II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

ज्यों नैनन में पुतली, त्यों मालिक घर माहिं I
मुर्ख लोग न जानिए, बाहर ढूंढत जाहिं II

God dwells deep within each and every heart. This may lead to the following question: "If that's the case, then why He is not seen or experienced by the majority of us?" It's because the mind of the majority of us is not inside! It's extroverted: unceasingly wandering outside. We unavailingly look for God in external images, pictures, religious books, tangible and physical things, habitual reading or hearing of the scriptures, music, and so on. The Truth is however very Subtle, Pure and Sublime; hence, it cannot be caught by such mental circus of ours. Only those "rare" ones who have attained God Realisation can catch God inside! For the rest of us, although God is said to be inside, He remains aloof.

"Kabir says, just like the pupil in the eye sees the world around but cannot know how it looks, the ignorance makes the person unaware of the Essence of the Absolute Reality ever present within his own body just as the deer is unaware of the presence of musk within his body. He keeps on looking for it outside but in vain.

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

अटकी भाल शरीर में, तीर रहा है टूट I
चुम्बक बिना निकले नही, कोटि पठन को फूट II

Just like the sun is the awakener, an enlightener, it is the Guru that awakens us from our slumber of ignorance. It is the Guru who, by his light, banishes the darkness of ignorance and wrong notions that we have about life, and brings in the light of right reasoning, right perception and right thought. It is the Guru that also makes us see the way, through his own lofty, sublime personal example, through his own dynamic philosophy, through his own teachings and personal instructions. It is the Guru that points out the path and makes us see the path clearly. He points out the pitfalls and dangers upon the path, makes us alert and vigilant. He inspires us to arise, awake, seek knowledge, attain illumination and become forever blessed. 

"Kabir says, just like the  pointed tip of a spear remaining stuck in the body of an injured soldier cannot be removed without a magnet, we cannot identify the weaknesses of our mind without the illuminating Wisdom of the Guru."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

लोग भरोसे कौन के, बैठे रहें उरगाय I
जीय रही लूटत जम फिरे, मैंढा लूटे कसाय II

"Kabir says, every day people around us are dying and leaving this world. However each of us think that somehow we will escape death and live forever. 

Death can come anytime. It doesn't matter if you're healthy or wealthy, you'll have to go when it's time. Just like an animal about to be slaughtered awaits the butcher's blade, we are all in the queue for death right since we were born. The only thing is that no one knows when his turn will come. And therefore do good and good will follow you. You reap what you sow. An act of love makes the soul more loving. A deed of humbleness deepens humbleness. The thing reaped is the very thing sown, multiplied a hundred fold. You have sown a seed of life, you reap life everlasting. We must do everything possible to make this rare human birth worthwhile, for only here we can achieve the crowning fruition of all endeavors, God Realisation."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

तन सराय मन पाहरू, मनसा उतरी आय I
को काहू का है नहीं, देखा ठोंकि बजाय II

Everything in life is temporary. The darkness of the night, the brilliance of the day. Thunderstorms appear and disappear, as do rains and rainbows. Everything - every tree, every blade of grass, all the animals, insects, human beings, buildings, the animate and the inanimate is always changing. There is nothing that is fixed and permanent. Existence is a flux and a continuous becoming. Life is like a river. The river of yesterday is not the river of today. The river of this moment is not going to be the same as the river of next moment. So does life. It changes continuously, becomes something or the other from moment to moment. 

"Kabir says, body is like a tavern and the desire laden mind has alighted into it like a hopping bird. It is a fallacy to believe that a person would remain the same person during his entire lifetime.The child is not the same when he grows up and becomes a young man, nor when the later turns into an old man. Like the waves in the sea, every moment many thoughts arise and die in each individual. The seed is not the tree, though it produces the tree, and the fruit is also not the tree, though the tree produces it. Impermanence and change are thus the undeniable truths of our existence."

The awareness of the impermanent nature of life is not to make us weary of life, but to help us see how precious life is; not to make us pessimistic but to help us see that we do not waste our life chasing frivolous material pursuits. When we see impermanence of things, we appreciate their true value. It is by becoming aware of it, by observing and understanding it, one can find the suitable remedy for the sorrow of human life and achieve liberation from the process of impermanence.

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कुटिल वचन सबसे बरा, जारि करै सब छार I
साधू वचन जल रूप है बरसै अमृत धार II

Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively use words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble. A harsh word can breed a lifetime of hatred. It can’t be taken back and no apology can fully repair its damage. One must speak with caution. Even if someone forgives harsh words you've spoken, they may be too hurt to ever forget them. Don't leave a legacy of pain and regret of things you never should have said.

