Kabir Dohas

Guru Kumhar Sikh Kumbh Hai, Gadh Gadh Kadhe Khot
Antar Hath Sahar De, Bahar Bahe Chot



Translation

Guru is the Potter, disciple is the (unbaked) pot
Gives Shape and cures the flaws with care
Protecting (always) with palm from inside
While pounding the pot from outside

My Understanding

Kabir, in this Doha reveals the quality of a good teacher, the Guru.

In this example, the Potter identifies the raw clay or unbaked earthen pot with flaws and blemishes.  Being a skilled artisan (the Potter), takes the clay (the raw material) and gives it the shape of a pot. To ensure that the final product (the Pot) is flawless and immaculate, the potter always has palm of his one hand inside the pot while the second hand keeps beating it from outside. This ensures that the pot does not shatter or break during the pottery process.

In this Doha, Kabir equates a disciple with clay or the unbaked earthen pot and the Guru as the Master Potter. 

The Guru takes upon himself to instruct and educate the disciple who has the potential for enlightenment and realization. The "beatings" in this case are Guru's strict disciplinary actions enforced during the training and learning period.  Compassion, patience, perseverance and Optra are what makes Guru's element of protection that protects the disciple during the various trials and tribulations that come in the path of learning and realization. 
 
In our work-a-day life also, we can notice that good teachers are the ones who follow the rule of "OPTRA". 

O in Optra stands for Object, the theme or the topic of education.
 
P in Optra stands for Preparation. The teacher must prepare himself thoroughly about the topic to be taught.
 
T in Optra stands for Transmission. The teacher must have the ability to transmit the knowledge, so as to bring home and register the true meanings to the students.
 
R in Optra stands for Reception. The teacher must be careful in gauging that what he is transmitting (educating) is being properly received by the students.
 
A in Optra stands for Assimilation. What good is the effort of the teacher, if the learning is not assimilated, adopted and amalgamated by the students?

Kabir, through his two liners (Dohas) which are based on similes and situations that surround our daily lives fully envelopes the Optra principle. Kabir's verses immediately touch our inner self, compel us to meditate on them and are totally relevant and helpful in guiding and regulating our lives, in both social and spiritual context.

July 5, 2011

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