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| Sadguru Kabir Sahib, A Revolutionary Saint | | (Respectfully remembering him on his 617 Birthday Jyanti falling on 2nd June, 2015) | |  Revered Sadguru Kabir Sahib, a Dalit saint was one of the founding fathers of Bhagati Movement ( 1375-1700).. Bhakti movement was akin in many ways to Protestant Reformation of Christianity. Bhagati Movement saints were all very revolutionary in their approach to God realization methods decrying the outer body decorations including celibacy, dogmas, rituals, superstitious methods devised by priestly classes for God realization. The Bhakti movement, started from Tamil South India (First saint Tiruppan Alvar's) in 8th or 9th century C.E. It travelled through Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra reached in Northern Indian parts in thirteen century. This movement was at its zenith in fifteen to seventeenth centuries in North India. In the Northern India, Dalit saint Guru Namdev (1270-1350) is said to be the first saint in the Bhagati Movement or Sant mat the devotional transformation of medieval Hinduism in the North. Nirguna Bhakti as preached by Bhakti Movement saints is Bhakti or worship according to its objective ,the non qualified ( nirguna) of the supreme, of non personnel, all pervading in ineffable, unutterable or indescribable Reality, which cannot be spoken with human tongue. Sant Mat is based on the reality of merging the re-absorbable jiva or atma of the finite soul into the infinite ineffable sacred Reality. This supreme Reality can only be realized within human body under guidance of a God realized soul named as Guru. Other prominent Bhagati Movement saints included Sad Guru Kabir, (1398-1518) Guru Ravidas (1414-1532) Guru Sain (1343-1398), Sahib Guru Nanak (1469-1539) with other Gurus in his linkage of Sikh Mat , Mahars Chokhamela and Banka ( Both of 14th century) , Mewad queen Meerabai ( 1498-1557) , Sehjobai (1725-1805), potter Gora Kumhar, (1236-1317) Savata Mali (1217-1328), Saint Palto Sahib(1710-1780), Eknath(1548-1600), Guru Ghasidas (1756-1850) Chhattisgarh founder of Satnami sect of Hinduism of Tukaram(1598-1649) Dadu Dayal of Rajsthan (1544-1603),Malukdas (1573-1671),Jagjivandas (1669-1760) and many more. Majority of Bhagati Movement saints or religious guides, preachers, poets Gurus, and Bhagats came from all walks of life and religions. But majority of them were from Dalit castes or Hindu exploited low caste persons including Shudras and Ati Shudras. These Bhakti Movement saints broke the superstitious, dogmatic religious cages of pundits, moulvies and others to preach true God realization with in human frame with the help of a God realized or dyed soul called master. These saints were given harsh punishments saying they were defiling established worshipping ways. Many of them were done to death, teased, discarded as untouchables and declared as Nastiq,or non believer in gods and goddesses.
But these saints rejected the theory of polarity of gods as well as the Vaishnava doctrine of Avatars of supreme Lord. The saints or seers believed in and preached God as an Absolute and ultimate Reality. Kabir said " Sahib Ka Ghar Santan Mihi, Sahib Sant Kush Anter Nahi".( Kabir Shabdavali Part -2/37) God is present in the form of Saints. There is no difference between God and Saints i.e. they are one and the same.
Kabir Ji said "Guru Manas Kar Jantey,Te Nar Kahiye Andh. Maha Dukhi Sansar Main ,Age Jam Ke Bandh.( Kabir Granthawali- Page 3) Meaning if anybody under estimated a realized Guru, he or she is a blind or ignorant . Such persons suffer heavily in this world and after death face curse of Yamraj ( Death god or Kal). Soami Shiv Dayal Ji(1818-1876) founder of Radhasoami faith in the Sar Bachan Says " Guru Ka Dhain Dhar Paiyare,Bins Iske Nahi Chhutna ( Only Living Guru ,a realized soul can get one rid of circle of transmigration. Guru Arjundev said " Vin Guru Purey Nahi Udhar, Baba Nanak Akhey Eh Vichar".( AG 886-2)
Meaning:- One cannot obtain salvation with out a perfect master, Baba Nank has given his considered opinion.
