Kabir in the Light of Kriya

by
Per H. Wibe
www.kriyabanservice.com

Introduction
Kabir was an Indian mystic who lived around 15th century in the north Indian city of Benares (now
Varanasi). He contributed significantly to Indian spirituality through his poems/songs that are
popular even today. Kabir wrote around 700 verses. They were simple in the way that they touched
the very essence of the spiritual search. He described where to find Truth and how to realize it.

It is said that Lahiri Mahasaya, who is recognized as the founder of Kriya Yoga in modern times (see
“Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda), was asked by his disciples about his
connection to Kabir, and on their request he confirmed that his knowledge and experience was
similar to that of Kabir. He was interested in Kabir’s verses and he had interpreted them too.

From the beginning of my search in 1975, I have felt as Kabir, but it took me many years to settle this
understanding inside, so that I felt comfortable to inspire Kriya students to go directly to the Source,
to the Self, to the true Guru.

Kabir’s verses are from various sources and the translation given herein may not be accurate from
academic point of view. My intention with these comments on Kabir’s verses is that they would
support seeker’s desire to find his own Guru, the Self, through his own efforts and Love for Truth.
We all are in the same boat to cover the gap between the individual soul and the One, the Spirit. It is
good to know that in Life, no one is above and no one is below – that is the Truth.

The essence is to realize that we are one with Life as our own inner experience. The breath takes
prana (life force) to the body all the time. Every in-breath comes directly from Life, the Self. We are
the Infinite Spirit constantly, even if we are not aware of it. When this is our own experience, as
inner Silence, then we know our true nature.

From outside there are different elements that are helpful. However, we end up with our own thirst
for Truth, understanding and practice. We can say that one’s desire for truth, one’s earnestness is
the strongest technique.
 kabir bandhe ko bandha mila, chute koni upaay

karu seoa nirbandha ki, palme lei chodaay

Kabir says that the one who himself living in duality cannot grant liberation(non-duality) to others.
Then how else one can escape duality? You should serve the One who is free as only He can grant
liberation immediately.

Per: Words of others can inspire us but nothing can substitute our own experience. One needs to
live in tune with inner Silence (Guru) -who is free from attachment, pain and suffering, only then it is
possible to live daily life in a good way.

kabir sukhme sumiran na kiya, duhkhme kiya jo yaad

kahe kabir ta das ki, keon lage phiriyad

Kabir says; if one does not practice remembrance during the times of pleasure but only during the
difficult times, then how can the prayers of such a person be answered?

Per: During times of pleasure, one is content with life and not looking for something better in the
same way. Pain, sorrow and different kinds of resistance wake up the need for inner peace in the
midst of the struggles. The pain and suffering inside are due to the thinking process (duality in the
mind): Desires remember pleasure and fear remembers pain.

kabir sangshay khaya sakal jag, sangshay koi na khaay

jo bedha guru acchar, so sangshay chuni khaay

Kabir says that the whole world is full of doubts and uncertainties and none is able to go beyond
these. It is only when Guru is found, that the doubts and uncertainties are removed.

Per: Duality, doubts and uncertainties seems to control everyone’s life, consciously or sub-
consciously. When one practice awareness (Silence) then one discover that “Silence eat duality and
restlessness” and doubts and uncertainties are gone.

kabir mai mudo, us guru ki jaten bharm na jaay

apne buda dharme, chela diya bahaay

Kabir says that the one is a fool, while finding a guru, who himself is not free of maya (illusion). Such
a guru drowns into the current and drags his disciple along with him.

Per: When one is more dependent on outer elements, people or happenings, there is the need of
the soul, to experience that nothing from outside can satisfy one’s need for inner peace and
harmony. There is nothing wrong in what is coming from outside, it is quite necessary, because
through repetitive experiences of the lack of lasting happiness it gives, one realizes that only the
inner Guru, Silence, satisfy the soul.

kabir guru ki bahar dehaka, satguru chinha nahi

bhau sagar ko jalme, phiri phiri gota khai

Kabir says that he knows only the body of guru but he hasn’t realized the Satguru. Because of this,
time after time, he drown into this ocean of life.

