Sadguru Kabir Sahib.
Revered Sadguru Kabir Sahib, a Dalit saint was
one of the founding fathers of Bhagati Movement
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 authority
of a realized Guru, they are blind or
ignorant . Such persons suffer heavily in this world and after death face curse
of Yamra j( Death god or Kal). Soami Shiv Dayal Ji Maharaj (1818-1876) founder of
Radhasoami faith in 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. Kabir while praising his master ( Guru)
Said
“Sab
dharti kagaj karu, lekhni sab banray , Saat samunder ki masi karu, gurugun
likha na jaaye”.
Meaning:-
It is impossible to write the virtue of
a perfect master even if one has ink equal to water in seven oceans, full
earth surface as paper to write on and pens made from all woods on earth surface.
It simply means perfect mystic master’s authority is indescribable.
The true Bhagati is sharing with God, yoked
to God and devotion to God. The Bhagti movement is devotional religious
movement, started from Tamil South India ( First saints 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 century in North India. Other prominent Bhagati Movement saints included
Sad Guru Kabir, (1398-1518) Guru Ravidas (1414-1532) Guru Sain (1343-1398),
Sahib Guru Nanak Dev (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. They 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 Saints body
frames. There is no difference between God and Saints i.e. they are one and the
same.
Sadguru Kabir has the distinction among all
saints that his teachings and Bhajans (Songs
in the praise of God) crossed all religions and geographical barriers. His
teaching are every household lore and his name every household word. His teachings are held in high esteems among
all religious personalities. He befittingly exemplified his Dohas (Couplets), to prove their
fruitfulness. Kabir was a devoted revolutionary saint with democratic bent of
mind. He discarded all that was
unnecessary for God realization. Since Dalit saints had seen poverty from very
close angle and suffered at the hands of rulers including hard liner priestly
class of their times for opposing man made religious illusions for Bhagti (Worship) for God realization. Saint Peepa Sahib (1408-1448)
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.
Dadu
Sahib a prominent Kabir disciple said “Dadu naam Kabir
ki, jae koi leve ot ,। unko kabahu laage nahin, Kaal
vajr ki chot” . Meaning:- who so ever recited Kabir’s name(
Kabir Manter),shall not be punished by Kal( Negative power)
These Bhagti Movement saints broke the superstitious,
dogmatic religious cages of pundits, moulvies and alike to preach true God realization with in human frame with the
help of a God realized/ dyed soul or Master.
For this these saints were given harsh
punishments. Many of them were done to death, teased, discarded as untouchables
and declared as Nastiq,or non believer in
gods and goddesses. The 5th Sikh Master Guru Arjundev Ji, who authored
Adi Guru Granth in 1604 , was made to sit
live on a hot iron plate and hot sand was poured on his head. He declared
in Adi Granth Sahib, (AG-622).
“Sant Ka
Marg Dharam Ki Porri “. Meaning the worshipping path shown by the saints
was the true religious way to achieve salvation
Prior
to the Bhagti Movement the God realization was based on external methods and
decorations, allowing only few High Caste persons to have right of Bhagati, worship
for God realization or salvation from the unending birth and death prison of
Karmic circle called “ Action and reaction”. These methods were not only biased
and costlier but time consuming too, so beyond the reach of poor strata of Hindus
and Muslims, untouchables or untouchable converts. Dalits were debarred by high
caste scriptures from worshiping God. In The Valmiki Ramayana epic storey an
untouchable Sambuk Rishi or ascetic person,
said to be worshiping in Tryta Yuga was assassinated by Lord Rama declaring him
sinner for observing austerities and to worship Almighty despite being a Dalit ( Shudra). This was highly
appreciated by the Hindu gods and goddesses who are said to have rained flowers
from heaven. Lord Rama, did this to save himself from a Brahmin curse. If Lord
Rama said to be incarnation of Vishno (Protector and feeder deity of all ) can
perform such undesired act, what to talk of
their protected high caste
religious subjects.( Valmiki Ramayana, Book 7,
the 'Uttarakanda' -73-76 )
The religious approved methods of God realization like, idol worshiping( Sarguna Bhagati), fasting, bathing in
pre-decided holy rivers/waters; styling
one’s hair as some kept long hairs ,others tonsured ,still others kept a long hair lock in the heads crown ( Chotior); shaving of face or keeping long beards; observing
complete celibacy; fasting, giving alms, to undertake cumbersome worshiping
techniques while living in secluded places in deep forests; caves ; worshiping
trees like fig (Peepal),
Basil ( Tulsi), offering water to Sun
god, to perform Yagnas ( burning food stuffs while reciting mantras ,verses from holy books),
reading holy books),put sandal wood paste on fore heads, wear holy thread (Yagyopaveet); circumcision for Muslims ,
to undertake long journeys to pre fixed religious places Titath or Haj Yarta or journey, deification of
ancestors (Pitirpuja), observe all religious laws including caste systems and to observe untouchbility; offering alms to Brahmins, feeding animals
like cow , birds like crow and insects and reptiles like ants and snakes, pleasing gods and goddesses by offering
sacrifices of animals including humans at altar (Yagyashals),getting sawed
bodies for reaching heaven( Karvvat) and
many such other acts . Observance of all
these methods by ignorant masses proved boon to priestly classes. In practice more ignorant and illiterate were
the masses the more prosperous shall be priestly cheats (Thugs). The priests
and religious books have described husbands as only god for women to worship and
serve them well for their salvation. This was irrespective of the facts that many
husbands indulged in intoxicants, followed polygamy, dacoits, deceivers etc.
