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

Siiftyy (Harsift Kaur)

Bikhai Baach Har Raach Samajh Man Baura Re. (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.
————–

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;
————–

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.
————–

MM Rao and his disciples

Naam Japan Kyon Chhod Diya (नाम जपन क्यों छोड़ दिया)
Presenter: Girish Satpute

सुखिया ढूँढत मैं फिरूँ, सुखिया मिला न कोय।
जाके आगे दुख कहूँ, पहले उठे रोय॥
Sukhiya dhoondhat main phiroon, sukhiya mila na koy.
Jaake aage dukh kahoon, pahle uthe roy.
I wander in search of someone truly happy, but find no one.
Whomever I approach to tell my sorrow begins to weep before I do.
————–

बोया पेड़ बबूल का, आम कहाँ से होय।
जैसी करनी आपनी, तैसा ही फल होय॥
Boya ped babool ka, aam kahaan se hoy.
Jaisi karni aapni, taisa hi phal hoy.
If you plant a thorny acacia tree, how can you expect mangoes?
As are your actions, so shall be the fruit you receive.
————–

नाम जपन क्यों छोड़ दिया,
क्रोध न छोड़ा, झूठ न छोड़ा,
सत्य वचन क्यों छोड़ दिया।
Naam japan kyon chhod diya,
Krodh na chhoda, jhooth na chhoda,
Satya vachan kyon chhod diya.
Why have you given up chanting the Divine Name?
You have not given up anger or falsehood—
Why, then, have you abandoned words of truth?
————–

झूठे जग में दिल ललचाकर,
असल वतन क्यों छोड़ दिया।
Jhoothe jag mein dil lalchaakar,
Asal vatan kyon chhod diya.
Tempted by this transient and deceptive world,
Why have you forgotten your true home?
————–

कौड़ी को तो खूब संभाला,
लाल रतन क्यों छोड़ दिया।
Kaudi ko to khoob sambhaala,
Laal ratan kyon chhod diya.
You carefully guarded something worth only a shell,
Why did you cast aside the precious jewel?
————–

जिन सुमिरन से अति सुख पावे,
सो सुमिरन क्यों छोड़ दिया।
Jin sumiran se ati sukh paave,
So sumiran kyon chhod diya.
Why have you abandoned that remembrance
Through which one finds the deepest joy?
————–

खालिस एक भगवान भरोसे,
तन मन धन क्यों छोड़ दिया।
Khaalis ek Bhagwaan bharose,
Tan man dhan kyon chhod diya.
Place your trust wholly in the Divine alone—
Why worry over body, mind, and wealth?
————–

Maati kahe kumhaar se (माटी कहे कुम्हार से)
Presenter: Girish Satpute (with chorus)

आए हैं तो जाएँगे, राजा रंक फकीर।
एक सिंहासन चढ़ि चले, एक बँधे जंजीर॥
Aaye hain to jaayenge, raja rank fakir.
Ek sinhaasan chadhi chale, ek bandhe zanjeer.
Kings, paupers, and fakirs—all who come must one day depart.
Some leave seated upon a throne, while others leave bound in chains.
————–

माटी कहे कुम्हार से, तू क्या रौंदे मोय।
एक दिन ऐसा आएगा, मैं रौंदूँगी तोय॥
Maati kahe kumhaar se, tu kya raunde moye.
Ek din aisa aayega, main raundungi toy.
The clay says to the potter, “Why do you trample upon me?
A day will come when I shall trample upon you.”
————–

सुख में सुमिरन सब करें, दुःख में करे न कोय।
जो सुख में सुमिरन करे, तो दुःख काहे को होय॥
Sukh mein sumiran sab karein, dukh mein kare na koy.
Jo sukh mein sumiran kare, to dukh kaahe ko hoy.
Everyone remembers the Divine in times of happiness, but few do so in sorrow.
If one remembers the Divine even in happiness, why should sorrow overwhelm them?
————–

चलती चक्की देखकर, दिया कबीरा रोय।
दो पाटन के बीच में, साबुत बचा न कोय॥
Chalti chakki dekhkar, diya Kabira roy.
Do paatan ke beech mein, saabut bacha na koy.
Seeing the grinding mill turn, Kabir began to weep.
Between its two grinding stones, nothing remains whole.
————–