Per: The true Guru is without symbols, theory and too many words. Pretending and try to live
according to a concept without any real change in our inner condition, confuse oneself and others as
one has not yet attained equality, peace and silence inside. Faking takes one more away from truth.

kabir raam rijhnaile, jihbaso karu mat

hari saagar nahi visarei, nar dekhi anant

Kabir says that one should not try to appease Rama through talking only. When the mind is
constantly merged in the ocean of God, i.e. the consciousness, the infinity is then revealed to the
man.

Per: To appease God (the Self) with words is not possible. Chanting God’s name is a sweet activity, as
one’s intention is to realize the Self, to meet God, but still it is only on the surface. When one’s focus
is on inner Silence, then life starts changing. Worldly relationship teaches us to be more aware, silent
inside - only then can one live peacefully in the changing world– that is the Truth.

kabir jana nahi bujha nahi, puchna kiya gaon

andheke andha mila, path bataoe kaun

Kabir says that in the absence of knowledge and understanding, there is no one to ask. One blind
person meets another blind, who can then show them the path?

Per: Blind in the sense of not being aware of oneself. If one stop and observe, then one realizes that
almost all actions are done out of habits and patterns while experiencing something else inside. This
creates inner confusion. One has to meet the one who is not blind ‘the Silence’ inside which is the
true Guru.

kabir budethe pheri ubre, guru ki lahri chamki

bera dekha jhanjhera, utarike bhaye farki

Kabir says that just when he was about to drown, he was rescued. He saw/received a wave/impulse
from the Guru. The light of wave/impulse revealed that his boat was actually, like a stainer, full of
holes. He left that boat and now stays away from it.

Per: When one ‘realizes’ that all problems are a result of duality inside, then one puts love and
energy into practice (Kriya), to live in harmony with Life.

Kabir guruko lal gadavon kare, matina pakdai het

ek khont laga rahe, vao lagi lahe na bhed

Kabir says that if there was no reason for him to continue maintaining his body, the guru would have
made a gem out of this. One should keep holding until the oneness has been realised.

Per: This earth-body makes it possible to ask and to search for the Self. The soul descended onto the
earth to be more conscious about one-self. It is like a diamond from a mine – it needs to be polished.
It is the same for the soul, - the connection to the physical element. What is “polished” is the soul-
body relationship and the desires of the body, the bodily attachment to the physical element. One
has to keep an eye on what seems to be the purpose of Existence itself, to see the connection.

1.The Spirit without any consciousness of oneself (individual Self).

2. One (soul) leaves the Spirit for the purpose of Existence (if not, it all would have only been
Emptiness).

3. One starts the physical life and realizes that the purpose of the soul (what seems to be individual
life) is to be more conscious about oneself.

4. Consciousness develops up to that point where one realizes that one is an integral part of life (one
with Life, one with Spirit).

5. One rests in the ocean (the Spirit),leads active existence to utilize one's knowledge according to
the needs of Existence. Anyway, the words are not capable of describing the inner understanding
and experience.

kabir jhunte guru ki pacchuko, tajat na kije baar

doar na paoe shabdaka, bharme bhao jaldhar

Kabir says that one should not hesitate even for a moment to stop following a false guru. If one does
not leave him, he does not find the door to the Sound and drowns in this ocean of samsara (world).

Per: Life is teaching us not to follow the false guru (duality inside). There are different voices inside,
which make it difficult to identify the true voice of the soul. One might reach to a conclusion after a
profound analysis but that too becomes doubtful again. It is a conflict – listen to this or that voice?
The best is to be silent inside, here God directs one to act and one follows with confidence, there are
no doubts. It is an inner condition without any painful inner discussion. It is certainty.

kabir gurugamya bataoe nahi, shikh gahe nahin khut

lok bhed bhakhe nahin, so guru kayer thunt

Kabir says that one who does not show the path, he also does not give the pivot, to which the
disciple can hold on. And he also does not reveal the true nature of the world, - such a person is not
a Guru but a fraud.