But still they were gods for women. Worst of all a woman was religiously
desired to get burnt alive with the dead body of her husband. For doing so the
said reward was to live with her husband for 35 million years in heaven. The practice was outlawed by the British Raj in 1829 within British India territories with a
general ban for the whole of India issued by Queen
Victoria in 1861. Committing Sati by Roop Kanwar on 4th
Sepember,1987 shocked India once again.
The war on sati is yet not over as the Hindu scriptures glorify it as mean to
salvation for women. ( for reference please see Devdasi,Sati Pratha
Aur Kanya Hatya by Shitla Sahaye and Atul Krishan Vishvas,Publishers Goutan
Book Centre).
Bhagati
Movement saints preached the NIRGUNA Bhagti or un-attributable God realization worship.
It had no place for external rituals or dogmas.
Saint Namdev said “Sanp Kunj
shorey Vikh Na Tiyage,Udhak Mahin Jesse Baggu Dhain Mandey”. (Satgur Namdev panna 485) .Meaning
a snake can off load its skin,
but not the poison and a crane pretends to be engrossed in worship but as soon
as it finds a fish ,it pounces upon and swallows it. Kabir said in Kabir Sakhi Sangrah-127) “ Bambi Kutey Bamrey, Sanp Na Mara Jaye;
Murakh Bambi Na Dasey sarap Sabhan Ko Kaye”. Meaning: O foolish why beat
snake barrow and not snake It is snake not barrow which is poisonous. By saying
so Kabir explains that it is your mind power , creator of all sinful ideas,
which needs to be brought under control not the body under control of the mind
by external means. Similarly a person
engaged in worldly ills behaves as if a
great worshiper of god but does not lose
ego and continues to be hardhearted.
So all
Bhagati Movement saints decried external means of God realization as prescribed
in holy books and by religious high priests. External worshiping techniques has
limited role to control mind. Permanent solution lies in Nirguna
Bhagti way through the grace of a realized Master.
Kabir decried such external means by
saying------ Ajamedh, Gomedh
Yag,Ashawmedh,Narmedh
Kahey Kabir Adharam Ko Dharam
Bataven Ved
( Meaning:-Slaughtering animals like goats,
cows, horses and men as oblation in religious sacrifices along with religious books including Vedas preach against true religious norms , so said Kabir). ( Kabir Shabdawali page 353)
To Saints or Bhagati Movement God realized guides,
described all Sarguna Bhagti or
external Religious means or exercises as futile with which only limited gains. Saints
approved only way to God realization was to get initiated from a realized
Master or saint and then follow his
method while living a family life. Saints earned their livelihood by adopting
their parental professions. They disapproved the Brahminical methods of living
on alms. Kabir Sahib Said, “I shall prefer to die than living on begging”.
Guru Ravidas Said, “I always keep my mind absorbed
in Lord’s worship and my hands engaged to earn for livelihood”.
External
Religious exercises were used as powerful tools in the hand of religious but
superstitious preachers for promised salvation (MUKTI), to get into heaven (SAWARG)
and to avoid hell (NARAK). This enslaved frightened and illiterate
masses for fear of punishments after death to those who avoided priestly
dictates. These illiterates masses worried little for their present deplorable
conditions but were more worried for their promised comforts in heaven after
death. This further created conditions for their enslavement through the
religiouspreists.
But
Bhagati saints termed all these as myth. Saint Palto(1710-1780),who was done to
death by orthodox priests, proclaimed in his Kundlian:-
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“Sant Na Chayen Mukat Ko,Nahi Patharath
Char,
Nahi
Patharath Char Mukat Santan Ki Cheri,
Rid “hi
Sidhi Par Thukan,Sawarg Ki As Na Heri”
Kavan Narak Kaya Saward Vichara ,Santan Dou
Radhey
Hum Kahu Ki Kann Na Kadtey,Apne Gur Parsadey
( Kabir Vani-Adi Granth Panna 969)
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Meaning:- Saints neither seek salvation, nor worldly
wealth’s, as salvation is under their
command, they spit (discard) on miracle powers and have no desire for heaven,
terming these as misconceptions.
Meaning:- Saints decry both
hell (Narak )and heaven (Sawarg), as they have attained heights of
salvations beyond Sawarg or Narak with the grace of their Guru .
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God realized persons are called referred as Saints, Gurus, Bhagats,
Sadgurus etc. To them “Guru Gobind,Gobind
Guru Hai, Inmain Bhedh Naa Dujja” i.e. God and God realized Masters are one and the same
with no difference”.
Saint Palto Said “Ram Ke Ghar Ke
Bhich Kam Sab Sante Karte,Devta Tantees Kot Sant Se Sab Hi Dartey ”.
Meaning
In the kingdom of God, everything is under the command of Saints and 330
millions deities are afraid of Saints, so these deities do not interfere in
saints working.