पत्ता टूटा डाल से, ले गई पवन उड़ाय।
अबके बिछड़े कब मिलेंगे, दूर पड़ेंगे जाय॥
Patta toota daal se, le gayi pavan udaay.
Abke bichhde kab milenge, door padenge jaay.
A leaf breaks away from the branch, and the wind carries it afar.
Once separated, who knows when they will meet again, as they drift farther apart?
————–

Rehna Nahin Des Biraana Hai (रहना नहीं देस बिराना है)
Presenter: Shilpa Dandge and Ammara Khan

रहना नहीं देस बिराना है,
बिराना है रे, बेगाना है।
यहाँ रहना नहीं देस बिराना है॥
Rehna nahin des biraana hai,
Biraana hai re, begaana hai.
Yahaan rehna nahin des biraana hai.
We are not meant to remain in this foreign land;
It is strange to us, it is not truly our own.
We are not meant to remain here—this is but a foreign land.
————–

यह संसार कागद की पुड़िया,
बूँद पड़े घुल जाना है।
बूँद पड़े घुल जाना है,
यहाँ रहना नहीं देस बिराना है॥
Yeh sansaar kaagad ki pudiya,
Boond pade ghul jaana hai.
Boond pade ghul jaana hai,
Yahaan rehna nahin des biraana hai.
This world is like a little packet made of paper;
A single drop of water can dissolve it away.
A single drop, and it disappears—
We are not meant to remain here; this is but a foreign land.
————–

यह संसार काँटे की बाड़ी,
उलझ-पुलझ मरि जाना है।
उलझ-पुलझ मरि जाना है,
यहाँ रहना नहीं देस बिराना है॥
Yeh sansaar kaante ki baadi,
Uljh-pulajh mari jaana hai.
Uljh-pulajh mari jaana hai,
Yahaan rehna nahin des biraana hai.
This world is a garden overgrown with thorns;
Entangled in them, one struggles and passes away.
Caught and tangled, one meets one’s end—
We are not meant to remain here; this is but a foreign land.
————–

यह संसार झाड़ और झाँखर,
आग लगे जल जाना है।
आग लगे जल जाना है,
यहाँ रहना नहीं देस बिराना है॥
Yeh sansaar jhaad aur jhaankhar,
Aag lage jal jaana hai.
Aag lage jal jaana hai,
Yahaan rehna nahin des biraana hai.
This world is like brushwood and tangled scrub;
Once fire catches, all of it must burn away.
When the fire is lit, everything is consumed—
We are not meant to remain here; this is but a foreign land.
————–

कहत कबीर, सुनो भाई साधो,
सतगुरु नाम ठिकाना है।
सतगुरु नाम ठिकाना है,
यहाँ रहना नहीं देस बिराना है॥
Kahat Kabir, suno bhai saadho,
Satguru naam thikaana hai.
Satguru naam thikaana hai,
Yahaan rehna nahin des biraana hai.
Kabir says, listen, O seekers and friends:
The Name of the True Guru is our true refuge.
The Name of the True Guru is our abiding home—
We are not meant to remain here; this is but a foreign land.
————–

Bhajo Re Man Ram Govind Hari (भजो रे मन राम गोविंद हरि)
Presenter: Naresh Agarwal and Sonia Sharma

भजो रे मन राम गोविंद हरि॥
Bhajo re man Raam Govind Hari.
O mind, sing the praises of Ram, Govind, Hari.
————–

जप तप साधन कछु नहीं लागत,
खरचत नहीं गठरी॥
Jap tap saadhan kachu nahi laagat,
Kharchat nahi gathari.
No elaborate chanting, austerity, or spiritual practice is required;
It costs nothing from the bundle you carry.
————–

संतत संपत सुख के कारन,
जासे भूल परी॥
Santat sampat sukh ke kaaran,
Jaase bhool pari.
In constantly chasing wealth and worldly happiness,
You have lost your way.
————–

राम नाम को सुमिरन कर ले,
सिर पे मौत खरी॥
Raam naam ko sumiran kar le,
Sir pe maut khari.
Remember the Name of Ram,
For death stands waiting over your head.
————–

कहत कबीर सुनो भाई साधो,
राम जा मुख नहीं, वो मुख धूल परी॥
Kahat Kabir suno bhai saadho,
Raam ja mukh nahi, vo mukh dhool pari.
Kabir says, listen, O seekers and friends:
The mouth that does not utter Ram’s Name is as good as covered in dust.
————–

