Shaloks of Kabīr  ²

Sri Guru Granth Sahib p. 1364 - 1377

Kabīr, my rosary is my tongue, upon which the Lord's Name is strung.
From the very beginning, and throughout the ages, all the devotees abide in tranquil peace.

 
Kabīr mayree simrnee rasnaa oopar raam.
Kabīr, my rosary is my tongue, upon which the Lord's Name is strung.

aad jugaadee sagal bhagat taa ko sukh bisraam.
From the very beginning, and throughout the ages, all the devotees abide in tranquil peace. 1


Kabīr mayree jaat ka-o sabh ko rasnayhaar.
Kabīr, everyone laughs at my social class.

balihaaree is jaat ka-o jih japi-o sirjanhaar.
I am a sacrifice to this social class, in which I chant and meditate on the Creator. 2


Kabīr dagmag ki-aa karahi kahaa dulaaveh jee-o.
Kabīr, why do you stumble why does your soul waver

sarab sookh ko naa-iko raam naam ras pee-o.
He is the Lord of all comforts and peace; drink in the Sublime Essence of the Lord's Name. 3


Kabīr kanchan kay kundal banay oopar laal jarhaa-o.
Kabīr, earrings made of gold and studded with jewels,

deeseh daaDhay kaan ji-o jinH man naahee naa-o.
look like burnt twigs, if the Name is not in the mind. 4


Kabīr aisaa ayk aaDh jo jeevat mirtak ho-ay.
Kabīr, rare is such a person, who remains dead while yet alive.

nirbhai ho-ay kai gun ravai jat paykha-o tat so-ay.
Singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, he is fearless. Wherever I look, the Lord is there. 5


Kabīr jaa din ha-o moo-aa paachhai bha-i-aa anand.
Kabīr, on the day when I die, afterwards there shall be bliss.

mohi mili-o parabh aapnaa sangee bhajeh gobind.
I shall meet with my Lord God. Those with me shall meditate and vibrate on the Lord of the Universe. 6


Kabīr sabh tay ham buray ham taj bhalo sabh ko-ay.
Kabīr, I am the worst of all. Everyone else is good.

jin aisaa kar boojhi-aa meet hamaaraa so-ay.
Whoever understands this is a friend of mine. 7


Kabīr aa-ee mujheh peh anik karay kar bhays.
Kabīr, she came to me in various forms and disguises.

ham raakhay gur aapnay un keeno aadays.
My Guru saved me, and now she bows humbly to me. 8


Kabīr so-ee maaree-ai jih moo-ai sukh ho-ay.
Kabīr, kill only that, which, when killed, shall bring peace.

bhalo bhalo sabh ko kahai buro na maanai ko-ay.
Everyone shall call you good, very good, and no one shall think you are bad. 9




Kabīr raatee hoveh kaaree-aa kaaray oobhay jant.
Kabīr, the night is dark, and men go about doing their dark deeds.

lai faahay uth Dhaavtay se jaan maaray bhagvant.
They take the noose and run around; but rest assured that God shall destroy them. 10


Kabīr chandan kaa birvaa bhalaa bayrheha-o dhaak palaas.
Kabīr, the sandalwood tree is good, even though it is surrounded by weeds.

o-ay bhee chandan ho-ay rahay basay jo chandan paas.
Those who dwell near the sandalwood tree, become just like the sandalwood tree. 11


Kabīr baaNs badaa-ee boodi-aa i-o mat doobahu ko-ay.
Kabīr, the bamboo is drowned in its egotistical pride. No one should drown like this.

chandan kai niktay basai baaNs suganDh na ho-ay.
Bamboo also dwells near the sandalwood tree, but it does not take up its fragrance. 12


Kabīr deen gavaa-i-aa dunee si-o dunee na chaalee saath.
Kabīr, the mortal loses his faith, for the sake of the world, but the world shall not go along with him in the end.

paa-ay kuhaarhaa maari-aa gaafal apunai haath.
The idiot strikes his own foot with the axe by his own hand. 13


Kabīr jah jah ha-o firi-o ka-utak thaa-o thaa-ay.
Kabīr, wherever I go, I see wonders everywhere.

ik raam sanayhee baahraa oojar mayrai bhaaN-ay.
But without the devotees of the One Lord, it is all wilderness to me. 14


Kabīr santan kee jhungee-aa bhalee bhath kustee gaa-o.
Kabīr, the dwelling of the Saints is good; the dwelling of the unrighteous burns like an oven.

aag laga-o tih Dha-ulhar jih naahee har ko naa-o.
Those mansions in which the Lord's Name is not chanted might just as well burn down. 15


Kabīr sant moo-ay ki-aa ro-ee-ai jo apunay garihi jaa-ay.
Kabīr, why cry at the death of a Saint He is just going back to his home.

rovhu saakat baapuray jo haatai haat bikaa-ay.
Cry for the wretched, faithless cynic, who is sold from store to store. 16


Kabīr saakat aisaa hai jaisee lasan kee khaan.
Kabīr, the faithless cynic is like a piece of garlic.

konay baithay khaa-ee-ai pargat ho-ay nidaan.
Even if you eat it sitting in a corner, it becomes obvious to everyone. 17


Kabīr maa-i-aa dolnee pavan jhakolanhaar.
Kabīr, Maya is the butter-churn, and the breath is the churning-stick.

santahu maakhan khaa-i-aa chhaachh pee-ai sansaar.
The Saints eat the butter, while the world drinks the whey. 18


Kabīr maa-i-aa dolnee pavan vahai hiv Dhaar.
Kabīr, Maya is the butter-churn; the breath flows like ice water.

in bilo-i-aa tin khaa-i-aa avar bilovanhaar.
Whoever does the churning eats the butter; the others are just churning-sticks. 19




Kabīr maa-i-aa chortee mus mus laavai haat.
Kabīr, Maya is the thief, which breaks in and plunders the store.

ayk Kabīraa naa musai jin keenee baarah baat.
Only Kabīr is not plundered; he has cut her into twelve pieces. 20


Kabīr sookh na ayNh jug karahi jo bahutai meet.
Kabīr, peace does not come in this world by making lots of friends.

jo chit raakhahi ayk si-o tay sukh paavahi neet.
Those who keep their consciousness focused on the One Lord shall find eternal peace. 21


Kabīr jis marnay tay jag darai mayray man aanand.
Kabīr, the world is afraid of death - that death fills my mind with bliss.

marnay hee tay paa-ee-ai pooran parmaanand.
It is only by death that perfect, supreme bliss is obtained. 22


raam padaarath paa-ay kai Kabīraa gaaNth na kholH.
The Treasure of the Lord is obtained, O Kabīr, but do not undo its knot.

nahee patan nahee paarkhoo nahee gaahak nahee mol.
There is no market to sell it, no appraiser, no customer, and no price. 23


Kabīr taa si-o pareet kar jaa ko thaakur raam.
Kabīr, be in love with only that one, whose Master is the Lord.

pandit raajay bhooptee aavahi ka-unay kaam.
The Pandits, the religious scholars, kings and landlords - what good is love for them 24




Kabīr pareet ik si-o kee-ay aan dubiDhaa jaa-ay.
Kabīr, when you are in love with the One Lord, duality and alienation depart.

bhaavai laaNbay kays kar bhaavai gharar mudaa-ay.
You may have long hair, or you may shave your head bald. 25


Kabīr jag kaajal kee kothree anDh paray tis maahi.
Kabīr, the world is a room filled with black soot; the blind fall into its trap.

ha-o balihaaree tin ka-o pais jo neekas jaahi.
I am a sacrifice to those who are thrown in, and still escape. 26


Kabīr ih tan jaa-igaa sakahu ta layho bahor.
Kabīr, this body shall perish; save it, if you can.

naaNgay paavhu tay ga-ay jin kay laakh karor.
Even those who have tens of thousands and millions, must depart bare-footed in the end. 27


Kabīr ih tan jaa-igaa kavnai maarag laa-ay.
Kabīr, this body shall perish; place it on the path.

kai sangat kar saaDh kee kai har kay gun gaa-ay.
Either join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, or sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. 28

Kabīr martaa martaa jag moo-aa mar bhee na jaani-aa ko-ay.
Kabīr, dying, dying, the whole world has to die, and yet, none know how to die.

aisay marnay jo marai bahur na marnaa ho-ay.
Let those who die, die such a death, that they shall never have to die again. 29


Kabīr maanas janam dulambh hai ho-ay na baarai baar.
Kabīr, it is so difficult to obtain this human body; it does not just come over and over again.

ji-o ban fal paakay bhu-ay gireh bahur na laageh daar.
It is like the ripe fruit on the tree; when it falls to the ground, it cannot be re-attached to the branch. 30


Kabīraa tuhee Kabīr too tayro naa-o Kabīr.
Kabīr, you are Kabīr; your name means great.

raam ratan tab paa-ee-ai ja-o pahilay tajeh sareer.
O Lord, You are Kabīr. The Jewel of the Lord is obtained, when the mortal first gives up his body. 31


