With the coming of old age, eyes, ears and other sense organs, even the entire physical body, become weak; but the wayward tendencies of the mind, cravings for wealth, fame and power, and attachment to worldly objects and faces show no sign of abating. When the physical capacity to enjoy worldly pleasures becomes feeble, sometimes the longing for them increases all the more. Kabir says that man should realize the importance of human birth and try to gain real knowledge through meditation and spiritual practice. Cravings and desires, called 'thirst' by Kabir, will die out only through Shabd practice. Identifying Shabd with the 'order' or will of God, Kabir says that the disciple who realizes the Order or Shabd gains true detachment and plays the game of life, winning a place in the Lord's home.

Eyes are fatigued from seeing,
Ears are fatigued from hearing,
Even the beautiful body
Is fatigued and toil-worn;
At the beck of old age
All senses grow languid —
Only craving for the world
Stands untired and strong.
You foolish one, you did nothing to gain
The wealth of knowledge and meditation;
You have spent your human birth in vain.

O man, remember the Lord
As long as there is breath in your body;
Such should be your love for Him
That though your body die,
Your love ever remain
And take you to the sanctuary
Of the Lord's lotus feet.

But true knowledge you did not gain,
In vain you've spent your human birth.

He within whom the Lord
Implants His Shabd
Is forever rid of thirst;
He realizes the Order
And throws the dice well
To vanquish his mind.

But true knowledge you did not gain,
In vain you've spent your human birth.

They who know and adore
The one everlasting Lord
Will not come to grief.
Says Kabir: They will never lose
Who know how to throw the dice.

Adi Granth ¹, Suhi, p. 793
Thāke nain sravan sun thāke