The Ādi Granth, or the Holy Scriptures of the Sikhs (1877) · 577

(30). Kabir (says): the human birth is hard to obtain, it does not take place again and again. Like as ripe fruits of a tree fall to the ground and do not stick again to the branch. (31). 0 Kabir, thou art Kabir, thy name is Kabir (= great). The jewel of Ram is then obtained, when thou first leavest the body.

(32). Kabir (says): prating should not be made, wh:it thou sayest, that does not take place. ' The works, the merciful one is doing, nobody can efface. (33). Kabir (says): (before) the touchstone of Ram no false one can stand. He bears the touchstone of Ram, who, having died, has become alive. (34). Kabir (says): they put on glittering clothes, they eat betel-leaf and betel-nut. (But) without the name of the One Hari they go bound to the city of Yama. (35). Kabir (says): the boat is shattered, a thousand holes have been opened in it. The light ones, the light ones, have crossed over, those, on whom was a burden, were drowned. (36). Kabir (says): bones are burnt like wood, hair is burnt like grass. Having seen this world burning Kabir became indifferent (to the world). (37). Kabir (says): pride should not be entertained; the bones are wrapt in a skin. These, who are on horseback, under an umbrella, are buried again in the earth.

' fcr^ VJ'S, a cold stream or a stream of suow (fo^ = f%JT. by transition of T{ into '^). ' "^TSn "mZ?cl<M. literally: to make twelve roads = to disperse widely. ' WfT?T37^ ^ T^' "bo dies by such a death, scil. ns I point at.

(38). Kablr (says): pride should not be entertained, if one sees that one's dwelling is high.

To-day or to-morrow one must lie on the ground and grass will spring up (upon him).

(39). Kabir (says): pride should not be entertained, a poor one should not be laughed at!

That boat is as yet on the ocean, what do ye know, what will take place?

(40). Kabir (says): pride should not be entertained, having seen, that one's body is beautiful.

To-day or to-morrow thou wilt leave it, as the snake its skin.

(41). Kabir (says): if (something) is to be plundered, then plunder it, the name of Earn is the (true) booty.

Afterwards you will again repent, (when) the breath will go out.

(42). Kabir (says): no such a one has been born, who applies fire to his own house.

Who, having burnt all the five boys, meditates on Ram.

(43). If there be any one, who sells his boy, any one, who sells his girl:

He makes partnership with Kabir, he makes traffic with Hari.

(44). Kabir (says): this is to be kept in mind, do not hurriedly proceed on the road!

Who enjoy themselves, them the molasses eat up afterwards.'

(45). Kabir (says): I know, that reading is good, (but) better than reading is meditation (yog).

The attachment to Eam I do not give up, though people revile me.

(46). Kabir (says): what do the helpless people censure (me), in whose mind there is no divine knowledge?

Kabir delights in Earn, all other concerns are given up by me.

(47). Kabir (says): fire is applied to the coat of the stranger ' on four sides.

The patched quilt is burnt and has become coals, (but) the flame has not reached the thread.'

(48). Kabjr (says): the patched quilt has become coals, the skull is not bursting.

The helpless Jogi has played, on his sitting place ashes have remained.

(49). Kabir (says): in little water, 0 fish, a net is laid out by the fisherman.

In this small pond thou wilt not escape, think again of the ocean!

(50). Kabir (says): the ocean should not be given up, though it be very saltish.

Him, who is searching about in every pool, nobody will call good.

(51). Kabir (says): the impious have passed away, there is not a trace (of them left).*