Kabīr jhankh na jhankhee-ai tumro kahi-o na ho-ay.
Kabīr, do not struggle in stubborn pride; nothing happens just because you say so.

karam kareem jo kar rahay mayt na saakai ko-ay.
No one can erase the actions of the Merciful Lord. 32


Kabīr kasa-utee raam kee jhoothaa tikai na ko-ay.
Kabīr, no one who is false can withstand the Touchstone of the Lord.

raam kasa-utee so sahai jo mar jeevaa ho-ay.
He alone can pass the test of the Lord's Touchstone, who remains dead while yet alive. 33


Kabīr oojal pahirahi kaapray paan supaaree khaahi.
Kabīr, some wear gaudy robes, and chew betel leaves and betel nuts.

aykas har kay naam bin baaDhay jam pur jaaNhi.
Without the Name of the One Lord, they are bound and gagged and taken to the City of Death. 34


Kabīr bayrhaa jarjaraa footay chhayNk hajaar.
Kabīr, the boat is old, and it has thousands of holes.

haroo-ay haroo-ay tir ga-ay doobay jin sir bhaar.
Those who are light get across, while those who carry the weight of their sins on their heads are drowned. 35


Kabīr haad jaray ji-o laakree kays jaray ji-o ghaas.
Kabīr, the bones burn like wood, and the hair burns like straw.

ih jag jartaa daykh kai bha-i-o Kabīr udaas.
Seeing the world burning like this, Kabīr has become sad. 36


Kabīr garab na keejee-ai chaam lapaytay haad.
Kabīr, do not be so proud of your bones wrapped up in skin.

haivar oopar chhatar tar tay fun Dharnee gaad.
Those who were on their horses and under their canopies, were eventually buried under the ground. 37


Kabīr garab na keejee-ai oochaa daykh avaas.
Kabīr, do not be so proud of your tall mansions.

aaj kaaliH bhu-ay laytnaa oopar jaamai ghaas.
Today or tomorrow, you shall lie beneath the ground, and the grass shall grow above you. 38


Kabīr garab na keejee-ai rank na hasee-ai ko-ay.
Kabīr, do not be so proud, and do not laugh at the poor.

ajahu so naa-o samundar meh ki-aa jaan-o ki-aa ho-ay.
Your boat is still out at sea; who knows what will happen 39


Kabīr garab na keejee-ai dayhee daykh surang.
Kabīr, do not be so proud, looking at your beautiful body.

aaj kaaliH taj jaahugay ji-o kaaNchuree bhuyang.
Today or tomorrow, you will have to leave it behind, like the snake shedding its skin. 40


Kabīr lootnaa hai ta loot lai raam naam hai loot.
Kabīr, if you must rob and plunder, then plunder the plunder of the Lord's Name.

fir paachhai pachhutaahugay paraan jaahingay chhoot.
Otherwise, in the world hereafter, you will regret and repent, when the breath of life leaves the body. 41


Kabīr aisaa ko-ee na janmi-o apnai ghar laavai aag.
Kabīr, there is no one born, who burns his own home,

paaNcha-o larikaa jaar kai rahai raam liv laag.
and burning his five sons, remains lovingly attuned to the Lord. 42


ko hai larikaa baych-ee larikee baychai ko-ay.
Kabīr, how rare are those who sell their son and sell their daughter

saajhaa karai Kabīr si-o har sang banaj karay-i.
and, entering into partnership with Kabīr, deal with the Lord. 43


Kabīr ih chaytaavnee mat sahsaa reh jaa-ay.
Kabīr, let me remind you of this. Do not be skeptical or cynical.

paachhai bhog jo bhogvay tin ko gurh lai khaahi.
Those pleasures which you enjoyed so much in the past - now you must eat their fruits. 44


Kabīr mai jaani-o parhibo bhalo parhibay si-o bhal jog.
Kabīr, at first, I thought learning was good; then I thought Yoga was better.

bhagat na chhaada-o raam kee bhaavai ninda-o log.
I shall never abandon devotional worship of the Lord, even though people may slander me. 45


Kabīr log ke nindai bapurhaa jih man naahee gi-aan.
Kabīr, how can the wretched people slander me They have no wisdom or intelligence.

raam Kabīraa rav rahay avar tajay sabh kaam.
Kabīr continues to dwell upon the Lord's Name; I have abandoned all other affairs. 46


Kabīr pardaysee kai ghaaghrai chahu dis laagee aag.
Kabīr, the robe of the stranger-soul has caught fire on all four sides.

khinthaa jal ko-ilaa bha-ee taagay aaNch na laag.
The cloth of the body has been burnt and reduced to charcoal, but the fire did not touch the thread of the soul. 47


Kabīr khinthaa jal ko-ilaa bha-ee khaapar foot mafoot.
Kabīr, the cloth has been burnt and reduced to charcoal, and the begging bowl is shattered into pieces.

jogee bapurhaa khayli-o aasan rahee bibhoot.
The poor Yogi has played out his game; only ashes remain on his seat. 48


Kabīr thorai jal maachhulee jheevar mayli-o jaal.
Kabīr, the fish is in the shallow water; the fisherman has cast his net.

ih toghnai na chhootsahi fir kar samund samHaal.
You shall not escape this little pool; think about returning to the ocean. 49




Kabīr samund na chhodee-ai ja-o at khaaro ho-ay.
Kabīr, do not leave the ocean, even if it is very salty.

pokhar pokhar dhoodh-tay bhalo na kahihai ko-ay.
If you poke around searching from puddle to puddle, no one will call you smart. 50


Kabīr nigusaaN-ayN bahi ga-ay thaaNghee naahee ko-ay.
Kabīr, those who have no guru are washed away. No one can help them.

deen gareebee aapunee kartay ho-ay so ho-ay.
Be meek and humble; whatever happens is what the Creator Lord does. 51


Kabīr baisna-o kee kookar bhalee saakat kee buree maa-ay.
Kabīr, even the dog of a devotee is good, while the mother of the faithless cynic is bad.

oh nit sunai har naam jas uh paap bisaahan jaa-ay.
The dog hears the Praises of the Lord's Name, while the other is engaged in sin. 52


Kabīr harnaa dooblaa ih haree-aaraa taal.
Kabīr, the deer is weak, and the pool is lush with green vegetation.

laakh ahayree ayk jee-o kaytaa bancha-o kaal.
Thousands of hunters are chasing after the soul; how long can it escape death 53


Kabīr gangaa teer jo ghar karahi peeveh nirmal neer.
Kabīr, some make their homes on the banks of the Ganges, and drink pure water.

bin har bhagat na mukat ho-ay i-o kahi ramay Kabīr.
Without devotional worship of the Lord, they are not liberated. Kabīr proclaims this. 54


Kabīr man nirmal bha-i-aa jaisaa gangaa neer.
Kabīr, my mind has become immaculate, like the waters of the Ganges.

paachhai laago har firai kahat Kabīr Kabīr.
The Lord follows after me, calling, "Kabīr! Kabīr!" 55


Kabīr hardee pee-aree chooNnaaN oojal bhaa-ay.
Kabīr, tumeric is yelow, and lime is white.

raam sanayhee ta-o milai don-o baran gavaa-ay.
You shall meet the Beloved Lord, only when both colors are lost. 56


Kabīr hardee peertan harai choon chihan na rahaa-ay.
Kabīr, tumeric has lost its yellow color, and no trace of lime's whiteness remains.

balihaaree ih pareet ka-o jih jaat baran kul jaa-ay.
I am a sacrifice to this love, by which social class and status, color and ancestry are taken away. 57


Kabīr mukat du-aaraa sankuraa raa-ee das-ayN bhaa-ay.
Kabīr, the door of liberation is very narrow, less than the width of a mustard seed.

man ta-o maigal ho-ay rahi-o nikso ki-o kai jaa-ay.
Your mind is larger than an elephant; how will it pass through 58


Kabīr aisaa satgur jay milai tuthaa karay pasaa-o.
Kabīr, if I meet such a True Guru, who mercifully blesses me with the gift,

mukat du-aaraa moklaa sehjay aava-o jaa-o.
then the door of liberation will open wide for me, and I will easily pass through. 59


Kabīr naa mohi chhaan na chhaapree naa mohi ghar nahee gaa-o.
Kabīr, I have no hut or hovel, no house or village.

mat har poochhai ka-un hai mayray jaat na naa-o.
I hope that the Lord will not ask who I am. I have no social status or name. 60


Kabīr muhi marnay kaa chaa-o hai mara-o ta har kai du-aar.
Kabīr, I long to die; let me die at the Lord's Door.

mat har poochhai ka-un hai paraa hamaarai baar.
I hope that the Lord does not ask, "Who is this, lying at my door" 61



Kabīr naa ham kee-aa na karhigay naa kar sakai sareer.
Kabīr, I have not done anything; I shall not do anything; my body cannot do anything.

ki-aa jaan-o kichh har kee-aa bha-i-o Kabīr Kabīr.
I do not know what the Lord has done, but the call has gone out: "Kabīr, Kabīr". 62