"Kabir says, be careful with your words, for once they are are said, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten. A Saintly Being never uses harsh words, but is always gentle in his speech. His words soothe the heart and bring peace and comfort to the troubled soul."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कुटिल बचन नहिं बोलिए, शीतल बैंन ले चीन्हि I
गंगाजल शीतल भया, परबत फोडा तीन्हि II

Words once spoken, like an arrow from a bow, cannot be recalled.  Many times it happens in our day-to-day life that we either say something very angry, annoyed or just simply say something that we should not say. And therefore let us make it a habit to stop and think before we speak, for there are four things that we cannot recover: An arrow shot from bow! A word after it’s said! An occasion after the loss! Time after it’s gone!

A farmer insulted his neighbor. Realizing his mistake, he went to the preacher to ask for forgiveness. The preacher told him to take a bag of feathers and drop them in the center of town. The farmer did as he was told. Then the preacher asked him to go and collect the feathers and put them back in the bag. The farmer tried but couldn’t as the feathers had all blown away. When he returned with the empty bag, the preacher said, “The same thing is true about your words. You dropped them rather easily but you cannot retrieve them, so be very careful in choosing your words.

"Kabir says, we all want to talk, but we need to pause for a moment and think: Is what we are going to say relevant or a waste of time? Is it factual or hearsay? Is it constructive or destructive criticism? Is it a solution or the cause of another problem? Before you answer a question or voice an opinion, ask yourself these questions. If it passes these filters, speak up. If not, either find a tactful way to avoid the answer or keep your thoughts to yourself. Just like waters of Holy Ganges make way through rocky mountains, soft words spoken with conviction can change most obstinate of the minds."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

हम जाने थे खायेंगे, बहुत जिमीं बहुमाल I
ज्यौं का त्यौं ही रह गया, पकडि ले गया काल II

There are people who are singularly devoted to  the accumulation of wealth. What happens to all that wealth when they die? It falls in the hands of those who have not earned it and therefore do not have their heart in it. A billionaire on his death bed realises though late that after making all the money anyone could ever need, there were things that were more important still. He realises that all the accolades and riches of which he was once so proud have become insignificant with his imminent death. If you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you. Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life. Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain comes down and then all the riches we were so proud of would fall in the hands of those who have not earned it and therefore do not see the same worth in it as we do.

"Kabir says, you came here empty handed, and you will leave empty handed. What is yours today belonged to someone else yesterday, and will belong to someone else tomorrow. The wealth of life lies in how you allow it's experiences to enrich you."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

गिरिये परबत सिखर तो, परिये धरनि मंझार I
मूरख मित्र न कीजिए, बूडो काली धार II

With fools there is no companionship. The fool doesn't make a good friend.

The donkey told the tiger: The grass is blue.
The tiger replied: No, the grass is green​.
The discussion became heated, and the two decided to submit the issue to arbitration, and to do so they approached the lion.
Before reaching the clearing in the forest where the lion was sitting on his throne, the donkey started screaming: ′′Your Highness, isn't it true that the grass is blue?"​
The lion replied: "True, the grass is blue"​.
The donkey rushed forward and continued: ′′The tiger disagrees with me and contradicts me and annoys me. Please punish him"​.
The king then declared: ′′The tiger will be punished with 5 years of silence"​.
The donkey jumped with joy and went on his way, content and repeating: ′′The grass is blue"​..
The tiger accepted his punishment, but he asked the lion: ′′Your Majesty, why have you punished me, after all, the grass is green?"​
The lion replied: ′′In fact, the grass is green"​.
The tiger asked: ′′So why do you punish me?"​
The lion replied:
That has nothing to do with the question of whether the grass is blue or green. The punishment is because it is not possible for a brave, intelligent creature like you to waste time arguing with a donkey, and on top of that to come and bother me with that question
The worst waste of time is arguing with the fool and fanatic who doesn't care about truth or reality, but only the victory of his beliefs and illusions. Never waste time on discussions that make no sense... There are people who for all the evidence presented to them, do not have the ability to understand, and others who are blinded by ego, hatred and resentment, and the only thing that they want is to be right even if they aren’t. When ignorance screams, intelligence shuts up. Your peace and tranquility are worth more.

