Renunciation · संन्यास (sannyas)

पतिव्रता मैली, काली, कुचैल, कुरूप। पतिव्रता के रूप पर, वारो कोटि सरूप।।२६।।

A devoted wife may be dirty, dark, and ugly, but I would sacrifice millions of beauties for her virtue.

हद चाले सो मानव, बेहद चले सो साध। हद-बेहद दोनों तजे, ताको भाव अगाध।।२८।।

A person who follows the rules is human; one who transcends them is a sage. The one who forsakes both boundaries and boundlessness is immersed in divine love.

कामी, क्रोधी, लालची, इनसे भक्ति न होय। भक्ति करे कोइ सूरमा, जाति-वरन कुल खोय।।३७।।

Desires, anger, and greed hinder devotion. True devotion comes from a valiant person who forsakes caste, color, and family.

बाहर क्या दिखलाए, अनंतर जपिए राम। काहे काज संसार से, तुझे धनी से काम।।६२।।

What is shown outside is meaningless; within, one should chant Ram's name. What use is the world's work, when you have the wealth of devotion?

साधु, सती, और सूरमा, इनकी बात अगाध। आशा छोड़े देह की, तन की अनथक साध।।८८।।

The words of saints, sages, and warriors are profound. They abandon hope in the body and tireless effort of the physical self.

आशा को ईंधन करो, मनसा करौ बभूत। जोगी फेरी यों फिरो, तब वन आवै सूत।।९०।।

Fuel your hopes, and make intentions as ashes. If you practice yoga with such detachment, then even the forest will become your home.

उतते कोई न आवई, पासूं पूछूं धाय। एते ही सब जात हैं, भार लदाय लदाय।।९६।।

No one comes to help when you rise; you ask for help from others. Everyone has their own burdens to carry.

जा पल दरसन साधु का, ता पल की बलिहारी। राम नाम रसना बसे, लीजै जनम सुधारि।।१२२।।

For a moment of seeing a saint, I am willing to sacrifice that moment. When the name of Ram resides on the tongue, it improves one's life.

यह तन विष की बेलरी, गुरु अमृत की खान। सीस दिये जो गुरु मिलै, तो भी सस्ता जान।।१५३।।

This body is a vessel of poison, while the Guru is a mine of nectar. Even if one offers their head for the Guru, it is still considered cheap.

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.

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.

सिंहों के लेहँड नहीं, हंसों की नहीं पाँत। लालों की नहि बोरियाँ, साध न चलै जमात।।२२४।।

Lions don't walk in herds, swans don't form flocks. Rubies aren't found in sacks, and saints don't move in crowds.

गाँठी दाम न बांधई, नहिं नारी सों नेह। कह कबीर ता साध की, हम चरनन की खेह।।२२५।।

He doesn't tie money in a knot, nor does he attach himself to women. Kabir says, I am the dust of such a saint's feet.

मनहिं दिया निज सब दिया, मन से संग शरीर। अब देवे को क्या रहा, यों कयि कहहिं कबीर।।२६९।।

One who gives away his mind has given everything, including his body. What remains to give? This is what Kabir says.

यह तन विषय की बेलरी, गुरु अमृत की खान। सीस दिये जो गुरु मिलै, तो भी सस्ता जान।।२८९।।

This body is a vine of desires, but the Guru is a mine of nectar. Even if one has to give one's head to find the Guru, consider it a small price to pay.

कबीर गुरु की भक्ति बिन, नारी कूकरी होय। गली-गली भूँकत फिरै, टूक न डारै कोय।।२९६।।

Without devotion to the Guru, a woman becomes like a stray dog, wandering from street to street, and no one gives her even a crumb.

सरवर तरवर सन्त जन, चौथा बरसे मेह। परमारथ के कारने, चारों धारी देह।।३२३।।

The saints are like the lake and trees, where rain falls in abundance. For the sake of benevolence, they sustain the four aspects of the body.

निबैंरी निहकामता, स्वामी सेती नेह। विषया सो न्यारा रहे, साधुन का मत येह।।३४२।।

Renunciation and selflessness, affection towards the Lord. Worldly desires remain separate, this is the belief of the saint.

एक छाड़ि पय को गहैं, ज्यों रे गऊ का बच्छ। अवगुण छाड़ै गुण गहै, ऐसा साधु लच्छ।।३४४।।

Leaving one thing, he holds onto another, like a calf holding onto its mother's milk. A saint renounces faults and embraces virtues.

