Today’s thought:
Ridiculous yachts and private planes and big limousines won’t make people enjoy life more, and it sends out terrible messages to the people who work for them. It would be so much better if that money was spent in Africa – and it’s about getting a balance.
–Richard Branson
Kabir Day 22:
The couplet transliterated:
Kabir vyas katha karai, bheethar bhedai naahi |
Auron ko paramodhata, gaye mohar kamahi ||
Translation:
(Says Kabir) Learned in philosophy, (some) learned men do not internalize their learning|
They teach and preach to others, but only for commercial considerations ||
My understanding:
In today’s world, as in all times past and in the distant future, there will be attractions in the world that will incite desires for possession and jealousy. At the same time, there will also be books and teachings on the value of moderation in all things and the benefits of abstinence.
Some intelligent persons will always be able to take the value from the learning and translate it to commercial gain as they add their understanding and perception to the learning and share it with others in their times. If this is necessary for their livelihood, then it is just and there is no issue to be taken with the teacher looking to sustain himself even as he teaches.
However, if the teacher is not able to imbibe the core philosophy he preaches into his own life, and instead uses it as a tool to satisfy his “lust-for-lucre”, Kabir is warning us here to identify such persons for what they are and stay away since such a person is teaching not to improve us but to say whatever will get him what he wants (not what we need).