II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

रात गवाईं सोय के, दिवस गवायां खाय I
हीरा जन्म अमोल सा, कौडी बदले जाय II

There are four things common in animals and human being: eating, sleeping, mating, and defending. Due to mental delusion and degradation of the Soul, man conducts himself in these animal propensities, and remains in emotional attachment to material existence. Because of such conditioning, he can never ascend himself to Higher Consciousness. Thus illusioned in the dense forest of ignorance, he tries to dominate the material nature; subjecting himself to its adverse effects (lust, anger, greed, attachment, false pride, enviousness, and stubborn mindedness etc.)
What separates human being from animals is the faculty of Discriminating Intellect called Vivek-Buddhi; which allows man to discriminate between the eternal (permanent) and the ephemeral (impermanent). This subtle sense of discrimination helps one to know the difference between truth and falsehood. In this composition Kabir vividly describes how uselessly we mortals waste our lives.

"Kabir says, what is surprising about humanity is that man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then, he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present, the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die and then dies having never really lived."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

ऐसी वाणी बोलिए, मन का आपा खोये I
औरन को शीतल करें, आपहुं शीतल होए II

The famous American actress Greta Garbo was very poor in her childhood. And she used to work in a barber shop lathering soap on people’s beards. She had never thought she would become such a great actress, a world famous actress. One day a movie director came to the barber shop to get a haircut and she lathered soap on his face. While she was lathering – he was a movie director – looking at her face in the mirror, just one word slipped out of his mouth, ”Beautiful... what a beautiful face.”
And this small statement became a revolution in Greta Garbo’s life. A girl getting two cents for lathering beards died the owner of millions of dollars – just this small statement. It was not said after thinking it over, it came out spontaneously. But Greta Garbo was reminded of her beauty. For the first time she looked at herself in the mirror with great deliberation. Daily she had stood in front of the mirror, but she just went on lathering people’s beards. She had never noticed. She had never thought that she was beautiful, or that she could be beautiful. The poor girl didn’t have the capacity even to think of it.
Greta Garbo asked, ”Really, you think I am beautiful?”
The movie director said, ”Not just beautiful, but one of the most beautiful women. And if you want I will prove it, because I am a movie director. I am making a movie. I can put you in it. You have a photogenic face, that will look so beautiful in the picture. I have been working with pictures my whole life.”
Greta Garbo ascended the skies. A small incident, an accidental word changed her whole life. Otherwise perhaps she would have died still lathering soap on people’s beards. 

"Kabir says, a small word can give rise to such ripples: can make a friend, can make an enemy; can give life beauty, can make it ugly."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

ऐसी वाणी बोलिए, मन का आपा खोये I
औरन को शीतल करे, आपहुं शीतल होए II

In England a student was taking an oral examination in a medical college. He had passed all the other subjects, the oral exam was the last. If he passes this he will receive England’s highest degree in medicine. Three doctors were examining him. They asked him, ”If you have such and such a patient with such and such a disease and you are to give these medicines, what amount will you give?” He quickly said the amount. All three doctors laughed. They said, ”Okay, you can go. The exam is over.”
He was just going out the door when it came to him, ”That amount would take his life, it is poison.”
He returned and said, ”Pardon me, I would give him half of what I had said.”
But the doctors said, ”The patient has died, who are you coming back to tell? What’s said is said. This is not merely an exam. If there were a patient and you gave him this dosage the patient would have died, who’s pardon are you asking? Come next year, prepare yourself better. You cannot just come back and correct your statement like this. If we change it, it would be false, the patient has already died.”

"Kabir says, speak wakefully speak alertly, for what is said is said. There is so much weight in our words. One sentence can cause an uproar. One text can end relationships. One paragraph can build fences. One e-mail can spark fury, for words live forever - in print and imprinted in our memories. Kabir urges us to choose the words wisely. Wait before you give life to your words."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीरा गर्व न कीजिये , ऊँचा देख आवास I
कल पैरों भूई लेटना , ऊपर जमसी घास II

As the parable of the rich fool goes,
"The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself."

