Turn the Other Cheek

When someone lays thorns
On your path, lay flowers on his.
You will receive flowers in return
While he will be pierced with the barb of remorse.

Never persecute the lowly, meek and helpless
For their cry of agony devastates.
Remember, the breath of the lifeless bellows
Reduces steel to cinders.

O Kabir, never deceive others –
Better to be deceived yourself.
Being deceived will bring you happiness
As it lightens your karmic burden,
While sorrow will come from deceiving others.

O friend, give up egotism and gather
What you have come here to gather –
Devotion for the Lord.
The market-place for devotion will soon pass away.

Gather what you have come here to gather –
The treasure of Nam.
Forget hearsay – tales told by the intellect
That have bound you for myriad ages
To the cycle of coming and going.

O friend, keep your mind cool and composed
And you will make no enemies in the world.
Give up your ego, and all will show you
Kindness and goodness.

O Kabir, why are you afraid
When the Lord’s hand of protection is upon you?
Have no fear – a thousand fierce dogs may snarl at you
But you are seated on an elephant.
_{Kabir: The Great Mystic}