,

,
Oneshouldnotabuseabladeofgrassunderone'sfeet.Ifthathappenstostrikeonone's
eyethentherewillbeterrificpain
, |
, ||
Effortscanaccomplisheverything.Nothingcanbeaccomplishedwithouttakingefforts.A
purifiedbutterthatisfrozencannotbetakenoutwithastraightfinger
Mana unmana na toliye, shabd ke mol na tol
Murakh log na jansi, aapa khoya bol
, |

, ||
When your mind is raged then you should not react to the words. One does not have
any means for the valuation and weight of words. The fools do not understand this
and lose their balance while talking
Pehle shabd pehchaniye, pichhe kije mol
Parkhi parkhe rattan ko, shabd ka mol na tol
, |
, ||
First you should understand what has been said by others. Then you can make the
valuation of the words that you have listened. A goldsmith can test the purity of gold.
One does not have any means for the valuation and weight of words.
Naari purush sab hi suno, yeh satguru ki saakh
Vish phal phale anek hai, mat dekho koi chaakh
, |
, ||
Listen everybody to the preaching of a good preacher. There are many ways of
sensual enjoyment. But one should abstain from any such way
Shabd barabar dhan nahi, jo koi jaane bol
Heera to damo mile, shabd mol na tol
, |
, ||
He who is good at speaking understands that there is no wealth like
words. A diamond can be purchased for a value. One do not just
have any means for valuation of word
Padha suna seekha sabhi, miti na sanshay shool
Kahe kabir kaso kahu, ye sab dukh ka mool
,
|
,
||
One may read, listen and learn everything. But after doing all this he has confusion.
Kabir is at pains to explain that confusion is the root of sorrow
Vishaya tyag bairaya hai, samata kahiye gyan
Sukhdayi sab jeev so, yahi bhakti parmaan
,

,
Being detached means renouncing the sensual pleasures.
Knowledge means equanimity. Devotion means creating happiness
for all the beings.
Page1of23

Parnaari ki rachnao, jo lehasun ki khani

Khoone besir khaiy, pragat hoye deewani
,
,
A desire for other's wife is like a mine of garlic. A person can eat garlic hiding from
all. But the fact of his having consumed garlic is clear to anyone who meets him
, ,
,
Kabira darshan sadhu ke, karat na kije kani
Jo udham se lakshmi, aalas man se hani
,
,
MEANING
Dont shirk to meet a good person. An intoxicated or lethargic mind
causes loss of wealth
Hari ras peeya jaaniye, kabahu na jaaye khumaar.
Maimanta ghoomat phire, naahee tan ke saar.
, |
, ||
MEANING
How will you know who is a GOD-realized soul, who has tasted the great wine, the
nectar of GOD?? Kabir says you can see the symptoms the person who has attained
thecommunity with GOD, looks like intoxicated all the time. This intoxication never
comesdown, he looks like insane, wanders like the same, doesnt even bother about
his body or appearance.
Ghat kaa pardaa kholkar, sanmukh de deedaar.
Baal sanehi saaiyaa, awe ant kaa yaar.
,
|
, ||
MEANING
He opens the veil within your being and shows himself in front of you!! HE only is
our true friend. At the time of our birth (here it refers spiritual birth or the moment
when this creation came in existence and we as separate being came into picture) he
was the only friend and when the journey of the soul has come to an end, I see him
only as true friend. he has been our friend throughout our all lives, only it took whole
journey from the origin to coming down this material world and going back to our
source to make us realize this truth!!
Had mein chale so maanava, behad chale so saadh
Had behad dono taje, taako bata agaadh
, |
, ||
The one who is confined in limitations is human, the one who roams into unlimited,
is a Sadhu. The one who has dropped both limited and unlimited, unfathomable is
his being and understanding.
Jaap mare, ajapaa mare, anahad hu mari jaye
Ram snehi na mare, kahe Kabir samjhaye
, , |
, ||
MEANING
Page2of23

The nector of love makes us immortal

Jis marne se jag dare, mere man mein anand
Kab maru kab paon, puran parmanad
, |
, ||
The whole world fears death, but death will be full of bliss for me
I am waiting for death which will merge me, into absolute bliss
Chali jo putli laun ki, thah sindhu ka len
Aaphu gali paani bhai, ulti kahe ko bain
, |
, ||
A piece of salt entered the ocean to find its depth
It dissolved and turned into salty water, who will return to tell the depth
MEANING
God is like an ocean. When seeker wants to find his depth and enters into the region
of god, he himself merges into god. Thus duality, which is necessay to give report,
does not exist
Naino ki kari kothri, putli palang bichhai
Palko ki chik darike, piya ko liya rijhai
, |
, ||
I made my eyes into a bridal room, and the pupils into a bridal bed
I pulled down curtains of the eyelids and pleased my beloved
Neend nishani maut ki, uthh kabira jaag
Aur rasayan chhod ke, naam rasayan laag
, |
, ||
A state of being asleep is at par with the state of being dead. Therefore Kabir should
get up. He should shun everything else and remember the God.
Loot sake to loot le, ram naam ki loot
Paache pachhtayega, jab pran jayenge chhoot
, |
, ||
You have the access to the name of Ram without any cost. Why dont you have access
to it as much as you can. Otherwise at the last moment of your life you will feel sorry
Jaisi bhakti kare sabhi, vaise pooja hoye
Bhay paras hai jeev ko, nirbhay hoy naa koye
, |
, ||
Your mind should have devotion to come out of the loop of fear.
Kabira yeh sansar hai, jaisa semal phool
Din das ke vyavahar mein, jhoote rang na bhool
, |
,
||
This world is like a flower that traps a bee. Dont get overwhelmed by what you
experience for a while.
Bhakti mahal bahu oonch hai, door hi se darshay
Page3of23

