Bharat Devotion
Embroidered artwork for Sadho, So Satguru Mohi Bhavai: Sant Kabir seated at his weaving loom with an ektara, in an embroidered riverside scene

Sadho, So Satguru Mohi Bhavai

A nirgun pad attributed to Kabir that says what a true Guru is: one who pours the cup of true love, lifts the veil from the eyes, and leads to the fearless state.

Verses

Saadho, So Satguru Mohin Bhaavai.

Verse 1

Satt Prem Ka Bhar Bhar Pyaala, Aap Pivai Mohin Pyaavai. Parda Door Karai Aankhin Ka, Brahm Daras Dikhlaavai.

Verse 2

Jis Darsan Mein Sab Lok Darsai, Anahad Sabad Sunaavai. Ekahi Sab Sukh-Dukh Dikhlaavai, Sabad Mein Surat Samaavai.

Verse 3

Kahain Kabir Taako Bhay Naahin, Nirbhay Pad Parsaavai.

Verse 4

Background

Here Kabir answers a simple question: which Guru is the true one? He does not describe a rank or a lineage. The true Guru drinks the cup of true love himself and offers it to the disciple, removes the veil from the eyes, lets the disciple hear the unstruck sound (anahad shabda) and see sorrow and joy as one, and brings attention to rest in the Word. The pad ends with the fruit: no fear, and arrival at the fearless state (nirbhay pad). The text is from Hindwi, which gives it as printed in Kabir Bani (page 47), edited by Ali Sardar Jafri (Rajkamal Prakashan, 2010). I could not check it against the book itself. Because nirgun pads live in singing, other singers' words may differ.

Did You Know?

Author

Attributed to Kabir (traditionally dated c. 1440–1518).

A definition, not a title

The pad lists what a true Guru does, in order: shares the cup of true love, lifts the veil from the eyes, shows the sight of Brahman, lets the unstruck sound be heard, and brings attention to rest in the Word.

The result

The last line says such a one has no fear and leads to the fearless state.

Source

Hindwi gives the text from Kabir Bani (p. 47), edited by Ali Sardar Jafri (Rajkamal, 2010).