11 Kabir Ke Dohe With English Meanings To Learn About Life

By Ridam Sharma
Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:46 PM (IST)

Source:JND

Kabir Ke Dohe With English Meanings: Kabir is one of the great poet-saints of the 15th century. He is widely famous for his dohe (couplets) that express eternal truths about life in sweet language. His poems transcend religious and social divides and leave people to introspect, follow humility, and lead lives with empathy. Kabir's dohe, which were penned centuries ago, are somehow still relevant. These dohe reflect Kabir's deep spiritual wisdom and are all about self-reflection and a practical approach to life. Additionally, these couplets are true life lessons that everyone should read at least once in life. Here’s a list of 11 of Kabir's most popular dohe with English translations.

List Of 11 Famous Kabir Ke Dohe With English Meanings:

1. Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Na Milya Koye
Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koye
Jo mann khoja aapna, mujhse bura na koye

Meaning:
When I set out to find evil, I found none. But when I looked within myself, I realised there is no one worse than me. This doha teaches self-reflection before blaming others.

2. Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ab
Kaal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab
Pal mein parlay hoyegi, bahuri karega kab

Meaning:
Whatever you plan to do tomorrow, do it today; whatever you plan for today, do it now. Time is the most precious and fleeting, and you never know when it will run out.

3. Mala Ferat Jug Bhaya, Phira Na Mann Ka Fer
Mala ferat jug bhaya, phira na mann ka fer
Kar ka manka daar de, mann ka manka fer

Meaning:
You have been counting the rosary beads (a holy activity of worshipping the Hindu god) for ages, but your mind remains unchanged. Leave the beads and turn your mind towards God.

4. Guru Govind Dou Khade, Kaake Laagu Paanv
Guru Govind dou khade, kaake laagu paanv
Balihari guru aapne, Govind diyo bataye

Meaning:
If both Guru and God appear before you, whose feet will you touch first? Kabir says, honour the Guru first, for he is the one who showed you the way to God.

5. Kasturi Kundal Mein Basai, Mrig Dhundhe Ban Maahi
Kasturi kundal mein basai, mrig dhundhe ban maahi
Aise ghati ghati Ram hain, duniya dekhe naahi

Meaning:
The musk is within the deer, yet it searches for it in the forest. Likewise, God resides within us, but we seek Him outside.

6. Dukh Mein Simran Sab Kare, Sukh Mein Kare Na Koye
Dukh mein simran sab kare, sukh mein kare na koye
Jo sukh mein simran kare, toh dukh kahe ko hoye

Meaning:

Everyone remembers God in sorrow, but none in happiness. If you remember Him in happiness, sorrow will never come.

7. Sai Itna Dijiye, Ja Mein Kutumb Samaaye
Sai itna dijiye, ja mein kutumb samaaye
Main bhi bhookha na rahun, sadhu na bhookha jaaye

Meaning:
O Lord, give me just enough to support my family. I should not go hungry, nor should any guest leave my door hungry.

8. Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye
Chalti chakki dekh kar, diya Kabira roye
Do paatan ke beech mein, sabit bacha na koye

Meaning:
Watching the grinding stones, Kabir cries. Between the two stones, nothing remains intact. This speaks of the dualities of life that spare no one.

9. Maati Kahe Kumhar Se, Tu Kya Ronde Mohe
Maati kahe kumhar se, tu kya ronde mohe
Ek din aisa aayega, main rondungi tohe

Meaning:
The clay says to the potter, Why do you knead and shape me? One day will come when I will knead you (referring to death and the cycle of life).

10. Jyon Nainon Mein Putli, Tyon Malik Ghat Maahin
Jyon nainon mein putli, tyon Malik ghat maahin
Moorkh log na janiye, bahar dhundhan jaahin

Meaning:
Just as the pupil is within the eye, God resides within us. Ignorant people search for Him outside.

11. Nindak Niyare Rakhiye, Aangan Kuti Chawaye
Nindak niyare rakhiye, aangan kuti chawaye
Bin paani sabun bina, nirmal kare subhaaye

Meaning:
Keep your critics close and let them stay in your courtyard. They cleanse your nature without the use of soap or water, helping you improve.