Saint Kabir : One of the Greatest Saint-Poet of India ~ Legends & Treasures

Saint Kabir is considered to be one of the greatest poets as well as mystics ever born in India. He believed that human beings are equal and being one with God is the ultimate aim of every individual. His love and devotion to the Supreme One clearly reflects in his poetry. The Holy Guru Granth Saheb contains over 500 verses by the great Saint, Kabir. The verses or dohas of Guru Kabir are still read by people with awe and administration.

Saint Kabir was born in 1300 AD. It is said that he was found floating on a lotus leaf in a tank in Benaras by Muslim weaver. The weaver took the vulnerable child under his care and following the traditional manner, gave him the name of Kabir, meaning the great one. Even at young age, Kabir displayed enormous spiritual talent

Kabir always wanted to become a disciple of Ramanand. However since he was Muslim, it was next to impossible for him to get initiation from a Hindu. So he took recourse to a trick. Ramanand daily went to the bathing ghat for his pre-dawn ritual ablutions. Kabir lay on the steps of the ghat in such a way that Ramanand stepped on him. Shocked at this incident, he chanted “Rama, Rama”. Kabir said that he has received teachings from him, in the form of the words “Rama, Rama”, he was Ramanand disciple. Impressed with the intelligence of Kabir, Ramanand took him as his disciple. After some time, by his Guru’s grace, Kabir was able to have the divine darshan of Sri Rama. This divine experience inspired him to write poetic verses. One of his most famous poetic verses is:

Guru Govind dono khade kisko lago pay

Balihari Guru apne, jine Govind diyo batay

The hallmark of Kabir’s work consists of his two line couplets, known as the Kabir ke Dohe. The dohas reflect the deep philosophical thinking of saint Kabir.Saint Kabir always advocated the Impersonal Aspect Of God (Nirguna) and therefore, was against idol worship. As per his view, all human beings are equal and the societal caste system that is so widely prevalent in our country is fallacious. He said that the true Guru is the one who can be attained through direct experience. The common ways of realizing God, like chanting, austerities, etc., are worthless. Through his poetry and thoughtful words of wisdom, Kabir talked about piety, generosity, humility and tolerance. His poems appealed not only to Hindus, but also appealed to devotees of all religions seeking a path to a God. Many Brahmins of Kashi objected to Kabir’s teachings because he was raised a Muslim, and many Sufi mystics opposed Kabir because he associated with Hindus Sadhus. Despite this, countless Hindus and Muslims alike found immense inspiration from Kabir’s insightful poems. Even today, we sing some of Kabir’s Bhajans in BAPS Mandirsworldwide.
A Portrait of Saint Kabir is made by me..