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
Explanation
This doha is a little difficult to translate, particularly when
the words "Pal mein Pralaya Hoyegi", have been translated
by many scholars as the doomsday may come at any moment or in similar
words. In my understanding Kabir, would not have meant this. 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." Don't we?
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, in the spontaneous ness
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 Doha 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.
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