“पोथी पढ़ि पढ़ि जग मुआ, पंडित भया न कोय,
ढाई आखर प्रेम का, पढ़े सो पंडित होय।”
Meaning: “Reading books everyone died, none became any wise, one who reads the word of Love, only becomes wise.”
Many have died after reading great scriptures, but not all became learned. However, anyone who understood the two and a half letters of love, meaning the true essence of love, is the truly learned one. The one saying this, Kabir, was a great saint in India. Even after seven hundred years, his words and thoughts have not aged; they fit just as well in changing times.
In Marathi literature, there is Tukaram, and in Hindi literature, there is such a reverence for Saint Kabir. It is said that he was born around 1398 AD and died in 1518 AD. There is not much information available about his birth, parents, or guru, and there are many differing opinions. “The mother was a Brahmin widow, but out of fear of societal backlash, she left Kabir near a lake close to Kashi; later, a couple named Neeru and Neema took care of him” is a well-known legend. This Kabir later became a great saint.
“जाति न पूछो साधु की, पूछ लीजिये ज्ञान,
मोल करो तरवार का, पड़ा रहन दो म्यान।”
Meaning: “Do not ask of a saint’s caste; seek his knowledge, Value the sword, not its sheath.”
Just like this couplet of his, the controversies surrounding him seem trivial in front of his saintliness and deeds. He was aware of how any form of extremism could degrade society, hence he criticized caste discrimination, sectarianism, and religious arrogance. At a time when the world is engulfed in casteism, racial discrimination, language, regional, religious, sectarian prejudices, and still sinks deeper into the mire of disdain with our actions, the philosophy of this great saint, who advocated for humanity, remains guiding even in the twenty-first century.
“हिन्दू कहें मोहि राम पियारा, तुर्क कहें रहमाना,
आपस में दोउ लड़ी-लड़ी मुए, मरम न कोउ जाना।”
Meaning: “Hindus love Ram, and Muslims cherish Rehman, fighting over Ram and Rehman, both die, but none understands the essence.”
Kabir says Hindus are devotees of Ram and Muslims hold Rehman dear. Fighting over Ram and Rehman, both die, but until the end, neither understands the true meaning. This reflects the significance and necessity of his thoughts.