्म कपाट। पाहनि बोई पृथमी, पंडित पाड़ी बाट।।२०२२।।
The room of kajal (kohl) is the place of actions with ink. The cloth is the first to be worn, and the scholar shows the way.
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.
आंगणि बेलि अकासि फल, अण ब्यावर का दूध। ससा सींग को धूनहड़ी, रमै बांझ का पूत।।२०३४।।
In the courtyard, the vine has heavenly fruit, not the milk of the worldly cow. The hare’s horn is an illusion, just like a barren woman’s son.
कांमणि काली नागणीं, तीन्यूं लोक मंझारि। राम सनेही ऊबरे, विषई खाये झारि।।२०३७।।
The black serpent of desire affects all three worlds. But those who are dear to Ram are protected, while others suffer from the poison of desire.
पर नारी पर सुंदरी, बिरला बंच कोइ। खातां मीठी खांड सी, अंति कालि विष होइ।।२०४०।।
Among women, a beautiful one is rare. She may appear sweet like sugar, but in the end, she turns into poison.
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 सेती नेह, बुधि विवेक सबही डरै। कांइ गमावै देह, कारिज कोई नां सरे।।२०४४।।
Attachment to a woman causes fear in wisdom and intellect. Such attachment leads to the loss of one’s body and does not accomplish any purpose.
एक कनक अरु कांमनी, विष फल कीए उपाइ। देखै ही थै विष चढ़ै, खांयै सूं मरि जाइ।।२०४६।।
One gold and one woman, both are like poison fruits. Just seeing them can cause harm, consuming them leads to death.
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.
कबीर भग की प्रीतड़ी, केते गए गडंत। केते अजहूं जायसी, नरकि हसंत हसंत।।२०४८।।
Kabir, the love for God is precious, many have lost their count. Many are still going, laughing, straight to hell.
जोरू जूठणि जगत की, भले बुरे का बीच। उत्तम ते अलगे रहैं, निकटि रहै सो नीच।।२०४९।।
The world’s pleasures are like a discarded woman, between good and bad. The noble stay away, those near are vile.
नारी कुंड नरक का, बिरला चंभै बाग। कोई साधू जन ऊबरै, सब जग मूंवा लाग।।२०५०।।
A woman is like the pit of hell, only a rare one escapes. A saint may rise above, but the world is entrapped and dying.
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.
कामीं अमीं न भावई, विषइ कौं ले सोधि। कुबधि न जाई जोव की, भावै स्वयं रहो प्रमोधि।।२०५३।।
For the lustful, nectar holds no charm, they seek only poison. Evil thoughts don’t leave the mind, they only find pleasure in delusion.
विषै विलंबी आत्मां, ताका मजकण खाया सोधि। ग्यांन अंकून न ऊगई, भावै निज प्रमोधि।।२०५४।।
The soul indulged in poison, finds its joy in the feast of senses. Knowledge doesn't sprout in such a mind, they revel in their own delusion.
विषै कर्म की कंचुली, पहरि हुआ नर नाग। सिर फोड सूझै नहीं, को आगिला अभाग।।२०५५।।
Wearing the skin of worldly deeds, the man became a serpent. Even after smashing his head, he sees no way out, his misfortune prevails.
ग्यांनी तो नींडर भया, मांजै नांहीं संक। इंद्री केरे बसि पड़या, भूंचौं विषै निसंक।।२०६०।।
The wise become fearless, free from doubt. But those under the sway of senses, are fearless in worldly poison.
जीव बिलंब्या जीव सौं, अलख न लखिया जाइ। गोबिंद मिलै न झल बुझैं, रही बुझाइ बुझाइ।।२०६२।।
The soul, delayed by life, fails to perceive the invisible. Govind cannot be found by shallow intellect, it's a pursuit of enlightenment.
स्वामी हूंणां सोहरा, दोद्धा हूंणां दास। गाडर आंणी कूं, बांधी चरै कपास।।२०६४।।
The master becomes a groom, the servant becomes a shepherd. Tying the plow to the cow, he grazes the cotton.
