Creativity of Sant Kabir

Theme Paper
Creative Excellence in Management (MC-212) PGDM 47, IIM Calcutta July, 2011

By: Shankhadeep Banerjee RegNo - 258/47 Section A

Preface
When I came know about this assignment of writing a theme paper on any creative personality who walked this planet, many names came to my mind but none gripped my mind as strongly as the name of Sant Kabir. I was introduced to Kabir at the entrance of the Metro Railway Station of Rabindra Sadan where I used to wait for my school bus to come. I was less than 10 years old but knew how to read and write in Hindi. At the entrance were 2 dohas (couplets) of Kabir, one of which I still remember
Pothi Padh Padh Kar Jag Mua, Pandit Bhayo Na Koye, Dhai Aakhar Prem Ke, Jo Padhe so Pandit Hoye
Just reading books cant make us wise. Only if we can truly learn the word love we can gain wisdom

I remember always being intrigued by the simplicity of the 2 lines and yet intuitively knew that its real meaning was much deeper than the literal meaning. My interest in Kabir was compounded in Class 7 (or was it 8?), when the Hindi text book contained the dohas of Kabir and I enjoyed the meaning expounded by my teacher. It was in those few years that I understood Kabir to be a creative genius, a one like no other. His dohas have always been like chicken soup for my soul as they were always full of much needed lessons and that too with a sense of humor. This paper is a tribute to one of the most original & ingenious teacher of all times. Let me begin by composing a couplet dedicated to the great saint.
Buddha baani Kabirdas ki, kiya bada upkaar, Hrid prakash ke sahare se, Karaya andhakar paar
Enlightening words of Kabir, a lot it helped us. With the light of his heart, across the darkness he guided us

Introduction
About Sant Kabir Sant Kabir is considered to be one of the greatest poets as well as mystics ever born in India, whose writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement. 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. Kabir's legacy is today carried forward by the Kabir Panth ("Path of Kabir"), a religious community that recognizes him as its founder and is one of the Sant Mat sects. Its members, known as Kabir panthis, are estimated to be around 9,600,000. Early Life As per the life history of Saint Kabir, he was born in 1440 AD. It is said that he was found floating on a lotus leaf in a tank in Benaras 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. 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. The story is told that on one particular day of the year, anyone can become a disciple by having a master speak the name of God over him. 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. Kabir ke Dohe The hallmark of Kabir's works consists of his two line couplets, known as the 'Kabir ke Dohe'. The Dohas reflect the deep philosophical thinking of the poet saint. His greatest work is the Bijak (the "Seedling"), an idea of the fundamental one. This collection of poems elucidates Kabir's universal view of spirituality. Though his vocabulary is replete with Hindu spiritual concepts, such as Brahman, karma and reincarnation, he vehemently opposed dogmas, both in Hinduism and in Islam. His Hindi was a vernacular, straightforward kind, much like his philosophies. He often advocated leaving aside the Qur'an and Vedas and simply following Sahaja path, or the Simple/Natural Way to oneness in God. He believed in the Vedantic concept of atman, but unlike earlier orthodox Vedantins, he followed this philosophy to its logical end by spurning the Hindu societal caste system and worship of murti, showing clear belief in both bhakti and Sufi ideas.

The Philosophy of Sant Kabir Kabir's philosophy about life was very clear-cut. He believed in living life in a very simplistic manner. He had a strong faith in the concept of oneness of God. He advocated the notion of Koi bole Ram Ram Koi Khudai.... The basic idea was to spread the message that whether you chant the name of Hindu God or Muslim God, the fact is that there is only one God who is the creator of this beautiful world. Talking about the philosophies & principles of Kabirdas, he was against the caste system imposed by the Hindu community and also opposed the idea of worshipping the idols. On the contrary, he advocated the Vedantic concepts of atman. He supported the idea of minimalist living that was advocated by the Sufis. To have a clear idea about the philosophy of sant Kabir, check out his poems and two line verses known as dohas that speak his mind and soul. Kabir was strictly against the practice of hypocrisy and didn't like people maintaining double standards. He always preached people to be compassionate towards other living beings and practice true love. He urged the need to have company of good people that adhere to values and principles. Well, Kabir has very beautifully expressed his values and beliefs in his writings that include dohas, poems, Ramainis, Kaharvaas and Shabads. Kabir in popular culture There are several allusions to Kabir's poetry in mainstream Indian film music. The title song of the Sufi fusion band Indian Ocean's album Jhini is an energetic rendering of Kabir's famous poem "The intricately woven blanket", with influences from Indian folk, Sufi traditions and progressive rock. Documentary filmmaker Shabnam Virmani, from the Kabir Project, has produced a series of documentaries and books tracing Kabir's philosophy, music and poetry in present day India and Pakistan. The documentaries feature Indian folk singers such as Prahlad Tipanya, Mukhtiyar Ali and the Pakistani Qawwal Fareed Ayaz. Kabir's poetry has appeared prominently in filmmaker Anand Gandhi's films Right Here Right Now and Continuum.

