Kahat Kabir Suno bhai Sadho - Main vaari jaoon re

तू तू करता तुझ गया
मुझ में रही ना हूँ
वारा फेरी बलि गयी
जित देखूं तित तू
Saying You! You! I became yours, 
no 'I' was left in me
I quit spinning in circles, 
wherever i look, I see You


मैं लगा उस एक से, एक भया सब मांही
सब मेरा मैं सबन का, तहां दूसरा नाहीं
I merged into the One, the One permeated all
All are in me, I am in all, no Other is there

मैं वारी जाऊं रे

I have given up myself

मैं वारी जाऊं रे , बलिहारी जाऊं रे मेरा सतगुरु आंगन आया, मैं वारी जाऊं रे सतगुरु आंगन आया, गंगा गोमती नहाया मेरी निर्मल हो गयी काया, मैं वारी जाऊं रे... सब सखी मिलकर हालो, केसर तिलक लगावो घणे हेत सूं लेवो बधाई, मैं वारी जाऊं रे सतगुरु दर्शन दीन्हा, भाग उदय ही कीन्हा मेरा धरम भरम सब छीना, मैं वारी जाऊं रे सत्संगी बन गयी भारी, मंगला गाऊं चारी मेरी खुली ह्रदय की ताली, मैं वारी जाऊं रे दास नारायण जस गायो, चरणों में सीस निमायो मेरा सतगुरु पार उतारे, मैं वारी जाऊं रे

I am in surrender, I lose my self My true Guru enters my courtyard, I have given up myself Wisdom enters my body, like a holy dip in Ganga Gomti My body feels purified, I have given up myself Friends, Lets get together ! Anoint the Guru with saffron Lovingly celebrate her arrival, I have given up myself My true Guru appeared, My good fortune dawned False religion and delusions have fled, I have given up myself I've become a committed songster, Singing these songs of wisdom The locks in my heart have sprung open, I have given up myself Narayan Das sings your praise, Lays his head at your feet My true Guru gets me across, I have given up myself

Kahat Kabir Suno Bhai sadho - Bahar kyon bhatke?

सब वन तो तुलसी भये और परबत शालिग्राम
सब नदियाँ गंगा भयीं, जब जाना आतम राम 
All forests become holy basil, All mountains sacred stones
All rivers become holy Ganges, When i discovered Ram within



कबीर बहुत भटकिया, मन ले विषय विराम
ढूँढत  ढूँढत  जग मुआ, तिल के ओटे राम
Kabir, you've wandered a lot. Oh mind, take a rest from craving
You searched and searched, an age went by, Ram was under a  sesame seed




माला जपूं ना कर जपूं, मुख से कहूं ना राम
राम हमारा हमें जपे, हम पायो विसराम
I don't turn rosary beads, My lips don't chant "Ram"
My Ram is chanting me, I have found my ease.

बाहर क्यों भटके?

Why go wandering?

थारो राम ह्रदय में, बाहर क्यों भटके? ऐसा ऐसा हीरला घट मां कहीये जौहरी बिना हीरा कौन परखे ? थारो राम ह्रदय में, बाहर क्यों भटके? ऐसा ऐसा घृत दूध मां कहीये बिना झुगिये माखन कैसे निकले ? थारो राम ह्रदय में, बाहर क्यों भटके? ऐसा ऐसा आग लकड़ी मां कहीये बिना घिसिये आग कैसे निकले ? थारो राम ह्रदय में, बाहर क्यों भटके? ऐसा ऐसा किवाड़ हिवडे पर जड़िया गुरु बिना ताला कौन खोले ? थारो राम ह्रदय में, बाहर क्यों भटके? कहें कबीर साह सुनो भाई साधो राम मिले थाणे कौन हटके ? थारो राम ह्रदय में, बाहर क्यों भटके?

Ram's in your heart, Why go wandering? Such rare jewels in your body Without jeweller, who will know their worth? Ram's in your heart, Why go wandering? Such pure Ghee in the milk Without churning, How will the butter emerge? Ram's in your heart, Why go wandering? Such fire in the heart of the twig, Without being struck, how will it ignite? Ram's in your heart, Why go wandering? Such big doors shut over your heart Without the guru, who will open the locks? Ram's in your heart, Why go wandering?  Says Kabir, Listen seekers When you've got Ram, Who can stop you? Ram's in your heart, Why go wandering?