जुवा चोरी मुखबिरी, ब्याज बिरानी नारि। जो चाहै दीदार को, इतनी वस्तु निवारि।।३४७।।

Gambling, theft, informers, interest, and disdainful women. Those who seek true vision should avoid these things.

सन्त सेव गुरु बन्दगी, गुरु सुमिरन वैराग। ये ता तबही पाइये, पूरन मस्तक भाग।।३६१।।

Service to saints, devotion to the guru, and remembrance of the guru lead to renunciation. These are achieved when one is truly blessed.

गिरही सुवै साधु को, भाव भक्ति आनन्द। कहैं कबीर बैरागी को, निरबानी निरदुन्द।।३६६।।

The householder finds joy and devotion with a saint. Kabir says that a renunciant (ascetic) who is indifferent remains detached and unaffected.

धारा तो दोनों भली, बिरही के बैराग। गिरही दासातन करे, बैरागी अनुराग।।३७२।।

Both streams are good, the renunciation of the separated and the devotion of the householder. The householder's detachment and the renunciant's devotion both have their merits.

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

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

भक्तन की यह रीति है, बंधे करे जो भाव। परमारथ के कारने, यह तन रहो कि जाव।।४१८।।

This is the way of devotees: they act with boundless love. For the sake of ultimate truth, they are indifferent to whether the body survives or not.

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

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

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

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

गुरु सेवा जन बन्‍दगी, हरि सुमिरन वैराग। ये चारों तबही मिले, पूरन होवे भाग।।४९५।।

Service to the Guru, remembrance of Hari, and renunciation. When these four are achieved, one’s destiny is fulfilled.

जा गुरु ते भ्रम न मिटे, भ्रांति न जिनकी जाय। सो गुरु झूठा जानिये, त्‍यागत देर न लाय।।५२६।।

If the guru does not remove doubts and confusions, Consider that guru false, and do not delay in renouncing them.

कंचन मेरु अरपहीं, अरपै कनक भण्‍डार। कहैं कबीर गुरु बेमुखी, कबहुं न पावै पार।।५५२।।

Even if gold is offered to Mount Meru and a storehouse of gold is given, says Kabir, one who turns away from the Guru will never reach the other shore.

साधु भूखा भाव का, धन का भूखा नाहिं। धन का भूखा जो फिरै, सो तो साधु नाहिं।।५७४।।

A saint is hungry only for spiritual feelings, not for material wealth. One who wanders in search of wealth is not a true saint.

कबीर लौंग-इलायची, दातुन माटी पानि। कहैं कबीर संतन को, देत न कीजै कानि।।५८५।।

Kabir says, cloves, cardamom, and brushing sticks are of no use. Kabir advises saints not to take any bribes.

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

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

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

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

आसन तो एकान्‍त करैं, कामिनी संगत दूर। शीतल संत शिरोमनी, उनका ऐसा नूर।।६१०।।

A saint should practice solitude, keeping away from worldly pleasures. The serene and distinguished saint shines with such divine light.

रक्‍त छाड़‍ि पय को गहै, ज्‍यौरे गऊ का बच्‍छ। औगुण छांड़ै गुण गहै, ऐसा साधु लच्‍छ।।६११।।

A saint should leave aside the blood (sacrifices) and accept milk (nourishment) like a calf. He should abandon vices and embrace virtues.

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.

गिरही सेवै साधु को, भाव भक्ति आनंद। कहैं कबीर बैरागी को, निरबानी निरदुन्‍द।।६३५।।

A householder who serves the saint with devotion and joy is truly blessed. Kabir says that the renunciant who is indifferent is devoid of wisdom.

तन को जोगी सब करै, मन को करैं न कोय। सहजै सब सिधि पाइये, जो मन जोगी होय।।६३८।।

Everyone can practice physical asceticism, but no one practices mental discipline. The true achievement is attained effortlessly by those who discipline the mind.

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.

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

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

घर में रहै तो भक्ति करु, नातर करु बैराग। बैरागी बन्‍धन करै, ताका बड़ा अभाग।।६४३।।

Perform devotion while staying at home, and practice renunciation elsewhere. A renunciant who creates bonds is truly unfortunate.