Nature of Creativity
Creativity that oozed out of Kabir had the following major characteristics (with accompanying couplets as examples) v Simple Words Kabir used very simple colloquial language to express his ideas. This is what makes him so popular among masses since they can easily understand his language unlike in case of other philosophers or poets whose words are too difficult for common people to grasp.

Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein, Mange Sabki Khair Na Kahu Se Dosti, Na Kahu Se Bair

Kabira Stands in the market place, Asks for everyones prosperity. Neither special friendship nor enmity for anyone. v Complex Ideas Just because he used simple words didnt mean he expressed just simple ideas. His ideas were many times pretty philosophical and mystical. And he used a creative way to make those ideas embed into the mind of the listener and make her think.

Tera Sayeen Tujh Mein Hai, Tu Jaag Sake To Jaag

Like the Oil is inside the Seed, Just as the Fire is Inside the Flint Stone. Your God is Inside You, If you have the Power to Wake Up, then Wake Up v 2-line poetry It is easier to express yourself in lot of words. But given a constraint on words, it is usually very difficult to pin down thoughts. Kabirs creativity lied in the fact that he just needed 2 simple rhyming sentences to convey whatever was in his mind. This is in fact the rarest characteristic of his ingenuity which made him one of the most popular mystic poets of the world.

Jaise Til Mein Tel Hai, Jyon Chakmak Mein Aag

Kaal Paron Punyah Letna, Ouper Jamsi Ghaas

Kabir , Don't be so proud and vain, Looking at your high mansion Tomorow you'll lie under feet, On top will grow Grass v Spontaneity It was a well known fact that Kabir used to make his couplets impromptu. It was usually related to the discussions with his followers or even as replies to pundits who came to do shastrastra (duel of wisdom) with him. Coming up with a doha spontaneously which accurately expressed his beliefs is definitely not a common feat and speaks volumes of his creative engine.

Kabira Garv Na Keejiye, Uncha Dekh Aavaas

Na yogi yog sun dhawe, na tapasi deh jalawe, Sahaj dhyan jo pawe, surati ka khel jehi aawe
He plays better who is simple and spontaneous. For him a yogis deep meditation and a sadhus painful penance is not required

v Humour & Sarcasm Unlike many philosophers & saints who are pretty dry & serious to listen to, Kabir was completely different. He used funny imagery and resorted to a lot of sarcasm intended not only to win others in favour of his ideas but also to make sure the lessons are transferred light heartedly but sincerely.

Moond muraya Hari mile, sab koi leyee muraya, Bar-bar ke murte, bhera na baikunth jaya
(If by shaving heads one can reach God, then everybody should do so. But if repeated shaving worked, then all sheep must be reaching heavens!) v Analogies Similes, metaphors, analogies, etc were used extensively by Kabir. This ensured that not only is idea is conveyed but also an example is given to drive the point home. Also, the usage of such analogies made it easier to remember and recollect his dohas. The analogies were usually derived from nature so as to be universal.

Kasturi kundal base, mriga dhunde ban mahi, Aise ghat ghat Rama hai, duniya dekhe nahi
(A musk deer runs around the forest in search of the fragrance which actually comes out of his own self. Similarly, Rama is in everyone, but nobody realises that) v Depth Many times Kabir went ahead and recited dohas which reflected the depth of his thinking. These are usually not understood unless the context is known and are the spiritual gems of his wisdom. Though he was by profession a weaver, it is the depth of his dohas which elevated him to the status of a mystic and a saint.

Boond samana sindhu mein, janat hai sab koi, Sindhu samana boond mein, bujhe birana koi.
(A drop merges in the ocean, that everybody understands. But, the ocean merges with the drop that very few understand) v Double Meanings & Paradoxes Kabir was master of double meanings & symbolisms. His dohas would sometimes not at all mention the main idea at all and yet through just describing a simple thing he would teach a lesson completely unrelated to the words he recited. For example, he describes the notion of duality of universe in the following doha by just describing two grinding stones.

