Bhagat Kabir

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A rare fresco depicting Bhagat Kabir weaving at his traditional 'khaddi' and Mai Loi spinning. The picture that once adored the walls of Akal Takht was destroyed when its building was pulled down in January 1986.

Bhagat Kabir (Gurmukhi: ਭਗਤ ਕਬੀਰ) (1441-1518)* was a Bhagat born in Bharat, present day India and Pakistan. Since his views on views on Gurmat appear first in Guru Granth Sahib he is often referred to as the founder of Gurmat. 500 verses of Bhagat ji’s Bani are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. Both Hindus and Muslims accept his Bani (holy scriptures). The exact place of his birth is believed to be Lahore in Pakistan, but others believe that he was was born in Benaras. It is generally accepted that the year of his birth is about 1398 but the year of his demise is disputed.

It is believed that Kabir died during the period from about 1448 to 1518. Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru said the following about Bhagat Ji: :Naam Dayv the printer, and Kabeer the weaver, obtained salvation through the Perfect Guru (God).

Those who know God and recognize His Shabad lose their ego and class consciousness.
Their Banis are sung by the angelic beings, and no one can erase them, O Siblings of Destiny! ||3||
(SGGS Page 76)

Kabir was born in Benaras and adopted by Neeru and his wife Neema who named him Kabir (the Most High). Kabir had a son who he named Kamal and a daughter named Kamali by Mata Loi. Though a Hindu by tradition, he was a Muslim by upbringing. A weaver by profession, Kabir said he had been sent by the Lord himself.

Even though he was in Banaras (Shivpuri), he had not found Gurmat knowledge, all he found in Shivpuri was a bunch of hypocrites, (Sagal Janam Shivpuri Gavaya), there he wrote Bijak. He went to Maghar, there he founded Gurmat in company of holy and again wrote Bani which is present in Guru Granth Sahib. He died at Magahar.

Although, Ramanand Ji was his outer Guru, ultimately it was Kabir who gave Ramanand Ji true knowledge. In fact, in the previous 3 ages, he revealed his names as: Sat Sukrit, Munindra and Karunamaya. In his present age birth, he mentions Jaidev and Namdev among lineage of his Gurus. He is revered even today by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike. His verses are included in the 'Aadi Granth' of the Sikhs.

He is the first Perfect Master to have revealed the secrets of the entire creation to world at large (see his two verses, both entitled: "Kar Nainon Deedar"). He met with opposition from Pandits and Maulvis alike.

Sultan Sikandar Lodi attempted to punish him by various means such as by drowning, by fire and by having him trampled under an elephant's feet. His verses, though encompassing the highest secrets of Sant-Mat, clearly remain close to the common man's heart even today. He often uses strong language to denounce the prevalent ritualism. Of his works are 'Bijak', 'Granthavali', 'Shabdavali' and 'Anurag Saagar'. The King of Benaras was among his disciples. He had a galaxy of renowned disciples such as: Dharamdas Ji, Mir Taqi, Ganaka Ji, Pipa Ji, Dhanna Ji and Sadana Ji.

Quote from Gurbani

Bhagat Kabir ji’s Bani from page 91 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

  • The mother thinks that her son is growing up; she does not understand that, day by day, his life is diminishing. Calling him, "Mine, mine", she fondles him lovingly, while the Messenger of Death looks on and laughs. ||1|| (SGGS p91)
  • I was on fire, but now I have found the Water of the Lord’s Name. This Water of the Lord’s Name has cooled my burning body. ||1||Pause|| (SGGS p323)
  • Gauree: Like the monkey with a handful of grain, who will not let go because of greed - just so, all the deeds committed in greed ultimately become a noose around one`s neck. ||1|| Without devotional worship, human life passes away in vain. Without the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, without vibrating and meditating on the Lord God, one does not abide in Truth. ||1||Pause|| Like the flower which blossoms in the wilderness with no one to enjoy its fragrance, so do people wander in reincarnation; over and over again, they are destroyed by Death. ||2|| This wealth, youth, children and spouse which the Lord has given you - this is all just a passing show. Those who are caught and entangled in these are carried away by sensual desire. ||3|| Age is the fire, and the body is the house of straw; on all four sides, this play is being played out. Says Kabeer, to cross over the terrifying world-ocean, I have taken to the Shelter of the True Guru. ||4||1||8||59|| (SGGS p336)

See also

External Links

These are the 15 Bhagats of Sikhism

Bhagat Beni | Bhagat Bhikhan | Bhagat Dhanna | Sheikh Farid | Bhagat Jaidev | Bhagat Kabir | Bhagat Namdev | Bhagat Parmanand | Bhagat Pipa | Bhagat Ramanand | Bhagat Ravidas | Bhagat Sadhna | Bhagat Sain | Bhagat Surdas | Bhagat Trilochan