Kabir Dohas - 13

Pothi Padh Padh Kar Jag Mua, Pandit Bhayo Na Koye
Dhai Aakhar Prem Ke, Jo Padhe so Pandit Hoye

paoqaI pD, pD, jaga mauAa, pMiDt Bayaao na kaoe 
Za[ AaKr p`oma ko, jaao pD,o saao pMiDt haoe 

Translation
Reading books everyone died, none became any wise
One who reads the word of Love, only becomes wise

My Understanding
To understand this doha in its true perspective is important. We all read and now with tremendous media exposure, we are seemingly more informed. Everyone seems to know everything. Yet, the truth is that inspite of all this information, there is no awareness.   We are not at peace. There is a lot of frustration all around.  Our minds are not quiet and relaxed.  We talk of Love but have no compassion.  Selfishness, greed, fear, hatred and similar tendencies seem to grip us all the time. Why?

I have found myself in this quagmire a number of times.

Kabir in this doha shows the way, in his simple but dynamic style. He daringly says that despite all our readings, despite all our knowledge, we cannot become wise.  Only if we 'read' Love, become loving and loveable, only then wisdom will dawn on us.  Only then Life will be worth living.

– Rajender Krishan

Visual Art by Simi Nallaseth   

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