Chadariya Jheeni Re Jheeni (चदरिया झीनी रे झीनी)
Presenter: Kamal Chadha

चदरिया झीनी रे झीनी,
राम नाम रस भीनी।
चदरिया झीनी रे झीनी॥
Chadariya jheeni re jheeni,
Raam naam ras bheeni.
Chadariya jheeni re jheeni.
Delicate, so delicate, is this finely woven cloth,
Soaked in the nectar of Ram’s Name.
Delicate, so delicate, is this cloth.
————–

अष्ट-कमल का चरखा बनाया,
पाँच तत्व की पूनी।
नौ-दस मास बुनन को लागे,
मूरख मैली कीन्ही॥
Asht-kamal ka charkha banaya,
Paanch tatva ki pooni.
Nau-das maas bunan ko laage,
Moorakh maili keenhi.
The spinning wheel was fashioned from the eight-petalled lotus,
And its thread prepared from the five elements.
For nine or ten months this cloth was woven,
Yet the foolish one stained it with impurity.
————–

जब मोरी चादर बन घर आई,
रंगरेज को दीन्हि।
ऐसा रंग रंगा रंगरे ने,
के लालो-लाल कर दीन्हि॥
Jab mori chaadar ban ghar aayi,
Rangrej ko deenhi.
Aisa rang ranga rangre ne,
Ke laalo-laal kar deenhi.
When my cloth was woven and came home,
I gave it to the Master Dyer.
The Dyer dyed it in such a wondrous color
That it became radiant red through and through.
————–

चादर ओढ़ शंका मत करियो,
ये दो दिन तुमको दीन्हि।
मूरख लोग भेद नहीं जाने,
दिन-दिन मैली कीन्हि॥
Chaadar odh shanka mat kariyo,
Ye do din tumko deenhi.
Moorakh log bhed nahin jaane,
Din-din maili keenhi.
Wear this cloth without fear or doubt,
For it has been given to you only for a few days.
The foolish do not understand its mystery,
And day by day they stain it.
————–

ध्रुव-प्रह्लाद-सुदामा ने ओढ़ी चदरिया,
शुकदेव ने निर्मल कीन्हि।
दास कबीर ने ऐसी ओढ़ी,
ज्यूँ की त्यूँ धर दीन्हि॥
Dhruv-Prahlaad-Sudaama ne odhi chadariya,
Shukdev ne nirmal keenhi.
Daas Kabir ne aisi odhi,
Jyun ki tyun dhar deenhi.
Dhruva, Prahlad, and Sudama wore this sacred cloth,
And Shukdev kept it pure and unstained.
Kabir, the servant, wore it with such care
That he returned it exactly as he had received it.
————–

Barthaa Janam Gavaa-i-aa (बिरथा जनमु गवाइआ)
Presenter: Mohini Duke

थाके नैन स्रवन सुनि थाके,
थाकी सुंदरि काइआ॥
Thaakay nain sarvan sun thaakay,
Thaakee sundar kaa-i-aa.
The eyes grow weary, the ears grow weary of hearing,
And the beautiful body itself grows tired.
————–

जरा हाक दी सभ मति थाकी,
एक न थाकसि माइआ॥
Jaraa haak dee sabh mat thaakee,
Ek na thaakas maa-i-aa.
Old age calls out, and all the faculties grow weary;
Yet one thing alone does not grow weary—attachment to Maya.
————–

बावरे तै गिआन बीचारु न पाइआ॥
Baavray tai gi-aan beechaar na paa-i-aa.
O foolish one, you have failed to attain
Wisdom and spiritual understanding.
————–

बिरथा जनमु गवाइआ॥
Birthaa janam gavaa-i-aa.
You have wasted this precious human life.
————–

तब लगु प्रानी तिसै सरेवहु,
जब लगु घट महि सासा॥
Tab lag paraanee tisai sarayvhu,
Jab lag ghat meh saasaa.
O mortal, serve and remember the Divine
As long as breath remains within your body.
————–

जे घटु जाइ त भाउ न जासी,
हरि के चरन निवासा॥
Jay ghat jaa-ay ta bhaa-o na jaasee,
Har kay charan nivaasaa.
Even when the body passes away, that love will not depart
If your dwelling is at the feet of the Divine.
————–

