An intriguing thought – “The speed of anything depends on the flow of everything.”

Kabir – day 3:

Transliteration:

Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub

Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub

Translation

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

An explanation:

This couplet is a little difficult to translate, particularly when the words “Pal mein Pralaya Hoyegi”, have been translated by many scholars as “doomsday may come at any moment” or something to that effect.  Kabir, the teacher and kindly philosopher, would not have implied this – he epitomized the being of goodness and righteousness.  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.” (Sound familiar?)

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 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 couplet 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.