Do Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye

Watching the grinding stones, the Light Kabir Cries Inside the Two Stones, no one survives

Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye

Also presenting here one of his most remarkable symbolic & paradoxical verses How can the township guarded? Where fickle men and strange woman live, Where oxen deliver and cows are barren, Where calf is milked thrice a day, Where flies play in the cobwebs of spiders, Where open mutton is guarded by eages, Where kitten boat is sailed by mice boatmen, Where frogs sleep watched by serpents, Where mornings come with struggle against jackals & lion, Kabir says only men of rare wisdom can understand it

The ambiguity becomes a bit clearer with the following keys Township Body & Soul Fickle Man Restless Mind Strange Woman Desires Oxen Creative Mind Cows Pure Mind Calf Senses Fly Sensuous Feelings Spider Illusions Mutton Wishes Eagle Lust Kitten Devilish Mind Mice Physical Self Frog Mind Serpent Knowledge/Doubt Jackal Bad Habits Lion - Time

Drivers of Creativity
v Philosophy Kabir was influenced by the prevailing religious mood of his times, such as old Brahmanic Hinduism, Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism, the teachings of Nath yogis and the personal devotionalism of South India mixed with the imageless God of Islam. The influence of these various doctrines is clearly evident in Kabir's verses. He believed in the Vedantic concept of atman, but unlike earlier orthodox Vedantins, he followed this philosophy to its logical end by spurning the Hindu societal caste system and worship of murti, showing clear belief in both bhakti and Sufi ideas. Eminent historians have held that Kabir is the first Indian saint to have harmonised Hinduism and Islam by preaching a universal path which both Hindus and Muslims could tread together.

Maya Mari Na Man Mara, Mar Mar Gaye Shareer Asha Trishna Na Mari, Keh Gaye Das Kabir

Neither Maya Died, Nor the Mind Died, Die and die again People/Bodies Hope and delusion have not died, so said Das Kabir and left

v Devotion Kabir was a true devotee of God and Guru and much of his creativity emerged from his devotion. He referred to himself as Dasa (servant of God) in many of his dohas. His poems resonate with praise for the true guru who reveals the divine through direct experience, and denounce more usual ways of attempting god-union such as chanting, austerities, etc.

Dukh Mein Simran Sab Kare, Sukh Mein Kare Na Koye Jo Sukh Mein Simran Kare, Tau Dukh Kahe Ko Hoye

While Suffering everyone Prays and Remembers Him, in joy no one does If one prays and remembers Him in happiness, why would sorrow come? v Mysticism Kabir was a mystic of highest order and had divine experiences but instead of renouncing worldly life, he decided to be a part of it and show others how to live simply and teach others the mysteries of life. According to Kabir, all life is interplay of two spiritual principles. One is the personal soul (Jivatma) and the other is God (Paramatma). It is Kabir's view that salvation is the process of bringing these two divine principles into union. Lot of his dohas is focused to bring out this truth.

Jaise bat ka beej tahi mein, patra, phool, phal, chhaya,

Kaya maddhe beej beeraje, beeja maddhe kaya.

The seed of tree is in you and so are the leaves, fruits, flowers and shadow. The seed lies in the body, and the body in the seed. v Illiteracy The fact that Kabir was not literate, that he neither knew how to read or write did not hamper his creativity. In fact it aided it. Kabirs language was more raw and hence better suited for common people and his metaphors were things that happen around us and hence were easily understood. Being a wise illiterate gave his creativity an originality missing in the so called literate creative people.

Masi kagad chhuwo nahi, kalam gahi nahi haath; Charik jan ka mahatam, mukhahi jani baat
I have touched neither ink nor paper and have not handled pen. The importance of all things & their qualities has come to me through oral tradition.

v Love Kabir believed in love and harmony among all irrespective of casete, creed, religion, etc. And, he himself lived as he taught, by spreading love. Love brings out the best among people and its a well known fact that lovers become poets as poem comes out naturally from heart!

Akath Kahani Prem Ki, Kutch Kahi Na Jaye Goonge Keri Sarkara, Baithe Muskae

Inexpressible is the story of Love, It goes without Saying Like the dumb guy who eat sweet Sarkara, he only Smiles

v Social Consciousness Though Kabir was illiterate, he was completely aware of what is going on with the world and society. Through his dohas he preached society on improving itself whether in relation to people who live together or nature in which they live.

Samundar lagi agi, nadiyan jail koela bhai, Dekh Kabira jagi, pankhi rukha chadhi gayo.
(There is fire in the sea, rivers have burnt out and become coal. Kabir woke up to see them, birds flew out of fear)

v Contentment Creativity flows out easily when there is no pressure. Kabir was content with whatever he had and had no desires. He lived a simple life of weaver to sustain his family and when he relaxed with his followers, he created the dohas which used to be cherished by them. Attachments, fears & expectations had no hold over his free imagination.

