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| KABIR |
Biography of Kabir
Kabir (also Kabira) (Hindi: कबीर, Punjabi: ਕਬੀਰ, Urdu: کبير) was a mystic poet and saint of India, whose writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement. The name Kabir comes from Arabic al-Kabīr which means 'The Great' - the 37th name of God in Islam.
Apart from having an important influence on Sikhism, 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. They are spread over north and central India, as well as dispersed with the Indian diaspora across the world, up from 843,171 in the 1901 census. His writings include Bijak, Sakhi Granth, Kabir Granthawali and Anurag Sagar.
Early Life and Background
Many legends abound about the birth, life and death of Kabir, one of India's most quoted poets and mystics. His birth itself is shrouded in mystery, some say he was the son of a Brahman widow, others that he was of virgin birth, what is known though is that he was brought up in a family of muslim weavers. He was never formally educated and was almost completely illiterate. According to legend, the only word that he ever learned how to write was "Rama".
Legend says that he reliquished his body when he was about 120 years old. There is a famous legend about his death; When he died, his Hindu and Muslim followers started fighting about the last rites. When they lifted the cloth covering his body, they found flowers instead. The Muslim followers buried their half and the Hindu cremated thier half. In Maghar, his tomb and samadhi still stand side by side.
Philosophy
The social and practical manifestation of Kabir's philosophy has rung through the ages. It represented a synthesis of Hindu, and Muslim concepts. From Hinduism he accepts the concept of reincarnation and the law of Karma. From Islam he takes the affirmation of the single god and the rejection of caste system and idolatry. The basic religious principles he espouses are simple. According to Kabir, all life is an 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 into union these two divine principles.
Kabir is a very important figure in Indian history. He is unusual in that he is spiritually significant to Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims alike. Kabir openly criticized all sects and gave a new direction to the Indian philosophy. Kabir touches the soul, the conscience, the sense of awareness and the vitality of existence in a manner that is unequalled in both simplicity and style.
Poetry
It is for this reason that Kabir is held in high esteem all over the world. Another beauty of Kabir's poetry is that he picks up situations that surround our daily lives. Thus, even today, Kabir's poetry is relevant and helpful in both social and spiritual context. Following Kabir means understanding one's inner self, realizing oneself, accepting oneself as is, and becoming harmonious with one's surrounding
Apart from having an important influence on Sikhism, 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. They are spread over north and central India, as well as dispersed with the Indian diaspora across the world, up from 843,171 in the 1901 census. His writings include Bijak, Sakhi Granth, Kabir Granthawali and Anurag Sagar.
Early Life and Background
Many legends abound about the birth, life and death of Kabir, one of India's most quoted poets and mystics. His birth itself is shrouded in mystery, some say he was the son of a Brahman widow, others that he was of virgin birth, what is known though is that he was brought up in a family of muslim weavers. He was never formally educated and was almost completely illiterate. According to legend, the only word that he ever learned how to write was "Rama".
Legend says that he reliquished his body when he was about 120 years old. There is a famous legend about his death; When he died, his Hindu and Muslim followers started fighting about the last rites. When they lifted the cloth covering his body, they found flowers instead. The Muslim followers buried their half and the Hindu cremated thier half. In Maghar, his tomb and samadhi still stand side by side.
Philosophy
The social and practical manifestation of Kabir's philosophy has rung through the ages. It represented a synthesis of Hindu, and Muslim concepts. From Hinduism he accepts the concept of reincarnation and the law of Karma. From Islam he takes the affirmation of the single god and the rejection of caste system and idolatry. The basic religious principles he espouses are simple. According to Kabir, all life is an 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 into union these two divine principles.
Kabir is a very important figure in Indian history. He is unusual in that he is spiritually significant to Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims alike. Kabir openly criticized all sects and gave a new direction to the Indian philosophy. Kabir touches the soul, the conscience, the sense of awareness and the vitality of existence in a manner that is unequalled in both simplicity and style.
Poetry
It is for this reason that Kabir is held in high esteem all over the world. Another beauty of Kabir's poetry is that he picks up situations that surround our daily lives. Thus, even today, Kabir's poetry is relevant and helpful in both social and spiritual context. Following Kabir means understanding one's inner self, realizing oneself, accepting oneself as is, and becoming harmonious with one's surrounding
Kabir (also Kabira) (Hindi: कबीर, Punjabi: ਕਬੀਰ, Urdu: کبير) was a mystic poet and saint of India, whose writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement. The name Kabir comes from Arabic al-Kabīr which means 'The Great' - the 37th name of God in Islam.
