5th Annual Kabir Festival: Compositions presented along with translations in English

Siiftyy (Harsift Kaur)

Bikhai Baach Har Raach Samajh Man Baura Rae. (बिखै बाचु हरि राचु समझु मन बउरा रे)

कालबूत की हस्तनी मन बउरा रे चलतु रचिओ जगदीस ॥
Kaalabooth Kee Hasathanee Man Bouraa Rae Chalath Rachiou Jagadhees
Like the straw figure of a female elephant, fashioned to trap the bull elephant, O crazy mind, the Lord of the Universe has staged the drama of this world.

Kaalabooth Kee Hasathanee Man Bouraa Rae Chalath Rachiou Jagadhees

Like the straw figure of a female elephant, fashioned to trap the bull elephant, O crazy mind, the Lord of the Universe has staged the drama of this world.
——————————-

काम सुआइ गज बसि परे मन बउरा रे अंकसु सहिओ सीस ॥

Kaam Suaae Gaj Bas Parae Man Bouraa Rae Ankas Sehiou Sees

Attracted by the lure of sexual desire, the elephant is captured, O crazy mind, and now the halter is placed around its neck.
——————————-

बिखै बाचु हरि राचु समझु मन बउरा रे ॥

Bikhai Baach Har Raach Samajh Man Bouraa Rae

So, escape from corruption and immerse yourself in the Lord; take this advice, O crazy mind.
——————————-

निरभै होइ न हरि भजे मन बउरा रे गहिओ न राम जहाजु ॥

Nirabhai Hoe N Har Bhajae Man Bouraa Rae Gehiou N Raam Jehaaj

You have not meditated fearlessly on the Lord, O crazy mind; you have not embarked upon the Lord’s Boat.
——————————-

मरकट मुसटी अनाज की मन बउरा रे लीनी हाथु पसारि ॥

Marakatt Musattee Anaaj Kee Man Bouraa Rae Leenee Haathh Pasaar

The monkey stretches out its hand, O crazy mind, and takes a handful of corn;
——————————-

Lagan bin lage na nirmohi

We are all dependent on God, what he has willed, that only will happen.
——————————-

छूटन को सहसा परिआ मन बउरा रे नाचिओ घर घर बारि ॥

Shhoottan Ko Sehasaa Pariaa Man Bouraa Rae Naachiou Ghar Ghar Baar

Now unable to escape, O crazy mind, it is made to dance door to door.
——————————-

जिउ नलनी सूअटा गहिओ मन बउरा रे माया इहु बिउहारु ॥

Jio Nalanee Sooattaa Gehiou Man Bouraa Rae Maayaa Eihu Biouhaar

Like the parrot caught in the trap, O crazy mind, you trapped by the affairs of Maya.——————————-

जैसा रंगु कसुंभ का मन बउरा रे तिउ पसरिओ पासारु ॥

Jaisaa Rang Kasunbh Kaa Man Bouraa Rae Thio Pasariou Paasaar

Like the weak dye of the safflower, O crazy mind, so is the expanse of this world of form and substance.
——————————-

नावन कउ तीरथ घने मन बउरा रे पूजन कउ बहु देव ॥

Naavan Ko Theerathh Ghanae Man Bouraa Rae Poojan Ko Bahu Dhaev

There are so many holy shrines in which to bathe, O crazy mind, and so many gods to worship.
——————————-

कहु कबीर छूटनु नही मन बउरा रे छूटनु हरि की सेव ॥

Kahu Kabeer Shhoottan Nehee Man Bouraa Rae Shhoottan Har Kee Saev

Says Kabeer, you shall not be saved like this, O crazy mind; only by serving the Lord will you find release.

Nadeem Mirza

Milna Ho To Yaheen Per Mili Yo (मिलना हो तो यहीं पर मिलियो)

मिलना हो तो यहीं पर मिलियो, बाद मरन किस काम
लोहा माटी हो गया, तो पारस किस काम
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।

Milna Ho To Yaheen Per Mili Yo, Baad Maran Kiss Kam
Loha Matee Ho Gaya, To Paras Kiss Kam
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.

If meeting is to happen, let it happen right here;
What use is Paras (a stone that turns iron to gold) if the iron is turned to dust; (Man)
Of what use the Divine Wisdom would be!
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.

———————

रंगी को नारंगी कहें, चलते को गाड़ी, और बने दूध को खोया।
इस जग की उल्टी रीत देख कबीरा रोया।
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।

Range Ko Na Rangee Kaheen, Chalte Ko Garee, Aur Banay Dood Ko Khoya.
Is Jag Ki Ultee Reet Dekh Kabira Roya
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.

They call the colored ‘uncolored’, The moving one ‘still’; Milk becomes Khoya.
The ways of the world are topsy-turvy—Seeing Kabir weeps? Makes him Question.
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.

———————

माटी कहे कुम्हार से, तू क्या रौंदे मोय
एक दिन ऐसा आएगा, मैं रौंदूँगी तोय।
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।

Mate Kahay Kumhar say, Tu Kya Ronday Mohay
Eik Din Aisa Ayayga, Main Rondon Ge Tohay.
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.

The mud says to the potter, “You trample upon me now,
But a day will come When I shall trample upon you.”
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.

———————

भला हुआ मोरी गगरी टूटी, मैं पनिया भरन से छूटी
मोरे सर से टली बला
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।

Bhala Hoa More Gagree Tootee, Ma Paniya Bharan Say Chutee
More Sar Say Tale Bala
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.

Blessings that the pitcher breaks, And I am freed from the task of fetching water;
The essence speaks—O I am so relieved. (Won’t have to listen to the gossips anymore.)
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.

———————

भला हुआ मेरी माला टूटी, मैं राम जपन से छूटी
मोरे सर से टली बला।
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।

Bhala Hoa Mare Mala Tote, Ma Ram Japan Say Chote
More Sar Say Tale Bala.
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.

Blessings that the rosary breaks, And I am freed from the chanting of Ram’s name;
The essence speaks—(Relieved from the ritual & focused on the substance) the burden is lifted.
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.

———————

मिलना हो तो यहीं पर मिलियो, बाद मरन किस काम
लोहा माटी हो गया, तो पारस किस काम
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।

Milna Ho To Yaheen Per Mili Yo, Baad Maran Kiss Kam
Loha Matee Ho Gaya, To Paras Kiss Kam
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.

If a meeting is to happen, let it happen right here;
What use is it to beat the air? The iron has turned to dust;
Of what use the Philosopher’s Stone/Paras be then
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.

———————

हर मरे तो हम मरे, और हमरी मरे बला
साँचे गुरु का बालका, सो मरे न मारा जाए।
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।

Har mare to hum mare. Aur Hamree Maray Bala
Sanchee Guru ka baalaka. So Maray Na Mara Jayee’
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.

M Rao and Students

Hari bin tero mere manwa, apna koi nahi (हरि बिन तेरो मेरे मनवा, अपना कोई नहीं)
Presenter: Sonia Sharma

हरि बिन तेरो मेरे मनवा, अपना कोई नहीं

Hari bin tero mere manwa, Apna koi nahi.

Without You, O Hari (God), O my heart — I have no one to call my own.
———————

बाग लगाया महल बनाया, तू कहे घर मेरा

Bag lagaya mehal banaya, tu kahe ghar mera.

I planted gardens, built palaces — and you (ego) claim, “This is my home.”
———————

काल नगाड़े सर पे बाजे, अंत अकेला जाए रे

Kaal nagare, sar pae baje, aant akela jaye rae.

The drums of death beat upon the head — and in the end, one departs alone.
———————

पांच पचीसी बाराती आये, ले चल-ले चल होती

Paanch panchisi baarati aaye, le chal-le chal hoti.

Dozens of people gather as your funeral procession — chanting “take him, take him.”
———————

कहत कबीर सुनो भये साधो, ये गत सबको होती

Kehat Kabir suno bhaye sadho, yeh gat sabko hoti.