कबीर तष्टा टोगणीं, लीए फिरै सुभाइ। राम नांम चीन्हैं नहीं, पीतलि ही कै चाइ।।२०६६।।
Kabir says, the spinning top (of desires) is carried everywhere by nature. They do not recognize the name of Ram, only desire for brass.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
इक मरिवो इक मारिवो, येही विषमा सिद्धि। ता वे कायर मरैंगे, जो चाले तरकस बिद्धि।।२१२५।।
One who dies is praised, and one who kills is also praised; this is the way of the world. Those who are cowards will die, while those who are skilled with weapons will live.
जूझैंगे तब कहैंगे, अब क्या कहैं बनाय। भीर परै मन मसकरा, लडे किधौं भगिजाय।।२१३१।।
When they fight, they will say, 'What can we say now?' Fear makes the heart smile, and the fight ends in fleeing.
तीर तुबक सों जो लडै, सो तो शूर न होय। माया तजि हरि को भजै, शूर कहावै सोय।।२१३४।।
One who fights with arrows and guns is not truly brave. One who renounces illusion and worships the lord is truly brave.
कबिरा तोरा मान गढ, लूटी पांचों खान। ज्ञान कुहाड़ी कर्म बन, काटि किया मैदान।।२१४०।।
Kabir's honor is like a fortress, plundered by five enemies. Knowledge is the axe and action is the field, cutting away the obstacles.
चोपड़ मांडी चौहटे, अरध उरध बाजार। कबिरा खेलै रामसों, कबंहु न आवै हार।।२१४३।।
The game is played on a board with four squares, and half the market. Kabir plays with Ram, never facing defeat.
हारौं तो हरि मान है, जो जीतूं तौ दाव। पारब्रह्म सों खेलतां, जो शिर जाय तो जाव।।२१४४।।
If I lose, it is the honor of Hari, if I win, it is the wager. Playing with the Supreme Being, whether the head is lost or not.
खेल जु मांड़ा खिलाडि सौं, आनंद बढा अघाय। अब पासा काहूपरौ, प्रेम बंधा युग जाय।।२१४५।।
The game is played with the players, and joy increases. Now the dice are cast, and love binds the ages.
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.
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.
चंदन काटा जड खनी, बांधिलिया शिर मार। कालि जा पंछी बसि गया, तिसका यह उपकार।।२१५३।।
Chandan was cut at the root, and his head was bound. The black bird settled there, this is his favor.
पांय पदारथ पेलिया, कांकर लीन्हां हाथ। जोडी बिछुरी हंस की, चला वुंगा के साथ।।२१५४।।
The foot of the goal is fixed, hands are full of pebbles. The pair of the swan is scattered, and it walks with the crane.
हंसा तो महाराणा का, आया थलियां माहिं। बगुला करि करि मारिया, मरम जो जानै नाहिं।।२१५५।।
The swan is of the great king, it has come to the field. The crane kills one by one, not knowing the essence.
बगुला हंस मनाइलै, नीरां रूकां बहोर। या बैठा तू ऊजला, तासों प्रीति न तोर।।२१५७।।
The crane lures the swan, and the pure water remains stagnant. You sit bright, yet the love is not yours.
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 गदरी बीखरी, सौदा गया बिकाय। खोटा बांधा गांठरी, खरा लिया नहिं मोल।।२१६५।।
Kabir’s tattered cloth, the deal has been sold. The fake is tied with a knot, but the genuine is not bought.
जहं गाहक तह मैं नहीं, हौं तहां गांहक नाहिं। परिचय बिन फूला फिरै, पकरि शब्द की बांहि।।२१६८।।
Where there are no buyers, I am not there; where I am, there are no buyers. Without recognition, they wander around, clinging to the words.
अनजाने का कूकना, कूकर कासा शोर। ज्यों अंधियारी रैन में, साह न चीन्हें चोर।।२१७४।।
The barking of the unknown is like the noise of a dog. In the dark night, even thieves are not recognized.
