A companion to the shabad before it, this one brews the same inner 'wine' from different ingredients: wisdom, meditation, and reverent awe. Kabir addresses a wandering yogi directly, telling him that this intoxication clears the eyes rather than clouding them, burns off craving and anger, and — unlike every passing thrill — never fades. It is joy as clarity and permanence.
Key Vocabulary
Gian — spiritual wisdom, the sweetness of the brew
Dhian — meditation, the flower
Bhau — reverent awe and respect, not fear; the gentle fire
Audhoo — a wandering hermit or yogi
Mad-maataa — 'intoxicated,' here filled with lasting gladness
Themes and Cross-Connections
The idea that true joy sharpens perception connects to Suniai and the clearing of the inner senses. The permanence of the awakened state — a joy that does not wear off — contrasts with the world's fading pleasures, the sach-versus-jhooth theme. Burning off craving and anger ties to the healing of haumai.
For Raag Raamkalee
Again the raag of the yogis, and again Kabir speaks straight to the hermit (audhoo), using the language of inner fire and breath to lead him from technique toward love.
Translation Notes
'Bhau' is rendered as reverent awe, not fear-terror. 'Daas' (slave) is rendered as glad service, not servitude. The 'wine' remains a metaphor for bliss. 'Freed from the world' is rendered as release from entanglement, not contempt for the world.
I am intoxicated with a joy that never wears off.
The Arc
A companion to the shabad before it, this one brews the same inner 'wine' from different ingredients: wisdom, meditation, and reverent awe. Kabir addresses a wandering yogi directly, telling him that this intoxication clears the eyes rather than clouding them, burns off craving and anger, and — unlike every passing thrill — never fades. It is joy as clarity and permanence.
Key Vocabulary
Themes and Cross-Connections
The idea that true joy sharpens perception connects to Suniai and the clearing of the inner senses. The permanence of the awakened state — a joy that does not wear off — contrasts with the world's fading pleasures, the sach-versus-jhooth theme. Burning off craving and anger ties to the healing of haumai.
For Raag Raamkalee
Again the raag of the yogis, and again Kabir speaks straight to the hermit (audhoo), using the language of inner fire and breath to lead him from technique toward love.
Translation Notes
'Bhau' is rendered as reverent awe, not fear-terror. 'Daas' (slave) is rendered as glad service, not servitude. The 'wine' remains a metaphor for bliss. 'Freed from the world' is rendered as release from entanglement, not contempt for the world.
Last updated: 2026-07-09