II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर औंधि खोपड़ी,
कबहुॅं धापै नाहि I
तीन लोक की सम्पदा,
का आबै घर माहि II

Do not collect anything: Power, money, prestige, worldly possessions etc. Do not concentrate on accumulating. If you do not concentrate, you are ready to die at some point because there is nothing to lose. Fear of death is not the fear of death, the fear of death comes from the accumulation of life. Then you have too much to lose. You cling to it. 
Even if all the wealth of the three worlds comes, the longing for more never ceases. 

"Kabir says, beyond the belief that something can be lost, there is nothing to lose."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

चिंता ऐसी डाकिनी, काट कलेजा खाए I
बैद बेचारा क्या करे, कहा तक दवा लगाए II

Worry (most often) is about something that hasn’t happened. It seeps into our present, muting our happiness and creating scenarios that don’t exist. When we do this, we give worry roots to grow. 
And while there may be reasons for concern about certain situations, they can be easily misconstrued - because the future hasn’t happened. It's better not to bring our worries forward. Don’t let them breathe or breed. We must remember, what comes next is not promised; the future is all up for the taking because there are too many variables of an altered state, and worry keeps you attached to the worst. 

"Kabir says, except worry for every ailment under the sun there is a remedy.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength."

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 II

We are living in a world entirely hypnotized by the illusion of time, in which the so-called present moment is felt as nothing but an infinitesimal hairline between a causative past and an absorbingly important future. We have no present. Our consciousness is almost completely preoccupied with memory and expectation. We do not realize that there never was, is, nor will be any other experience than present experience. 

"Kabir says, time passes unhindered. When we make mistakes, we cannot turn the clock back and try again. All we can do is use the present well."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

दुर्बल को न सताईये, जाकी मोटी हाय I
मरी खाल की सांस से, लोह भसम हो जाय II

"No one heals himself by wounding another."
This short but potent line reminds us that true healing isn't found in the jagged edges of inflicted misery.
The path to wholeness doesn't lie in wounding others. It lies in tending to our own scars with kindness, in reaching out for hands that mend, not weapons that wound. So, let this message be a guiding light, urging us to break the cycle of suffering and choose the path of compassion, for within its gentle embrace, we all find the true path to healing.

"Kabir says, pain begets pain, not solace. When we lash out, when we wound others to ease our own hurt, we perpetuate a cycle of suffering. The temporary relief might feel like sunshine breaking through storm clouds, but the shadows of our actions linger, poisoning both ourselves and those we've harmed. Bellows of blacksmith made of skin of dead animal blows air on fire thus speeding combustion that melts the iron."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोई I
जो मन खोजा अपना, तो मुझसे बुरा न कोई II

It is said that,
"He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is halfway there. He who blames no one has arrived."
This ancient proverb paints a beautiful picture of personal growth through self-responsibility. Imagine a journey towards wisdom, where blame is the roadblock and self-acceptance the destination. It whispers:
Blaming Others is a Dead End: Stuck in the quicksand of accusation, we waste precious time and energy pointing fingers at others. This "long way to go" highlights the stagnation caused by owning one's responsibility.
Blaming Yourself is a Stepping Stone: Taking inward responsibility, even for painful situations, is the first step towards self-awareness and growth. It's "halfway there" because it acknowledges our role in shaping one's own experiences.
Blaming No One is Arrival: Reaching the summit of self-acceptance, we understand that life is a tapestry woven with both internal and external threads. This "arrival" isn't a blameless paradise, but a state of inner peace where we navigate challenges without the need to blame.
This proverb isn't suggesting ignoring external factors or absolving ourselves of accountability. It's about shifting our focus from blaming to understanding, from victimhood to empowerment. By embracing self-responsibility, we navigate life's journey with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to learn and grow from every experience.

Kabir says, let this proverb be your compass. When faced with challenges, resist the urge to point fingers and instead, embark on the inward journey of self-reflection. Own your role, learn from your mistakes, and forgive yourself and others. In doing so, you'll find yourself closer to the summit, your path illuminated by the gentle light of self-realization."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जब तू आया जगत मे ,लोग हंसे तू रोये I
ऐसी करनी न करो,पीछे हंसे सब कोय II

Never underestimate the power of a simple, pure deed done from the heart.
The world is not changed by men who move mountains, nor by those who lead the revolutions, nor by those whose purse strings tie up the world.
Dictators are deposed, oppression is dissolved, entire nations are transformed by a few precious acts of beauty performed by a handful of unknown soldiers.

