Kabir was born in 1398 a time of great political upheaval in India. Ramananda was his spiritual Master. He spent most of his life around Benaras, the seat of Brahmin orthodoxy. The Brahmins exerted great influence on every level of society, but Kabir denounced them in a satirical way. He also ridiculed the authority of Vedas and Quran as well as the Brahmin and the Qazi. Thus the orthodoxy of both religions hated him. However he had a large following and was safe from their persecution. He had won the hearts of the common people and influenced the religious beliefs of the simple rural folks by denouncing the heavy burdens placed upon them by the religious authorities. Kabir stressed a simple life, the equality of man and condemned religious bigotry. There are many legends surrounding his death, but according to British Scholar Charlotte Vaudenville, he died in the year 1448.

Kabir's Poetry

The middle region of the sky
where the spirit dwells
is radiant with the music of light,
there, the pure white music blossoms.
My Lord takes delight
in the wondrous brilliance, 
every part of Him
is brighter than a millions suns.
On the shore there is a city
where the rain of nectar pours and pours
the sweetness never ceases.
Kabir says:  Come, O humble Seeker!
Come see my Lord's great Palace.


O Servant, where do you seek Me? 
Listen,  I am beside you,
I am not in temple nor mosque
I am neither in Kaaba nor Kailash
Neither am I in rites and ceremonies,
nor in Yoga and renunciation.
If you are a true seeker
you shall see Me at once
you will find me in the secret place within.
Kabir says: tell me, what is God?
He is the breath within the breath.


There is a land where no doubt nor sorrow have rule:
Where the Terror of Death is no more. 
There the woods are filled with spring blossoms,
and the fragrant scent "He is I" is in the wind.
There the bee of the heart is deeply immersed
and desires no other joy.


My body and mind are in depression because
You are not with me.
How much I love You and want You in my house!
When I hear people describe me as Your devotee 
I look to the side ashamed
because I know that we have never met. 
Then what is this love of mine?
I do not care about food,
I do not care about sleep,
I am restless indoors and out.
The bride wants her lover 
as a thirsty man wants water.
How will I find someone 
who will take a message to the Guest for me?
How restless Kabir is all the time!
How much he wants to see the Guest!