Per: Faith on all concepts and believes seems to be gone. One is looking for that which is beyond
everything- the Satguru (Silence).

kabir gyan kathe baki baki mare, kaahe kare upadhi

satguru hamse eo kaha, sumiran kar samadhi

Kabir says that people are wasting their lives babbling about spiritual knowledge for nothing but
honour and title. But Satguru has told me to do the samadhi (state of silence) of remembrance.

Per: Only talking about spirituality takes one nowhere. It may bring titles, honour and attention from
others, but it has no value in building awareness -it often creates false pride. Instead of talking about
spirituality, one should practice true Kriya. Kriya is not about any special teaching, philosophy or
belief. It is about the breath, about the life itself, about awareness, about discovering from inside.
Why is Kriya necessary? The words of others cannot help. That might inspire up to a certain point.
“The unity with self”- one has to actually live and realize that state. Hearing about water, or reading
any descriptions of it, cannot quench the thirst.

kabir sumiran saar hay, aur sakal janjal

adi ant sabh sodhiya, duja dekha kal

Kabir says that remembrance is the essence and everything else is entangling. While searching from
the beginning to the end, he has understood that all other methods lead to trouble.

Per: Duality makes us forget our true nature. Kabir now understand this is due to the play of the
mind. He has tried all other possibilities to reach to the truth but they all end up with rigidness and
confusion. Let it be Kriya, let it be meditation, let it be love, let it be cry for truth, let one search for
truth inside oneself and be silent. To summarize: “remembrance is the essence”.
 kabir pahile daata shikh bhaye, tan man arpo shish

pache daate Guru bhaye, naam diya bakshish

Kabir says that the first giver is the disciple/seeker as he offers his body, mind and head to the Guru.
Later the Guru becomes the giver and bestows the “Name” to the disciple.

Per: The seeker takes the first step through his sincere desire and efforts. He wants to realise the
truth at any cost. His yearning becomes the most important and gradually the Guru takes over the
process. He bestows the (Divine) Name to the disciple, revealing the true nature of the Self. The
disciple realizes that everything and everyone is teaching him, even duality is dressed in new clothes.
Everything becomes a Guru.

kabir guru batayen sadhuko, sadhu kahe guru bujh

arash parash ke madhi me, bhai agam ke sujh

Kabir says that the Guru teaches the sadhu (sage/seeker). The Sadhu / Seeker says, - after
understanding what Guru has taught, - that when vision and touch are merged, that one which was
inaccessible has been revealed.

Per: Kabir says that the Guru teaches sadhus. Sadhu means the one with a sincere desire for truth,
the one who wants to know the connection of inner peace and outer practical life, the one who is
desperate for Truth. The word Sadhu is not about titles, colour of the clothes or leading a lonely life.
One meets the Guru inside in meditation, in true Kriya, and gradually the desire for truth grow. In
inner Silence, -the one which is touched by the Infinity and Truth reveals itself spontaneously - “that
which was inaccessible before”. Past, present and future – all are inside in the Self. The knowledge is
in the inner experience of Silence, from where true activity takes place.

kabir aham agni hriday dahe, gurute chahe maan

tinh ko jam naota diya, tom ho humere mejmaan

Kabir says that one whose heart is burning with the fire of Ego, and is still expecting respect from
Guru, such a person invites destruction into his own house.

Per: When one is not ready to accept what is inside and explains the inner condition by self-driven
arguments, then one prevent oneself to improve. In observation, hindrance sand duality dissolves. If
one try to manipulate oneself inside, then energy is wasted – one loses energy in the fight, in an
inner conflict.

kabir satguru bapura kya kare, jo shikh hi mohaay chuk

koti yatan pramodhiye, bansh bajaoe phook

Kabir says that what more can Satguru do, if the disciple is not sincere enough. Even a million
attempts by Satguru is of no use, just as the air passes through a bamboo and does not produce any
music.

Per: The Guru repetitively tells one to be inside and practice awareness (Silence).When the disciple
has the capacity to receive, then Satguru is automatically there. He creates all circumstances and
impulses needed. One often neglects the inner voice and continue in the same old pattern of habits,
not practicing Kriya, what can the Guru do then?

kabir satguru mahal banaiya, gyan gilaoa dinha

duri dekhan ke kaarane, shabd jharoka kinha

Kabir says that Satguru has created a mansion and filled it with knowledge. To look far away, he has
created a window of Sound.