"Kabir says, each person must see himself as though the entire world were held in balance and any deed he may do could tip the scales.”

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जाति न पूछो साधू की पूछ लीजिए ज्ञान I
मोल करो तलवार का पड़ा रहन दो म्यान 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 enforce absolute obedience upon you or expect 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 says, the wisdom of a person speaks volumes about himself no matter of his religion, race or creed. A good blade is known by its sturdiness and cutting edge and not by the scabbard that holds it."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

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

How are you utilising every chance of life?
Being alive is something we must all be grateful for because every moment you live, life has given you another chance.
We can use this very chance of life as an opportunity to create or miss it, only to regret it. What differentiates successful people from others is their best utilisation of these chances in life because they don’t let any moment go to waste. Instead, they find ways to utilise the time of their life best. When they fail an attempt, they don’t let it become a moment of regret, but they try to find ways to make their next moment the best.
Every moment is a chance to create; you must fully utilise it. Once you start living every moment with a purpose, you will be able to build a successful and beautiful life.

"Kabir says, every moment is another chance of life. Every chance can create a moment of a lifetime."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

तीरथ तों सब बेलड़ी, सब जग मेल्या छाइ I
कबीर मूल निकंदिया, कोण हलाहल खाइ II

In this doha Kabeer highlights the futility of visiting pilgrimages and bathing therein.

 "A disciple of Kabir  asked his permission for visiting pilgrim places and taking ritual bath in their so-called holy rivers and ponds. Kabir gave his disciple a gourd and asked: “Please bathe this gourd wherever you bathe”. The disciple did exactly that — wherever he bathed in the so-called holy waters of Teerath places, he also bathed the gourd. Upon his returning from the pilgrimage, he gave the gourd back to Kabir. In turn, Kabir handed it over to the cook in charge of the kitchen with the instructions to cook the gourd and serve it with the next meal to all devotees. So he did. However, as we know that the gourd is poisonously bitter, no one could eat it. Kabir wanted to make the point to his deluded and immature student that, as the gourd did not shed its bitterness by bathing at all of the so-called holy places, similarly, the mental filth cannot be washed off by any type of external ablution."

"Kabir says, the poisonous vine of ritualistic worship such as visiting pilgrimages has a vice like grip on the minds of people since time immemorial. All Teerath and pilgrimage are within only if we were to understand it."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जिन खोजा तिन पाइया, गहरे पानी पैठ I
मैं बपुरा बूडन डरा, रहा किनारे बैठ II

Kabir, in this simple yet powerful doha, celebrates the human spirit's resilience in the face of challenge. Imagine life as a winding path, often dotted with steep inclines and hidden crevices. He says, "The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it," not to romanticize hardship, but to acknowledge the profound satisfaction found in conquering it. It isn't mere external validation. It's the quiet, internal glow of knowing you've risen to the occasion, pushed beyond perceived limits, and discovered a strength within you that you never knew existed. So, let his words be a beacon on your path. Embrace the challenges, navigate the difficulties, and revel in the glorious ascent, for it is there, amidst the trials, that you truly discover the full potential of your spirit.

"Kabir says, those who have never known pain or adversity are as shallow as the waves lapping on the shore. Pearls don't lie on the seashore but only in the deep sea. You must hazard all perils to get them. If you fail to get at them by a single dive, do not conclude that the sea is without them. Dive again and again, and you are sure to be rewarded in the end."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

नहाये धोये क्या हुआ, जो मन मैल न जाए ।
मीन सदा जल में रहे, धोये बास न जाए ॥

A man came to Ramakrishna, he said, ”I am on my way to bathe in the Ganges. I am going on pilgrimage. What is your suggestion?”

Ramakrishna said, ”If you are going it is good. But remember one thing: have you seen the great tall trees standing on the banks of the Ganges?”

He said, ”Yes, they are standing there.”

”Why are they standing there?”

”I don’t know, you ask such a question! They are trees, they stand there. What can I say about why they are standing there?”

”I will tell you the secret,” Ramakrishna said. ”The secret is that you go there carrying a bundle of sins on your body and take a dip in the Ganges. When you dip under it is the blessing of Mother Ganges that the sins are taken away. But sins will not let go of you so easily, they sit on the trees. The say to themselves, ’When our son comes out, then. How long can he stay under?’ You will come out of the Ganges, they will leap and be mounted on you again. So it is the same whether you bathe or not. Remember the trees, take your dip but don’t come back out.”

He said, ”What are you telling me? Do you want to take my life? If I go under and don’t come up, then I am finished. Then it is useless to go.”