उदर समाता अन्न ले, तनहि समाता चीर। अधिकहिं संग्रह ना करै, तिसका नाम फकीर।।६४७।।

Taking enough food for the stomach is fine, and covering the body with sufficient clothing is acceptable. One who does not gather excess is called a true renunciant.

चर्चा करु तब चौहटे, ज्ञान करो तब दोय। ध्‍यान धरो तब एकिला, और न दूजा कोय।।६५९।।

Discuss in the marketplace, gain knowledge in pairs. Meditate alone; do not involve anyone else.

विषय त्‍याग बैराग है, समता कहिये ज्ञान। सुखदायी सब जीव सों, यही भक्ति परमान।।७०६।।

Renunciation of desires is asceticism; equanimity is knowledge. True devotion is that which brings happiness to all beings.

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

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

नाम जपत दरिद्री भला, टूटी घर की छान। कंचन मन्दिर जारि दे, जहां न सतगुरु ज्ञान।।७४२।।

Chanting the name is better for the poor than a broken roofed house. Gold temples are of no use where there is no knowledge of the true Guru.

एक राम को जानि करि, दूजा देह बहाय। तीरथ व्रत जप तप नहीं, सतगुरु चरण समाय।।७६८।।

By knowing the one Ram, discard the second (body). Pilgrimages, vows, chants, and penance are not needed; merge with the feet of the true Guru.

सुमिरन सों मन लाइये, जैसे दीप पतंग। प्राण तजे छिन एक में, जरत न मोरै अंग।।७७३।।

Let the mind be focused in remembrance like a moth to the flame. Even if the life is sacrificed for a moment, it does not burn the body.

राम जपत कुष्‍टी भला, चुइ चुइ पैर जु चाम। कंचन देह किस काम की, जो मुख नाहिं राम।।७७५।।

Chanting Ram is good even if it is done while wearing a thread. What use is a golden body if it does not speak of Ram?

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

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

नाम रसायन प्रेम रस, पीवत अधिक रसाल। कबीर पीवन दुर्लभ है, मांगै शीश कमाल।।७९९।।

The essence of the name is the nectar of love; drinking it makes one feel more delightful. Kabir says drinking this nectar is rare; it requires the offering of one's head.

प्रेम बिना धीरज नहीं, बिरह बिना वैराग। सतगुरु बिन जावै नहीं, मन मनसा का दाग।।८०२।।

Without love, there is no patience; without separation, there is no renunciation. Without the True Guru, one cannot overcome the stains of the mind and its desires.

आठ पहर चौसठ घड़ी, लागि रहे अनुराग। हिरदै पलक न बीसरे, तब सांचा बैराग।।८०९।।

The devotion persists through all eight parts of the day and sixty-four moments. When the heart does not forget even for a moment, then true renunciation is achieved.

प्रेम न बाड़ी ऊपजै, प्रेम न हाट बिकाय। राजा परजा जो रुचै, शीश देय ले जाय।।८२२।।

Love does not grow in a garden or get sold in the market. The king and the subjects will willingly give their heads for love.

प्रेम पियाला जो पिये, शीश दच्छिना देय। लोभी शीश न दे सकै, नाम प्रेम का लेय।।८२५।।

One who drinks the cup of love should offer their head as a token of gratitude. A greedy person cannot offer their head, they merely take the name of love.

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

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

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.

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

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

लागी लागी क्‍या करै, लागत रही लगार। लागी तबही जानिये, निकसी जाय दुसार।।१०१२।।

What can desire do, as long as attachment remains? True desire is known only when other attachments leave.

जब लग आश शरीर की, मिरतक हुआ न जाय। काया माया मन तजै, चौडे़ रहा बजाय।।१०३१।।

As long as there is attachment to the body, one is not truly dead. When one renounces body, illusion, and mind, they achieve true liberation.

जीवत मिरतक होय रहै, तजै खलक की आस। रच्‍छक समरथ सद्गुरु, मति दुख पावै दास।।१०३२।।

Living as though dead, renouncing worldly desires, and trusting the true Guru as protector, the servant never suffers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

कबीर मनहि गयंद है, आंकुस दे दे राखु। विष की बेली परिहरो, अमृत का फल चाखु।।१११७।।

Kabir says the mind is wild; keep it under control with discipline. Abandon the poisonous creeper and taste the fruit of immortality.

मन गोरख मन गोविंद, मन ही औघड़ सोय। जो मन राखै जतन करि, आपै करता होय।।११३४।।

The mind is like Gorakh, the mind is like Govind; it is indeed a wandering ascetic. The one who diligently maintains the mind, becomes the doer himself.