Kahat kabir Suno Mere sadho - Evi Evi sen

ऐवी ऐवी सेण

Such amazing signs

ऐवी ऐवी सेण बताई म्हारे  सतगुरु मुख पर कहयो नहीं जाये, रे साधो हमारे देस में मांई नहीं धरा नहीं गगना नहीं कोई पवन नहीं पानी हमारे देस में मांई नहीं चंदा नहीं सूरज नहीं कोई नव लख तारा हमारे देस में मांई नहीं ब्रह्मा नहीं विष्णु नहीं कोई शंकर देवा हमारे देस में मांई नहीं वेद नहीं गीता नहीं कोई शबद नहीं साखिया हमारे देस में मांई नहीं उगे नहीं आथमे नहीं कोई जन्मे नहीं मरे मंजले मंजले एक संत जई पहुंच्या कबीर संत चढ़यो निरवान

Such amazing signs, My true guru gave me Such that can not be told! Dear friend In my land, there is no earth, no sky Neither wind nor water In my land, there is no sun no moon Nor the nine lakh stars In my land, There is no Brahma, no Vishnu Nor the god Shankar In my country, there is no Ved, no Gita No verse or couplets either In my land, there is no rising, no setting There is no birth or death Step by step, A saint made it there Kabir climbed to freedom

Kahat kabir suno bhai sadho - Yugan Yugan hum Yogi

युगन युगन हम योगी

For ages and ages, I've been a yogi

युगन युगन हम योगी अवधूता, युगन युगन हम योगी आवे ना जाये मिटे ना कबहुं शब्द अनाहत भोगी अवधूता, युगन युगन हम योगी  सब ठौर जमात हमारी सब ठौर पर मेला हम सब मांय, सब हैं हम मांय हम है बहूरी अकेला अवधूता, युगन युगन हम योगी हम ही सिद्धि समाधी हम ही हम मौनी हम बोले रूप सरूप अरूप दिखा के हम ही हम में हम तो  खेले अवधूता, युगन युगन हम योगी कहें कबीरा सुनो भाई साधो नाहीं न कोई इच्छा अपनी मढ़ी में आप मैं डोलूँ खेलूँ सहज स्वइच्छा अवधूता, युगन युगन हम योगी

For ages and ages, I've been a Yogi Oh wanderer, for ages and ages, I've been a Yogi I don't come or go, I never disappear I enjoy the endless sound Oh wanderer, for ages and ages, I've been a Yogi Everywhere I see my community Everywhere i meet with them I'm in all, all are in mine I am alone and together Oh wanderer, for ages and ages, I've been a Yogi I'm the realized one, I'm realization itself I'm silent, I speak I show outer form, inner form, no form I play within myself Oh wanderer, for ages and ages, I've been a Yogi Kabir says, listen friend I have no desire I sway myself in my hut I play simply to please myself Oh wanderer, for ages and ages, I've been a Yogi

Kahat kabir sono bhai sadho - Guru sam data koi nahin

दाता नदियाँ एक सम, सब काहू को दे 

जिसके जैसा कुंभ हो, वैसा ही भर ले 

Givers and rivers are alike

They give fully to one and all

Takers draw their fill

Each to their own vessel

गुरु सम दाता कोई नहीं

There's no giver like a Guru

जग मांगण हारा, गुरु सम दाता कोई नहीं  कोई नहीं हो ऐसा कोई नहीं  कागज़ की एक नाव बनी, जिन में लोहा अपारा सतगुरु पार लगाविया कोई संत पुकारा  क्या राजा क्या बादशाह, हो सबने हाथ पसारा सात द्वीप नौ खंड में सत गुरु का ही पसारा  अपराधी तीरथ चल्या, क्या तीरथ तारे  कपट दाग छूट्य नहीं, बहु अंग पखारया कहें कबीर क्या खो गया, क्या ढून्ढन  हारा ? अंधे को सूझे नहीं,  थारा घट मांही उजाला

The world is full of beggars, there's no giver like a Guru No one, oh no one.  A boat made of paper, was filled with a ton of iron A true guru will get it across, a saint's words are calling out to you What to talk of kings and emperors? They all have their hands outstretched The true guru's wisdom stretches, In seven continents and nine regions A sinner takes off for a holy dip, will that get him across? The dark stains didn't wash away, he scrubbed his limbs so hard Says kabir, what have you lost? What are you searching for?  Oh blind one, don't you see? The light is in your own body

