Kabir Das was a 15th century mystic, saint and poet of India who happened to be one of the fore-runners and a strong supporter of a religious-cum-spiritual renaissance, the ‘Bhakti Movement’. It was an uprising against the rigid manifestation of dogmas and rituals among Hindus as well as oppression at the hands of Muslim rulers in the name of religion. They filled the Indian sacred hearts with doom and dread. Though all the poet-mystics of the time loved God in their own ways, Kabir worshipped, loved and venerated the Supreme-energy manifest as the primordial, formless, pure and the pristine. His verses show a spirit closer and akin to that of Sufis. Though lovelorn, Kabir was far from roaming among the clouds. He stood vociferously against the inane precepts and insane customs of his time involving merciless killings in the name of sacrifice. He also lashed back at the causeless and stupid conflicts between different religions and sects. Kabir’s mission lay in equating Ram with Rahim and bridging the gap between the two. His couplets came to be known down generations orally. They were later compiled in a book form called Bijak. In spite of him never holding a paper or pen all his life, his verses have regaled and enthralled Indian Hindi-knowing readers down the centuries and are often recited, sung and quoted to this day.

In Indian religious history, Kabir is unique. To the Hindus, he is a Vaishnava Bhakta, to the Muslims, a Pir, to the Sikhs, a Bhagat, to the Kabirpanthis, an Avatar, and to the modern patriots, he is a champion of Hindu-Muslim unity. He is seen as a promoter of universal religion who opposed superstitious beliefs and empty rituals. This book is a compilation of Kabir’s works—songs and verses—which are very popular with the masses, and in religious circles. The English translation is rendered by Swami Brahmeshananda, a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order. This selective compilation amply represents Kabir’s ideology. The reader will find herein Kabir’s message of knowledge, devotion, ethics, and social equality well expressed.

Machine generated contents note: -- Transliteration -- Acknowledgements -- Preface -- 1. "You Must Meet Prahladji!"--2. Oral Tradition in the Twenty-first Century: Observing Texts -- 3. "True Words of Kabir": Adventures in Authenticity -- 4. In the Jeweler's Bazaar: Malwa's Kabir -- 5. Oral Tradition in the Twenty-first Century: Exploring Theory -- 6. A Scorching Fire, A Cool Pool -- 7. Fighting over Kabir's Dead Body -- 8. Political/Spiritual Kabir -- References -- Index

Kabir Das was a 15th century mystic, saint and poet of India who happened to be one of the fore-runners and a strong supporter of a religious-cum-spiritual renaissance, the 'Bhakti Movement'. It was an uprising against the rigid manifestation of dogmas and rituals among Hindus as well as oppression at the hands of Muslim rulers in the name of religion. They filled the Indian sacred hearts with doom and dread. Though all the poet-mystics of the time loved God in their own ways, Kabir worshipped, loved and venerated the Supreme-energy manifest as the primordial, formless, pure and the pristine. His verses show a spirit closer and akin to that of Sufis. Though lovelorn, Kabir was far from roaming among the clouds. He stood vociferously against the inane precepts and insane customs of his time involving merciless killings in the name of sacrifice. He also lashed back at the causeless and stupid conflicts between different religions and sects. Kabir's mission lay in equating Ram with Rahim and bridging the gap between the two. His couplets came to be known down generations orally. They were later compiled in a book form called Bijak. In spite of him never holding a paper or pen all his life, his verses have regaled and enthralled Indian Hindi-knowing readers down the centuries and are often recited, sung and quoted to this day.

How does India live through the oddity of being both a nation and multilingual? Is multilingualism in India to be understood as a neatly laid set of discrete languages or a criss-crossing of languages that runs through every source language and text? The questions take us to reviewing what is meant by language, multilingualism, and translation. Challenging these institutions, A Multilingual Nation illustrates how the received notions of translation discipline do not apply to India. It provocatively argues that translation is not a ‘solution’ to the allegedly chaotic situation of many languages, rather it is its inherent and inalienable part. An unusual and unorthodox collection of essays by leading thinkers and writers, new and young researchers, it establishes the all-pervasive nature of translation in every sphere in India and reverses the assumptions of the steady nature of language, its definition, and the peculiar fragility that is revealed in the process of translation.

The most inspirational and thought-provoking ruminations on spirituality. 1,001 Pearls of Spiritual Wisdom collects the most comforting and thought-provoking thoughts ever spoken and written. Not bound by any particular religion or ideology, the quotes inside reflect humanity’s most profound thoughts on the body, the soul, and how spirituality has provided us with the power and opportunity to live satisfying and enriching lives. Categorized by some of the most foundational spiritual themes, 1,001 Pearls of Spiritual Wisdom provides you with introspections for any situation or state of mind. Here are ideas to further your education into spirituality, to help you find success and fulfillment in your life and in the lives of those around you. Just a few examples you’ll find inside are: “Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” —Buddha “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much.” —Mother Teresa “My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.” —Albert Einstein

On the life and teachings of the 15th century Hindi religious poet and social activist.

On Kabir, 15th cent. saint-poet, his philosophy and Kabirapanthis.