"Kabir urges those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. He reminds us not to be proud of the high mansions, for the day is not far when one lies beneath the dirt and grass will grow on the top."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

धीरे धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय I
माली सींचे सौ घडा, रितू आए फल होय II

The expression "all in due time" is a calming reassurance that things will happen when the time is right. It advocates for patience and suggests that certain events or outcomes have a destined moment to occur. In others words to comfort or remind oneself not to rush things or become overly anxious about a situation. Timing plays a pivotal role in events and outcomes.
Patience is not just waiting but trusting in the process. The wiser we become in life, the more mature we become, the more we get patient. We finally understand that forcing things is not helping us; as in nature, everything unfolds at its own pace.

"Kabir says, we all know that it takes time and patience for seeds to sprout into saplings. We need to water them, nurture them and wait. Gradually it grows into a tree and bear fruits in it's season. Excessive watering will not hasten the growth rather ruin the process. Same goes in our life. So be patient."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

राखनहारे बाहिरा, चिड़ियौं खाया खेत I
आधा परधा ऊबरै, चेति सकै तौ चेति II

"Kabir says, the human life is the farmland. The birds of desires roving through the cropland have devastated most of it in the absence of guard 'Reason.' Wake up from the slumber of ignorance and save whatever remains of the farmland before all is lost. Among all the living species, only human beings are most fit to attain God Realisation. It is so difficult to obtain this human body; it does not just come over and over again. It is like the ripe fruit on the tree; when it falls to the ground, it cannot be re-attached to the branch. Are we really living and using this human life any better than animals? Or are we foolishly wasting it away chasing frivolous material pursuits?
There are two kinds of forces in the mind, viz., hostile or antagonistic force and friendly or favourable force. Passion is hostile force that drags you down. Pure reason is a favourable force that elevates you and transmutes you into Divinity. Develop, therefore pure reason to get unalloyed Bliss. The passion will die itself."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

बुरा जो देखने मै चला, बुरा ना मिल्या कोय I
जो मन खोजा आपना, तो मुझसे बुरा ना कोय II

In this composition Kabir talks about those who are false within, yet make themselves look honorable on the outside, those who fanatically practice superficial purity, cleanliness while totally ignoring the inner impurities of their minds. 

The majority of us do not want to know ourselves. But we want to know everything about others. We want to find faults in others, but not in ourselves.  We want others to forgive and forget our demerits, but we do not want to forgive and forget theirs. In other words, we are unaware of our own house being on fire, but we go out and look if someone else's house is burning. The majority of us are unwilling to look within because our inflated ego is afraid to face the truth our inner mind will reveal to us, our shocking crookedness, perversions, weaknesses, shortcomings, corruption, ignorance, untruthfulness, selfishness, duality, Vaasanas, fear, falsehood and so on. As a result our ever expanding ego finds it easy and more pleasant to judge others and find faults with them.

"Kabir says, I set out to find flawed people, but couldn't find any. When I finally peered inside myself though, there was no one more flawed than me."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जब मै था तब हरि नहीं, अब हरि है मै नाहिं I

सब अँधियारा मिटी गया, जब दीपक देख्यां माहिं II

"Kabir says, darkness, no matter how ominous and intimidating, is not a thing or force: it is merely the absence of light. So light need not combat and overpower darkness in order to displace it - where light is, darkness is not. A thimbleful of light will therefore banish a roomful of darkness. The same is true of good and evil: evil is not a thing or force, but merely the absence or concealment of good. One need not 'defeat' the evil in the world; one need only bring to light its inherent goodness."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

काल करे सो आज कर, आज करे सो अब I
पल में परलय होएगी, बहुरि करेगा कब I

 

"This composition is a reminder that impermanence is a fundamental characteristic of all things. Everything that is born will eventually die. This includes our bodies, our relationships, our possessions, and our own lives.
Kabir is not saying that we should not care about anything or anyone. He is simply saying that we should not be attached to anything or anyone. When we are attached to things, we are more likely to suffer when they change or disappear.
The world is afflicted by death and decay. The wise person understands the nature of impermanence and does not grieve when things change or disappear. They accept that change is a natural part of life and they focus on the present moment. Live in the present moment urges Kabir, for the present moment is all that we have. When we focus on the present moment, we are less likely to worry about the future or regret the past.
Accepting impermanence can be difficult. Embracing it however we are more likely to experience true happiness and peace of mind."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