Kahat kabir suno bhai sadho - Ameeya jhare

साहिब तुम्हारी साहिबी सब घाट रही समाए

ज्यों मेहेंदी के पात मैं लाल लखी नहीं जाए

Oh God, your godliness, Permeates everybody

Like the red hidden in a green hanna leaf

लाली मेरे लाल की, जित देखूं तित लाल 

लाली देखन मैं गयी, मैं भी लाल हो गयी 

The redness of my beloved is such, Wherever i look, i see that red

I set out in search of red, I became red myself

अमीया झरे हो साधो

A shower of nectar

अमीया झरे हो साधो अमीया झरे  इनी भंवर गुफा का माई अमीया झरे गगन मंडल बीच उनमुख कुंवेला  सत नाम की वहां झड़ी हो झडे अखंड ब्रम्हांड में लागी रही लाली  सुखमना नारी वहां घोर करे  त्रिकूटी महल में बाजी रहा बाजा  दसवां द्वार जईने खबर पड़े  कहें कबीर साहिब सुनो रे भाई साधो  अमीया पीये उ नर काय को मरे

A shower of nectar, oh seekers In this whirl of a cave, a shower of nectars In the centre of the sky dome , an upside down well The true name is raining there In the undivided universe, an applause resounds Sushmana is calling out there In the palace of three peaks, an instrument plays You'll hear it at the tenth door Says Kabir, listen seekers,  the one who drinks this nectar, is beyond death and decay

Kahat Kabi Suno bhai Sadho - Mat kar maya ko ahankar

फूल्या फाल्या क्या फिरे, क्या बतलावत  अंग?

अक दिन फना हो जायेगा जैसे कीट पतंग 

Why so arrogant and puffed up?, Why strut and show your stuff? 
One day you will perish, Like a moth in a flame!

जो उगे वो आथमे, फूले सो कुमलाये 

जो चूने सो डही पड़े , जन्मे सो मर जाये 

That which rises shall set , That which booms shall wither

That which is built shall crumble, That which is born shall die

मत कर माया को  अहंकार

Don't be deluded by Maaya

मत कर माया को  अहंकार , मत कर काया को अभिमान  काया गार से काची, काया गार से काची,  जैसे ओस रा मोती  झोंका पवन का लग जाये झपका पवन का लग जाए  काया धूल हो  जासी  ऐसा सख्त था महाराज, जिनका मुल्कों में राज  जिन घर झूलता हाथी, जिन घर झूलता हाथी, जैसे ओस रा मोती  भरया सिन्दड़ा में तेल, जहाँ रचयो है सब खेल जल रही दिया की बाती, जल रही दिया की बाती,  जैसे ओस रा मोती  खूट गया सिन्दड़ा रो तेल , बिखर गया सब निज खेल  बुझ गया दिया का बाती,बुझ गया दिया का बाती, जैसे ओस रा मोती  लाल में का लाल, तेरा कौन क्या हवाल  जिनको जम ले जासी, जिनको जम ले जासी, जैसे ओस रा मोती  झूठा माई थारो बाप झूठा सकल परिवार  झूठा कूंटता  छाती,झूठा कूंटता  छाती,  जैसे ओस रा मोती  बोल्या भवानी हो नाथ, गुरूजी ने सिर पर धरया हाथ  जिनसे मुक्ति हो जासी, जिनसे मुक्ति हो जासी,  जैसे ओस रा मोती

Don't be deluded by Maaya, don't take pride in the body  Its as fragile as clay, like a drop of dew A blast of wind, just a little gust And the body will turn to dust! There was a stern king, famed among nations Elephants swayed in his court, Like a drop of dew The clay lamp was filled with oil,  From it this play unfurled The light burns in the lamp, Like a drop of dew.  The clay lamp ran out of oil, the play scattered The light went out in the lamp, like a drop of dew Oh you dear one, precious and beloved, how will you feel when Death takes you away? Death will take you away , like a drop of dew Mother father - illusion. Family ties - illusion Mourning, beating your chest - illusion,  like a drop of dew Says Bhavani Nath -  My guru laid his hand on my head Liberation is mine, Like a drop of dew

Kahat Kabir Suno Bhai Sadho - Kin Sangh karoon mein sneh

Back in May 2009, i attended a concert by Prahlad Singh Tipaniya organized by theKabirproject.org.  That resulted in a series of blog posts here with songs, its lyrics and meaning in english. All of that was taken from the album purchased from their albums. At the concert, there was also Shabnam Virmani who is the person behind the Kabir project. She sang two songs which were beautiful, i searched for hem online and had no results. By chance, last week, i found her album on flipkart and ordered it. The album is called Songs of Kabir and it is very good. Her voice is very soothing and Kabir's lyrics need no mention.