Per: Guru has all the knowledge, - “a penetrating experience of Silence”. The Infinite Chamber of
Silence and Emptiness is eternal. It exists an universal (mathematical) formula of this window of
Sound . Awareness increases and one hears and sees the world from a distance.

kabir gurunahu bhed hay, gurunahu me bhao

so guru nishdin badiye, jo shabd bataoe daon

Kabir says that gurus are of different nature and in different states. One should serve that Guru
everyday who reveals the sound.

Per: Find your Guru who can teach Omkar Sound, not the Guru of others. How to interpret this?
What is the true meaning in this verse? Your Guru is not my Guru, even if it is the same Self, and my
Guru is not your Guru, even if it is still the same Self. In life, one learns many things from happy and
sad experiences. Then who is the Guru? An experience may be ordinary for many but can change the
life of another one depending on inner condition and understanding at that moment.

kabir shikligar kijiye, shabda maskala dei

manka mayil chodayike, chit darpan kari lei

Kabir is urging us to do Shikligar – the process of cleaning and sharpening of weapons (like the
sword). This process of Shikligar creates a sound. Similarly one should remove the impurities of the
mind and make his consciousness like a mirror.

Per: “Kabir is urging one to do Shikligar – the process of cleaning and sharpening of weapons (just
like a sword)” by rubbing it on a stone. The similar process is there in Kriya practice; one touches the
infinite level of Silence repetitively and gradually one earns more stability and peace inside. The
process can be painful because one might encounter all aspects of the present nature. Later one
realizes that the cleaning is meaningful and it is happening anyway, whether one likes it or not. With
the grace of Guru one becomes more aware and overcomes it in the best possible way.

kabir guru ko lal shikh ku bhanyi, gadi gadi kade khot

antar hate sahar dei, baher baher chot

Kabir says that Guru is like a gem, but the disciple keeps on making mistakes time after time. Though
there are blows from outside, inside there is support.

Per: Blows from outside help us to learn that balance is necessary. It is like a potter making a pitcher
on the wheel: he hit the clay with one hand and support it with another hand. Conflicts and
problems keep occurring in life until one finds the best possible way to dissolve duality, which is in
Silence. Outer projection of duality is the inner reflection of the same.

kabir guruson bhed jo lijiye, shish dijiye daan

bahutak abadhu vahi gaye, rakhe jiu abhiman

Kabir says that when one receives the knowledge from Guru, one must humbly offer his head in
return. Those who continued to cling to pride, have been swept in this world ocean.

Per: Kabir says that when one experiences the Guru (Silence inside), then one humbly offers oneself
in return. This offering is not in a thinking process like “I offer myself”. Humbleness, surrender and
balance, are not terms or concepts. They are a part of an inner condition – existing and flowing
spontaneously in Silence.

kabir guru parash me bhed hay, bado antaro jaan

johan loha kanchan kare, ye e karilei apu saman

Kabir says that there is a difference between the Guru and the touch stone, a big difference indeed.
For a touchstone turns iron into gold (which is not a touch stone) but Guru makes his disciple just
like Him.

Per: The quality of a touchstone is to turn anything into gold. Same by following the Guru (Silence),
one not only attain clarity but also becomes as equal to Him. God, the Self, is always there in
everyone; through Kriya one realizes this.

kabir te nar adha hay, guru kon kahte aur

hari ruthe guru smaran hay, guru ruthe nahi thaor

Kabir says that one who doesn’t recognize his Guru is blind. For if God gets angry, one may seek
solace at Guru’s feet but when Guru gets angry, there is no place to go.

