Naata toDe hari bhaje, bhakt kahaaawe soy.
Devotion is possible only when you are detached of worldly relations. Till the attachments remain, true devotion doesn’t happen. A true devotee is who has broken all threads of relations and is devoted to the Lord only.
2. Bhakti bheSh bahu antara, jaise dharani akaas.
Bhakti leen Guru charan me, bheSh jagat ki aas.
There is a huge difference between Devotion and putting getup of a Sadhu. Devotion is always absorbed in the lotus feet of the Guru, it never cares about the appearance, while those who care about special clothing and appearance, do so only to impress the world, it is not for the Lord but for the world.
3. Dekha-dekhi bhakti ka, kabahu na chaDhasi rang.
Bipati paDe yon chhaDasi, jyo kenchuli bhujang.
The devotion which is taken up under influence of others or as a fashion doesn’t last. Most of the time people go because someone else has praised about a temple, a Guru or a holy place, it is mass mentality. Such devotion is only skin deep, as soon as any trouble comes, such devotee looses faith in the Lord as a snake looses its skin.
4. Gyan sampuran na bhida, hirada naahi juDaay.
Dekha-dekhi bhakti ka, rang nahi Thaharaay.
The true Knowledge is not imparted and it has not gone deep down to your heart. Such a devotion which is under outer influence, doesn’t last long. It doesn’t show the true color of the devotion for long.
5. Jal jyo pyaara maachari, lobhi pyaara daam.
Mata pyaara baalaka, bhakt pyaara naam.
Like water is so dear to the fish (it is life of the fish), like a greedy person loves his money and a mother is doted to her child, so much a Devotee longs for Naam.
6. Jab lagi bhakti sakaam hai, tab lagi nishfal sev.
Kah Kabir wah kyu mile, nihkami nij dev.
Till your devotion has any desire with it, your service rendered to the Lord is not fruitful (Dropping all desires do the devotion for the sake of it). Kabir says how you can find your own Lord who is desireless if you have any desires?
7. Bhakti gend chaugaan* ki, bhawe koi le jaay(sort of game).
Kah Kabir kachhu bhed nahi, kaha rank kah raay.
Kabir says devotion is like a ball thrown in the playground, where there is no restriction of the entry. Anyone can take it who loves it be it a poor or a king.
8. Liv laagi tab jaaniye, chhuTi kabahu nahi jay.
Jeevat liv laagi rahe, mooye tahahi samaay.
Know that your love for the Lord is true and fruitful when it doesn’t get broken for a second. Till you live, your attention is fixed in the Lord (Guru, shabad) and when you die, you go and merge in it.
9. Lagi lagan chhuTe nahi, jeebh chonch jari jay.
MeeTha kaha angaar me, jaahi chakor chabaay.
When your love and devotion is complete, it will not be broken even you suffer like hell. There is no sweetness in burning coals, still CHAKOR(a bird famous in Hindi poetry who is believed to eat burning coals) eats them because it loves it, even it burns its beak and tongue still it doesn’t stop eating it. That is true love and devotion.
10. Sowo to supine milo, jaago to man maanhi.
Loyan raata sudhi hari, bichhurat kabahu naahi.
If I sleep, I meet you in dreams, if I wake up, you are always in my mind. You remain in my eyes and have taken away my sanity. Now am not separated from you for any time.
11. Tu tu karata tu bhaya, tu me raha samaay.
Tujh maanhi man mili raha, ab kahu anat na jay.
Calling your name, I became you and now I am merged in you. Now my mind has merged in yours and never goes to any other place.
12. Arab* kharab* lo darab** hai, uday ast lo raaj(measurement of numbers, wealth).
Bhakti mahatam na tule, yah sab kaune kaaj.
You may have millions or billions of the money and wealth, you may have a kingdom from the east to west(from where the sun rises and where the sun sets) still it is not comparable to Devotion. These are all worthless in front of Devotion.
13. Andh bhaya sab Dolai, yah nahi kare vichaar.
Hari-bhakti jaane bina, booDi mua samsaar.
All are wandering like blinds, they don’t ponder to think about it. Without the devotion of the Lord, they all are drawn and dead in the ocean of transitory world.
14. Aur karm sab karm hai, bhakti karm niShkarm.
Kahe Kabir pukaari ke, bhakti karo taji dharm.