I think of all the poets that i have listened,  Kabir is my favorite. I have rarely been able to understand him without external help (translations mainly) but once i understand his lines, they are simply beautiful. He combines very deep meaning with very simple lines. 

So, three years later, i am continuing that tradition. Following series of blog posts will mention Kabir songs, its translations and i will embed the song as well. I also have to go back and correct the old posts as  i had uploaded songs on imeem and imeem is dead now. Also, my intention is to not to violate copyrights of these songs, i would highly recommend people to go and buy these albums. My only intention is to spread these things, so that people can also find them as inspiring as they have inspired me. You can buy  from - 

http://www.kabirproject.org/music%20with%20books and http://www.flipkart.com/search-movie?query=Shabnam+Virmani

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किन संग करों मैं सनेह?

Whom shall i love, my friend?

हेलिए, किन संग करों मैं सनेह? सांगत कीजो धर्मी साधू री सांगत कीजो निर्मल साधू री चन्दन उगो इणा बागा मां हरख रही बन राय चन्दन पास में जाऊं , आप चन्दन हो जाऊं बांस उगो इणा बागा मां थरक रही बन राय आप जले औरन के जाले , अगनी घनी अंग माय दव लागो इणा बागा मां पंची बैठे आये हमरे जलों पंख बहिरो तम उडी परे को जाये फल खादा पान बिरोदिया, रमिया डालो डाल तम जलों मैं उबरूं, जीविणों कितरीक बार ? दव बूझ्यो झाड़ा मेटिये दूधे बूठा मेह कहत कबीरा धरमदास से, नित नित नवलो नेह

Whom shall i love, my friend? True seekers make good company Seek the kinship of the pure in heart A sandalwood grew in the grove Delighting all the forest I go near the sandalwood I become fragrant too! A bamboo grew in the grove All the forest trembled It burns itself and all around So much fire in the body! A fire lit the forest, a bird come and sat The wingless tree cried out - I'll burn, I am ablaze, But you, winged one, should fly! I ate your fruit, soiled your leaves Played from branch to branch Leave you to burn, and fly away? You live and love but once! The fire went out The clouds rained milk Says BKabir to Dharamdas - Every day my love is new!

There is also a story associated with the above book (as mentioned in the booklet) -
Once upon a time there was a thick forest which caught fire. As the blaze spread rapidly, the animals and birds began to flee. One brave little parrot however, decided to stay. The tree that she lived on - rooted and helpless - urged her to fly away but she didn't.  She found a lake nearby, plunged into it, flew back over the raging fire and flapped her tiny wings. Another two-three drops of water fell. She returned to the lake, plunged in, flew back and flapped her wings again. Another two-three drops of water fell. And so on and so forth.... The fleeing animals and birds scoffed at her. Some were stupefied at her foolhardiness and asked, "What do you think you're doing?" She turned to them and said, "I am doing what i can."

The clouds rolled by and on them were the beauteous gods, lying back in resplendent indifference. One of the gods however spotted the parrot and was curious. He swooped down in the form of an eagle to observe the bird more closely. The parrot was now getting charred and scorched with its relentless efforts.  The mighty god was moved to tears. The clouds thundered and burst with rain, sweeping across the forest and the fire went out.

Kahat Kabir Suno bhai Sadho - Gaadi Hanko

This is my last post for Kabir project. This month May 2009, has been one of the best months of my life and i wanted to end this Kabir project with it. Gaadi Hanko has got a very interesting story. I first heard it when Devenderji played it before a concert at NSIT in 2005. It was too good. In 2006, we invited Rita Ganguliji at NSIT and requested her to sing this song. It was one of my best concerts at NSIT. And then in Blore, while working i remembered this song and i searched for this one online. And thats how ui found Prahlad Singh Tipaniya and his art. The thirst was always there, and we (me including NSIT volunteers) were always behind Devenderji to give us that recording. And then its 2009, in April Manish and others were able to get the recording. Mesmerized by the reecording once again, i ordered the complete Kabir vani from BeatofIndia.com and loved all the three cds. In May 2009, I attended Tipaniya sahab and co in a live concert in San Francisco. At the concert i got a books containing lyrics of Bhajans with meanings. Thats when i decided that all this should be online. So, enjoy Gaadi Hanko, the sarangi is awesome in this one. The starting dohe in Tipaniya sahab's rendition are so beautiful.

धीरे धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होए
माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ऋतू आये फल होए

Slowly, slowly oh my mind
Slowly, everything happens
The gardener pours 100 water pots
The season arrives and the fruits come

एक साधे तो सब सधे,सब साधे एक जाये
माली सींचे मूल को, तो फूल फल अघाए
Do one thing well, and all is done
Try to do all and you loose the one
When the gardener waters the root
The tree bears the fruits and flowers.

