Theme Paper - Kabir

8/3/2019 Theme Paper - Kabir

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Theme Paper

Creative Excellence in Management (MC-212)

PGDM 47, IIM Calcutta

July, 2011

By:

Shankhadeep BanerjeeRegNo - 258/47

Section A


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Introduction

About Sant Kabir

Sant Kabir is considered to be one of the greatest poets as well as mystics ever born in

India, whose writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement. He believed thathuman beings are equal and being one with God is the ultimate aim of every individual.

His love and devotion towards the Supreme One clearly reflects in his poetry. The Holy

Guru Granth Sahib contains over 500 verses by the great saint, Kabir. The verses or

dohas of Guru Kabir are still read by people with awe and admiration. Kabir's legacy is

today carried forward by the Kabir Panth ("Path of Kabir"), a religious community that

recognizes him as its founder and is one of the Sant Mat sects. Its members, known

as Kabir panthis, are estimated to be around 9,600,000.

Early Life

As per the life history of Saint Kabir, he was born in 1440 AD. It is said that he was

found floating on a lotus leaf in a tank in Benaras by a Muslim weaver. The weaver took

the vulnerable child under his care and following the traditional manner, gave him the

name of 'Kabir', meaning 'the great one'. Even at a young age, Kabir displayed enormous

spiritual talent.

Meeting his Guru

Kabir always wanted to become a disciple of Ramanand. However, since he was a

Muslim, it was next to impossible for him to get initiation from a Hindu. So, he took

recourse to a trick. The story is told that on one particular day of the year, anyone can

become a disciple by having a master speak the name of God over him. Ramanand daily

went to the bathing ghat for his pre-dawn ritual ablutions. Kabir lay on the steps of the

ghat in such a way that Ramanand stepped on him. Shocked at this incident, he chanted

'Rama! Rama!'. Kabir said that since he had received teachings from him, in the form of

the words 'Rama! Rama!', he was Ramanand's disciple. Impressed with the intelligence

of Kabir, Ramanand took him as his disciple.

Kabir ke Dohe

The hallmark of Kabir's works consists of his two line couplets, known as the 'Kabir ke

Dohe'. The Dohas reflect the deep philosophical thinking of the poet saint. His greatest

work is the Bijak (the "Seedling"), an idea of the fundamental one. This collection of

poems elucidates Kabir's universal view of spirituality. Though his vocabulary is replete

with Hindu spiritual concepts, such as Brahman, karma and reincarnation, he

vehemently opposed dogmas, both in Hinduism and in Islam. His Hindi was

a vernacular, straightforward kind, much like his philosophies. He often advocated

leaving aside the Qur'an and Vedas and simply following Sahaja path, or the

Simple/Natural Way to oneness in God. He believed in the Vedantic concept of atman,

but unlike earlier orthodox Vedantins, he followed this philosophy to its logical end by

spurning the Hindu societal caste system and worship of murti, showing clear belief in

both bhakti and Sufi ideas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabir_panthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sant_Mathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bijakhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reincarnationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qur%27anhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahajahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murtihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedantahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahajahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qur%27anhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernacularhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reincarnationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karmahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bijakhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sant_Mathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabir_panth


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The Philosophy of Sant Kabir

Kabir's philosophy about life was very clear-cut. He believed in living life in a very

simplistic manner. He had a strong faith in the concept of oneness of God. He advocated

the notion of Koi bole Ram Ram Koi Khudai.... The basic idea was to spread the message

that whether you chant the name of Hindu God or Muslim God, the fact is that there is

only one God who is the creator of this beautiful world.

Talking about the philosophies & principles of Kabirdas, he was against the caste system

imposed by the Hindu community and also opposed the idea of worshipping the idols.

On the contrary, he advocated the Vedantic concepts of atman. He supported the idea of

minimalist living that was advocated by the Sufis. To have a clear idea about the

philosophy of sant Kabir, check out his poems and two line verses known as dohas that

speak his mind and soul.