Kabir calls out- “All other actions are but the actions of this world, they will bear fruit in this world. Only the devotion of the Lord is out of the rules of Actions and Reactions (Laws of Karma). Do only devotion to the Lord, which will make you totally free.”
15. Yah to ghar hai prem ka, khaala ka ghar naahi.
Sees utaare bhui dhare, tab paiThe ghar maanhi.
This is not the house of your aunt where you can go any time any way. This is the home of love, where entry is only possible when you cut your head off and drop it on earth.
16. Sees utaare bhui dhare, taapar raakhe paanv.
Das Kabeera yo kahe, aisa hoy to aav.
Kabir says – “If you are ready to cut your head off, drop it on the earth and walk over it, you are welcome. You are welcome in the house of love in this manner”.
17. Prem na baaDi upaje, prem na haaT bikaay.
Raja paraja jei ruche, sees dei le jay.
Love doesn’t grow in the fields nor is it sold in any market. Anyone who is willing to buy it should be ready to pay his head for it and he can take it, be it a king or a poor. There is no discrimination, price is the same.
18. Prem piyaala jo pilaaya, sees dakchhina* dey.
Lobhi sees na de sake, naam prem ka ley.
The one who offered you the greatest wine of Love, needs the head as return(*Dakhsina – a donation which is given to a religious person for doing any holy ceremony, also to the teachers for the teaching, Guru- Dakhsina a disciple returning something to Guru for the teaching). The greedy one can’t offer the head still he claims that he loves the Guru, the Lord.
19. Chhinahi chaDhe chhin utare, so to prem na hoy.
AghaT prem pinjar base, prem kahawe soy.
The love which comes in one moment and goes away in next is not a true love. The Love, which is not lessened anytime, remains always filled in the body (and heart) - is the true love.
20. Sau jojan saajan base, mano hriday manjhaar.
KapaT sanehi aangane, jaanu samundar paar.
The Beloved lives hundreds of miles away still he is always in the heart. The mean and cunning lovers and relatives live in the same home still know for sure that they are far away as if they live on the other shore of the sea.
21. Yah tat wah tat ek hai, ek praN dui gaat.
Apane jiy se jaaniye, mere jiy ki baat.
The essence in self and the essence in the others are same like one soul living in two bodies. You will come to know about what lies in my heart by knowing it within your own heart.
22. Preeti jo laagi ghuli gayi, paiThi gayi man maanhi.
Rom rom piu-piu kahe, much ki sharadha naahi.
The Love captured my being in such a way as if it is melted in me and has entered in my mind (and heart). Now every bit of my body calls out for the Beloved, it doesn’t need help of mouth or tongue.
23. Peeya chahe prem ras, raakha chaahe maan*.
Ek myaan me do khaDg, dekha suna na kaan.
You want to drink the wine of Love and want to keep your self-identity too, which is not possible. I have never heard two swords being kept in one sheath (keeping self-identity and drinking the wine of love are impossible in the similar way). (Maan is not similar to respect, but it denotes to the rights a Beloved gets when he knows how much his lover loves him. He is so much loved that what ever he will ask, the lover will grant out of the love he has for the Beloved, but still all things granted in such a way are not a substitute of Love)
24. Kabira pyala prem ka, antar liya lagaay.
Rom-rom me rami raha, aur amal kya khaay.
Kabir is drunk with the wine of Love till his innermost core (heart). The effect of the drug is spread all over the being, each and every bit of him is saturated with it, what else drug can anyone have (to be in drunken state).
25. Kabir ham guru-ras piya, baaki rahi na chhak.
Paaka kalash kumhaar ka, bahuri na chaDhai chaak.
Kabir says - I have tasted the wine of my Master’s Love so much that no thirst is left within me. Now this pot is baked up totally, now I will not have to come to Potter’s machine (to be mended again). The body is said to be made of clay and the creator brings us into this world again and again in new forms and shapes until we are baked in the true knowledge, our inner is illuminated with Divine light and our consciousness is fully awaken. It is similar like a potter makes pots but if for any reason the pot is broken in unbaked state, he again makes new pot out of the clay. But if the pot is broken after baking, the clay is no more in a state to be molded. So the potter throws them away. Similarly when a person is baked in true knowledge and fully awakened, he will not have to come in this world again.
