In the Realm of Spiritual Wisdom: Exploring few Dohas of Sant Kabir

Introduction:

Sant Kabir, a 15th-century mystic poet and saint, holds a timeless place in the rich tapestry of Indian literature and spirituality. His verses, often presented in the form of dohas (couplets), encapsulate profound spiritual wisdom, transcending the boundaries of time and resonating with seekers of truth across generations. In this extensive exploration, we delve into few of dohas by Sant Kabir, unveiling the layers of meaning, universal truths, and spiritual insights embedded within these timeless verses.

1. Doha 1:

साईं इतना दीजिए, जामें कुटुम समाय |
मैं भी भूखा न रहूँ, साधू न भूखा जाय ||

“Saai itna dijiye, jaamein kutum samaay |
Main bhi bhukha na rahu, sadhu na bhukha jaye ||”

Translation: “Lord, give me only as much as is sufficient to fill my and my family’s stomach. I do not wish to remain hungry, nor do any saint goes hungry from my house.”

Analysis:
This doha reflects Kabir’s emphasis on contentment, simplicity, and compassion. It urges the divine to provide sustenance without excess, promoting a life of moderation and empathy for others.

2. Doha 2:

बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय |
जो मन खोजा अपना, तो मुझसे बुरा न कोय ||

“Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na miliya koy |
Jo mann khoja aapna, to mujhse bura na koy ||”

Translation: “I went out to find the wicked, but I found no one evil. When I searched within my own self, I discovered the true evil within me.”

Analysis:
Kabir’s introspective doha underscores the importance of self-awareness and personal accountability. It encourages individuals to reflect on their own actions and thoughts before passing judgment on others.

3. Doha 3:

माटी कहे कुम्हार से, तू क्या रौंदेहैं मोय |
एक दिन ऐसा आएगा, मैं रौंदूँगा तोय ||

“Maati kahe kumar se, tu kya raundhehai moy |
Ek din aisa aayega, main raundunga toy ||”

Translation: “The clay says to the potter, ‘Why do you keep kneading and pounding me?’ The day will come when I will pound you.”

Analysis:
This doha illustrates the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing humility and the inevitability of facing the consequences of our actions. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings.

4. Doha 4:

चिंता ऐसी डाकिनी, काटि कुपि चिंता जाए |
विचिंतयो मुगध को, अपनी चिंता नाही ||

“Chinta aisi dakini, kati kupi chinta jaye |
Vichintayo mugdh ko, apni chinta nahi ||”

Translation: “Worry is such a witch that she cuts her own tail. The wise remain unaffected, for they have no worries of their own.”

Analysis:
Kabir’s doha metaphorically portrays worry as a self-destructive force. The enlightened, according to Kabir, rise above unnecessary anxieties and concerns, maintaining a state of mental tranquility.

5. Doha 5:

बूँद समाने दो, नैना करे निरोप |
यह बूँद निरोपित हो तो मैं कहौं कैसे होंदुप ||

“Boond samane do, naina kare nirop |
Yeh boond niropit ho to main kahoon kaise hondup ||”

Translation: “Let the drop merge into the ocean; let the eyes shed tears. If this drop does not merge, how will the ocean be formed?”

Analysis:
This doha beautifully symbolizes the merging of the individual soul with the divine, emphasizing the concept of surrender and union with the cosmic consciousness.

6. Doha 6:

काल करे सो आज कर, आज करे सो अब |
पल में परलय होएगी, बहुरी करेगा कब ||

“Kaala kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab |
Pal mein pralay hoyegi, bahuri karega kab ||”

Translation: “Do today what is to be done tomorrow, and do now what is to be done today. In an instant, the world will perish; when will you do it later?”

Analysis:
Kabir’s doha emphasizes the urgency of spiritual practice and the impermanence of life. It encourages individuals to prioritize their spiritual pursuits and live in the present moment.

7. Doha 7:

जब मैं था तब हरि नहीं, अब हरि हैं मैं नाहीं |
सब अंधेर निवारि, मैं अंधियारा नाहीं ||

“Jab main tha tab Hari nahi, ab Hari hai main nahi |
Sab andher nivari, main andhiyara nahi ||”

Translation: “When I existed, the divine did not. Now, the divine exists, and I do not. It dispels all darkness; I am no longer in the darkness.”

Analysis:
This doha encapsulates the essence of self-realization, where Kabir acknowledges the merging of his identity with the divine. It reflects the concept of ego dissolution and the realization of the divine presence within.

8. Doha 8:

जीवत सुख मरता दुख, न

ींद सुपना जाग |
सुहाग मोहिनी सूची बोझना काटि भाग ||

“Jeevat sukh marata dukh, neend supna jaag |
Suhag mohini soochi bojhna kaati bhaag ||”

Translation: “In life, pleasure is like death, and pain is like awakening from a dream. The marriage with the enchantress (Maya) is like a thorn; remove it and be free.”

Analysis:
Kabir’s doha compares the transient nature of worldly pleasures and pains to the ephemeral experiences of life. The metaphor of marriage with Maya underscores the need to detach from material entanglements for true liberation.

9. Doha 9:

संत कहीये सब लोक को, ताकरी की बात |
पुरुष उच्च, सहस्त्र बाहु, दो नैन, मद्दन गात ||

“Sant kahiye sab lok ko, taakari ki baat |
Purush uchch, sahastra bahu, do nain, madan gaat ||”

Translation: “Call that person a saint who, while conversing with everyone, remains unaffected. A person with a high stature, a thousand arms, two eyes, and the one who has conquered desire.”

Analysis:
In this doha, Kabir describes the characteristics of a true saint—one who remains equanimous amidst the world’s interactions, possesses inner strength, and has overcome the allure of desires.

10. Doha 10:

मन लागो यार फकीरी में, यारी बैठ बैठाए |
खाने-पीने की ताजगी, रहने में सुख समाए ||

“Man lago yaar fakiri mein, yaari baith baithaye |
Khane-peene ki taazgi, rahne mein sukh samaaye ||”

Translation: “Let your mind be immersed in the renunciation of worldly attachments, and let friendship with the divine be established. The freshness of eating and drinking and the joy of living will then be experienced.”

Analysis:
This concluding doha encapsulates the essence of renunciation and devotion. It suggests that true happiness lies in detaching from material desires and establishing a deep connection with the divine.

Conclusion:

Sant Kabir’s dohas are a timeless treasure trove of spiritual wisdom, offering profound insights into the nature of existence, self-realization, and the path to liberation. Each doha is a compact repository of profound truths, reflecting Kabir’s mastery in expressing complex philosophical concepts in simple and relatable language. As we unravel the layers of these dohas, we embark on a journey through the realms of devotion, self-awareness, and the eternal quest for the divine—a journey guided by the timeless teachings of Sant Kabir.