Kabir was strictly against the practice of hypocrisy and didn't like people maintaining

double standards. He always preached people to be compassionate towards other living

beings and practice true love. He urged the need to have company of good people that

adhere to values and principles. Well, Kabir has very beautifully expressed his values

and beliefs in his writings that include dohas, poems, Ramainis, Kaharvaas and Shabads.

Kabir in popular culture

There are several allusions to Kabir's poetry in mainstream Indian film music. The title

song of the Sufi fusion band Indian Ocean's album Jhini is an energetic rendering of

Kabir's famous poem "The intricately woven blanket", with influences from Indian folk,

Sufi traditions and progressive rock.

Documentary filmmaker Shabnam Virmani, from the Kabir Project, has produced a

series of documentaries and books tracing Kabir's philosophy, music and poetry in

present day India and Pakistan. The documentaries feature Indian folk singers such as

Prahlad Tipanya, Mukhtiyar Ali and the Pakistani Qawwal Fareed Ayaz.

Kabir's poetry has appeared prominently in filmmaker Anand Gandhi's films Right Here

Right Now and Continuum.

Nature of Creativity

Creativity that oozed out of Kabir had the following major characteristics (with accompanyingcouplets as examples) -

v Simple WordsKabir used very simple colloquial language to express his ideas. This is what makes him so

popular among masses since they can easily understand his language unlike in case of other

philosophers or poets whose words are too difficult for common people to grasp.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean_(band)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhinihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabnam_Virmanihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabir_Projecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qawwalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fareed_Ayazhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_Here_Right_Nowhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_Here_Right_Nowhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anand_Gandhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fareed_Ayazhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qawwalihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabir_Projecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabnam_Virmanihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhinihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean_(band)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufi


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Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein, Mange Sabki Khair

Na Kahu Se Dosti, Na Kahu Se Bair

Kabira Stands in the market place, Asks for everyones prosperity. Neither

special friendship nor enmity for anyone.

v Complex IdeasJust because he used simple words didnt mean he expressed just simple ideas. His ideas

were many times pretty philosophical and mystical. And he used a creative way to make

those ideas embed into the mind of the listener and make her think.

Jaise Til Mein Tel Hai, Jyon Chakmak Mein Aag

Tera Sayeen Tujh Mein Hai, Tu Jaag Sake To Jaag

Like the Oil is inside the Seed, Just as the Fire is Inside the Flint Stone.

Your God is Inside You, If you have the Power to Wake Up, then Wake Up

v 2-line poetryIt is easier to express yourself in lot of words. But given a constraint on words, it is usually

very difficult to pin down thoughts. Kabirs creativity lied in the fact that he just needed 2

simple rhyming sentences to convey whatever was in his mind. This is in fact the rarest

characteristic of his ingenuity which made him one of the most popular mystic poets of the

world.

Kabira Garv Na Keejiye, Uncha Dekh AavaasKaal Paron Punyah Letna, Ouper Jamsi Ghaas

Kabir , Don't be so proud and vain, Looking at your high mansion

Tomorow you'll lie under feet, On top will grow Grass

v SpontaneityIt was a well known fact that Kabir used to make his couplets impromptu. It was usually

related to the discussions with his followers or even as replies to pundits who came to do

shastrastra (duel of wisdom) with him. Coming up with a doha spontaneously which

accurately expressed his beliefs is definitely not a common feat and speaks volumes of hiscreative engine.

Na yogi yog sun dhawe, na tapasi deh jalawe,

Sahaj dhyan jo pawe, surati ka khel jehi aawe

He plays better who is simple and spontaneous. For him a yogis deep

meditation and a sadhus painful penance is not required


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v Humour & SarcasmUnlike many philosophers & saints who are pretty dry & serious to listen to, Kabir was

completely different. He used funny imagery and resorted to a lot of sarcasm intended not

only to win others in favour of his ideas but also to make sure the lessons are transferred

light heartedly but sincerely.