ज़रा हलके गाड़ी हांको मेरे राम गाड़ी वाले ज़रा धीरे धीरे गाड़ी हांको मेरे राम गाड़ी वाले गाड़ी हमारी रंग रंगीली पईया है लाल गुलाबी हैंकन वाली छैल छबीली बैठन वाला राम गाड़ी अटकी रेट में मज़ल पड़ी है दूर धर्मी अधर्मी पार उतर गया पापी चकना चूर देस देस का वेड बुलाया लाया जड़ी और बूटी जड़ी बूटी काम न आई जद राम के घर की टूटी चार जना मिल मतों उठायो बांधी काठ की घोड़ी ले जा के मरघट पे रखिया फूंक दीनी जैसे होली बिलक बिलक कर तिरिया रोवे बिछड़ गयी रे मेरी जोड़ी कहें कबीर सुनो भाई साधो जिन जोड़ी उन तोड़ी

Move your cart along lightly my Ram is riding Move your cart along lightly my Ram is riding My cart is many colored with wheels of rosy red A lovely lady is holding the reins and sitting back is Ram The cart got mired in mud the destination still far away The good ones got across the bad ones crashed! Healers came from every land bringing their herbs and roots The herbs were useless Ram had left the house Four fellows came to carry the stretcher They tied to up the wooden horse They carried it to the burning ground and blew it up, like Holi! The wife sobs and weeps my partner is taken away! Kabir says, listen Sadhus the one who joins is the one who breaks!

Kahat Kabir Suno bhai Sadho - Jhini Jhini

My personal Kabir project is nearing its end. And i have saved my earliest memories for the last. Jhini Jhini was the first Kabir song that i heard, this was the first song that got me fascinated. I dont think i grasped its full meaning back then and i dont think that i still do it completely but nevertheless, whatever i understand, its beautiful. I heard this song when it came in Indian Ocean's album Jhini. Kabir songs are by no means limited to classical music, Prahlad Sinh Tipaniya happily acknowledges that he is not a classical singer, And Pt. Kumar Gandharva is at the other end. Somewhere orthogonal to both is pop/fusion and Indian Ocean has done a great job as per my opinion. I am also giving you a rendition by Anup Jalota, i found his rendition today morning and liked it. Anup Jalota's voice has that charismatic simplicity that makes it quite melodious.

म्हारी सदा राम रस बिनी चादर झीनी रंग झीनी अष्ट कमल दल चरखा चले, पांच तत्व. गुण तीनी कर्म की पूनी कान्तं बैठी, कुकरी सूरत महिनी चादर झीनी रंग झीनी , झीनी झीनी झीनी इंगला पिंगला ताना कीन्हों सुखमनिया भर दीनी नौ दस मॉस बितान लागा, ठीक थक कर बीनी चादर झीनी रंग झीनी, झीनी झीनी झीनी या चादर धोबी के दीन्ही, शब्द ताल धर दीनी सूरत शिला पर पकड़ पचाती, इस विध उजली किन्ही चादर झीनी रंग झीनी, झीनी झीनी झीनी या चादर रंगरेज़ के दीन्ही भांत भांत रंग दीन्ही प्रेम पति का रंग चढाया, पिली पीताम्बर कीन्ही चादर झीनी रंग झीनी, झीनी झीनी झीनी या चादर सुर नर मुनि ओढी, ओढ़ के मैली कीन्ही अर्जुन ओढ़ महरम नहीं जाना, मूरख मैली कीन्ही चादर झीनी रंग झीनी, झीनी झीनी झीनी ध्रुव ओढी, प्रहलाद ने ओढी, सुखदेव निर्मल कीन्ही दास कबीर ने जुगत से ओढी, ज्यों की त्यों धर दीन्ही चादर झीनी रंग झीनी, झीनी झीनी झीनी

Forever weaving with Ram's essence Subtle cloth of subtle color The spinning wheel turns 8 lotuses 5 elements, 3 qualities Actions are the ball of cotton woven into skeins of fine awareness Right channel, left channel, warp and weft Then they fill the middle channel Nine or ten months go by It was woven just right The cloth went to washerman He dipped it in the pool of Words He beat it on the stone of awareness and made it shine The cloth went to the dyer who dyed it many colors He dyed it the color of love And made it golden Gods, humans, sages wore it covered with spots and blots Arjun wore it without insight so that fool got it dirty too Dhruv, Prahlad and Sukhdev wore it and made it stainless Kabir wore it with such care He shed it as pure when he first got it.

