10 Famous Kabir Dohas and Their Life Lessons

Kabir, the 15th-century mystic poet and saint, wrote verses that cut across time, religion, and culture. His dohas (two-line couplets) are simple in words yet deep in meaning, offering timeless wisdom on how to live a meaningful life. Even today, Kabir’s poetry serves as a guiding light for those seeking truth, simplicity, and peace of mind.

Here are 10 of Kabir’s most important dohas with explanations that can help us go through life with clarity and balance.

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1. On the Value of Time

काल करे सो आज कर, आज करे सो अब।
पल में परलय होएगी, बहुरि करेगा कब॥

Translation: What you plan to do tomorrow, do it today; what you plan for today, do it now. Life is uncertain — who knows what will happen the next moment?

Life Lesson: Don’t procrastinate. Time waits for no one.

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2. On Humility

बड़ा हुआ तो क्या हुआ जैसे पेड़ खजूर।
पंथी को छाया नहीं, फल लगे अति दूर॥

Translation: What’s the use of being tall like a date tree? It gives no shade to travelers, and its fruit is hard to reach.

Life Lesson: True greatness lies in helping others, not in pride or empty status.

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3. On Inner Search

माला फेरत जुग भया, फिरा न मन का फेर।
कर का मनका छोड़ दे, मन का मनका फेर॥

Translation: People keep turning rosary beads, but their hearts remain unchanged. Stop counting beads in your hands, turn the beads of your heart instead.

Life Lesson: Real spirituality is about inner transformation, not rituals.

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4. On Equality

जाति न पूछो साधु की, पूछ लीजिए ज्ञान।
मोल करो तलवार का, पड़ा रहन दो म्यान॥

Translation: Don’t ask the caste of a saint; ask about his wisdom. Value the sword, not its sheath.

Life Lesson: A person’s worth lies in knowledge and character, not in caste or background.

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5. On Gossip & Negativity

निंदक नियरे राखिए, आँगन कुटी छवाय।
बिन पानी साबुन बिना, निर्मल करे सुभाय॥

Translation: Keep your critic close, build him a hut in your courtyard. Without water or soap, he cleanses your nature.

Life Lesson: Criticism helps us grow. Instead of hating critics, learn from them.

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6. On Self-Reflection

बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिल्या कोय।
जो मन खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय॥

Translation: I went looking for the wicked, but found none. When I searched within, I realized I was the worst of all.

Life Lesson: Instead of blaming others, reflect on yourself. True change begins within.

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7. On the Shortness of Life

साईं इतना दीजिए, जामे कुटुंब समाय।
मैं भी भूखा न रहूँ, साधु न भूखा जाय॥

Translation: Lord, give me just enough to feed my family, and enough to share with a guest.

Life Lesson: Contentment is real wealth. Ask for balance, not excess.

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8. On Detachment

ज्यों तिल में तेल है, ज्यों चकमक में आग।
तेरा साईं तुझमें है, तू जाग सके तो जाग॥

Translation: Just as oil is in the seed and fire is in the stone, God is within you — realize it if you awaken.

Life Lesson: Divinity and truth are within us, not outside.

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9. On Love & Compassion

पोथी पढ़ि पढ़ि जग मुआ, पंडित भया न कोय।
ढाई आखर प्रेम का, पढ़े सो पंडित होय॥

Translation: The world has died reading books, but no one became wise. Whoever learns the two and a half letters of ‘love’ is truly wise.

Life Lesson: Love and compassion are greater than all bookish knowledge.

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10. On Simplicity of Life

सुख में समरथ सब बने, दुख में बने न कोय।
जो सुख में याद करे, दुख काहे को होय॥

Translation: Everyone remembers God in times of sorrow, but forgets in happiness. If one remembers in joy, sorrow will never come.

Life Lesson: Stay humble, grateful, and spiritual in both good and bad times.

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Conclusion

Kabir’s dohas are like mirrors — they show us the truth about life in the simplest words. His teachings encourage us to be humble, compassionate, time-conscious, and inward-looking. By practicing these lessons, we can lead a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.