Says Kabir: Listen, O seeker — this fate comes to all.
———————

kabeer meraa mujh meh (कबीर मेरा मुझ महि)
Presenter: Amandeep Singh

कबीर मेरा मुझ महि किछु नही जो किछु है सो तेरा

kabeer meraa mujh meh kichh nahee jo kichh hai so teraa

Kabeer, nothing is mine within myself. Whatever there is, is Yours, O Lord.
———————

तेरा तुझ कउ सउपते किआ लागै मेरा

teraa tujh kau saupate kiaa laagai meraa

If I surrender to You what is already Yours, what does it cost me?
———————

राजा राम तूं ऐसा निरभउ तरन तारन राम राइआ

raajaa raam too(n) aaisaa nirabhau taran taaran raam raiaa

O my Sovereign Lord King, You are Fearless; You are the Carrier to carry us across, O my Lord King.
———————

जब हम होते तब तुम नाही अब तुम हहु हम नाही

jab ham hote tab tum naahee ab tum hahu ham naahee

When I was, then You were not; now that You are, I am not.
———————

अब हम तुम एक भए हहि एकै देखत मनु पतीआही

ab ham tum ek bhe heh ekai dhekhat man pateeaahee

Now, You and I have become one; seeing this, my mind is content.
———————

जब बुधि होती तब बलु कैसा अब बुधि बलु न खटाई

jab budh hotee tab bal kaisaa ab budh bal na khaTaiee

When there was wisdom, how could there be strength? Now that there is wisdom, strength cannot prevail.
———————

कहि कबीर बुधि हरि लई मेरी बुधि बदली सिधि पाई

keh kabeer budh har liee meree budh badhalee sidh paiee

Says Kabeer, the Lord has taken away my wisdom, and I have attained spiritual perfection.
———————

la(n)kaa saa koT samu(n)dh see khaiee  (लंका सा कोटु समुंद सी खाई)
Presenter: Girish Satpute

la(n)kaa saa koT samu(n)dh see khaiee

लंका सा कोटु समुंद सी खाई

A fortress like that of Sri Lanka, with the ocean as a moat around it,
———————

teh raavan ghar khabar na paiee

 तिह रावन घर खबरि न पाई

there is no news about that house of Raavan.
———————

kiaa maagau kichh thir na rahaiee

किआ मागउ किछु थिरु न रहाई

What shall I ask for? Nothing is permanent.
———————

dhekhat nain chalio jag jaiee

देखत नैन चलिओ जगु जाई

I see with my eyes that the world is passing away.
———————

eik lakh poot savaa lakh naatee

इकु लखु पूत सवा लखु नाती

Thousands of sons and thousands of grandsons,
———————

तिह रावन घर दीआ न बाती

teh raavan ghar dheeaa na baatee

but in that house of Raavan, the lamps and wicks have gone out.
———————

चंदु सूरजु जा के तपत रसोई

cha(n)dh sooraj jaa ke tapat rasoiee

The moon and the sun cooked his food.
———————

बैसंतरु जा के कपरे धोई

baisa(n)tar jaa ke kapare dhoiee

The fire washed his clothes.
———————

गुरमति रामै नामि बसाई

gurmat raamai naam basaiee

Under Guru’s Instructions, one whose mind is filled with the Lord’s Name,
———————

असथिरु रहै न कतहूं जाई

asathir rahai na katahoo(n) jaiee

becomes permanent, and does not go anywhere.
———————

कहत कबीर सुनहु रे लोई

kahat kabeer sunahu re loiee

Says Kabeer, listen, Loiee,
———————

 राम नाम बिनु मुकति न होई

raam naam bin mukat na hoiee

without the Lord’s Name, no one is liberated.
———————

kabeer too(n) too(n) karataa (कबीर तूं तूं करता)
Presenter: Girish Satpute

कबीर तूं तूं करता तू हूआ मुझ महि रहा न हूं

kabeer too(n) too(n) karataa too hooaa mujh meh rahaa na hoo(n)

Kabeer, repeating, “You, You”, I have become like You. Nothing of me remains in myself.
———————

जब आपा पर का मिटि गइआ जत देखउ तत तू

jab aapaa par kaa miT giaa jat dhekhau tat too

When the difference between myself and others is removed, then wherever I look, I see only You.
———————

अब तउ जाइ चढे सिंघासनि मिले है सारिंगपानी

ab tau jai chadde si(n)ghaasan mile hai saari(n)gapaanee

Now, I have mounted to the throne of the Lord; I have met the Lord, the Sustainer of the World.
———————

राम कबीरा एक भए है कोइ न सकै पछानी

raam kabeeraa ek bhe hai koi na sakai pachhaanee

The Lord and Kabeer have become one. No one can tell them apart.
———————

Tū mero mer parbat suāmī (तू मेरो मेरु पर्वत स्वामी)
Presenter: Kamal Chadda

तू मेरो मेरु पर्वत स्वामी, ओट गही मैं तेरी

Tū mero mer parbat suāmī, ot gahī mai terī.