To God realized Saints Rama, Krishana, Hari, Rahim, Allah; Khuda,God, Logas, were the
different names attributed to the one supreme power. This supreme power created
the universe and also looks after it. At the same time He is immortal. God is
above the cycle of birth and death. Guru Nanak in Japuji sahib declares “ Ad
Sach,Jugad Sach,Hai Bhi Sach,Hosi Bhi Sach”
Meaning:
God Almighty only is permanent, non perishable or true ( Satya or Sach) everything else is temporary,
Changing with time ( Asatya).
Kabir Said“ Sach Soyi Jo Sathir Rahiyi,Upje Vinsey Juth Hoi Jayi”. Meaning:- Sach, True or Permanent is HE, rest all
is perishable. This permanent power say
God, Universal Creator, created every human body frame on His image. God
resides in Human frame called Ghar-dar,
Mukti Ka Darwaja, Daswan Dawar, and Dasweengali which is in human body.
Dalits are a section of society
regarded as untouchable by Hindus. Several
influential Hindu saints were
members of this caste, including Ravidas, Kabir, Namdev, Chokhamela,
and Kanhopatra. The
Dalit saints constituted over70% of Bhagti movement saints. Some writers
believe that Bhagwan Valmik and Veda Vyasa, the
poet writers of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata,
were also of Dalit background. Bhagti Movement Saints teaching was a direct
challenge to the teaching of orthodox Hindus and Muslims alike. People from all
religions were Kabir’s disciples. Kabir found Indian history as storey of slavery. Dr
B.R.Ambedkar while describing the contents of Hindu scriptures said they
contained only stories of kings, queens , warriors and abuses or curses to low
caste peoples or shudras.
Kabir
was a servant of humanity and thus
a servant of Divinity. He preached what he practiced. As per one of the myths,
it is said that after the death of Kabir Sahib, both and Hindus and Muslims
claimed his dead body. Both wanted to perform last rites as per their religious
norms. This created a problem, when a Kabir’s disciple asked to remove the
shroud over the body. On removing the cover from the body only flowers were
found and no dead body. Both the religious people divided the flowers remains
and performed last rites as per their religious faiths viz. cremation by Hindus
and burying by Muslims. When they were fighting the Spirit of Kabir appeared
and said, “I was neither a Hindu nor a Muslim, I was both. To him who is free
from delusion, for him both Hindus and Muslims are same. Remove the shroud of
delusion and see the miracle”. Soami Shiv Dayal Ji Maharaj said in
Sar Bachan “ Panni Mathey Kush Hath
Na Aye, Khir Mathan Aalas Phara: Meaning :- Water
churning is a futile exercise but to churn milk to get rewarded with butter is
taken as difficult. Here he compares
water with worldly rituals , ceremonies and churning milk with proper worship techniques for everlasting salvation.
Since in a majority cases not much was written
down about the lives of the saints, by saints themselves or their educated
devotees. Saints never wanted anything in their glorification and there was
wide spread illiteracy among their devotees. Many things about their life
events are carried orally through ages.
So confusions and contradictions mixed up later about their parenthoods,
places of birth, family details, religion or castes, dates associated with their
life facts including births and deaths. Later writers collected different clues
from different sources forming their own views, at times varying with one
another. In case of Dalit saints this version had more relevancies. After long
discussions and comparison of different research works by different scholars,
some facts were churned out to be most acceptable by subject experts. The largely
accepted facts about the life of Sadguru Kabir are given here. Whereas
differences in different writers still persists. The specific purpose of the
write up is to throw light in brief on the teachings of Kabir Sahib, than to
enter into controversial facts.
Kabir ,( from Arabic al-Kabīr )
which means "The Great ,the Supreme, one of the 99
names of Allah. Many Muslim Ullmans have
described Kabir Ji as MUHAVIZ meaning a mystic personally, which cannot be easily understood. Whatever a Muhaviz does it is only for seeking
divine grace. 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. Birth of Sadguru Kabir from
Brahmin mother, Guru Ravidas himself as Brahmin
in his previous birth and such other saying seem to have been associated will fully with
Brahmin caste, to keep supremacy of Brahmins . But the modern authors point suspicious finger on
such theories.
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 about 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.
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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 “.
Meaning:- Kabir’s mother was Muslim his
fater was weaver( Julaha), but their
son became worshiper of universal Creator.
Kabir himself has said about his caste
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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 in
(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, spiritual Master, which as per Sant Mat is a must for
every sadak or Saint. So he approached Ramanand (1366-1467) for seeking his
blessing. But Ramanand belonged to Sri
Sampardai ,who observe strict 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 Parare 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 NirgunBhagti Marg and one of his poems is contained in Sri Guru
Granth Sahib ( Adi Granth Panna 1195)
( Kat Jayeyo Re ghar Lago Rang, Mera Chit Na Chaley Man Bhayo Pang---)
Meaning why go elsewhere 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.
On surrendering to Guru’s will, his
chian of birth and death has been cut. His
delusions and confusions are removed. He have understood the secret that God is
omnipresent and Guru‘s shabad
eradicates curse of million karmas. This qualifies that Ramanand adopted Nirguna Bhagati too and accepted the path
Kabir preached. But Kabir explains about his 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 Bhagti
Saints including Guru Nanak. Kabir had many
spiritual disciples.
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 Pundits and
Moulvies. 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 show he had association with many 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 practical
practices
. 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’s 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 with 384
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).
Some of
the salokas,padahs given in
different books have resemblances as well
It is said Kabir used to sing these in his satsangs (spiritual discourses). Dalit saints of Bhagati movement have addressed God Almighty by names like Ram,
Hari, Gobind, Guru, and 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 an illusion in some minds that these Bhagti Movement saints also
worshiped Ayudhiya king Dashrath ‘s son
Ram, whose wife Sita was stolen by Lanka king Ravana, Vasudeva and Devki’s son ,
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 to earn praises
from Brahmana gods and goddesses. Ram to them was the spiritual power which is universal Creator.
Guru Ravidas has said “ Ravidas
Hamare Ram Ji Dashrath Kar Sut Nahi”.
Or Ravidas’s Ram is not Ayudhaya King Dashrath ‘s son, but the One which
prevails in every universal creation.
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.
Kabir
Ji specified four Rams, not one.
“ Ek Ram Dashrath Ka Beta,Ek Ram Ghat Ghat
Main Leta,Ek Ram Ka Sagal Pasara,Ek Ram En Sab Se Niyara”. Meaning:-
One
Ram was King Dashrath’s Son, One Ram is Mann(
mind power) residing in all humans who commands human sensual power currants, One Ram is Kal ( Dharam Raj) the mythological administrator,who mages Triloki affairs and one Ram is above all
other three. Kabir worships the last one
which is aloof from others..
Pointing that he worships Nirgun power, Kabir
Ji said “ Kabir Ke Sawami
Esey Thakur, Ja Ke Mai Na Bap Re”
Meaning:- 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 everything by Himself and everything 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
Caste
System:-
All Bhagati
movement saints have decried caste system. Sain Buley Shah said
“ Amlan Uthey Hon Ge Nabere,Jat Kise Pushni Nahiyo”. Meaning:-On the day of judgement, only
actions shall be accounted for not the castes.
Barrey Barayi Paye Kar,R
Saint Palto Said “ Palto Unchi Jat Ka Jan Koi Karey Anhkar,Sahib Ke Darbar Main,Kewal
Bhagat Payar”. Let no body be proud of his/her caste, on the day of judgment
only actions shall be evaluated.
Sri
Guru Gobind Singh Ji(1666-1708) Ji said
“Eh Pitta Eks Ke Hum Balik”. Meaning
We are all children of the only One Creator, or Vaheguru. He again said “ Manas
Ki Jat Sab Eke Pahchanoyo”. Consider all human as having only one Caste.
Palto Sahib said “ Palto Unchi Jat Ka Mat Koi Karey
Ahnkar,Sashib Ke Darbar Main Keawl Bhagat Payar”.
Palto Saib says let nobody should feel proud
of his/her high caste, as on the day of judgment only severity of love for the
Lord shall be judged or evaluated and not the superiority of one’s caste.
-“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)
Muslim say their Alla Khuda (God) resides in Mosque and Hindu Says
his God resides in an idol, then Kabir questions, who reside elsewhere. Both
has great differences due to ignorance.. In the same verse Kabir said, “ Eitey Utrn Murda Sajey, Eh Sab Roop Tumhare,
Kabir Pangura Ram Alla Ka, Sab Gur Peer Hamarey. Meaning:- to Kabir He
resides in every leaf, everywhere with all figures as His. Kabir is son of both
Alla and Ram and all His names are dear him. Kabir ji also said:-
“ 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 a drop semen,
all similarly excreta body wastes, posses similar 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”. 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? Guru Nank said
“ Nichayan Ander Nich Jat,Nichi Huh Ati Nich, Nanak Tin Ke Sath Sang, Badian Se
Kaya Ris”
Meaning Nanak is with those who have lowest of
low caste, and he has no relations with high caste people ( AG- Panna15)
Guru
Ravi das decried this system
“ Ravidas
Brahmin Matt Pujiye,Joo hovey Gunn Hinn,Pujey Charan Chandal Ke Joo Hovey Gunn
Parveen”. Meaning do not worship a Brahmin devoid of virtue, instead
worship feet of a Chandal ( Lowest of
low in caste) if he is righteous and honest..
Murti Puja (idol Worship):-
Kabir has shown that the worship of dead stone idols was a futile exercise
for salvation .He said
.“Pakhan Ghar Ke Murti Kini De
Ke Shati Paun, Je Eh Murti Sachi Hai To Gharan Harey Khau”.
( AG-Panna 479)
Meaning: A sculptor from a stone piece
sculptures an idol with cutting and beating with hammer and iron tools while
sitting on its chest wearing shoes.If the idol has life and feels pains of
hammering it should first kill and eat up the sculptor. But there is no such thing.
So idol is life less stone and to worship it nothing but useless.
Kabir ji saith “ Joo Maritik Ko Chandan
Charave,Us Se Kahu Kavan Phal Pave.” Meaning by making offering sandalwood paste to
a lifeless body or stone ( idol),what one is going to get, as idol being dead
cannot grant any boon. Hitting hard on idol worship Kabir Sahib 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 by worshiping a stone idol, he shall worship a mountain. 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.