Saint Peepa Sahib (1408-1448) contemporary of Kabir Ji said about Kabir ,
" Jo Kal Mainj Kabir Manj Na Hote, To Ley Ved aur Kalyug Milkar,Bhagat Rasatal Dete". ( SGGS Panna 695)
Meaning:- If in the Kalyuga there had not been Kabir, both religious scriptures and Kalyug ( Iron age) would have thrown souls in to hell.
Kabir, (from Arabic al-Kabir) which means "The Great ,the Supreme, one of the 99 names of Allah. Sheikh Saikh Sadullah,who passed away in 1522 described Kabir Ji as MUHAVIZ meaning a mystic personally, which cannot be easily understood. As per Sahitya Ka Itehas by Ramchander Shukal in Hindi, Kabir is said to have born of a Brahmin virgin, who abandoned the child on a lotus in Lahartale in Banars, now Varanasi. The child was found and adopted by a childless Muslim couple revered Shri Neema and Pujya Mata Shrimati Neera. Shri Neema and Mata Shrimati Neera were weavers by profession. As per legend Kabir is said to have born in 1398 and passed away in 1518. He became disciple of Ramanand (1366-1467) in 1455.So Kabir was younger to Saint Namdev by 128 years, who had passed away 48 years before Kabir was born. Kabir was 16 years elder to Guru Ravidass and 71 years to Baba Nanak. These three legends of Bhagati movement had common life span of five decades.
Guru Ravidas has said that Kabir's parents were Muslim, who celebrated Idd and Bakridd by slaughtering animals like cows. His parents also prayed before Peers, Faquirs and Mulvies for worldly blessings. Kabir's father lived within Shariyat ( Muslim Law) norms But Kabir their son by dint of his high spirituality dyed mind and living principles attained reverence heights and fame in three worlds ( Bhu Mandal, Akash and Patal), i.e. the earth antipodes' , celestial sphere, infernal or hell.
Jaa Ke Idd Baker Idd Kul Gau Re Vadh Karheye,
Ja Kei Bap Vessi Kari Poot Asi Sari Manhiye Seikh Sahid Perra
Tihun Re Lok Parsidh Kabira
( Adi Granth Sahib Panna 1293)
Kabir's deciple and spiritual heir Dharamdas said,"Mai Turkani,Bapp Julaha, Beta Bhagat Bhaiy "
Kabir himself has said about his caste
Hindu Kahun To Main Nahin, Musalman bhi Nahin
Panch Tatav Ka Putla,Gabhi Kheley Mahin
(Kabir Sakhi Page 75)
Meaning:- I am neither Hindu nor Muslim. My body is made of five perishable material ( Earth, water, air, fire and ether) , where in my invisible Soul with Almighty as it source resides.
Kabir was a weaver by caste as mentioned in many slokas by saints including Kabir Ji himself
"Oshi Mat Meri Jat Julaha,Har Ka Nam Liyo Main Laha".( AG524) My caste is lowest Jolaha ( Weaver). But I have got benefitted by worshiping Hari( God Almighty)
Guru Amardas, 3rd Sikh Guru said " Nama Shinbaa Kabir Julaha,Pure Gur Te Mat Pai".( AG Panna 830) Meaning Namdev was tailor and Kabir Ji weaver. But both despite their low caste attained spiritual heights by their Guru's grace said (AG-Panna 656).Maharashtra Sain Tukaram said, " The Momin Kabir". Or Kabir was Muslim.
