Ghazal
Kabir 161-170
These verses from Kabir emphasize the power of words, contrasting harsh speech with the nectar of gentle communication. They also highlight the difference between superficial talk and true understanding, illustrating how the mind is shaped by its associations. Kabir concludes by noting that potential is like iron, which can be forged into entirely different outcomes such as armor or a sword, reflecting the impact of shaping.
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कुटिल बचन सबसे बुरा , जासे होत न हार। साधु वचन जल रूप है , बरसे अम्रत धार॥ 163॥
Deceitful words are the worst, those which never lose. The words of a saint are like water, raining a stream of nectar.
Deceitful words are the worst, those which never lose their effect. The words of a saint are like water, raining a stream of nectar.
2
कहता तो बहूँना मिले , गहना मिला न कोय। सो कहता वह जान दे , जो नहीं गहना कोय॥ 164॥
If I speak, I will find my sister; if I speak, I find no ornament. If you speak, please let me know, for I have no ornament.
If I speak, I will find my sister; but I find no ornament. If you please tell me, for I have no ornament.
3
कबीरा मन पँछी भया , भये ते बाहर जाय। जो जैसे संगति करै , सो तैसा फल पाय॥ 165॥
Kabira, the mind is like a bird, which flies outside. The fruit one receives is like the company one keeps.
Kabira says that the mind is like a bird that flies out. A person receives the same results or fruits based on the company they keep.
4
कबीरा लोहा एक है , गढ़ने में है फेर। ताहि का बखतर बने , ताहि की शमशेर॥ 166॥
The iron of Kabir is one; the process of forging it is the crucible. From that same iron, a book and a sword are created.
Kabir says that the iron is one, and the process of forging it is the crucible. From that same iron, both a book and a sword can be created.
5
कहे कबीर देय तू , जब तक तेरी देह। देह खेह हो जाएगी , कौन कहेगा देह॥ 167॥
Kabir says, 'What is it that you give, as long as this body lasts? When the body is gone, who will remember the body?'
Kabir says that, as long as this body exists, what will you keep giving? When the body is no more, who will remember the body?
6
करता था सो क्यों किया , अब कर क्यों पछिताय। बोया पेड़ बबूल का , आम कहाँ से खाय॥ 168॥
Why do you do what you used to do, and why do you regret it now? You planted a banyan tree, where will you get mangoes from?
Why did you do what you did, and why do you regret it now? You planted a baobab tree; where will you get mangoes from?
7
कस्तूरी कुन्डल बसे , म्रग ढ़ूंढ़े बन माहिं। ऐसे घट-घट राम है , दुनिया देखे नाहिं॥ 169॥
The musk resides within the navel, yet the deer searches for it in the forest. Likewise, in every heart resides Rama, yet the world does not see him.
The musk resides within the navel, yet the deer searches for it in the forest. Similarly, Rama resides in every heart, yet the world does not see him.
8
कबीरा सोता क्या करे , जागो जपो मुरार। एक दिना है सोवना , लांबे पाँव पसार॥ 170॥
Kabira, what is the use of sleeping? Wake up and chant Murari's name. There is only one day for sleeping, spread out your long legs.
Kabira, what is the use of sleeping? Wake up and chant Murari's name. There is only one day for sleeping, so spread out your long legs.
9
कागा काको घन हरे , कोयल काको देय। मीठे शब्द सुनाय के , जग अपनो कर लेय॥ 171॥
Crow and Kako (another name for crow), the dense forest green, the cuckoo, the Kako's gift. Whose sweet words are heard, that world embraces.
is that the crow and Kako, situated in the dense green forest, and the cuckoo gives a gift to Kako. Whichever person's sweet words are heard, the world accepts them.
10
कबिरा सोई पीर है , जो जा नैं पर पीर। जो पर पीर न जानइ , सो काफिर के पीर॥ 172॥ कबिरा मनहि गयन्द है , आकुंश दै-दै राखि। विष की बेली परि रहै , अम्रत को फल चाखि॥ 173॥
The true devotee (pir) is he who does not depend on the divine; the one who depends on the divine is the devotee of the infidel. O Kabir, the mind is a bird, which, having been kept by the peacock, dwells in anguish. It remains wrapped in the garland of poison, yet desires to taste the fruit of nectar.
Kabir says that the true devotee (pir) is one who does not depend on the divine; one who depends on the divine is the devotee of the infidel. The mind is a bird, captured by the peacock, which dwells in anguish; it remains wrapped in a garland of poison, yet desires to taste the fruit of nectar.
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