Ramakrishna said, ”Then it is up to you. But that is why trees are standing there. You sin and the Ganges will purify your sins! If it were that cheap then how easy life would be, but not worth two cents.”

Ramakrishna is right, does bathing in the Ganges wash away sins? Yes, the dirt and grime of the body will be washed off although as soon as you come out, dust will be stirred up and settle on you again. But how will the Ganges clean inside of you? The outer Ganges can clean the outer dirt. But you will have to have to awaken the inner Ganges in your inner consciousness. That water you will have to seek in your own currents.

In this composition Kabir addresses the human mind for inner cleansing, for when the mind is filthy, everything is filthy; by washing the body, the mind is not cleaned of its failings lust, greed, attachment, pride and their countless variations. Fish swims underwater, yet it's distinctive smell does not go away."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जिभ्या जिन बस में करि, तिन बस कियो जहान I
नहि तो अवगुन उपजै, कही सब संत सुजान II

"Kabir says, the words we speak become the house we live in. We must ask ourselves, what kind of house are we creating today?  
Our house is the body of our being, the mind/the soul, reflecting the constant talk that swirls in our head.
Introspective ideas (the thoughts you project or protect) not only influence you directly, they hold all that you are, and all that surrounds.
Be mindful, be careful, and be thoughtful… 
What you think mirrors; what you say echoes, and what you do always comes back in one form or another."

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 II

"Kabir says, yesterday, a minute ago, last week … it is all obsolete.  
So, if we didn’t grab the things we were to put in our pockets, whose fault is that?
Opportunity is this ‘thing’ we call "now."
Carpe diem! 
Seize your moments. Because every single second is creating our future, and when we have been given lessons on how to maneuver (what to do, what not to do) and we don’t utilize them, we don’t get to blame our situations, our parents, the sun or the moon or the stars. 
We (you and I) are creators, creating with others, creating with and through the divine. In other words,
“Dare to seize all the opportunities on your paths.”

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

"Carpe diem", a phrase that comes from the Roman poet Horace, means literally "Pluck the day", though it's usually translated as "Seize the day". A free translation might be "Enjoy yourself while you have the chance".

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

सब आया एक ही घाट से, उतरा एक ही बाट I
बीच में दुविधा पड़ गयी, हो गए बारह बाट II

A monk lived outside a cave and does nothing but sleep, day and night. A road passes by his hut and leads to an important place of pilgrimage in the mountains. Pilgrims passing by his hut are often surprised to see the monk lying about lazily and doing nothing. Once in a while they ask him, "Why are you lying here? Why don't you go on pilgrimage?"
The monk says to them, "I am already there where you are coming from or going to." And then he turns his back on them. He has never gone on a pilgrimage, nor is he likely to go ever. The pilgrims think him to be a madman, but he tells them again and again, "I am already there where you are going; I need not go anywhere or do anything." One does not have to go anywhere in search of it. Drop all searching...

"Kabir says, as long as we are immersed in body consciousness, we are like strangers in a foreign country. Our native land is omnipresence."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

हिंदू कहै राम हमारा, तुरक कहै रहमाना I
आपस में दोऊ लड़त, मरत हैं, मरम न काहू जाना II

One Sufi mystic who had remained happy his whole life — no one had ever seen him unhappy — who was always laughing, who was laughter, whose whole being was a perfume of celebration…. In his old age, when he was dying, on his deathbed and still enjoying death, laughing hilariously, a disciple asked, “You puzzle us. Now you are dying, why are you laughing? What is there funny about it? We are feeling so sad. We wanted to ask you many times in your life why you are never sad. But now, confronting death at least, one should be sad. You are still laughing — how are you managing it?”
The old man said, “It is simple. I had asked my master — I had gone to my master as a young man; I was only seventeen and already miserable, and my master was old, seventy, and he was sitting under a tree, laughing for no reason at all. There was nobody else there, nothing had happened, nobody had cracked a joke or anything, and he was simply laughing, holding his belly. I asked him, ‘What is the matter with you? Are you mad or something?’
“He said, ‘One day I was also as sad as you are. Then it dawned on me that it is my choice, it is my life.’
“Since that day, every morning when I get up, the first thing I decide is… before I open my eyes I say to myself, ‘Abdullah'” — that was his name — “‘what do you want? Misery? Blissfulness? What you are going to choose today?’ And it happens that I always choose blissfulness.”
It is a choice. Try it. When you become aware the first moment in the morning that sleep has left, ask yourself, “Abdullah, another day! What is your idea? Do you choose misery or blissfulness?”
And who would choose misery? And WHY? It is so unnatural — unless one feels blissful in misery, but then too you are choosing bliss, not misery....