Kahat Kabir Suno bhai Sadho - Bina bhed bahar mat bhatko

The followin Kabir vani is sung by Kaluram Bamnia. The central idea is that dont look outside yourself, all the answers are within you. Kaluram Bamnia is again a Malwa singer with his own distinct style of singing Kabir bhajans.

बिना भेद बहार मत भटको बहार भटक्या है कांई अडसठ तीरथ यहाँ बता दूं कर दर्शन थारा देह मांही पावों में तेरे पदम विराजे पिंडल में भागवत याहीं गोडे में गोरख का वासा हिल रहा दुनिया मांही जांगो में जगदीश विराजे कमर केदारनाथ हैं यांही देही में देवी का वासा अखंड ज्योत जलती वांही हाथ बने हस्तिनापुर नगरी ऊँगली बनी पाँचों पांडव सीने में हनुमान विराजे लड़ने से डरता नहीं सुख बना तेरा मक्का मदीना नासिक की है दरगाह यांही कान बने कनकापुर नगरी सत वचन सुन ले यांही नेत्र बने तेरे चंदा सूरज देख रहा दुनिया मांही कहें कबीर सुनो भाई साधो लख्या लेख मिटता नहीं

Why wander without insight? Why wander outside? I will tell you 68 holy places here see the divine in your body. Lotuses rest on your feet Gods in your body Gprakh yogi in your knes With you walks this world! In your thighs dwells lord Jagdish In your waist is kedarnath Your body is the home of devi Thats where the eternal light burns Your hands are Hastinapur city Your fingers, the five pandavas Lord Hanuman lies in your heart Not afraid of any battle Your mouth is Mecca Madina Your nose the sufi shrine Your ears form the Kanakpur city Listen to the true words here. Your eyes are the Sun and moon Glimpse the world within Says Kabir, listen sadhus What is seen can not be erased.

Kahat Kabir Suno bhai Sadho - Ud jayega

This one is very very addictive. Not only the lyrics are great, it is sung by Pt. Kumar Gandharva whose voice is plain beautiful. Still feeling thirsty after listening hundred times.

उड़ जायेगा उड़ जायेगा उड़ जायेगा हंस अकेला जग दर्शन का मेला जैसे पात गिरे तरुवर पे मिलना बहुत दुहेला ना जाने किधर गिरेगा ना जानूं किधर गिरेगा गगया पवन का रेला जब होवे उमर पूरी जब छूटे गा हुकुम हुज़ूरी यम् के दूत बड़े मज़बूत यम् से पडा झमेला दास कबीर हर के गुण गावे वाह हर को पारण पावे गुरु की करनी गुरु जायेगा चेले की करनी चेला

The swan will fly, the swan will fly The swan will fly away alone Spectacle of world will be mere fair As the leaf falls from the tree Very difficult to find, Who knows where it will fall Once it is struck with a gust of wind When Life span is complete Then listening, following orders will be over The messengers of yama are very strong You will have to face Yama Servant Kabit praises the lord He will find the lord soon Guru will go according to his doings The disciple according to his

Kahat Kabir Suno bhai Sadho - Jaao Nuguri kaaya

जाओ नुगुरी काया, थारो कई गुण गावां , अरे हां हां रे कई गुण गावां, अब थारो जस गावां ? महेल बनाया हंसा, रहवा नहीं पाया, अरे हां हां रे काटी लेना घास, बाँध लेना टटिया, अरे हां हां रे सोना हंधा महल, रूपा हंधा खम्बा कठ को गयो इन्ही नगरी को राजा, अरे हां हां रे बालू की भीत , अटारी का चड़ना, अरे हां हां रे ओछे से प्रीत, कटारी का मरना गादी गलीचा थारा धर्य रे महल में, अरे हां हां रे एक दिन जलेगा काया लकड़ी का संग में कहें कबीर साहेब जुग जुग जीवना, अरे हां हां रे इन ममता के मार भस्म कर पीवना

Go now, foolish body, without a guru What praises can i sing of you? What glory can i sing of you? You built a palace swan, But couldn't live there Oh yes, oh yes! You cut the grass, wove the walls, Oh yes, Oh yes! A palace of gold, with beautiful pillars But where did the king of this palace go? Oh yes, Oh yes! Walls of sand, with a balcony overhead Oh yes, Oh yes! You loved the small(worthless) like dying from a small weapon, Oh yes, Oh yes! Beds, carpets, strewn in your palace Oh yes, Oh yes! The body will burn one day on a pile of wood, Oh yes, Oh yes! Kabir says if you want to live for ages, Oh yes, Oh yes! Then burn all your attachments Oh yes, Oh yes!

