Ghazal
Kabir Sangrah 21-30
These verses from Kabir emphasize the preciousness and transient nature of human life, urging one to make the most of the present moment before inevitable death. They also impart a lesson on self-respect, highlighting that begging is as demeaning as death.
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दुर्लभ मानुष जन्म है , देह न बारम्बार। तरुवर ज्यों पत्ती झड़े , बहुरि न लागे डार॥ 22॥
A human birth is precious, it does not come again. Just as a leaf falls from a tree, it does not attach itself repeatedly.
Human life is very rare and is not obtained repeatedly. Just as a leaf falls from a tree, it does not reattach itself.
2
आय हैं सो जाएँगे , राजा रंक फकीर। एक सिंहासन चढ़ि चले , एक बँधे जात जंजीर॥ 23॥
Those who come will fall asleep, be they king, pauper, or fakir. One shall ascend a throne, and one shall be bound with chains.
Those who arrive will fall asleep, whether they are a king, a pauper, or a fakir. One will ascend a throne, and one will be bound with chains.
3
काल करे सो आज कर , आज करे सो अब। पल में प्रलय होएगी , बहुरि करेगा कब॥ 24॥
What you plan to do tomorrow, do it today; what you plan to do today, do it now. For in a moment, there may come a great deluge; then when will you do it?
Whatever you plan to do tomorrow, do it today; and whatever you plan to do today, do it now. For in a moment, a great deluge may occur; then when will you do it?
4
माँगन मरण समान है , मति माँगो कोई भीख। माँगन से तो मरना भला , यह सतगुरु की सीख॥ 25॥
It is better to die than to ask for alms, O mind. For death is better than begging from the true Guru; this is the teaching of the True Guru.
Death is better than begging, O mind. For death is better than asking for alms from the true Guru; this is the teaching of the True Guru.
5
जहाँ आपा तहाँ आपदां , जहाँ संशय तहाँ रोग। कह कबीर यह क्यों मिटे , चारों धीरज रोग॥ 26॥
Where there is delusion, there is disaster; where there is doubt, there is disease. Kabir says, why should these four afflictions vanish: the four diseases of patience (or, the four forms of suffering)?
Where there is delusion, there is disaster; where there is doubt, there is disease. Shayar Kabir asks why these four afflictions should vanish: the four diseases of patience.
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माया छाया एक सी , बिरला जाने कोय। भगता के पीछे लगे , सम्मुख भागे सोय॥ 27॥
Illusion and shadow are alike, few truly understand. It follows one who turns their back, yet flees when confronted.
Maya and Chhaya (illusion/shadow) are the same, which few people realize. A person who runs is entangled in both chasing what is behind and running toward what is in front.
7
आया था किस काम को , तु सोया चादर तान। सुरत सम्भाल ए गाफिल , अपना आप पहचान॥ 28॥
What business did you come for, while wrapped in the sheets and asleep? O heedless one, gather your composure and recognize yourself.
What business did you come for, while wrapped in the sheets and asleep? O heedless one, gather your composure and recognize yourself.
8
क्या भरोसा देह का , बिनस जात छिन मांह। साँस-सांस सुमिरन करो और यतन कुछ नांह॥ 29॥
What guarantee does the body hold, it perishes in a moment. Remember God with every breath, and do nothing else.
What guarantee does the body hold? It perishes in a moment. Remember God with every breath, and do no other effort.
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गारी ही सों ऊपजे , कलह कष्ट और मींच। हारि चले सो साधु है , लागि चले सो नींच॥ 30॥
He who leaves his home, suffering conflict and pain, is a saint; he who seeks attachment is lowly.
Conflict, suffering, and pettiness arise from abuses. He who departs is a saint; he who seeks attachment is lowly.
10
दुर्बल को न सताइए , जाकि मोटी हाय। बिना जीव की हाय से , लोहा भस्म हो जाय॥ 31॥
Do not torment the weak, lest their faint curse be uttered.
For even with a curse without life, iron turns to ash.
Do not torment the weak, lest they utter a faint curse. For even a curse without life can turn iron to ash.
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