Per: Kabir says that if one does not realize Guru, everything is very difficult because in ignorance one
is searching outside for a replacement. The Guru, the Self is never angry – anger is duality, the
frustration of the soul of not being at home. If the outside world becomes angry, then one can take
refuge in Guru. The Guru tells us the reason behind each resistance. If Guru becomes angry, means
living continuously in inner conflict, no peace inside, then there is no place for deliverance.

kabir mukh to soi bhala, ja mukh niklei raam

ja mukh raam na niklei, so mukh kone kaam

Kabir says that only the mouth, from which the Name of Ram is uttered, is a worthy one. What is the
use of the mouth, which does not take the name of Ram, - God?

Per: The purpose of the body and the senses is to realise the Self. Otherwise, the birth of the body is
a waste. Kriya channelizes the energy accumulated in the practise. It enables us to hold more Silence
and effectively use it for divine purpose. As electricity can light a house, a town and a whole city - it
all depends on delivering capacity, keeping Silence and not to react, which is a difficult task in itself,
improves all parts of life.

kabir guruya mila, baliyaya dhelauyna

jati panti kul metigai, nam dharaoye kaun

Kabir says that as a rock loses its outer form under an application of a strong force (it is crushed and
reveals the fine particles that it is made of), the seeker loses his bodily identities of race, sect, caste -
when the Guru is found, then who can put name on it?

Per: The experience of Silence dissolves limitations, lineages, classes, races and castes. One realizes
that pure consciousness is behind everything. Like ice, steam and water are different forms made up
of the same substance. The Light of the Self (Silence)removes the human limitations and one realizes
an unlimited nature.

Kabir sumiran ki sudhi eyo karo, jayse kaami kaam

kahe kabir pukari kay, khusi hohi tab raam

Kabir says that one must take care of remembrance (practice) just as a lustful person feels towards
his object of lust. Kabir further says that when one’s heart is burning with such intensity, only then is
Ram pleased.

Per: Kabir says that intensity is necessary in the search for truth – a strong desire to be aware.
Intensity is not something one can cultivate or hold as a concept. If one tries to impose intensity on
one-self through the mind, then the intensity remains only for a short time. Sometimes life pushes
hard so there is no option left than to go inside. The answers are in inner silence where intensity is
increasing naturally – one just has to work hard and do the efforts and as a result one become less
interested in worldly affairs as isolated tools to realize a good life. This happens in a natural way.
One actually develops more intensity for the desire of truth – fire arises.

Kabir sumiran maahi ram ke, dhil na kijiye man

kahe kabir chan ek mo, binashi jaayega tan

Kabir says that one must not forsake his mind from remembrance of Ram’s name, as this body can
get destroyed any moment.

Per: Guru shows the path and the purpose, putting the true value on life– if not whole life might be
gone without much awareness: Many times the intensity and practice is dropped due to different
circumstances. Then one should simply go back to kriya practice, to Silence, like a bird rebuilding a
nest without any complaint. Even up to the last breath one has the opportunity to learn, to be
aware.

kabir guru parash guru parash hay, guru chandan subas

satguru parash jiuke, jinho din ho mukti neoas

Kabir says that Guru is a touchstone, a touchstone indeed; he is like the fragrant sandalwood. One is
liberated by the mere touch of the Guru.

Per: Once established in Guru, there is harmony inside even in the middle of the storms.“Every fall
eventually turns into more awareness and strength”. This is the power of Silence (Kriya).

kabir guru saman daata nahin, jachak shikh saman

tin lokki samprada, so guru dinho daan

Kabir says that the Guru is the most generous of all and the disciple is just like a beggar. The Guru
verily gives all the fortune of the three worlds to the disciple.

Per: A disciple is like a beggar - the true nature unrealized. If a disciple makes the best of his efforts
with sincerity, then the Guru gives it all, and even that, which is beyond our expectations.

kabir satguru sat kabir hay, sankat pare huzur

chuka seova bandegi, kiya chaakree dur

Kabir says that Satguru is actually his own true self and Satguru has saved him from various troubles.
But if he fails to serve Satguru, Satguru removes him from His service.

