Even after attaining human birth the soul is unable to realize the Lord because she has not learned the method of spiritual practice from an adept. Kabir says the soul is like a swan who has reached the vicinity of a lake, but is unable to fly to the water's edge because its wings have become too heavy. Having obtained the human form, the soul has reached the threshold of liberation, but is weighed down by her load of karmas, worldly longings and cravings, and does not know how to get rid of this burden. She is like the village girl who has gone all the way to the well, but cannot draw water because she has no rope. Kabir says that his Master gave him the method for realizing the Lord, and by following it he has met Him with ease.

Although close to the lake's shore,
The sawn is still thirsty.
The water of divine bliss she cannot drink,
For she knows not the method.

If she wishes to quench her thirst
She must reach the water's brink;
But her two wings have become heavy
And she is unable to fly.

Close to the lake's shore,
Yet the swan is thirsty;
The water of divine bliss
She knows not the way to drink.

With an empty pitcher in her hand,
Helplessly stands a village girl
By the parapet of the well.
How can she draw water,
How can the pitcher be filled,
When she does not have the rope with her?

The water of divine bliss she cannot drink,
For she knows not the method.

Kabir's Master showed him the way;
Effortlessly he attained the Lord.

K.G., p. 141:298
Sarvar tati hansini tisāi