Kabir Dohas - 26

Kabir So Dhan Sanchiye, Jo Aage Ko Hoye
Sees Charaye Potli, Le Jaat Na Dekhya Koye

kbaIr saao Qana saMicayao‚ jaao Aagao kUM haoe 
saIsa caD,ayao paoTlaI‚ lao jaat na do#yaa kaoe

Translation
Kabir, save the wealth that 'remains' in the moment ultimate
Departing with a crown of material wealth, none has crossed the gate
 
My Understanding
All our life we are busy saving. Saving, for the rainy days. Saving for the unforeseeable future, the old age, etc. Surely, it is advisable to save. However, there are also people who will save, at times, by depriving themselves of even basics that are essential for their individual growth and development. And, there are also people, who will save by NOT sharing, by amassing wealth with wrong means and corrupt practices like bribery and theft - victims of greed and insecurity. 

Kabir, keeping these factors in mind, says that this amassed worldly wealth eventually does not accompany when we die. It simply stays behind. Therefore, Kabir suggests that we should save the wealth that will be helpful now and beyond, the strength of which shall become the path to liberation. The "true" wealth that one is able to take forward is the "Naam" and not the worldly wealth. The Naam is strung to one's inner self while the external wealth is limited to the physical body which we all know does not go with us after death.

Note
The translation given above is 'inferred' and not literal. The literal translation would be: 

Kabir, save the wealth that remains in the imminent future
Departing with a bag of wealth, none has yet been seen.

I have purposely chosen to present the 'inferred' translation as it is closer to the true meaning understood from the original Kabir verse in Hindi.

– Rajender Krishan
June 9, 2001

Visual Art by Simi Nallaseth

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