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.

कामी क्रोधी लालची, इनते भक्ति न होय। भक्ति करै कोय सूरमा, जाति बरन कुल खोय।।१२२१।।

Desire, anger, and greed cannot lead to true devotion. Only a true hero who has abandoned caste, class, and family can practice true devotion.

कहता हूं कहि जात हूं, मानै नहीं गंवार। बैरागी गिरही कहा, कामी वार न पार।।१२२६।।

I speak and go away, but the foolish do not accept it. How can a renunciant in a household and a desirous person cross the boundary?

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.

कंचन तजना सहज है, सहज तिरिया का नेह। मान बड़ाई ईरषा, दुरलभ तजनी येह।।१२६६।।

Leaving gold is easy; easy is the love of a simple woman. To renounce pride, greatness, and envy is very difficult.

कंचन को तजबो सहल, सहल त्रिया को नेह। निन्‍दा केरो त्‍यागबो, बड़ा कठिन है येह।।१२८६।।

Renouncing gold is easy, and love for a woman is easy. But giving up criticism is very difficult.

चिउंटी चावल ले चली, बिच में मिल गयी दाल। कहैं कबीर दो न मिलै, इक ले दूजी डाल।।१३६८।।

An ant carried away a grain of rice, but got a bit of lentil too. Kabir says, if you can't have both, take one and leave the other.

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.

अहिरह तजी खसमहुँ तजी, बिना दांद का ढोर। मुक्ति पड़ी बिललात है, वृ़दावन की खोर।।१४४४।।

The cowherd abandons the master and the cow, without the support of teeth. Liberation is found in the wilderness of Vrindavan.

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

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

नहिं हीरा की बोरियां, नहिं हंसन की पांति। सिंघहु के लहड़ा नहीं, साधु न चले जमाति।।१५७७।।

There are no bags of diamonds, nor a procession of swans. The lion’s roar cannot be compared, nor can a saint be bound by rituals.

भक्ति पियारी राम की, जैसी प्‍यारी आगि। सारा पट्टन जरि गया, फिर फिर ल्‍यावे मागि।।१६२५।।

Devotion to Lord Rama is like a precious fire. The entire town burns down, and one keeps asking for it again and again.

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.

लाई लावनहार की, जाकी लाई पर जरे। बलिहारी लावनहार की, छप्‍पर वाचे घर जरे।।१६६८।।

One who brings spices burns the house where the spice is used. How great is the one who brings the spice, even if the roof of the house is burned.

सिंह अकेला बन रमे, पलक पलक करे ठौर। जैसे बन है आपना, तैसा बन है और।।१७०१।।

The lion enjoys solitude, finding a place at every step. Just as the forest is yours, so is the forest of others.

यह तन जालौं मसि करौं, लिखौं राम का नाउं। लेखणि करूं करंक की, लिखि राम पठाउं।।१७४७।।

Let this body be burnt like ink, and let me write the name of Ram. Using this pen, I inscribe Ram’s name and send it.

हांसी खेलौं हरि मिलै, तौ कौण सहै षरसान। काम क्रोध त्रिष्‍णां तजै, ताहि मिलैं भगवान।।१७६५।।

If one can attain Hari through laughter and play, who would bear the burden of the battlefield? One must renounce lust, anger, and desire to meet the Lord.

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.

पद गाये लैलीन ह्व, कटी न संसै पास। सबै पिछीड़े ग्रिह मैं, इक गृही मैं बैराग।।१८८६।।

Merely singing hymns with superficial devotion does not eliminate doubts. While most remain attached to household life, true renunciation can exist even within a householder.

पासि विनंठा कपड़ा, कदे सुरांग न होइ। कबीर त्‍याग्‍या ग्‍यान करि, कनक कामनी दोई।।१८९०।।

A cloth that is well-folded will not develop any wrinkles. Kabir says, after gaining true knowledge, I have renounced both wealth and women.

सत गंठी कोपीन है, साध न मानै संक। राम अमलि माता रहै, ते गिणं इंद्र कौ रंक।।१८९४।।

A true ascetic wears a simple loincloth and does not indulge in doubts. Even Indra, the king of gods, seems like a pauper in comparison to one who is intoxicated with the divine name of Ram.