26. Rata maata naam ka, peeya prem aghaay.
Matawaala deedar ka, mange mukti balaay.
I am drunk and saturated with the Name. I have drunk the love to the state that I need not anything. I am madly looking for a glimpse of you, who cares to ask about being free (Mukti, Nirvana)?
27. Milana jag me kaThin hai, mili bidhuDo jani koy.
BichhuDe saajan tehi mile, jin maathe mani hoy.
This is very difficult to meet in this world (to a Guru), please don’t be separated after meeting him. Once you are separated, it is difficult to find him again. Only those lucky people find him after loosing once, who has gems (the mythical gem on the head of viper) on their head.(in sense of special spiritual gift).
28. Naino ki kari koThari, putali palang bichhaay.
Palakon ki chik daari ke, piy ko liyaa rijhaay.
I made the room of my eyes and bed of my pupils. I put down the curtains of my eyelids (so no one can see us) and thus pleased my Beloved (in my love). The above is the beautiful way to illustrate how to sit in meditation.
29. Jab lagi marne se Dare, tab lagi premi naahi.
BaDi door hai prem-ghar, samajhi lehu man maanhi.
Till you are afraid of dieing, you are not a true lover(of divine). You know for sure and make your mind accordingly that the house of love is too far(and you will have to cross so many obstacles).
30. Hari se tu jani het kar, kar harijan se het.
Mal-muluk hari det hai, harijan hari hi det.
It is better to be friends with Godmen then to be friends with GOD himself. GOD provides all things you may need but the GODmen are so great they will grant you GOD himself.
31. Kaha bhayo tan beechuDe, doori base je paas.
Naina hi antar para, praN tumaare paas.
What if my body is separated from you? The One, who is far from me, resides with me. Only he is beyond the range of my physical eyesights, but my life(heart and soul) is always with you.
32. Jal me base kamodini*, chanda base akaas.
Jo hai jako bhawata, so taai ke paas.
The Lily lives in the water and the moon is high in the sky, yet the Lily blossoms only after seeing the moon. The ones, whom we love, always remain with us (in love, in spirit and soul). (*Kamodini or Lily flower is believed to blossom only in moonlight and it fades in the sunlight).
33. Preetam ko patiyan likhun, jo kahu hoy bides.
Tan me, man me, nain me, tako kaha sandes.
I would write love letters to my beloved if he was in some foreign land (far from my place). He is in my body, in my mind, in my eyes….where shall I send those messages of love?
34. Kasat kasauTi jo Tike, tako shabad sunaay.
Soi hamara bans hai, kahe Kabir samujhaay.
I test them (my disciples) and who ever is passed through my tests; I grant them the divine sound (Shabad, Love). Kabir says - Only those belong to my family(who have passed the test).
35. Sukh me sumiran na kiya, dukh me kiya yaad.
Kahe Kabir ta das ki, kaun sune fariyaad.
You didn’t remember him in the good days and you are praying to him when facing troubles and sorrows. Kabir says who will hear the prayers of such a servant?
36. Sumiran ki sudhi yo karo, jaise kaami kaam.
Ek palak bisare nahi, nis din aaTho Jaam.
Put your mind and heart in Simaran (remembrance of GOD) like a lustful person remains absorbed in lustful thoughts. Don’t forget for even one moment, be it day or night. Put yourself in simaran for 24 hours.
37. Simaran so man laaiye, jaise naad kurang.
Kah Kabir bisare nahi, praan taje tehi sang.
Put your mind in Simaran like a deer hears the sounds attentively and runs towards it (the sound made by hunters, similar to a mating partner calling out). It doesn’t fear for life and he is so much absorbed in it, he looses his life yet his attention doesn’t wander outside.
38. Simaran surati lagaay kar, mukh se kachhu na bol.
Bahar ka paT band kar, antar ka paT khol.
Put your attention in Simran and don’t speak from mouth (do the simaran silently). Close all outer doors and open the inner door (the technique of meditation via simaran and concentration at eye center).
39. Mala ferat jug bhaya, miTa na man ka pher.
Kar ka manaka Daari de, man ka manaka pher.
You kept doing simaran on beeds for yugas; still your wandering has not come to an end. I say to you – drop the beeds in your hand and start remembering him in mind. Put your mind in simaran so it will not let you wander anymore.