Per: When one is in practise, Satguru (Silence) automatically takes the driver’s place, but when one
is out of practice, the inner weaknesses get free access because the guardian (the awareness) is
sleeping on duty - the weaknesses enjoy and take the leading position. One should be systematic in
practice-a particular time and a place, a mat or a chair. These practical settings can be a great help
in the beginning.

kabir guru gobind dvou khade, kake lagon paay

balihari guru apne, jinh gobind diya lakhaay

Kabir says: - when both Guru and Govinda (God) are standing before me – whom is the first one? Let
me offer my salutations/reverence to the Guru first, as He has revealed my beloved Lord.

Per: “To whom shall one appear first”? The teacher makes the journey easier. He understands the
pain and suffering of the disciple on the way, he is forgiving and compassionate. Although Guru and
God both are the same, yet God as Guru awakens the awareness and enables one to see things as
they are. In Unity consciousness, everything is melting together - there is actually no winning and no
loosing - one finds God.

kabir satguru mara baan bhari, tuti gayi sab jeb

kahi asha kahi apada, kahi tasbi kahi kiteb

Kabir says that Satguru struck a powerful arrow, and now everything has been crushed. He is not
concerned anymore about such things like hopes and troubles, rosaries and books.

Per: All hopes from outer physical elements as rituals and scriptures are gone. It was all good and
helpful up to a certain point, but now what one truly needs is the first-hand experience through the
practice of Silence (meditation). The desire for Truth is strong now.

kabir chit chokkhe man ujle, dayavanta gambhir

sei dhoke bichale naahi, jehi satguru mile kabir

Kabir says that his mind has become pure and illumined, and he has become compassionate and
equanimous himself. One is not troubled by the ways of the world when one finds the Satguru.

Per: One starts living daily life in its true nature, which reflects ones internal state. One is calm –
even in difficult situations. One deals with everything in the light of Silence, not anymore in the light
of duality. It is like marks on sand, it does not stay for long. One does not have to put any efforts to
stay calm, silence is already “there”, it is his own property, in alliance with Life - awareness is flowing
freely in an Infinite Space. Nothing is holding it back.

kabir ghar baithe guru paya, bade hamare bhag

soi ko tarsat hate, aab amrat anchaon laag

Kabir says that he is very fortunate to find his Guru while sitting at home. Earlier, obtaining even the
smallest thing required considerable effort but now even the nectar flows spontaneously (without
effort).

Per: Sitting at home means living in harmony with the Self. One is not struggling inside. There was a
time when one could not experience Silence even with great effort, because of inner conflict- the life
energy was lost. Now the same energy goes to living now. One should remember, one has made
great efforts to make it effortless. Everything takes birth in Silence. One live in the field of duality
and oneness together, that is the journey, the attainment, the Unity.

kabir kudrat payi khabar so, sadguru dayi batay

bhaur bilamava kaulme, ab kayse udi jaay

Kabir says that Satguru told him about Prakriti, the Mother Nature (the Self). After knowing he
became settled. His condition is like a bee that is trapped inside, motionless, while it is drinking
nectar out of a lotus flower.

Per: Desires might satisfy at a mental level but the satisfaction does not last for long. We indulge
ourselves in self-created desires, which keep us away from Truth. In Silence, one gets to know the
nature of Prakriti. Settled inside he enjoy the company of the self in the middle of activities.

kabir satguru parash ko shila, dekha tattva bichari

ahi paroshini le chali, diya diya so bari

Kabir says that Satguru is definitely a touchstone, and this can be easily explored. He goes on
illuminating everyone just as a lamp lights another lamp.

Per: The work of the Guru never stops. It goes on and gives more abilities together with
responsibilities, which are natural. One wants to tell others about the Guru inside who illuminate
everyone.

kabir ram nam charo nahi, sadguru shikh deyi

avinashi so parash kari, atma amar bhayi

Kabir says that Satguru has advised him to always hold on to “Ram-nam". As this is the touchstone
which makes one to be immortal.

Per: Om, Ram, God and all mantras seem to be helpful. Kriya takes us to further depths of the Self,
to an inner state of non-duality. The “boat” (the techniques) is helpful and needed, before the river
is crossed.

kabir jo dishe soi binushe, nam dhara so jay

kahe kabir soi tattva gaho, jo sadguru dei batay

Kabir says that all what is seen with the physical eyes will perish, whatever is known by name will be
lost. Only that, which Satguru has revealed is worthy of being known.

