Kabir Das was a very wise poet from a long time ago (the 15th century). He is famous for his short, two-line poems called 'Dohe'. These powerful couplets transcend time and culture, offering timeless philosophical truths and practical life lessons that resonate deeply with people of all ages, especially students and children. At their core, Kabir's teachings emphasize inner experience and direct realization of the divine, often offering societal hypocrisy and advocating for a universal spirituality rooted in love, compassion, and truth, making them exceptionally relevant for young learners shaping their values.
Kabir's couplets, known as dohe, are powerful in their simplicity, making profound concepts clear through common examples. They teach us the importance of being humble, kind, and honest. Studying these dohe encourages deep thought and self-awareness, which are essential for both intellectual and spiritual growth in students. In schools, these verses play a vital role in building character, sharing India's deep philosophical traditions, and giving children the wisdom to live meaningful lives and contribute positively to the world.
20+ Famous Kabir Dohe for Students and Children with their Meaning in English
दोहा 1:
बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय।
जो दिल खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय।
(Meaning): When I went to find evil in the world, I found no one evil.
When I searched within my own heart, I found none worse than myself.
Lesson: Focus on self-improvement rather than finding faults in others.
दोहा 2:
पोथी पढ़ि पढ़ि जग मुआ, पंडित भया न कोय।
ढाई आखर प्रेम का, पढ़े सो पंडित होय।
(Meaning): People died reading books, but no one became truly wise (Pandit).
One who understands the two-and-a-half letters of love, becomes truly wise.
Lesson: True knowledge comes from understanding and practicing love, not just from books.
दोहा 3:
धीरे-धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय।
माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ऋतु आए फल होय।
(Meaning):Oh mind, do things slowly, everything happens gradually.
The gardener may water with a hundred pots, but fruits appear only when the season comes.
Lesson: Have patience and perseverance; results come in due time.
दोहा 4:
काल करे सो आज कर, आज करे सो अब।
पल में परलय होएगी, बहुरि करेगा कब।
(Meaning):What you have to do tomorrow, do it today; what you have to do today, do it now.
In a moment, the world might end; when will you do it then?
Lesson: Don't procrastinate; seize the moment and do your work without delay.)
दोहा 5:
निंदक नियरे राखिए, आँगन कुटी छवाय।
बिन पानी, साबुन बिना, निर्मल करे सुभाय।
(Meaning): Keep your critics close, even give them a hut in your courtyard.
Without water or soap, they purify your nature.
Lesson: Embrace criticism, as it helps you identify flaws and improve yourself.)
दोहा 6:
गुरु गोबिंद दोऊ खड़े, काके लागूं पांय।
बलिहारी गुरु आपने, गोबिंद दियो बताए।
(Meaning): Guru (teacher) and God both stand before me, at whose feet should I bow?
I sacrifice myself to the Guru, who showed me the path to God.
Lesson: The importance of a teacher/mentor in guiding you towards knowledge and truth.
दोहा 7:
कबीर खड़ा बाज़ार में, मांगे सबकी खैर।
ना काहू से दोस्ती, ना काहू से बैर।
(Meaning): Kabir stands in the market, wishing well for everyone.
Neither befriending anyone, nor holding animosity towards anyone.
Lesson: Live a life of neutrality and goodwill, wishing peace for all.
दोहा 8:
कबीरा जब हम पैदा हुए, जग हँसे हम रोये।
ऐसी करनी कर चलो, हम हँसे जग रोये।
(Meaning): When Kabir was born, the world laughed, and he cried.
Do such deeds in life, that when you leave, you laugh, and the world cries.
Lesson: Live a life of good deeds and positive impact, so you find peace at the end, and others mourn your absence.
दोहा 9:
बड़ा हुआ तो क्या हुआ, जैसे पेड़ खजूर।
पंथी को छाया नहीं, फल लागे अति दूर।
(Meaning): What if one becomes big (great), like a date palm tree?
It gives no shade to travelers, and its fruits are very far (hard to reach).
Lesson: True greatness lies in being useful and humble, not just being big or powerful without benefit to others.
दोहा 10:
दुःख में सुमिरन सब करे, सुख में करे न कोय।
जो सुख में सुमिरन करे, तो दुःख काहे को होय।
(Meaning): Everyone remembers God (or truth) in sorrow, but no one in happiness.
If one remembers (or remains mindful of) in happiness, why would sorrow ever arise?
Lesson: Be grateful and mindful in good times too, to maintain inner peace and prevent future distress.
दोहा 11:
जाति न पूछो साधु की, पूछ लीजिये ज्ञान।
मोल करो तलवार का, पड़ा रहन दो म्यान।
(Meaning): Don't ask a saint's caste, ask for their knowledge.
