Lalit Garg
Birth Anniversary of Saint Kabir -5th June, 2020
Saint Kabir, a great Indian mystic poet, reformer and saint, left an unforgettable mark in Indian literature. He was born at a time when the nature of Indian society and religion was cluttered and half-baked in stereotyping and orthodoxy. On one hand, due to the bigotry of the Muslim rulers, the public suffered and on the other hand the religious belief was getting depleted by the rituals, legislations and hypocrisies of the Hindus.
Mahatma Kabir was the preacher of the strong tradition of spirituality. He rose above the concept of "Sattv, Raj, Tam"- to become Trinity. What kept him going was his unending curiosity towards his life-religion that eventually became an integral part of his practice. Kabir was such a saint, for whom creed and scripture posed no obstructions. He himself was a confluence of two cultures. He advocated spontaneity and therefore suggested the path of Sahaja Yoga. He was a true man, a revolutionary saint and a unique yogi, free from caste, creed, and religion discrimination. Kabir's revolutionary words were like a blazing fire, the flames of which consumed the ignorant and hypocrites. It is believed that the life of saint gentlemen is so equipped that they are sure to find the ultimate truth. The ultimate truth is the light is in us, which can be attained following the preaching of saints like Kabir.
Kabir has emphasized the virtuous devotion in which Nirguna lies. Be it any common man or a special person hailing from any caste, class, region and community, - he had the vision to expose their hidden virtues, to explore and enhance them, leading the society to the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- The World is one Family". He had also studied and researched the subtle subjects like mind, consciousness, punishment, fear, pleasure and liberation like a serious psychologist and providing solutions to the needy, introducing them to journey of spirituality. Kabir was simplicity personified. His life was a living example of how you can live in modesty and purity and still attain spiritual heights.
Saint Kabir was born on the occasion of Jeth Purnima near Lahartara, Varanasi. His father was a weaver named Neeru. He used to speak upright, regardless of any sect and traditions. At the age of 119, he left his body in Maghar. Some people say that Saint Kabir was a Muslim by birth and with the influence of Swami Ramananda at a young age, he accepted the characteristics of Hinduism. Kabir never accepted the Hindu and Muslim differences and attended the satsang with Hindu devotees and Muslim fakirs and assimilated the good things of both religions. In his life, the Quran and the Vedas had no distinction. Kabir was not educated, but his words, his teachings were documented by his followers, which is now available in about 40 texts. Teachings of Saint Kabir give a message of brotherhood, love and goodwill. His inspiring and life-making sermons can be read in writtings like - "Sakhi, Ramani, Bijak, Bawan Akshari, Ulat Basi".
Mahatma Kabir tested himself and deciphered his life purpose.He considered himself a devotee and a slave of the supreme God. He considered his union with God as his ultimate goal. The scriptures and books were meaningless to him,he kept n belief in words that came pouring down generations. That is why he always preached beliefs that were a outcome of his experience and suffering,and that is the reason why his couplets give immense inspiration to us. Kabir himself is the ocean of words, the sun of knowledge. The truth is that all his sayings are like entire ocean in a drop and whole of sun in a beam. There is depth in his every word, words where truth is inherent.
Kabir, the great master of spirituality, has said, 'Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koye". In this couplet, Kabir intends to say ask why do we start finding fault in someone else? We should rather look inside ourselves to see if there is any fault in us. Our biggest misconception is thinking that we are right. Actually, it is our ego that speaks so. It is because of our ignorance that we discover faults in others.
Kabir highlighted every aspect of the development of human consciousness. In the land of Sri Krishna, Sri Rama, Mahavira, Buddha, Jesus as well as many saints of Indian spiritual sky - Adi Shankaracharya, Nanak, Raidas, Meera etc., Kabir did a great work of emboding the tragedy of religion and the unique task of incorporating its challenges. There is no dimension of life that has remained untouched by his couplets. Kabirs words and actions acted as a Panacea for mankind. History itself bears witness of the transition of Homo Sapiens to Human beings during the time of kabir. Kabir is not merely a poet but is called Yugpurush . Without touching the recorded account or notes, he preached all that Shri Krishna said, Nanak said, Jesus Christ said and Prophet Mohammad said. Surprisingly, Kabir was never fascinated by any scripture or Purana for spreading his proofs. Neither did he trust any particular scripture nor did he tie himself to any scripture throughout his life. Kabir recognized the pain of society. He knew that all our religions and values had become outdated. New problems demand new solutions. New questions require new answers. New answers will be found only after getting rid of orthodox values.
Kabir also understood the meaning and emotion of beats. The more he imbibed the beats of Mother Earth, the more his life became a book of knowledge and saintliness. This life book is not only a collection of words and letters, but it contains the truths and new meanings and dimensions of life, which make life calm, happy and advanced as well as give meaning to life. His experiences and ideas provide a new vision. This new vision can be called the beginning of a new man, a new world, a new era. Kabir is the most devoted and humble saint in India's bright glorious saint tradition. He was the guru of the Gurus, his unique qualities of frivolity and effort, humility and wisdom, contemplation and saintliness, coordination and coexistence will continue to inspire humanity for ages.