Essays Lectures on Religion of Hindu Vol 01

Author(s): H H Wilson
Publisher: Trubner and Company London

Page 99

83
one hundred will be sufficient, as a specimen of the whole: they are taken with one or two exceptions, from the Bijak of the Kabir Chaura, in the order in which they occur.
OF THE HINDUS.
Sákhis.
1. When man springs from the womb, he is void of every care: pass but the sixth day, and he feels the pains of separation.
2. My word is of the word; hear it, go not astray; if man wishes to know the truth, let him investigate the word.
3. My word is from the first; the word has been deposited in life; a basket has been provided for the flowers; the horse has eaten up the Ghi.
4. My word is from the first; meditate on it every moment; you will flourish in the end like the Joár plant, which shews externally but beards and leaves.
5. Without hearing the word, it is utter darkness; say, whither shall any one go; without finding the gate-way of the word, man will ever be astray.
6. There are many words, but take the pith of them; he who takes not the essence, saith KABIR, will live a profitless life.
7. For the sake of the word, some have died, and some have resigned dominion: he who has investigated the word, has done his work.
S. Lay in your provender, and provide your carriage, for if your food fail, and your feet be weary, your life is in the hands of another.
9. Lay in provender sufficient for the road, whilst time yet serves: evening comes on; the day is flown, and nothing will be provided.
10. Now is the time to prepare, henceforth the path is difficult: the travellers all hasten to purchase where there is neither trade nor market.
11. He who knows what life is will take the essence of his own; such as it is now, he will not possess it a second time.
12. If you know how mankind pass their lives, you will live
C*