मैं भारन सब ज्ञानिया, कथत बकत दिन जाय। साह चोर चीन्है नहीं, कागा हंस लगाय।।२१७५।।
I bear all knowledge, and the talk of the day goes on. The thief is not recognized, but the crow is mistaken for a swan.
अलख इलाही एक है, नाम धराया दोय। कहै कबीर दो नाम सुनि, भरम परो मति कोय।।२२०४।।
The divine is one, though names are two. Kabir says, hearing two names creates confusion and doubt.
राम रहीमा एक है, नाम धराया दोय। कहै कबीर दो नाम सुनि, भरमि परौ मति कोय।।२२०५।।
Ram and Rahim are one, though names are different. Kabir says that hearing two names leads to confusion and misperception.
एक वस्तु के नाम बहु, लीजै वस्तु पहिचान। नाम पक्ष नहिं कीजिये, सार तत्त्व ले जान।।२२०७।।
Many names exist for one thing; recognize the essence rather than focusing on names. Understand the true nature of things.
राम कबीरा एक है, दूजा कबहु न कोय। अंतर टाटी कपट की, ताते दीखे दोय।।२२१०।।
Ram and Kabir are one; there is no other. Due to the veil of deceit and hypocrisy, two appear.
राम कबीरा एक है, कहन सुनन को दोय। दो करि सोई जानई, सतगरु मिला न हाय।।२२११।।
Ram and Kabir are one, though they are spoken of as two. Only those who have met the true Guru understand this.
हरि का बना स्वरूप सब, जेता यह आकार। अक्षर अर्थ यों भाषिये, कहै कबीर बिचार।।२२१२।।
All forms are manifestations of the Divine. The letter and its meaning are one, Kabir says.
बेहद बिचारौ हद तजौ, हद तजि मेलो आस। सबै अलिंगन मेटिकै, करौ निरन्तर वास।।२२१९।।
Consider the infinite, abandon the limited, and with the abandoning of limits, live in constant embrace.
बेहद्द अगाधी पीव है, ये सब हदके जीव। जे नर राते हद्दसो, ते कदी न पावै पीव।।२२२१।।
The infinite nectar is beyond limits, yet these creatures live within bounds. Those who are confined by limits can never taste this nectar.
हदमें पीव न पाइये, बेहद में भरपूर। हद बेहद की गम लखै, तासौं पीव हजूर।।२२२२।।
One cannot find the nectar within limits; it is abundant in the infinite. Understanding the essence of limits and the infinite reveals this nectar.
हद्द मांहि हदका घनां, लीया जीव तुराय। रिगसि बिगसि बेहद गया, मरै न आवै जाय।।२२२४।।
Within limits, one finds limitations; the soul, having left the limits, experiences the infinite. It neither comes nor goes.
हद में बैठा कथन है, बेहद की गम नाहिं। बेहद की गम होयगी, तब कछु कथना काहि।।२२२७।।
Sitting within limits, one cannot understand the infinite. Understanding the infinite comes only when one transcends these limits.
हदिया सेतो हद रहो, बेहदिया बेहद। जो जैसा तहा रोगिया, तहा तैसी औषद।।२२२९।।
The limited person remains within limits, while the infinite person remains infinite. Just as the medicine is suited to the disease, so is the spiritual solution to the condition.
हद में रहैं सो मानवी, बेहद रहै सो साध। हद बेहद दोनों तजैं, तिनका मता अगाध।।२२३०।।
One who remains within limits is human, while one who dwells in the infinite is a sage. To transcend both limits and the infinite is to possess profound understanding.
जहां शोक ब्यापै नहीं, चल हंसा उस देस। कहै कबीर गुरगम गहो, छांडि सकल भ्रम भेस।२२३३।।
Where there is no sorrow, go there, O swan. Kabir says, hold on to the Guru's guidance and abandon all illusions.
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.
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.
कमोदनीं जलहरि बसै, चंदा बसे अकासि। जो जाही का भावता, सो ताही कै पास।।२२६६।।
The lotus lives in the water, and the moon resides in the sky. Everyone goes where their heart desires.