Kabir Das

Kabir Das was an Indian poet and a saint who influenced thousands of people with his divine spiritual path, beliefs, ethics, and poetries. Undoubtedly, he is the greatest legend of all time. Saint Kabir was born in 1440 in the month of Jyestha on Purnima. Although the Brahmamuharta birth time made him the poet, his followers celebrated his birth anniversary as Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti every year, lying in May or June. In 2022 his Jayanti will be celebrated on 14th June 2022. Now, let’s know more about the life, philosophy, work of the mystic poet. 

A short note on Kabir 

• Kabir Das was a great saint of India and a mystical poet at the same time. Islam describes the meaning of Kabir as something great and big. A religious community named Kabir Pant defines Kabir as the creator of Sant Mat sects. The community is spread all over central and North India. 
• Although he wrote an array of poetries, books, Granth, etc., influencing the traditions and culture of India. Some of his writings include Kabir Granthawali, Sakhi Granth, Anurag Sagar, Bijak, etc. 
• He is called Sant because he believes in the spiritual path, which turned him into a great Sadhu. The site used to say that truth supports the person who walks on the right path. People can only be genuine if they drop the ‘I’ from ego and remain divine.
• He was a spiritual believer who acquired his training from Guru Ramananda in his early childhood. Initially, Guru Ramananda did not accept him as his disciple. Then, one day, Kabir came under Guru Ramanand’s feet as the latter was reciting mantras on the steps of Pond. The Guru felt guilty about the act, to which Kabir convinced them to accept him as his student. Guru Ramananda agreed to his request, and later on, Kabir became his favourite disciple. 
• Today, his home accommodates for students to live and learn about the works of Kabir and what impact he left on society. His home is now the famous Kabir Math, where the saints of the Kabir Panth community sing Kabir ke Dohe, giving real-life education to his worshippers. 

Life and birth of Kabir 

Kabir’s life is still mystic for many researchers. His birthdate is a puzzle for the world, and several debates have constantly been running for the same. The villagers of Varanasi believe that the poet appeared in the lotus flower on Lahartara pond, and Rishi Ashatanand Ji himself witnessed the incident. It is also suspected that he was found by Muslim weavers, namely Niru and his wife, Nima. After that, the poor Muslim family wholeheartedly adopted and raised him as his parents. The sant then lived the life of a mystic householder. It is assumed that Sant’s family still lives in Kabir Chaura, Varanasi. 

Sant Kabir’s philosophy and poetry 

• Kabir Das is the first Indian poet and saint to coordinate Hinduism and Islam by giving a universal path for the religions. The Hindus and Muslims then combinedly followed his philosophy. He believes that every relationship we live in consists of two principles, i.e., Paramatma and Jivatma. 
• The site suggested that Moksha is the process of uniting these divine principles of a relationship. Although, Kabir’s Bijak shows his vision of the spiritual path. He confidently showed his trust in Bhakti and Sufi ideas and Unity in God. 
• The poet often composed his poems in a clear and concise style by following his factual Guru. The poems were shloka and Sakhi. The poems gave another way for Kabir Panthis to follow his ideologies. 

Great works of Kabir 

• The Sufi poet wrote 72 books consisting of Dohas and Songs. Some of his important collections include Kabir Bijak, Holy Agams, Vasant, Mangal, the Suknidhan, Sabdas, Sakhis and Rekhtas. 
• He wrote his Dohas boldly and naturally, signifying the values of life. Moreover, he included the sense of the world in his couplet and dohas that are beyond any comparison. 

Contribution of Kabir to the country 

• Sant Kabir led Bhakti and Sufi movements in medieval India. The poet’s life cycle centers around the Kashi region, which relates to the Julaha cast. Although, his contribution to the Bhakti movement strictly objectifies the ritualistic and ascetic methods of the country. His sayings about goodness and prosperity made people realize that everyone is equal in the eyes of good. He never differentiated among anyone, whether the person was low caste, prostitute, or high caste. 
• The saint was a promoter and follower of ahimsa, turning people’s minds through his movement and couplets. Although many brahmins criticized him for his actions, he never paid attention. Instead, he always followed the path of love, peace, and prosperity that brought a change in the world.

Conclusion 

Kabir Das was a great mystic poet who taught a genuine lesson about morality, humanity, and spirituality. He followed the directions of his Guru Ramanand and walked on the path of prosperity. The saint opened people’s eyes through his preaches, poetries, books, and beliefs. He was a great follower of ahimsa, love, and peace. Today, many Kabir Panthis worship him at Kabir Chaura, Varanasi. Although there is no proof of the poet’s birth and biological parents, his journey is legendary and teaches real-world humanity.