Salok Bhagat Kabir, Salok 143 — even a pig does some good
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Kabir says: even a pig is better than one who has turned away from the One. At least the pig helps keep the village clean.
When that poor person who turned away dies, no one even speaks their name.
A life turned away from the One leaves little behind, while even a humble animal does some good.
Saakat tay sookar bhalaa: a pig is better than a saakat, one who lives turned away from the One. Raakhai aachhaa gaa-o: it keeps the village clean. In old villages, pigs ate the scraps and refuse.
Uho saakat bapuraa: that poor saakat. Ko-ay na laihai naa-o: no one will speak their name. Kabir's words are strong, aimed at a way of living, never at looking down on any person.
What small good do you leave behind you each day?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI