Kabir Dohas - 3

Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub
Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub

kala kro saao Aaja kr‚ Aaja kro saao Aba 
pla maoM prlaya haoegaI‚ bahUrI kraogao kba  

Translation
Tomorrows work do today, today's work now
if the moment is lost, the work be done how

My Understanding
This doha is a little difficult to translate, particularly when the words "Pal mein Pralaya Hoyegi", have been translated by many scholars as the doomsday may come at any moment or in similar words.  In my understanding Kabir, would not have meant this.  He knew more than anyone else that if God is eternal, his creation is also eternal.  Also being a Guru, Kabir would not like to talk about doomsday, as he himself was full of life. 

In this Doha, Kabir has clearly tried to explain the human tendency of laziness and procrastination.  It is a known fact that we all tend to postpone matters, we are indecisive and given a choice we would like others to be doing work and we simply enjoying a cool time.  When it comes to us, we try to get away by saying, "Very busy, no time." Don't we?

This lethargy is what Kabir is condemning.  Besides, according to me, his emphasis is on NOW, the present, the moment as it is.  Now, that is Life, the moment.  It is in the NOW, in the spontaneous ness that one gets energized to do, to achieve, to realize.  As they say, it is NOW or NEVER.

Keeping this context in mind, this Kabir Doha clearly teaches us to shed all procrastination and lethargy.  It motivates us to do whatever we have to do, and do it now.  If we will keep postponing it, then the work will never be done. 

– Rajender Krishan

Visual Art by Simi Nallaseth

Top