Jo koi jan bhakti kare, shobha barni naa jaaye

, |
, ||
The palace of devotion has a very great height. This one can observe from a distance.
Whoever is engaged in devotion, words fall short for describing his beauty.
Daas kahavan kathin hai, mein dasan ka daas
Ab to aisa hoye rahu, paav tale ki ghas
, |
, ||
It is difficult to serve others. I am serving those who are serving others. Now I long to
become like a grass under the feet of people.
Kehta hu kahi jaat hu, kahat bajaye dhol
Swasa khali jaat hai, teen lok ka mol
, |
, ||
Dont say that you belong to a very prominent caste. This is nothing for which you
should beat drums. You are wasting your breaths and standing separated from the
eternal spirit.
Satguru mila to sab mile, naa to mila na koy
Maat pita sut bandhva, yeh to ghar ghar hoy
, |
, ||
If someone is able to have a privilege of being in the company of a good preceptor
then he has the privilege of being in the company of all. Otherwise he does not
understand any relation. The relatives like mother, father, son and brother are there
in all families.
Kabira seep samunder ki, khara jal nahi le
Paani piye swati ka, shobha sagar de
, |
, ||
A shell in the ocean does not take any salty water from the ocean. It drinks the
raindrops falling during the period of Swati Constellation and adds to the beauty of
the ocean
Karta raha so kyo raha, ab kari kyo pachhataye
Boye ped babul ka, so amua kaha se paaye
, |

,
||
why were u doing what you were doing, now what the use of repenting
you have sown seeds of Babool tree, don't expect mangoes from that
Koyla bhi ho ujla, jari pari jo sek
Murakh hoy na ujla, jo kaala ka khet
, |

, ||
A coal becomes white when put on fire. A fool does not shun his foolishness after any
treatment.
Kasturi kundal base, mrag dhundhat ban mahi
Jyo ghat ghat ram hai, duniya dekhe nahi
, |
Page4of23

, |
A deer has the fragrance in itself and runs throughout the forest for finding it.
Similarly Ram is everywhere but the world does not see.
Naina antar aaw tu, nain jhaapi tohi leu
Na mein dekhu aur ko, na tohi dekhan deu
, |
, ||
O my beloved! Come into my eyes, I will take you in and close them
Then, neither will I see anyone else, nor will I allow anyone to see you
MEANING
Eyes are like doors, and images enter through them to the heart. The lover of god
wants to realize his beauty in his heart. Devotee is waiting for the Darshan of god.
Premi dundat mein phiru, premi miliya na koy
Premi ko premi mile, tab sab vish amrit hoy
, |
, ||
I wondered in search of true lover but did not find any
When a lover meets another, then all all poison turns into nector
MEANING
True lover of god rarely found but when they come together they rejoice, and the
nector of love over flows, and everybody enjoys it
Ram rasayan prem ras, pivat adhik rasal
Kabir pivan durlabh hai, mange sis kalal
, |

, ||
The very powerful drug of god is love, which is very sweet
But it is difficult to obtain, because the seller asks for your head as its price
MEANING
No one can enter the region of god with his head on his shoulder i.e. with his ego.
Only the humble devotee can drink the nector of gods love
Sadhu shabd samunder hai, jaa mein ratan bharay
Mand bhag mutthi bhare, kankar haath lagaay
, |
, ||
A good person is an ocean of pearls
Those who are not intelligent end with handful of sand after meeting a good person
Sadhu bhukha bhav ka, dhan ka bhukha nahi
Dhan ka bhukha jo phire, so to sadhu nahi

,
|

, ||
A good person wants that you should have faith in what he says. He is not after your
money. He who roams for money is not a good person.
Bhesh dekh na pujiye, puchh lijiye gyan
Bina kasauti hot nahi, kanchan ki pehchan
, |
, ||

