The soul that vacates the physical body and enters the inner spiritual regions is symbolized in this Kabir poem by the bumblebee. Like the bumblebee that goes from flower to flower collecting nectar, the soul soars within and collects the ambrosia of bliss from the lotus in the inner regions. Kabir also refers to the practice in medieval times, when sailors’ wives would light a lamp in front of their house and keep and all-night vigil for their husbands’ return. The wife or soul who has realized the Lord’s love within her heart keeps a vigil within herself and does not look for Him outside the body. Kabir says that this state of inner love and realization is the gift of the Master; it is only with his grace that the disciple overcomes the passions, stills his mind, goes within and tastes the ambrosia of divine love.

The bumblebee has tasted

The ambrosia within.

Why need that longing wife light the lamp,

Whose heart is lit with love’s flame?

If she ceases to go elsewhere,

If she seeks Him within her own body,

She will gain union with her Husband.

The bumblebee will taste

The ambrosia within.

In an instant

I vanquished the robbers

Through the power of my Master.

Says Kabir: Listen, O friends,

While living I won the battle

When I conquered my body and mind.

And the bumblebee tastes

The ambrosia within.