जिस कउ सबदु बसावै अंतरि,
चूकै तिसहि पिआसा॥
Jis ka-o sabad basaavai antar,
Chookai tiseh pi-aasaa.
One who enshrines the Divine Word within
Finds the thirst of desire extinguished.
————–

हुकमै बूझै चउपड़ि खेलै,
मनु जिणि ढाले पासा॥
Hukmai boojhai cha-uparh khaylai,
Man jin dhaalay paasaa.
One who understands the Divine Will plays the game of life wisely,
Casting the dice in such a way as to conquer the mind.
————–

Ih Dhan Mayray Har Ko Naa-o (इहु धनु मेरे हरि को नाउ)
Presenter: Amandeep Singh

इहु धनु मेरे हरि को नाउ॥
Ih dhan mayray har ko naa-o.
This is my true wealth: the Name of the Divine.
————–

गांठि न बाधउ, बेचि न खाउ॥
Gaanth na baadha-o, baych na khaa-o.
I do not tie it up in a bundle, Nor can it be sold or consumed.
————–

नाउ मेरे खेती, नाउ मेरे बारी।
भगति करउ जनु सरनि तुम्हारी॥
Naa-o mayray khaytee, naa-o mayray baaree.
Bhagat kara-o jan saran tumhaaree.
The Divine Name is my field, and the Divine Name is my garden.
As Your servant, I worship You and seek refuge in You.
————–

नाउ मेरे माइआ, नाउ मेरे पूंजी।
तुमहि छोडि जानउ नहीं दूजी॥
Naa-o mayray maa-i-aa, naa-o mayray poonjee.
Tumeh chhod jaan-o nahee doojee.
The Divine Name is my wealth, the Divine Name is all my capital.
Apart from You, I know no other.
————–

नाउ मेरे बंधिप, नाउ मेरे भाई।
नाउ मेरे संगि अंति होइ सखाई॥
Naa-o mayray bandhip, naa-o mayray bhaa-ee.
Naa-o mayray sang ant ho-ay sakhaa-ee.
The Divine Name is my kin, the Divine Name is my brother.
The Divine Name remains with me and becomes my companion in the end.
————–

माइआ महि जिसु रखै उदासु।
कहि कबीर हउ ता को दासु॥
Maa-i-aa meh jis rakhai udaas.
Kahi Kabeer ha-o taa ko daas.
One who remains detached even while living amidst Maya—
Kabir says, I am the servant of such a one.
————–

Sonali Tambe

Man lago yaar fakeeri main (मन लागो मेरो यार फ़कीरी में)

मन लागो मेरो यार फ़कीरी में ।
Mann laago mero yaar fakeeri mein.
My heart and mind have fallen deeply in love, my friend, with a spiritual asceticism.
————–

जो सुख पावो राम भजन में ।
Jo sukh paavo Ram bhajan mein,
The profound bliss and peace that I find in chanting and immersing myself in the divine name of Ram,
—–
वो सुख नाहीं अमीरी में ॥
Vo sukh naahi ameeri mein.
That genuine happiness is absolutely nowhere to be found in the riches of wealth and royalty.
————–

भला बुरा सब का सुन लीजे ।
Bhala bura sab ka sun lije,
Listen patiently to everything people have to say—whether it is praise or criticism, kind words or insults.
—–
कर गुज़रान गरीबी में ॥
Kar guzraan garibi mein.
Maintain your equanimity, and gracefully live your life in utter simplicity and material humility.
————–

प्रेम नगर में रहनी हमारी ।
Prem nagar mein rahni hamaari,
My true dwelling is in the city of divine love,
—–
भली बन आयी सबूरी में ॥
Bhali ban aayi saboori mein.
And my life has become beautiful, beautifully aligned and fulfilled, through absolute patience and contentment.
————–

आखिर ये तन खाक मिलेगा ।
Aakhir ye tan khaak milega,
In the end, this physical body of yours will turn to ash and merge right back into the dust.
—–
कहाँ फिरत मगरूरी में ॥
Kahaan phirat magroori mein.
Knowing this ultimate truth, why do you wander around consumed by arrogance, pride, and false ego?
————–

कहत कबीर सुनो भई साधो ।
Kahat Kabir suno bhai saadho,
Says Kabir, listen oh seekers and saints:
—–
साहिब मिले सबूरी में ॥
Sahib mile saboori mein
The supreme Lord and master is discovered and realized only within the depths of true patience, surrender, and deep contentment.
————–

kaun thagwa nagariya lootal ho? (कौन ठगवा नगरिया लूटल हो?)