40. Kabira maala manahi ki, aur samsari bhekh.
Maala phere hari mile, gale rahanT ke dekh.
Kabir says the beeds of remembrance are in your mind, any outwardly simaran or remembrance is for the sake of world only (showing to the world that I am such a great devotee). If by rosary beeds a person could find the Lord, why a RAHANT (two buckets together to bring the water out from the well, they keep coming and going inside) would not be granted it? It is doing the same exercise all the time.
41. Kabira maala kaaTh ki, bahut jatan ka pher.
Maala swaas usaas ki, jaame ganTh na mer.
Kabir says - the rosary made of wood would cause you lots of efforts and work. Do the simaran on the rosary of breaths going in and out; it doesn’t have any complexity or ties.
42. Tan thir, man thir, bachan thir, surat nirat thir hoy.
Kah Kabir is palak ko, kalap na paawe koy.
Kabir says – this state is very difficult to achieve, one may not achieve it even for yugas (kalp-four yugas). When your body becomes still, your mind is still, speech still, even surati (soul’s seeing faculty) and nirati (soul’s hearing faculty) are also still (then you know).
43. Jaap mare, ajapa mare, anahad hu mari jay.
Surat samaani shabad me, taahi kal nahi khaay.
State of jaap is subject to death, ajapa(ceaseless remembrance without tongue) and anahad (regions of unstuck melody) are also subject to destruction, but the attention or soul which is absorbed in the (true) shabd or sound, will not be a prey of Kaal.
44. Kabir chhudha hai kookari, karat bhajan me bhang.
Yako Tukara Daari ke, sumiran karo nisank.
Kabir says- This hunger is like a bitch which will keep barking and disturbing your bhajan practice. It is better to give a piece of bread and make it silent thus do your simaran and bhajan without any disturbance (Kabir advises not to go to extremes and give trouble to your bodily needs otherwise it will disturb your devotion and practice).
45. Tu tu karata tu bhaya, mujhme rahi na hu.
Wari tere naam par, jit dekhun tit tu.
Remembering and calling you, gradually I became you, now there is no me within me. I am sacrificed upon your name, now where ever I see, I see you only.
46. Kabira kya main chintahu, mum chinte kya hoy.
Meri chinta Hari Karen, chinta mohi na koy.
Kabir says – what is there for me to worry? Nothing can happen by me even if I worry. My Lord always takes care of me, he worries for me, and I need not to think (for my needs).
47. Sadhu gaanTh na bandhai, udar samaata ley.
Aage paachhe Hari khaDe, jab mane tab dey.
A true sadhu doesn’t accumulate anything; he only takes as per his appetite at any given time. The Lord himself is standing by his side, whenever he needs anything; he asks to the Lord and is granted for sure.
48. Karam Karima likhi raha, sab kuchh likha na hoy.
Maasa ghaTe na til baDhe, jo sir phoDe koy.
Your all actions are being written (recorded) by the Lord. Whatever happens, is already destined. Not even a MASA(smallest unit one can measure) of it can be lessened or equal to til(sesame seed) can be added on. We are going through all what is destined for us. Even we bang our head; still it will not be changed.
49. Saai itana deejiye, jaame kutum samaay.
Main bhi bhookha na rahu, saadhu na bhookha jay.
I pray to the Lord, give me as much so I can carry on my responsibilities towards my family, I wouldn’t remain hungry and I can serve the Sadhus who come to my place. I need not more than that.
50. Gaaya jin paaya nahi, ungaaye te doori.
Jin gaaya vishwas gahi, take sada hazoori.
Those couldn’t find him who kept on singing his praises, and he is far away from them who don’t even bother to think or sing about him. But those who sing his praises with firm faith in him, he is always at service of them.
51. Birhin dey sandesara, suno hamaare peev.
Jal bin machchhi kyu jiye, panee me ka jeev.
The bride, who is far away from the groom, sends the message to him. She says – listen to me o my Beloved. How can I live without you, you know well a fish can’t live without the water.
52. Ankhiya to jhaai pari, panth nihaar-nihaar.
Jeehariya chhala para, naam pukaar-pukaar.
My eyes are darkened looking on your way (on which you will come). My tongue is burnt calling out your name (still you didn’t come).
