Legendary sufi singer Abida Parveen (known as Queen of Sufi Music) and celebrated lyricist Gulzar collaborated on a number of sufi poetry of mystic composer and saint of medieval India, Kabir. The result has been awesome. Kabir himself was one of the most gifted mystic that ever lived. Weaver by profession, this unlettered and simple man ranks among the world's greatest poets who's profound realization and universal humanistic world view is a source of great inspiration.The sufi kalam (text) titled 'Bhalaa Hua Meri Mataki Phoot Rey' is a popular work of Kabir. Here Kabir uses a number of symbols to speak about the mystery of life, love, beloved and death. The most interesting is the human body which is likened to a clay jar and Kabir celebrates the shattering of the jar - which symbolizes death. Since for the sufis the death is the breaking free of bondage and union with God - death is essentially a celebration. That explains the song title, 'Bhalaa Hua Meri Mataki Phoot Rey' which literally translate as "Good that my clay jar has now broken." Deep appreciation to Chandra Thakur for helping me with the lyrics and translation.
Below is the original lyrics followed by english translation (close but non-literal). The poetry is preceded by a brief commentary by Gulzar.
Commentary: Suffion, Santon Key Yahaan, Maut Kaa Tassvoor haai, Badey Khoobasoorat Roop Leytaa Haai, Jo Marataa Haai, Voh Jee Uttha Haai, Tarah Tarah Se Aant, Aanand Kee Baateyn Karateyn Hain.
Kabir Ke Yahaan Ye Khayaal To Kuchch Aur Hee Karaavateyn Bhee leytaa Haai, Aik Takkaluffee See Haai Maut Se, Jo Jindagi se Kaheen Bhee Naahi.
For the sufi saints, the journey of life and death takes on many beautiful hues; from ecstasy of separation to blissful reunion with Divine. Even dead comes alive in their vicinity. The sufis often talk about the eternal bliss that awaits after the death.
Kabir very casually speaks about death, a door step to the Beloved. He say’s we are all newly wedded brides, our life is a preparation for honeymoon night. The secret of this union can only be tasted and be spoken about after death, not in this life.
Maati Kahey Kumhar Se, "Too Kyaa Raundey Mohey! Aik Din Aisaa Aaiga, Main Raundoongi Tohey!!"Earthen mix admonishes the Potter, "How you are mixing me now, wait till the day come, I will mix you well in me at the end of your life!!"
Maati Ka Shareer, Maati Ka Bartaan
Nekki Kar, Bhalaa Kar;
Har Bartaan Main Paap Punya
Aur Sirr Pey Ley.
Body made of clay, vessel made of clay.
So earn good, do good;
Each vessel carry vice and virtues within,
celebrate all by taking upon your head.
The song begins from here:
Bhalaa Hua Meri Mataki Phooti Rey,
Main To Paania Bharan Se Chchooti Rey!
Ah sweet delight!
Now my clay jar has shattered,
Finally I am free from this water filling business!
Burraa Jo Deykhann Main Chaala, Burraa Na Miliyaa Koey,
Jo Dil Khojja Aapana, Mujhasa Burraa Na Koey!
I went in search of faulty ones, no one my search found,
The moment I looked at my own heart, none is more faulty than me.
Yeh to Ghaar Hai Prem Kaa, Khallaa Ka Ghaar Naay,
Sees Uttaarey Bhuheen Dharey, Taab Baithey Ghaar Maay!
Beware! This is the abode of Pure Love,
Nothing to do with name and forms,
Enter here humbled with your head bowed,
Only then you may take your seat here.
Hamman Hain Ishq Mastaana, Hamman Ko Hoshiyari Kya,
Raheyn Aazad Yaa Jaagasey, Hamman Duniyan Se Yaaree Kya!
I'm the love intoxicated one, what am I to do with being sober?
I'm released from every bond,
What am I to do with friendship with the world?
Kahanna Thaa So Kaah Diyaa, Aab Kuchch Kaaha Naa Jaaye,
Aik Gayaa So Bahh Rahaa, Dariya Lahher Sammaey!
I’ve said all that is ever to be said, now I don’t even have words to say!
The one who has gone, is now going forever,
River merging into Ocean.
Laalee Merrey Laal Kee, Jitta Dekhoon Titt Laal,
Laalee Dekhaan Main Gayi, Main Bhee Ho Gayee Laal!
Crimson is the color of my beloved, whosesoever I turn I see the same
When I went to see my beloved, I’ve also dyed myself into that!
Haanss Haanss Kunth Naa Payaa, Jinn Paaya Tin Royaa,
Jinn Paaya, Mauula Paaya, Allaah Paaya,
Haanss Haanss Kunth Naa Payaa, Jinn Paaya Tin Royaa,
Haanssi Kheli Piyaa Miley, Kaun Suhaagan Hoey!
Accompanied with ease – none have found the secret of heart,
Those who have found - weep in ecstasy!
They have found the Master, they have reached God.
After union with beloved, lo! where remains the lover?
Jako rakhe Saaeeyan, Mar sake na koy.
Baal na baanka kar sake, Jo jag vairi hoy.
The one who's Protector is God, no one can kill him.
Not a single hair can be touched,
Even if the whole world were to be his enemy.
Prem Naa Baati Uupajey, Prem Naa Haath Bikaaey,
Raaja Parrajaa Hee Hojey, Seess Diyey lei Jaaye!