You are my Sumayr Mountain, O my Lord and Master; I have grasped Your Support.
———————

ना तुम डोलहु ना हम गिरते, रख लीनी हर मेरी

Nā tum dolahu nā ham girte, rakh līnī har merī.

You do not shake, and I do not fall. You have preserved my honor.
———————

अब तब जब कब तुही तुही

Ab tab jab kab tuhī tuhī.

Now and then, here and there — You, only You.
———————

हम तुअ प्रसाद सुखी सदा ही

Ham tua prasād sukhī sadā hī.

By Your Grace, I am forever in peace.
———————

तोरे भरोसे मगहर बसिओ, मेरे तन की तपत बुझाई

Tore bharose maghar basio, mere tan kī tapat bujhāī.

Relying upon You, I can live even in the cursed place of Magahar; You have put out the fire of my body.
———————

पहिले दर्शन मगहर पाइयो, पुनि कासी बसे आई

Pahile darshan maghar pāiyo, puni kāsī base āī.

First, I obtained the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan in Magahar; then, I came to dwell at Benares.
———————

जैसा मगहरु तैसी कासी, हम एकै कर जानी

Jaisā magharu taisī kāsī, ham ekai kar jānī.

As is Magahar, so is Benares; I see them as one and the same.
———————

हम निर्धन जिउ इहु धनु पाइआ, मरते फूट गुमानी

Ham nirdhan jiu ihu dhan pāiā, marte fūṭ gumānī.

I am poor, but I have obtained this wealth of the Lord; the proud burst with pride and die.
———————

करै गुमान चुबहि तिस सूला, को काढन कौ नाही

Karai gumān chubahih tis sūlā, ko kāḍhan kau nāhī.

One who takes pride in himself is stuck with thorns; no one can pull them out.
———————

अजै सो चोभ कौ बिलल बिलाते, नरके घोर पछाही

Ajai so chobh kau bilal bilāte, narke ghor pachāhī.

Here, he cries bitterly, and hereafter, he burns in the most hideous hell.
———————

कवन नरक क्या सुरग बिचारा, संतन दोऊ रादे

Kavan narak kyā surag bichārā, santan doū rāde.

What is hell, and what is heaven? The Saints reject them both.
———————

हम काहू की काण न कढते, अपने गुरु प्रसादे

Ham kāhū kī kāṇ na kaḍhate, apne guru prasāde.

I have no obligation to either of them, by the Grace of my Guru.
———————

अब तौ जाए चढे सिंहासन, मिले है सारिंगपानी

Ab tau jāe chaḍhe siṅghāsan, mile hai sāriṅgpānī.

Now, I have mounted to the throne of the Lord; I have met the Lord, the Sustainer of the World.
———————

राम कबीर एक भए हैं, कोइ न सकै पछानी

Rām kabīr ek bhae hai, koi na sakai pachānī.

The Lord and Kabeer have become one. No one can tell them apart.
———————

Baware Baware (बावरे बावरे)
Presenter: Mohini Duke Singh

बावरे तै ज्ञान विचार न पाया।

Baavare tai giaan beechaar na paiaa.

O mad man, you have not obtained spiritual wisdom and meditation.
———————

व्यर्थ जनम गवाया।

Birathaa janam gavaiaa.

You have wasted this human life, and lost.
———————

थाके नैन श्रवण सुन थाके, थाकी सुंदर काया।

Thaake nain sravan sun thaake, thaakee sundhar kaia.

My eyes are exhausted, and my ears are tired of hearing; my beautiful body is exhausted.
———————

जरा हाक दी सब मति थाकी, एक न थाकस माया।

Jaraa haak dhee sabh mat thaakee, ek na thaakas maiaa.