Kabir is said to be married with Mai Loi and the couple had one son Kamala and a daughter named Kamali. Kabir earned his livelihood from profession of weaving. Although Kabir was a highly realized Nam dyed personality, even then his opponents called him Nirgura meaning not having a religious Guru or master , which as per Sant Mat is a must for every sadak of Saint. So he approached Ramanand (1366-1467) for seeking his blessing. But Ramanand belonged to Sri Sampardai and observe strictly the Caste system . Ramanand Ji would never accept a Shudra or Muslim as his disciple. So Kabir Ji lied on the steps leading to Ganga Ghat, where Ramanand used to go for bathing daily before sun rise. While coming down on steps he struck Kabir and Said " Ram Ke Payare Kaho Ram Ram ".O, Ram's creation say Ram Ram. This way it is said Kabir Ji became disciple of Ramanand. This was confirmed by Ramanand later. Earlier Kabir and Ramanand had worshiping norms poles apart; even then Kabir respected Ramanand as his Master. Later Ramanand also adopted Sant Marg or Nirgun Bhakti Marg and one of his poems is contained ( Kat Jayeyo Re ghar Lago Rang, Mera Chit Na Chaley Man Bhayo Pang---) ( Adi Granth Panna 1195)
Meaning why go outside and adopt external means of God realization, when He resides in one's body. With this worship his ( Ramanand's) mind had been lamed and tamed, so had come under his control. This qualifies that Ramanand adopted Nirguna Bhagati too and accepted the path Kabir preached. Kabir explains about his real Guru or master as Vivek ( intellect ) He said( AG-793),
"Sant Ko Mat Koi Nidyho, Sant Ram Hain Eko. Kaho Kabir So Main Gur Paya Ja Ka Nam Viveko".
Meaning;- Kabir proclaims on the basis of his intellect the Sant ( saint) and God Almighty are one and the same.
Now it is settled by many authors that Kabir undertook long journeys to places in Punjab, Utter Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and some other places. During theses visits he is said to have met many other bhakti Saints including Guru Nanak.
Although Kabir did not get formal education but he was brilliant and laborious from childhood. He has inclination towards Bhagati or worship even in his young days. Kabir vani is full of compassion, respect for different religions but opposed to irreligious customs, dogmas, superstitious principles devised to keep illiterate masses under the control of them. All unnecessary acts not falling in line with Nirguna Bhagati were decried with convincing examples and explanations. Kabir Vani contained words from many languages which shows he had association with multiplicity of learned persons and had travelled widely. Kabir himself confesses in one of his Padha ( Couplet) "Mas-Kagaj Shuyo Nahi,Kalam Gahi Nahi Hath".
Meaning:- I have not touched ever ink and paper., the medium of writing.
But Kabir have vividly described the true state of our society ( Samaj ) .Whatever he preached, he testified its validity by getting particle truthfulness. Kabir said
" Tou Kahta Kagaj Ki Lekhi, Main Kahta Ankhan Dekhi". Meaning worldly philosophers say what they have read from books but Kabir says out of his practical knowledge.
Renowned authors Karine and W.H.McLeod in their book" The Saints" published by Motilal Banarsidass has give following details of Kabir works in a easy by Linda Hess.
1. Guru Granth Sahib 226( Padas) distributed in 16 Ragas. With 237 or 239 Salokas.
But V.K.Sethi of RSSB in his Kabir the weaver of God's name, mentions them as 228 peoms and 243 salokas)
2. Panchvani 810 Sakhis in 59 sections or angas with384 pads.
3. Kabir Bijak has 84 Ramainis,115 Sabadas,353 sakhies, 34 miscellaneous
4.Kabir Granthavali has 403 poems,810 couplets and 7 Ramanies( Edited bySham Sunder Das).