काल करे सो आज कर, आज करै सो अब  I
पल में परलय होयगी, बहुरी करेगा कब II

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” 
This quote is a metaphor for the constant change and impermanence of life. 
Just as a river is constantly flowing and changing, so too are we. We are constantly learning, growing, and evolving. This means that we can never truly experience the same thing twice.
This can be a scary thought for some people, but it can also be a liberating one. When we realize that everything is constantly changing, we are less likely to cling to things and to become attached to them. We are also more likely to appreciate the present moment and to live our lives to the fullest.
This composition of Kabir is a reminder that life is a journey, not a destination. It is a journey of constant change and transformation. When we embrace change and transformation, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and a more fulfilling life.
So, don't be afraid of change. Embrace it and let it transform you into the best version of yourself."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

बँधे को बँधा मिला, छूटै कौन उपाय  I 
कर सेवा निरबन्ध की पल में लेय छुड़ाय II

There are more fake gurus and false teachers in this world than the number of stars in the visible universe. Don’t confuse power-driven, self-centered people with true mentors. A genuine spiritual master will not direct your attention to himself or herself and will not expect absolute obedience or utter admiration from you, but instead will help you to appreciate and admire your inner self. True mentors are as transparent as glass. They let the light of God pass through them.

"Kabir talks about how it is different to be in the company of true and wise, for it brings out the best of us in terms of pure and truthful values. The company that can lead us to not be too attached to Maya and materialistic world, but to act with pure intentions without any sort of material gains or intentions. It is the company that help us to spiritually elevate on our personal levels. The influence of people that can help us realize our own wrongs so as to become a better human being."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

बोले बोल बिचारी के, बैठे ठौर सम्हारी I
कहे कबीर ता दास को, कबहु ना आबै हारि II

"Speak only endearing speech, speech that is welcomed."

The phrase "endearing speech" suggests that our words should be chosen carefully and with the intention of fostering positive connections with others. It encourages us to use language that is respectful, considerate, and uplifting, rather than harsh, hurtful, or divisive.

"Speech that is welcomed" implies that we should be mindful of the receptivity of our audience and tailor our communication to their needs and sensibilities. It's about being aware of the context and considering the impact our words might have on the listener.
When our words are kind and constructive, they create a more harmonious and pleasant environment for both the speaker and the listener.
Kabir's guidance on speech extends beyond mere social etiquette; it delves into the ethical and spiritual dimensions of communication. He recognized that our words have the power to inflict pain, spread negativity, and even incite violence. Conversely, he also understood the transformative power of words to heal, uplift, and inspire.
By advocating for endearing and welcomed speech, Kabir is encouraging us to use our words as a force for good, to promote harmony, and to create a more compassionate and understanding world. He reminds us that our words are not just empty sounds but rather reflections of our inner state and the intentions we hold towards others.
In essence, this composition of Kabir is a call to mindful communication, a reminder of the profound impact our words have on the world around us. It encourages us to use language with care, to choose kindness over harshness, and to strive to make our words a source of upliftment and inspiration for others.

"Kabir says, the real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing in a tempting moment."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

चन्दन गया बिदेस, सब कोई कहत पलास I
ज्यो ज्यो चूल्हा झोंकिये, त्यों त्यों महके बास II

It is not appropriate to assess people on the basis of their appearance. Some people take a look at the cover of a book and feel that the designer colour and fancy text may mean it is better than a plain book. However, that does not happen, the inside of the book maybe not what you expected, so never judge a book or person by its cover. Beautiful souls often get put into plain bodies, hard to recognize merely by their outward appearance.The Grace is all around us, if we only have the eyes to see it.

"Kabir says, not everyone can recognize a block of sandalwood merely by looking at it, but as soon as it burns the rich aroma is unmistakable. In other words we often realize the importance of people in our lives only after they are gone.