Driven forward by old age, all my senses are exhausted; only my attachment to Maya is not exhausted.
———————

तब लग प्राणी तिसै सरेवहु, जब लग घट में सासा।

Tab lag praanee tisai sarevahu, jab lag ghaṭ meh saasaa.

O mortal, serve the Lord, as long as the breath of life remains in the body.
———————

जे घट जाए त भाउ न जासी, हर के चरण निवासा।

Je ghaṭ jai ta bhaau na jaasee, har ke charan nivaasaa.

And even when your body dies, your love for the Lord shall not die; you shall dwell at the Feet of the Lord.
———————

जिस कौ सबद बसावै अंतर, चूकै तिसै पियासा।

Jis kau sabadh basaavai a(n)tar, chookai tiseh piaasaa.

When the Word of the Shabad abides deep within, thirst and desire are quenched.
———————

हुकमै बूझै चौपड़ खेले, मन जिन डाले पासा।

Hukamai boojhai chaupaR khelai, man jin ddaale paasaa.

When one understands the Hukam of the Lord’s Command, he plays the game of chess with the Lord; throwing the dice, he conquers his own mind.
———————

जो जन जान भजे अभिगत कौ, तिन का कछू न नासा।

Jo jan jaan bhajeh abigat kau, tin kaa kachhoo na naasaa.

Those humble beings, who know the Imperishable Lord and meditate on Him, are not destroyed at all.
———————

कहु कबीर ते जन कबहु न हारै, डाल जु जाने पासा।

Kahu kabeer te jan kabahu na haareh, ddaal ju jaaneh paasaa.

Says Kabeer, those humble beings who know how to throw these dice, never lose the game of life.
———————

Anjali Dhodapkar

Sadho yaha tan thaat tambure ka (साधो यह तन ठाठ तम्बूरे का)

साधो यह तन ठाठ तम्बूरे का

Saadho yeh tan thaath tamboore ka

O seeker, this body is like a finely-tuned tanpura (stringed instrument).
———————

ऐंचत तार मरोरत खूँटी, निकसत राग हजूरे का

Ainchat taar marorat khoonti, niksat raag hajure ka

Its strings are pulled and twisted onto pegs, and from it emerges the melody of the divine.
———————

टूटे तार बिखरि गई खूँटी, हो गया धूरम धूरे का

Toote taar bikhar gayi khoonti, ho gaya dhooram dhoore ka

When the strings snap, and the pegs fall apart — it turns to dust and disarray.
———————

या देही का गर्व न कीजै, उड़ गया हंस तम्बूरे का

Ya dehi ka garv na keejai, ud gaya hans tamboore ka

So do not take pride in this body — for the soul, the swan, has flown away from the instrument.
———————

कहैं कबीर सुनो भाई साधो, अगम पंथ कोई सूरे का

Kahain kabir suno bhai saadho, agam panth koi soore ka

Says Kabir: Listen, O seeker — the path to the Infinite is known to but a few radiant beings.
———————

Song Birds

Moko Kahan Dhundhere Bande Mein To Tere Paas Mein (मोकौ कहाँ ढूंढे रे बन्दे, मैं तो तेरे पास में )

मोकौ कहाँ ढूंढे रे बन्दे, मैं तो तेरे पास में

Moko kahaan dhundhere bande, main to tere paas mein.

Where do you search me? I am with you.
———————

ना तीर्थ में, ना मूर्त में, ना एकान्त निवास में

Na teerath mein, na moorat mein, na ekaant nivaas mein.

Not in pilgrimage, nor in idols, neither in solitude.
———————

ना मन्दिर में, ना मस्जिद में, ना काबे कैलास में

Na mandir mein, na masjid mein, na Kaabe Kailas mein.

Not in temples, nor in mosques, neither in Kaba nor in Kailash.
———————

मैं तो तेरे पास में बन्दे, मैं तो तेरे पास में

Main to tere paas mein bande, main to tere paas mein.

I am with you, O man — I am with you.
———————

ना मैं जप में, ना मैं तप में, ना मैं बरत उपास में

Na main jap mein, na main tap mein, na main barat upaas mein.

