Saint Kabir was not only a great devotee but also a marvellous poet as well. Brought up in the home of a Muslim family, the early life of Saint Kabir is not clear to anyone. His parent’s details are not available anywhere and it is still unknown that when he took birth or when he died. Many people claim that Kabir lived through the phase of 1398 to 1448, while some say that he was here till 1440-1518.
Born in the city of Banaras, Saint Kabir went on to become a disciple of Ramananda, a great Hindu Ascetic. Many people called him as a Saint and many people called him a Sufi, but through his verses, Kabir always said that he has come from the home of God and God is always with that person who is on the path of righteousness.
Kabir Life with his Guru
Saint Kabir wanted to have someone as his Guru and he found Ramananda as the person whom he could consider as his Guru. But living in a Muslim family, it was difficult for him to convince Ramananda to become his Guru, but he never gave up. He followed Ramananda and even hid near the Ganga when Ramananda went for a bath. One day, when Swami Ramananda was going for his bath in the early morning, he accidentally trod on the body of Kabir and chanted Ram! Ram! On hearing this, Kabir became really happy as he had found his Guru Mantra and thus convinced Ramananda to become his Guru.
Kabir’s Life and His Songs
Saint Kabir lived a very simple life and he always said that he has been sent by God to free the people from the trap of Kaal Purush and take them to the place where they belong, their real abode – the Amarlok. Through his songs, poems and verses, Kabir has expressed his vision towards life, towards God and towards the ultimate truth. Through his couplets, he has brought mystical emotions and used the metaphors and symbols of religion, but he never targeted any particular religion or its beliefs in his poems. This quality of him made his songs reach to masses and his work became popular and people followed his thoughts. This is the reason that even after so many centuries, his verses are very popular and his legacy is continued with “Kabir Panth”.
Let’s look at some of the most amazing work of Kabir and some of the best कबीर के दोहे –
1) पोथी पढ़ि पढ़ि जग मुआ, पंडित भया न कोय,
ढाई आखर प्रेम का, पढ़े सो पंडित होय।
Pothi Padhi Padhi Jag Mua, Pandit Bhaya Na Koye
Dhai Aakhar Prem Ke, Padhe So Pandit Hoye
Through his words, Saint Kabir says that even after reading all the literature and textbooks in the world, many people lived their life but could never become wise. But, if someone learns the art of love, then he can have the real knowledge in life and will find the true meaning of it.
2) धीरे-धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय,
माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ॠतु आए फल होय।
Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sab Kuch Hoye
Maali Seenche Sau Ghada, Ritu Aaye Fal Hoye
Saint Kabir says that by keeping patience in the heart, everything is possible. Even if the gardener gives water to a plant continuously, still the fruit will grow in its season only. It means that the right thing will happen at the right time only, and keeping patience will put the mind in peace.
3) जाति न पूछो साधु की, पूछ लीजिये ज्ञान,
मोल करो तरवार का, पड़ा रहन दो म्यान।
Jaati Na Pucho Saadhu Ki, Puch Lijiye Gyaan
Mol Karo Talwar Ka, Pada Rehan Do Myaan
Here, Saint Gyan tells that one should never ask the cast of a Saint and always consider his knowledge and character. Like the value is always given to a sword, not to its sheath.
4) दोस पराए देखि करि, चला हसन्त हसन्त,
अपने याद न आवई, जिनका आदि न अंत।
Dosh Praye Dekh Kari, Chala Hasant Hasant
Apne Yaad na Aavai, Jinka Aadi Na Ant
Saint Kabir says that it is the human nature that whenever he finds someone doing wrong deeds, he laughs on him. He forgets his own deeds, whose beginning or end is never remembered by him.
5) अति का भला न बोलना, अति की भली न चूप,
अति का भला न बरसना, अति की भली न धूप।
Ati Ka Bhala Na Bolna, Ati Ki Bhali Na Chup
Ati Ka Bhala Na Barasna, Ati Ki Bhali Na Dhoop
Saint Kabir says that speaking too much always causes problems, so does keeping quiet too often. Like, too much of rain always causes issues and so does sunshine.
6) कबीरा खड़ा बाज़ार में, मांगे सबकी खैर,
ना काहू से दोस्ती,न काहू से बैर।
Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein, Maange Sabki Khair
Naa Kaahu Se Dosti, Naa Kaahu Se Bair
Here, Saint Kabir says that he doesn’t believe in any kind of relationships. He only wishes for the well being of everyone without doing friendship or fighting with anyone.