1. Saint Kabir Das

2. About Sant Kabir Sant Kabir is considered to be one of the greatest poets as well as mystics ever born in India. He believed that human beings are equal and being one with God is the ultimate aim of every individual. His love and devotion towards the Supreme One clearly reflects in his poetry. The Holy Guru Granth Sahib contains over 500 verses by the great saint, Kabir. The verses or dohas of Guru Kabir are still read by people with awe and admiration. Read on to explore the biography of Sant Kabir further.

3. Early Life of Kabir Ji As per the life history of Saint Kabir, he was born in 1398 AD. It is said that he was found floating on a lotus leaf in a tank in Banaras by a Muslim weaver. The weaver took the vulnerable child under his care and following the traditional manner, gave him the name of 'Kabir', meaning 'the great one'. Even at a young age, Kabir displayed enormous spiritual talent.

4. Meeting his Guru Kabir always wanted to become a disciple of Ramanand
Meeting his Guru Kabir always wanted to become a disciple of Ramanand. However, since he was a Muslim, it was next to impossible for him to get initiation from a Hindu. So, he took recourse to a trick. Ramanand daily went to the bathing ghat for his pre-dawn ritual ablutions. Kabir lay on the steps of the ghat in such a way that Ramanand stepped on him. Shocked at this incident, he chanted 'Rama! Rama!'. Kabir said that since he had received teachings from him, in the form of the words 'Rama! Rama!', he was Ramanand's disciple. Impressed with the intelligence of Kabir, Ramanand took him as his disciple.

5. Some teachings of Kabir
Admire the diamond that can bear the hits of a hammer. Many deceptive preachers, when critically examined, turn out to be false
Between the grinding stones of cravings and aversions the whole world is being crushed. Kabir weeps at the plight of the world as none is able to see the truth.
A diamond was lying in the street covered with dirt. Many fools passed by. Someone who knew diamonds picked it up. (Those who seek true knowledge will acquire it.)
A rosary (japa mala) is rotating in the hand and tongue swings in the mouth. But if the mind is moving in all the four directions then this is not a meditation of God

6. Some dohas of kabir with their meanings
Sayeen Itna Deejiye, Ja Mein Kutumb Samaye Main Bhi Bhookha Na Rahun, Sadhu Na Bhookha Jaye Translation God, give me so, so much wealth, that my community is fed I don't remain hungry, the Sadhu does not go hungry Meaning Kabir asks God for wealth, abundance. He asks that his community is fed, he does not starve and the visiting Sadhu (holy man) does not go hungry. He does not ask for a mansion, a Mercedes or millions in a Swiss bank account!
Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub Translation Tomorrows work do today, today's work now If the moment is lost, how will the work be done? Meaning Do the work that needs to be done now. There is no other time then now.
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7. Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye Translation I went on the search for the Bad Guy, Bad Guy I couldn't find When I searched my mind, Non one is Nastier then Me Meaning This Doha is about observing one’s own mind. Kabir says that he searched the world for the bad guy, the real evil person but he couldn't find the evil person no matter where he looked. Then he looked within at his own thinking process, his own mind. The he found the real evil person who lived in his mind, unchecked. When we accuse, condemn another, it is our mind that is doing the finger pointing, the other person is probably innocent or the victim of his circumstances. Were we to inhabit the condemned person’s body, live his life, have his conditioning, then we too would behave and act the same.
Bada Hua To Kya Hua, Jaise Ped Khajoor Panthi Ko Chaya Nahin, Phal Laage Atidoor Translation If You are Big so what? Just like a date tree No shade for travelers, fruit is hard to reach Meaning Being bid, important, powerful, wealthy is of no consequence - Kabir likens this to a date tree that does not give shade to the traveler and its fruit is out reach.

8. Dukh Mein Simran Sab Kare, Sukh Mein kare Na Koye Jo Sukh Mein Simran Kare, Tau Dukh Kahe KO Hoye Translation While Suffering everyone prays and Remembers Him, in joy no one does If one prays and remembers Him in happiness, why would sorrow come? Meaning The suffering you experience in the world is designed to wake you up. You wake up when you realize God. If you did that during your happy times, then you will not experience s
Aisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye Translation Speak such words, you lose the minds Ego Body remains composed, Others Find Peace Meaning In speech use such words that your ego is eliminated. Don't brag, don't gloat, don't make yourself out to be big, important, rich or anything else that the ego attaches to. Building the Ego takes energy from the body, takes away the bodies composure. If ego is lost in ones speech, the listener finds peace from listening to it.uffering.___________________________________

9. By Raghav Gupta
Class – V A