Kabir

SadGranth Sahib

Saint Kabir with Namdeva, Raidas and Pipaji. Jaipur, early 19century, National Museum New Delhi (2)

Kabir-stamp-370x630

Painting of bhagat Kabir with attendants, circa late 17th century

Nanak and Mardana with Kabir

Kabir (1440–1518) was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint, whose writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement and the Sufi movement within Hinduism and Islam across the Indian subcontinent. Kabir's verses are found in Sikhism's holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, as well as in various other Indian texts. His most notable work includes his poems and couplets, known as Kabir's Dohas, which express his philosophical and spiritual beliefs through simple, yet profound language.

Life

Little is known about the early life of Kabir. It is believed that he was born in Varanasi (also known as Benares), in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, to a family of Muslim weavers. Despite his Islamic background, Kabir became a disciple of the Hindu bhakti saint Ramananda, which was unusual at the time due to the strict religious divisions. Kabir's teachings and poetry often emphasize the unity of God and the importance of personal devotion over ritualistic practices, challenging the orthodoxies of both Hinduism and Islam.

Philosophy

Kabir's philosophy was centered around an unequivocal belief in a single, formless God, who is accessible to everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, or social status. He criticized both the major religions of his time for their ritualism and hypocrisy, advocating instead for a direct, personal relationship with the divine. Kabir's teachings stress the importance of inner purity, love, and the remembrance of God, often using metaphors and analogies drawn from everyday life to convey his messages.

Literary Works

Kabir's literary contributions are primarily in the form of dohas (couplets), sakhi (witness), and pad (songs), which were orally transmitted for generations and are characterized by their pithiness, depth, and lyrical beauty. His language is a blend of regional dialects, including Avadhi, Braj, and Bhojpuri, making his teachings accessible to the common people. Kabir's works challenge societal norms and encourage a direct, unmediated spiritual experience.

Legacy

Kabir's influence extends beyond the literary and religious spheres. His life and teachings have been interpreted in various ways across different cultures and historical periods, making him a symbol of interfaith harmony and a source of inspiration for many spiritual and social reform movements. The Kabir Panth, a religious community that recognizes Kabir as its principal guru or saint, continues to propagate his teachings.

See Also

• Bhakti movement
• Sufi movement
• Guru Granth Sahib
• Ramananda
• Spiritual practice
• Interfaith dialogue