Moond muraya Hari mile, sab koi leyee muraya,

Bar-bar ke murte, bhera na baikunth jaya

(If by shaving heads one can reach God, then everybody should do so. But

if repeated shaving worked, then all sheep must be reaching heavens!)

v AnalogiesSimiles, metaphors, analogies, etc were used extensively by Kabir. This ensured that not

only is idea is conveyed but also an example is given to drive the point home. Also, the usage

of such analogies made it easier to remember and recollect his dohas. The analogies were

usually derived from nature so as to be universal.

Kasturi kundal base, mriga dhunde ban mahi,

Aise ghat ghat Rama hai, duniya dekhe nahi

(A musk deer runs around the forest in search of the fragrance which

actually comes out of his own self. Similarly, Rama is in everyone, but

nobody realises that)

v DepthMany times Kabir went ahead and recited dohas which reflected the depth of his thinking.

These are usually not understood unless the context is known and are the spiritual gems of

his wisdom. Though he was by profession a weaver, it is the depth of his dohas which

elevated him to the status of a mystic and a saint.

Boond samana sindhu mein, janat hai sab koi,

Sindhu samana boond mein, bujhe birana koi.

(A drop merges in the ocean, that everybody understands. But, the ocean

merges with the drop that very few understand)

v Double Meanings & ParadoxesKabir was master of double meanings & symbolisms. His dohas would sometimes not at all

mention the main idea at all and yet through just describing a simple thing he would teach a

lesson completely unrelated to the words he recited. For example, he describes the notion of

duality of universe in the following doha by just describing two grinding stones.


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Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye

Do Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye

Watching the grinding stones, the Light Kabir Cries

Inside the Two Stones, no one survives

Also presenting here one of his most remarkable symbolic & paradoxical verses

How can the township guarded?

Where fickle men and strange woman live,

Where oxen deliver and cows are barren,

Where calf is milked thrice a day,

Where flies play in the cobwebs of spiders,

Where open mutton is guarded by eages,

Where kitten boat is sailed by mice boatmen,

Where frogs sleep watched by serpents,

Where mornings come with struggle against jackals & lion,

Kabir says only men of rare wisdom can understand it

The ambiguity becomes a bit clearer with the following keys

Township Body & Soul

Fickle Man Restless Mind

Strange Woman Desires

Oxen Creative Mind

Cows Pure Mind

Calf Senses

Fly Sensuous Feelings

Spider Illusions

Mutton Wishes

Eagle Lust

Kitten Devilish Mind

Mice Physical Self

Frog Mind

Serpent Knowledge/Doubt

Jackal Bad Habits

Lion - Time


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Drivers of Creativity

v PhilosophyKabir was influenced by the prevailing religious mood of his times, such as old Brahmanic

Hinduism, Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism, the teachings of Nath yogis and the personal

devotionalism of South India mixed with the imageless God of Islam. The influence of these

various doctrines is clearly evident in Kabir's verses. He believed in the Vedantic concept

of atman, but unlike earlier orthodox Vedantins, he followed this philosophy to its logical

end by spurning the Hindu societal caste system and worship of murti, showing clear belief

in both bhakti and Sufi ideas. Eminenthistorians have held thatKabir is the first Indian saint

to have harmonised Hinduism and Islam by preaching a universal path which both Hindus

and Muslims could tread together.

Maya Mari Na Man Mara, Mar Mar Gaye Shareer

Asha Trishna Na Mari, Keh Gaye Das Kabir

Neither Maya Died, Nor the Mind Died, Die and die again People/Bodies

Hope and delusion have not died, so said Das Kabir and left

v DevotionKabir was a true devotee of God and Guru and much of his creativity emerged from his

devotion. He referred to himself as Dasa (servant of God) in many of his dohas.

His poems resonate with praise for the true guru who reveals the divine through direct

experience, and denounce more usual ways of attempting god-union such as chanting,

austerities, etc.

