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Sant Kabir - Spiritual Master

Sant Kabir

Bhakti / Sant Tradition

The weaver-saint whose verses bridge Hindu and Muslim traditions

1440 CE - 1518 CE
Varanasi (Kashi)
Sant Tradition

Introduction

Sant Kabir was a 15th-century mystic poet and saint whose verses criticize organized religion and emphasize direct experience of God. His poems, sung across India, speak to the common person in simple, powerful language.

Life Journey

1440
Birth
Found as infant near Varanasi
1455
Initiation
Received mantra from Ramananda
1460-1518
Teaching
Composed and sang poems while weaving
1518
Death
Deliberately died in Maghar

Core Teachings

  • God is one, called by many names (Ram, Rahim, etc.)
  • True religion is beyond outer forms and rituals
  • The divine is within; seek inward, not in temples or mosques
  • The guru's grace is essential but the work is yours
  • Death is certain; use time wisely for spiritual practice
  • Pride, lust, anger, and greed are the real obstacles
  • Love is the essence of spirituality

How to Follow / Practices

  • Remember God's name (Ram) constantly
  • Live honestly by your own labor
  • Question blind faith and superstition
  • Seek a true guru who has realized God
  • Live simply, avoiding ostentation
  • Treat all people with equality
  • Sing devotional songs (bhajans)

Famous Works & Speeches

Bijak - Collection of Kabir's verses
Kabir Granthavali - Compilation of his poetry
Dohas (couplets) - Short wisdom verses
Shabds (songs) - Devotional hymns
Included in Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh scripture)

Relevance for Modern Life

Kabir's rejection of religious formalism while embracing spiritual essence speaks to those disillusioned with organized religion. His message that God is within resonates with contemporary seekers.

His stance against caste and communal divisions offers a model for religious harmony. In a time of Hindu-Muslim tension, Kabir's life and work demonstrate the possibility of transcending religious boundaries.

His use of everyday language and images makes spirituality accessible to common people. His teaching that honest work is as sacred as prayer dignifies labor.

His questioning of religious authority and emphasis on direct experience appeals to those who value authenticity over tradition.

Inspiring Quotes

"Pothi padh padh jag mua, pandit bhaya na koye; Dhai akshar prem ka, padhe so pandit hoye - Reading books everyone died, none became wise; One who reads two and a half letters of love becomes truly learned"
"Jaise til mein tel hai, jyon chakmak mein aag; Tera sain tujh mein hai, tu jaag sake to jaag - As oil in sesame, fire in flint, so God is within you; Wake up if you can"

Associated Places & Ashrams

Birthplace
Kabir Chaura
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Samadhi/Memorial
Kabir Samadhi
Maghar, Uttar Pradesh

Festivals & Remembrance

Jayanti (Birth Anniversary): Jyeshtha Purnima (May-June)