Verse 256 of 450
Salok Bhagat Kabir, Salok 198 — many journeys, and the Master still silent
ਕਬੀਰ ਹਜ ਕਾਬੈ ਹੋਇ ਹੋਇ ਗਇਆ ਕੇਤੀ ਬਾਰ ਕਬੀਰ ॥
kabeer haj kaabai ho-ay ho-ay ga-i-aa kaytee baar kabeer.
Kabir, I went to Mecca - how many times, Kabir?
ਸਾਂਈ ਮੁਝ ਮਹਿ ਕਿਆ ਖਤਾ ਮੁਖਹੁ ਨ ਬੋਲੈ ਪੀਰ ॥੧੯੮॥
saaN-ee mujh meh ki-aa khataa mukhahu na bolai peer. ||198||
O Lord, what is the problem with me? You have not spoken to me with Your Mouth. ||198||
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Kabir says: how many times have I gone to Mecca on pilgrimage, Kabir?
O Master, what fault is in me? You have not spoken to me with Your own mouth.
When the One feels silent, ask what in you needs to change.
Going again and again to a holy place does not by itself make the One speak.
Haj kaabai ho-ay ho-ay ga-i-aa: again and again I went on Hajj to the Kaaba. Kaytee baar kabeer: how many times, Kabir? Mukhahu na bolai peer: still the Master does not speak to me. The honest question, "what fault is in me?", turns the seeker from the road to the heart. The pilgrimage itself is held with respect.
A Question to Sit With
When you feel unheard, what helps you keep going?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI
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