कौन ठगवा नगरिया लूटल हो?
Kaun thagwa nagariya lootal ho?
Who is this thief who has looted the city?
————–

चंदन काट के बनल खटोला,
ता पर दुलहिन सूतल हो॥
Chandan kaat ke banal khatola,
Ta par dulahin sootal ho.
A bed is fashioned from sandalwood,
And upon it lies the bride.
————–

उठो सखी री, माँग सँवारो,
दूल्हा मोसे रूठल हो॥
Utho sakhi ri, maang sanwaaro,
Dulha mose roothal ho.
“Rise, my friend, and adorn the parting of my hair;
My bridegroom is displeased with me.”
————–

आए यमराज, पलंग चढ़ि बैठा,
नैनन अँसुआ फूटल हो॥
Aaye Yamraaj, palang chadhi baitha,
Nainan asuaan phootal ho.
But Yama, the Lord of Death, has arrived
And sits upon her bed;
Tears burst forth from her eyes.
————–

चार जने मिल खाट उठाइन,
चहुँ दिसि धूँ-धूँ उठल हो॥
Chaar jane mil khaat uthaayin,
Chahu disi dhoon-dhoon oothal ho.
Four men gather and lift the bier;
On every side, smoke rises in great clouds.
————–

कहत कबीर, सुनो भाई साधो,
जग से नाता छूटल हो॥
Kahat Kabir, suno bhai saadho,
Jag se naata chhootal ho.
Kabir says, listen, O seekers:
In the end, every tie with this world falls away.
————–

Anjali Dhodapkar

Nirguna Guna re gaaoonga (निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा)

निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा
Nirguna Guna re gaaoonga
Fearlessly I Will Sing the Attributes of the One without Attributes
————–

मूल कमल दृढ़ आसन बाँधूँ जी, उलटी पवन चढ़ाऊँगा
Mool Kamal Dradh Aasan Bandhu-ji Ulti Pavan Chadaunga
Using the Base Lotus as the Steady Seat, I Will Make the Wind Rise in Reverse
——
निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा रे, गाऊँगा निर्भय निर्गुण
Nirbhaiy Nirgun gun re gaunga re, gaunga Nirbhay Nirgun
Fearlessly I Will Sing the Attributes of the One without Attributes
————–

मन ममता को थिर कर लाऊँ जी, पाँचों तत्व मिलाऊँगा
Man Mamta Ko Thir Kar Laun-ji, Pancho Tat Milaunga
Steadying the Mind’s Attachments, I Will Unify the Five Elements
——
निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा रे, गाऊँगा निर्भय निर्गुण
Nirbhaiy Nirgun gun re gaunga re, gaunga Nirbhay Nirgun
Fearlessly I Will Sing the Attributes of the One without Attributes
————–

इंगला पिंगला सुखमन नाड़ी जी, त्रिवेणी पे हौं नहाऊँगा
Ingala Pingala Sukhman Nadi-ji, Tirveni Pe Haun Nahaunga
Ingila, Pingala and Sukhman are the Channels, I Will Bathe at the Confluence of the Three Rivers
—–
निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा रे, गाऊँगा निर्भय निर्गुण
Nirbhaiy Nirgun gun re gaunga re, gaunga Nirbhay Nirgun
Fearlessly I Will Sing the Attributes of the One without Attributes
————–

पाँच पचीसों पकड़ मंगाऊँ जी, एक ही डोर लगाऊँगा
Panch Pachhison Pakad Mangaun-ji , Ek Hi Dor Lagaunga
The Five and Twenty Five I Will Master by my Wish, and String them Together by One Common Thread
—–
निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा रे, गाऊँगा निर्भय निर्गुण
Nirbhaiy Nirgun gun re gaunga re, gaunga Nirbhay Nirgun
Fearlessly I Will Sing the Attributes of the One without Attributes
————–

शून्य शिखर पर अनहद बाजे जी, राग छत्तीस सुनाऊँगा
Shunya Shikhar Par Anhad Baje-ji, Raag Chattis Sunaunga,
At the Summit of Aloneness the Un-struck Anahad Sound Reverberates, I Will Play the Thirty-Six Different Symphonies
—–
निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा रे, गाऊँगा निर्भय निर्गुण
Nirbhaiy Nirgun gun re gaunga re, ganunga Nirbhay Nirgun
Fearlessly I Will Sing the Attributes of the One without Attributes
————–

कहत कबीर सुनो भाई साधो जी, जीत निशान घुराऊँगा
Kahat Kabir Suno Bhai Sadho-ji, Jeet Nishan Ghuraunga,
Says Kabir Listen Oh Practicing Aspirant, I Will Wave the Flag of Victory
—–
निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा, गाऊँगा निर्भय निर्गुण गुण रे गाऊँगा
Nirbhaiy Nirgun gun re gaunga, gaunga Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga
Fearlessly I Will Sing the Attributes of the One without Attributes
————–

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
Milna Ho To Yaheen Per Mili Yo, Baad Maran Ks Kam
If meeting is to happen, let it happen right here;
—–
लोहा माटी हो गया, तो पारस किस काम
Loha Matee Ho Gaya, To Paras Kiss Kam
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!
—–
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.
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।
Range Ko Na Rangee Kaheen, Chalte Ko Garee, Aur Banay Dood Ko Khoya.
They call the colored ‘uncolored’, The moving one ‘still’; Milk becomes Khoya.
—–
इस जग की उल्टी रीत देख कबीरा रोया।
Is Jag Ki Ultee Reet Dekh Kabira Roya
The ways of the world are topsy-turvy—Seeing Kabir weeps? Makes him Question.
—–
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.
————–

माटी कहे कुम्हार से, तू क्या रौंदे मोय
Mate Kahay Kumhar say, Tu Kya Ronday Mohay
The mud says to the potter, “You trample upon me now,
—–
एक दिन ऐसा आएगा, मैं रौंदूँगी तोय।
Eik Din Aisa Ayayga, Main Rondon Ge Tohay.
But a day will come When I shall trample upon you.”
—–
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.
————–

भला हुआ मोरी गगरी टूटी, मैं पनिया भरन से छूटी
Bhala Hoa More Gagree Tootee, Ma Paniya Bharan Say Chutee
Blessings that the pitcher breaks, And I am freed from the task of fetching water;
—–
मोरे सर से टली बला
More Sar Say Tale Bala
The essence speaks—O I am so relieved. (Won’t have to listen to the gossips anymore.)
—–
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.
————–

भला हुआ मेरी माला टूटी, मैं राम जपन से छूटी
Bhala Hoa Mare Mala Tote, Ma Ram Japan Say Chote
Blessings that the rosary breaks, And I am freed from the chanting of Ram’s name;
—–
मोरे सर से टली बला।
More Sar Say Tale Bala.
The essence speaks—(Relieved from the ritual & focused on the substance) the burden is lifted.
—–
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.
————–

मिलना हो तो यहीं पर मिलियो, बाद मरन किस काम
Milna Ho To Yaheen Per Mili Yo, Baad Maran Kiss Kam
If a meeting is to happen, let it happen right here;
—–
लोहा माटी हो गया, तो पारस किस काम
Loha Matee Ho Gaya, To Paras Kiss Kam
What use is it to beat the air? The iron has turned to dust;
Of what use the Philosopher’s Stone/Paras be then
—–
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।
Bhala Hoa! Kabira Bhala Hoa, More Sir Say Tali Bala.
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir, Say that the burden has been lifted from the head.
————–

हर मरे तो हम मरे, और हमरी मरे बला
Har mare to hum mare, aur hamri mare bala.
If the Divine were to die, then I too would die; but as for me, may death take whatever it can.
—–|
साँचे गुरु का बालका, सो मरे न मारा जाए।
Saanche Guru ka baalka, so mare na maara jaaye.
One who is a child of the True Guru neither truly dies nor can ever be destroyed.
—–
भला हुआ! कबीरा भला हुआ, मोरे सिर से टली बला।
Bhala hua! Kabira bhala hua, more sir se tali bala.
Blessings! Blessings, O Kabir—the burden has been lifted from my head.
————–

Shivani Joshi

Chadariya Jheeni re jheeni (चदरिया झीनी रे झीनी)

