Tribute to Sant Kabir Das-A Mystic Poet & Philospher!

Paying tribute to immortal Saint Kabir Das on his Birthday i.e. Saint Kabir Das Jayanti on June 4, 2023, let’s start with his couplet famously known as “Doha” in Hindi :

“Kabira Khada Bazar Mein, Sabki Mange Khaer..

Na Kahu Se Dosti, Na Kahu Se Baer”. (Saint Kabir Says that you should always think well of everyone. Don’t be over-friendly with anyone nor you should be hostile to anyone.)

Saint Kabir Das, often referred to as simply "Kabir," was a renowned 15th-century poet, mystic, and philosopher who left an indelible mark on Indian literature and spirituality. Born in Varanasi, India, Kabir's teachings transcended religious boundaries and social divisions, emphasizing the unity of all beings and the importance of love, compassion, and self-realization. His verses, known as "Kabir Ke Dohe," continue to resonate with people across generations and cultures, offering profound insights into the nature of existence and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Today too his verses in the voice of many singers are played and listened to with all grace and humility.

Kabir's exact birth date and parentage are uncertain, but it is widely believed that he was born in 1440 in a Muslim weaver's family. His birthplace, Varanasi, has been a vibrant center of intellectual and spiritual activities for centuries. Kabir's early life was marked by an intense quest for spiritual truth, which led him to seek guidance from various spiritual masters of different faiths, including Hinduism and Islam. Kabir's encounters with these spiritual teachers played a significant role in shaping his unique spiritual philosophy. He drew inspiration from both Vedantic Hinduism and Sufism, blending elements of these traditions to create his own distinct path toward self-realization. Kabir rejected orthodox religious practices and rituals, emphasizing direct experience and inner awakening as the true essence of spirituality.

The followers of Kabir are termed Kabir Panthis, who take forward the legacy of the community. Kabir Das Jayanti is very significant as his poetic writings and beliefs impacted the Bhakti Movement. The famous writings of Kabir Das work consist of his two-line couplets, widely known as “Kabir Ke Dohe”. The central part of Kabir’s work was collected by the 5^th Sikh Guru, Guru Saheb Arjan Dev, and incorporated into the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib.

Kabir's poetry was the primary medium through which he expressed his spiritual insights and social critique. His verses, written in a simple language that resonated with the common people, were often sung and recited as hymns, ensuring their wide dissemination. The form of poetry used by Kabir is known as "Doha" or couplets, which conveyed profound wisdom through short, pithy statements.

In his verses, Kabir questioned the prevalent social and religious norms of his time, advocating for a more inclusive and egalitarian society. He criticized the divisions created by caste, religion, and gender, emphasizing the underlying unity of all human beings. Kabir's poetry emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and selfless service as the true markers of spiritual life. His poems often employed vivid imagery and metaphors, offering deep insights into the nature of existence and the path to enlightenment.

Kabir's teachings revolved around the concept of "Bhakti," or devotion, which he saw as the means to attain spiritual realization. However, Kabir's Bhakti was not confined to any particular deity or religious principles but was focused on developing an intimate and direct connection with the divine. For Kabir, the divine was an all-pervading, formless entity that could be realized through love and surrender.

Kabir emphasized the importance of self-inquiry and introspection in the spiritual journey. He believed that true knowledge came from within, through self-realization and awakening to one's own divinity. Kabir's teachings emphasized the unity of all religions and rejected sectarianism. His poetry often used symbols and allegories to convey profound truths, transcending the boundaries of language and culture.

 

Kabir's legacy is far-reaching, and his poetry continues to inspire and guide people from diverse backgrounds. His verses have been translated into numerous languages and have influenced the works of subsequent poets, philosophers, and spiritual seekers. Kabir's teachings have had a profound impact on the Bhakti movement in India and contributed to the development of a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

Saint Kabir Das stands as an enduring symbol of spiritual wisdom and social reform. His profound insights, conveyed through his poetry, continue to touch the hearts and minds of millions. Kabir's teachings transcended religious and social barriers, emphasizing the unity of all beings and the importance of love, compassion, and self-realization. His legacy as a mystic poet and philosopher has left an indelible mark on Indian literature and spirituality, inspiring generations to seek truth, practice tolerance, and strive for inner transformation. Saint Kabir Das will forever remain an icon of spiritual awakening and a guiding light for those on the path of self-discovery and enlightenment.

The enlightened master, Kabir Das left his body in Maghar in January 1518. He was loved equally by Muslims and Hindus, and on his death, both a mazar(Tomb) and Samadhi were built by the Muslims and Hindus respectively.