Saint Kabir was an Indian poet belonged to the era of the 15th century and had created a major influence among Hindus as well as Islamic Communities. The birth and death of Kabir are still unclear to many people. Few communities believe that Kabir lived on earth during the phase of 1398 to 1448 and on the other hand, few have a belief that he was there in between 1440 to 1518. It is believed that Kabir was born in the city of Kaashi and then later grew up in a Muslim family. He then went on becoming a disciple of Hindu Saint Ramananda. Saint Kabir had a unique view towards religion and the faith in God. He was very popular in both Hindu and Islam Religion and when he died, people from both religions considered him as their own.
He not only had a strong influence on Hindu and Islamic religion, but his verses can also be found in “Adi Granth”, a holy Sikh Scripture. His devotees considered him as the essence of Truth. His verses became popular all over the globe, and even today, people remember him and his poetry.
Saint Kabir tried to guide people towards the path of Devotion. We can find the traces of his legacy even today through Kabir Panth, which means “The Path of Kabir”. It is a religious community which considers Saint Kabir as its founder and urges people to follow his path of righteousness.
Saint Kabir Das and His Life
The critics of Saint Kabir never left a chance to criticize Kabir for his lifestyle and his thoughts towards religion and God. Some people called him a man from a low caste and while some considered him as an offspring of a weaver. Many people went on calling him as an illegal offspring and many other things. But, these comments never made Saint Kabir upset and he continued to enlighten people with his thoughts. He always said that his abode is in Amarlok and he has come here with the desire of Param Purush. His aim to liberate the people from the grip of Kaal Purush and take them to their real abode – the Amarlok.
Saint Kabir Becoming Disciple of Ramananda
It is known to the world that Saint Kabir was a disciple of Ramananda. But, the process of becoming his student was not easy at all. As Kabir was a Muslim and was living in the house of a Muslim couple, it was not possible for Ramananda to accept him as his disciple. But Kabir never gave up and kept on trying till he convinced Ramananda to become his guru. Saint Kabir hid near the stairs of River Ganga where Swami Ramananda used to take his bath. When Swami Ramananda was coming down in the river, he unexpectedly trodded upon the body of Kabir and chanted “Ram! Ram!”. On listening to these words, Saint Kabir became very happy and declared that he had now got the mantra for peace, which helped him in becoming a disciple of Ramananda. However, many Brahmins and Muslims protested the acceptance of Saint Kabir as his disciple by Ramananda.
What Made Mystical Poet Kabir so Marvellous
Kabir penned down the thoughts that he accepted in his life, practised them and urged people to follow them. His poems, verses and couplets were oriented around the human values, the importance of being truthful and honest and the need to follow the path of righteousness. The people who criticised him in his early days, fought for his body when he died. People from both the Hindu and Muslim community fought for their right on his dead body. The Hindus wanted to burn it while the Muslims demanded to bury it.
Let’s look at some of the best verses of Kabir and ever-popular कबीर के दोहे
1) ऐसी वाणी बोलिये, मन का आप खोये।
औरन को शीतल करे, आपहुं शीतल होये।
Aisi Vaani Boliye, Mann ka Aap Khoye
Auran ko Sheetal Kare, Aaphun Sheetal Hoye
Saint Kabir tells that each person should speak in such a humble and polite way that the person who is listening feels good and get an amazing conviction. Such behaviour and way of talking not only makes other people comfortable but also gives a lot of self-satisfaction.
2) बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय।
जो मन देखा आपना, मुझ से बुरा न कोय।
Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Na Miliya Koi
Jo Mann Dekha Aapna, Mujhse Bura Naa Koi
Saint Kabir says that he spent all his life in finding flaws in others but when he introspected himself, then he found himself as the most imperfect person with lots of flaws. It states that instead of finding flaws in others, we should make ourselves perfect and correcting our nature. Only then we will be able to find real peace.
3) दुःख में सुमिरन सब करे, सुख में करे न कोय।
जो सुख में सुमिरन करे, तो दुःख काहे को होय।
Dukh me Sumiran Sab Kare, Sukh me Kare na Koi
Jo Sukh Me Sumiran kare, To Dukh Kaahe ko Hoi
In these heart touching lines, Saint Kabir says that everyone remembers God when they are in trouble but no one remembers him when they are happy. If they start remembering God during good times, then they will never face the bad moments in life.
4) साईं इतना दीजिये, जामे कुटुंब समाये ।
मैं भी भूखा न रहूँ, साधू न भूखा जाए ।
Sai Itna Dijiye, Jaame Kutumb Samaaye
Main bhi Bhookha Na Rahu, Saadhi Na Bhokha Jaaye
Saint Kabir prays to God that he doesn’t wish for too many materialistic things, his only wish is God provides only that much in which his family can survive. Neither he or his family remain hungry nor a guest should go hungry.
About The Author
Anita Sharma
Anita Sharma is a Master in English and European Literature currently works with many organizations as a freelance content writer. Apart from it, she has her own blogging website.