Page5of23

Dont go after the outward appearance. See whether he has the right
knowledge. A goldsmith cannot verify the purity of gold without
putting it to test.
Boond samani hai samunder mein, janat hai sab koi
Samunder samana boond mein, bujhe birla koi
, |
, ||
When a drop merges into the ocean, everyone understands it
But when the ocean merges into the drop, seldom does one understand it
MEANING
It is very simple to understand that a devotee merges into God, but it is difficult to
accept that God merges into a devotee.reality is the union of God and devotee and all
differences are lost. This is a state rarely found. God dwells in the heart of a devotee
as an ocean merged into the drop.
Herat herat hey sakhi, raha kabir heray
Boond samani samunder mein, so kat heri jay
, |
, ||
Kabir says- searching over and over, O my friend! I lost myself in Him(god)
As the drop mixes with the ocean, where can one search for it
Tu tu karta tu bhaya, mujhme rahi nah hun
Baari pheri bali gai, jit dekhu tit tu
, |
, ||
Oh God ! by reciting your name all the time I merged in you and my ego disappeared
My troubles of transmigration disappeared. Now, wherever I look I see you.
MEANING
The recitation of Gods name leads the devotee to God. He reaches the state of union
with God, and his cycle of rebirths disappears, just as a drop of water mixes with the
ocean and its separation disappers
Prem gali ati sankari, tamein dou na samai
Jab mein tha tab hari nahi, ab hari hai mein naahi
, |
, ||
The street of love is very narrow, two cant pass through it at the same time
When I was, there was no God(hari), now there is God but I am not
MEANING
To attain true love, one has to give up his ego. When the ego disappears, God
appears. So the devotee must give up his ego to realize God
Prem na badi upje, prem na haat bikai
Raja prja jis ruche, sis dey le jai
, |
, ||
Love is not grown in the field, and it isnt sold in the market
But a king or a pauper who likes it, offers his head to obtain it
MEANING
In the region of love there is no difference between king or pauper. Who wants to get
love has to give up his ego, all other wealth has no value in love. Love is a spiritual
and not a material thing.
Page6of23

Jin dhundha tin payiya, gahire pani paith

Mein bori duban dari, rahi kinare baith
, |
, ||
Those who searched by diving into the deep water found
I foolishly feared drowning and remained seated on the shore
MEANING
One who wants to get some pearls has to dive deeply into the ocean. The person who
will fear drowning will not get anything. In the same way, he who wants God
realization has to dive deeply in meditation, and merge completely into God's love.
Laali meri laal ki, jit dekhu tit laal
Laali dekhan mein gayi, mein bhi ho gayi laal
, |
, ||
The redness (illumination)of my beloved is everywhere
When I went to see the redness I also became illuminated
MEANING
When a devotee realizes God, he sees illumination of God all over the world. He also
merges into God's love in such a way that all the differences between him and God
disappears. He realizes
(sees) only God and nothing else.
Pavak roopi saiyan, sab ghat raha samay
Chit chakmak laage naahi, tate bujhi bujhi jay
, |
, ||
God is like fire dwelling in each and every heart
But because the flint stone does not spark in the heart, it does not give light
Sahib teri sahibi, sab ghat rahi samay
Jyon mehandi ke pat mein, laali lakhi na jay
, |
, ||
Power of Almighty dwells in every heart but is invisible
Just as the red colour resides in the green mehandi leaves and is invisible
MEANING
To get the red colour from the mehendi leaves one has to grind them into a fine paste
and apply it on the hands. When the paste dries and the hands are washed, the red
colour appears. In the same way one has to grind (cleanse) his mind by meditation to
realize God.
Ghat ghat mera saiyan, suni sej na koy
Balihari ghat tasu ki, jag hat pargat hoy
, |
, ||
My Lord is dwelling in each and every heart, not a single place is empty
But that heart is great where God manifests his qualities
MEANING
Though the bliss of Gods love is in the human heart, because of ignorance, people do
not know it, and they search for happiness in wordly things. Instead of bliss they get
disappointment. One should realize that God is dwelling in evry heart. And service to
humanity is service to God
Page7of23

Kabira garv na kijiye, kabahu na hasiye koy

Ajhu naav samunder mein, na jaane kya hoy
, |
, ||
Dont feel proud, dont mock at anybody.
Your life is like a boat in the sea, who can say what may happen at any time.
MEANING
It is foolish to be proud or to laugh at the less fortunate.
Maati kahe kumhar se, tu kya rondhe mohe
Ek din aisa aayega, mein rondhugi tohe
, |
, ||
The earth says to the potter, why are you trampling on me now?
One day will come when I will trample on you
MEANING
We must be humble and kind, and try to learn from everything. What you do to
others will return to you.
Malin aavat dekh ke, kaliyan kare pukar
Phoole phoole chun liye, kaal humari baar
,
|
, ||
Seeing the gardner coming, the flower buds started to lament
Today he plucks the blossoms and tomarrow it will be our turn
MEANING
Every mature person knows that sooner or later everyone has to leave this world. So
you must do good deeds so that you dont have to lament later
Kali kaal tatkal hai, bura karo jini koi
An bove loha dahine, bove soo lunta hoi
, |
, ||
In this Iron age you get quick results. Dont do anything wrong
Whatever you sow, the same will reap
MEANING
Every action has a equal and opposite reaction
Paw palak ki sudhi naahi, kare kaal ko saaj
Kaal achanak marsi, jyon titar ko baaz
, |
, ||
We do not know what will happen in the next moment, but still we prepare for the
distant future Death will come suddenly just as hawks pounce upon birds
Kachi kaya man athir, thir thir kaam karat
Jyon jyon nar nidhadak phire, tyon tyon kaal hasat
, |
, ||
The body is perishable like an unbaked clay pot, and the mind is restless
Still, man delays in worldly actions unmindful of fear, death looks at him and laughs
Bin rakhware bahira, chidiyo khaya khet
Ardha pardha ubre, cheti sake to chet
, |
Page8of23