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

प्रेम न बाडी उपजै, प्रेम न हाट बिकाई I
राजा परजा जेहिं रुचै, सीस देही ले जाई II

Kabir emphasizes that we often erect barriers within our own hearts and minds that prevent us from experiencing true love. These barriers can manifest in various forms, such as:
• Fear of vulnerability: We may be afraid to open ourselves up to love, fearing rejection, heartbreak, or disappointment.
• Past hurts: Unresolved emotional pain from past relationships can create walls around our hearts, making it difficult to trust and allow love in again.
• Negative self-beliefs: Unhealthy self-esteem and limiting beliefs about ourselves can make us feel unworthy of love.
• Unrealistic expectations: Idealistic and rigid notions of love can prevent us from recognizing and embracing the real thing.
In this composition Kabir challenges us to shift our focus from the external search for love to the internal journey of self-discovery. It reminds us that love is not something we find outside ourselves, but rather, it is a potential that already resides within each of us. By removing the barriers we have built, we can unlock this potential and experience the transformative power of love in our lives.

"Kabir says, Love cannot be bought and sold. It is not a bargain and neither it can be cultivated as a crop. The unconditional, unwavering support and sacrifice are the very foundation of True Love and they are common to all without exception."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

साधु शब्द समुद्र हैं जा में रतन भराय I
मन्द भाग मुट्ठी भर कंकड हाथ लगाय II

This composition of Kabir highlights the profound impact of our perception on our understanding of the world around us. It suggests that our interpretations and experiences are shaped not only by the external objects themselves but also by our inner perspectives, biases, and levels of wisdom.
A fool is someone who perceives the world superficially, without depth or understanding. They may see a tree simply as a physical object, devoid of its deeper symbolism, its connection to nature, or its role in the broader ecosystem.
A wise man, on the other hand, sees beyond the surface. They perceive the tree not only as a physical entity but also as a symbol of life, growth, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all things. They see the tree as a part of a larger narrative, a tapestry of life that is both delicate and enduring.
The difference between the fool and the wise man lies not in the tree itself but in the way they perceive it. The tree remains the same, but their interpretations are vastly different.

"Kabir says, a Sadhu' is like an ocean full of pearls of wisdom, yet an ignorant in the company of a Sadhu comes up merely with a handful of sand."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

ज्यों नैनन में पुतली, त्यों मालिक घर मांहि I

मूरख लोग न जानिए, बाहर ढूँढत जाहिं II

Kabir's observation highlights the inherent duality within humans, the interplay between our divine and earthly natures. The divine light, representing our pure, unbounded consciousness, coexists with our ego, the self-centered construct that identifies with our thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences.
Our ego, driven by survival, validation, and control, often obscures our perception of the divine light. We become engrossed in our external world, seeking fulfillment through material possessions, social status, and external achievements. In this pursuit, we disconnect from the inner source of peace, love, and wisdom that lies within.
This composition of Kabir serves as a wake-up call, urging us to recognize and embrace the divine light that is our true essence. It is a plea to shift our focus from the fleeting pleasures of the ego to the enduring fulfillment of our divine nature.

Kabir says, God lies within just like the pupil lies within the eyes. Truth is in all our hearts. He who stands by his heart has God in him. Our conscience is what unites us with God."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय रामII

नींद निशानी मौत की, उठ कबीरा जाग I
और रसायन छाँड़िके, नाम रसायन लाग II

"Kabir says, beyond the physical sleep, there is an another type of slumber called ignorance. Just like the coconut oil keeps the hands away from the sticky sap while the jackfruit is cut open, chanting God's name incessantly helps 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

सुखिया सब संसार है, खाये और सोये I
दुखिया दास कबीर है, जागे और रोये  II

Material possessions and wealth can undoubtedly bring some level of comfort and convenience. They can provide access to opportunities, experiences, and luxuries that might otherwise be unattainable. However, these external factors are not the source of true happiness. True happiness, according to Kabir, resides in the soul, the innermost essence of our being. It is a state of inner peace, fulfillment, and contentment that arises from cultivating positive qualities like kindness, compassion, and self-acceptance.