It is said Kabir used to sing these in his satsangs (spiritual discourses). Dalit saints including other Bhagati Saints have addressed God Almighty by names like Ram,Hari, Gobind, Guru, associated names of Krishana, Vishno etc. repeated a number of times. Sri Guru granth Sahib addressed the Almighty God as Ram 2533 times, Krishana( 22) Mohan( 60) Murari(179).Where as in Kabir vani contained in Adi Granth these salutations (Ram-112, Krishana with associated name-33, vishno -18 Guru 35 times) and in Kabir Panchvani (Ram-220-Krishan-71 ,Vishno-13, Guru 35 ) and in Kabir Bichak ( Ram-49 times, vishno-2 ,Guru 7 times). This created illusion in some minds that these Bhakti Movement saints also worshiped Ayudhiya king Dashrath 's son Ram, whose wife Sita was stolen by Lanka king Ravana, Depki's son and Arjuna's charioteer Krishana, goddess Laxmi's spouse Vishno etc. But it was not so, their Ram was not Vishnu Avatar, who killed Dalit Sambuka Rishi( Ref:-Valmiki Ramayana Storey) to earn praises from Brahmana gods and goddesses.
Guru Ravidas has said " Ravidas Hamare Ram Ji Dashrath Kar Sut Nahi". Or Ravidas's Ram is not Ayudhaya King Dashrath 's son . Guru Namdev has said" Raja Ram Japat Ko Na Tariyo ". Or nobody got salvation by worshiping King Ram. Kabir Said" Ram Bhara Ki Ramhi Jaya " or Is Raja Ram greater or One, who has given birth even to Raja Ram.
Pointing that he worships Nirgun power, Kabir Ji said " Kabir Ke Sawami Esey Thakur, Ja Ke Mai Na Bap Re" or Kabir's worshiping Lord has no mother or father i.e. He is beyond birth and death circle and He is Immortal.
Guru Granth Sahib also proclaims "Varn,Jat,Chihn Na Koi,Sab Hukme App Chaliynda" meaning The universe Creator has no colour ,caste, or mark. He is every thing by Himself and every thing in this universe moves under His will.
Like many other Bhkti Saints, Kabir sahib decried the external false methods of worshiping Lord, human division on the basis of castes, religions and sex. Below is given in brief Kabir's preaching's for God realization along with some other saints in support of Kabir Ji
While decrying caste system Kabir said-"Jat Nahi Jagdish Ki, Hari-Jan Ki Kaha Hoi. Jat Pat Ke Kich Main Dub Maro Mat Koi". ( Kabir Granthawali-359)
Meaning; If the Creator "Jagdish" has no caste, how a person can have it. Let no one get drown in the caste mud and dirt differences' so give no importance to castes.
"Alla Ek Masit Basat Hai,Avar Mulak Kis Kera, Hindu Murat Ram Nivasi,Duh Mahi Tat Na Hera".( AG Panna 1349)
Meaning:- Muslims say their Alla Khuda (God) resides in Mosque and Hindu Says his God resides in an idol, then Kabir questions ,who resides elsewhere. Both has great differences due to ignorance.
" Ek Bund Ek Mal Mutar, Ek Cham Aur Guda. Ek Jyoti Se Sab Hi Janmey, Ko Brahman Ko Suda".
(Dalit Kabiya dhara Mata Prashad-page 70)
Meaning: Everyone is born out of One drop sperm, all similarly excreta body wastes , posses similar the skin, and anus . All are born with similar soul and Anant Jyoti, and then what differentiates persons as Brahmin and Shudra with high or low castes.
Kabir questions a Brahmin by saying " Je Toou Brahmin,Brahmani Jaya,Aur Bat Kahe Na ayya". Meaning If a Brahmin is superior than others, why he did not adopt different route( body aperture) for his birth. If the process of birth and death is same for everybody where is justification to be superior and inferior, high and low? While discarding idol worship Kabir said "Pathar Pooje Har Miley ,To Main Poojon Pahar, Murat Se Chakki Bhali,Pees Kaye Sansar".