"Kabir says, friendship with a fool is as treacherous as standing on the edge of a precipice or standing on the ground that may soon crack open into a large gaping hole."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

लागी लागी क्या करै, लागत रही लगार I
लागी तबही जानिए, निकसी जाय दुसार II

"Kabir says, life hits hard everyone without exception and often these experiences are eye openers, for they jolt us from the reverie of complacency, thus bringing us face to face with the reality. The greatest of the eye opener is meeting an Enlightened Being, for in the light of His Wisdom, we not only become aware our weaknesses but also of the true purpose of this rare human birth, God Realisation."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

मिसरी बिखरी रेत में, हस्ती चुनी न जाय I
कीडी है करि सब चुनै, तब साहिब कूँ पाय II

In reality, we are all covered in ignorance from eternity. Ego originates from ignorance, from which pride takes birth. We are fully enveloped in this pride, and hence are very far from God. EGO or ‘Edging God Out,’ is what keeps us from attaining the perfect happiness and bliss of God; this ego is what blocks the glory of God from shining through. We can, however, strive to reduce this pride and ego by becoming aware of it and acknowledging it. 

"Kabir says, there is a mixture of sugar and sand, ants will come and nibble only on the sugar grains, leaving the sand grains behind. They will thus pick up the sugar and enjoy the sweetness. But an elephant cannot do that. Here "ant" symbolizes absolute humility, and the "elephant" symbolizes the inflated ego.
God is like sugar scattered in the sand. An ego mind cannot pick it up. Instead become an ant, a humble, ego-less being and savor the sweetness of God Realisation."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

आज कहै मै काल भजू, काल कहै फिर काल I
आज काल के करत ही, औसर जासी चाल II

Do not put off doing the fond remembrance of God on tomorrow, for tomorrow is promised to no one. What is your life? It is no more than a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

"Kabir says, never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. We must stop thinking there is plenty of time for a living, for life may abruptly cease any moment. You do not have the time as you think you do. And therefore one must remain absorbed in Hari Naam as much as possible 'here and now', for “tomorrow” may be too late."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

मौत बिसारी बावरी, अचरज किया कौन I
तन माटी में मिल गया, ज्यौं आटा में लौन II

𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞. 𝐀 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝, 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐚’𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝; 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐇𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝. 
𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐇𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, ”𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐩, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐠𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲.”
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, ”𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞”  𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞  𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝. 𝐁𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝. 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐞. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. s𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.

"Kabir says, there is no greater reality than death itself, for the body made of earth returns to earth just like the salt added to the bread flour becomes one with it."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

सुख दुख सिर उपर सहै, कबहूँ न छाडै संग I
रंग न लागै और का, व्यापै सतगुरू रंग II

Our existence in itself is suffering, the greatest are while taking birth and in the end when the death succumbs us. Thus suffering is a part of fabric of life, an unchosen and an unwelcome part, yet something every one who is born must eventually confront. 

"Kabir says, never let the sufferings weigh down upon you and disturb you. Also let not the moments of happiness whose very nature is fleeting be assumed as everlasting. Don't let the desires make you dance to their tune. Instead we must surrender to Guru, for the feelings of joy, peace and purity are effortlessly invoked in the aura of the living master. Surrendering to Guru in no way compels us to renounce the world we live in. It however brings forth remarkable changes within us by adding the virtues of oneness, awareness and wisdom. In the presence of a Guru, our life becomes like a river stream that goes through various twists and turns without offering any resistance, before it finally merges into the Ocean of Self, the very essence of the world entire."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर गर्व न कीजिए, रंक न हसिए कोय I
अजहूं नाव समुद्र में, ना जानौं क्या होय II

Success and money are temporary things in life. At one moment they will be with you but at another moment they will leave you depending on your destiny. Hence we should not get carried away by them and should not let them get to our head.

"Kabir says, never laugh at someone's misfortune because you just never know if some day you will find yourself in the very same position. What is true today may not be true tomorrow. We are all in the same boat. The uncertainty of the next moment hangs over everyone equally without exception, be it a king or a pauper."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

रात गंवाई सोय कर, दिवस गंवाया खाय I
हीरा जनम अमोल सा, कौडी बदले जाय II

This human form we take for so granted is difficult to obtain. Among all living species, only human beings are most fit to be instructed about the Essence of the Divinity. And so we need to ask ourselves a question are we really using this human life any better than animals or are we foolishly wasting it away?