Kabir says, the Hindus say Lord Ram belongs to them; The Turks claim Rehman (Allah).
Both fight mindlessly amongst themselves; none of them realize the essence.”

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 तुझमें है , तू जाग सके तो जाग II

Because of the reeds and scum that cover the surface of a pond, one cannot see the fish playing in it; similarly because of the screen of Maya that shuts off God from human view, one cannot see Him 
playing in one's heart.

Kabir says, 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.
Kabir reminds us to see the process of self-improvement as a sacred act of construction, building a sanctuary within ourselves where God can dwell."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

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

Your mind and heart need to build a relationship slowly, somewhat like a pet and its master.
At first, your mind needs to hold your heart tightly on a leash. Your heart screams, “I must have this! I must go there!” And your mind says, “Calm down. We talked this over already and we both agreed you don’t need to.”
The heart screams, “But now I feel I need to! If I don’t, who knows what will happen!”
And the mind says, “That’s because you are a heart. Hearts feel that way. But I am a mind and I know we will survive even if you don’t.”
Eventually, the heart learns the paths and gallops along them with ease. It becomes a mindful heart.

Beyond the physical sleep, there is an another type of "sleep"; which is subtle, seemingly endless and dreadful delusion, illusion or deception of Maya, egotism, material consciousness etc. The sense-bent, deluded or conditioned mind is Maya. Once caught in the vortex of Maya, one loses control over his senses and plunges into the pitch darkness of ignorance.
Kabir says, in this horrific state of endless slumber are "asleep" the Jeeva (individual beings) of entire world for countless incarnations. It is this endless slumber from which Kabir urges us to awake and arise. 
Just as one washes his dirty body and clothes with water and soap, the mind must also be cleansed of the impurities ("sleep of ignorance") by the soothing waters of the Lord's Name so that our false ego does not clog the Soul. The elixir of Lord's name is the only antidote to the Maya addicted mind."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

माया छोड़न सब कहै, माया छोरि न जाय I
छोरन की जो बात करु, बहुत तमाचा खाय II

One day a beggar went to see a Sufi fakir and found him seated on velvet cushion inside a beautiful tent with it's ropes tied to golden pegs in the ground.
Seeing all this the beggar cried: "What is all this! I have heard so much about you and your spirituality and non-attachment but I am completely disillusioned by all this ostentation around you."
The fakir laughed and immediately jumped up and said Let's go and walked off with the beggar not even waiting to put on his sandals.
After a while the beggar was distressed. "I left my begging bowl in your tent. What shall I do without it? Please wait while I go back and fetch it."
The Sufi roared in laughter. My friend said he," the gold pegs of my tent were stuck in the earth, not in my heart; but your begging bowl is still chasing you.

"Kabir says, when you are attached to things, they take control of your life, your body, mind and senses and define your life, personality and destiny. They also limit your freedom and awareness. Non-attachment means not to become enslaved to anything and live like a lotus leaf in the muddy waters, without being touched by it or polluted by it."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

मेरा मन जो तोही सो, तेरा मन कहीं और I
कहै कबीर कैसे निभे, एक चित दुई थोर II

When you sink a well, you first select a spot before beginning the drilling. But if you stop drilling halfway and start anew at a different spot, you will never find water and all your labors will be wasted. But if you keep drilling at one spot, you will surely find water eventually. A spirit of fortitude is required. If you are easily disappointed and keep trying at different places, you will never succeed. 

"Kabir says, if you continue running from one saint or Sadguru to another, you will never gain anything. Stick firmly to only one Master and carry out his wishes. Dig, dig, and keep on digging, and one day you will get the water of Realization. A spirit of fortitude is necessary for realisation."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

मन उन्मना न तोलिये, शब्द के मोल न तोल I
मुर्ख लोग न जान्सी, आपा खोया बोल II

"Kabir says, speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret. Rash, angry words spoken out of season, when rage has usurped the throne of reason have ruined many. Swallowing angry words before you say them is better than having to eat them afterwards. Anger is temporary but words said in anger aren't. You may ask for forgiveness, and you may even be forgiven, but the wounds you cause will always remain, because anger always leaves scars."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर तन पंछी भया, जहां मन तहां उडी जाइI
जो जैसी संगती कर, सो तैसा ही फल पाइ II

You have had a long and eventful day, but you are doing just fine. But, if you keep thinking about how you should be feeling tired after such a long day, you will start feeling tired. In other words your mind is the willfulness that pushes the body to work. Where your mind goes your body follows. 