Per: Names, forms and all kinds of support systems on which I was dependent, have disappeared. No
one is there outside to worship - one is no longer dependent. A small plant needs a fence for
protection. When it turns into a strong tree, it naturally breaks the boundaries around it. Now I only
trust Him (my Self, my inner voice). I am or He is the cause of what is happening in my life, there is
no one to blame. Growing up means being responsible for oneself.

kabir guruko tan man dijiye, mukti padarath jani

guru ki seva mukti phal, yah girihee sahi danee

Kabir says that Guru is the means for liberation and one must offer his body and mind to him.
Whether one is a householder or a generous donor, only the service to Guru can grant liberation.

Per: Surrender is not an activity or an intellectual concept. It is an inner state, achieved in Silence. In
true surrender one does not express oneself in words, it just happens without even being aware
about it. It is a part of being Silent.

kabir satguru bade sarak hay, parakhe kharao khot

bhao sagarte kadike, rakhe aapne ot

Kabir says that Satguru is a great examiner, for He tests everyone to know their vices and virtues. He
picks the true seeker up from this worldly ocean and keeps him close to Himself.

Per: The process of self-realisation is not easy at all. Guru sees everything, the choices we make and
our intentions behind them. He keeps us close to Him and teach us Unity consciousness.

Kabir jioban to thor hi bhala, hari ka sumiran hoye

lak baris ki jeeuna, lekha dhare na koye

Kabir says that life, even though it may be brief, is worthy only if it is spent in remembrance of the
Lord. Living for even hundred thousand of years is worthless without it.

Per: A long life without awareness does not bring any good, it is as being dead. It is like spending
money from father's credit card without much concern. The moments spend in awareness are true
investment in self.

Kabir sahakamee sumiran kare, phiri aoe phiri jaay

niha kamee sumiran kare aoa gaman nashaay

Kabir says that the one, who does remembrance with some desire, keeps coming and going. But the
one who does remembrance without any desire, his coming and going ceases.

Per: The desire for name, fame, wealth, siddhi, title or position in the spiritual field keeps one away
from Truth. One should not worry about the results but just be aware of whatever comes.
Remembrance means to live the moment with awareness. Before settled in this one “practice”
awareness, taking stops remembering oneself. When awareness is a condition inside, then it is
happening automatically without thinking to be aware. The past and the present are crystallised in
Silence and only the Self is left.

Kabir sumiran sama kuch hay nahi, yog yagya brat daan

sumiran sam teerath nahi, sumiran sama nahi gyan

Kabir says that nothing can compare to remembrance – not even yoga, rituals, vows or charity.
There is no pilgrimage comparable to remembrance and no knowledge like it.

Per: All kinds of efforts; yoga, charity, vows, pilgrimages, knowledge; are all good if performed with
awareness. When not settled in awareness, then one is fluctuating. Sometimes one is eager to help
others, to do social work etc., but soon one realizes that this does not satisfy the soul either. Until
one realises the unity with self, the loss is inevitable. Before one truly can help others, one has to
help oneself, which is the greatest task in itself.

Kabir meri sumiranee raamki, rasana upar raam

aadi yugadhi bakthi je, sabko nij bishram

Kabir says that his remembrance of the Lord is greater than all the sensible pleasures. It is He (Lord)
who is the beginning of the yugas and the source of devotion; and it is in Him everybody finally rests.

Per: The experience of the Infinite is even beyond the gods - all the gods and sages have to practice
remembrance to be conscious about “absolute” truth (their real nature, which is beyond
everything). The only resting place for the soul is inside. One meditates on the supreme (which has
no name and form). One realises, how trinity comes into existence and diversity takes place. Nothing
in life can compare to such inner state.

kabir satguru mara gyan kari, shabda surange baan

mera maya phiri jiue, to haath na gahi kaman

Kabir says that with his perfect knowledge, Satguru has been engraved, established so strongly
inside now, that if the illusion is born again, then one knows how to deal with it and to control it
again.

