Kabir Dohas - 9 Mangan Maran Saman Hai, Mat Koi Mange Beekh

Kabir Dohas - 9

Mangan Maran Saman Hai, Mat Koi Mange Beekh
Mangan Se Marna Bhala, Yeh Satguru Ki Seekh

maaMgana marNa samaana hO, mat kao[- maaMgao BaIK
maaMgana sao marNaa Balaa, yah satgau$ kI saIK

Translation
Begging is like perishing, none should go imploring
It is better to die than beg, this is pure Guru's teaching

My Understanding
It is unfortunate but true that a vast number of people all over the world survive through begging. In non-affluent countries the scenario is worst. In affluent societies, this phenomenon can be seen in the guise of welfare plans.

The compassionate Guru knows that a person who sets out to beg (at least for the first time), literally kills his inner self and undergoes tremendous shame and humiliation. In this simple verse, Kabir boldly attempts to shake up the conscience of the people. Without using the words, he appeals the masses to work honestly and earn their livelihood.

Kabir Dohas - 8 Jaise Til Mein Tel Hai, Jyon Chakmak Mein Aag

Kabir Dohas - 8

Jaise Til Mein Tel Hai, Jyon Chakmak Mein Aag
Tera Sayeen Tujh Mein Hai, Tu Jaag Sake To Jaag

jaOsao itla maoM tola hO, jyaaoM cakmak maoM Aaga
tora saaM[- tuJamao hO, tU jaaga sako tao jaaga

Translation
Like seed contains the oil, fire in flint stone
Your temple seats the Divine, realize if you can

My Understanding
What is real and how is it veiled?

This yearning for the Truth is the basic search of everyone. We all want to know what God really is. Kabir in this doha reveals the secret. He unfolds the mystery in a very simple way. He takes the example of the anti-seed which contains the oil. However, when we see the seed, we don't see the oil. It is only seen when energy is used to extract the oil from the seed. Same way fire is not visible when we look at the flint stone. However, vigorous rubbing manifests fire which is already hidden in the flint. Same way, Kabir asserts, that our body - the temple - seats the Divine. This divinity is our true self. However, due to our ignorance, we are unaware of this reality. Kabir challenges us in this doha to shed the veils of ignorance and awaken to realize our true self.

This doha also reminds of Swami Vivekananda, who said, "Man is potentially divine and the sole purpose of this life is to discover that divinity. The time to do is here and now".