दूरि भया तो का भया, सिर दे नेडा होइ। जब लग सिर सौंपै नहीं, कारिज सिधि न होइ।।१९२३।।

What is the use of distance? The head must be offered up close. Without surrendering completely, success cannot be achieved.

कबीर यह घर प्रेम का, खाला का घर नांहि। सीस उतारै हाथि करि, सो पैठ घर मांहि।।१९२४।।

Kabir says, this is the home of love, not the house of the maternal uncle. He who places his head and hands there, truly resides in the house of love.

सीस काटि पासंग दिया, जीव सरभरि लीन्‍हा। जाहि भावे सो आइ ल्‍यो, प्रेम हाट हम कीन्‍ह।।१९२६।।

By cutting off his head and offering it, the soul has been completely absorbed. Whatever the soul desires, it has attained; we have established the marketplace of love.

सती जलन कूं नीकली, चित्त धरि एकबमेख। तन मन सौंप्‍या पीव कूं, तब अंतर रही न रेख।।१९२८।।

The burning of the wife (in the fire of sacrifice) was proper when the mind was focused solely on the divine. When the body and mind were surrendered to the Lord, no trace of distinction remained.

आप सवारथ मेदनीं, भगत सवारथ दास। कबीर राम सवारथी, जिनि छाड़ी तन की आस।।१९३२।।

One who is self-serving is the master of the world; the devotee is the servant of the Lord. Kabir says, the one who has abandoned all desires for the body is the true servant of Ram.

राम रसाइन प्रेम रस, पीवत अधिक रसाल। कबीर पीवण दुर्लभ है, मांगै सीस कलाल।।१९५१।।

The essence of Ram's love is exceedingly sweet. Kabir says that obtaining such nectar is rare and requires one to offer their head to attain it.

कबीर भाठी कलाल की, बहुतक बैठे आइ। सिर सौंपे सोई पिवै, नहीं तो पिया न जाइ।।१९५२।।

Kabir says that a potter’s kiln requires a long time to fire. Only those who offer their heads will drink, otherwise, the beloved will not come.

कबीर जोगी बनि बस्‍या, षणि खाये कंद मूल। नां जाणौं किस जड़ी थै, अमर भए असथूल।।१९५८।।

Kabir became a yogi and lived on roots and tubers. I do not know which herb made him immortal and incorporeal.

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.

हम घर जाल्‍या आपणां, लिया मूराड़ा हाथिम। अब घर जालौं तास का, जे चलै हमारे साथि।।१९७४।।

We have burned our own house and taken a handful of ashes. Now, if the house burns with us, let it be.

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

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

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

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

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

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

आगे-आगे दौ जलै, पीछे हरिया होइ। बलिहारी ता बिरष की, जड़ काट्यां फल होइ।।२०३२।।

Ahead, it burns, while behind it is green. Blessed is the tree which, when its root is cut, still bears fruit.

सींध भइ तब का भया, चहूं दिसि फूटी बास। अजहूं बीज अंकूर है, भीऊगण की आस।।२०३६।।

When the seed is ripe, it spreads its fragrance in all directions. Even now, the seed has sprouted, showing the hope of a new beginning.

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.

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

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

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

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

साधु सती और शूरमां, इनकी बात अगाध। आशा छोडे देहकी, तिनमें अधिका साध।।२०९५।।

The words of saints, virtuous ones, and warriors are profound. Those who renounce bodily desires find greater fulfillment in them.

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

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

शूरा के तो शिर नहीं, दाता के धन नाहिं। पतिव्रता के तन नहीं, सुरति बसैं पिय माहिं।।२१०१।।

The brave have no head, the donor has no wealth. The devoted wife has no body, yet her essence resides in her husband.

नेह निबाहे ही बनै, सोच बनें न आन। तन दै मन दै शीस दै, नेह न दीजै जान।।२११७।।

Love is nurtured by fulfilling promises, not by mere thoughts. One should offer their body, mind, and head, and not just talk of love.

जब लग धर पर सीस है, शूर कहावै कोय। माथा टूटै धर लरै, कमद कहावै सोय।।२१२१।।

As long as the head is on the ground, one is called a hero. When the head is broken while fighting, only then is one called a true warrior.

मांस मछलिया खात हैं, सुरापान सों हेत। ते नर नरकै जांहिंगे, ज्‍यों मूरी का खेत।।२२३९।।

Those who consume meat and fish, and drink alcohol, will go to hell like a field of mud.