Kabir ke Dohe with meaning in Hindi and English
Sant Kabir Das ke Dohe
Below are some of his famous couplets with their meaning.
#1.
बडा हुआ तो क्या हुआ जैसे पेड़ खजूर।
पंथी को छाया नही फल लागे अति दूर ॥
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं, कि सिर्फ बड़े होने से कुछ नहीं होता. उदाहरण के लिए खजूर का पेड़, जो इतना बड़ा होता है पर ना तो किसी यात्री को धूप के समय छाया दे सकता है, ना ही उसके फल कोई आसानी से तोड़ के अपनी भूख मिटा सकता है .
Meaning in English
It is no use being very big or rich if you can not do any good to others. For example, Palm tree is also very tall, but it is of no use to a traveller as it provides no shade and the fruit is also at the top, so noone can eat easily.
#2.
कबीरा खड़ा बाज़ार में, सबकी मांगे खैर.
ना काहू से दोस्ती, ना काहू से बैर.
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं की सबके बारे में भला सोचो . ना किसी से ज्यादा दोस्ती रखो और ना ही किसी से दुश्मनी रखो.
Meaning in English
Kabir says that you should always think well of everyone. Do not be over-friendly with anyone nor should you be hostile to anyone.
#3.
कहे कबीर कैसे निबाहे , केर बेर को संग
वह झूमत रस आपनी, उसके फाटत अंग .
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं कि भिन्न प्रकृति के लोग एक साथ नहीं रह सकते. जैसे केले और बेर का पेड़ साथ साथ नहीं लगा सकते. क्योंकि हवा से बेर का पेड़ हिलेगा और उसके काँटों से केले के पत्ते कट जायेंगे.
Meaning in English
Kabir says people of different nature can not live together. As if Banana and Ber trees are planted near each other, Ber tree will swing in air and banana tree leaves will get torn by it’s thorns.
#4.
तिनका कबहूँ न निंदिये जो पावन तर होए
कभू उडी अँखियाँ परे तो पीर घनेरी होए
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं कि किसी तिनके को पावों के नीचे नहीं रौंदना चाहिए अर्थात किसी दुर्बल, असहाय के ऊपर अत्याचार नहीं करना चाहिए क्योंकि जब दुर्बल उठ के वार करेगा तो बहुत पीड़ा होगी, जैसे तिनका यदि आँख में उड़ के चला जाए तो बहुत व्यथा होती है.
Meaning in English
Kabir says that you should not oppress the weak, as you should not trample a speck because when that weak person counter-attacks , it will be very painful just like a speck of dust in eye can cause a lot of discomfort.
Kabir Das ke dohe on Religion & Orthodoxy
#5.
साँई इतना दीजिए जामें कुटुंब समाय ।
मैं भी भूखा ना रहूँ साधु न भुखा जाय॥
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं, कि हे भगवान् मुझे ज्यादा नहीं चाहिए. बस इतना दीजिये,जिस में उसके परिवार का भरण-पोषण हो जाए. और यदि कोई अतिथि आये, तो उसका सत्कार भी कर सके.
Meaning in English
Kabir request God to give only as much so that he can feed his family and if any guest comes he should be able to feed him too. It means, you should only have what you need, no use having too much.
#6.
माटी कहे कुम्हार से, तु क्या रौंदे मोय ।
एक दिन ऐसा आएगा, मैं रौंदूगी तोय ॥
Meaning in Hindi
मिटटी कुम्हार से कहती है कि आज तो तू मुझे पैरों के नीचे रोंद रहा है . पर एक दिन ऐसा आएगा जब तू मेरे नीचे होगा और मैं तेरे ऊपर होउंगी . अर्थात मृत्यु के बाद सब मिटटी के नीचे ही होते हैं .
Meaning in English
Soil tell the pot maker, you think you are kicking me and kneading me with your feet. There will be a day when you will be below me (after death) , I will knead you.
#7.
