"O Lord Ram, resolve this one paradox for me": Bhagat Kabir

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, we revisit Bhagat Kabir Ji's verses, enshrined in the sacred Angs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which present to the Almighty a simple yet deeply profound query.

Heartiest Felicitations on the Occasion of Birth Anniversary

On the auspicious occasion of Kabir Jayanti today, celebrated on the full moon of the Indian month of Jeth (ਜੇਠ)) or Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठ), we commemorate the 648th birth anniversary of the esteemed poet-saint Bhagat Kabir Ji. His profound verses, deeply ingrained in the spiritual fabric of India, continue to resonate through the pages of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Revered in the Sikh tradition, Kabir Ji's hymns are enshrined across 227 pages of this sacred scripture, making him the third most featured saint. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, recognised the universal truth and spiritual depth in Kabir Ji's compositions, integrating them into the Adi Granth to guide devotees towards a path of devotion, equality, and inner realisation. As we recite his timeless couplets and reflect on his teachings, let us embrace his message of oneness, love, and spiritual unity, which transcends religious boundaries and continues to inspire millions.

Who’s greater— the creator or the creation?

In the rich tapestry of human creativity, encompassing art, literature, and a myriad of expressive forms, Bhagat Kabir Ji’s verses, enshrined in the sacred Angs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, pose a primordial question that resonates through the ages—simple in its wording yet profound in its implications. This question, deeply rooted in the origins of spiritual inquiry, addresses the Almighty Lord as Ram and delves into the heart of our appreciation and reverence for all forms of creation. It is a question that challenges us: Is the creator greater than his creation? At times, our admiration for a creation becomes so overwhelming that it eclipses the brilliance of the creator.

Bhagat Kabir Ji, through his enlightening verses, urges us to ponder the essence of true creativity and divinity, challenging conventional perceptions and guiding us towards an understanding that the creation, no matter how magnificent, is often but a mere reflection of its creator’s grandeur. This inquiry invites us to explore the depths of the relationship between creation and the creator, leading us to appreciate not just the beauty of the creation but also the celestial brilliance of its origin.

The verse and its meaning

This beautiful hymn by Bhagat Kabir Ji, found on Ang 331 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Kabir Ji, a revered saint and poet, is known for his mystical poetry that often focuses on the experience of the divine and the futility of ritualism. This particular hymn is in the Gauri Raag.

Let's delve into its meaning:

The hymn with the original verses in Punjabi (Gurmukhi script) accompanied by their Hindi translations in Devanagari script:

ਗਉੜੀ ॥ (गौड़ी॥)

ਝਗਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਿਬੇਰਹੁ ਰਾਮ ॥ (झगरा एक निबेरहु राम॥) "O Lord, resolve this one dispute."

ਜਉ ਤੁਮ ਅਪਨੇ ਜਨ ਸੌ ਕਾਮੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (जौ तुम अपने जन सौ कामु॥१॥ रहाउ॥) "If I am truly useful to You, Your servant."

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਬਡਾ ਕਿ ਜਾ ਸਉ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥ (इहु मनु बड़ा कि जा सउ मनु मानिआ॥) "Is this mind greater, or the One whom the mind believes in?"

ਰਾਮੁ ਬਡਾ ਕੈ ਰਾਮਹਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੧॥ (रामु बड़ा कै रामहि जानिआ॥१॥) "Is God greater, or the one who has realized God?"

ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਬਡਾ ਕਿ ਜਾਸੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥ (ब्रह्मा बड़ा कि जासु उपाइआ॥) "Is Brahma great, or the One who created him?"

ਬੇਦੁ ਬਡਾ ਕਿ ਜਹਾਂ ਤੇ ਆਇਆ ॥੨॥ (बेदु बड़ा कि जहां ते आइआ॥२॥) "Are the Vedas great, or the One from whom they came?"

ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਹਉ ਭਇਆ ਉਦਾਸੁ ॥ (कहि कबीर हउ भइआ उदासु॥) "Says Kabir, I have become detached."

ਤੀਰਥੁ ਬਡਾ ਕਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਦਾਸ੥੩॥੪੨॥ (तीरथु बड़ा कि हरि का दास॥३॥४२॥) "Is a placed pilgrimage greater, or the servant of the Lord?"

रमानाथ जहँ राजा सो पुर बरनि कि जाइ। अनिमादिक सुख संपदा रहीं अवध सब छाइ॥

Raag Gauri— especially appropriate for these verses

Raag Gauri, a classical raga in Indian music, holds a significant place in the Sikh tradition, particularly in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. This raga is known for its serene and devotional mood, making it an ideal medium for expressing deep spiritual emotions and contemplations. It's characterized by a sense of solemnity and profound introspection, often used to convey messages of devotion, detachment, and realization of the divine.

The relevance of Raag Gauri to the verses of Bhagat Kabir Ji, especially those contemplating the paradox of the creator and the creation, is profound. Kabir Ji's verses, set in this raga, are not just poetic musings but deep spiritual inquiries. The tranquil and contemplative nature of Raag Gauri complements Kabir Ji’s introspective and philosophical thoughts. It enhances the depth and gravity of the questions posed, inviting the listener or reader into a state of reflection and meditation.

In Sikhism, music and poetry are not merely artistic expressions but are integral to the spiritual experience. The use of Raag Gauri with Kabir Ji’s verses underscores this aspect, as the musical framework of the raga helps to evoke the appropriate mood and mindset for understanding and absorbing the spiritual teachings. It’s through this unique combination of profound lyrics and the emotive power of the raga that Kabir Ji’s message transcends the realm of intellectual understanding, touching the hearts and souls of the listeners, guiding them towards a deeper spiritual realization.

Summing up

As we commemorate his birth anniversary on the occasion of Kabir Jayanti, we realise that this hymn by Bhagat Kabir Ji stands as a testament to the intricate interplay between greatness and spirituality, echoing through the annals of time and spiritual thought. It is more than a mere poetic musing; it is a profound contemplation on the nature of the divine and the human perception of what is truly great. In these verses, Bhagat Kabir Ji emphasizes the supremacy of devotion and a deep understanding of the divine over mere ritualistic practices and the superficial distinctions that often preoccupy the worldly mind. His words resonate with deep philosophical insights, prompting us to introspect and contemplate the essence of spirituality and our relationship with the divine.

जो आनंद सिंधु सुखरासी। सीकर तें त्रैलोक सुपासी॥

Lord Ram and the Ram Mandir

In a world where creations often eclipse their creators, Bhagat Kabir Ji's verses in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib offer a profound reminder of the deep connection between the creator and the created. His words urge us to acknowledge the ultimate source of all creation – the divine. This perspective is particularly relevant when gazing at the imposing grandeur of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. More than its physical splendor, the temple symbolizes a collective devotion and a spiritual awakening, mirroring the deeper truths that Kabir Ji's hymns encapsulate. Thus, the Ram Mandir, in its essence, is not just a monumental structure but a testament to Lord Ram's greater presence, resonating with the spiritual journey towards enlightenment and understanding of the devotee as well as of the entire civilization. These verses, therefore, transcend their scriptural context, shining as a beacon of universal spiritual wisdom, compelling us to seek the eternal truth that intimately connects the creator with his creation.