Kahat Kabir Suno bhai Sadho - Tu ka tu

There are many texts that say that God is everywhere. But there is no one who explains this deep line to a lay man as Kabir does.

सब घट मोरा साइयां, सूनी सेज ना कोय
बलिहारी वा घट की जा घट परघट होय

In every body, there is my lord
No vessel is empty
I reveal that body
which reveals the lord

साहिब तमारी साहिबी सब घट रही समाए
ज्यों मेंहदी के पात में लाली लखी नहीं जाए
O God your godliness
Pervades every body
Like the red unseen
In the green Henna leaf.

इनका भेद बता मेरे अवधू अच्छी करनी कर ले तू डाली फूल जगत के माही जहाँ देखा वहां तू का तू हाथी में हाथी बन बैठो चींटी में हैं छोटो तू होय महावत ऊपर बैठे हांकन वाला तू का तू चोरों के संग चोरी करता बदमाशों में भेड़ो तू चोरी करके तू भग जावे पकड़ने वाला तू का तू दाता के संग दाता बन जावे भिखारी में भेड़ों तू मंग्तो होकर मांगन लागे देने वाला तू का तू नर नारी में एक विराजे दो दुनिया में दिसे क्यूँ बालक होकर रोवन लागे रखन वाला तू का तू जल थल जीव में तू ही विराजे जहाँ देखूं वहां तू का तू कहें कबीर सुनो भाई साधो गुरु मिला हैं ज्यों का त्यों

Do you get the difference, o wise one! You should always do good deeds In flowers, branches, in this whole world wherever i look, i see you only you. In an elephant, you become an elephant In an ant, there is little you As Mahavat, you sit on top the driver is you only you With thieves you become a thief You are in scoundrels too You are the one who robs and runs The cop who nabs is you only you. With givers you become a giver You are among the paupers too! As a beggar you go begging The donor too is you only you! In man and woman only one resides Who in this world could call them two As a child, you start to cry The keeper is you only you In Water, Earth, Life you are present Wherever i look, you only you! Kabir says, listen sadhoos I have found a guru, as is, where is.

Kehet Kabir, Suno bhai sadho - Kahan se aaya, kahan jaoge

Although all of Kabir songs are quite deep and spiritual, but this one tops them all. I can not find the meaning of the very first doha. But other than that, the song is complete.

सब आया एक ही घाट से, उतरा एक ही बाट
बीच में दुविधा पड़ गयी , हो गए बारह बाट
Everyone came from one place
and took the same road
Half way along, you fell into doubt
and it became twelve roads

घाटे पानी सब भरे, अवघट भरे न कोय
अवघट घाट कबीर का, भरे सो निर्मल होए
Everyone draws water from river banks
No one draws where there is no bank
No bank is like the bank of Kabir
The one who draws there, he becomes pure.

कहाँ से आया कहाँ जाओगे खबर करो अपने तन की कोई सदगुरु मिले तो भेद बतावें खुल जावे अंतर खिड़की हिन्दू मुस्लिम दोनों भुलाने खटपट मांय रिया अटकी जोगी जंगम शेख सवेरा लालच मांय रिया भटकी काज़ी बैठा कुरान बांचे ज़मीन जोर वो करी चटकी हर दम साहेब नहीं पहचाना पकड़ा मुर्गी ले पटकी बहार बैठा ध्यान लगावे भीतर सुरता रही अटकी बहार बंदा, भीतर गन्दा मन मैल मछली गटकी माला मुद्रा तिलक छापा तीरथ बरत में रिया भटकी गावे बजावे लोक रिझावे खबर नहीं अपने तन की बिना विवेक से गीता बांचे चेतन को लगी नहीं चटकी कहें कबीर सुनो भाई साधो आवागमन में रिया भटकी

Where are you coming from? Where are you going to? Get the news from your body If you find a true guru, he will tell you the difference Then your inner window will open Hindus, Muslims both deluded Stuck in always fighting Yogis, wandering jains, sheikhs all lost in greed The Kazi reads the Quran And then grabs someone's land Can't see the lord in every breath takes a hen and smashes it. Outwardly he meditates, Inside his thoughts are stuck Outside saintly, inside filthy mind tainted, he swallows a fish. With garlands, money, tilaks, He is lost in pilgrimages Goes to villages, entertains the world But has no concern for his own body Unthinking he reads the Gita But it fails to brush his thoughts Kabir says, listen sadhus, people are lost in coming and going. (coming and going refers to daily attachments - job, money etc, failing to see the inevitability that everything has to go one day)

Kahat Kabir Suno bhai Sadho - Akla mat chodjo

This one is very interesting because i was able to understand the lyrics and its meaning without any help. The starting dohe are very well said and then the bhajan is just too good!