Burning candle or incense will not get you His Love,
Love is not a subject of trade.
King or beggar who so ever you may be,
Pawn your head and take it!
Kabiraa Bhaatee Kallaal Ki, Bahhutak Baitthey Aaye,
Sirr Saunppey Soyyee Piyyey, Naahi To Piyyaa Naa Jaaye!
Kabir says this world is like a wine shop, many have come and gone.
Those who bargained their head could only drink here,
The rest left without having a single sip!
Dukkhiyaa Saab Sansaar Haai, Khaaye Aaur Soye,
Sukkhiyaa Daas Kabeer Haai, Jaage Aaur Roaye!
Unhappy are all in this world, all they do is eat and sleep,
Happy is the servant Kabir, yet he awakes (awaiting his beloved)
and weeps (in grief of separation).
Jo Kachchu Kiyaa Woh Tum Kiyaa, Main Kachchu Kiyaa Naay,
Kahhon Kahheen Jo Main Kiya, Tum Hee They Mujjh Maai!
Whatever is done, done by You; I’ve done nothing.
If I say I did it, its only You Who is saying in me.
Bhalaa Hua Meri Mataki Phooti Rey,
Main To Paania Bharan Se Chchooti Rey!
Ah sweet delight!
Now my clay jar has shattered,
Finally I am free from this water filling business!
Main To Paania Bharan Se Chchooti Rey!
Ah sweet delight!
Now my clay jar has shattered,
Finally I am free from this water filling business!
Burraa Jo Deykhann Main Chaala, Burraa Na Miliyaa Koey,
Jo Dil Khojja Aapana, Mujhasa Burraa Na Koey!
I went in search of faulty ones, no one my search found,
The moment I looked at my own heart, none is more faulty than me.
Yeh to Ghaar Hai Prem Kaa, Khallaa Ka Ghaar Naay,
Sees Uttaarey Bhuheen Dharey, Taab Baithey Ghaar Maay!
Beware! This is the abode of Pure Love,
Nothing to do with name and forms,
Enter here humbled with your head bowed,
Only then you may take your seat here.
Hamman Hain Ishq Mastaana, Hamman Ko Hoshiyari Kya,
Raheyn Aazad Yaa Jaagasey, Hamman Duniyan Se Yaaree Kya!
I'm the love intoxicated one, what am I to do with being sober?
I'm released from every bond,
What am I to do with friendship with the world?
Kahanna Thaa So Kaah Diyaa, Aab Kuchch Kaaha Naa Jaaye,
Aik Gayaa So Bahh Rahaa, Dariya Lahher Sammaey!
I’ve said all that is ever to be said, now I don’t even have words to say!
The one who has gone, is now going forever,
River merging into Ocean.
Laalee Merrey Laal Kee, Jitta Dekhoon Titt Laal,
Laalee Dekhaan Main Gayi, Main Bhee Ho Gayee Laal!
Crimson is the color of my beloved, whosesoever I turn I see the same
When I went to see my beloved, I’ve also dyed myself into that!
Haanss Haanss Kunth Naa Payaa, Jinn Paaya Tin Royaa,
Jinn Paaya, Mauula Paaya, Allaah Paaya,
Haanss Haanss Kunth Naa Payaa, Jinn Paaya Tin Royaa,
Haanssi Kheli Piyaa Miley, Kaun Suhaagan Hoey!
Accompanied with ease – none have found the secret of heart,
Those who have found - weep in ecstasy!
They have found the Master, they have reached God.
After union with beloved, lo! where remains the lover?
Jako rakhe Saaeeyan, Mar sake na koy.
Baal na baanka kar sake, Jo jag vairi hoy.
The one who's Protector is God, no one can kill him.
Not a single hair can be touched,
Even if the whole world were to be his enemy.
Prem Naa Baati Uupajey, Prem Naa Haath Bikaaey,
Raaja Parrajaa Hee Hojey, Seess Diyey lei Jaaye!
Burning candle or incense will not get you His Love,
Love is not a subject of trade.
King or beggar who so ever you may be,
Pawn your head and take it!
Kabiraa Bhaatee Kallaal Ki, Bahhutak Baitthey Aaye,
Sirr Saunppey Soyyee Piyyey, Naahi To Piyyaa Naa Jaaye!
Kabir says this world is like a wine shop, many have come and gone.
Those who bargained their head could only drink here,
The rest left without having a single sip!
Dukkhiyaa Saab Sansaar Haai, Khaaye Aaur Soye,
Sukkhiyaa Daas Kabeer Haai, Jaage Aaur Roaye!
Unhappy are all in this world, all they do is eat and sleep,
Happy is the servant Kabir, yet he awakes (awaiting his beloved)
and weeps (in grief of separation).
Jo Kachchu Kiyaa Woh Tum Kiyaa, Main Kachchu Kiyaa Naay,
Kahhon Kahheen Jo Main Kiya, Tum Hee They Mujjh Maai!
Whatever is done, done by You; I’ve done nothing.
If I say I did it, its only You Who is saying in me.
Bhalaa Hua Meri Mataki Phooti Rey,
Main To Paania Bharan Se Chchooti Rey!
Ah sweet delight!
Now my clay jar has shattered,
Finally I am free from this water filling business!
COMMENTS