53. Nainan to jhar laaiya, rahanT bahe nis-bas.
Papiha jyo piu-piu raTe, piya-milan ki aas.
My eyes have become like the two buckets of the RAHANT (buckets to draw water from the well), they keep dropping tears day and night. Like the rain bird keeps calling piu-piu (so do I), I have only hope to meet you.
54. Bahut dinan ki jovati, raTat tumhara naam.
Jiy tarase tujh milan ko, man naahi bisaraam.
I am waiting for you for so long time, I keep calling you name. My heart is thirsty to meet you and I don’t find rest and solace anytime.
55. Birah bhuwangam tan Danrsa, mantra na laage koy.
Raam biyogi na jive, jive to baaur hoy.
The poisonous snake of separation has bitten my body, now no mantra (to draw the effects of poison) works for me. Kabir says- Whoever are separated from Ram (the Lord), they can’t live more. If they live on (and their separation has not come to an end) they are bound to go insane.
56. Birah KamanDal kar liye, bairaagi do nain.
Maange daras madhookari, chhake rahe din-rain.
I have taken kamadal (the pot Sadhus keep with them) of Birah(separation), my eyes have become renunciates. They ask for the wine of your glimpse only, so they can remain forever drunk.
57. Mans gaya pinjar raha, taakan laage kaag.
Saheb ajahu na aaya, mand hamaare bhaag.
The flesh has gone away (from by body), only the Skelton remains. The crows have started looking out for me (I seem like a dead or going to die soon, they would feed upon me). (My life is coming to an end) My Lord has yet not come, how unlucky I am!!
58. Ankhiya prem basaaiya, jan jaane dukhraay.
Naam sanehi kaarane, ro-ro raat gawaay.
I have done makeup of my eyes with Love (it is always red and dark due to sleeplessness and weeping), but people think I have got some infection. They don’t know for the sake of his name (Love, Shabd), I am spending nights crying.
59. Birahin oodi laakaDi, sapache aur dhudhuaay.
ChhooT paro yo birah se, jo sagaro jari jay.
The lonely bride (separated from the groom) is like wet woods put in fire. It burns so slow, it only gives out smoke. There is no rescue, as it will not burn soon because of wetness. It can be saved from this (immeasurable pain of seperation) when it is burnt fully and completely.
60. Parabat-parabat main firun, nain gawaaya roy.
Wah booTi paaun nahi, jaate jeevan hoy.
I have been wandering through mountains in search of the cure for me. I have lost my eyes crying out. Alas, I couldn’t find the herb which could cure me from this pain and grant me life (Probably Kabir indicates here about his fruitless search for a Spiritual Guide).
61. Sabahi taruwar jaaike, sab phal leenho cheekh.
Firi-firi mangat Kabir hai, darasan hi ki bhikh.
I went to all trees and tasted all fruits (all are worthless). Kabir begs for the darashan again and again (only this is worthy to ask). Kabir indicates about the soul’s quest for the worldly things and about the spiritual masters and practices which all turn to be fruitless before it finally finds the place at his Guru/Lord’s feet.
62. Piy bin jiy tarasat rahe, pal-pal birah sataay.
Rain-diwas mohi kal nahi, sisaki-sisaki jiy jay.
My heart aches without my Beloved; this separation is torturing me all the time. I can’t find peace or rest in night or day without him. I am dieing weeping and moaning.
63. Saai sewat jal gayi, maans na rahiya deh.
Saai jab lagi seiho, yah tan hoy na kheh.
I am burnt serving my Lord, now flesh is not remained in my body (The burning denotes to holy fire through which a soul crosses to higher regions, the more it is advanced, the more it is purified in this fire).But what a strange paradox it is; till you serve the Lord, your body can’t turn to dust (he will save you).
64. Biraha biraha mat kaho, biraha hai sultaan.
Ja ghaT birah na sanchare, so ghaT jaan masaan.
Don’t curse the pangs of separation; the pain of separation is the king of kings. Those in whose body it has not taken place, are like a graveyard (they are dead even they are taking breaths). Only the feeling of love and separation makes one really alive.
65. Dekhat-dekhat din gaya, nis bhi dekhat jay.
Birahin piy paawe nahi, kewal jiy ghabaraay.
The day is gone waiting for you and the night is also coming to end (the life is coming to an end) still the lonely bride has not found her groom. Her heart is restless and nervous.