"Kabir says, the night goes in sleeping and the day is lost in material pursuits. So a day turns into month and months turn into years with we doing nothing other than acquisition of worldly possessions and gratifying sense pleasures instead of seeking God Realisation for which this rare human birth is most suitable. It is no less reckless than selling a priceless diamond for a few pennies. So wake up from the slumber of ignorance O'Man, before it is too late, for a precious moment of this rare human birth once lost is lost forever."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

उदर समाता अन्न ले, तनहि समाता चीर I
अधिकहिं संग्रह ना करै, तिसका नाम फिकीर II

Life is full of beautiful things. Some are good to eat, some are good to smell and some are good for health. But none is good if consumed in excess. The most delicious and nutritious food can be devoured only to a limit, after that it will cause discomfort. Money in excess is root cause of many evils. Exercise in excess can damage muscles. Child care in excess is called pampering and spoils the child. Sleep in excess produce laziness. Work in excess makes us workaholic. There is no place for excess in life. Life is beautiful if things are present in balance. Life gives us enough opportunities and resources. It is up to us to manage it well. A good life is all about balancing and optimising resources. Anything in life in excess may not be good for us. We need to strike the right balance for everything.

"Kabir says, eat to kill your hunger and wear clothes to cover your body but do not amass things when not needed, for all worry is born of excess. If you can't be content with what you have, you are unlikely to be happy with more."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

गिरिये परबत सिखर तो, परिये धरनि मंझार I
मूरख मित्र न कीजिए, बूडो काली धार II

There’s no companionship with Fools. The Fool doesn’t make a good friend. 

A good friend offers you companionship. They offer you a relationship where there’s mutual learning, and because of that, there’s a mutual increase in freedom. The relationship allows them to gain greater insight into themselves, each other, and the world. If a good friend gives you companionship, a bad friend doesn’t. A bad friend is a Fool, but what is a Fool?, for a Fool is someone who’s self-absorbed. They’re obsessed with their own thoughts. The Fool is attached to their own point of view, and because of that, they’re not going to step into your shoes and look at the world from your point of view. And if you express a point of view that contradicts their own, they’re likely to get angry or ignore it, and they’re definitely not going to try and understand it. Since the Fool doesn’t want to understand you, there is no growth in understanding. And without mutual growth, there’s no companionship. We must not leave friendship up to chance. We must surround ourselves with quality friendships and relationships. It is not just who you know, but how you know who you know that really matters.

"Kabir says, making friendship with Fools is as treacherous as standing at the very edge of a cliff or standing on the ground that may soon turn into a large gaping hole."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

साबुन बिचारा क्या करे, गाँठे वाके मोय I
जल सो अरक्षा परस नहिं, क्यों कर उजला होय II

"Kabir says, just like the soap washes the cloth effectively only when it is soaked in water, the true cleansing of inner filth is possible not only with bookish wisdom but by combining it with actions synonymous with what one has learnt."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कालचक्र चक्की चलै, बहुत दिवस और रात I
सगुन-अगुन दोय पाटला, तामें जीव पिसात II

"Kabir says, ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the age that gave it birth comes again. So is the Wheel of Time, the great seven-spoked loom, each spoke a representative of an Age, that weaves the Great Pattern, using the lives of people as threads. It is believed to encompass all worlds and realities into a Pattern of the Ages.The Wheel Of Time, like a quern is turning since time immemorial through day and night. The quern has two stones between which the grain is crushed. Just like no two grains are ground alike, one reaps as he sows. Doer of Good Karma will gather good, and doer of Evil Karma will reap evil. It is the result of our own past actions and our own present doings. We ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and misery. We create our own Heaven. We create our own Hell. We are the architects of our own fate."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

यह बिरियाँ तो फिरि नहिं, मन में देखू विचार I
आया लाभहि कारनै, जनम जुआ मति हार II

"Life is not an accident. It is said that human birth occurs only after the soul goes through a cycle of 8.4 million species. Further the human life is extolled as a very rare opportunity given to progress spiritually. To that Kabir guides us how to live so that we may unfold spiritually within. By focussing on the ultimate purpose of human life, God Realisation, we are urged to orient our lifestyle towards this goal even while actively engaged in the worldly chores. If one does not understand the significance and take appropriate steps to realise this true purpose "here & now", then there is no escape from the repeated pain and delusion. Kabir further reminds us that our sojourn in the world is for a fixed time and hence it becomes imperative that this rare opportunity is not to be frittered away in experiencing mere sensory pursuits."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

उडगण और सुधाकरा, बसत नीर के संग I
यों साधू संसार में, कबीर पडत न फंद II

Maya is "That which is not", an illusion where things appear to be present but are not what they seem. The reflection of moon and stars in water appear to be as real as the moon and stars in the sky, yet when the fishing net is cast, the fish get trapped in it but the reflection of moon and stars cannot be caught.

"Kabir says, just like a fish is lured by the bet, the slavery of senses bound us to the worldly desires. A Self Realised Soul however lives amidst the worldly activity (Maya), but doesn't fall prey to the glitter of the world, living in the world but not of the world."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

क्या करिये क्या जोडिये, थोडे जीवन काज I

छाडि छाडि सब जात है, देह गेह धन राज II

"Kabir says, we should make use of the favourable opportunity as and when we get it. An opportunity once lost is lost forever. Chances do not wait for any one. We must realise that now we are in a human body, but we can't be certain that our next life will be that of a human being. We could be born as animal, a plant, or even an insect. While the death is assured, another human birth is not. It is believed that this rare human birth comes only after being born through 8.4 million species and it is only here that one can realise the oneness of all creation and one's identity with the divinity. And therefore each day dawn as a fresh opportunity and occasion, opening up before us to move one step further towards the great attainment of the Supreme and unalloyed bliss of God Realisation. We came alone in this world and alone will we depart. No material riches we earn can accompany us after our death. None will help us except what we have done here in this life. Our deeds will search us out and follow us as calves follow their mothers even in the midst of a big herd. The human form is not eternal. We have it only for a short period of time. With every passing moment, we are hurtling towards our death. Our transient life is like a soap bubble. After floating in the air for a second or two, the bubble bursts and there is nothing we can do to make the bubble last for another second. In this fleeting life there are many obstacles to get over. Therefore exert now with earnestness. Waste not precious time but utilise every moment for the noblest of causes, God Realisation."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

साँस साँस पर नाम ले, वृथा साँस मति खोय I
न जाने इस साँस का, आवन होय न होय II

When there is sunshine, we do not recognize its importance, nor when there is a river, do we appreciate the value of a single drop of water. While we are still able to breathe, we never think about how precious and important a single breath is to us! However, once breathing ceases, wealth, status, fame, friends, and family all become meaningless.

"Kabir says, the true length of life is one breath. We exist for one breath at a time not knowing the life span or even what will happen next. Who knows if this breath we inhale could be our last?
Kabir reminds us not to waste any breath. To be really focused on ‘each breath-साँस साँस'-is to be fully in the present moment, or NOW, free from the past and future.
We must consciously contemplate "Hari Naam" with every breath as if it may be our last."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

Il श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जो जल बढे नाव में, घर में बाढे दाम I
दोनों हाथ उलीचिये, यही सयानों काम II

While there are those who do charity to acquire fame, the true philanthropist give away his wealth for purely altruistic purpose.
"Kabir says, when water fills up a boat, the man in the boat throws out as much water as he can with both hands. But he does this only to save his life. A Wise however donates his wealth wholeheartedly for the betterment of mankind."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

दुर्लभ मानुष जन्म है, देह न बारम्बार I
तरूवर जो पत्ती झडे, बहुरि न लागे डार II

It is said that after many, many births and deaths one achieves the rare human form of life, which, although temporary, affords one the opportunity to attain the highest perfection. Thus a sober human being should quickly endeavour for the ultimate perfection of life as long as his body, which is always subject to death, has not fallen down and died. After all, sense gratification is available even in the most abominable species of life, whereas God Realisation is possible only for a human being.
"Kabir says, in the endless cycle of death and rebirth going on since time immemorial, this rare human birth comes only once in a while. Just like the leaf falling off the tree cannot go back, we must make most of this rare human birth, an opportunity of liberating ourselves from the mundane existence, before it is too late."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