Value the sword, let the scabbard be.
Lesson: Value substance and knowledge over superficial qualities like caste or appearance.
दोहा 12:
बोली एक अनमोल है, जो कोई बोले जानि।
हिये तराजू तौलि के, तब मुख बाहर आनि।
(Meaning): Speech is invaluable, if one knows how to speak.
Weigh it on the scales of your heart, then let it come out of your mouth.
Lesson: Think before you speak; words, once spoken, cannot be taken back, so use them wisely.
दोहा 13:
करत-करत अभ्यास के, जड़मति होत सुजान।
रसरी आवत-जात ते, सिल पर परत निशान।
(Meaning): By continuous practice, even a dull mind becomes intelligent.
Just as a rope repeatedly rubbing against a stone leaves its mark.
Lesson: Perseverance and consistent practice are key to mastering any skill, even for those who find it difficult initially.
दोहा 14:
साँच बराबर तप नहीं, झूठ बराबर पाप।
जाके हिरदै साँच है, ताके हिरदै आप।
(Meaning): There is no penance equal to truth, no sin equal to falsehood.
In whose heart resides truth, in his heart resides God (the self).
Lesson: Truthfulness is the highest virtue, and falsehood is the greatest sin. Living truthfully connects one with inner peace and divinity.
दोहा 15:
माटी कहे कुम्हार से, तू क्यूँ रौंदे मोय।
एक दिन ऐसा आएगा, मैं रौंदूँगी तोय।
(Meaning): The clay says to the potter, why do you knead me?
A day will come when I will knead you (referring to the grave).
Lesson: A reminder of the impermanence of life and the ultimate equality of all beings before death; humility.
दोहा 16:
साईं इतना दीजिये, जामे कुटुम समाय।
मैं भी भूखा ना रहूँ, साधु न भूखा जाय।
(Meaning): Lord, grant me only that much, which is enough to sustain my family.
So that neither I remain hungry, nor any saint (guest) goes hungry from my door.
Lesson: Pray for contentment and sufficiency, not excess, ensuring basic needs are met for oneself and guests.
दोहा 17:
जहां दया तहां धर्म है, जहां लोभ तहां पाप।
जहां क्रोध तहां काल है, जहां क्षमा तहां आप।
(Meaning): Where there is compassion, there is righteousness; where there is greed, there is sin.
Where there is anger, there is destruction; where there is forgiveness, there is God (truth).
Lesson: Cultivate virtues like compassion and forgiveness, and avoid vices like greed and anger.
दोहा 18:
चिंता ऐसी डाकिनी, काट कलेजा खाए।
वैद बिचारा क्या करे, कहा तक दवा लगाए।
(Meaning): Worry is like a witch, it eats away at your heart (mind).
What can a doctor do, how much medicine can he apply?
Lesson: Excessive worry is destructive to one's well-being and cannot be cured by external means alone; inner peace is key.
दोहा 19:
जब मैं था तब हरि नहीं, अब हरि है मैं नाहिं।
सब अँधियारा मिटि गया, जब दीपक देखा माहिं।
(Meaning): When 'I' (ego) existed, God (or truth) was not there; now that God is, 'I' am not.
All darkness vanished, when I saw the lamp (of wisdom) within.
Lesson: True spiritual realization or understanding happens when the ego dissolves.
दोहा 20:
जो तो को काँटा बुवै, ताहि बोओ तुम फूल।
तोहि फूल के फूल है, वाको है तिरसूल।
(Meaning): If someone plants thorns for you, you plant flowers for them.
You will get flowers in return, and they will get a trident (pain).
Lesson: Respond to negativity with kindness and positivity; your good deeds will benefit you, while their negativity will harm them.
दोहा 21:
माली आवत देख के, कलियन करे पुकार।
फूले फूले चुन लिये, काल्हि हमारी बार।
(Meaning): Seeing the gardener approach, the buds cry out.
The blossomed flowers have been picked, tomorrow it will be our turn.
Lesson: A gentle reminder of the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. Live life fully and mindfully.
Kabir's dohe, with their simple language and profound meanings, offer a timeless treasure trove of wisdom for students and children. They emphasize the importance of inner values, ethical conduct, perseverance, and a compassionate outlook towards life and others. By reflecting on these couplets, young minds can cultivate a strong moral foundation, develop critical thinking skills, and learn to navigate the complexities of life with grace and understanding. These dohe serve as guiding lights, encouraging children to become not just academically successful, but also well-rounded, thoughtful, and responsible individuals.
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