Maya
Maya Maha Thugni Hum Jaani
Tirgun Phans Liye Kar Dole Bole Madhuri Bani Kesav Ke Kamla Ve Baithi Shiv Ki Bhavan Bhavani Punda Ke Murat Ve Baithi Tirath Mein Bhai Pani Yogi Ke Yogin Ve Baithi Raja Ke Ghar Rani Kahu Ke Hira Ve Baithi Kahu Ke Kodi Kani Bhaktan Ke Bhaktin Veh Baithi Brahma Ke Brahmani Kahe Kabir Suno Bhai Sadho Yeh Sab Akath Kahani |
Translation
Maya’s the great swindler – now I know.
Trailing the noose of the three qualities, She wanders, whispering Honeyed words. For Vishnu she’s Lakshmi, For Shiva she’s Shakti, for priests an idol, for pilgrims a river. For a monk she’s a nun, for a king she’s a queen, in one house a jewel, in one a shell. For a devotee, she’s a pious lady, For Brahma, Mrs Brahma. Kabir says, seekers, listen well, this is a story no one can tell. Translated by Linda Hess |