Kabīr supnai hoo barrhaa-ay kai jih mukh niksai raam.
Kabīr, if someone utters the Name of the Lord even in dreams,

taa kay pag kee paanhee mayray tan ko chaam.
I would make my skin into shoes for his feet. 63


Kabīr maatee kay ham pootray maanas raakhi-o naa-o.
Kabīr, we are puppets of clay, but we take the name of mankind.

chaar divas kay paahunay bad bad rooNDheh thaa-o.
We are guests here for only a few days, but we take up so much space. 64


Kabīr mahidee kar ghaali-aa aap peesaa-ay peesaa-ay.
Kabīr, I have made myself into henna, and I grind myself into powder.

tai sah baat na poochhee-ai kabahu na laa-ee paa-ay.
But You, O my Husband Lord, have not asked about me; You have never applied me to Your Feet. 65


Kabīr jih dar aavat jaati-ahu hatkai naahee ko-ay.
Kabīr, that door, through which people never stop coming and going -

so dar kaisay chhodee-ai jo dar aisaa ho-ay.
how can I leave such a door as that 66


Kabīr doobaa thaa pai ubri-o gun kee lahar jhabak.
Kabīr, I was drowning, but the waves of virtue saved me in an instant.

jab daykhi-o bayrhaa jarjaraa tab utar pari-o ha-o farak.
When I saw that my boat was rotten, then I immediately got out. 67


Kabīr paapee bhagat na bhaav-ee har poojaa na suhaa-ay.
Kabīr, the sinner does not like devotion to the Lord; he does not appreciate worship.

maakhee chandan parharai jah biganDh tah jaa-ay.
The fly abandons the sandalwood tree, and goes after the rotten smell. 68


Kabīr baid moo-aa rogee moo-aa moo-aa sabh sansaar.
Kabīr, the physician is dead, and the patient is dead; the whole world is dead.

ayk Kabīraa naa moo-aa jih naahee rovanhaar.
Only Kabīr is not dead; there is no one to mourn for him. 69


Kabīr raam na Dhi-aa-i-o motee laagee khor.
Kabīr, I have not meditated on the Lord; such is the bad habit I have developed.

kaa-i-aa haaNdee kaath kee naa oh charHai bahor.
The body is a wooden pot; it cannot be put back on the fire. 70


Kabīr aisee ho-ay paree man ko bhaavat keen.
Kabīr, it came to pass, that I did whatever I pleased.

marnay tay ki-aa darapnaa jab haath siDha-uraa leen.
Why should I be afraid of death I have invited death for myself. 71


Kabīr ras ko gaaNdo choosee-ai gun ka-o maree-ai ro-ay.
Kabīr, the mortals suck at the sugar cane, for the sake of the sweet juice. They should work just as hard for virtue.

avgunee-aaray maansai bhalo na kahihai ko-ay.
The person who lacks virtue - no one calls him good. 72


Kabīr gaagar jal bharee aaj kaaliH jaihai foot.
Kabīr, the pitcher is full of water; it will break, today or tomorrow.

gur jo na cheeteh aapno aDh maajh leejhigay loot.
Those who do not remember their Guru, shall be plundered on the way. 73


Kabīr kookar raam ko mutee-aa mayro naa-o.
Kabīr, I am the Lord's dog; Moti is my name.

galay hamaaray jayvree jah khinchai tah jaa-o.
There is a chain around my neck; wherever I am pulled, I go. 74




Kabīr japnee kaath kee ki-aa dikhlaavahi lo-ay.
Kabīr, why do you show other people your rosary beads

hirdai raam na chaythee ih japnee ki-aa ho-ay.
You do not remember the Lord in your heart, so what use is this rosary to you 75


Kabīr birahu bhuyangam man basai mant na maanai ko-ay.
Kabīr, the snake of separation from the Lord abides within my mind; it does not respond to any mantra.

raam bi-ogee naa jee-ai jee-ai ta ba-uraa ho-ay.
One who is separated from the Lord does not live; if he does live, he goes insane. 76


Kabīr paaras chandnai tinH hai ayk suganDh.
Kabīr, the philosopher's stone and sandalwood oil have the same good quality.

tih mil tay-oo ootam bha-ay loh kaath nirganDh.
Whatever comes into contact with them is uplifted. Iron is transformed into gold, and ordinary wood becomes fragrant. 77


Kabīr jam kaa thayNgaa buraa hai oh nahee sahi-aa jaa-ay.
Kabīr, Death's club is terrible; it cannot be endured.

ayk jo saaDhoo mohi mili-o tiniH lee-aa anchal laa-ay.
I have met with the holy man; he has attached me to the hem of his robe. 78


Kabīr baid kahai ha-o hee bhalaa daaroo mayrai vas.
Kabīr, the physician says that he alone is good, and all the medicine is under his control.

ih ta-o basat gupaal kee jab bhaavai lay-ay khas.
But these things belong to the Lord; He takes them away whenever He wishes. 79


Kabīr na-ubat aapnee din das layho bajaa-ay.
Kabīr, take your drum and beat it for ten days.

nadee naav sanjog ji-o bahur na milhai aa-ay.
Life is like people meeting on a boat on a river; they shall not meet again. 80


Kabīr saat samundeh mas kara-o kalam kara-o banraa-ay.
Kabīr, if I could change the seven seas into ink and make all the vegetation my pen,

basuDhaa kaagad ja-o kara-o har jas likhan na jaa-ay.
and the earth my paper, even then, I could not write the Praises of the Lord. 81


Kabīr jaat julaahaa ki-aa karai hirdai basay gupaal.
Kabīr, what can my lowly status as a weaver do to me The Lord dwells in my heart.

Kabīr rama-ee-aa kanth mil chookeh sarab janjaal.
Kabīr, the Lord hugs me close in His Embrace; I have forsaken all my entanglements. 82


Kabīr aisaa ko nahee mandar day-ay jaraa-ay.
Kabīr, will anyone set fire to his home

paaNcha-o larikay maar kai rahai raam li-o laa-ay.
and kill his five sons (the five thieves) to remain lovingly attached to the Lord 83


Kabīr aisaa ko nahee ih tan dayvai fook.
Kabīr, will anyone burn his own body

anDhaa log na jaan-ee rahi-o Kabīraa kook.
The people are blind - they do not know, although Kabīr continues to shout at them. 84


Kabīr satee pukaarai chih charhee sun ho beer masaan.
Kabīr, the widow mounts the funeral pyre and cries out, "Listen, O brother funeral pyre.

log sabaa-i-aa chal ga-i-o ham tum kaam nidaan.
All people must depart in the end; it is only you and I". 85


Kabīr man pankhee bha-i-o ud ud dah dis jaa-ay.
Kabīr, the mind has become a bird; it soars and flies in the ten directions.

jo jaisee sangat milai so taiso fal khaa-ay.
According to the company it keeps, so are the fruits it eats. 86


Kabīr jaa ka-o khojtay paa-i-o so-ee tha-ur.
Kabīr, you have found that place which you were seeking.

so-ee fir kai too bha-i-aa jaa ka-o kahtaa a-or.
You have become that which you thought was separate from yourself. 87


Kabīr maaree mara-o kusang kee kaylay nikat jo bayr.
Kabīr, I have been ruined and destroyed by bad company, like the banana plant near the thorn bush.

uh jhoolai uh cheeree-ai saakat sang na hayr.
The thorn bush waves in the wind, and pierces the banana plant; see this, and do not associate with the faithless cynics. 88


Kabīr bhaar paraa-ee sir charai chali-o chaahai baat.
Kabīr, the mortal wants to walk on the path, carrying the load of others' sins on his head.

apnay bhaareh naa darai aagai a-ughat ghaat.
He is not afraid of his own load of sins; the road ahead shall be difficult and treacherous. 89


Kabīr ban kee daaDhee laakree thaadhee karai pukaar.
Kabīr, the forest is burning; the tree standing in it is crying out,

mat bas para-o luhaar kay jaarai doojee baar.
Do not let me fall into the hands of the blacksmith, who would burn me a second time. 90


Kabīr ayk marantay du-ay moo-ay do-ay marantah chaar.
Kabīr, when one died, two were dead. When two died, four were dead.

chaar marantah chhah moo-ay chaar purakh du-ay naar.
When four died, six were dead, four males and two females. 91


Kabīr daykh daykh jag dhooNdhi-aa kahoo-aN na paa-i-aa tha-ur.
Kabīr, I have seen and observed, and searched all over the world, but I have found no place of rest anywhere.

jin har kaa naam na chayti-o kahaa bhulaanay a-or.
Those who do not remember the Lord's Name - why do they delude themselves in other pursuits 92


Kabīr sangat karee-ai saaDh kee ant karai birbaahu.
Kabīr, associate with the Holy people, who will take you to Nirvaanaa in the end.

saakat sang na keejee-ai jaa tay ho-ay binaahu.
Do not associate with the faithless cynics; they would bring you to ruin. 93