Dadu Sahib Ji Said “ Dadu Duniya Bavri,Marian Pujan
Utt,Jo Challey Gaye Jahano,Unse Mangen Poot”.
Meaning:- People have become made, who worship
Marhi cremation places ( dead) who
ask for boons of giving sons from dead
persons, how can their boons ber granted by those who have left the world since
long?
False Sadhus (Hermits)
:-
All those who wear different colored and
styled clothes but void of real worshiping
techniques are not saints or Sadhus. Many of them have run away from their
worldly duties and pretend as Sadhu living on alms. There may a few realized
souls among them. But majority of them have left none of the worldly ills. They
remain filled with filthy ego. Many get irritated on small provocations. Kabir said
“ Khima Sadh Ka Khel”. Means real
Sadhus observe forgiving and forgetting as nobody else can do this. ( Kabir
Granthawali 122)
Again while describing qualities of a Sadh a begger with dyed clothes
and Sidh (Realized soul persons) Kabir 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 produce only 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)
|
Those who wear three and half yard cloth around
waists, put on thee thread holy yagyopavits, chains of beats around necks and have round brass mugs in hands, are not Saints
but cheats of Banaras.
|
“
Gajj Sarey Tray Dhotian,Tehrey Payan Tagg,
Gallian Jinah Japmalian Lote Hath Nibagh
Ou Har Ke Sant Na Akhiye,Banaras Ke Thag”.
Kabir Ji again
said” Kabir Sangat Sadh Ki Jou Ki Bhussi Khaye,Kheer Khan Haluwa Miley Sakat
Sang Na Jaye”.
Meaning :- A real saint lives prefers company of spiritual minded
persons in whose company he may have to
eat barley bread( Cheap grain), but avoid the company of Sakat or Manmukh , who is after mind and sensual pleasures, even if such persons can provide
rich food and pleasure full life comforts Guru Baba Nanak also avoided rich man Malik Bhago,s meals and instead
stayed and dined with a poor carpente Bhai
Lalo . On arguments why Guru Nanak refused his
rich meals in the feast, Guru Nanak took dry Chappty of Bhai Lalo in one hand
and rich meals of rich man in the other hand and squeezed both.Blood flew out
of the meals of rich man and milk from poor carpenter’s dry bread. Baba Nanak
then explained that a labourer earns his livelihood with labour but rich by
deception. The meals of poor honestly
earned are worth more for spiritual life. Sadguru Kabir Ji stressed a moral virtuous life for all
especially with greater stress for Sadhus( Saints). Kabir ji said” Kami,Karodhi,Lalchi. En Se Bhagat Na
Ho,Bhagati Karey Koi Surma,Jat,Varn ,Kull Kho”. Meaning persons with
desires of lust ( sex),anger, ego and greed are unfit for worship. A few who
are above these shortcomings including hue of their, castes, creads, dynasties
linkage ego etc. are capable for achieving heights in the worship of Lord.
Pitirpuja
(Deification of ancestors) :- hue
The
innocent peoples were made to shed offering to Brahmins on the death of a
person, then at monthly and yearly intervals for salvation of the departed
soul. This has remained since ages a great source of income of the pundits ,
that is why Brahmins do not let this system die. Bhagati movement saints one
and all decried it with full force. Guru Ghasidas said “I see pitarpuja as act of foolishness”.
Kabir Ji saiyth “Jivat Pittar Na Manney Kou,Muye
Siradh Karahi,
Pittar Bhi Bapurey Kahu
Kaya Pavhi,Kouya,Kookar Khahi”
Meaning:- During life time people do not serve their patents well but
after death they perform deification for ancestors .Out of offerings ancestors
also do not get anything only crows and dogs are fed on the food offering. The
cash and kind offerings are taken away by pundits, befooling all by false
promises of heaven for the dead.
Alms or
begging:- The majority of Brahmins
live on alms in one way or the other
proclaiming that the Jajmans (gift giver to Brahmin for performing religious ceremonies) shall be granted heaver
after death if they gave offering to Brahmins in cash and kind.. This was refuted by the Bhagati Movement
saints. Guru Nanak Said
“Guru Peer Sadaye,Mangan Jaye,Ta Ke Mool Na
Lagon Paye; Ghal Khaye Kush Hathon Dey,Nanak Rah Pashaney sai”.
Meaning:- Any saint or Guru living on
begging, is devoid of truth, so do not accept him as guru. A person who earns
his livelihood by hard and honest means and serves his guests out of his honest
earning, he is exalted saint.
Kabir said “Marr Jayon,Mangoon Nahi, Apne Tan Ke Kaj, Parmarath Ke Karney, Mujey
Na Away Lajj”
Meaning I shall prefer death than resorting to
begging for my livelihood. But begging for community cause, I do not feel hasitant..