Kabir encourages us to shift our focus from seeking happiness in external things to cultivating it within ourselves. It reminds us that true happiness is not about what we have or what we achieve, but rather about who we are and how we connect with ourselves and the world around us.

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

धीरे-धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय I
माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ॠतु आए फल होय II

In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We rush from one thing to the next, often without taking the time to savor the moment. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
When we adopt the pace of nature, we are slowing down and allowing ourselves to experience the beauty of the world around us. We are taking the time to appreciate the simple things, such as a sunrise, a bird chirping, or a flower in bloom.
Patience is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life. When we are patient, we are more likely to enjoy the journey and to appreciate the destination. We are also more likely to be forgiving and compassionate towards ourselves and others.

"Kabir says, adopt the pace of nature, for her secret is patience. When witnessing a small tree growing out of a rock in the water, we see firsthand, the power of patience and perserverence. Trees bear fruits only in season, not as soon as it is amply watered, for nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जिहवा में अमृत बसै, जो कोई जाने बोल I
बिष बासूकी का उतरै, जिहवा तानै हिलोल II

By advocating for endearing and welcomed speech, Kabir is encouraging us to use our words as a force for good, to promote harmony, and to create a more compassionate and understanding world. He reminds us that our words are not just empty sounds but rather reflections of our inner state and the intentions we hold towards others.
In essence, it is Kabir's call to mindful communication, a reminder of the profound impact our words have on the world around us. It encourages us to use language with care, to choose kindness over harshness, and to strive to make our words a source of upliftment and inspiration for others.

"Kabir says, the amount of venom released by a snake is not much, but it can be extremely potent! Why should a small little slip of the tongue be so hard to just shake off? Because it is poisonous, and even if the other person isn't aware, its very purpose is to go straight to the heart and wound. A gentle tongue with its healing words can be a tree of life, or it can wound or destroy. A man who uses his tongue properly is a man who has his whole life under control. There is nectar in the tongue if one knows how to speak. We all end up eating the fruit of our words."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

काल करे सो आज कर, आज करै सो अब  I
पल में परलय होयगी, बहुरी करेगा कब II

This composition of Kabir encapsulates the essence of mindful living, urging us to fully embrace the present moment and find meaning and fulfillment in the here and now. He challenges us to break free from the shackles of the past and the anxieties of the future, and instead immerse ourselves in the richness of the present experience.

"Kabir says, in this world, one of the biggest illusions that we live in is that we have unlimited time. Procrastination is the thief of time. He urges us to ‘be wise to-day’ as life and opportunities can slip away quickly, for you may delay, but time will not. No one knows what tomorrow holds, so make the most of every moment. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, because tomorrow is not promised."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर संगति साधु की, निष्फल कभी न होय I
ऐसी चंदन वासना, नीम न कहसी कोय II

The old adage "a man is known by the company he keeps" suggests that the people we associate with have a significant impact on our reputation and character. In many ways, the people we surround ourselves with can influence our behavior. We are largely influenced by the environment in which we live and the people with whom we consistently interact in terms of attitude, behavior, linguistic expression, habits, interest, likes, dislikes etc.
If you leave your coat in a room where people are smoking, pretty soon it will smell of smoke. If you leave it outside in the garden, later on, when you bring it indoors, it will carry with it the fragrance of fresh air and flowers.
Such is the case with the mind. Your garment of thoughts absorbs the vibrations of those with whom you mix. If you mingle with pessimists, in time you will become a pessimist. And if you mingle with cheerful, happy people, you yourself will develop a cheerful, happy nature.
The environment largely contributes towards one emerging as a saintly being or a sinner.
The company of saintly beings and spiritually wise help to awaken the interest in That which is Real. The more consistently one seeks the company of the spiritually-minded, the greater will be the benefit."