66. So din kaisa hoyega, Guru gahenge baanhi.
Apana kar baiThawahi, charan-kawal ki chanhi.
When the day will come when my Guru will hold my arms and make me his own. He will let me sit down and have rest at his lotus feet (waiting for the day).I am just anticipating how it will be like.
67. Jo jan birahi naam ke, sada magan man maanhi.
Jyo darapan ki sundari, kinahu pakaDi naahi.
Those who are lovers of naam, always remain absorbed in their own (contemplation). They will appear to you like normal people but they are far beyond your reach. It is similar to a beautiful maiden which appears in a mirror. You can see and feel but you can’t get hold of her. (Ramkrishna about such people – by looking at them you can sense that the bird is hatching eggs.)
68. Tu mati jane beesarun, preet ghaTe mum chit.
Maru to tum sumirat maru, jeevat simarun nit.
My beloved, you don’t assume that I will forget you for a moment and the Love for you will lessen a little in my heart. I will die remembering you and I will continue calling you while I am alive.
69. Birah baan jin laagiya, auShadhi lage na taahi.
Sisaki-sisaki mari-mari jiye, uThe karaahi-karaahi.
Those who are pierced by the arrow of separation are incurable by any medicine. They keep crying and moaning, they die many times in a day and when they get the strength to get up, still they are crying out with pain.
70. Birah agini tan man jala, laagi raha tat jeev.
Kai wa jaane birahini, kai jin bhenTa peev.
My body and mind is burnt in the fire of separation, now my soul is merged with the essence (the reality, the Lord). This can be known only to them who are suffering through this separation or the one who has merged with the Beloved (after going through this burning).
71. Surati karo mere saaiya, ham hain bhav-jal maanhi.
Aape hi bahi jaayenge, jo nahi pakaDo baanhi.
I pray to you O my Lord, pay attention to my condition. I am in the middle of this transitory world, I am getting drawn. If you don’t hold my arms tight, I will get drawn in this ocean of illusionary world.
72. Kya mukh le binati karun, laaj aawat hai mohi.
Tum dekhat augun karo, kaise bhaaun tohi.
How can I pray to you my Lord, I am not worthy. I feel so much ashamed. I perform so many misdeeds in front of you, how can I have your favor (of love and grace).
73. Main aparaadhi janam ka, nakh-shikh bhara vikar.
Tum data dukh-bhanjana, meri karo samhaar.
I am a sinner of lifetimes; my whole body – from toe to head - is filled with filth. You are such a great giver, the killer of all sufferings, pray you bring me also in right shape (samhaar - care with concern).
74. Augun mere bapji, bakhsho garib newaaj.
Jo main poot kapoot hun, tau pita ko laaj.
You are the savior of the poor and helpless O my dear father; please forgive my sins and misdeeds. Even if I am a son who is a sinner and has gone astray, still a father will feel bad and ashamed for the son’s deeds as he is father and loves the son.
75. Augun kiye to bahu kiye, karat na maanee haar.
Bhaawe banda bakshiye, bhawe garadan maar.
When I committed so many mistakes and sins, then I didn’t feel any wrong doing it, I felt proud of it. Now I am at your mercy, if you like forgiving me, please do forgive. If you like punishing me and cutting my throat please do so.
76. Antaryaami ek tum, tum aatam ke adhaar.
Jo tum chhoDo haath to, kaun utaare paar.
You are the knower of what lies in our hearts; you are the sustainer and supporter of our souls. If you loose your grip on our arms, who else can save us from this place and take us to the other shore? Kabir prays the Lord not to let him go out of his own hands.
77. Mera man jo tohi so, tera man kahi aur.
Kah Kabir kaise nibhe, ek chitt dui Thaur.
The above sounds like a version of Guru on behalf of the Lord. Kabir says – I seek you, my heart is attached to you and you seek something else, your heart runs towards other things. How the relationship will work if one mind wanders to two different places? It should be directed one-pointed towards the Beloved.
78. Mera mujh me kuchh nahi, jo kuchh hai so tor.
Tera tujhko saumpate, kya laagat hai mor.
There is nothing in me which is mine; it all belongs to you. Now I submit all your stuff to you, what is there for me to loose?
