10 June 2025
"चरन चोंच लोचन रंग्यो, चलै मराली चाल" (With feet, beak, and eyes adorned/colored, it walks with the gait of a swan): This line paints a picture of something (symbolized by a heron, bak, but initially appearing like a swan, marali) that has outwardly adopted the beautiful and graceful appearance of a swan. It suggests a superficial imitation of virtue, purity, or wisdom. The "coloring" implies an artificial or deceptive embellishment.
"क्षीर-नीर बिबरन समय, बक उघरत तेहि काल" (But at the time of separating milk from water, the heron's true nature is revealed): This is the crux of the couplet. In Indian mythology, the swan (Rajhans) is fabled to possess the ability to separate milk from water when they are mixed. This ability symbolizes discernment, wisdom, and the capacity to distinguish between good and bad, truth and falsehood. The couplet states that when a situation demands true discernment or a test of genuine character (likened to separating milk from water), the one who was merely imitating a swan will fail, and their true nature as a heron (bak - a bird known for its predatory nature, not its discernment) will be exposed.
10 June 2025
This couplet, attributed to Sant Kabir Saab, warns against outward show or pretense and emphasizes that true character is revealed during times of genuine challenge or when one's true abilities and intentions are put to the test. It's a critique of those who put on a façade of piety or wisdom but lack the substance to match.
10 June 2025
जिस तरह पैरों और आँखों के को रंगने से तथा हंस जैसी मतवाली चाल चलने से भी बगुला कभी हंस नहीं बन सकता और जब सच्चाई सामने लानी होती हो, दूध का दूध और पानी का पानी हो जाता है। जो असली हंस होता है, वो दूध मिले पानी में दूध और पानी को अलग कर देता है, और बगुले की पोल खुल जाती है।