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

"Few major achievements of world literature are as little known to Americans as the great ecstatic poetry of the Hindus and Sufis, as exemplified by the work of the 15th century master, Kabir. Irreverent while being intensely religious, Kabir seems incredibly playful in his taunting of the sacred dogmas of his time--to readers accustomed to the solemnity and ideological fidelity of most Western religious poems. Kabir has been translated into English only once before, by Rabindranath Tagore and Evelyn Underhill. Unfortunately, Tagore's Victorian English was simply not equal to Kabir's directness, spontaneity, and irreverent humor. Working from the Tagore-Underhill translation, Bly has done much more than retranslate into American diction. A noted poet himself, he has breathed new life into the work of a fascinating poet"--From back cover.

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.

Originally published in 1976, with more than 75,000 copies in print, this collection of poems by fifteenth-century ecstatic poet Kabir is full of fun and full of thought. Columbia University professor of religion John Stratton Hawley has contributed an introduction that makes clear Kabir's immense importance to the contemporary reader and praises Bly's intuitive translations. By making every reader consider anew their religious thinking, the poems of Kabir seem as relevant today as when they were first written.

Kabir was one of the famous saints of Bhakti and Sufi movement. Right from his childhood Kabir was unusually intelligent. From a very small age, Kabir started understanding the religious and societal problems of the society. He used to find great pleasure in helping the poor and serving the saints. Biography of Saint Kabir: Inspirational Biographies for Children by Kavita Garg: In this enchanting biography, Kavita Garg introduces young readers to the life and teachings of Saint Kabir, a revered poet and philosopher from medieval India. Kabir's timeless verses and spiritual wisdom continue to inspire people across generations. This beautifully written and illustrated biography immerses children in the world of Kabir, highlighting his message of love, unity, and compassion. The book's engaging narrative and colorful illustrations make it a delightful and educational read, fostering curiosity and understanding of the life of a revered saint. Key Aspects of the Book "Biography of Saint Kabir: Inspirational Biographies for Children": Inspirational Life Story: The biography presents Saint Kabir's life in a way that resonates with young readers, offering inspiration and life lessons from his journey. Message of Love and Compassion: The book introduces children to Kabir's poetic verses and teachings, emphasizing the importance of love, unity, and compassion in life. Cultural and Historical Context: Through this biography, children gain an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and spiritual wisdom of India, as embodied by Saint Kabir. Kavita Garg is a talented author known for her skill in crafting engaging and educational biographies for young readers. "Biography of Saint Kabir" reflects her dedication to inspiring young minds through stories that celebrate the lives of historical figures and their timeless wisdom. With vibrant illustrations and a captivating narrative, Garg's biography of Saint Kabir sparks curiosity and instills valuable lessons in the hearts of children.

Kabir is definitely one among the sages, saints, poets, writers and thinkers who have shaped, molded and refined the inner self and influenced the life of both the Hindus and Muslims. With the clarity in vision, simple and balanced philosophy, practical ideas for a healthy, happy and pleasant life, strong opposition to everything unworthy for human beings Sant Kabir became a legend and a common familiar name for poor and rich, literate and illiterate, and foolish, wise or enlightened during his life-time. The life of Kabir is both worldly and spiritual. He saw, felt, experienced, conjured up and boldly expressed all that happened around him. He meditated on the eternal truth, devoted himself to the Brahman, got revelation, collected these spiritual experiences and expressed all that happened in the divine world of his inner self. Kabir is treated as a Mystic of the highest order; a perfect living saint, as a great preceptor capable of initiating others to spiritual world. Without any doubt he is the greatest and most outstanding devotee, mystic poet and singer sant of India. ‘Knowing Sant Kabir’ presents everything that Kabir is known for Dohe, Sakhi and Ulatvani; his social consciousness and spiritual awakening and his positive ways and Sahaja Yoga.

Kabir was an extraordinary oral poet whose works have been recited by millions throughout north India for half a millennium. Thousands of poems are attributed to Kabir, but only a few written collections have survived over the centuries.

The word Brahm means the Absolute or Ultimate Reality that is the primal cause of the existence of the universe and all beings. Nirupan means the form or nature of that Reality. For simplicity, we can say God. Yet we know that God is beyond forms and attributes that we can ascribe to Him. But we need to use words to communicate, so Kabir explains to his disciple that the Ultimate cannot be described in words, but must be experienced inwardly. He then describes various methods of approaching God, the negative actions to avoid, and the virtuous ones to be cultivated, as one progresses on the spiritual path to enlightenment. Kabir uses several Indian analogies and metaphors to explain the teachings to his earnest disciple.