"Kabir says, even if the Sandalwood tree is small, no one will call it a Neem tree, for not only the Sandalwood tree remains fragrant itself, everything in its proximity becomes fragrant too. Similarly what's done in the name of the Lord is not in vain. It's being remembered, recorded, and will be rewarded. Count on it."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जैसे तिल में तेल है, ज्यों चकमक में आग I
तेरा साईं तुझ में है, तू जाग सके तो जाग II

There is something within you that knows what to do. There is a power greater than you that knows how to take care of you without your help. All you have got to do is to surrender to it. Surrender your thoughts, your mind, your ego to the current that knows the way.  It will take care of you. It will take better care of you than you can ever imagine.

"Kabir says, the yearning for the Truth is inherent in us, yet we are unable to realize it due to our ignorance. A sesame seed contains oil. However the oil is not visible by simply looking at the seed. It is only by the extra effort that the oil can be extracted from the seed. Similarly fire is not visible merely by looking at the flintstone, for the fire latent in the stone is ignited only as a result of vigorous friction. Similarly our body is a temple,  the seat of divine with the divinity being our true self. However we are unable to realize it because it is veiled of ignorance. In other words man is potentially divine and the sole purpose of this life is to discover that divinity. The time to do is here and now".   

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

मोह फंद सब फांदिया, कोय ना सकै निवार I
कोई साधूजन पारखी, बिरला तत्व विचार II

When a cat falls out of a tree, it lets go of itself. The cat becomes completely relaxed, and lands lightly on the ground. But if a cat were about to fall out of a tree and suddenly make up its mind that it didn’t want to fall, it would become tense and rigid, and would be just a bag of broken bones upon landing.
In the same way,  we are all falling off a tree, at every moment of our lives. As a matter of fact, the moment we were born, we were kicked off a precipice, and we are falling, and there is nothing that can stop it.
So instead of living in a state of chronic tension, and clinging to all sorts of things that are actually falling with us because the whole world is impermanent, be like a cat.

"Kabir says, the seeming or illusory nature of the phenomena, events or circumstances in the world is a common fact of our daily lives. Those individuals who are wise do not allow themselves to be taken in by appearances, promises, or marketing. They hold back, wait and observe before making any important judgments or decisions, looking to what may be behind the actions and motivations of others or the circumstances involved."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

चलती चक्की देख के, दिया कबीरा रोये I
दो पाटन के बीच में, साबुत बचा न कोए II

In this composition Kabir uses the analogy of a pair of flat grinding stones used for grinding grain for the duality we live in. Just like the grain is crushed  between the grinding stones, everyone is subjected to the play of opposites such as gain and loss, good and bad, pleasure and pain, life and  death without exception. Whoever enters this duality is crushed. The friction between the stones crush the grain into smaller pieces ultimately turning it into flour. Man subjected to trials of life is no exception too. In other words we get so much involved in the stuggle for survival that we forget the true purpose for which we were born human. People spend their whole life chasing material possessions, least bothered about the spiritual progress, for in the end none of the material possessions are of any use. It is only the spiritual growth that transcends the limits of the material world."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

दरिया की लहर दरिया है जी I

"Kabir says, “there is a wave on the ocean. The wave is the same as the ocean certainly, and yet we know it is a wave, and as such different from the ocean. What makes this difference? The name and form; that is, the idea in the mind and the form. Now, can we think of a wave-form as something separate from the ocean? Certainly not. It is always associated with the ocean idea. If the wave subsides, the form vanishes in a moment, and yet the form was not a delusion. So long as the wave existed the form was there, and you were bound to see the form. 
This is Maya.
The whole of this universe, therefore, is, as it were, a peculiar form; the Absolute is that ocean, while you and I, and suns and stars, and everything else are various waves of that ocean. And what makes the waves different? Only the form, and that form is time, space, and causation, all entirely dependent on the wave. As soon as the wave goes, they vanish. As soon as the individual gives up this Maya, it vanishes for him, and he becomes free. The whole struggle is to get rid of this clinging on to time, space, and causation, which are always obstacles in our way.” 