ऊँचे महल चुनावते, करते होड्रम होड्र
ते मंदिर खली पड़े , सब गए पलक में छोड़

You built huge palaces, scrambled and ran about
The temples are empty now
Everyone left in a second.

आया है सब जायेगा राजा रंक फ़कीर
कोई सिंहासन चढ़ चले, कोई बंधे ज़ंजीर

All who come will come, be it king, pauper or fakir
Those perched on throws will go
Those tied in shackles too

एकला मत छोड़जो बंजारा रे परदेस का है मामला खोटा हो जाना रे दूर देस का है मामला टेढा हो जाना रे अपना साहब जी ने बंगला बनायो बंजारा रे ऊपर रखियो झरोखा झान्क्या करो प्यारा रे अपना साहब जी ने बाग लगायो बंजारा रे फूलां भरी है छाबड़ी पाया करो प्यारा रे अपना साहब जी ने कुआँ खानायो बंजारा रे गहरा भरया नीर वां नहाया करो प्यारा रे कहें कबीर धर्मदास से बंजारा रे सत अमरापुर पावीया सौदा करो प्यारा रे

Dont leave me alone, o traveler, o wandering traveler It is a matter of foreign lands, it could get tricky It is a matter of faraway lands, it could get false o traveler, o wandering traveler (Now luring the traveler to stay, see how kabir does it) Our master built a bungalow here He built a lattice window on top Enjoy the view, my dear one! o traveler, o wandering traveler Our master planted a garden The basket is full of flowers String a garland here, my dear one! o traveler, o wandering traveler Our master dug a well He filled it deep with water Take a bath there, my dear one! O traveler, o wandering traveler Kabir says to Dharamdas, o traveler, o wandering traveler, Strike that bargain which takes you to the city of truth

Kehet Kabir, Suni bhai sadho - Ajab Sheher mein

Its been a long time i have been blabbing about my love with Kabir. Here is my first community work. Ajab sheher mein sung by Prahlad Singh Tipaniya and party.
Ajab shaher mein is one of my favourite Kabir songs. Tipaniya sahab, in his usual style starts the song by couple of kabir dohe.

ह्रदय मांही आरसी , और मुख देखा नाहीं जाए
मुख तोह तब ही देखियो जब दिल की दुविधा जाए

Within the heart, there is a mirror, but cant see the face
You will only see the face when, doubt goes away from heart



वास्तु कहाँ ढूंढें कहाँ , कई विधि आवे हाथ
वास्तु ठिकाने पाईये , जब भेदी लीन्हा साथ

Where are you searching?
which technique will get it to your hands?
You will find what you seek
when you take the wise one along!


भेदी लीन्हा साथ में वास्तु दीन्ही लखाए
कोटि जनम का पंथ था, वहां पल में पहुंचा जाये
You took a wise one along,
She showed you where it lay
A path that would have taken million births
You got there in a second

रंग महेल में अजब शहर में आजा रे हंसा भाई निर्गुण राजा पे सिरगुन सेज बिछाई अरे हाँ रे भाई, उना देवलिया में देव नाहीं झालर कूटे गरज कैसी ? अरे हाँ रे भाई, बेहद की तो गम नाहीं नुगुरा से सेन कैसी ? अरे हाँ रे भाई,अमृत प्याला भर पाओ भाईला से भ्रांत कैसी ? अरे हाँ रे भाई, कहें कबीर विचार सेन माहीं सेन मिली

In your colorful palace, your wondrous city Come, my swan brother, A lovely cover spreads over the formless king Oh , yes, my brother there is no God in that temple So whats the point in beating the going? Ah yes, my brother, there is no road to the limitless What sign will you show to one without a guru? Ah yes, my brother share freely your cup of nectar Why keep it from your friends? Ah yes, my friends Kabir says think about it find the sign in the sign!! (meaning - you can only see the sign - stop asking others to help you)

Acknowledgments and Disclaimer: Thanks to the Kabir project for releasing the translation. Thanks to the BeatofIndia.com for releasing the Kabir vani album. I have taken the liberty to post them on this blog with the only intention of sharing the beauty of words and music