SUFI WISDOM

Kabir Dohas - 1

Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye
Dui Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye

Translation

Looking at the grinding stones, Kabir laments
In the duel of wheels, nothing stays intact.

This doha picks up a situation from our daily life. Kabir watches the woman grinding wheat on the flour mill. The wheels are made of stone. One is stationary while the other on top is made to rotate by turning it with the help of a handle attached to it. The grain that is put into it gets crushed and the converted flour comes out. Thus the literal translation given above conveys that.

(Diya Kabira Roye) Kabir cries out, however, is what makes the reader to contemplate on this Doha and realize for oneself the hidden meaning behind this metaphor. Dui Patan here signifies earth (Prithvi) and sky (Akash) and within the ambit of these is all creation and life as also the manifestation of all natural phenomenon of dualities: day and night, life and death, joys and sorrows, thereby making life forever in motion (Chalti Chakki) and an ever changing process. Trapped in this duality, whatever we see is perishable. Nothing that we comprehend is eternal.

Kabir Dohas - 2

Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye
Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye

Translation

I searched for the crooked, met not a single one
When searched myself, "I" found the crooked one

This doha deals with our perception behavior and tendencies. It has been invariably noticed that we tend to find fault with someone else for our situations and circumstances. Our "I", the ego, always tries to put blame on others. Non-awareness of our own self is the cause of this attitude. Resultantly, we find ourselves being busy in criticizing and condemning others and conveniently term them as crooked or evil.

So Kabir says that instead of finding fault and maligning others, dive deep into your own-self. Amazingly, an honest introspection will reveal that all fault lies with "me" and "my" own perceptions and attitudes. If there is any evil or crookedness, it is in "me". Correcting this and opting for a loving and compassionate attitude will change one's perceptions and the world will appear wonderful all over again.

Kabir Dohas - 3

Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub
Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub

Translation

Tomorrows work do today, today's work now
If the moment is lost, the work be done how

In this Doha, Kabir has clearly tried to explain the human tendency of laziness and procrastination. It is a known fact that we all tend to postpone matters, we are indecisive and given a choice we would like others to be doing work and we simply enjoying a cool time. When it comes to us, we try to get away by saying, "Very busy, no time." Don't we?

This lethargy is what Kabir is condemning. Besides, according to me, his emphasis is on now, the present, the moment as it is. Now, that is Life, the moment. It is in the now, in the spontaneousness that one gets energized to do, to achieve, to realize. As they say, it is now or never.

Keeping this context in mind, this Kabir Doha clearly teaches us to shed all procrastination and lethargy. It motivates us to do whatever we have to do, and do it now. If we will keep postponing it, then the work will never be done.

Kabir Dohas - 4

Aisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye
Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye

Translation

Speak such words, sans ego's ploy
Body remains composed, giving the listener joy

We know that all sounds create vibrations. And these vibrations affect both the speaker and the listener. Soothing, compassionate and loving words breed togetherness, while harsh speech breeds hatred. And, we also know that human speech is one of the main ingredient that differentiates mankind from the rest of the animal kingdom.

Thus, Kabir, in this doha crystallizes the power of the spoken word. He teaches us to speak in such a manner that keeps us harmonious and composed thereby making the listener feel a sense of joy in the communication.

Experiment yourself and rediscover the power of the spoken word.

Kabir Dohas - 5

Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kutch Hoye
Mali Seenche So Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye

Translation

Slowly slowly O mind, everything in own pace happens
Gardner may water a hundred buckets, fruit arrives only in its season

Nature never works in haste. Picking up from this eternal law of Mother Nature, Kabir brings forward the state of our daily hurried lives. We are always in a rush to achieve, acquire and be victorious. It is like a mad race. This brings us under pressure causing ill-health, fatigue and frustration. More than that it breeds ill-discipline. We get forced into a habit pattern whereby we find ourselves either negligent or indulgent.

This all can be corrected if one understands the Doha. Kabir, addressing the doha to the mind which is chanchal or monkeying around, brings about the importance of a relaxed mind, a quiet mind. By relaxed mind, one should not imply lethargy. A very active mind can also be very relaxed. Relaxation comes through awareness and acceptance.

It is a known fact that a seed sprouts into a sapling only after some time and the sapling grows into a tree gradually. And the fruit arrives only in its own season. By the gardener pouring "a hundred buckets of water" (extensive irrigation) will not hasten the arrival of the fruit, rather will ruin the process.

Kabir thus makes us realize that one must do one's best and yet should have the patience for the results to manifest in their own appropriate time. For Nature does not work in haste.