Sant Kabir.

🕉️ Sant Kabir – 

Full Name: Sant Kabir Das

Born: Around 1440 CE (some sources say 1398 CE)

Place: Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh, India

Died: Around 1518 CE, in Maghar, near Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

Occupation: Mystic poet, saint, weaver (Julaha by caste), and social reformer

Philosophy: Unity of God, inner devotion, equality, and simplicity in life

👶 Early Life

Kabir’s exact origins are uncertain.

According to tradition, he was found as an infant on the steps of Lahartara pond in Varanasi and was adopted by a Muslim weaver couple, Neeru and Neema.

Though raised in a Muslim family, Kabir was deeply influenced by the Hindu Bhakti movement and by his spiritual teacher Swami Ramananda, a Vaishnava saint of the 15th century.

This mixed background shaped Kabir’s inclusive vision — he rejected religious divisions and emphasized universal spirituality.

🧘 Spiritual Philosophy

Kabir’s teachings combined elements of Bhakti (devotion) and Sufism (Islamic mysticism).

His philosophy is often summarized as:

> “God is One, and can be found not in temples or mosques, but within one’s own heart.”

🌟 Key beliefs:

1. God is Formless (Nirguna Brahman):

Kabir rejected idol worship and rituals.

He said God can be realized only through love, truth, and meditation.

2. Unity of All Religions:

He criticized both Hindus and Muslims for blind rituals.

Famous lines:

> “Pothi padh padh jag mua, pandit bhayo na koi.

Dhai akhar prem ke, jo padhe so pandit hoy.”

(Reading books everyone died, none became wise.

Only the two and a half letters of ‘love’ — those who read it truly become wise.)

3. Equality and Humanity:

He strongly opposed caste discrimination.

He believed all humans are equal before God.

4. Simple Living, Inner Devotion:

He taught that true worship lies in sincerity, humility, and self-realization — not in outward show.

📜 Writings

Kabir’s verses are called “Dohas” — short, two-line poems full of deep spiritual wisdom.

They are collected in texts like:

Kabir Granthavali

Bijak (the main collection followed by the Kabir Panth)

Adi Granth (the Sikh scripture also includes many of his hymns)

His dohas are simple, direct, and full of life lessons.

✒️ Famous Dohas (Couplets)

1. “Dukh mein sumiran sab kare, sukh mein kare na koi,

Jo sukh mein sumiran kare, to dukh kahe ko hoi.”

(Everyone remembers God in sorrow, none in happiness.

If one remembers Him in joy, why would sorrow ever come?)

2. “Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koi;

Jo man khoja apna, to mujhse bura na koi.”

(I went looking for the bad in others, but found none;

When I searched within myself, I found no one worse than me.)

3. “Moko kahan dhunde re bande, main to tere paas mein.”

(O seeker, where do you search for me? I am within you.)

🛕 Religious Influence

His followers are known as Kabir Panthis.

They regard Kabir as both a saint and an incarnation of the divine Word (Shabda Brahman).

The Kabir Panth has centers (maths) across India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

⚰️ Death and Legacy

Kabir died in Maghar, where both Hindus and Muslims claimed him.

Legend says his body turned into a heap of flowers, symbolizing unity.

Hindus took half the flowers and cremated them; Muslims buried the other half.

Today, both a samadhi (Hindu memorial) and a maqbara (Muslim tomb) exist side by side in Maghar.

His teachings deeply influenced later saints like Guru Nanak, Tulsidas, and Dadu Dayal.

🌼 Legacy and Message

Language: Kabir wrote in Sadhukkadi — a mix of Hindi, Braj, and Awadhi — making his ideas accessible to common people.

Movement: He was one of the most important voices of the Bhakti movement, emphasizing personal devotion over ritualism.

Modern Relevance: His dohas are still widely quoted for their simplicity and truth about life, ego, and love.