Kabir, the renowned saint and mystic, spent his life weaving cloth in the marketplace, never venturing far from his humble abode. He famously proclaimed that the divine would manifest right here, in the midst of everyday life. There was no need to renounce anything, for renunciation cannot be a prerequisite for attainment. Renunciation could be of ego, of ornaments, but never of the soul's beauty.
If a common weaver like Kabir could attain supreme enlightenment while pursuing his craft, why couldn't others? Kabir's message is one of hope, a beacon illuminating the path to fulfillment.
The Self-Evident Truth of Life
The truth of life is self-evident, its foundation rooted in the exploration of the subtlest of the subtle. This exploration, the self-expression of our sages, seers, and saints, has been passed down through the ages. Its evolving form has continuously provided humanity with a new dimension, a fresh perspective.
The Essence of a Saint
According to Kabir, a saint is one who possesses no enemies, who is selfless, loves God, and remains untouched by worldly desires.
The saint tradition of today has become tarnished. Ordinary people recoil at the very mention of a saint. Weak, lazy, good-for-nothing individuals, those who collude with corrupt officials and politicians in scams and scandals, parade around in the garb of saints. Yet, this is not the path our sages and seers envisioned. It is in this tradition that we find names like Janak, Kabir, Gulal, and Ravidas. They were all embodiments of action, their vision driven by a relentless quest for truth. While living within the confines of family and engaging in worldly pursuits, they delved deep into contemplation, imparting to society the lessons of selfless action.
The True Essence of Sannyasa
"Living an ideal life while experiencing the 'self,' embracing naturalness, equality, and peace is the ultimate sannyasa."
Translation: Speak such words that will make you lose your temper. Cool others, and find coolness within yourself."
Kabir's teachings resonate with profound simplicity, reminding us that the divine resides not in distant mountains or remote ashrams, but within the very fabric of our daily existence. It is in the ordinary moments, in the act of weaving cloth or engaging in any other form of work with devotion and mindfulness, that we can truly connect with the essence of our being.
Kabir's life and message serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to spiritual fulfilment and reminding us that true sainthood lies not in renunciation but in the transformation of our everyday lives into a tapestry of devotion, compassion, and wisdom.
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