Kabir has also said “Guru Ko
Assa Chahiye,Sish Ka Kashu Na Leh”. It
is imperative for a guru not to accept anything from disciples. Kabir again
explains the qualities of a Sadhu or actual realized soul as
“ Sadu Bhuka Bhav Ka, Dhann Ka Bhukha
Nahi, Dhan Ka Bhukha Jo Phirey,So to
Sadhu Nahi”. Meaning a sadh or God
realized soul has passion for love and not money( wordly temporary gains).Any body craving for money
is not Sadhu.
Guru
Ghasidas also advised his disciples not to declare him superior to any
commoner.
Woman:-
The woman was also declared of low caste by upper caste
norms. She was declared as most impure and vile Gosowami Tulsidas said
in Ramchrit Manas in Aranya Kand(43) “Lust, anger, greed pride etc. constitute the
most powerful army of ignorance. But among them all the fiercest and the most
troublesome is that incarnation of Maya (the Lords deluding potency) called
woman. Prashar Samiriti (7/20) declares
that on first day menstruation period woman is Chalnadan or Out Caste on second day Brahhatyari or killer of a Brahmin and on the third day a Dhobinor or washerwoman, all lowest of low in caste hierarchy.
Against this Guru Nanak said “ Je-kar
Sutak Maniye,Sabtey Sutak Hoye”.(AG-572) meaning If one considers impurity, impure is every thing in
our working. Since majority of our life
acts are performed by women, so all these should be declared as impure. In
another verse of AG-473 sahib “So Kayon
Manda Akhiye,Jit Janmey Rajan”. Why call ill of woman ,who gives birth to
kings the rulers ,gods, goddesses, Peers, bhagats all human. Kabir Ji Said( KSS-106)
“ Sab
Ghat Mere Sayian,Sooni Sej Na Koi,Valihari Va Ghat Ki, Ya Ghat Praghat Hoi”.
Meaning:-My lord is Omnipresent and there is no creation devoid of Him. But I
salute the person in whom He has manifested.
Tirath Asnan (Bathing in manmade holi
waters) :-
Saints decried Tirathasnan as
well. It was not only wastage of time and money, but it enhances ego. External
rituals were futile like repeatedly cleaning an empty pot. Kabir said’
“
Kayya Manjis Koun Gunna, Jyon Ghat Bhitar Malna. Layoki Athsath Tirath Nayi
Kayorapan Tyon na Jayi”.
(Adi Granth Panna 656). Meaning that bathing, washing and cleaning of
body has no spiritual use .It is like cleaning an empty earthen pot. If a
bitter guard is made to wash in sixty eight holi water of designated rivers/ tanks (Tiraths
for Hindus),it does not lose its bitterness. The Maan or mind cannot be controlled by external means. Saint Namdev
sayth,
“Sanp Kunj shorey Vikh Na Tiyage, Udhak Mahin
Jesse Baggu Dhain Mandey”. (Satgur Namdev panna 485)
As a snake can off load old skin, but not
the poison and a crane pretends to be engrossed in worship but as soon as it
finds a fish ,it pounces upon and swallows it. Similarly a person engaged in
worldly ills behaves as if a great worshiper of god but does not lose ego and
continues to be hardhearted. Kabir Ji
also said( AG-484)
“ Jall
Ke Manjin Je Gatt Hove, Nit,Nit Mendik Navhi, Jesey Mandik,Tesse Uhi Nar,
Fir,Fir,Yuni Avahhi”. Kabir says if
a man could get salvation by bathing, then the frog which lives in water it
self should have been granted salvation. But it is not so. Persons those want
to get salvation by bathing even in different waters shall get it as this
process is devoid of it. So it is no use to go to different places, may be
designated as holy water bathing sources,
as it shall not help full in attaining salvation.
“ Innttar Maail Jey Tirath Navey, Tise
Vakunth Na Jana, Pujeye Ram Ek Hi Deva Sacha Navan Gur Ki Seva”. Meaning: Even if a person internally impure ( full
of worldly desires like ego) take bath
in holy waters, he shall not get into heaven. The real worship is to
contemplate on Almighty God by serving one’s master well. By serving well a
master is not to offer him worldly riches or body services but to follow his
spiritual teaching. Kabir also said (
Styling
the hairs. (Sirr- mundane). In the name of religion
some people keep long hair on heads and faces, others tonsured and still others kept a long lock in the their head crowns( Choti). But Kabir disproved it for being religious persons. Kabir
Said KSS-127)“ Moond Mundaye Har Miley Sab Koi Leye Mundaye, Barr Barr Ke Mundtey
Bhedh Vekunth Na Jaye”.
Meaning If one can get heaven by tonsuring
his head, everybody can get it done, as it is so easy to cut hair. Kabir says it is not so, because a sheep is
shaved twice annually, but it does not get in to salvation. So a person
following such techniques shall also not get anything worthwhile.
Celibacy,
naked wondering in forests:-
Bhagti Saints
has disapproved the complete celibacy,
leaving one’s home and hearth and living naked as means of salvation. These
methods are however taken by pundit and Prohits as religious acts. Kabir Sahib
refutes such acts as fruitless, leading no where in spiritual progress. He said
in (Sant Sad Guru Kabir-324)
“ Nagan Firt je Payiaye Yog, Van Ka Mirig
Mukat Sab Hog.
Moond Mudaye Je Sidhi Pai,Mukat Bherr Na
Gaya Kai.