, ||
Without protection the grain of the farm is being eaten up by the birds
Still, a little bit is remaining. Protect it if you can
MEANING
Without protection from lust, anger, greed, desires etc our devotion to God is being
plundered. What little remains we must protect it, otherwise our life will be wasted
in vain
Aaj kahe hari kal bhajuga, kaal kahe phir kaal
Aaj kaalke karat hi, avsar jaasi chaal
, |
, ||
Today you say that you will do devotion to God tomarrow, and tomarrow you will
again say tomarrow
Saying tomarrow and tomarrow you lose the opportunity in this life
Meetha sabse boliye, sukh upje chahu aur
Vasikaran yeh mantra hai, tajiye vachan kathor
,
|
, ||
Speak sweetly and politely, you will make all happy
This is just like a charm, give up harsh words
MEANING
When you speak sweetly and politely you make many people happy, they attract
people towards you. Harsh words are improper, they hurt people and can turn
against you. Sweet words win hearts
Madhur vachan hai aushadhi, kutil vachan hai tir
Sravan dwar hai sanchre, sale sakal sarir
, |
, ||
Sweet words are like medicine, harsh words are like arrows
Which enter through the doors of the ears, give distress to the whole body
MEANING
We have to speak truth but also politely, many problems are created by misuse of
words. So we must use sweet, polite and proper words suitable to the occasion. Our
words also reveal our personality
Kathni mithi khand si, karni vish ki loi
Kathni chhodi karni kare, vish ka amrit hoi
, |
, ||
Speech is sweet like sugar, deeds are like poison
Instead of merly speaking sweet we must do must do good deeds, the poison will turn
into nector
MEANING
Actions are more important than words
Kabir sab jag nirdhana, dhanwanta naahi koye
Dhanwanta soi janiye, ram nam dhan hoye
, |
, ||
Kabir says the whole world is poor, no one is truly rich
Who has the wealth of Gods name is truly rich
Page9of23

MEANING
People having material wealth are not prosperous, material things are perishable.
True wealth is the name of God which is immortal
Rukha sukha khai ke, thanda pani pee
Dekh parai chupadi, mat lalchao jee

, |
, ||
Eat simple food and drink cold water
Do not look at the buttered bread of others and long for it.
MEANING
You have to try to live simply and be satisfied. If you try to pursue the luxurious lives
of others, you will not have peace in your life. Materialism does not bring peace in
life. The more a person gets the more he wants. There is no end to greed.
Nindak nihare rakhiye, aangan kuti chhaway
Bin pani bin sabun, nirmal kare subhav
, |
, ||
MEANING
Keep your critic close, you get to know your faults if someone criticizes you, and you
have a chance to correct them. Give your critics shelter in your courtyard and listen
to the criticism without annoyance, because critic is not your enemy, he is helping
you to clean the rubbish from your life without soap and water.
Aapa taje hari bhaje, nakh sikh taje vikar
Sab jiwan se nirbair rahe, sadhu mta hai saar
, |
, ||
Give up the pride of caste and clan and do devotion to the God. Give up your faults
like lust, anger, greed. Don't be an enemy to anyone. This is the basic principle of the
saints.
Silvant sabse bada, sab ratno ki khan
Tin lok ki sampada, rahi sil mein aan
, |
, ||
MEANING
Whoever has good character is the greatest of all. He is mine of all jewels. The wealth
of the three worlds is merged in good character
Pakha pakhi ke karan, sab jag raha bhulan
Nirpakh hoi ke hari bhaje, soi sant sujan
,
|
, ||
MEANING
People are divided into various religions and thus the whole world is misguided,
being impartial to the worldly groups (religions), one who performs the devotion to
Almighty God is the true saint. A saint understands that all souls are the same, and
that God is dwelling in every heart. The saint recognises God in all, and remains
impartial to the various religions.
Ek shabd gurudev ka, taka anant vichar
Thake muni jan pandita, veda na pave paar
, |
Page10of23

, ||
The one word of Sat Guru gives limitless meanings.only a humble devotee can get it,
Munis and pandits (full of ego of their knowledge) became exhausted trying to find
its meaning. Vedas cannot fathom its depth.
Guru bichara kya kare sikkhahi mahin chuk
Bhave tyon parbodhiye, baans bajaye phunk
,
|
, ||
MEANING
What can the poor Guru does if the disciple has faults. The Guru can only guide, but
the disciple has to walk. Guru gives knowledge but it becomes useless, just as a
broken flute does not produce music. The disciple must have
Hari kripa tab janiye, de manav avtar
Guru kripa tab janiye, mukt kare sansar
, |
, ||
MEANING
We must thank God for giving us human life, but it is the grace of the Guru which
liberates us from the cycle of birth and death.
Timir gaya ravi dekhte, kumati gayi guru gyan
Sumati gayi ati lobhate, bhakti gayi abhiman
, |
, ||
MEANING
Darkness disappears when the sun arises and ignorance goes away by the Gurus
wisdom (gyan). wisdom is lost because of greed, and devotion is lost because of ego.
Keson kaha bigadia, je moonde soo bar
Man ko kahe na moondiye, jaa mein vishey vikaar
,
,
What harm have the hair done, you shave them hundred times
Why not shave the mind, there grow unchecked countless poisonous thoughts
Guru ko kije bandagi , koti koti paranam
Kit na jane bhring ko , guru karle aap saman
, |
, ||
MEANING
One has to offer salutations and obeisances to Guru who takes the disciple on the
path to God, and helps him in every way even though the disciple does not know it,
just as a wasp takes a worm into its nest and another wasp emerges. The Guru
imparts wisdom to him and makes the ordinary disciple as himself
Moond mundavat din gaye, ajhun na miliya Ram
Ram naam kahu kya kare, je man ke aurey kaam
, |
, ||
Ages have passed shaving the head, yet union with Ram is not here
Recitation of Ram Naam is futile, when mind is engaged elsewhere
Page11of23