Dukh Mein Simran Sab Kare, Sukh Mein Kare Na Koye

Jo Sukh Mein Simran Kare, Tau Dukh Kahe Ko Hoye

While Suffering everyone Prays and Remembers Him, in joy no one does

If one prays and remembers Him in happiness, why would sorrow come?

v MysticismKabir was a mystic of highest order and had divine experiences but instead of renouncing

worldly life, he decided to be a part of it and show others how to live simply and teach

others the mysteries of life. According to Kabir, all life is interplay of two spiritual principles.

One is the personal soul (Jivatma) and the other is God (Paramatma). It is Kabir's view

that salvation is the process of bringing these two divine principles into union. Lot of his

dohas is focused to bring out this truth.

Jaise bat ka beej tahi mein, patra, phool, phal, chhaya,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanic_Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanic_Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murtihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murtihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman_(Hinduism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedantahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanic_Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanic_Hinduism


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Kaya maddhe beej beeraje, beeja maddhe kaya.

The seed of tree is in you and so are the leaves, fruits, flowers and

shadow. The seed lies in the body, and the body in the seed.

v IlliteracyThe fact that Kabir was not literate, that he neither knew how to read or write did not

hamper his creativity. In fact it aided it. Kabirs language was more raw and hence better

suited for common people and his metaphors were things that happen around us and

hence were easily understood. Being a wise illiterate gave his creativity an originality

missing in the so called literate creative people.

Masi kagad chhuwo nahi, kalam gahi nahi haath;

Charik jan ka mahatam, mukhahi jani baat

I have touched neither ink nor paper and have not handled pen. The

importance of all things & their qualities has come to me through oral

tradition.

v LoveKabir believed in love and harmony among all irrespective of casete, creed, religion, etc.

And, he himself lived as he taught, by spreading love. Love brings out the best among people

and its a well known fact that lovers become poets as poem comes out naturally from heart!

Akath Kahani Prem Ki, Kutch Kahi Na Jaye

Goonge Keri Sarkara, Baithe Muskae

Inexpressible is the story of Love, It goes without Saying

Like the dumb guy who eat sweet Sarkara, he only Smiles

v Social ConsciousnessThough Kabir was illiterate, he was completely aware of what is going on with the world

and society. Through his dohas he preached society on improving itself whether in relationto people who live together or nature in which they live.

Samundar lagi agi, nadiyan jail koela bhai,

Dekh Kabira jagi, pankhi rukha chadhi gayo.

(There is fire in the sea, rivers have burnt out and become coal. Kabir woke

up to see them, birds flew out of fear)


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v ContentmentCreativity flows out easily when there is no pressure. Kabir was content with whatever he

had and had no desires. He lived a simple life of weaver to sustain his family and when he

relaxed with his followers, he created the dohas which used to be cherished by them.

Attachments, fears & expectations had no hold over his free imagination.

Sai itna dijiye, jame kutum samaye,

Main bhi bhukha na rahun, sadhu na bhukha jae.

(God, give me just enough for feeding myself, family and guests)

v SelflessnessWhatever Kabir did was for the sake of others and the society at large. So it was just to make

common man lead his life better that he invented his dohas and unleashed his creative

potential.

Taruvar phal nahi khat hai, nadi na seeche neer,

Parmarath ke karane, sadhu dhara sareer.

(Trees cant eat their fruits, nor rivers can their water. Saints too take

birth in their bodies for the service of others)

v UnlabelledLike many free thinkers, he refused to be bound by the game of labels. His teachings

reflected his liberal attitude as he sought to unify the manifold divisions that people create

among themselves. This also allowed his creativity to derive from various sources liberally.

Hindu to main hun nahi, musalman bhi nahi,

Panch tatva ka pootla, jaibi khelat mahi.

(Neither I am a Hindu, nor a Muslim. Just playing with this doll made of the

five elements.)

v Pure MindNothing can be more fertile for innovative ideas and intuitive insights than a pure mind free

from the usual blemishes of anger, lust, greed, etc. This is what made him see the world in a

different sort of untainted perspective.

