Kabir – Day 8

“The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.”

– George Bernard Shaw

 

“Humor is emotional chaos remembered in tranquility.”

– James Thurber

 

 

..and now, Kabir day 8:

 

First, the couplet, transliterated:

 

Jaise Til Mein Tel Hai, Jyon Chakmak Mein Aag Tera Sayeen Tujh Mein Hai, Tu Jaag Sake To Jaag

 

Translation

 

Just as oil is inside the seed, and the spark hidden inside the flint God resides inside you, awake to this realization if you can!

 

My Understanding

 

A very simple unfolding of a huge mystery – where is God? Kabir has simplified the answer for all in the clearest of expression. Just as when we see the seed, we do not realize the hidden oil inside the hard shell, or the potential for fire in the rough flint stone, simply looking at man does not give a true reflection of the hidden potential and glory inside.

 

To expand the thought a bit more, it is not enough to know what is inside – it needs effort. The mill needs energy to turn the grindstones which then work to extract the oil from seeds – and even the flint stone needs to be struck just right if sparks are required. Similarly, it is not enough to say that God resides inside me – that realization needs to be nurtured, and grown from a small spark into a raging flame that can then provide light, warmth and fuel for true realization. This is the fire Kabir is attempting to light in all who pass by this couplet.

 

This couplet also reminds of Swami Vivekananda, who said, “Man is potentially divine and the sole purpose of this life is to discover that divinity. The time to do is here and now”.