ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਸਭੈ ਮਤ ਸੁਨਿ ਕੈ ਕਰੀ ਕਰਮ ਕੀ ਆਸਾ ॥

Baedh Puraan Sabhai Math Sun Kai Karee Karam Kee Aasaa ||

Listening to all the teachings of the Vedas and the Puraanas, I wanted to perform the religious rituals.

ਕਾਲ ਗ੍ਰਸਤ ਸਭ ਲੋਗ ਸਿਆਨੇ ਉਠਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਪੈ ਚਲੇ ਨਿਰਾਸਾ ॥੧॥

Kaal Grasath Sabh Log Siaanae Outh Panddith Pai Chalae Niraasaa ||1||

But seeing all the wise men caught by Death, I arose and left the Pandits; now I am free of this desire. ||1||

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਸਰਿਓ ਨ ਏਕੈ ਕਾਜਾ ॥

Man Rae Sariou N Eaekai Kaajaa ||

O mind, you have not completed the only task you were given;

ਭਜਿਓ ਨ ਰਘੁਪਤਿ ਰਾਜਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Bhajiou N Raghupath Raajaa ||1|| Rehaao ||

You have not meditated on the Lord, your King. ||1||Pause||

ਬਨ ਖੰਡ ਜਾਇ ਜੋਗੁ ਤਪੁ ਕੀਨੋ ਕੰਦ ਮੂਲੁ ਚੁਨਿ ਖਾਇਆ ॥

Ban Khandd Jaae Jog Thap Keeno Kandh Mool Chun Khaaeiaa ||

Going to the forests, they practice Yoga and deep, austere meditation; they live on roots and the fruits they gather.

ਨਾਦੀ ਬੇਦੀ ਸਬਦੀ ਮੋਨੀ ਜਮ ਕੇ ਪਟੈ ਲਿਖਾਇਆ ॥੨॥

Naadhee Baedhee Sabadhee Monee Jam Kae Pattai Likhaaeiaa ||2||

The musicians, the Vedic scholars, the chanters of one word and the men of silence, all are listed on the Register of Death. ||2||

ਭਗਤਿ ਨਾਰਦੀ ਰਿਦੈ ਨ ਆਈ ਕਾਛਿ ਕੂਛਿ ਤਨੁ ਦੀਨਾ ॥

Bhagath Naaradhee Ridhai N Aaee Kaashh Kooshh Than Dheenaa ||

Loving devotional worship does not enter into your heart; pampering and adorning your body, you must still give it up.

ਰਾਗ ਰਾਗਨੀ ਡਿੰਭ ਹੋਇ ਬੈਠਾ ਉਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਕਿਆ ਲੀਨਾ ॥੩॥

Raag Raaganee Ddinbh Hoe Baithaa Oun Har Pehi Kiaa Leenaa ||3||

You sit and play music, but you are still a hypocrite; what do you expect to receive from the Lord? ||3||

ਪਰਿਓ ਕਾਲੁ ਸਭੈ ਜਗ ਊਪਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਲਿਖੇ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ॥

Pariou Kaal Sabhai Jag Oopar Maahi Likhae Bhram Giaanee ||

Death has fallen on the whole world; the doubting religious scholars are also listed on the Register of Death.

ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਭਏ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਿਹ ਜਾਨੀ ॥੪॥੩॥

Kahu Kabeer Jan Bheae Khaalasae Praem Bhagath Jih Jaanee ||4||3||

Says Kabeer, those humble people become pure - they become Khalsa - who know the Lord's loving devotional worship. ||4||3||