A cage with ten doors, whose bird is it? What wonder remains, what surprise has flown away?
Kabir poses a profound question here. The cage represents the material world or the illusion of our minds, with ten doors, yet whose bird truly resides within? The Shayar suggests that when wonder or surprise passes in a moment, there is no remaining wonder left to ponder, nor any great surprise to lament its departure. This couplet teaches us that everything in life, whether joy or illusion, is fleeting and temporary.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
Audio
Free — just your email. You'll come right back here.
No comments yet. Be the first.