kabir doha-kabira teri....................

Kabira Teri Jhompri Gal Katiyan Ke Paas
Jo Karenge So Bharenge Tu Kyon Bhayo Udaas


Translation

O Kabir! Your Hut Is Next to the Butchers' Bay
Why Do You Feel Down? For Their Conduct They Only Shall Pay  

My Understanding

At the time when Kabir lived there was a lot of importance attached, in religion, to ritualism. Religious heads and puritans aggressively promoted the ideas of purity and righteousness. Kabir was largely unimpressed and irreverent to these external rules and regulations. Through his life and teachings he emphasized the importance of internal purity.

Being a weaver of lower caste, Kabir lived in an area close to the butcher's shop. Kabir gave his religious teachings sitting in what the "pundits" (of higher caste) considered an "unholy" place; for which they criticized him. Kabir, while not countering the criticism directly, via this Doha, took the discussion on this matter to a totally different level. In his humble way, Kabir teaches us here the idea of detachment. In spiritual texts this concept is likened to the existence of the Lotus - a beautiful flower that grows in swampy and dirty ponds and rises above it.

Here Kabir tells us to live in the world and focus on our own journey and not worry about the good, bad or ugly going on around us. According to him the world and its ways will take care of itself, that's not our job - we should focus our attention only on the real reason of coming to the world, to find out who we truly are. All else does not matter. 
 

kabir doha-kabir soyee................

Kabir Soyee Soorma, Man Soon Maande Jhoojh
Panch Pyada Paari Le, Door Kare Sab Dooj


Translation

O Kabir, He alone the Warrior, who takes on the "mind" head-on
Crushing the shield of the sensual five, all duality is gone

My Understanding

In the time period Kabir lived there were lot of wars and fighting taking around. Instead of this fighting and killing outside, Kabir redirects our attention to waging a war inside of us via this verse. The mind is the root of all our troubles. This mind is what creates a myriad of thoughts that drive us everywhere and do not allow us to rest in peace. Thoughts are instigated, fed and driven by our five sensual desires - Lust, Anger, Intoxication with Pride, Attachment and Greed. He calls these as pawns because they are protecting the true enemy that lies behind - The Mind. Here the game is won only when we go beyond the sensual (pawn-like) pleasures and conquer the Mind who has been running the show. Kabir then tells us that removing the mind takes away the root of all misery which is the feeling of the "other". There is no "other" anymore as this distinction comes via a creation of our mind. Once the mind is gone there is nobody else except us ourselves. This feeling of oneness is captured in a verse from a poem:

Na Hai Koi Gadi Na Hai SawariPahuncha Wahan Jahan Mein Akela Hi Khiladi 


Neither is their a vehicle nor a rider,
I have reached a place where I alone am the Only Player.

Kabir urges us to duel the dual - the highest teaching from him summarized in such a beautiful way. Vintage Kabir!

 

kabir doha-kabir soota..............

Kabir Soota Kya Kare, Koore Kaaj Niwaar
Jis Panthu Tu Chaalna, Soyee Panth Samwaar


Translation

Arise from slumber O Kabir, divest yourself of the rubbish deeds
Be focused and illumine the path on which you were meant to tread

My Understanding

Here slumber refers to a state of daze and fixation on what is perceived by the senses. Sleep is no different from the normal waking state in that it engages our senses completely. Both are essentially of the same intrinsic nature where Mind is the central player. Kabir recognizes the futility of mental and physical worlds and categorizes everything in these domains as "rubbish". He then urges us to focus ourselves on finding our true spiritual root - putting an end to the cyclical realities that have kept us engaged thus far.

kabir doha-keson kaha...................

Keson Kaha Bigadia, Je Moonde Sau Baar
Man Ko Kahe Na Moondiye, Jaamein Vishey Vikaar


Translation

What harm have the hair done, you shave them hundred times 
Why not shave the mind, that's filled with poisonous thoughts 

My Understanding

In the Hindu culture there is a tradition among men to get their heads shaved off in the event of parental death. There seems to be no scientific reason for this tradition except what I believe is that in folklore it is symbolic of a person in grief who has lost an elder, particularly one of the parent, in the family. The recent example is when thousands of people got their heads shaved in Nepal when the King Birendra was assassinated - in this the King symbolized as the "Father" of the nation.  Besides, when men make vows seeking fulfillment of their desire, they will get their head shaved. Symbolically it means surrendering of one's ego (Head representing the center of Ego) to God.  Then we have cultists like Hare Krishna movement, where the followers also keep their head shaved all the time. Similarly the Hindu pundits and priestly class also keep their heads shaved in conformity of the latter explanation of the symbolic surrender of one's ego. Incidentally the tradition of shaving the heads is only among men and not among women. I wonder why!

Kabir, however, considered this also to be a mere ritual notwithstanding the symbolic meaning of shaving the head, as explained above. His criticism on the ritual of shaving heads highlights the fact that by mere shaving of the head (or merely being a ritualistic) one cannot attain self realization or discover the divinity within.