Not in prayers, nor in penance, neither in fasting or observances.
———————

ना मैं क्रिया कर्म में रहता, नाहीं योग सन्यास में

Na main kriya karm mein rehta, naahin jog sanyaas mein.

Not in rituals or deeds, nor in yogic renunciation.
———————

नहीं प्राण में, नहीं पिंड में, ना ब्रह्माण्ड आकाश में

Nahin praan mein, nahin pind mein, na brahmaand aakaash mein.

Neither in the vital breath, nor in the body, nor in the cosmic sky.
———————

ना मैं प्रकृति प्रावर गुफा में, नहीं श्वासों की श्वास में

Na main prakriti prawar gufa mein, nahin shwaason ki shwaas mein.

Neither in Nature’s deepest caves, nor in the breath of breaths.
———————

खोजी होए तुरत मिल जाऊँ, इक पल की तलाश में

Khoji hoye turat mil jaaoon, ik pal ki talaash mein.

Seek sincerely and you’ll find me — in just a moment of searching.
———————

कहत कबीर सुनो भाई साधो, मैं तो हूँ विश्वास में

Kahet Kabir suno bhai sadho, main to hoon vishwas mein.

Says Kabir, listen O seeker — I dwell in your faith.
———————

prabhu mein gulam (प्रभु मैं ग़ुलाम)

प्रभु मैं ग़ुलाम, मैं ग़ुलाम, मैं ग़ुलाम तेरा।

Prabhu main gulaam, main gulaam, main gulaam tera.

O Lord, I am Your servant — Your servant, Your humble servant.
———————

तू दीवाना, तू दीवाना, तू दीवाना मेरा।

Tu diwaanā, tu diwaanā, tu diwaanā merā.

You are the savior, the master, the ruler of my heart.
———————

दो रोटी, एक लंगोटी, तेरे पास में पाया।

Do roti, ek langoti, tere paas mein paaya.

Two pieces of bread and one loincloth — that’s all I needed with You.
———————

भक्ति भाव दे और नाम तेरा गाया।

Bhakti bhaav de aur naam tera gaayaa.

Grant me the feeling of devotion, and let me sing Your name.
———————

तू दीवाना, मेहरबान, नाम तेरा बढ़िया।

Tu diwaanā, mehrabaan, naam tera badhiyā.

You are the mad lover, the gracious one — and Your name is supreme.
———————

दास कबीर शरण में आयो, चरण लगे तेरीया।

Daas Kabir sharan mein aayo, charan lage teriyā.

Servant Kabir has come to Your refuge, and bows at Your feet.
———————

प्रभु मैं ग़ुलाम तेरा, तू दीवान मेरा।

Prabhu main gulaam tera, tu diwaan mera.

O Lord, I am Your servant, and You are my master — my mad, loving savior.
———————

Sarbpreet Singh

Ek jot ekaa milee (एक जोत एका मिली)

एक जोत एका मिली, किंबा होइ मसोइ

Ek jot ekaa milee, kinbā hoi mahoi.

The soul that merges with the Lord, loses forever its sense of self.
———————

जित घट नाम न ऊपजै, फूट मरे जन सोइ

Jit ghaṭ nām na ūpajai, fūṭ marai jan soi.

But those who are of His name bereft, forever will dwell in agony.
———————

सांवळ सुंदर रामइया

Sāval sundar Rāmiyā.

Oh, my dark, my comely Lord!
———————

मेरा मन लागा तोह

Merā man lāgā toh.

I am forever in Your thrall.
———————

साध मिले सिद्ध पाइए, कहो जोग कहो भोग

Sādh milai sidh pāieeai, keh jog keh bhog.

The Guru will lead you to success; austerities, abundance — useless both.
———————

दूहि मिल कारज ऊपजै, राम नाम संजोग

Dhuh mil kāraj ūpajai, Rām nām sanjog.

The Guru’s word, the disciple’s mind — both must merge in the Lord’s name.
———————

लोग जानै इह गीत है, इह तौ ब्रह्म विचार

Log jānai ih gīt hai, ih tau brahm bichār.

