07-31-2006, 12:41 AM
Tagore’s one of the masterpiece works is POEMS OF KABIR where he translated into English the songs and verses of Kabir.
I present two example sof Tagore’s mystical genius in translating Kabir.
…………………………………………….
avadhü, mäyä tajï na jäy
…………………………………………….
Tell me, Brother, how can I renounce maya?
When I gave up the tying of ribbons, still I tied my
garment about me:
When I gave up tying my garment, still I covered my
body in its folds.
So, when I give up passion, I see the anger remains;
And when I renounce anger, greed is with me still;
And when greed is vanquished, pride and vain-glory remain;
When the mind is detached and casts Maya away, still
it clings to the letter.
Kabir says, ‘Listen to me dear Sadhu! The true path is rarely found.’
…………………………………………….
na jäne sähab kaisa hai
…………………………………………….
I do not know what manner of God is mine.
The Mullah cries aloud to Him: and why? Is your Lord
Deaf? The subtle anklets that ring on the feet of an insect
when it moves are heard of Him.
Tell your beads, paint your forehead with the mark of
your God, and wear matted locks long and showy: but a
deadly weapon is in your heart, and how shall you have God?
I present two example sof Tagore’s mystical genius in translating Kabir.
…………………………………………….
avadhü, mäyä tajï na jäy
…………………………………………….
Tell me, Brother, how can I renounce maya?
When I gave up the tying of ribbons, still I tied my
garment about me:
When I gave up tying my garment, still I covered my
body in its folds.
So, when I give up passion, I see the anger remains;
And when I renounce anger, greed is with me still;
And when greed is vanquished, pride and vain-glory remain;
When the mind is detached and casts Maya away, still
it clings to the letter.
Kabir says, ‘Listen to me dear Sadhu! The true path is rarely found.’
…………………………………………….
na jäne sähab kaisa hai
…………………………………………….
I do not know what manner of God is mine.
The Mullah cries aloud to Him: and why? Is your Lord
Deaf? The subtle anklets that ring on the feet of an insect
when it moves are heard of Him.
Tell your beads, paint your forehead with the mark of
your God, and wear matted locks long and showy: but a
deadly weapon is in your heart, and how shall you have God?