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

चिंता ऐसी डाकिनी, काट कलेजा खाय I
बैद बिचारा क्या करे, कहां तक दवा लगाए II

Worry and pyre have one thing in common: they both burn the body. But the difference is that a pyre burns the dead body whilst the worry burns the alive body. In a futile bid to satisfy the never-ending "hunger and thirst" of the senses we live with anxiety day and night. More the material wealth or possessions we have more worry. On the other hand, one who has little, wanders around in anxiety searching for more. Hence both "haves" and "have-nots" worry and suffer. Worry can be likened to a swing, which will give you something to do but it won't get you anywhere. Instead of living in the eternity of the present moment, we worry about the past and the future knowing well that worry can't change the past but it can certainly ruin the Now. Similarly worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.

"Kabir says, for every worry under the sun, there is a remedy or there is none. If there be one, hurry and find it. If there be none, then never mind it.”

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जहां बाज बासा करै, पंछी रहै ना और I
जा घट प्रेम परगट भया, नाहि करम को थौर II

 Light’ and ‘darkness’ are antithetic and opposite, and cannot co-exist. Likewise, Faith in God’s Existence is antithetic and contradictory to the ‘Egoistic Conception’ of ‘I’, ‘Me’ and ‘Mine’.

"Kabir says, just like a falcon bird tends to be solitary, the divine virtues and falsehood cannot coexist."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

मानुष करी बलवान नही, समय सब से बलवान I
काबे अर्जुन लुटीयो, वही धनुष वही बान II

The fate of an individual plays a big part in shaping individual's life. If an individual is meant to rise from rags to riches then fate pushes him in that direction. If he is destined to fall down from the peak then also it's fate that makes it come true. It all depends on karma of an individual or in other words Purushartha. To a believer of fate, luck controls the destiny while for a believer of Purushartha, hard work controls the destiny. Actually the reality is somewhere in the middle. Prarabdha and Purushartha are not on collision course but rather run parallel and meet at some point of the road. The hard work of today becomes the good fortune of tomorrow. The fate faced today maybe a result of bad deeds of yesterday. 

Kabir says, we are akin to puppets. The Time's hand may not be visible, but it is very much there. We cannot do even the smallest thing, unless Time wills it. The great warrior Arjuna lost to  tribesmen dwelling in forest using the same quiver and arrows he used to defeat mighty warriors. Some things in life are beyond our control, for the fate reigns supreme on the individual. Its wise to accept it as it comes and work towards a better future by doing Purushartha(hard work).

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर बैरी सबल है, एक जीव रिपु पांच I
अपने अपने स्वाद को, बहुत नचाबै नाच II

"Kabir says, in this ocean of worldly life, millions of waves of vices surge like the torrential rains, storms and floods. Within this body dwell the five enemies
lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment and egotism. They become powerful evils when their negative impact dominates a person’s mind. These ‘five’ also have their numerous variations such as enviousness, stubborn mindedness, selfishness, deception, wickedness, falsehood, corruption, bigotry, hatred, insecurity, desires and fears, discontentment, intolerance, revenge, unforgiveness, unhappiness, and so on. They bring man down to the animal nature.
Since these are the negative pulls of human nature and very powerful and destructive, the internal war to eradicate them needs much greater bravery, fearlessness and indomitable courage."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

काया खेत किसान मन, पाप पुन्न दो बीव I
बोया लूनै आपना, कसकै जीव II

"Kabir says, body is the farmland while the mind is the farmer. The sinful deeds (Paap) and pious acts (Punya) are the seeds. According to traditional understanding, Paap and Punya are ‘demerits’ and ‘merits’ earned through bad and good karma respectively. Whenever we engage in actions that are wrong for some reason, we acquire demerit (Paap), and that leads us to negative consequences—pain and suffering; and when we do good deeds, we earn merits (Punya), which in turn leads us to favourable consequences—happiness and satisfaction. This is the entire karmik philosophy in a nutshell.
Our life is shaped by our mind. We become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draw it. On the other hand joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves.
What you sow, so you reap’ encapsulates the essence of karma, suggesting that the actions we take in life, whether positive or negative, bear consequences that manifest in our experiences."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरुचरणार्पणमस्तु II