Kabira maala kaath ki, kahi samjhave tohi

Man na phirave aapna, kaha phirave mohi
, |
, ||
Kabir, the rosary made of wooden beads explicitly proceeds to educate
(If) you set not your mind in (a focused) motion, (then) to what end you rotate
Maala to kar mein phire, jibh phire mukh maahi
Manua to chahun dish phire, yeh to sumiran naahi
,
|

, ||
The rosary rotating by the hand (or) the tongue twisting in the mouth,
With the mind wandering everywhere, this isn't meditation (Oh uncouth!).
MEANING
Counting the Rosary, Repeating Mantras, If the Mind is Traveling - this is not
meditation. So control the mind, not the beads or the words.
Kabir yeh ghar prem ka, khala ka ghar naahi
Sis utare hathi kari, so paise ghar maahi
, |
, ||
Kabir, this is the abode of love, Not the house of an aunt
Only that one can enter here who has relinquished all pride
Ek kahu to hai nahi, do kahu to gari
Hai jaisa taisa rahe, kahe Kabir vichari
, |
, ||
If I say one, It is not, if I say two, it will be a violation
Let 'It' be what 'It' is, says Kabir upon contemplation
MEANING
There is a oneness behind the apparent diversity. But oneness is not seen. Yet if I
accept duality, it would be a violation, a false acceptance. Let it be, whatever it is - I'll
drop the analyzing.
Aasha jive jag mare, log mare mar jayee
Soyee sube dhan sanchate, so ubrey je khayee
, |
, ||
Hope lives in a dying world, people die and die again
Perish yet hoarding wealth, spend and freedom attain
MEANING
Hope is that people will wake up, drop their attachments and hoardings and be free
from the clutches of illusion.
Aag jo lagi samunder mein, dhuan na pargat hoye
So jane jo jarmua, jaki lagi hoye
,
|

||
With the ocean set ablaze, the smoke yet manifests not
Only the one who gets burnt, envisions the heat of loving thought
Jab tu aaya jagat mein, log hanse tu roye
Aise karni na kari, pachhe hanse sab koye
, |
Page12of23

, ||
When you were born in this world, Everyone laughed while you cried
Did not conduct yourself in manner such that they laugh when you are gone
Jyon naino mein putli, tyon malik ghat mahin
Moorakh log na janhin, bahar dhudhan jahin
, |
, ||
Like the pupil in the eyes, the Lord resides inside
Ignorant do not know this fact, they search Him outside
MEANING
God is within, the ignorant look for Him on the outside.
Kabira kiya kuch na hot hai, ankiya sab hoye
Jo kiya kuch hot hai, karta aur koye
, |
, ||
Kabir says By my doing nothing happens, what I don't does come to pass
If anything happens as if my doing, then truly it is done by someone else
MEANING
All things happen as per Gods wish, it just seems that we are doing them.
Kabira garv na kijiye, ooncha dekh aavas
Kaal pado bhu letna, ooper jamsi ghaas
, |
, ||
Kabir says Don't be so proud and vain, looking at your high mansion
Death makes one lie on bare land, and grass will grow thereon
MEANING
Don't be proud and vain, tomorrow you'll be lying six foot under feet, on top will
grow grass that goats and sheep will eat!
Chinta aisi dakini, kaat kaleja khaye
Vaid bechara kya kare, kaha tak dawa lagaye
, |
, ||
Worry is the bandit that eats into one's heart
What the doctor can do, what remedy to impart?
MEANING
Dont worry be happy
Akath kahani prem ki, kuch kahi na jaye
Goonge keri sarkara, baithe muskaye
, |
, ||
Inexpressible is the story of Love, It cannot be revealed by words
Like the dumb eating sweet-meat,Only smiles, the sweetness he cannot tell
MEANING
The story of love is to be experienced, it can not be expressed, it can be known and
felt - but not by the five senses.
Jeevat samjhe jeevat bujhe, jeevat hi karo aas
Jeevat karam ki fansi na kate, mue mukti ki aas
, |
, ||
Page13of23