Kabīr jag meh chayti-o jaan kai jag meh rahi-o samaa-ay.
Kabīr, I contemplate the Lord in the world; I know that He is permeating the world.

jin har kaa naam na chayti-o baadeh janmayN aa-ay.
Those who do not contemplate the Name of the Lord - their birth into this world is useless. 94


Kabīr aasaa karee-ai raam kee avrai aas niraas.
Kabīr, place your hopes in the Lord; other hopes lead to despair.

narak pareh tay maan-ee jo har naam udaas.
Those who dissociate themselves from the Lord's Name - when they fall into hell, then they will appreciate its value. 95


Kabīr sikh saakhaa bahutay kee-ay kayso kee-o na meet.
Kabīr has made many students and disciples, but he has not made God his friend.

chaalay thay har milan ka-o beechai atki-o cheet.
He set out on a journey to meet the Lord, but his consciousness failed him half-way. 96


Kabīr kaaran bapuraa ki-aa karai ja-o raam na karai sahaa-ay.
Kabīr, what can the poor creature do, if the Lord does not give him assistance

jih jih daalee pag Dhara-o so-ee mur mur jaa-ay.
Whatever branch he steps on breaks and collapses. 97


Kabīr avrah ka-o updaystay mukh mai par hai rayt.
Kabīr, those who only preach to others - sand falls into their mouths.

raas biraanee raakh-tay khaa-yaa ghar kaa khayt.
They keep their eyes on the property of others, while their own farm is being eaten up. 98


Kabīr saaDhoo kee sangat raha-o ja-o kee bhoosee khaa-o.
Kabīr, I will remain in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, even if I have only coarse bread to eat.

honhaar so ho-ihai saakat sang na jaa-o.
Whatever will be, will be. I will not associate with the faithless cynics. 99




Kabīr sangat saaDh kee din din doonaa hayt.
Kabīr, in the Saadh Sangat, love for the Lord doubles day by day.

saakat kaaree kaaNbree Dho-ay ho-ay na sayt.
The faithless cynic is like a black blanket, which does not become white by being washed. 100


Kabīr man mooNdi-aa nahee kays mundaa-ay kaaN-ay.
Kabīr, you have not shaved your mind, so why do you shave your head

jo kichh kee-aa so man kee-aa mooNdaa moond ajaaN-ay.
Whatever is done, is done by the mind; it is useless to shave your head. 101


Kabīr raam na chhodee-ai tan Dhan jaa-ay ta jaa-o.
Kabīr, do not abandon the Lord; your body and wealth shall go, so let them go.

charan kamal chit bayDhi-aa raameh naam samaa-o.
My consciousness is pierced by the Lord's Lotus Feet; I am absorbed in the Name of the Lord. 102


Kabīr jo ham jant bajaavtay toot ga-eeN sabh taar.
Kabīr, all the strings of the instrument I played are broken.

jant bichaaraa ki-aa karai chalay bajaavanhaar.
What can the poor instrument do, when the player has departed as well. 103


Kabīr maa-ay moonda-o tih guroo kee jaa tay bharam na jaa-ay.
Kabīr, shave the mother of that guru, who does not take away one's doubt.

aap dubay chahu bayd meh chaylay dee-ay bahaa-ay.
He himself is drowning in the four Vedas; he drowns his disciples as well. 104


Kabīr jaytay paap kee-ay raakhay talai duraa-ay.
Kabīr, whatever sins the mortal has committed, he tries to keep hidden under cover.

pargat bha-ay nidaan sabh jab poochhay Dharam raa-ay.
But in the end, they shall all be revealed, when the Righteous Judge of Dharma investigates. 105


Kabīr har kaa simran chhaad kai paali-o bahut kutamb.
Kabīr, you have given up meditating on the Lord, and you have raised a large family.

DhanDhaa kartaa reh ga-i-aa bhaa-ee rahi-aa na banDh.
You continue to involve yourself in worldly affairs, but none of your brothers and relatives remain. 106


Kabīr har kaa simran chhaad kai raat jagaavan jaa-ay.
Kabīr, those who give up meditation on the Lord, and get up at night to wake the spirits of the dead,

sarpan ho-ay kai a-utarai jaa-ay apunay khaa-ay.
shall be reincarnated as snakes, and eat their own offspring. 107


Kabīr har kaa simran chhaad kai aho-ee raakhai naar.
Kabīr, the woman who gives up meditation on the Lord, and observes the ritual fast of Ahoi,

gadhee ho-ay kai a-utarai bhaar sahai man chaar.
shall be reincarnated as a donkey, to carry heavy burdens. 108


Kabīr chaturaa-ee at ghanee har jap hirdai maahi.
Kabīr, it is the most clever wisdom, to chant and meditate on the Lord in the heart.

sooree oopar khaylnaa girai ta thaahar naahi.
It is like playing on a pig; if you fall off, you will find no place of rest. 109


Kabīr so-ee mukh Dhan hai jaa mukh kahee-ai raam.
Kabīr, blessed is that mouth, which utters the Lord's Name.

dayhee kis kee baapuree pavitar ho-igo garaam.
It purifies the body, and the whole village as well. 110


Kabīr so-ee kul bhalee jaa kul har ko daas.
Kabīr, that family is good, in which the Lord's slave is born.

jih kul daas na oopjai so kul dhaak palaas.
But that family in which the Lord's slave is not born is as useless as weeds. 111


Kabīr hai ga-ay baahan saghan ghan laakh Dhajaa fahraahi.
Kabīr, some have lots of horses, elephants and carriages, and thousands of banners waving.

i-aa sukh tay bhikh-yaa bhalee ja-o har simrat din jaahi.
But begging is better than these comforts, if one spends his days meditating in remembrance on the Lord. 112


Kabīr sabh jag ha-o firi-o maaNdal kanDh chadhaa-ay.
Kabīr, I have wandered all over the world, carrying the drum on my shoulder.

ko-ee kaahoo ko nahee sabh daykhee thok bajaa-ay.
No one belongs to anyone else; I have looked and carefully studied it. 113


maarag motee beethray anDhaa niksi-o aa-ay.
The pearls are scattered on the road; the blind man comes along.

jot binaa jagdees kee jagat ulanghay jaa-ay.
Without the Light of the Lord of the Universe, the world just passes them by. 114


boodaa bans Kabīr kaa upji-o poot kamaal.
My family is drowned, O Kabīr, since the birth of my son Kamaal.

har kaa simran chhaad kai ghar lay aa-yaa maal.
He has given up meditating on the Lord, in order to bring home wealth. 115


Kabīr saaDhoo ka-o milnay jaa-ee-ai saath na leejai ko-ay.
Kabīr, go out to meet the holy man; do not take anyone else with you.

paachhai paa-o na deejee-ai aagai ho-ay so ho-ay.
Do not turn back - keep on going. Whatever will be, will be. 116


Kabīr jag baaDhi-o jih jayvree tih mat banDhhu Kabīr.
Kabīr, do not bind yourself with that chain, which binds the whole world.

jaiheh aataa lon ji-o son samaan sareer.
As the salt is lost in the flour, so shall your golden body be lost. 117


Kabīr hans udi-o tan gaadi-o sojhaa-ee sainaah.
Kabīr, the soul-swan is flying away, and the body is being buried, and still he makes gestures.

ajhoo jee-o na chhod-ee rankaa-ee nainaah.
Even then, the mortal does not give up the cruel look in his eyes. 118


Kabīr nain nihaara-o tujh ka-o sarvan sun-o tu-a naa-o.
Kabīr: with my eyes, I see You, Lord; with my ears, I hear Your Name.

bain uchara-o tu-a naam jee charan kamal rid thaa-o.
With my tongue I chant Your Name; I enshrine Your Lotus Feet within my heart. 119


Kabīr surag narak tay mai rahi-o satgur kay parsaad.
Kabīr, I have been spared from heaven and hell, by the Grace of the True Guru.

charan kamal kee ma-uj meh raha-o ant ar aad.
From beginning to end, I abide in the joy of the Lord's Lotus Feet. 120


Kabīr charan kamal kee ma-uj ko kahi kaisay unmaan.
Kabīr, how can I even describe the extent of the joy of the Lord's Lotus Feet

kahibay ka-o sobhaa nahee daykhaa hee parvaan.
I cannot describe its sublime glory; it has to be seen to be appreciated. 121


Kabīr daykh kai kih kaha-o kahay na ko patee-aa-ay.
Kabīr, how can I describe what I have seen No one will believe my words.

har jaisaa taisaa uhee raha-o harakh gun gaa-ay.
The Lord is just as He is. I dwell in delight, singing His Glorious Praises. 122


Kabīr chugai chitaarai bhee chugai chug chug chitaaray.
Kabīr, the flamingo pecks and feeds, and remembers her chicks. She pecks and pecks and feeds, and remembers them always.

jaisay bachrahi kooNj man maa-i-aa mamtaa ray.
Just as the chicks are very dear to flamingo, so is the love of wealth and Maya to the mortal's mind. 123