Sai itna dijiye, jame kutum samaye, Main bhi bhukha na rahun, sadhu na bhukha jae.
(God, give me just enough for feeding myself, family and guests) v Selflessness Whatever Kabir did was for the sake of others and the society at large. So it was just to make common man lead his life better that he invented his dohas and unleashed his creative potential.

Taruvar phal nahi khat hai, nadi na seeche neer, Parmarath ke karane, sadhu dhara sareer.
(Trees cant eat their fruits, nor rivers can their water. Saints too take birth in their bodies for the service of others) v Unlabelled Like many free thinkers, he refused to be bound by the game of labels. His teachings reflected his liberal attitude as he sought to unify the manifold divisions that people create among themselves. This also allowed his creativity to derive from various sources liberally.

Hindu to main hun nahi, musalman bhi nahi, Panch tatva ka pootla, jaibi khelat mahi.
(Neither I am a Hindu, nor a Muslim. Just playing with this doll made of the five elements.) v Pure Mind Nothing can be more fertile for innovative ideas and intuitive insights than a pure mind free from the usual blemishes of anger, lust, greed, etc. This is what made him see the world in a different sort of untainted perspective.

Kabir Man Nirmal Bhaya, Jaise Ganga Neer Pache Pache Har Phire, Kahat Kabir Kabir

Kabir Washed His Mind Clean, Like The Holy Ganges River Everyone follows behind, Saying Kabir, Kabir

Lessons for Us
Kabir teaches us how to live in harmony and peace. Following are some of the Dos & Donts that can be derived from his couplets as lessons for us -

Dos Practice equality

Kahe Hindu mohi Rama piyara, Turuk kahe Rehimana, Apas mein dou lari lari muye, marm na kahu jana
(Hindus say they love Rama, Muslims say Rahim. They keep fighting each other not knowing the true essence that they are one and the same) Understand divinity exists within all of us

Jyon Naino Mein Putli, Tyon Maalik Ghat Mahin

Moorakh Log Na Janhin, Baahar Dhudhan Jahin

Like the pupil is in the eyes, Your God lives inside you, The ignorant don't know this, they search Him on the outside Introspect and improve ourselves

Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye

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

Be modest, humble and polite

Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye

Speak such words, you lose the minds Ego Body remains composed, Others Find Peace Have more patience in life

Aisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye

Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kutch Hoye Mali Seenche So Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye

Slowly slowly stay my mind, Slowly everything happens Gardner may water garden a hundred times, When the Season comes, there is fruit

 Try to be more self-sufficient

Mangan Maran Saman Hai, Mat Koi Mange Beekh Mangan Se Marna Bhala, Yeh Satguru Ki Seekh

Begging is like dying, Let no one Beg It is better to die than beg, this is the SatGuru's Message Live in present

Sees Charaye Potli, Le Jaat Na Dekhya Koye

Kabir, save the wealth that remains in this Moment Departing with a bag of material wealth, no one has yet been seen.

Kabir So Dhan Sanchiye, Jo Aage Ko Hoye

Donts
Shun hypocrisy & superstitions

Din bhar roja rahat hai, rati hanta hai gaya, Yeh to khoon, who bandage, kaisi khushi khudaya
(Morning, you observe fast in the name of God and at night you kill a cow. This worship & that murder, how can you be happy?) Avoid overindulgence

Aisa yeh sansaar hai, jaisa semal phool, Din das ke tyohar ke, jhoothe rang na bhool
(The world is like the flower of cotton seed. Its colours and attractions last only for 10 days. One should not forget this fact) Do not fuel ego & pride

Bada hua to kya hua, jaise ped khajoor, Panthi ko chaya nahin, phal laage ati door
(What if one is big? A tall palm tree can neither provide shade to travelers nor is it easy to pluck its fruits) Never postpone work

Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub

Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub

Tomorrows work do today, today's work now If the moment is lost, how will the work be done? Minimise worry & stress

Vaid Bichara Kya Kare, Kahan Tak Dawa Lagaye

Worry is such a Thief, it eats one's heart What can the poor doctor do, How far will his medicine reach?

Chinta Aisee Dakini, Kat Kaleja Khaye

Conclusion
Kabir is definitely one of the greatest sages, poets and thinkers who changed the course of history through the strength of his wisdom and creativity. It is simple living and high thinking which drives is creativity which reflects in the form of simple words with high thoughts. His lessons are eternal and hold meaning even in todays age, or if I may daresay his lessons have become especially more important in todays age. His innovative ways of expressing his beliefs have both entertained and taught us for centuries and will continue to do so forever.

References
Websites http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabirdas http://www.thecolorsofindia.com/kabir/index.html http://www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/gurus/kabir.html

Books Knowing Sant Kabir Life & Teachings