"Kabir says, the worldliness has made we humans like a bird. Our bodies fly to where our minds lead us to. While the evil thoughts may compel us to do wrongdoings, those who sow courtesy reap friendship, and those who plant kindness gather love. Engage in good thoughts, and only good words and good deeds will follow. Our thoughts become our actions. A man is known by the company he keeps.The character and moral standards of a person are strongly influenced by those he chooses to surround himself with."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जब तू आया जगत में, लोग हँसे तू रोय  I
ऐसी करनी ना करो, पीछे हँसे सब कोय II

"Kabir says, a meaningful life is not being rich, being popular, being highly educated or being perfect.....It is about being real, being humble, being strong and being able to share ourselves and touch the life of others."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

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

"Kabir says, we think that it is the big moments that define our lives, the wedding, the baby, the new house, the dream job.
But really, these big moments of happiness are just the punctuation marks.
The narrative is written every day in the small and simple.
Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर माया पापिनी, फंद ले बैठी हाट I
सब जग तो फंदे परा, गया कबीरा काट II

This world is an illusion, this world is a dream, and the more you react to it, the further you get entangled in it. When you get entangled in it, you keep living for ever and ever in different bodies, different places, and it never stops for you. You may believe you get old and die, then you take a rest and you reincarnate, then go through experiences again, and again, and again, until you start realizing that the whole thing is a dream, it is all a nonsense, I have absolutely nothing to do with this world, and you awaken to your true self.

"Kabir says, life repeats itself mindlessly. Unless one becomes mindful, it will go on repeating like a wheel."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

करता था सो क्यों किया, अब कर क्यों पछिताय I
बोया पेड़ बबूल का, आम कहाँ से खाय II

Don't depend on death to liberate you from your imperfections. You are exactly the same after death as you were before. Nothing changes; you only give up the body. 
If you are a thief or, a liar, or a cheater before death, you don't become an angel merely by dying. If such were possible, then let us all go and jump in the ocean now and become angels at once! 
Whatever you have made of yourself thus far, so will you be hereafter. And when you reincarnate, you will bring that same nature with you. To change, you have to make the effort. This world is the place to do it.

"Kabir says, when we didn't regret our doings, why do we now regret our results. Let's not expect Mangoes, if we had sown seeds of a Babul tree."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

माया छाया एक सी, बिरला जाने कोय I
भगता के पीछे लगे, सम्मुख भागे सोय II

"Kabir says, there is no solid existence of a shadow: a sword cannot cut it, fire cannot burn it, water cannot drown it. Try as you may, it still exists. It does not have a real existence, yet the shadow is. It walks behind you; if you run, it runs after you, if you stop, it stops. Whenever something exists, it also has its shadow. The Supreme Reality has its shadow, too. It is Maya, the illusion. That which is not. The shadow of the Supreme Reality is this world we live in. Ignorance is Maya on the scale of a man. 
It is the "I am this body" idea that is causing the shadow of ignorance, not the sun.
Just like the shadow disappears when you become one with the sun, God Realization comes true when one gets rid of "I am this body" idea.
While earning a living keeps the entire humanity occupied, at the community kitchen which serves meals to all free of charge, regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity, the abundant food supply never ceases. In other words while the greed of material possessions is unending, the same Maya runs after the Realized Soul who lives amidst 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

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

"Kabir says, contrary to popular belief, time does not heal, time does not fly, time does not do anything.Time has no consciousness. It does nothing for you.The key to happiness now is what you choose to do with your time right now. Are you, right now, making the most valuable use of your time? This moment is, after all, the time of your life. Your choices are what make each moment."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर सभ ते हम बुरे, हम तजि भल सब कोई I
जिनि ऐसा करि बूझिआ, मीत हमारा सोइ II

On the mortal realm, humans walk their own journey. We stumble, we falter, burdened by limitations and imperfections. Yet, within this vulnerability lies a hidden power – the power of humility. When we shed the weight of self-importance, when we embrace our humanness, flaws and all, we open ourselves to connection, to empathy, to something akin to Supreme Grace.
Humility doesn't erase our struggles, but it allows us to navigate them with open hearts and a willingness to learn. It allows us to see beyond ourselves, to connect with the tapestry of human experience woven around us. And in that connection, we discover a different kind of radiance. It's a warm, earthen glow that emanates from within. It's the light of understanding, of forgiveness, of acceptance. It's the light that shines not to outshine, but to illuminate the path for others.
The true grace often lies not in striving for grandeur, but in embracing the beauty of our shared imperfections. So, walk your human journey with humility as your compass, one built on connection, understanding, and the simple radiance of being human.

