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]