कबीरा जब हम पैदा हुए, जग हँसे,हम रोये ।
ऐसी करनी कर चलो, हम हँसे,जग रोये ॥
Kabira jab ham paida hue, jag hanse, ham roye
Aisi karani kar chalo, ham hanse, jag roye
Kabir says, be born while the world rejoices and you cry; live nobly so that when you depart, you smile as the world weeps.
————–

चदरिया झीनी रे झीनी, राम नाम रस भीनी ।
Chadariya jheeni re jheeni, Ram naam ras bheeni.
This human body, a finely woven sheet, is subtle and drenched in the divine name (Ram).
————–

अष्ट कमल का चरखा बनाया, पाँच तत्व की पूनी ।
नौ दस मास बुनन को लागे, मूरख मैली कीनी ॥
Ashta kamal ka charkha banaya, Paanch tattva ki pooni.
Nau das maas bunan ko laage, Moorakh maili keeni.
The Creator used the eight-petaled lotus as the spinning wheel and the five elements as cotton to weave this delicate sheet perfectly over nine months. Yet, the foolish human immediately stains it with worldly attachments.
————–

जब मोरे चादर बन घर आई, रंगरेज़ को दीनी ।
ऐसा रंग रंगा रंगरे ने, लालों लाल कर दीनी ॥
Jab more chadar ban ghar aayi, Rangrez ko deeni.
Aisa rang ranga rangre ne, Laalon laal kar deeni.
Upon attaining awareness, I gave my sheet to the master dyer (Guru), who colored it crimson—the color of divine love.
————–

चादर ओढ़ शंका मत करियो, दो दिन तुमको दीनी ।
मूरख लोग भेद नहिं जाने, दिन दिन मैली कीनी ॥
Chadar odh shanka mat kariyo, Do din tumko deeni.
Moorakh log bhed nahin jaane, Din din maili keeni.
Wear this body, loaned for a brief lifetime, without arrogance. Foolish people stain it daily with greed, anger, and ego, missing this deeper secret.
————–

ध्रुव प्रह्लाद सुदामा ने ओढ़ी, सुखदेव ने निर्मल कीनी
Dhruv Prahalad Sudama ne Aoudi, Sukhdev ne nirmal kini
Saints like Dhruv, Prahlad, and Sudama wore this human fabric well. The sage Shukdev kept his spotless. Your humble servant Kabir wore his with such care that he returned it to the divine exactly as received—unblemished and perfectly clean.
————–

Janam tera baaton hi beet gayo (जनम तेरा बातों ही बीत गयो)

जनम तेरा बातों ही बीत गयो, रे तू ने कबहुँ ना कृष्ण कहो ।
Janam tera baaton hi beet gayo, re tu ne kabahu na Krishna kahyo.
Our life was wasted on empty talk, never uttering the divine name (Krishna/supreme soul).
————–

पाँच साल का भोला भाला, अब तो बीस भयो ।
मकर पच्चीसी माया कारन, देस विदेस गयो ॥
Paanch baras ka bhola baala, ab to bees bhayo.
Makar pacheesi maya kaaran, des-bides gayo.
From an innocent child at five, you rushed to twenty, consumed by schemes. Through your mid-twenties, you chased material wealth, traveling far and wide.
————–

तीस बरस की अब मति उपजी, लोभ बढ़े नित नयो ।
माया जोड़ी तू ने लाख करोड़ी, अजहूँ न तृप्त भयो ॥
Tees baras ki ab mati upaji, lobh badhe nit nayo.
Maya jodi tu ne lakh karodi, ajahun na tript bhayo.
By thirty, growing greed led to hoarding wealth in lakhs and crores, yet your soul remained unfulfilled.
————–

वृद्ध भयो तब आलस उपजी, कफ नित् कण्ठ रहो।
संगत कबहूँ ना तूने किनी, बिरथा जनम लियो ॥
Vriddh bhayo tab aalas upaji, kaph nit kanth raho.
Sangat kabahu na tune kinhi, birtha janam liyo.
Old age brought lethargy and illness choking your throat. You neglected the company of the wise, wasting this precious human life.
————–

ये संसार मतलब का लोभी, झूठा ठाठ रच्यो ।
कहत कबीर समझ मन मूरख, तू क्यूँ भूल गयो ॥
Ye sansar matlab ka lobhi, jhoottha tthaatth rachyo
Kahat Kabir, samajh mann moorakh, tu kyun bhool gayo
This world is driven by selfishness and greed, a false, temporary show. Kabir says, understand this, foolish mind! Why have you forgotten your true purpose?
————–