Kabīr ambar ghanhar chhaa-i-aa barakh bharay sar taal.
Kabīr, the sky is overcast and cloudy; the ponds and lakes are overflowing with water.

chaatrik ji-o tarsat rahai tin ko ka-un havaal.
Like the rainbird, some remain thirsty - what is their condition 124


Kabīr chak-ee ja-o nis beechhurai aa-ay milai parbhaat.
Kabīr, the chakvi duck is separated from her love through the night, but in the morning, she meets him again.

jo nar bichhuray raam si-o naa din milay na raat.
Those who are separated from the Lord do not meet Him in the day, or in the night. 125


Kabīr rainaa-ir bichhori-aa rahu ray sankh majhoor.
Kabīr: O conch shell, remain in the ocean.

dayval dayval Dhaahrhee dayseh ugvat soor.
If you are separated from it, you shall scream at sunrise from temple to temple. 126


Kabīr sootaa ki-aa karahi jaag ro-ay bhai dukh.
Kabīr, what are you doing sleeping Wake up and cry in fear and pain.

jaa kaa baasaa gor meh so ki-o sovai sukh.
Those who live in the grave - how can they sleep in peace 127


Kabīr sootaa ki-aa karahi uth ke na jaapeh muraar.
Kabīr, what are you doing sleeping Why not rise up and meditate on the Lord

ik din sovan ho-igo laaNbay god pasaar.
One day you shall sleep with your legs outstretched. 128


Kabīr sootaa ki-aa karahi baithaa rahu ar jaag.
Kabīr, what are you doing sleeping Wake up, and sit up.

jaa kay sang tay beechhuraa taa hee kay sang laag.
Attach yourself to the One, from whom you have been separated. 129


Kabīr sant kee gail na chhodee-ai maarag laagaa jaa-o.
Kabīr, do not leave the Society of the Saints; walk upon this Path.

paykhat hee punneet ho-ay bhaytat japee-ai naa-o.
See them, and be sanctified; meet them, and chant the Name. 130


Kabīr saakat sang na keejee-ai dooreh jaa-ee-ai bhaag.
Kabīr, do not associate with the faithless cynics; run far away from them.

baasan kaaro parsee-ai ta-o kachh laagai daag.
If you touch a vessel stained with soot, some of the soot will stick to you. 131


Kabīraa raam na chayti-o jaraa pahooNchi-o aa-ay.
Kabīr, you have not contemplated the Lord, and now old age has overtaken you.

laagee mandir du-aar tay ab ki-aa kaadhi-aa jaa-ay.
Now that the door of your mansion is on fire, what can you take out 132


Kabīr kaaran so bha-i-o jo keeno kartaar.
Kabīr, the Creator does whatever He pleases.

tis bin doosar ko nahee aikai sirjanhaar.
There is none other than Him; He alone is the Creator of all. 133


Kabīr fal laagay falan paakan laagay aaNb.
Kabīr, the fruit trees are bearing fruit, and the mangoes are becoming ripe.

jaa-ay pahoocheh khasam ka-o ja-o beech na khaahee kaaNb.
They will reach the owner, only if the crows do not eat them first. 134


Kabīr thaakur poojeh mol lay manhath tirath jaahi.
Kabīr, some buy idols and worship them; in their stubborn-mindedness, they make pilgrimages to sacred shrines.

daykhaa daykhee savaaNg Dhar bhoolay bhatkaa khaahi.
They look at one another, and wear religious robes, but they are deluded and lost. 135


Kabīr paahan parmaysur kee-aa poojai sabh sansaar.
Kabīr, someone sets up a stone idol and all the world worships it as the Lord.

is bharvaasay jo rahay booday kaalee Dhaar.
Those who hold to this belief will be drowned in the river of darkness. 136


Kabīr kaagad kee obree mas kay karam kapaat.
Kabīr, the paper is the prison, and the ink of rituals are the bars on the windows.

paahan boree pirathmee pandit paarhee baat.
The stone idols have drowned the world, and the Pandits, the religious scholars, have plundered it on the way. 137


Kabīr kaal karantaa abeh kar ab kartaa su-ay taal.
Kabīr, that which you have to do tomorrow - do it today instead; and that which you have to do now - do it immediately!

paachhai kachhoo na ho-igaa ja-o sir par aavai kaal.
Later on, you will not be able to do anything, when death hangs over your head. 138


Kabīr aisaa jant ik daykhi-aa jaisee Dho-ee laakh.
Kabīr, I have seen a person, who is as shiny as washed wax.

deesai chanchal baho gunaa mat heenaa naapaak.
He seems very clever and very virtuous, but in reality, he is without understanding, and corrupt. 139


Kabīr mayree buDh ka-o jam na karai tiskaar.
Kabīr, the Messenger of Death shall not compromise my understanding.

jin ih jamoo-aa sirji-aa so japi-aa parvidagaar.
I have meditated on the Lord, the Cherisher, who created this Messenger of Death. 140


Kabīr kastooree bha-i-aa bhavar bha-ay sabh daas.
Kabīr, the Lord is like musk; all His slaves are like bumble bees.

ji-o ji-o bhagat Kabīr kee ti-o ti-o raam nivaas.
The more Kabīr worships Him, the more the Lord abides within his mind. 141


Kabīr gahgach pari-o kutamb kai kaaNthai reh ga-i-o raam.
Kabīr, the mortal has fallen into the grip of family life, and the Lord has been set aside.

aa-ay paray Dharam raa-ay kay beecheh Dhoomaa Dhaam.
The messengers of the Righteous Judge of Dharma descend upon the mortal, in the midst of all his pomp and ceremony. 142


Kabīr saakat tay sookar bhalaa raakhai aachhaa gaa-o.
Kabīr, even a pig is better than the faithless cynic; at least the pig keeps the village clean.

uho saakat bapuraa mar ga-i-aa ko-ay na laihai naa-o.
When the wretched, faithless cynic dies, no one even mentions his name. 143


Kabīr ka-udee ka-udee jor kai joray laakh karor.
Kabīr, the mortal gathers wealth, shell by shell, accumulating thousands and millions.

chaltee baar na kachh mili-o la-ee langotee tor.
But when the time of his departure comes, he takes nothing at all with him. He is even stripped of his loin-cloth. 144


Kabīr baisno hoo-aa ta ki-aa bha-i-aa maalaa mayleeN chaar.
Kabīr, what good is it to become a devotee of Vishnu, and wear four malas

baahar kanchan baarhaa bheetar bharee bhangaar.
On the outside, he may look like pure gold, but on the inside, he is stuffed with dust. 145


Kabīr rorhaa ho-ay rahu baat kaa taj man kaa abhimaan.
Kabīr, let yourself be a pebble on the path; abandon your egotistical pride.

aisaa ko-ee daas ho-ay taahi milai bhagvaan.
Such a humble slave shall meet the Lord God. 146


Kabīr rorhaa hoo-aa ta ki-aa bha-i-aa panthee ka-o dukh day-ay.
Kabīr, what good would it be, to be a pebble It would only hurt the traveller on the path.

aisaa tayraa daas hai ji-o Dharnee meh khayh.
Your slave, O Lord, is like the dust of the earth. 147


Kabīr khayh hoo-ee ta-o ki-aa bha-i-aa ja-o ud laagai ang.
Kabīr, what then, if one could become dust It is blown up by the wind, and sticks to the body.

har jan aisaa chaahee-ai ji-o paanee sarbang.
The humble servant of the Lord should be like water, which cleans everything. 148


Kabīr paanee hoo-aa ta ki-aa bha-i-aa seeraa taataa ho-ay.
Kabīr, what then, if one could become water It becomes cold, then hot.

har jan aisaa chaahee-ai jaisaa har hee ho-ay.
The humble servant of the Lord should be just like the Lord. 149




ooch bhavan kankaamnee sikhar Dhajaa fehraa-ay.
The banners wave above the lofty mansions, filled with gold and beautiful women.

taa tay bhalee maDhookree satsang gun gaa-ay.
But better than these is dry bread, if one sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord in the Society of the Saints. 150


Kabīr paatan tay oojar bhalaa raam bhagat jih thaa-ay.
Kabīr, the wilderness is better than a city, if the Lord's devotees live there.

raam sanayhee baahraa jam pur mayray bhaaN-ay.
Without my Beloved Lord, it is like the City of Death for me. 151


Kabīr gang jamun kay antray sahj sunn kay ghaat.
Kabīr, between the Ganges and Jamunaa Rivers, on the shore of Celestial Silence,

tahaa Kabīrai mat kee-aa khojat mun jan baat.
there, Kabīr has made his home. The silent sages and the humble servants of the Lord search for the way to get there. 152


Kabīr jaisee upjee payd tay ja-o taisee nibhai orh.
Kabīr, if the mortal continues to love the Lord in the end, as he pledged in the beginning,

heeraa kis kaa baapuraa pujeh na ratan karorh.
no poor diamond, not even millions of jewels, can equal him. 153


Kabīraa ayk achambha-o daykhi-o heeraa haat bikaa-ay.
Kabīr, I saw a strange and wonderful thing. A jewel was being sold in a store.

