The Philosophical Connection Between Guru Nanak and Kabir: A Quest for Love and Devotion
It is a widely held belief that Guru Nanak and Kabir Das lived during overlapping periods, which suggests there is a possibility they might have met during Guru Nanak's travels in South India, specifically in Tamil Nadu. However, this assertion is incorrect; the timelines for both their lives do not intersect. Guru Nanak lived from 1469 to 1539, while Kabir Das is believed to have lived from 1398 to 1518 or 1440 to 1518. Nonetheless, their philosophical perspectives align closely, indicating a spiritual communion beyond the physical.
Wise Men Think Alike: The Alignment of Philosophical Perspectives
The relationship between Guru Nanak and Kabir can be understood through the lens of shared values and philosophies. Despite their temporal differences, their souls resonated with each other on matters of spiritual realization and devotion. Both were devotees of the formless aspect of God and promoted loving devotion as a means to achieve such realization.
The philosophy of Guru Nanak and Kabir resonates with the teachings of ancient Rishis, advocating for a realisation of the formless aspect of God through love and devotion. This contrasts with the Advaita philosophy of Shankaracharya, which emphasizes realisation through knowledge, self-enquiry, and self-analysis.
The Core Philosophical Aspect: Realisation of the Eternal Truth
Both Guru Nanak and Kabir taught the same core philosophical aspect: the realisation of the Eternal Truth. The aspirant achieves a state where they feel God's presence and realize oneness with the divine. The phrase "I am yours, you are mine" in the Guru Granth Sahib encapsulates this realisation, underscoring the unity between the devotee and the divine.
Shankaracharya's philosophy, on the other hand, focuses on the realisation of "I am Bramhan" through knowledge and self-analysis. Despite the different methods, both paths lead to the same goal: oneness with God. This illustrates that all religious philosophies aim to help the soul achieve this state of oneness. The Indian philosophies, however, are more direct, making their goals clear and forthright.
The External Disciplines of Sikhism
Beyond the spiritual teachings, Sikhism also prescribes certain external disciplines. For instance, the Sikh Gurus did not cut their hair, a practice continued by their followers. This practice symbolizes the divine presence within the body, reflecting the belief that the divine and the human are one. The Rishis of ancient times also practiced such external disciplines, and the Sikh Gurus sought to convey that these philosophies are rooted in the teachings of the ancient Rishis.
These disciplines are not just symbolic; they are seen as a means to attain higher spiritual states. By following these disciplines, one can experience a deeper connection with the divine. This is why Sikhism emphasizes the importance of these external practices to complement the internal realisation of the truth.
Conclusion
The alignment of philosophies between Guru Nanak and Kabir underscores the universal quest for love and devotion in understanding the divine. While their periods of life did not intersect, their messages resonated with each other and continue to inspire millions of people today. The shared values of realisation, love, and devotion transcend the physical and temporal, highlighting the timeless nature of these spiritual teachings.