"Kabir says, except me everyone is good. The one who accepts me with all my imperfections is my true friend.

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

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

In this evocative couplet by Kabir, the physical body becomes not just a vessel, but a sacred site – a "microcosm of the Temple." Imagine ourselves not as mere mortals, but as miniature Temples, each with the potential to house the divine "Light of the Creator." It's a powerful metaphor, urging us to see the process of self-improvement as a sacred act of construction, building a sanctuary within ourselves where divinity can dwell.

But how do we build this inner Temple? Kabir suggests it's not about erecting ornate structures or performing elaborate rituals. It's about tending to the fundamental building blocks of our being – our physical health, our mental and emotional wellbeing, and our spiritual awareness.

Think of the physical body as the foundation of the Temple. By nurturing it with healthy habits, mindful movement, and respect for its limitations, we create a strong and stable base for the spirit to reside. Just as a cracked foundation jeopardizes the entire structure, so too does neglecting our physical well-being hinder the growth of our inner sanctuary.

Next, imagine the mind and emotions as the Temple's walls. Cultivating clarity of thought, practicing emotional regulation, and fostering compassion for ourselves and others are the bricks and mortar that create a space of inner peace and serenity. When the walls of our minds are cluttered with negativity and our emotions run wild, the "Light of the Creator" can barely flicker within.

Finally, Kabir points to spiritual awareness as the Temple's illuminating flame. Engaging in practices like meditation, prayer, or simply connecting with something greater than ourselves ignites the light within, allowing the divine presence to bathe the inner sanctuary in its radiant glow. This light doesn't demand grand gestures or specific beliefs. It's the spark of curiosity, the flicker of gratitude, the gentle hum of connection that resonates within each of us.

"Kabir says, building this inner Temple isn't a one-time project, but an ongoing journey of refining and expanding. There will be days when the foundation needs repair, times when the walls crack with hardship, and moments when the flame seems to falter. But with dedication and perseverance, we can continue to strengthen our foundations, mend the cracks, and rekindle the inner light. The "Light of the Creator" already resides within us. Kabir simply reminds us that we have the power to build a magnificent Temple within ourselves, a sanctuary where this divine light can shine brightly and guide us on our life's journey. Embrace the sacred task of inner construction, nurture your body, mind, and spirit, and watch as your own inner Temple becomes a beacon of peace, love, and the radiant "Light of the Creator."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II

 II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

जीवन में मरना भला, जो मरि जानै कोय I
मरना पहिले जो मरै, अजय अमर सो होय II

“To the ignorant the body is supreme and they are incapable of realizing the immortality that is within them. Knowing only the body which is subject to death, they believe in death because they worship that substance which is the cause and reality of death.”

Imagine life as a grand theater, where two plays unfold simultaneously. On one stage, the physical body performs a temporary drama, subject to the ever-shifting scenes of birth, growth, and decay. This is the realm of the "ignorant," those who identify solely with the material world and its passing pleasures. To them, death is the final curtain, the ultimate tragedy.

But on the other stage, a different play unfolds – the dance of the immortal soul. Those who pierce beyond the physical veil, who awaken to the "knowing" within, discover a truth hidden from the ignorant. They realize that the soul is an eternal spark, untouched by the limitations of flesh and bone. Death, then, becomes not an ending, but a transformation, a transition to a new act in the grand play of existence.

To worship only the body is to fixate on the temporary stage, mistaking the props for the play itself. But to acknowledge the soul, the unseen actor behind the mask, is to grasp the grander narrative. It's to recognize that the play continues even when the costumes are shed, that the spark within transcends the limitations of its temporary vessel.

This awakening doesn't deny the reality of the physical world or the experience of death. It simply adds a layer of understanding, a glimmer of hope that illuminates the darkness. With this awareness, death becomes not the ultimate fear, but a potential doorway to a new chapter, a continuation of the soul's timeless journey.

"Kabir says, ultimately, the choice is ours. We can remain fixated on the temporary stage, succumbing to the fear of the final curtain, or we can awaken to the play within, allowing the light of the eternal soul to guide us through the shadows.
Remember, the choice to see beyond the physical rests within each of us. Choose the story that resonates with your spirit, and find solace in the knowledge that the true curtain never falls."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II