Man Lago mera yaar fakiri mein (मन लागो मेरो यार फ़कीरी में)

मन लागो मेरो यार फ़कीरी में ।
Mann laago mero yaar fakeeri mein.
My heart and mind have fallen deeply in love, my friend, with a spiritual asceticism.
————–

जो सुख पावो राम भजन में ।
Jo sukh paavo Ram bhajan mein,
The profound bliss and peace that I find in chanting and immersing myself in the divine name of Ram,
—–
वो सुख नाहीं अमीरी में ॥
Vo sukh naahi ameeri mein.
That genuine happiness is absolutely nowhere to be found in the riches of wealth and royalty.
————–

भला बुरा सब का सुन लीजे ।
Bhala bura sab ka sun lije,
Listen patiently to everything people have to say—whether it is praise or criticism, kind words or insults.
—–
कर गुज़रान गरीबी में ॥
Kar guzraan garibi mein.
Maintain your equanimity, and gracefully live your life in utter simplicity and material humility.
————–

प्रेम नगर में रहनी हमारी ।
Prem nagar mein rahni hamaari,
My true dwelling is in the city of divine love,
—–
भली बन आयी सबूरी में ॥
Bhali ban aayi saboori mein.
And my life has become beautiful, beautifully aligned and fulfilled, through absolute patience and contentment.
————–

आखिर ये तन खाक मिलेगा ।
Aakhir ye tan khaak milega,
In the end, this physical body of yours will turn to ash and merge right back into the dust.
—–
कहाँ फिरत मगरूरी में ॥
Kahaan phirat magroori mein.
Knowing this ultimate truth, why do you wander around consumed by arrogance, pride, and false ego?
————–

कहत कबीर सुनो भई साधो ।
Kahat Kabir suno bhai saadho,
Says Kabir, listen oh seekers and saints:
—–
साहिब मिले सबूरी में ॥
Sahib mile saboori mein
The supreme Lord and master is discovered and realized only within the depths of true patience, surrender, and deep contentment.
————–

Ho Bairi Thane ghari na rakhe koi (हो बैरी थानै घड़ी ना राखे कोई)

हो बैरी थानै घड़ी ना राखे कोई ।
हो बैरी तू तो राम नाम जप सोयी रे ॥
Ho bairi thane ghari na rakhe koi,
Ho bairi tu toh Ram nam jap soyi re.
Oh enemy (my own foolish mind), not a soul will keep your body inside the house for even an hour after you die. Therefore, wake up and immerse yourself in the contemplation of the divine name (Ram Naam).
————–

का की मात पिता कहो का को, कौन पुरुष की जोई रे ।
घट फूटे कोई बात न पूछे, कढ़ो कढ़ो होई रे ॥
Ka ki mat pita kaho ka ko, kaun puruṣ ki joyi re.
Ghaṭ phuṭe koi baat na pooche, kadho kaḍho hoi re.
Tell me, who is whose mother? Who is whose father? Who is whose wife? The moment the physical body shatters and the breath leaves, no one cares about your status anymore. The only cry you will hear is: ‘Take it out! Take it out!’
————–

देहली बैठी माता रोई, खटिया ले गए भाई रे ।
लत छटकाये तिरिया रोई, हंस अकेलो जायी रे ॥
Dehali baithi mata royi, khaṭiya le gaye bhai re.
Lat chhatkaye tiriya royi, hans akelo jayi re.
Sitting at the threshold of the house, the mother weeps. The brothers carry the cot away to the cremation ground. With her hair untied and disheveled in grief, the wife cries out. Yet, through it all, the soul departs completely alone.
————–

कहत कबीर सुनो भाई संतो, राम नाम सुखदाई रे ।
इस बन्दे पर जुल्म बहुत हैं, काल न हटे गुसाईं रे ॥
Kahat Kabir suno bhai santo, Ram nam sukhdai re.
is bande par zulm bahut hain, kaal na haṭe gosain re.
Says Kabir, listen oh seekers and saints: the name of the divine is the only source of true, everlasting peace. This poor human being suffers immense tyranny, for time/death will never back down or relent for anyone.
————–