बखत कहो या करम कहु, नसिब कहो निर धार I
सहस नाम है करम के, मन ही सिरजनहार II

Karma, the action of body, speech, and mind, affects every aspect of our life. Actions affect both doers and those around them in unimaginable ways, and the seeds of Karma shape our lives and our worlds,
Kabir says, there is no division between the mind and action (Karma). Before it’s projected as action it arises in the mind. The Mind and Karma are like the flower and its scent. The actions are the louder expressions of thoughts. Whatever is done, is done by the mind. When the mind knowingly commits mistakes, then it reaps the fruit of its Karma accordingly.
Not only does each action, no matter how insignificant it may seem, condition a future result, it also reconditions the mind. If a moment of anger arises in the mind and we get lost in it, we are then actually cultivating anger. If we get lost in greed, we are cultivating greed. It is like a bucket being filled with water, drop by drop. We think each drop is so tiny, so insignificant, that it doesn’t matter at all. Yet drop by drop the bucket gets filled. In just this way, the mind is conditioned by each experience in every moment, and moment after moment the mind gets filled.
It is as though we are all artists, but instead of canvas and paint, or marble or music, as our medium, our very bodies, minds, and life experiences are the materials of our creative expression. A great sense of fulfillment comes from knowing this and from actively creating and fashioning our lives.
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. So is the Luck that changes incessantly but never ceases. Similarly no one can escape Karma, for Mind is the endless game. Their constant unfolding since time immemorial is like incessant falling of water single pointedly. Time and Luck are but the few among the myriad names of Karma, but Mind is above all."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर हरि हरि सुमिरि ले, प्राण जायेंगे छूट I
घर के प्यारे आदमी, चलते लेंगे लूट II

"Kabir says, we came alone and will go alone from this world. We will die one day and our death will come unannounced. So be prepared for your death, for no one has guarantee for tomorrow. And therefore make every day worth living and try to do as much good deeds as you can. Our whole life revolves around body consciousness and the purpose of all our endeavors is to give comfort to our body. Yet whether you are buried or burnt on funeral pyre, it will be by the hands of your loved ones you so fondly called "yours" and cared for whole of your life. The same hands will not hesitate to remove the jewellery from your dead body because in the worldly parlance the jewellery is more valuable than the cadaver.
Life is short, time is fast. No replay, no rewind. As you breath at this moment, another person may be taking their last breath.
One day you will give away your last breath. You may not know when, how and where that will be. The only one who knows is neither me nor you, but God the giver of life. And therefore let not a moment of this rare human birth pass without the conscious contemplation of "Hari Naam", His fond remembrance, before it is too late."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

साँचे कोई न पतियई, झुठै जग पतियाय I
गली-गली गोरस फिरै, मदिरा बैठ बिकाय II

"Kabir says, don’t be so quick to believe what you hear because lies spread faster than the truth. If you want truth to go round the world you must hire an express train to pull it; but if you want a lie to go round the world, it will fly; it is as light as a feather, and a breath will carry it. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.
You may need to go door to door to sell the milk but the liquor is blessed with a long queue."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कैसा भी सामर्थ्य हो, बिन उद्यम दुख पाय I
निकट असन बिन कर चले, कैसे मुख में जाय II

It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
Nothing is easy to be achieved in life without doing any hard work. Determination guarantees achievement. Without hard work, it is not possible to be an odd one out and achieve something that you have always wanted. Even those who fail initially end up winning at last if they don't leave the hand of hard work. Prayer alone will never make a student pass his exams or excel in his academics; every student must study hard.  Diligence is one of the ingredients for success in life.
We must pray hard but we must also work hard. We must labour in prayer but prayer is not enough. We must work hard. The work gets accomplished by effort, not merely by wishing. The animals don't enter a sleeping lion's mouth.

"Kabir says, even if by sheer luck, a treasure is seen lying in front, destiny doesn't give it in hand, some effort of picking it up is still expected. Similarly the food in the plate will not go into the mouth on its own unless hands do the needful. Without hardwork only suffering will come his way however capable and strong man can be."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर गर्व न कीजिए, इस जोबन की आस I
टेसू फुला दिवस दस, खंखर भया पलस II

In this composition Kabir wants us to understand the difference between the real “Beauty” and the fading beauty so that we don’t make mistake of deeming false to be real. He says, the physical or external beauty of things in this world is only superficial or skin deep - fleeting, temporary, perishable, or time-bound.The real beauty is in one’s good thoughts, words, good deeds, character, good conduct or behavior and not in one’s gross body-frame which is nothing but a bundle of bones, skin, blood, and filth. And therefore, we should put more effort into growing and developing as a good human being than we do in prettying up our outside appearances.
'The Lord looks at the heart', and loves you no matter how you look.
Some people with scarred faces from accidents and limbless bodies from wars can be difficult to look at, but they show their beauty by taking their mind off themselves and work for the betterment of humanity, helping others. Just like external beauty fades as time goes by so is youth a fleeting phenomenon. Youth is gone no matter how we try to hold on tight; not let it slip away, for time, they say, waits not for any man and youth is gone as quick as it began.

"Kabir says, excessive pride of external beauty and of youth is useless, for they are as fleeting as the bright saffron hued flowers of Palash tree that do not last for more than ten days."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II