Kabir Dohas

Introduction
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Aag Jo Lagi Samand Mein

Aag Jo Lagi Samand Mein, Dhuan Na Pargat Hoye
So Jane Jo Jarmua, Jaki Lagi Hoye

Translation
With the ocean set ablaze
The smoke yet manifests not
Only the one who gets burnt
Envisions the heat of loving thought

Explanation
The agony and turmoil in the heart of a lover, a devotee, is symbolically shown in this Doha as the flame that is burning the ocean. Yet none knows or can know about this pain because the "smoke" is not visible! Only the one who is suffering the separation from one's beloved can understand the force of such a fire.

Kabir, in this Doha depicts the agony that a devotee feels for his Lord or Ishta, or in our normal day to day life, a lover feels for the beloved. To others, the intensity, the pain of separation is not comprehensible for this too is precious for the lovers to reveal. It is but a private affair! Don't they say, only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches!!

This Doha by Kabir is again a superb example of mystic poetry where in two lines, Kabir is able to project the agony and the ecstasy of true love and devotion.