Continuing on the preceding doha, Kabir emphasizes that unless one cleanse one's mind from the quagmire of unhealthy, unclean and poisonous thoughts that are harmful individually and collectively, until then one is not free from delusion and self-deception. Mind being the source of all problems, it is in every individual's interest to keep it filled with healthy, harmonious and loving thoughts.
 

kabir doha- moond munddavat...................

Moond Munddavat Din Gaye, Ajhun Na Miliya Raam
Raam Naam Kahu Kya Karey, Je Man Ke Aurey Kaam

Translation

Ages have passed shaving the head,
yet union with Ram is not here
Recitation of Ram Naam is futile,
when mind is engaged elsewhere

My Understanding

In the earlier dohas (# 30, 31 and 32) Kabir explained the redundancy of the ritualistic 'fiddling' of the rosary. He now exposes those who are merely gripped in the rituals of shaving their heads periodically and reciting Ram Naam while their mind is busy wandering.

Kabir emphatically condemns these rituals and considers them a mere pretense.

If one is merely masked and engrossed in outwardly show-offs or trapped in sectarian and communal rituals, one is only leading a life of delusion and self-deception. Kabir emphasizes the importance and need of mastering one's mind to develop peace and poise, love and compassion as these are the essential ingredients towards leading a harmonious life and self-realization.

kabir doha- jab mein............

Jab Mein Tha Tab Hari Nahin, Jab Hari Hai Mein Nahin
Sab Andhiyara Mit Gaya, Jab Deepak Dekhya Mahin


Translation

When "I" was then Hari was not, Now Hari "is" and "I" am not
All the darkness (illusions) mitigated, When I saw the light (illumination) within.

My Understanding

From the root word "Har" (everything) is derived the word "Hari" which is used as yet another name or expression for God:  the most common being "Hari Om". 
In this doha, Kabir explains that till such time we are engrossed within the bounds of our (limited) ego - the mundane "I" -  we are not able to experience or realize the all-pervasive attribute of God. Resultantly we are in a state of conflict, chaos and a state of ignorance aptly expressed as darkness or illusion in the doha. This darkness - the state of ignorance - diminishes, rather eliminates, when the all-pervasive effulgence of God (the light within) is perceived, realized or experienced. With this conviction we are able to transcend the bondage enforced by our ego.

kabir doha-kabir maala.....................

Kabir Maala Kaath Kee, Kahi Samjhave Tohi
Man Na Firave Aapna, Kaha Firave Mohi


Translation

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

My Understanding

Having talked about the rosary in the earlier dohas (# 30 and # 31) Kabir now goes a step further in giving a new dimension to the purpose and usefulness of the rosary. In this doha, Kabir using a metaphor - where he equates the rosary to a teacher  - candidly advises the  aspirants to focus on directing the mind towards their spiritual goal. Kabir asserts that mere rotation of the rosary is useless and futile with a wandering mind.

kabir doha-maala pherat.....................

Maala Pherat Jug Bhaya, Mita Na Man Ka Pher
Kar Ka Manka Chhor De, Man Ka Manka Pher


Translation

Eons have passed whirling rosary, restless remains the mind 
Give up the beads of rosary and rotate the beads of mind

My Understanding

This doha is an extension of the previous one. Kabir in this doha explains that the purpose of using rosary is not the end but a medium which is helpful in meditation. The aim of all meditations is to calm the mind and become its master. The rosary is but a mere tool.

Having explained this Kabir proceeds to state that although many epochs have elapsed since the human civilization started using the rosary as a tool, yet we see that by and large our mind is restless and agitated while the tool appears to have become a symbol in itself. 

Addressing the spiritual aspirants, Kabir asserts that instead of concentrating on the rosary beads and its count of rotation, one should focus and become aware of  the wandering mind. For only by becoming aware shall we become alert and be able to guide ourselves towards poise and serenity. This is the ultimate aim of meditation - to become calm and experience the oneness between our individual self and the cosmic self.

 

kabir doha-maala to.....................

Maala To Kar Mein Phire, Jeebh Phire Mukh Mahin
Manua To Chahun Dish Phire, Yeh To Simran Nahin


Translation

The rosary rotating by the hand (or) the tongue twisting in the mouth,
With the mind wandering everywhere, this isn't meditation (Oh uncouth!).

My Understanding

Kabir in this doha strongly condemns those faking to be religious and spiritualists. How very often we see people belonging from almost every religion 'fiddling' with the rosary beads and reciting the name of God. Yet at the slightest provocation they swear and curse, without any hesitation, with the same 'twisting' tongue. Kabir, here categorically points out that such people have no control over their mind which is forever wandering. Such people are hypocrites and deluded, for their actions are only outwardly to show off or to keep up with the rituals out of sectarian and communal pressures. To be able to bring mind in control means to develop poise and serenity that in turn lead to love and compassion which are the prerequisites for meditation. An agitated mind cannot meditate!  Kabir emphatically states in this doha that all these superficial ritualistic actions are meaningless and unproductive.

