One Hundred Poems of Kabir/V

by Kabir

V

I. 63. avadhu, maya taji na jay

avadhu, maya taji na jay
grih taj ke bastar baandhaa, bastar taj ke phere
kaam taje ten krodh na jaye, krodh taje ten lobhaa
lobh taje ahamkaar na jaayee, maan- badaai-sobha
mann vairaagi maya tyagi, sabd mein surat samaye
kahyen Kabir suno bhaai saadho,yah gam birle payee

 

Tell me, Brother, how can I renounce Maya?
When I gave up the tying of ribbons, still I tied my garment about me:
When I gave up tying my garment, still I covered my body in its folds.
So, when I give up passion, I see that anger remains;
And when I renounce anger, greed is with me still;
And when greed is vanquished, pride and vainglory remain;
When the mind is detached and casts Maya away, still it clings to the letter.
Kabir says, "Listen to me, dear Sadhu! the true path is rarely found."