Dohas II (with translation)

Jab Tun Aaya Jagat Mein, Log Hanse Tu Roye

Aise Karni Na Kari, Pache Hanse Sab Koye

[When you were born in this world

Everyone laughed while you cried

Conduct NOT yourself in manner such

That they laugh when you are gone]

**

Kabir Man Nirmal Bhaya, Jaise Ganga Neer

Pache Pache Har Phire, Kahat Kabir Kabir

[Kabir's mind got cleansed like the holy Ganges water

Now everyone follows, saying Kabir Kabir]

**

Gur Dhobi Sikh Kapda, Saboo Sirjan Har

Surti Sila Pur Dhoiye, Nikse Jyoti Apaar

[Guru the washer man, disciple is the cloth

The name of God liken to the soap

Wash the mind on foundation firm

To realize the glow of Truth]

**

Jeevat Samjhe Jeevat Bujhe, Jeevat He Karo Aas

Jeevat Karam Ki Fansi Na Kaati, Mue Mukti Ki Aas 

[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!]

**

Akath Kahani Prem Ki, Kutch Kahi Na Jaye

Goonge Keri Sarkara, Baithe Muskae

[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]

**

Chinta Aisee Dakini, Kat Kaleja Khaye

Vaid Bichara Kya Kare, Kahan Tak Dawa Lagaye

[Worry is the bandit that eats into one's heart

What the doctor can do, what remedy to impart?]

**

Kabira Garv Na Keejiye, Uncha Dekh Aavaas

Kaal Paron Bhuin Letna, Ooper Jamsi Ghaas

[Says Kabir

Don't be so proud and vain

Looking at your high mansion

Death makes one lie on bare land

And grass will grow thereon]

**

{2}Kabira Garv Na Keejiye, Kaal Gahe Kar Kes

Na Jaane Kit Mare Hai, Kya Des Kya Pardesh

[Says Kabir

Don't be so proud and vain

The clutches of Time are dark

Who knows where shall it kill

Whether at home or abroad]

**

Kabira Kiya Kutch Na Hote Hai, Ankiya Sab Hoye

Jo Kiya Kutch Hote Hai, Karta Aur Koye

[Says Kabir

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]

**

Jyon Naino Mein Putli, Tyon Maalik Ghat Mahin

Moorakh Log Na Janhin, Baahar Dhudhan Jahin

[Like the pupil in the eyes

The Lord resides inside

Ignorant do not know this fact

They search Him outside]

**

Pehle Agan Birha Ki, Pachhe Prem Ki Pyas

Kahe Kabir Tub Janiye, Naam Milan Ki Aaas

[First the pangs of separation

Next grows the thirst for Love

Says Kabir then only hope

The union to materialize]

**

Jo toko kaata boien tahi boin tu phool,

tooko phool ke phool hain, vaako hain tirshul

[Lay flowers in the path of those who lay thorns in yours,

For you those flowers are flowers, but for them the flowers are tridents]

**

Bada hua to kya hua jaise ped khajoor,

Panthi ko chaya nahi, fal lage ati door.

[What is the use of being big and rich like a palm tree,

it doesn't provide shade to travellers and it's fruit is too far to eat]