Saint Kabir Das—a 15th-century mystic poet and saint—remains one of the most influential voices in Indian spiritual literature. His verses, known as Kabir ke Dohe, are filled with timeless wisdom that transcends religion and caste, speaking directly to the heart of every seeker.
Through simplicity and depth, Kabir's words cut through illusion and ego, urging us to live with truth, love, humility, and devotion. Here are 10 soul-uplifting quotes by Saint Kabir that continue to guide and inspire millions even today.
Table of contents [Show]
- 1. **"Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milaya koi;
- 2. **"Kabira khada bazar mein, maange sabki khair;
- 3. **"Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab;
- 4. **"Dheere dheere re mana, dheere sab kuch hoye;
- 5. **"Jab main tha tab Hari nahi, ab Hari hai main nahi;
- 6. **"Moko kahan dhoonde re bande, main to tere paas mein;
- 7. **"Sadhu aisa chahiye, jaisa soop subhay;
- 8. "Jhini jhini bini chadariya."
- 9. **"Prem gali ati sankari, ta mein do na samaye;
- 10. **"Kabira teri jhopdi, gal katiyan ke paas;
1. **"Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milaya koi;
Jo man khoja apna, mujhse bura na koi."**
Translation:
I went searching for the wicked, but found none;
When I looked within myself, I realized I was the worst one.
Wisdom:
Kabir reminds us that judgment begins with the self. Instead of blaming the world, we must introspect and purify our own mind.
2. **"Kabira khada bazar mein, maange sabki khair;
Na kahu se dosti, na kahu se bair."**
Translation:
Kabir stands in the marketplace, wishing well for all;
He holds neither friendship nor enmity with anyone.
Wisdom:
Live neutrally, wish well for everyone, and let go of attachment and aversion. That is the path to peace.
3. **"Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab;
Pal mein pralaya hoyegi, bahuri karega kab?"**
Translation:
What you plan to do tomorrow, do it today; what you plan today, do it now.
Destruction may strike in a moment—when will you act then?
Wisdom:
Time is fleeting. Don't delay your spiritual progress or righteous actions—the moment is now.
4. **"Dheere dheere re mana, dheere sab kuch hoye;
Maali seenche sau ghara, ritu aaye phal hoye."**
Translation:
Slowly, slowly, O mind—everything happens at its pace;
The gardener may water with hundreds of pots, but fruit arrives only in season.
Wisdom:
Patience is key. Nature and growth follow divine timing. Trust the process.
5. **"Jab main tha tab Hari nahi, ab Hari hai main nahi;
Sab andhiyaara mit gaya, jab deepak dekha maahi."**
Translation:
When ‘I’ existed, God did not; now God is, and ‘I’ am not.
All darkness vanished the moment the lamp of awareness was lit.
Wisdom:
True spirituality begins when the ego dissolves and divine light shines within.
6. **"Moko kahan dhoonde re bande, main to tere paas mein;
Na mandir mein, na masjid mein, na Kaba Kailas mein."**
Translation:
Where are you looking for me, O seeker? I am right within you.
Not in temples, not in mosques, not in Mecca or Kailash.
Wisdom:
God is not far. He resides in your own heart. Seek within.
7. **"Sadhu aisa chahiye, jaisa soop subhay;
Saar-saar ko gahi rahe, thotha de uray."**
Translation:
Be like the winnowing basket—
Keep the grain (truth), and let the husk (falsehood) fly away.
Wisdom:
A wise person learns to discern truth from illusion and keeps only what is valuable.
8. "Jhini jhini bini chadariya."
Translation:
This body is a finely woven cloth.
Wisdom:
Our body and life are fragile, precious, and temporary. Live consciously, with awareness of its impermanence.
9. **"Prem gali ati sankari, ta mein do na samaye;
Jab main tha tab Hari nahi, ab Hari hai main naahi."**
Translation:
The lane of love is very narrow—two cannot walk in it.
When ‘I’ was, God was not; now God is, and ‘I’ am not.
Wisdom:
Only when the ego is surrendered can divine love truly enter. Love is not possession—it is selflessness.
10. **"Kabira teri jhopdi, gal katiyan ke paas;
Jo karenge so bharenge, tu kyon bhayo udaas?"**
Translation:
Kabir, your hut is beside the butcher’s lane;
They shall reap what they sow—why do you worry?
Wisdom:
Focus on your own path. Let karma take care of others. Stay peaceful amidst the chaos.
Final Thoughts
Kabir's teachings aren't just poetry—they are living wisdom that speak directly to the soul. His dohas gently shake us awake from illusion and guide us toward love, simplicity, and self-realization.
In today's noisy, fast-paced world, Saint Kabir's words are like a cool breeze of truth—reminding us of what truly matters: a pure heart, a clear mind, and a life lived in divine remembrance.