Per: After practising Kriya for a long time, Silence is strongly held up inside. Now, one knows what
prevents us from living in harmony with Silence. It may take long time of constant practice to realize.
As a result, one experiences that “duality turns into favour, rather than working in opposition”. One
lives in harmony with duality.

kabir bahar knaha dekh laaiye, antar kahiye raam

kaho mahaula khalak so, para dhaneese kaam

Kabir says that where you can look outside for Ram, look within yourself. Why to announce the
town? Here we are talking about contemplation of supreme.

Per: There is no need to show the love and devotion for God to the outer world. This is a kind of a
play for “public”. Happiness takes birth and grows within, and reflected in our daily life.

Kabir pura sahaje gun kare, gune naoyaye cheha

sayer pokhe sarobare, dan na mage meha

Kabir says that practising the whole is infinite and beneficial, just like clouds take water from the
ocean, and they do not beg it from lakes and ponds.

Per: Meditate on the Supreme, who is inside everyone. Just like clouds take water directly from one
ultimate source-the ocean.

kabir raam naam nahi chorie, yeh parteeta dir bandhi

kaal kalp vyape nahi, bhori naam ki sadhi

Kabir says not to let go of the name ever, otherwise there is no escape from the clutches of
“time/death”. Holding on to the rope of the name, one can easily pass over.
Per: The death will be graceful if one manages to live gracefully. Kriya means an inner condition of
natural focus. One acts in certainty. One reaches a point after lot of efforts, where “He” takes the
driver seat, the protector raises, one up from deep dark pits each time, so that one can come out of
vicious cycle of action and reaction.

kabir satguru mara baan, nirakhi nirakhi nij thaor

ram akhilme rama raha, chet nahi aowe aur

Kabir says that Satguru is aiming the arrows continuously on him. When he sees that the Self is
delighting in the Self, he is immersed in it and his mind becomes empty.

Per: The intensity is now growing. One taste the highest and yearns for even more. It is like being in
love with another person with every fibre of the soul. One’s interests and thoughts are about the
beloved one. One embraces God, and out of nothing the concept of duality is gone.

kabir ek namke pattare, devekon kuch nahi

kyale guruhi sambodhiye, havas rahe man mahi

Kabir says that beyond the true name, there is nothing to attain. Then, even the wish to address the
Guru remains in the mind only.

Per: When settled in an inner state of non-duality, then even the Silence seems to be gone, not even
the beauty of Unity seems to be left. There is neither Guru nor mind, therefore “even the wish to
address the Guru is in the mind only”. In other words, I would say, that only a natural life is left, a
sweet and peaceful feeling that everything is fine.

kabir satguru shabda jahaj hay, koi koi paoe bhed

samudra bund ekai bhaya, kako karo nikhed

Kabir says that Satguru is the ship of Sound and it is very difficult to get hold to the truth. When the
drop and the ocean have merged with each other, then who can stop him?

Per: Beautiful! Satguru is the ship of the Omkar Sound - shipped in the breath, taking prana to the
body in a love for Truth conveyor. The reality is realised, the ocean and the drop are one. One is Life
and no one can restrict life. Everybody is destined to realize Unity.

kabir raam hamare ashram, raam hamare varan

raam hamare jaati hay, rahihi raam ke sharan

Kabir says that Ram is his shelter and Ram is his caste. Ram is his race and he is surrendered to Ram
forever.
Per: One can drink 2 litres of water, 10 litres of water but one cannot drink the whole sea. One
cannot know His infinite knowledge. What really counts, is the efforts performed with an inner
attitude. One cannot really know, still keeps swimming, if life chooses it. He decides whom to pick up
from the middle of the ocean. I cannot do it but for sure, He can. I trust Him, I am sure He guides and
leads me. He completes His journey. I surrender to Him my actions, thoughts, weaknesses, strengths,
successes and failures. What truly counts from my side is to love Him, my intentions and my efforts
to do so.

Glossary-

Satguru (true master)

Sumiran(remembrance)

Raam/Govinda (God’s name)

Shabd (word)

Baan (arrow)

Bhasagar (ocean of life)