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Monday, April 21, 2014

Kabir Mala (a garland of Sant Kabir's couplets)

by Moomookshoo

Sant Kabir Dasji (c. 1398/1440 - 1518 CE) is undoubtedly one of the greatest Vedantic poets of all time. There are many references to Kabir Dasji in the Gospel and the Complete Works. The following is a humble attempt to render some of Kabir Dasji's couplets into English. The original couplets are given within "/* */".  The poetic depth and the enchanting play of words of Kabir Dasji's couplets are hard to translate. These are best appreciated in his  original inimitable words.

1. /* Kabira va din yaad kar, pug oopar tal sheesh
Mirta lokme aayeke bishar gaya Jagdeesh
  */

Kabir, remember the day of your birth,
When you came to this sorrowful earth,
Head first and feet last,
Forgetting the Lord and your past!
[cf. Gita 4.5 and 9.33]

 2. /* Raat gavaya soye ke, divas gavaya khae,
       Hira janaam amol tha kauri badle jae
   */

The night was lost sleeping,
And the day was lost eating.
Thus, the life that could have bought the Priceless,
Was spent on  things that are worthless!
[cf. Gita  5.22 and 7.23]