The lamp of true knowledge, of realization, is within every human being, but men do not turn their attention inwards and therefore remain blind to it. If they learn the way to go within and make proper efforts to do so, they will attain self-realization and become free from the bondage of coming to this world. But, says Kabir, men involve themselves in intellectual analysis, ritual observances, yogic practices, chanting, penances and piety. The Lord is within, but they try to find Him outside through such external pursuits. Men go to ignorant guides, priests and pundits, who initiate them into outward forms of worship. Kabir says that this is not the way to find the Lord, nor to earn his pleasure and grace.

In every home bums a lamp,
But you do not see it, you are blind.
Keep trying to see;
By and by you will behold it
And be free of Yama's noose.

In every home burns a lamp.

It is not a matter of eloquence,
Nor of listening, nor of ritual acts;
In order to behold it
You have to die while living,
And then you'll never die again.

In every home burns a lamp.

The yogis suffer separation,
For they imagine the Lord lives
Far off, in some remote land;
The Lord is close by, O yogi,
Yet you climb a date palm
In search of Him.

In every home burns a lamp.

The priests roam from door to door
Initiating men into their faith;
The panacea is within
But they teach men to nurture stones.

In every home bums a lamp.

Neither yoga, nor chanting,
Neither piety, nor vice
Is the way to win his heart;
Says Kabir the slave, such
Is my winsome Lord.

K.S., II:8
Ghar ghar deepak barai