Alive one sees, alive one knows, thus crave for salvation when full of life
Alive you did not cut the noose of binding actions, hoping liberation with death
Kabir soyee surma, man soon maande jhoojh
Panch pyada paadi le, door kare sab dooj
, |
, ||
O Kabir, he alone the warrior, who takes on the mind head on
Crushing the shield of the sensual five, all duality is gone
MEANING
The real fighter, the real Warrior is the one who takes on his own mind. The Mind
controls the 'sensual five', the five senses of sight, sound, touch, smell. These senses
tell us lies, they tell us that duality exist, though we know that it does not.
Kabir soota kya kare, koode kaaj niwaar
Jis panth tu chalna, soy panth sawar
, |
, ||
Arise from stagnation O Kabir, divert yourself of the rubbish deeds
Be focused and illumine the path on which you were meant to tread
MEANING
Focus on the thing that you really love to do, the path you were meant to follow.
Guru dhobi sikh kapda, saboo sirjan har
Surti sila par dhoiye, nikse jyoti apaar
, |
, ||
Guru the washerman disciple is the cloth, God himself is the soap
Wash the mind on foundation firm, to realize the glow of Truth
Jaise til mein tel hai, jyon chakmak mein aag
Tera sai tujh mein hai, tu jaag sake to jaag
, |
, ||
Like seed contains the oil, fire in flint stone
Your temple seats the Divine, realize if you can
MEANING
God is within, like the oil in the seed - wake up if you have the power to.
Boli to anmol hai, jo koi jane bol
Hridya taraju tol ke, tab much bahar khol
, |
,
||
Words are indeed priceless, if one knows what to say
Says kabir, weigh inside all that you wish to convey
MEANING
All relations between human beings are formed by their words of mouth. In order to
keep the relation good and sweet, each should carefully weigh what he is saying to
the other. Then their relationship remain cordial
Kabira tahan na jaiye, jaha kapat ka het
Jaalu kali anar ki, tan rito man set
, |
, ||
Says kabir, do not go there, where people are not frank
Page14of23

Like the pomegranate bud, colourful but inside dark

MEANING
Kabir implies here that it is difficult to know the unknown cunning people and so no
intimacy should be built with such a man. Kabir implies of whom man should be
aware and from whom keep away
Laghuta mein prabhuta base, prabhuta te prabhu door
Chinti le sakkar chali, haathi ke sir dhoor
, |
, ||
You gain in power by becoming humble
Little ants move with sugar in mouth, mighty elephants in dust bath foul
MEANING
Sant Kabir give example of the little creature ant and the mighty animal elephant. He
observes that the ant because of its humility collects sugar to carry home whereas the
proud elephant showers on his head dust from road sucked by its trunk
Anmanga uttam kaha, madyam mangi jo ley
Kahe Kabir nikrisht so par dharna dey
, |
, ||
The best is not to beg at all, middling who collects his needs
Says Kabir, the worst is he who demands and tight sits
MEANING
Sant kabir has held clearly that begging is same as death and as such the best is not
to beg at all. The medium type is to beg and collect ones need and not more. The
worst is to demand alms and sit till the demand is fulfilled
Sajjan jan wahi jo, dhal sarikha hoye
Dukh mein aage rahe, sukh mein piche hoye
, |
,
||
Noble man is like the shield, comes forward in distress
Remains quite far behind in peace and happiness
MEANING
The noble man acts like the shield by coming forward to help the neighbour in times
of disaster and distress, but remains quietly at home in times of peace.
Kabira jab hum paida huye, jag hanse hum roye
Aisi karni kar chalo, hum hanse jag roye
, |
, ||
Says Kabir, when I was born( I cried ) all laughed in happiness
Let me do such deeds that when I will die, I will laugh and others cry in distress
MEANING
When a son is born all laugh in happiness on the birth of the son. Kabir says that he
should do such deeds on earth that all will praise and be happy. And, when he
departs on death others will be sorry to have lost such a good and helpful soul but he
will be happy as he did not harm anybody
Aachhe din paachhe gaye, hari se kiya na het
Ab pachhtaye hot kya, chidiya chug gayi khet
, |
, ||
Page15of23

O dear soul ! your good days are passed away when you had energy and time to do
love and devotion to God
you didn't do it at that time, what is the use of regretting now
MEANING
We have to try to make the best use of our opportunity. If we are lazy, we will lose it
and
then have only regrets.
Aavat gari ek hai, ooltat hot anek
Kahe Kabir na ooltiye, bani ek ko ek
, |
, ||
A verbal abuse is one, but responding to it will make many;
Kabir says: "Do not respond to the abuse and it will remain one.
MEANING
When someone speaks abusive words to any person, and that person responds, the
quarrel will grow more and more. If you want to prevent a quarrel, do not respond to
words of abuse. Keep calm. Don't indulge your tongue in uttering bad words.
Kabira kahe ko dare, sir par sirjan har
Hasti chadhi na dariye, kutiya bhoonke hazar
, |
, ||
Why should Kabir be afraid for, god is above all
On elephants back is any afraid, if dogs howl from below
MEANING
If man takes true shelter of the Almighty Father he need not fear any assault on him
causing serious damage. God will help him in all circumstances. Elephants back has
been figuratively used for shelter of God.
Jo toko kanta buve, tahi tu buve fool
To ko fool ko fool hai, kanta ko tirsul
, |
,
||
who pricks you with nail, you prick him with flower
you will get back flower for flower, he a trident for nail, be sure.
MEANING
Every action has got its reaction in equal measure. If you prick another by nail you
will get prick by trident, but if for nail you prick by flower, you will get a flowers soft
touch in return
Durbal ko na sataiye, jaki moti haay
Mari khal ki saans se, loh bhasam ho jaaye
, |
, ||
Do not oppress the poor and weak, think not they are helpless
Remember, the breath of the lifeless blower can burn steel to ashes
MEANING
Sant Kabir warns saying that the poor and weak man should not be oppressed
thinking that he is not capable to protect himself or repulse the oppression. He cites
the example of the blower made of lifeless hide causing by its breath to burn strong
iron to ash