Dismiss it not as a mere song — know it to be divine wisdom.
———————

जिउ काशी उपदेश होई, मानस मरती बार

Jiu Kāshī updes hoi, mānas martī bār.

Unlike the mantras chanted at your deathbed — this brings you grace now.
———————

कोई गावै, को सुनै, हर नामां चित लाई

Koī gāvai, ko sunai, har nāmāṁ chit lāi.

He who sings, he who listens, he who dwells on the Lord divine—
———————

कहत कबीर संशय नहीं, अंत परम गति पाई

Kahat Kabīr sanśay nahīṁ, aṁt param gati pāi.

Says Kabir, without a doubt — at life’s end, supreme bliss is his.
———————

Bhookhe bhagat na keejai (भूखे भगत न कीजै)

भूखे भगत न कीजै।

Bhookhe bhagat na keejai.

Beset by hunger I cannot pray.
———————

यह माला अपनी लीजै।

Yeh maalaa apanee leejai.

Your prayer beads are not for me.
———————

हौं मांगउ संतन रेणा।

Hau maa(n)gau sa(n)tan renaa.

By the saints if I am blessed—
———————

मैं नाहीं किसी का देना।

Mai naahee kisee kaa dhenaa.

Beholden to none I shall be.
———————

माधो कैसी बनै तुम संगे।

Maadho kaisee banai tum sa(n)ge.

So attached I am to you, Lord—
———————

आप न देह त लेवौं मांगे।

Aap na dheh ta levau ma(n)ge.

I beg from you, of my own accord.
———————

धुई सेर मांगउ चूना।

Dhui ser maa(n)gau choonaa.

Two kilos of flour I seek.
———————

पाव घीउ संग लूना।

Paau gheeau sa(n)g loonaa.

Give me salt and give me ghee.
———————

अध सेर मांगउ दाले।

Adh ser maa(n)gau dhaale.

Half a kilo, lentils too—
———————

मो कौ दोनों वक्त जिवाले।

Mo kau dhonau vakhat jivaale.

Two meals they will make for me.
———————

खाट मांगउ चौपाई।

Khaaṭ maa(n)gau chaupaiee.

I ask you for a sturdy cot—
———————

सिरहाना अवर तुलाई।

Sirahaanaa avar tulaiee.

A mattress and a pillow too.
———————

ऊपर कौ मांगउ खींदा।

Uoopar kau maa(n)gau khee(n)dhaa.

To cover myself I need a quilt—
———————

तेरी भगति करै जन थनीधा।

Teree bhagat karai jan tha(n)eedhaa.

Much love I will feel for you.
———————

मैं नाहीं कीता लबो।

Mai naahee keetaa labo.

Greedy I am not one bit—
———————

एक नाउ तेरा मैं फबो।

Eik naau teraa mai fabo.

Lord, I only seek Your name.
———————

कह कबीर मन मानिया।

Keh Kabeer man maaniaa.

O Kabeer, my mind engrossed—
———————

मन मानिया तौ हर जानिया।

Man maaniaa tau har jaaniaa.

One with the Lord I became.
———————

Supriyo Dutta

Kabir ki Sakhiyan (कबीर की साखियाँ)

धीरे धीरे रे मन, धीरे सब कुछ होबे

Dhire dhire re mana, dhire sab kuch hobe.

Slowly, slowly, O mind — everything will happen in its time.
———————

माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ऋतु आवे फल होबे

Mali siche sao ghara, ritu aawe fal hobe.

Even if the gardener waters with a hundred pots, fruit comes only in season.
———————

रुखा सुखा खाए के, ठंडा पानी पीए

Rukha sukha khae ke, thanda pani piye.

Eat dry, simple food, and drink cool water.
———————

देख पराई छुरी मत ललचाए जीव

Dekh parai chupri, mat lalchaye jiv.

Seeing someone else’s buttered bread, don’t let your soul be tempted.
———————

करे बुरी, सुख चाहे — कैसे पावे कोई?

Kare burie sukh chave, kaese pawe koi?

If one does evil and still desires happiness — how can that ever be?
———————

बोए पेड़ बबूल का, आम कहां ते होबे?

Boe per babul ka, aam kahate hobe?