79. Ut te koi na bahura, jaase puchhun dhaay.
It te sab hi jaat hai, bhaar ladaay-ladaay.
None has returned for that place (beyond, after death) whom I could run and ask (about how is it). All are going from this place (to that place) loading burdens (of sins) on the head.
80. Mariye to mari jaaiye, chhuTi pare janjaar.
Aisa marana ko mare, din me sau-sau baar.
If you want to die, die once and forever so all problem and conflicts are gone. Who would welcome to die daily hundreds of times again and again?
81. Heera tahan na kholiye, janh khoti hai haat.
Kasi kari bandho gaanthari, uthi kar chaalo baat.
Don’t open your treasure of gems where the market is fake and full of cheaters. Tie it hard in your cloth and walk along your own way. (Kabir indicates not to talk, urge or show the treasure of Naam to those who don’t understand it’s worth and will not value it).
82. Heera paaya parakhi ke, ghan me deeya aan.
ChoT sahi, phooTa nahi, tab paya pahacaan.
I opted for the diamond after testing it. I put it under hammers (to test it). It didn’t get broken after so much beats, then I realized it was a real diamond. (Diamond is the Naam; the hammerings are the sufferings of the world. When a person gets treasure of Naam by a true Satguru, he gets the strength to go through all sufferings life may bring and all tests the Lord may put in his way.)
83. Chandan gaya bidesare, sab koi kahe palas.
Jyo-jyo chulhe jhonkiya, tyo-tyo adhaki baas.
The Sandalwood was sent to the foreign land where no one could really understand its value. They thought it to be normal wood and put it into fire. But when it started burning, people knew the difference as it was throwing so sweet fragrance. (A Saint’s virtues are not known to normal people, but they provide their love and mercy towards the people who bring troubles to him in their ignorance. By these virtues a Saint can be recognized.)
84. Heera para bajaar me, raha chhaar lapaTaay.
Bahutak moorakh chali gaye, paarakhi liya uThaay.
A diamond was lying down in the marketplace wrapped in ashes. So many ignorants went by; none could recognize its true worth. When gems trader came by, he recognized it and picked it up (he will polish it and make it worth of lacs). Above denotes to the Satguru’s capacity to recognize the devotees among people. A devotee may be in rags or may be a king. Only a lover of the Lord has this inner vision to see their true place.
85. Aisa koi na mila, hamko de updes.
Bhavsaagar me Doobta, kar gahi kaaDhe kes.
I could not find anyone who could give me the true knowledge. I am drowning in this deep ocean of transitory world. I wish I could find someone who could hold my hands and hairs and take me out of it.
86. Sarpai doodh pilaaiye, soi bish hwe jaay.
Aisa koi na milaa, aape hi bish khaay.
If you offer milk to a snake, it can do nothing but turn the milk into poison. That is its nature. I couldn’t find anyone who could eat the poison and digest it*. The above denotes the high level spiritual energy Saints have when they wash and clean our sins. Literally they transmit it to themselves and digest it, they do suffer in this process but they don’t let the poison of our sins overtake their own self. Very rare devotees have this capacity to do this. The symbol of Lord Shiva drinking the poison denotes this process.
87. Satt naam kadua lage, meetha laage daam.
Duvidha me dono gaye, maaya mili na raam.
The above denotes to the satsangis who are initiated. Kabir says the True Name sounds bitter to you and the material wealth and possessions appear very sweet. You are constantly under conflict of whether to go for wealth accumulation or Nam bhajan. In this conflict, both are inaccessible – neither you could fulfill your worldly desires nor you could find the Lord. Kabir indicates that if you do something- do it wholeheartedly. If your commitment and attention is divided, you will not achieve anything.
88. Karani bin kathani kathe, agyaani din-raat.
Kookar jyo bhookat phire, suni-sunaai baat.
Kabir says – the Ignorants keep preaching about the Lord, about the Truth without practicing it themselves. It is just like the dogs keep barking without knowing anything, so they keep on speaking what they hear from others (or what they read).
89. DhaDhas lakhu marjeev ko, dhansi ke paiThi pataal.
Jeev aTak mane nahi, gahi lai nikaryo laal.
See and praise the patience and courage of the devotee who dies while living. He dives deep down in his own self (paataal- the lokas which are located below the earth, denotes to the unknown territories). He doesn’t stop at any obstacles and dives deep down and brings priceless gems out it.