Kabir Man Nirmal Bhaya, Jaise Ganga Neer

Pache Pache Har Phire, Kahat Kabir Kabir

Kabir Washed His Mind Clean, Like The Holy Ganges River

Everyone follows behind, Saying Kabir, Kabir


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Lessons for Us

Kabir teaches us how to live in harmony and peace. Following are some of the Do s & Donts that

can be derived from his couplets as lessons for us -

Dos -

Practice equalityKahe Hindu mohi Rama piyara, Turuk kahe Rehimana,

Apas mein dou lari lari muye, marm na kahu jana

(Hindus say they love Rama, Muslims say Rahim. They keep fighting each

other not knowing the true essence that they are one and the same)

Understand divinity exists within all of usJyon Naino Mein Putli, Tyon Maalik Ghat Mahin

Moorakh Log Na Janhin, Baahar Dhudhan Jahin

Like the pupil is in the eyes, Your God lives inside you,

The ignorant don't know this, they search Him on the outside

Introspect and improve ourselvesBura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye

Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye

I went on the search for the Bad Guy, Bad Guy I couldn't findWhen I searched my mind, Non one is Nastier then Me

Be modest, humble and politeAisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye

Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye

Speak such words, you lose the minds Ego

Body remains composed, Others Find Peace

Have more patience in lifeDheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kutch Hoye

Mali Seenche So Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye

Slowly slowly stay my mind, Slowly everything happens

Gardner may water garden a hundred times, When the Season comes, there

is fruit


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Try to be more self-sufficientMangan Maran Saman Hai, Mat Koi Mange Beekh

Mangan Se Marna Bhala, Yeh Satguru Ki Seekh

Begging is like dying, Let no one Beg

It is better to die than beg, this is the SatGuru's Message

Live in presentKabir So Dhan Sanchiye, Jo Aage Ko Hoye

Sees Charaye Potli, Le Jaat Na Dekhya Koye

Kabir, save the wealth that remains in this Moment

Departing with a bag of material wealth, no one has yet been seen.

Donts

Shun hypocrisy & superstitionsDin bhar roja rahat hai, rati hanta hai gaya,

Yeh to khoon, who bandage, kaisi khushi khudaya

(Morning, you observe fast in the name of God and at night you kill a cow.

This worship & that murder, how can you be happy?)

Avoid overindulgenceAisa yeh sansaar hai, jaisa semal phool,

Din das ke tyohar ke, jhoothe rang na bhool

(The world is like the flower of cotton seed. Its colours and attractions

last only for 10 days. One should not forget this fact)

Do not fuel ego & prideBada hua to kya hua, jaise ped khajoor,

Panthi ko chaya nahin, phal laage ati door

(What if one is big? A tall palm tree can neither provide shade to travelers

nor is it easy to pluck its fruits)

Never postpone workKaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub

Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub


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Tomorrows work do today, today's work now

If the moment is lost, how will the work be done?

Minimise worry & stressChinta Aisee Dakini, Kat Kaleja Khaye

Vaid Bichara Kya Kare, Kahan Tak Dawa Lagaye

Worry is such a Thief, it eats one's heart

What can the poor doctor do, How far will his medicine reach?

Conclusion

Kabir is definitely one of the greatest sages, poets and thinkers who changed the course ofhistory through the strength of his wisdom and creativity. It is simple living and high thinking

which drives is creativity which reflects in the form of simple words with high thoughts. His

lessons are eternal and hold meaning even in todays age, or if I may daresay his lessons have

become especially more important in todays age. His innovative ways of expressing his beliefs

have both entertained and taught us for centuries and will continue to do so forever.

References

Websites -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabirdas

http://www.thecolorsofindia.com/kabir/index.html

http://www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/gurus/kabir.html

Books

Knowing Sant Kabir Life & Teachings
http://www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/gurus/kabir.htmlhttp://www.thecolorsofindia.com/kabir/index.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabirdas

Documents

Theme Paper - Kabir