Life Is a Game; Play Wholeheartedly but Awake

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

Kabir closes with his beloved game image: you hope for long life, while Death counts your breaths — we make big plans as if time were endless, while it quietly runs. But rather than end in gloom, he turns it into an invitation to play wisely: the world is a game, O Kabir, so throw the dice consciously. Life is a game — meant to be played, wholeheartedly and with delight — but played awake, with your eyes open, making your moves thoughtfully rather than sleepwalking. For a child this is the perfect note: don't be grim about life's shortness, and don't be careless either — play, joyfully and consciously, choosing your moves like someone who knows the game is precious. Awake and playful, both at once.