What is Doha in English ?

Doha is a lyrical verse format which was extensively used by Indian Poets and Bards of North India probably since the beginning of the sixth century A.D.

Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koye
Jo mann khoja apna, toh mujhse bura naa koye.

Meaning in English
This Doha of Kabir ji is about observing one’s own mind.  He says that when he went on to search for the bad guy or the evil person in the world, he could not find the evil person anywhere.  Then he looked within himself, within his own mind and then found the real evil person that lived in his mind.  Ultimately Kabir says that when I looked inside me I could find that nobody was more bad or evil than me.

Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab
Pal mein parlay hoyegi, bahuri karega kab.

Meaning in English
In this Doha Kabir has clearly tried to explain the human tendency of laziness and procrastination.  It is a known fact that we all tend to postpone matters. Generally many of us are indecisive and given a choice,  we would like others to be doing the work and we simply enjoy to take rest.  Here Kabir emphasizes that we have to take care of present moment and don’t wait for the things to be prolonged.  If we delay, many things may not be achieved and anything may happen any moment. So let us take care of each and every moment.

Bada hua toh kya hua jaise ped khajur
Panth ko chhaya nahin phal lage ati dur.

Meaning in English
Kabir in this Doha says that what is the use of being big or rich if you can not do any good to others. He gives an example of palm tree. Palm tree is very tall , but it is of no use to a traveller as it cannot provide shade. And it bears fruits at the top of the tree. So no one can eat easily.

Sain itna dijiye jamein kutumb samay
Main bhi bhukha naa rahun sadhu naa bhukha jaye.

Matti kahe kumhar se tu kya rounde moye
Ek din aisaa aayegaa main roundunga toye.

Meaning in English

In this Doha soil tells to the potter (pot maker) , today you think that you are kicking me and kneading me with your feet . There will be a day when I will do the same to you what you have done to me. The inner meaning id that after death everybody will be below the soil or earth.

Guru Govind dau khade, kake lagun payen
Balihari Guru apne, Govind diyo milay.

Meaning in English

In this Doha Kabir says that a Guru ( Teacher) and the God are standing infront of you , then whose feet you will touch and give honour? Then he says that Guru deserves the first right to get the honour as he  affectionately teaches to know God by giving knowledge . Therefore the importance of Guru is more than the God.