Tora Man Darpan Kahlaye - Lyrics and Meaning

This soul-stirring bhajan reminds us that our mind is a mirror reflecting our deeds.

Hindi Lyrics

तोरा मन दर्पण कहलाये,
भले बुरे सारे कर्मों को, देखे और दिखाये।

मन ही देवता, मन ही ईश्वर, मन से बड़ा न कोई,
मन उजियारा जब जब फैले, जग उजियारा होए।
इस उजाले दर्पण पे प्राणी, धुल न जमने पाए।
तोरा मन दर्पण कहलाये...

सुख की कल्पना क्यों करता है, दुःख से क्यों घबराए,
जितना बोया उतना ही तू पाएगा रे प्राणी।
अपने अपने करम का फल, आज मिले या कल,
याद रहे हर करम का अपना, फल मिलता है रे भाई।
इस उजाले दर्पण पे प्राणी, धुल न जमने पाए।
तोरा मन दर्पण कहलाये...
          

English (Roman) Lyrics

Tora man darpan kahalaye,
Bhale bure saare karmon ko, dekhe aur dikhaye.

Man hi devata, man hi ishvar, man se bada na koi,
Man ujiyara jab jab phaile, jag ujiyara hoye.
Is ujale darpan pe prani, dhul na jamane paye.
Tora man darpan kahalaye...

Sukh ki kalpana kyon karta hai, dukh se kyon ghabaraye,
Jitna boya utna hi tu payega re prani.
Apne apne karam ka phal, aaj mile ya kal,
Yad rahe har karam ka apna, phal milta hai re bhai.
Is ujale darpan pe prani, dhul na jamane paye.
Tora man darpan kahalaye...
          

The central theme of "Tora Man Darpan Kahlaye" is the concept of karma and introspection. It teaches us that our mind (Man) is the ultimate mirror; it witnesses and reflects every action (karma) we perform, whether good or bad.

• The Mind as God: The line "Man hi devata, man hi ishvar" elevates the mind to the status of a deity. It suggests that divinity resides within us, and our conscience is the ultimate judge. When our mind is pure and enlightened ("ujiyara"), the whole world appears enlightened.
• The Law of Karma: The bhajan beautifully explains the law of cause and effect. "Jitna boya utna hi tu payega" (You will reap what you sow). It advises us not to crave happiness or fear sorrow, as our experiences are simply the results of our past actions.
• The Call to Purity: The recurring line "Is ujale darpan pe prani, dhul na jamane paye" is a powerful call to action. It urges us to keep the mirror of our mind clean from the "dust" of negative thoughts, desires, and actions.

This bhajan is a profound reminder from Arya Samaj philosophy to live a conscious, righteous life. It places the responsibility for our destiny squarely on our own shoulders, empowering us to create a better future by performing good deeds in the present. It encourages self-reflection and the purification of one's own mind as the path to enlightenment.