If you plant a babool (thorn tree), how can you expect mangoes?
———————

सुखिया ढूंढत मैं फिरूं, सुखिया मिले न कोई

Sukhiya dhundat mae firu, sukhiya mile na koi.

I roam searching for a happy person, but I find no one truly happy.
———————

जाके आगे दुख कहूं, पहले उठे रोए

Jake aage dukh kahu, pehele uthe roe.

To whom I share my sorrows, they begin crying before me!
———————

Moko kahan dhubdhe re bande (मोकौ कहाँ ढूंढे रे बन्दे)

मोकौ कहाँ ढूंढे रे बन्दे, मैं तो तेरे पास में

Moko kahaan dhundhere bande, main to tere paas mein.

Where do you search me? I am with you.
———————

ना तीर्थ में, ना मूर्त में, ना एकान्त निवास में

Na Teerath mein, na Moorat mein, na Ekant Niwas mein.

Not in pilgrimage, nor in icons, neither in solitudes.
———————

ना मन्दिर में, ना मस्जिद में, ना काबे कैलास में

Na Mandir mein, na Masjid mein, na Kabe Kailas mein.

Not in temples, nor in mosques, neither in Kaba nor in Kailash.
———————

मैं तो तेरे पास में बन्दे, मैं तो तेरे पास में

Main to tere paas mein bande, main to tere paas mein.

I am with you, O man — I am with you.
———————

ना मैं जप में, ना मैं तप में, ना मैं व्रत उपवास में

Na Main Jap mein, na Main Tap mein, na Main Barat Upaas mein.

Not in prayers, nor in meditation, neither in fasting.
———————

ना मैं क्रिया कर्म में रहता, ना ही योग सन्यास में

Na Main Kiriya Karm mein Rehta, naahin Jog Sanyas mein.

Not in yogic exercises, neither in renunciation.
———————

नहीं प्राण में, नहीं पिंड में, ना ब्रह्माण्ड आकाश में

Nahin Pran mein, Nahin Pind mein, na Brahmand Akas mein.

Neither in the vital force, nor in the body, not even in the ethereal space.
———————

ना मैं प्रकृति प्रावर गुफा में, नहीं श्वास की श्वास में

Na Main Prakuti Prawar Gufa mein, Nahin Swasan ki Swans mein.

Neither in the womb of Nature, not in the breath of the breath.
———————

खोजी होए तुरत मिल जाऊं, इक पल की तलाश में

Khoji Hoye Turat Mil Jaoon, Ik Pal Ki Talas Mein.

Seek earnestly and discover — in but a moment of search.
———————

कहत कबीर सुनो भाई साधो, मैं तो हूँ विश्वास में

Kahet Kabir Suno Bhai Sadho, Main To Hun Viswas Mein.

Says Kabir, listen with care — where your faith is, I am there.
———————

Man lago mero yaar fakiri mein (मन लागो मेरो यार फकीरी में)

मन लागो मेरो यार फकीरी में

Man lago mero yaar fakiri mein


My heart is drawn, O friend, to the life of a fakir (ascetic).
———————

जो सुख पाo राम भजन में,
वो सुख नाहीं अमीरी में

Jo sukh pa ram bhajan mein, wo sukh naahin ameeri mein

The joy I find in singing God’s name, I find nowhere in wealth and luxury.
———————

भला बुरा सब का सुन लीजै,कर गुजरान गरीबी में

Bhala bura sab ka sun leeje, kar guzaran garibi mein

Patiently listen to all – good or bad – and live contentedly in poverty.
———————

प्रेम नगर में रहनी हमारी,
भली बन आयी सबूरी में

Prem nagar mein rehni hamari, bhali ban aayi saburi mein

We dwell in the city of love, and patience (saburi) fits us well there.
———————

आखिर यह तन खाक मिलेगा, कहाँ फिरत मगरूरी में


Aakhir yeh tan khaak milega, khana firat magruri mein

In the end, this body will return to dust — why wander in arrogance?
———————

कहत कबीर सुनो भई साधो, साहिब मिले सबूरी में

Kehat kabir suno bhye sadhu, sahib mile saburi mein

Says Kabir: Listen, O seekers — the Lord is found through patience.