Page16of23

Kabira man nirmal bhaya, jaise Ganga neer

Pachhe laga hari phire, kehat Kabir, Kabir
, |
, ", " ||
Says Kabir, I have made my mind pure like holy Ganges water
Now God running after me calling Kabir Kabir

Kabira teri jhopdi, gal katiyan ke paas

Jaisi karni waisi bharni, tu kyu bhaya udas
, |
, ||
O Kabir ! your hut is next to the butchers bay
Why do you feel down? For their conduct they only shall pay
MEANING
One reaps what one sows
Mangan maran saman hai, mat mange koi bheekh
Mangan se marna bhala, yeh satguru ki seekh
, |
, ||
Begging is like dying, Let no one Beg
It is better to die than beg, this is the SatGuru's message
MEANING
Begging is as good as death, for you leave your profession and become dependent on
others. This is reprehensible conduct on the part of an active living man
Dukh mein sumiran sab kare, sukh mein kare na koye
Jo sukh mein sumiran kare, to dukh kahe ko hoye

|
,

||
In anguish everyone prays to Him, in joy does none
To one who prays in happiness, how can sorrow come
Bada hua to kya hua, jaise ped khajoor
Panthi ko chhaya nahi, phal laage ati door
, |
, ||
In vain is the eminence, just like a date tree
Page17of23

No shade for travelers, fruit is hard to reach

Dheere dheere re mana, dheere sab kuch hoye
Mali seenche soo ghara, ritu aaye phal hoye
, |
, ||
Slowly slowly O mind, everything in own pace happens
Gardner may water a hundred buckets, fruit arrives only in its season
Sai itna deejiye, ja mein kutumb samaye
mein bhi bhookha na rahu, sadhu na bhookha jaye
, |

,
||
Give so much O God, suffice to envelop my clan
I should not suffer cravings, nor the visitor goes unfed
MEANING
In reality, there is no peace without satisfaction and satisfaction does not come with
material wealth because the more we get the more we want. We require only enough
for our daily needs. That is why the devotee is asking only for enough to maintain
himself and his family, and to help others, and he remains peaceful
Sab dharti kagaj karu, lekhni sab banray
Saat samunder ki masi karu, gurugun likha na jaaye
,
,
Even if the whole earth is transformed into paper with all the big trees made into
pens and if the entire water in the seven oceans are transformed into writing ink,
even then the glories of the Guru cannot be written. So much is the greatness of the
Guru
Kabir so dhan sanchiye, jo aage ko hoye
Sees chadaye potli, le jaat na dekhya koye
, |
, ||
Kabir, save the wealth that 'remains' in the moment ultimate
Departing with a crown of material wealth, none has crossed the gate
Kaga kako dhan hare, koyal kako det
Meethe sabd sunaiyke, jag apno kar let
, |
, ||
Crow does not steal anything, koyal (cuckoo) does not make a gift
For its sweet songs cuckoo wins love of all
It is by ones nature and habit that he be friends others.
Ek din aisa hoyega, sab so pare bichhohu
Raja rani rao rank, sawadh kyu nahi hohu
, |
, ||
A day will come when you will be separated from everything
Whether you are a king, landlord or pauper, why are you not awakening
MEANING
On the last day there will be separation from everybody
Aaye hai to jayege, raja rank fakir
Page18of23

Ek sihanshan chadi chale, ek bandhe janjir

, |
, ||
Who has come will go, wheather he is a king or fakir(pauper)
One goes sitting on a throne and another goes tied in chains
MEANING
Who is born in this world will certainly die, even if he spends huge amounts of wealth
to save his life. We must therefore do good deeds so that our departure will be
peaceful.
Durlabh manus janam hai, deh na barambar
Taruvar jo patti jhade, bahuri na lage dar

, |
, ||
Human birth is difficult to obtain, you will not get it again and again
Just as a ripened fallen fruit, does not reattach to the branch
MEANING
In this world human life is the best in which you have the opportunity to do good. It
is difficult to get the same type of opportunity again and again. If you will not
perform proper actions your deeds will prevent you from getting this chance again.
Guru bin gyan na upje, guru bin mile na moksha
Guru bin likhe na satya ko, guru bin mite na dosh
, |
, ||
MEANING
Without the Guru no one obtains spiritual knowledge or achieves salvation.
Without the Guru no one can see Truth or have his doubts removed.
Jab mein tha tab hari nahi, ab hari hai mein naahi
Sab andhiyara mit gaya, jab deepak dekhya maahi
, |
, ||
When "I" was then Hari was not, Now Hari "is" and "I" am not
All the darkness (illusions) dissolved, When I saw the light (illumination) within.
Chalti chakki dekh kar, diya kabira roye
Do paatan ke bich mein, sabut bacha na koye
, |
, ||
Looking at the grinding stones, Kabir laments
In the duel of wheels, nothing stays intact
EXPLANATION
Kabir sees the grinding stones as the duality that we live in. Heaven and earth, Good
and Bad, Male and Female, High and Low - all around is duality. This play of
opposites, this Chalti Chakki (moving mill) gets everyone, no one is save from in it's
powerful grip.
Whoever enters this duality is crushed. No one survives. Kabir cries because rarely, if
ever, does one see the oneness, the divinity, behind the duality.el of wheels, nothing
stays intact
Khod khad dharti sahe, kaatkoot banraye
Kutil vachan sadhu sahe, aur se saha na jaaye
Page19of23

