Bhukhay bhagat na kijjay – Raag Sorath – Ang 656

SGGS Angg 656

Raag Sorath – Bhagat Kabir Ji.

Bhagat Kabir Ji speaks to God. The great Bhagat lovingly registers his concerns with God.

How do You expect me to pray if I am hungry?
“Bhukhay bhagat na kijjay”

Here, take back Your Rosary.
“Yeh Mala apni lijjay”

(Although Bhagat Ji uses the word “mala” here, it is symbolic. Bhagat Ji has said in other places that His Mala is the recitation of God’s Name on His tongue. As in “Kabir meri simarnee (mala), rasna upar Ram; aad jugadee sagal bhagat
ta ko sukh bisraam”).

I ask for the dust of the Feet of Saints (satsangat)
“Hao maango santan rena”

I do not want to be obligated to anyone.
“Mai nahi kissi ka dena”

Lord, how do I get close to You.
“Madho kaisee banne tum sangay”

If You do not grant me Yourself, then I shall have to beg it from You.
“Aap na deho te levho mangay” (rahao).

The great Bhagat asks for very interesting things he needs for His sustenance.

I ask for two kilos of atta.
“Doye ser maango chuuna”

Half a pound of ghee with some salt.
“Paoo ghio sang loona”

I ask for half a pound of lentils.
“Adh ser maango daaley”

These foods will provide me strength twice a day.
“Mo ko donno vakhat jivalay”

I ask for a cot (manjaa) with four legs
“Khaat maango chaupayee”

A pillow and a mattress.
“Sirhana avar tulayee”

I ask for a quilt (chadarr) to cover myself.
“Upar ko maango kheeda”

(With all these), I shall engage in Your prayer with enthusiasm.
“Teri bhagat karo jan thinnda”

(In all my requests You will see), I have not been greedy.
“Mai nahi kita labho”

Only Your Name is my true ornament.
“Eik Naoo tera mai fabho”

Kabir Ji says His mind is at ease.
“Kahe Kabir man maaneya”

Only if your mind is at peace can you know God.
“Man maneya tao Har jaaneya”

What a refreshing Shabad. It shows how close the Bhagat is with God to engage in a conversation with such ease and comfort.
We must strive to get into conversation with God within ourselves. In utter humility. Using Shabads to speak to Him. He always responds to sincere loving prayer done in utter humility.

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Bhai Ji further elaborated on August 14, 2024:

The Gurus and Bhagats had a unique relationship with God. God is their Mittar Pyara, Sajjan, Dostt (Friend).

Since He has put them in the world, and the purpose of human life is to do Prema Bhagti and to Unite with Him, they do Prema Bhagti with enthusiasm and love.

But the nature of the human body given by Him is that it requires constant nourishment.

Here, Bhagat Kabir Ji says, “I certainly want to pray, but how can I do so on an empty stomach?
You want me to do Bhagti, by all means, yes, I will do so, but You must provide food for me. If not, here take Your Mala from me.”

“Bhukhe Bhagat na kijje, yeh Mala Apni lijje.”

Bhagat Ji did not use a mala. He explains in his Slok no 1 (SGGS Ji Ang 1364), that his simrani (mala) is the continuous recitation of God’s Name with his tongue.
“Kabir meri simrani rasna upar Raam.” It is used in this Shabad as a metaphor for prayer.

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shahad Kirtan available on YouTube