The aim of true meditation, Kabir tries to emphasize, is to be able to master one's mind.

 

kabir doha-ek kahun................

Ek Kahun To Hai Nahin, Do Kahun To Gaari
Hai Jaisa Taisa Rahe, Kahe Kabir Bichari 


Translation

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

Explanation

This Doha is an illustration of Kabir mysticism that parallels the Zen Koans. 

Kabir here is alluding to the futility of describing the cosmic experience. In that vein, he underscores the limited vision of both the Advaitic (one God) and Dvaitic (God is separate from the devotee) schools of thought. He says that the final experience is what it is and cannot be cast into any thought, words or description. A first-hand direct experience is the only way of knowing. And when that happens all else becomes literally irrelevant.

Many people ask why did the tragedy of September 11 have to happen? Many spiritual leaders have given a variety of explanations. Could it be that the answer is not an explanation but a feeling, not discussion or analysis but silence, not extroversion but an introversive acceptance?

 

kabir doha-kabir yeh..................................

Kabir Yeh Ghar Prem Ka, Khala Ka Ghar Nahin
Sees Utaare Hath Kar, So Pasey Ghar Mahin


Translation

Kabir, this is the abode of love
Not the house of an aunt
Only that one can enter here
Who has relinquished all pride

My Understanding

Kabir in this doha attempts to explain valor and fearlessness in love and devotion. A person who is able to defeat the passions of Anger, Carnality, Attachment, Greed and Enmity - the enemies within - is the valiant one.  To be a lover or a true devotee is the job of a warrior and not of a coward. For love demands complete surrender of one's ego and a spirit full of compassion and poise. 

The abode of love is not like a visit to an aunt's house where the social rules of entertaining guests may be available. Instead in this abode of love one enters with the spirit of giving or complete surrender.

Is a genuine offering to the Lord possible without surrendering oneself? Similarly, is love possible between two people when it is based on conditions?

kabir doha-asa jive..........

Aasa Jive Jag Marey, Log Marey Mar Jayee
Soyee Sube Dhan Sanchate, So Ubrey Jey Khayee


Translation

Hope lives in a dying world, people die and die again
Perish yet hoarding wealth, spend and freedom attain

My Understanding

Having explained in the previous Doha that we should save the wealth that will be helpful now and beyond, Kabir now makes us take a step forward towards the principle of non-attachment through this Doha.

In this eternally changing and perishable world, Kabir explains that only those who distribute and share the wealth are the ones who attain liberation. Who are they that share? Those who have abundance. And, abundance comes to those who understand the doctrine of Karma and are non-attached to the results.

kabir doha-kabir so dhan.....................

Kabir So Dhan Sanchiye, Jo Aage Ko Hoye
Sees Charaye Potli, Le Jaat Na Dekhya Koye


Translation

Kabir, save the wealth that 'remains' in the moment ultimate
Departing with a crown of material wealth, none has crossed the gate

My Understanding
All our life we are busy saving. Saving, for the rainy days. Saving for the unforeseeable future, the old age, etc. Surely, it is advisable to save. However, there are also people who will save, at times, by depriving themselves of even basics that are essential for their individual growth and development. And, there are also people, who will save by NOT sharing, by amassing wealth with wrong means and corrupt practices like bribery and theft - victims of greed and insecurity.

Kabir, keeping these factors in mind, says that this amassed worldly wealth eventually does not accompany when we die. It simply stays behind. Therefore, Kabir suggests that we should save the wealth that will be helpful now and beyond, the strength of which shall become the path to liberation. The "true" wealth that one is able to take forward is the "Naam" and not the worldly wealth. The Naam is strung to one's inner self while the external wealth is limited to the physical body which we all know does not go with us after death.

Note:
The translation given above is 'inferred' and not literal. The literal translation would be: 

Kabir, save the wealth that remains in the imminent future
Departing with a bag of wealth, none has yet been seen.

I have purposely chosen to present the 'inferred' translation as it is closer to the true meaning understood from the original Kabir verse in Hindi.
 

kabir doha-aag jo.............

Aag Jo Lagi Samand Mein, Dhuan Na Pargat Hoye
So Jane Jo Jarmua, Jaki Lagi Hoye


Translation

With the ocean set ablaze
The smoke yet manifests not
Only the one who gets burnt
Envisions the heat of loving thought

My Understanding

The agony and turmoil in the heart of a lover, a devotee, is symbolically shown in this Doha as the flame that is burning the ocean. Yet none knows or can know about this pain because the "smoke" is not visible! Only the one who is suffering the separation from one's beloved can understand the force of such a fire.

Kabir, in this Doha depicts the agony that a devotee feels for his Lord or Ishta, or in our normal day to day life, a lover feels for the beloved. To others, the intensity, the pain of separation is not comprehensible for this too is precious for the lovers to reveal. It is but a private affair!  Don't they say, only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches!!

This Doha by Kabir is again a superb example of mystic poetry where in two lines, Kabir is able to project the agony and the ecstasy of true love and devotion.