, |
, ||
The earth bears the digging. The forest bears the axe. The noble bears the harsh
words. Others cannot bear the odds
Mera mujh mein kuch nahi, jo kachu hai so toh
Tera tujhko saupate, kya lagat hai moh
, |
, ||
Nothing mine belongs to me, all that is yours
To give all that to you, whats there for my remorse ?
EXPLANATION
Kabir affirms that all things of man belong to the Almighty Father as his grant of
grace to man. As such, why should there be any hesitation on the part of man to give
all that to the God, the giver ?
Bura jo dekhan mein chala, bura na milaya koye
Jo man dekha aapna, mujhse bura na koye
, |
, ||
I searched for the crooked, met not a single one
When searched myself, I found the crooked one
Maya mari na man mara, mar mar gaye sarir
Asha trishna na mari, keh gaye das kabir
, |
, ||
Neither illusion nor the mind, only body attained death
Hope and delusion did not die, so said Kabir
Pothi padh padh jag muya, pandit bhaya na koye
Dhai akshar prem ka, padhe so pandit hoye

, |
, ||
Reading books everyone died, no one became any wise
One who reads the words of love, only became wise
Kabira khada baazar mein, sabki mange khair
Na kahu se dosti, na kahu se bair
, |
, ||
Kabira in the market place, wishes welfare for all
Neither friendship nor enmity with anyone at all
MEANING
Kabir was impartial. He was neither attached to, nor detached from, any religious
group. He went neither to the temple nor to the mosque. If he had used temples to
preach, the Muslims would have been left out because they could not go into the
temple. And if he had chosen to preach in the mosque, the Hindus would have had to
remain outside. He chose the market place to preach, because people of all religions
go there. Kabir preached the truth and wanted the welfare of all equally
Mala fherat jug bhaya, fira na man ka fher
Kar ka manka dar de, man ka manka fher
, |
, ||
Page20of23

Eons have passed whirling rosary, restless remains the mind

Give up the beads of rosary, and rotate the beads of mind
Kabira garv na kijiye, kaal gaye kar kesh
Na jaane kit maare hai, kya gar kya pardesh
, |
, ||
Kabir says
Dont be so proud and vain, the clutches of time are dark
Who knows where shall it kill, whether at home or abroad
EXPLANATION
Don't be proud and vain, who knows when or where time will kill.
Kaal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab
Pal mein pralaya hoyegi, bahuri karega kab
, |
, ||
Tomorrows work do today,today,s work now
If the moment is lost, the work be done how.
EXPLAINATION
The person who puts off tills tomorrow what he should do today will, never really be
successful in life. Laziness and delay cause loss of opportunities and failures. They
destroy valuable life, and cause regrets instead. Promptness is a great virtue
Guru govind dohu khade, kake lagu paanye
Balihari guru aapne govind diyo bataye
, |
, ||
guru and god both are here to whom should I first bestow all glory be unto the
aisi vani boliye, man ka aapa khoye
auran ko sheetal kare, aaphu sheetal hoye
, |
, ||
Speak in words so sweet, that fill the heart with joy
Like a cool breeze in summer, for others and self to enjoy
EXPLANATION
In speech use such words that your ego is eliminated. Don't boast, don't gloat, and
dont make yourself out to be big, important, rich or anything else that the ego
attaches to. Building the Ego takes energy from the body, takes away the bodies
composure. If ego is lost in ones speech, the listener finds peace from listening to it

Page21of23

santkabirdaspictures

Page22of23

Kabir,whoprobablylivedinthefifteenthsixteenthcenturies,wasoneofthemost
influentialsaints.HewasbroughtupinafamilyofMuslimjulahasorweaverssettledinor
nearthecityofBenares(Varanasi).
Wehavelittlereliableinformationabouthislife.Wegettoknowofhisideasfromavast
collectionofversescalledsakhisandpadssaidtohavebeencomposedbyhimandsungby
wanderingbhajansingers.SomeofthesewerelatercollectedandpreservedintheGuru
GranthSahib,PanchVaniandBijak.
Kabirsteachingswerebasedonacomplete,indeedvehement,rejectionofthemajor
religioustraditions.Histeachingsopenlyridiculedallformsofexternalworshipofboth
BrahmanicalHinduismandIslam,thepreeminenceofthepriestlyclassesandthecaste
system.ThelanguageofhispoetrywasaformofspokenHindiwidelyunderstoodby
ordinarypeople.Healsosometimesusedcrypticlanguage,whichisdifficulttofollow.
KabirbelievedinaformlessSupremeGodandpreachedthattheonlypathtosalvationwas
throughbhaktiordevotion.KabirdrewhisfollowersfromamongbothHindusandMuslims.

Page23of23