banjanhaaray baahraa ka-udee badlai jaa-ay.
Because there was no buyer, it was going in exchange for a shell. 154


Kabīraa jahaa gi-aan tah Dharam hai jahaa jhooth tah paap.
Kabīr, where there is spiritual wisdom, there is righteousness and Dharma. Where there is falsehood, there is sin.

jahaa lobh tah kaal hai jahaa khimaa tah aap.
Where there is greed, there is death. Where there is forgiveness, there is God Himself. 155


Kabīr maa-i-aa tajee ta ki-aa bha-i-aa ja-o maan taji-aa nahee jaa-ay.
Kabīr, what good is it to give up Maya, if the mortal does not give up his pride

maan munee munivar galay maan sabhai ka-o khaa-ay.
Even the silent sages and seers are destroyed by pride; pride eats up everything. 156


Kabīr saachaa satgur mai mili-aa sabad jo baahi-aa ayk.
Kabīr, the True Guru has met me; He aimed the Arrow of the Shabad at me.

laagat hee bhu-ay mil ga-i-aa pari-aa kalayjay chhayk.
As soon as it struck me, I fell to the ground with a hole in my heart. 157


Kabīr saachaa satgur ki-aa karai ja-o sikhaa meh chook.
Kabīr, what can the True Guru do, when His Sikhs are at fault

anDhay ayk na laag-ee ji-o baaNs bajaa-ee-ai fook.
The blind do not take in any of His Teachings; it is as useless as blowing into bamboo. 158


Kabīr hai gai baahan saghan ghan chhatarpatee kee naar.
Kabīr, the wife of the king has all sorts of horses, elephants and carriages.

taas patantar naa pujai har jan kee panihaar.
But she is not equal to the water-carrier of the Lord's humble servant. 159


Kabīr nrip naaree ki-o nindee-ai ki-o har chayree ka-o maan.
Kabīr, why do you slander the wife of the king Why do you honor the slave of the Lord

oh maaNg savaarai bikhai ka-o oh simrai har naam.
Because one combs her hair for corruption, while the other remembers the Name of the Lord. 160


Kabīr thoonee paa-ee thit bha-ee satgur banDhee Dheer.
Kabīr, with the Support of the Lord's Pillar, I have become steady and stable.

Kabīr heeraa banji-aa maan sarovar teer.
The True Guru has given me courage. Kabīr, I have purchased the diamond, on the banks of the Mansarovar Lake. 161


Kabīr har heeraa jan ja-uharee lay kai maaNdai haat.
Kabīr, the Lord is the Diamond, and the Lord's humble servant is the jeweller who has set up his shop.

jab hee paa-ee-ah paarkhoo tab heeran kee saat.
As soon as an appraiser is found, the price of the jewel is set. 162


Kabīr kaam paray har simree-ai aisaa simrahu nit.
Kabīr, you remember the Lord in meditation, only when the need arises. You should remember Him all the time.

amraa pur baasaa karahu har ga-i-aa bahorai bit.
You shall dwell in the city of immortality, and the Lord shall restore the wealth you lost. 163


Kabīr sayvaa ka-o du-ay bhalay ayk sant ik raam.
Kabīr, it is good to perform selfless service for two - the Saints and the Lord.

raam jo daataa mukat ko sant japaavai naam.
The Lord is the Giver of liberation, and the Saint inspires us to chant the Naam. 164


Kabīr jih maarag pandit ga-ay paachhai paree baheer.
Kabīr, the crowds follow the path which the Pandits, the religious scholars, have taken.

ik avghat ghaatee raam kee tih charh rahi-o Kabīr.
There is a difficult and treacherous cliff on that path to the Lord; Kabīr is climbing that cliff. 165


Kabīr dunee-aa kay dokhay moo-aa chaalat kul kee kaan.
Kabīr, the mortal dies of his worldly troubles and pain, after worrying about his family.

tab kul kis kaa laajsee jab lay Dhareh masaan.
Whose family is dishonored, when he is placed on the funeral pyre 166


Kabīr doob-higo ray baapuray baho logan kee kaan.
Kabīr, you shall drown, you wretched being, from worrying about what other people think.

paarosee kay jo hoo-aa too apnay bhee jaan.
You know that whatever happens to your neighbors, will also happen to you. 167


Kabīr bhalee maDhookree naanaa biDh ko naaj.
Kabīr, even dry bread, made of various grains, is good.

daavaa kaahoo ko nahee badaa days bad raaj.
No one brags about it, throughout the vast country and great empire. 168


Kabīr daavai daajhan hot hai nirdaavai rahai nisank.
Kabīr, those who brag, shall burn. Those who do not brag remain carefree.

jo jan nirdaavai rahai so ganai indar so rank.
That humble being who does not brag, looks upon the gods and the poor alike. 169


Kabīr paal samuhaa sarvar bharaa pee na sakai ko-ee neer.
Kabīr, the pool is filled to overflowing, but no one can drink the water from it.

bhaag baday tai paa-i-o tooN bhar bhar pee-o Kabīr.
By great good fortune, you have found it; drink it in handfuls, O Kabīr. 170


Kabīr parbhaatay taaray khiseh ti-o ih khisai sareer.
Kabīr, just as the stars disappear at dawn, so shall this body disappear.

ay du-ay akhar naa khiseh so geh rahi-o Kabīr.
Only the letters of God's Name do not disappear; Kabīr holds these tight. 171


Kabīr kothee kaath kee dah dis laagee aag.
Kabīr, the wooden house is burning on all sides.

pandit pandit jal moo-ay moorakh ubray bhaag.
The Pandits, the religious scholars, have been burnt to death, while the illiterate ones run to safety. 172


Kabīr sansaa door kar kaagad dayh bihaa-ay.
Kabīr, give up your skepticism; let your papers float away.

baavan akhar soDh kai har charnee chit laa-ay.
Find the essence of the letters of the alphabet, and focus your consciousness on the Lord. 173


Kabīr sant na chhaadai sant-ee ja-o kotik mileh asant.
Kabīr, the Saint does not forsake his Saintly nature, even though he meets with millions of evil-doers.

mali-aagar bhuyangam baydhi-o ta seetaltaa na tajant.
Even when sandalwood is surrounded by snakes, it does not give up its cooling fragrance. 174


Kabīr man seetal bha-i-aa paa-i-aa barahm gi-aan.
Kabīr, my mind is cooled and soothed; I have become God-conscious.

jin ju-aalaa jag jaari-aa so jan kay udak samaan.
The fire which has burnt the world is like water to the Lord's humble servant. 175


Kabīr saaree sirjanhaar kee jaanai naahee ko-ay.
Kabīr, no one knows the Play of the Creator Lord.

kai jaanai aapan Dhanee kai daas deevaanee ho-ay.
Only the Lord Himself and the slaves at His Court understand it. 176


Kabīr bhalee bha-ee jo bha-o pari-aa disaa ga-eeN sabh bhool.
Kabīr, it is good that I feel the Fear of God; I have forgotten everything else.

oraa gar paanee bha-i-aa jaa-ay mili-o dhal kool.
The hail-stone has melted into water, and flowed into the ocean. 177


Kabīraa Dhoor sakayl kai puree-aa baaNDhee dayh.
Kabīr, the body is a pile of dust, collected and packed together.

divas chaar ko paykhnaa ant khayh kee khayh.
It is a show which lasts for only a few days, and then dust returns to dust. 178


Kabīr sooraj chaaNd kai udai bha-ee sabh dayh.
Kabīr, bodies are like the rising and setting of the sun and the moon.

gur gobind kay bin milay palat bha-ee sabh khayh.
Without meeting the Guru, the Lord of the Universe, they are all reduced to dust again. 179


jah anbha-o tah bhai nahee jah bha-o tah har naahi.
Where the Fearless Lord is, there is no fear; where there is fear, the Lord is not there.

kahi-o Kabīr bichaar kai sant sunhu man maahi.
Kabīr speaks after careful consideration; hear this, O Saints, in your minds. 180


Kabīr jinahu kichhoo jaani-aa nahee tin sukh need bihaa-ay.
Kabīr, those who do not know anything, pass their lives in peaceful sleep.

hamhu jo boojhaa boojhnaa pooree paree balaa-ay.
But I have understood the riddle; I am faced with all sorts of troubles. 181


Kabīr maaray bahut pukaari-aa peer pukaarai a-or.
Kabīr, those who are beaten cry a lot; but the cries of the pain of separation are different.

laagee chot maramm kee rahi-o Kabīraa tha-ur.
Struck by the Mystery of God, Kabīr remains silent. 182


Kabīr chot suhaylee sayl kee laagat lay-ay usaas.
Kabīr, the stroke of a lance is easy to bear; it takes away the breath.

chot sahaarai sabad kee taas guroo mai daas.
But one who endures the stroke of the Word of the Shabad is the Guru, and I am his slave. 183


