Songs of Kabir (eBook)

Kabir (1440–1518) was a mystic poet and saint of India, whose writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement. The name 'Kabir' comes from the Arabic word 'Al-Kabir' which means 'The Great' – the 37th name of God in Islam. Despite the fact that Kabir was born to a Muslim family, his verses are infused with the thought of both Islam and Hinduism, particularly the Vedantic philosophy. He was an iconoclast who challenged entrenched social norms and rejected the authority of the caste system and ritualistic Vedic religion, advocating instead a personal path towards a divine connection through direct, personal experience. His work was orally compiled by his followers into what is now known as the 'Songs of Kabir', a collection of his poems that remains deeply influential both within and beyond South Asian literature and spirituality. Kabir's poetry is characterized by its simplicity and lyrical beauty, laden with metaphors and imbued with an intense sense of divine love. Kabir's verses have been celebrated for their universality and the poet's quest for oneness with the Divine. His legacy transcends sectarian boundaries, and his messages of unity and equality continue to resonate with people from a vast spectrum of religious and cultural backgrounds. Kabir's literary contributions, therefore, are not just remarkable for their poetic excellence, but for their spiritual depth and their role in shaping the course of Indian philosophy and religion.