Salok Bhagat Kabir, Salok 172 — the burning house, and the simple who run free
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Kabir says: the wooden house is on fire on every side.
The learned pandits stayed inside and were burned in it, while the simple, unlearned ones ran out to safety.
When the house is burning, pride in learning does not save anyone; the simple who run out are saved.
Kothee kaath kee: a house made of wood, and dah dis laagee aag, fire on all ten sides. Many read the house as the world, burning with wanting and worry. Pandit pandit jal moo-ay: the scholars, proud of all they know, stay inside and burn. Moorakh ubray bhaag: the ones called foolish run out and are saved.
The picture is aimed at pride in learning, never at learning itself or at any faith.
When has being humble helped you more than being clever?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI