Kabir Dohas - 30

Maala To Kar Mein Phire, Jeebh Phire Mukh Mahin
Manua To Chahun Dish Phire, Yeh To Simran Nahin

maalaa tao kr maoM ifro‚ jaIBa ifro mauK maaihM
manauAa tao cahuM idSa ifro‚ yah tao isamarna naaihM

Translation
The rosary rotating by the hand (or) the tongue twisting in the mouth,
With the mind wandering everywhere, this isn't meditation (Oh uncouth!).
  
My Understanding
Kabir in this doha strongly condemns those faking to be religious and spiritualists. How very often we see people belonging from almost every religion 'fiddling' with the rosary beads and reciting the name of God. Yet at the slightest provocation they swear and curse, without any hesitation, with the same 'twisting' tongue. Kabir, here categorically points out that such people have no control over their mind which is forever wandering. Such people are hypocrites and deluded, for their actions are only outwardly to show off or to keep up with the rituals out of sectarian and communal pressures. To be able to bring mind in control means to develop poise and serenity that in turn lead to love and compassion which are the prerequisites for meditation. An agitated mind cannot meditate!  Kabir emphatically states in this doha that all these superficial ritualistic actions are meaningless and unproductive. 

The aim of true meditation, Kabir tries to emphasize, is to be able to master one's mind. 

– Rajender Krishan
March 17, 2002

Visual Art by Simi Nallaseth

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