કીર્તન મુક્તાવલી
Translation
(1) Chapeṭā kālkā aisā jhapeṭā bājkā jaīsā
Premanand Swami cautions aspirants about the action of kāl in this kirtan. Although kāl, as well as karma and māyā, are not sentient (chaitanya) entities, they are given powers to act by God. Those who do not have the refuge of God are governed by the laws or influence of kāl, karma, and māyā. Swami cautions that the action of kāl is to destroy everything material (that which evolved from māyā). Because the physical body is composed of the five bhuts, it is impermanent. There is no guarantee how long one will live. If life is spent in trivial pursuits and one does nothing for their liberation, then one will regret it. Therefore, one should prioritize worshiping God among their social responsibilities.
Pānī kerā budbudā, as mānush kī jāt;
The birth of a human is like the bubbles in water (i.e. short-lived).
Dekhat hī chhīp jāyegā, jyu tārā parbhāt.
The human body will be destroyed as you watch, just as the stars disappear during the morning.
Chapeṭā kālkā aisā, jhapeṭā bājkā jaīsā;
The snap of kāl (time) is like the snatching [of prey] by a hawk.
Kaḍākā gājkā jāṇo, saḍākā bījurī māno... chapeṭā 1
It is like the clap of thunder and flashes of lightning.
Achānak pakrī le āī, manorath rahe manmāī;
Kāl will suddenly grab one and their wishes will remain in their mind (go unfulfilled).
Nāhar jyu pakrī le bakrī, bilāī musā le pakrī... chapeṭā 2
Just as a wolf snatches a goat or a cat snatches a mouse.
Mīn jyu bagle lapkāve, dādūr jyu sāp sapkāve;
Just as a seagull scoops up a fish or a snake consumes a frog.
Aise tu kāl mukh jaīho, ferī tu prānī pachhtai ho... chapeṭā 3
Similarly, you will enter the mouth of kāl, and you will regret [you did nothing for you liberation].
Mānī le bāt tu merī, samaj le jagat sab bairī;
Believe what I say and realize that the whole world is your enemy
Sumar le Shyām sukhdāī, Premānand kahat hit lāī... chapeṭā 4
Therefore, Premanand Swami says for your benefit, “Worship God who is the source of happiness.”