Bindu Rakh Jo Tariye Bhai,Khusere Kyon Na
Param Gat Pai”.
Meaning:-If one gets salvation by remaining
naked, all animals in the forest should have got it. If by getting one’s head
tonsured, he gets salvation then Sheep should have got it. If celibacy
observance is way to God realization, then the eunuchs should get salvation.
But this is not so. As if one attains salvation, he or she vacates body frame
to merge back into Lord.
Bookish knowledge:-
Even ritualistic reading is of no use declares Kabir( BSS-167)
“Poothi Parr Parr Jag Moya,Pandit Bhiya Na Koi, Eko Akashar Prem Ka
Parrey Soo Pandit Hoi”. Meaning: All reading is wastage of time and
resources as it does not make one realized soul. It is one word of “Love” for
all which makes one realized soul. This
way Kabir preaches universal love for all, which will remove the ego of high
and low and it will lead one to Lord. He again says in (KGV-152) “ Vidya Kot Sabhey Gunn Kahey, Parbrahm Ko Par
Na Lahey”. Meaning: - Worldly education provides all qualities and goodness
but it cannot lead to Parbrahm ( Beyond Braham or Kal, where soul realizes the
identity of God). Kabir Ji again proclaims (AG-525)
“ Kaya Pareye,Kaya Guneye,Kaya Ved
Purana Suneye, Parehey Guney Kaya Hoi,Jo Sahij Na Mileya Soi.”Meaning:-
Worldly reading or knowledge from Vedas (Vedic literature) and Puranas ( Group
of 18 religious books giving stories of
gods, goddesses, kings) is of what use, if one does not know about Sahaj state. Sahaj is the spiritual
stage where soul regains its natural consciousness and qualifies to merge back
into its source. Kabir ji ( Kabir
Granthavali)
“Qazi Kathey Kateb Qurana, Pandit Ved
Purana,Veh Akhshir Jo Laka Na Jayi,Matra Lage Na Kanna”.
Meaning:- Muslim Law Officer reads
from holy book Quran and Hindu Pandit
reads from Hindu holy books Vedas and Puranas. But the divine word is beyond writing or reading as it
cannot be written in any worldly language.
Dadu Sahib Says “ Dadu Dekha
Deeda, Look Kahin Suneeda”. Meaning Dadu says the people of the world or
educated persons talk of scriptures, but I say what I have experienced myself.
Killing and taking intoxicants: - All Bhagti Saints have
preached leading a virtuous life. They have advocated love for all creators,
big or small. But some religions permitted killing of animals, even human for
sacrificing to deities and taking Somrass
(an intoxicating brew).
Kabir Said “ Sain Ke Sab Jiv
Hain,Kiri Kunjar Doeyi”. From elephant to ant all creators are creation of God.
Kabir again said “ Kabir Jei Ju Marehe,Jor kar Kahetey Hahi Jo Halal,
Daftar Vayi Jab Kadie Hai,Hoyega Koun Haval”. AG-1375)
Meaning:- Kabir asks a Moulvi, ,
you Slaughter an animal and declare it
as Halal ( Sacrifice) but have you
thought of your fate when the creator shall take its account on the day of judgment. Kabir
again said ( KSS-141)
“ Kabir Daya Bhav Hirdey Nahi,Gyan Kathey Behad, Tee Narr Narkeyhe
Jayenge,Sunn,Sunn,Sakhi Sabad”.
Meaning:- Many persons including religious preachers devoid of mercy declare animal
scarifying and killing besides meat eating as right act by citing
examples from religious texts. They may give any justifications but shall be
punished heavily by pushing them into hell. Guru Nanak said in Japuji Sahib “
Lakhan Gal Vadd Hatiya Kamahi”. Meaning:- Millions commit suicidal acts by
slaughtering animals. Kabir also proclaimed “Kabira Terye Jhompari Kal Katyan Ke Pass,Jo Karan Ge So Bharan Ge Tou
Kyon Hoya Udas”.Kabir said it does not matter if one lives near a slaughter house,
only those who kill shall be punished. There cannot be punishment without
punishable act. As gold is not affected by impurities simillarly saints are not
affected by the ills of the world.
Kabir decries intoxicants
(KSS-163)“Bhang,Tambakoo,Shutra,Afeemm
Aur Sharab,Kahe Kabir Enko Tajo Tab Pave
Didar”.
Meaning: - To get glimpses of
Lord one has to sacrifice by abstaining from Bhang (Cannabis), Tambakoo (Tobacco) Sutra
(Inhaling intoxicating smoke) Afeem
(opium) and Sharab (Liquor). These
intoxicants are forbidden for the true worshipers of Lord.
Even Manu in Manusmiriti(12-55)
said “ A prist who drinks liquors enters ( the womb) of a worm, bug or moth of
birds who eat excrete of violent creatures.
