Kabir ke Dohe (1398-1518)

Kabira Khada bazaar mein maange sub ki khair
Na kahu say dosti na kahu say bair.

Standing in the marketplace, I ask for well-wish of all,
for I have neither friend nor foe

Bura jo dekahn mein chala, bura na milya koi,
Jo dil khoja aapna to mujh say bura na koi

I went in search of evil, but found none.
Looking into myself, realized there was no greater than me.

Bade na hujai gunan bin, birad badayi paay
Kehat dhature so kanak, gehano gadhiyo na jaay.

None becomes great without qualities, even if achieved great fame.
Dhatura is also called gold, but cannot be used to make jewels!

Kaal karay so aaj kar, aaj karay so ab,
Pal mein pralay hogayi, bahuri karogay kab

What is to be done tomorrow, do it today,
What is to be done today, do it now,
In a moment catastrophe can occur,
When will you have time to do it!

Bada hua to kya hua jaisay paid khajoor,
Panthi ko chhaya nahin, phal laagen ati door.

Being tall (big) is of no importance, just like a date tree.
It cannot give shade to travellers, and the fruits are borne so high.

Saat samundar masi kare, lekhani sab banraay
dharati sab kaagad kare, guru gun likha na jaay.

Even if sevens seas become ink,
all forests pen, and all earth the paper
yet will not be enough to write the glory of guru (teacher).

Saayin itna deejiye jaa mein kutumb samaaye,
Main bhi bhookha na rahoon, saadhu na bhookha jaaye

Dear Lord, provide me just sufficient to take care of my family,
Neither should I remain hungry, nor any guest visiting my house.

Mayaa mari na man mara, mar mar gaye shareer,
Aasha trishna na mari, keh gaye das Kabir.

Neither illusions nor the lust dies, even if all bodies get dead.
The hope of oasis in a desert never dies, says Kabir.

Dukh mein simran sab karen, sukh mein karay na koye
Jo sukh mein simran karay, to dukh kahay ko hoye.

Everybody remembers God in sorrow, nobody in joy.
If he is remembered in joy, there will be no sorrows.

Aisee bani boliye, man ka aapa khoye,
Auran ko seetal kare, apahu seetal hoy.

Speak sweet words so that the worries are forgotten.
One that pleases not only other hearts but also yours.

Jaisay til mein tel hai, jyon chakmak mein aag,
Tera saayin tujh mein hai, tu jaag sakay to jaag.

Just like there is oil in sesame seed, and the fire in flint stone.
Your god in in you, awake if you can.

Jaati na poocho saadhu ki, pooch lijiye gyaan
Mol karo talwar ki padi rehen do miyaan.

Do not ask the caste of the saints, ask about their knowledge.
Care about the sword, leave apart the scabbard.

Maati kahe kumbhar ko tu kya roondhe mohe
Ek din aisaa aayega mai roondhoo gi tohe.

The clay tells the potter, what will you mold me.
For a day will come when I will mold you!

Aaye hai jo jaayenge Raaja rank fakir
Ek sinhaansan chadhi chale Dooja bandhe janjeer.

All those who are born in this world will die,
whether king, people or the begger.
One is climbing towards the seat,
other is preparing the chains to climb it.

Kabira pyaala prem ka antar liya laggay
Rom rom me rami rahe, aur amal kya khaay?

Kabir says raise love in your hearts,
for it will seep into your each cell,
what else can be more satisfying?