Meaning:- If one gets access to Hari( God) or salvation, he shall worship a mountain. But he again jokingly takes a nip at superstitious people that a grinding stone is better to a stone idol, as it feeds people by grinding grains into flour for making bread. Kabir discarded fasle sadhus and said"Sadh Sidh Barr Antra,Jese Amm Babool, Wa ki Dari Ami Fal,Ya ki Dari Sool".( Kabir Sakhi Sangraha Page 122)
Meaning: - Between a Sadh and a Sidh there is world of difference as in mango and acacia trees. Mango tree gives sweet mangoes but the acacia tree gives on thorns.
Kabir declared "Vey Nar Jogi Kar Janey,Khoje App Sarira. Tinko Mukti Ka Sansa Nahi Kahit Julah Kabira ( Kabir Granthawali--Page 246)
Meaning:- The Jogi ( A person absorbed in Surat-Shabad Yoga) is one who searches Lord with in his body. They should not worry for salvation as salvation is assured to such persons proclaims Kabir, the weaver. Kabir further explains that a real Sadhu is found of love and not of money. A sadu found of money or worldly pleasures is not a real Sadhu but a Thug (Cheat).Kabir decried , Pitirpuja (Deification of ancestors), Alms or begging, Tirath Asnan (Bathing in man made holi waters), Styling the hairs.( Sir mundane). Celibacy, naked wondering in forests,
Bookish knowledge, Sacrificial Killing and taking intoxicants, External Body decorations and all that was unnecessary for God realization. Kabir even guided that there is no hell or heaven, this is all false. Kabir said "Sawarag Narak Ek Bhaiyi Kahawat,Santan Dou Sadhey Kahey Kabir Ham Bhiye Khalase Apney Guru Parsadey".
Kabir had infinite faith in the Creator.Kabir said" Na Kush Kiya Na Kar Sakon,Na Karney Yog Sarir,Jo Kush Kiya Sahib Kiya,Ta Te Bhaya Kabir". Meaning :- every thing is done by his Guru or Lord and nothing by Kabir, but still people give credit to Kabir as Lord does not claim any credit for Himself S grace.
Kabir gave final below to superstitions when he shifted his place to Maghhar( Haramba) a barren place 175 Miles (280Kms) from Banars, before shedding his mortal frame. There was a Hindu religious belief that any body who dies at Kanshi ( Varanasi, Banaras) shall be granted peace in heaven and any body who dies at Maghar shall be put in hell to bear sever punishments. To this Kabir said " Manhon Kathor Marey Banaras narak Na Vanshiya Jayi,Har Ka Sant Marey Haranbey Tian Sagli Sain Tarayi". Meaning:- A hardhearted person devoid of love for humanity, even if dies at Banaras cannot escape punished in hell, but not a saint who worship Hari ( Lord) even if he dies at Haramba i.e. Maghar, shall grant eternal peace to his chain of relations. It is said that Kabir's body disappeared and instead there was a heap of flowers in its place. The flowers were distributed among Hindus and Muslim disciples, who performed last rights as per their religious faiths.
Advocating for virtu Kabir Sahib Said " Kam,Karodh,Mad,Lobh Ki, Jab Lag Ghat Main Khan.Kaha Murakh,Kaha Pandita,Dono Ek Saman". Meaning: So long as body is abode of Lust,anger,ego and greed,Kabir says both learned and thug are similar.
Sadguru Kabir ji was a great Dalit Saint. Like many other Dalit saints he challenged the superficial, man made worshiping techniques in Kashi a seat of Brahminical knowledge. He broke the religious cage to set free the innocent masses by denouncing external ways. To him continuous repetition of Holy name as given by a true saint or Master and to concentrate on the form of one's Master ( a perfect realized soul)can only break the circle of birth and death.
Let us all vow to rededicate our selves on Kabir Jyanti for the love for humanity and see all human as children of God the Creator rising above the man made barriers of Castes, creeds, prejudices and hate.
(The author can be reached by [email protected] M-09419134060) |
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