External Body decorations:- People took
body decorations(Tilk) with
sandal wood paste and bead wearing (Mala) as religious marks. Many sadhus and god men wear
them to impress their religious authority and attainments. But Bhagti movement
saints decried them as such things do not carry any religious necessity. Kabir
said,
“ Mala Tilak Pahir Manmana,Logan Ram Khilona Jana”. Here Kabir says
that people thought that by wearing Tilak
and Malas, they will influence God
Almighty. Kabir says God is not a
child who can be pleased with such toys. To please God Kabir says (AG-1349) “
Keval Naam Japho Re Parani,Tab Hi Nischey Tarna”. Meaning: - Only Naam Simran (
Repetition of Naam as per instructions of a perfect master) shall ensure one’s salvation.
Guru Nanak also says “ Eko Naam Hukam Hai Nanak”. Meaning:- Guru Nanak says
only way to salvation in Naam Simran.
Faith:- Kabir had un-flickering faith in
Lord the doer of everything. Kabir said ( Kabir Sakhi Sangih 103)
“ Na Kush Kiya Na Kar Sakon,Na Karney Yog Sarir,Jo Kush Kiya
Sahib Kiya,Ta Te Bhaya Kabir”. Kabir said everything 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 for such grace.
Consecration & desecration
of a place :- There was a Hindu religious belief
that anybody who dies at Kanshi ( Varanasi, Banaras) shall be granted peace in the
heaven and anybody who dies at Maghar
shall be put in hell to bear sever
punishments. Maghar is a town in the present day Sant Kabir Nagar
district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This place is 175 Miles (280Kms) from Banars and 13 miles ( 20 Kms)
from Gorakhpur. But Kabir disbelieved it and when he saw his end near, he
shifted to Maghar to worship there. His Samadi (Burial Place) is at Maghar. Writer Gurnam Singh Mukatsar writes in his book( Juth Na Bool
Pande Page227) Kabir Ji said On the
instance of Brahmins hell ( Narak)
will not be granted to those who die at Maghar as Tathagat Buddha who was torch bearer for humanity passed away
at this place and now Kabir shall also die there. Both these great worldly
personalities granted happiness to millions by their acts, they gave life
principles, they showed path to true and practical salvation. Kabir Ji said (AG-484)
“ 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 a saint who worship Hari
( Lord) even if he dies at Haramba i.e. Maghar, shall grant eternal peace to his chain of relations.
Kabir again said. “Bahut Varas Tap Kiya Kanshi,Marney Bhaeya
Maghar Ki Vasi,Kasi Maghar Samm Vichari”.
( AG 326)
Meening:- I worshiped
in Banaras for many years, but at the end I
have become resident of Maghar. Because for me Banaras and Maghar are
both equal. No place on earth is devoid of universal creator, the Almighty God.
He is Omnipresent.
Kabir further shows
his absolute faith in the Creator who is all merciful and powerful.
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 can only break the
circle of birth and death. This annoyed
the Hindu religious Gurus ( Prohits,Pandits) so they
all joined hands to Challage Kabir,but every time they got defeated by value based practical arguments.
Kabir said Pandey Koun Kumat Tohe Lagi------ ( Ram kishor Sharma KG-335 ) ,Kabir challenges the worshipping techniques by
pundits by explaining ignorant Pandits
are influence of stupid wisdom as they
do not whole heartedly worship universe Creator ( Ram).Kabir explains
that from reading of so called holy
books the effect is similar as putting sandal wood load on a donkey back. This
way you do not concentrate on Ram-nam and get dust full mouth as reward. One remains devoid of salvation by reciting holy Veda books as your mare reading increases ego, which
does not allow you to see Creator in all human body frames and this is known to the creator, Ram. Kabir again says if you kill creator’s
creation in the name of religion then what are the nonreligious ways. By
killing living beings and declare yourself as Munivar ( Saint)then whom we should declare as kasai ( butcher). O,blind minded you do not follow good advices but
teach other to follow what you read. You
sell for money your education, reading so you waste your life time, which you
got after many years good actions. Vayas, Narad explain the importance of
worshiping right techniques ,if you have
any doubt you may ask Sukhdev (Vayas, Narad and Sukhdev were Hindu ascetics) they all
say with one voice that your false man
devised worshiping methods shall
make you reach nowhere. Kabir concludes that one remains in the circle of birth
and death, if he does not merge back into Creator by continuous getting
absorbed in Him ( Ram)
8-02-2015
Compiler;-
Words 8742
Er.H.R.PHONSA,Jammu
Source Material:-
1.Sant Kabir Hindi/Punjabi( Radha Soami Satsang Beas Punjab)
2.Kabir ,The weaver of God’s Name,English(Radha Soami Satsang Beas
Punjab)
3. Sar Bachan Poetry(Radha Soami Satsang Beas Punjab)
4.Juth Na Bool Pande,Punjabi ( By Gurnam Singh Mukatsar)
5. Keh Ravidas Chamar,Punjabi( By Gurnam Singh Mukatsar)
6. Kitney Aparsangitb Hain Dharam Granth,Hindi S.Rakeshnath ( Vishav Books N.Delhi)
7. Sri Ramachritamanasa( a Romanized Edition) Geet Press Gorakh Pur.
8.The Saints Edited by Karina
Achomer and W.H.WcLeod( M/s Moti Lal Banarsi Das Delhi)
9. The Kabir Granthavali byRam Krishan Sharma( Lok Bharti Prakashan
N-Delhi)
10.Wikipedia.