माला फेरत जुग भया, फिरा न मन का फेर ।
कर का मन का डार दे, मन का मनका फेर ॥
Meaning in Hindi
ये उन लोगों के ऊपर कटाक्ष है जो धर्मभीरु होते हैं. कबीर कहते हैं कि माला फेरने से कुछ नहीं होता. धर्मभीरुता छोड़ के अपने मन को बदल.
Meaning in English
This is sarcasm on people who follow religion blindly. Kabir says, you spent your life turning the beads of rosary, but could not turn your own heart. Leave the rosary and try and change the evil in your heart.
#8.
गुरु गोविंद दोनों खड़े, काके लागूं पाँय ।
बलिहारी गुरु आपनो, गोविंद दियो मिलाय ॥
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं की गुरु का स्थान ईश्वर से भी ऊपर है. यदि दोनों एक साथ खड़े हो तो किसे पहले प्रणाम करना चाहिए. किन्तु गुरु की शिक्षा के कारण ही भगवान् के दर्शन हुए हैं.
Meaning in English
Here Kabir says Teacher is even greater than God. He says, if teacher and God are both in front of me, who will I greet first. He then says, it is only because of teacher’s teaching that I am able to see God.
#9.
पाथर पूजे हरि मिले , तो मैं पूजू पहाड़ .
घर की चाकी कोई ना पूजे, जाको पीस खाए संसार
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं कि यदि पत्थर कि मूर्ती कि पूजा करने से भगवान् मिल जाते तो मैं पहाड़ कि पूजा कर लेता हूँ .
उसकी जगह कोई घर की चक्की की पूजा कोई नहीं करता , जिसमे अन्न पीस कर लोग अपना पेट भरते हैं .
उसकी जगह कोई घर की चक्की की पूजा कोई नहीं करता , जिसमे अन्न पीस कर लोग अपना पेट भरते हैं .
Meaning in English
Kabir says people worship idols made from stone. If it was possible to reach God this way, he would worship a Hill.
Instead, noone worships home flour mill (chakki) which gives us the flour to eat.
#10.
दुर्बल को न सताइये, जाकी मोटी हाय |
मरी खाल की सांस से, लोह भसम हो जाय ||
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर जी कहते हैं किसी को दुर्बल या कमज़ोर समझ कर उसको नहीं सताना चाहिए, क्योंकि दुर्बल की हाय या शाप बहुत प्रभावशाली होता है. जैसे मरे हुए जानवर की खाल को जलाने से लोहा तक पिघल जाता है.
Meaning in English
Kabir says that you should not oppress somebody weak thinking that person cannot do you any harm. Weak person’s curse can do you great harm just like hide from a dead animal can melt even iron.
Kabir ke dohe on Madhur Vani, Good Speech
#11.
ऐसी बानी बोलिए, मन का आपा खोय |
औरन को शीतल करे, आपहु शीतल होय |
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं कि ऐसी वाणी में बात कीजिये, जिससे सब का मन भाव विभोर हो जाए। आपकी मधुर वाणी सुनकर आप स्वयं भी शीतल हो और जो सुने वो भि प्रसन्न हो जाए।
Meaning in English
Kabir das says in this couplet that one should speak in such sweet language which makes everyone happy, not just yourself but also others who listen to you.
# 12.
अति का भला न बोलना, अति की भली न चूप,
अति का भला न बरसना, अति की भली न धूप।
अति का भला न बरसना, अति की भली न धूप।
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं कि न तो अधिक बोलना अच्छा है, न ही अधिक चुप रहना ही ठीक है. जैसे बहुत अधिक वर्षा भी अच्छी नहीं और बहुत अधिक धूप भी अच्छी नहीं है. अतः हमें संयम के साथ रहना चाहिए।
Meaning in English
Sant Kabir das says in this couplet that too much of anything is bad, so one must exercise control and be moderate in everything. Too much talking is not good, neither is too much quietness. Just like how too much rain is not good and neither is too much sunshine.
#13.
बोली एक अनमोल है, जो कोई बोलै जानि,
हिये तराजू तौलि के, तब मुख बाहर आनि।
Meaning in Hindi
कबीर कहते हैं कि वाणी एक अमूल्य रत्न के समान है। इसलिए वह ह्रदय के तराजू में तोलकर अर्थात सोच समझ कर ही उसे मुंह से बाहर आने देना चाहिए.
Meaning in English
Sant Kabir das says that speech is like a priceless jewel. So, when someone speaks, one must think many times and then speak.
