Saint Kabir
Kabir is not easily categorized as a Sufi or a Yogi -- he is all of
these. He is revered by Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. He stands as a
unique, saintly, yet very human, bridge between the great traditions
that live in India. Kabir says of himself that he is, "at once the child
of Allah and Ram."
Not much is known about what sort of
spiritual training Kabir may have received. He did not become a sadhu or
rununciate. Kabir never abandoned worldly life, choosing instead to
live the balanced life of a householder and mystic, tradesman and
contemplative. Kabir was married, had children, and lived the simple
life of a weaver.
One of the most loved legends associated with
Kabir is told of his funeral. Kabir's disciples disputed over his body,
the Muslims wanting to claim the body for burial, the Hindus wanting to
cremate the body. Kabir appeared to the arguing disciples and told them
to lift the burial shroud. When they did so, they found fragrant
flowers where the body had rested. The flowers were divided, and the
Muslims buried the flowers while the Hindus reverently committed them to
fire.
Kabir is not easily categorized as a Sufi or a Yogi -- he is all of these. He is revered by Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. He stands as a unique, saintly, yet very human, bridge between the great traditions that live in India. Kabir says of himself that he is, "at once the child of Allah and Ram."
Not much is known about what sort of spiritual training Kabir may have received. He did not become a sadhu or rununciate. Kabir never abandoned worldly life, choosing instead to live the balanced life of a householder and mystic, tradesman and contemplative. Kabir was married, had children, and lived the simple life of a weaver.
One of the most loved legends associated with Kabir is told of his funeral. Kabir's disciples disputed over his body, the Muslims wanting to claim the body for burial, the Hindus wanting to cremate the body. Kabir appeared to the arguing disciples and told them to lift the burial shroud. When they did so, they found fragrant flowers where the body had rested. The flowers were divided, and the Muslims buried the flowers while the Hindus reverently committed them to fire.
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