Kabīr mulaaN munaaray ki-aa chadheh saaN-ee na bahraa ho-ay.
Kabīr: O Mullah, why do you climb to the top of the minaret The Lord is not hard of hearing.

jaa kaaran tooN baaNg deh dil hee bheetar jo-ay.
Look within your own heart for the One, for whose sake you shout your prayers. 184


saykh sabooree baahraa ki-aa haj kaabay jaa-ay.
Why does the Shaykh bother to go on pilgrimage to Mecca, if he is not content with himself

Kabīr jaa kee dil saabat nahee taa ka-o kahaaN khudaa-ay.
Kabīr, one whose heart is not healthy and whole - how can he attain his Lord 185


Kabīr alah kee kar bandagee jih simrat dukh jaa-ay.
Kabīr, worship the Lord Allah; meditating in remembrance on Him, troubles and pains depart.

dil meh saaN-ee pargatai bujhai balantee naaN-ay.
The Lord shall be revealed within your own heart, and the burning fire within shall be extinguished by His Name. 186


Kabīr joree kee-ay julam hai kahtaa naa-o halaal.
Kabīr, to use force is tyranny, even if you call it legal.

daftar laykhaa maaNgee-ai tab ho-igo ka-un havaal.
When your account is called for in the Court of the Lord, what will your condition be then 187


Kabīr khoob khaanaa kheechree jaa meh amrit lon.
Kabīr, the dinner of beans and rice is excellent, if it is flavored with salt.

hayraa rotee kaarnay galaa kataavai ka-un.
Who would cut his throat, to have meat with his bread 188


Kabīr gur laagaa tab jaanee-ai mitai moh tan taap.
Kabīr, one is known to have been touched by the Guru, only when his emotional attachment and physical illnesses are eradicated.

harakh sog daajhai nahee tab har aapeh aap.
He is not burned by pleasure or pain, and so he becomes the Lord Himself. 189


Kabīr raam kahan meh bhayd hai taa meh ayk bichaar.
Kabīr, it does make a difference, how you chant the Lord's Name, 'Raam'. This is something to consider.

so-ee raam sabhai kaheh so-ee ka-utakhaar.
Everyone uses the same word for the son of Dasrath and the Wondrous Lord. 190


Kabīr raamai raam kaho kahibay maahi bibayk.
Kabīr, use the word 'Raam', only to speak of the All-pervading Lord. You must make that distinction.

ayk anaykeh mil ga-i-aa ayk samaanaa ayk.
One 'Raam' is pervading everywhere, while the other is contained only in himself. 191


Kabīr jaa ghar saaDh na sayvee-ah har kee sayvaa naahi.
Kabīr, those houses in which neither the Holy nor the Lord are served -

tay ghar marhat saarkhay bhoot baseh tin maahi.
those houses are like cremation grounds; demons dwell within them. 192


Kabīr goongaa hoo-aa baavraa bahraa hoo-aa kaan.
Kabīr, I have become mute, insane and deaf.

paavhu tay pingul bha-i-aa maari-aa satgur baan.
I am crippled - the True Guru has pierced me with His Arrow. 193


Kabīr satgur soormay baahi-aa baan jo ayk.
Kabīr, the True Guru, the Spiritual Warrior, has shot me with His Arrow.

laagat hee bhu-ay gir pari-aa paraa karayjay chhayk.
As soon as it struck me, I fell to the ground, with a hole in my heart. 194


Kabīr nirmal boond akaas kee par ga-ee bhoom bikaar.
Kabīr, the pure drop of water falls from the sky, onto the dirty ground.

bin sangat i-o maaNn-ee ho-ay ga-ee bhath chhaar.
You must acknowledge this, that without the Sangat, the Holy Congregation, it turns into burnt ashes. 195


Kabīr nirmal boond akaas kee leenee bhoom milaa-ay.
Kabīr, the pure drop of water falls from the sky, and mixes with the dust.

anik si-aanay pach ga-ay naa nirvaaree jaa-ay.
Millions of clever people may try, but they will fail - it cannot be made separate again. 196


Kabīr haj kaabay ha-o jaa-ay thaa aagai mili-aa khudaa-ay.
Kabīr, I was going on a pilgrimage to Mecca, and God met me on the way.

saaN-ee mujh si-o lar pari-aa tujhai kiniH furmaa-ee gaa-ay.
He scolded me and asked, "Who told you that I am only there" 197


Kabīr haj kaabai ho-ay ho-ay ga-i-aa kaytee baar Kabīr.
Kabīr, I went to Mecca - how many times, Kabīr

saaN-ee mujh meh ki-aa khataa mukhahu na bolai peer.
O Lord, what is the problem with me You have not spoken to me with Your Mouth. 198


Kabīr jee-a jo maareh jor kar kahtay heh jo halaal.
Kabīr, they oppress living beings and kill them, and call it proper.

daftar da-ee jab kaadh hai ho-igaa ka-un havaal.
When the Lord calls for their account, what will their condition be 199




Kabīr jor kee-aa so julam hai lay-ay jabaab khudaa-ay.
Kabīr, it is tyranny to use force; the Lord shall call you to account.

daftar laykhaa neeksai maar muhai muhi khaa-ay.
When your account is called for, your face and mouth shall be beaten. 200


Kabīr laykhaa daynaa suhaylaa ja-o dil soochee ho-ay.
Kabīr, it is easy to render your account, if your heart is pure.

us saachay deebaan meh palaa na pakrai ko-ay.
In the True Court of the Lord, no one will seize you. 201


Kabīr Dhartee ar aakaas meh du-ay tooN baree abaDh.
Kabīr: O duality, you are mighty and powerful in the earth and the sky.

khat darsan sansay paray ar cha-oraaseeh siDh.
The six Shaastras and the eighty-four Siddhas are entrenched in skepticism. 202


Kabīr mayraa mujh meh kichh nahee jo kichh hai so tayraa.
Kabīr, nothing is mine within myself. Whatever there is, is Yours, O Lord.

tayraa tujh ka-o sa-upatay ki-aa laagai mayraa.
If I surrender to You what is already Yours, what does it cost me 203


Kabīr tooN tooN kartaa too hoo-aa mujh meh rahaa na hooN.
Kabīr, repeating, "You, You", I have become like You. Nothing of me remains in myself.

jab aapaa par kaa mit ga-i-aa jat daykh-a-u tat too.
When the difference between myself and others is removed, then wherever I look, I see only You. 204


Kabīr bikaareh chitvatay jhoothay kartay aas.
Kabīr, those who think of evil and entertain false hopes -

manorath ko-ay na poori-o chaalay ooth niraas.
none of their desires shall be fulfilled; they shall depart in despair. 205


Kabīr har kaa simran jo karai so sukhee-aa sansaar.
Kabīr, whoever meditates in remembrance on the Lord, he alone is happy in this world.

it ut kateh na dol-ee jis raakhai sirjanhaar.
One who is protected and saved by the Creator Lord, shall never waver, here or hereafter. 206


Kabīr ghaanee peerh-tay satgur lee-ay chhadaa-ay.
Kabīr, I was being crushed like sesame seeds in the oil-press, but the True Guru saved me.

paraa poorablee bhaavnee pargat ho-ee aa-ay.
My pre-ordained primal destiny has now been revealed. 207


Kabīr taalai tolai din ga-i-aa bi-aaj badhanta-o jaa-ay.
Kabīr, my days have passed, and I have postponed my payments; the interest on my account continues to increase.

naa har bhaji-o na khat fati-o kaal pahooNcho aa-ay.
I have not meditated on the Lord and my account is still pending, and now, the moment of my death has come! 208


Kabīr kookar bha-ukanaa karang pichhai uth Dhaa-ay.
Kabīr, the mortal is a barking dog, chasing after a carcass.

karmee satgur paa-i-aa jin ha-o lee-aa chhadaa-ay.
By the Grace of good karma, I have found the True Guru, who has saved me. 209


Kabīr Dhartee saaDh kee taskar baiseh gaahi.
Kabīr, the earth belongs to the Holy, but it is being occupied by thieves.