90. Paaya kahe te baaware, khoya kae te koor.
Paaya khoya kuchh nahi, jyo ka tyo bharpoor.
Whoever says that I have found it; is insane person and if someone says that he has lost it is being cruel (to himself, he doesn’t know about the treasure). There is noting to be found and nothing to loose. It is filled fully as it was and as it will always be.
91. Gagan damama baajiya, paDat nishaane ghaav.
Khet pukaare surama, ab laDne ka daav.
Now the war drum is beating in the sky, the sound strikes at the target and wounds it (the devotees are the target and their restlessness is the wound). Now the battle field is calling out for the warriors- come, this is time to fight. *Denotes to a stage in spiritual journey where the sound of drum is heard. At this place the soul becomes so much restless to run to the Lord, it is always like at the edge.
92. Soora soi saraahiye, lade dhani ke het.
Purja-purja hoi rahe, tau na chhaDe khet.
That warrior is really appraised who fights for the Master (and not for his own self). His body parts are cut into pieces still he doesn’t leave the battleground and continues fighting.
93. Soora soi saraahiye, ang na pahire loh.
Jujhe sab band kholike, chhanDe tan ka moh.
That warrior is really appraised who doesn’t wear a shield on his body. He drops all his safety covers and stands open in the battleground. He has lost any love for his body (and self) and fights (for the master). Above denotes to drop all safety measures, filters and cautions one takes in devotion. If a person drops all security measures (in this world and beyond too) and stands naked only for the Master, the Master bestows his grace upon such devotee.
94. Kabira seep samundra ki, rate piyaas-piyaas.
Aur boond ko na gahe, swaati boond ki aas.
Kabir says – the seashell lives in the ocean of water still it doesn’t take drink water of it. It keeps crying for the water, but it will not take any other water. It’s only hope is the pure rain drops (of SWATI Nakshatra). The devotee should also not compromise and settle for anything else other than the love of the Lord.
95. Papiha ka pran dekhkar, dheeraj rahe na ranch.
Marate dam jal me paDa, tau na bori chanch.
I couldn’t keep patience when I saw the dedication and commitment of the rainbird. It calls out for the pure rain water and doesn’t drink any other. Its dedication and commitment is so complete, even if is dying thirsty and fell down in the water pool, still it didn’t put its beaks in the water (didn’t opt to drink even died thirsty).
96. Patibarata pati ko bhaje, pati par dhar vishwas.
Aan disa chitawe nahi, sada peev ki aas.
The committed wife praises to her husband only, she keeps firm faith in her husband (he will do the best for her). She doesn’t see anyone else but always hopes from her husband. (The same faith, trust is needed in the spiritual path. If we must hope something, we should do it from the Guru/Lord only).
97. Jo yah ek na jaaniya, bahu jaane ka hoy.
Eke te sab hot hai, sab te ek na hoy.
If you didn’t know the One, what is the use of knowing so much and so many (things in the world)? Everything happens by the One and the special One is not dependent on anything other than itself.
98. Sab aye us ek se, Daar paat phal phool.
Kabira pachha kya raha, gai pakari jab mool.
Everything in the universe has come out of the One- the branches, the leaves, the fruits and the flowers (from the One-the root). Kabir says what is left behind when I have grabbed the root of all-the One?
99. Ab to aisi hwe pari, man ati nirmal keenh.
Marne ka Dar chhaDi ke, haath sinhora leenh.
Now it has happened that I have cleansed my mind pure. I have dropped the fear of death and have taken the SINHORA (the small box of the red powder, married woman put on her head, symbol of being burnt with her husband).I am ready to die with my Beloved.
100. Satee bichaari sat kiya, kaanTo sej bichhay.
Lai sooti piy aapana, chahu dis agini lagaay.
The Sati* contemplated and followed the truthful way. She made a bed of thorns and slept on it putting fire all around. Symbol of being sati- a ritual in which a woman would burn alive with her husband, because there is no charm, no life without her husband. She even wouldn’t consider little children, but would die on the same pyre. Here denotes to a devotee when he contemplates on the Beloved and even the road to him is full of dangers and pain, he doesn’t turn his ways away. He keeps the Beloved and burns the rest all around him (Security, Comfort, low tendencies).
