53. What is That Flute
What is that flute whose music thrills me with joy?
The flame burns without a lamp;
The lotus blossoms without a root;
Flowers bloom in clusters;
The moon-bird is devoted to the moon;
With all its heart, the rain-bird longs for the shower of rain;
But upon whose love does the Lover concentrate His entire life?
Summary
In this poem, Kabir expresses the ecstatic joy of hearing a divine melody, symbolized by the flute. This music represents spiritual awakening or the call of the divine.
Through mystical and paradoxical imagery—such as a flame burning without a lamp and a lotus blooming without roots—Kabir suggests that the divine operates beyond the logic of the material world.
He then draws comparisons from nature: the chakor bird longs for the moon, and the papihā bird eagerly waits for the rain. These creatures symbolize deep devotion and yearning.
Finally, Kabir asks a profound question: if these beings are devoted to specific things, then upon whom does the true Lover (the soul) fix its entire love? This question urges the seeker to reflect on their own spiritual longing and ultimate connection with the Divine.
Line 1: WHAT IS THAT flute whose music thrills me with joy?
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Flute: A musical instrument, often associated with divine music in spiritual contexts.
- Thrills: Causes a sudden feeling of excitement or joy.
- Explanation:
- The poem begins with a rhetorical question, asking about the source of the divine music that fills the speaker with joy. The flute is a metaphor for the divine call or the voice of God, which stirs the soul.
- Context:
- In Indian spiritual traditions, the flute is often associated with Lord Krishna, whose music symbolizes divine love and the call to the soul. Kabir uses this imagery to evoke a sense of wonder and longing for the divine.
Line 2: The flame burns without a lamp;
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Flame: Fire or light.
- Lamp: A source of light, often used metaphorically for guidance or enlightenment.
- Explanation:
- This line describes a miraculous phenomenon: a flame that burns without a lamp. It symbolizes the self-sustaining nature of divine light and wisdom, which does not depend on external sources.
- Context:
- Kabir uses this metaphor to illustrate the self-existent nature of the divine. Just as the flame burns without a lamp, the divine presence is independent and eternal, requiring no external support.
Line 3: The lotus blossoms without a root;
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Lotus: A flower that symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening in Indian traditions.
- Root: The part of a plant that anchors it and absorbs nutrients.
- Explanation:
- The lotus blooming without a root is another miraculous image, representing the idea of spiritual beauty and enlightenment arising without any apparent cause or foundation.
- Context:
- The lotus is a common symbol in Indian spirituality, often associated with the heart chakra and the unfolding of divine consciousness. Kabir uses this image to suggest that spiritual awakening is a natural and spontaneous process, not bound by material conditions.
Line 4: Flowers bloom in clusters;
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Clusters: Groups or bunches.
- Explanation:
- This line describes the abundance and beauty of nature, with flowers blooming in clusters. It symbolizes the richness and generosity of divine creation.
- Context:
- Kabir uses this image to highlight the abundance of divine grace and the beauty of the natural world, which reflects the glory of the Creator.
Line 5: The moon-bird is devoted to the moon;
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Moon-bird: A mythical bird said to be devoted to the moon, often symbolizing longing or devotion.
- Explanation:
- The moon-bird’s devotion to the moon represents the soul’s longing for the divine. Just as the bird is drawn to the moon, the soul is naturally drawn to God.
- Context:
- This metaphor emphasizes the innate yearning of the soul for union with the divine. Kabir suggests that this devotion is as natural and inevitable as the moon-bird’s attraction to the moon.
Line 6: With all its heart the rain-bird longs for the shower of rain;
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Rain-bird: A bird associated with the monsoon season, symbolizing longing and anticipation.
- Shower of rain: Rain, often seen as a blessing or a source of life.
- Explanation:
- The rain-bird’s longing for rain symbolizes the soul’s deep yearning for divine grace and nourishment. The imagery conveys a sense of anticipation and dependence on the divine.
- Context:
- Kabir uses this metaphor to illustrate the soul’s dependence on God’s grace, just as the rain-bird depends on rain for sustenance. It highlights the intensity of the soul’s devotion and its need for spiritual fulfillment.
Line 7: But upon whose love does the Lover concentrate His entire life?
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Lover: The divine Beloved, often referring to God.
- Concentrate: Focus or direct.
- Explanation:
- The poem concludes with a profound question: Who is the object of the divine Lover’s devotion? This reverses the usual perspective, suggesting that God, too, is a lover, deeply devoted to His creation.
- Context:
- This line encapsulates Kabir’s mystical philosophy, which emphasizes the mutual love between the soul and the divine. It suggests that just as the soul longs for God, God is equally devoted to the soul, creating a relationship of intimate love and union.
Summary of the Poem:
Kabir’s poem is a rich tapestry of metaphors and imagery, exploring the themes of divine love, devotion, and the soul’s longing for union with God. Through symbols like the flute, the lotus, and the moon-bird, Kabir conveys the beauty and mystery of the divine, as well as the soul’s natural attraction to its Creator. The poem culminates in the idea of mutual love, where both the soul and God are devoted to each other, creating a profound and intimate relationship.