Dhartee bhaar na bi-aapa-ee un ka-o laahoo laahi.
They are not a burden to the earth; they receive its blessings. 210


Kabīr chaaval kaarnay tukh ka-o muhlee laa-ay.
Kabīr, the rice is beaten with a mallet to get rid of the husk.

sang kusangee baistay tab poochhai Dharam raa-ay.
When people sit in evil company, the Righteous Judge of Dharma calls them to account. 211


naamaa maa-i-aa mohi-aa kahai tilochan meet.
Trilochan says, O Naam Dayv, Maya has enticed you, my friend.

kaahay chheepahu chhaa-ilai raam na laavhu cheet.
Why are you printing designs on these sheets, and not focusing your consciousness on the Lord 212


naamaa kahai tilochanaa mukh tay raam samHaal.
Naam Dayv answers, O Trilochan, chant the Lord's Name with your mouth.

haath paa-o kar kaam sabh cheet niranjan naal.
With your hands and feet, do all your work, but let your consciousness remain with the Immaculate Lord. 213


Kabīraa hamraa ko nahee ham kis hoo kay naahi.
Kabīr, no one belongs to me, and I belong to no one else.

jin ih rachan rachaa-i-aa tis hee maahi samaahi.
The One who created the creation - into Him I shall be absorbed. 214


Kabīr keecharh aataa gir pari-aa kichhoo na aa-i-o haath.
Kabīr, the flour has fallen into the mud; nothing has come into my hands.

peesat peesat chaabi-aa so-ee nibhi-aa saath.
That which was eaten while it was being ground - that alone is of any use. 215


Kabīr man jaanai sabh baat jaanat hee a-ugan karai.
Kabīr, the mortal knows everything, and knowing, he still makes mistakes.

kaahay kee kuslaat haath deep koo-ay parai.
What good is a lamp in one's hand, if he falls into the well 216


Kabīr laagee pareet sujaan si-o barjai log ajaan.
Kabīr, I am in love with the All-knowing Lord; the ignorant ones try to hold me back.

taa si-o tootee ki-o banai jaa kay jee-a paraan.
How could I ever break with the One, who owns our soul and breath of life. 217


Kabīr kothay mandap hayt kar kaahay marahu savaar.
Kabīr, why kill yourself for your love of decorations of your home and mansion

kaaraj saadhay teen hath ghanee ta pa-unay chaar.
In the end, only six feet, or a little more, shall be your lot. 218


Kabīr jo mai chitva-o naa karai ki-aa mayray chitvay ho-ay.
Kabīr, whatever I wish for does not happen. What can I accomplish by merely thinking

apnaa chitvi-aa har karai jo mayray chit na ho-ay.
The Lord does whatever He wishes; it is not up to me at all. 219


chintaa bhe aap karaa-isee achint bhe aapay day-ay.
God Himself makes the mortals anxious, and He Himself takes the anxiety away.

naanak so salaahee-ai je sabhnaa saar karay-i.
O Nanak, praise the One, who takes care of all. 220


Kabīr raam na chayti-o firi-aa laalach maahi.
Kabīr, the mortal does not remember the Lord; he wanders around, engrossed in greed.

paap karantaa mar ga-i-aa a-oDh punee khin maahi.
Committing sins, he dies, and his life ends in an instant. 221


Kabīr kaa-i-aa kaachee kaarvee kayval kaachee Dhaat.
Kabīr, the body is like a clay vessel or a brittle metal pot.

saabat rakheh ta raam bhaj naahi ta binthee baat.
If you wish to keep it safe and sound, then vibrate and meditate on the Lord; otherwise, the thing shall break. 222


Kabīr kayso kayso kookee-ai na so-ee-ai asaar.
Kabīr, chant the Name of the Beautifully-haired Lord; do not sleep unaware.

raat divas kay kooknay kabhoo kay sunai pukaar.
Chanting His Name night and day, the Lord will eventually hear your call. 223


Kabīr kaa-i-aa kajlee ban bha-i-aa man kunchar ma-y mant.
Kabīr, the body is a banana forest, and the mind is an intoxicated elephant.

ankas ga-yaan ratan hai khayvat birlaa sant.
The jewel of spiritual wisdom is the prod, and the rare Saint is the rider. 224


Kabīr raam ratan mukh kothree paarakh aagai khol.
Kabīr, the Lord's Name is the jewel, and the mouth is the purse; open this purse to the Appraiser.

ko-ee aa-ay milaigo gaahkee laygo mahgay mol.
If a buyer can be found, it will go for a high price. 225


Kabīr raam naam jaani-o nahee paali-o katak kutamb.
Kabīr, the mortal does not know the Lord's Name, but he has raised a very large family.

DhanDhay hee meh mar ga-i-o baahar bha-ee na bamb.
He dies in the midst of his worldly affairs, and then he is not heard in the external world. 226


Kabīr aakhee kayray maatukay pal pal ga-ee bihaa-ay.
Kabīr, in the blink of an eye, moment by moment, life is passing by.

man janjaal na chhod-ee jam dee-aa damaamaa aa-ay.
The mortal does not give up his worldly entanglements; the Messenger of Death walks in and beats the drum. 227


Kabīr tarvar roopee raam hai fal roopee bairaag.
Kabīr, the Lord is the tree, and disillusionment with the world is the fruit.

chhaa-i-aa roopee saaDh hai jin taji-aa baad bibaad.
The Holy man, who has abandoned useless arguments, is the shade of the tree. 228


Kabīr aisaa beej bo-ay baarah maas falant.
Kabīr, plant the seeds of such a plant, which shall bear fruit throughout the twelve months,

seetal chhaa-i-aa gahir fal pankhee kayl karant.
with cooling shade and abundant fruit, upon which birds joyously play. 229


Kabīr daataa tarvar da-yaa fal upkaaree jeevant.
Kabīr, the Great Giver is the tree, which blesses all with the fruit of compassion.

pankhee chalay disaavaree birkhaa sufal falant.
When the birds migrate to other lands, O Tree, you bear the fruits. 230


Kabīr saaDhoo sang paraapatee likhi-aa ho-ay lilaat.
Kabīr, the mortal finds the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, if he has such destiny written upon his forehead.

mukat padaarath paa-ee-ai thaak na avghat ghaat.
He obtains the treasure of liberation, and the difficult road to the Lord is not blocked. 231


Kabīr ayk gharhee aaDhee gharee aaDhee hooN tay aaDh.
Kabīr, whether is is for an hour, half an hour, or half of that,

bhagtan saytee gostay jo keenay so laabh.
whatever it is, it is worthwhile to speak with the Holy. 232


Kabīr bhaaNg maachhulee suraa paan jo jo paraanee khaaNhi.
Kabīr, those mortals who consume marijuana, fish and wine -

tirath barat naym kee-ay tay sabhai rasaatal jaaNhi.
no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow, they will all go to hell. 233


neechay lo-in kar raha-o lay saajan ghat maahi.
Kabīr, I keep my eyes lowered, and enshrine my Friend within my heart.

sabh ras khayla-o pee-a sa-o kisee lakhaava-o naahi.
I enjoy all pleasures with my Beloved, but I do not let anyone else know. 234


aath jaam cha-usath gharee tu-a nirkhat rahai jee-o.
Twenty-four hours a day, every hour, my soul continues to look to You, O Lord.

neechay lo-in ki-o kara-o sabh ghat daykh-a-u pee-o.
Why should I keep my eyes lowered I see my Beloved in every heart. 235


sun sakhee pee-a meh jee-o basai jee-a meh basai ke pee-o.
Listen, O my companions: my soul dwells in my Beloved, and my Beloved dwells in my soul.

jee-o pee-o boojha-o nahee ghat meh jee-o ke pee-o.
I realize that there is no difference between my soul and my Beloved; I cannot tell whether my soul or my Beloved dwells in my heart. 236


Kabīr baaman guroo hai jagat kaa bhagtan kaa gur naahi.
Kabīr, the Brahmin may be the guru of the world, but he is not the Guru of the devotees.

arajh urajh kai pach moo-aa chaara-o baydahu maahi.
He rots and dies in the perplexities of the four Vedas. 237


har hai khaaNd rayt meh bikhree haathee chunee na jaa-ay.
The Lord is like sugar, scattered in the sand; the elephant cannot pick it up.

kahi Kabīr gur bhalee bujhaa-ee keetee ho-ay kai khaa-ay.
Says Kabīr, the Guru has given me this sublime understanding: become an ant, and feed on it. 238


Kabīr ja-o tuhi saaDh piramm kee sees kaat kar go-ay.
Kabīr, if you desire to play the game of love with the Lord, then cut off your head, and make it into a ball.

khaylat khaylat haal kar jo kichh ho-ay ta ho-ay.
Lose yourself in the play of it, and then whatever will be, will be. 239


Kabīr ja-o tuhi saaDh piramm kee paakay saytee khayl.
Kabīr, if you desire to play the game of love with the Lord, play it with someone with committment.

kaachee sarsa-uN payl kai naa khal bha-ee na tayl.
Pressing the unripe mustard seeds produces neither oil nor flour. 240


dhooNdhat doleh anDh gat ar cheenat naahee sant.
Searching, the mortal stumbles like a blind person, and does not recognize the Saint.

kahi naamaa ki-o paa-ee-ai bin bhagtahu bhagvant.
Says Naam Dayv, how can one obtain the Lord God, without His devotee 241


har so heeraa chhaad kai karahi aan kee aas.
Forsaking the Diamond of the Lord, the mortals put their hopes in another.

tay nar dojak jaahigay sat bhaakhai ravidaas.
Those people shall go to hell; Ravi Daas speaks the Truth. 242


Kabīr ja-o garihu karahi ta Dharam kar naahee ta kar bairaag.
Kabīr, if you live the householder's life, then practice righteousness; otherwise, you might as well retire from the world.

bairaagee banDhan karai taa ko bado abhaag.
If someone renounces the world, and then gets involved in worldly entanglements, he shall suffer terrible misfortune. 243

 



 ²  English translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa.





volker doormann