Kabir Verses Part 2

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.

Below are few verses by Kabir and my understanding of the same.

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 world ocean and keeps him close to Himself.

Per: The process of self-realisation is not easy at all. Guru sees everything; choices we make,our deepest reasons, our intentions behind them. Accepting what is there inside without destructive feelings towards oneself or others; facing resistances. “Silence discovers and dissolves duality”.

Kabir jioban to thor hi bhala, harikasumiranhoye
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 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: If one makes efforts, practice meditation without a desire to attain name, fame, wealth, siddhi, title or position in the spiritual field, – this keeps one away from Him. One should not worry about the results, but just being aware of whatever comes. Awareness in the moment means to live completely and to finish the past at the same time.

Kabir sumiransamakuch hay nahi, yogyagya brat daan
sumiransamteerathnahi, sumiransamanahigyan

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: One can do all kinds of efforts; yoga, charity, vows, pilgrimages, knowledge; that is all good if performed with awareness. When the awareness is not established, then one is fluctuating. Sometimes one is eager to help others, to do social work etc., but soon realizes that this does not satisfy the soul. Until one realises the unity with self, the loss is inevitable. Before one truly can help others, one has to help himself/herself, 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 beyond the gods – even 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), – then trinity comes into existence and diversity takes place. One should meditate and then the whole diversity will be one again. Nothing in life can compare to this inner state.