This is Kabir’s song of separation (viraha geet), which expresses the soul’s longing to meet the Supreme Being. In this, the soul sees its condition as a wandering traveler who doesn’t understand the path—how to reach the home of the Divine (moksha/liberation). Within there is yoga (spiritual practice), but outside there is bhoga (worldly attachment). The soul is troubled, and Kabir says—this path is difficult, finding the right way and reaching the home of the beloved Divine is challenging, but one should not give up trying.
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Lyrics:
(Note: The original song is performed in Hindi by Pandit Channulal Mishra. Below is an English translation/interpretation of the key verses from this Chaiti composed by Saint Kabir)
Key Themes from the Song:
“With every breath, take the Divine’s name
Don’t lose this breath, for who knows when the next one will come
How shall I reach the beloved’s home, O Rama?”
The soul wanders, seeking understanding of the spiritual path. It questions how to reach the Divine presence when the way seems unclear.
“My veil (of ignorance) has become dull and faded
Seeing the play of the Divine
How can I understand, how can I please the beloved?”
Kabir speaks of the human condition – covered by the veil of maya (illusion), struggling to comprehend the Divine mysteries.
“Says Kabir, listen O saints and seekers
I am like the vulture Jatayu, like the elephant Gajendra
Like the courtesan who called out in distress
If you cannot save sinners like us,
You who abandoned the pure Sita for false accusations,
How will you embrace the truly tarnished?”
Kabir references stories from Hindu epics – Jatayu who fought for Sita, Gajendra the elephant saved by Vishnu, and questions the nature of Divine grace and redemption.
The song concludes with the soul’s persistent longing and questioning of how to find the path home to the Divine.
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This Chaiti reflects the spiritual and philosophical depth found in Kabir’s poetry. The composition beautifully captures the eternal human quest for divine connection and the challenges faced on the spiritual journey.
Listen to the beautiful rendition by Pandit Channulal Mishra: