"Few major achievements of world literature are as little known to Americans as the great ecstatic poetry of the Hindus and Sufis, as exemplified by the work of the 15th century master, Kabir. Irreverent while being intensely religious, Kabir seems incredibly playful in his taunting of the sacred dogmas of his time--to readers accustomed to the solemnity and ideological fidelity of most Western religious poems. Kabir has been translated into English only once before, by Rabindranath Tagore and Evelyn Underhill. Unfortunately, Tagore's Victorian English was simply not equal to Kabir's directness, spontaneity, and irreverent humor. Working from the Tagore-Underhill translation, Bly has done much more than retranslate into American diction. A noted poet himself, he has breathed new life into the work of a fascinating poet"--From back cover.
Originally published in 1976, with more than 75,000 copies in print, this collection of poems by fifteenth-century ecstatic poet Kabir is full of fun and full of thought. Columbia University professor of religion John Stratton Hawley has contributed an introduction that makes clear Kabir's immense importance to the contemporary reader and praises Bly's intuitive translations. By making every reader consider anew their religious thinking, the poems of Kabir seem as relevant today as when they were first written.
Kabir was an extraordinary oral poet whose works have been sung and recited by millions throughout North India for half a millennium. He may have been illiterate and he preached an abrasive, sometimes shocking, always uncompromising message that exhorted his audience to shed their delusions, pretentions, and empty orthodoxies in favor of an intense, direct, and personal confrontation with the truth. Thousands of poems are popularly attributed to Kabir, but only a few written collections have survived over the centuries. The Bijak is one of the most important, and is the sacred book of those who follow Kabir.
After authoring more than 30 books, Andrew Harvey, Rumi scholar, mystic, and founder of Sacred Activism, is releasing what may be his consummate work, Turn Me to Gold: 108 Poems of Kabir, embellished with extraordinary photographs of India by Brett Hurd. "Unlike Rumi," writes Harvey, "Kabir is the tough, no-nonsense peasant ... the master of laser-like clarity, simplicity, directness, passion, and strength ... exactly what spiritual seekers need amid our devastating global crisis."
Discover the timeless wisdom of Saint Kabir through the poetic lens of Kavita Garg in her insightful book, "Saint Kabir." Step into the spiritual realm of Saint Kabir, one of India's most revered mystic poets, as Kavita Garg beautifully captures his profound teachings and timeless philosophy in poetic form. Through her evocative verses, readers are transported to a world of spiritual depth and enlightenment, where the eternal truths of love, devotion, and self-realization are illuminated with clarity and grace. Themes of divine love, inner awakening, and the pursuit of truth resonate throughout the book, inviting readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual transformation. Garg's poetic interpretations of Kabir's teachings offer a fresh perspective on age-old wisdom, inspiring readers to reflect on the deeper meanings of life and existence. Character analysis delves into the essence of Saint Kabir's teachings, exploring his profound insights into the nature of reality, the unity of all beings, and the path to liberation. Through Garg's poetic renderings, readers gain a deeper appreciation for Kabir's universal message of love and compassion, which transcends barriers of time, culture, and belief. The overall tone and mood of the book are one of reverence and contemplation, as Garg's lyrical verses evoke a sense of reverence for Saint Kabir and his timeless wisdom. With its ethereal beauty and spiritual depth, "Saint Kabir" serves as a beacon of light for seekers on the path of truth and enlightenment. Critically acclaimed for its poetic brilliance and spiritual insight, "Saint Kabir" has earned praise from readers and critics alike for its ability to capture the essence of Kabir's teachings in a captivating and accessible format. Its timeless message of love, unity, and inner peace continues to inspire and uplift readers of all backgrounds. Whether you're a devout follower of Saint Kabir or simply drawn to the beauty of spiritual poetry, "Saint Kabir" by Kavita Garg is sure to touch your heart and awaken your soul. Let the timeless wisdom of Kabir's poetry guide you on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Don't miss your chance to experience the divine beauty of "Saint Kabir" by Kavita Garg. Order your copy today and immerse yourself in the timeless teachings of one of India's greatest mystic poets.
Kabeer in Korporates addresses the trials and tussles of the workplace faced by the modern day employee, using Kabeer as the deep font of practical wisdom that balances philosophy with action, theory with practice. It puts into perspective the multiple conundrums of working life: o the balance between success and joy o the tension between methods and results o the impasse between choosing the right coach and being the right coach o decrypting the enigma called leadership. It defines with compassionate wisdom the fine line between dealing with things and dealing with the self. Kabeer In Korporates demystifies the angst and challenges of modern employees, providing lessons, insights and solutions to problems using the wisdom of Kabeer in four ways: o by questioning the individual before he is allowed to question the world around him o asking pertinent questions rather than offering pat solutions o by being simple and matter-of-fact and not hiding behind theories and constructs. o by outlining dilemmas and providing insights on dealing with them. Kabeer is a willing ally; he teaches you the art of untangling the knots till you can breathe and live your own life – fully.
In Indian religious history, Kabir is unique. To the Hindus, he is a Vaishnava Bhakta, to the Muslims, a Pir, to the Sikhs, a Bhagat, to the Kabirpanthis, an Avatar, and to the modern patriots, he is a champion of Hindu-Muslim unity. He is seen as a promoter of universal religion who opposed superstitious beliefs and empty rituals. This book is a compilation of Kabir’s works—songs and verses—which are very popular with the masses, and in religious circles. The English translation is rendered by Swami Brahmeshananda, a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order. This selective compilation amply represents Kabir’s ideology. The reader will find herein Kabir’s message of knowledge, devotion, ethics, and social equality well expressed.
Songs of Kabir Rabindranath Tagore - Kabir lived in the 15th Century (1440-1518); born to Mohammadan parents; he came under the influence of the famous Hindu saint; Sri Ramananda and delved deep into the mysteries of Hindu mysticism. A true worshipper of God; he emphasized the purity of mind and selfless devotion to God. He openly opposed the weaknesses of both Hinduism and Islam.During his life time he composed many poems. They are usually two line couplets; known as dohas; recited by many scholars even today to denote some deep philosophical truths.All these songs of Kabir were translated into English by none other than Rabindranath Tagore; the mystic poet and the Noble Laureate; the first edition; published by The Macmillan Company; 1915; New York.This book shall prove to be an asset for the Kabir lovers who can't enjoy his writings in Hindi.
Sacred poetry from twelve mystics and saints, rendered brilliantly by Daniel Ladinsky, beloved interpreter of verses by the fourteenth-century Persian poet Hafiz One of 6 Books Oprah Loves to Give as Gifts During the Holidays “All kinds of beautiful poetry.” –Hoda Kotb In this luminous collection, Daniel Ladinsky—best known for his bestselling interpretations of the great Sufi poet Hafiz—brings together the timeless work of twelve of the world’s finest spiritual writers, six from the East and six from the West. Once again, Ladinsky reveals his talent for creating profound and playful renditions of classic poems for a modern audience. Rumi’s joyous, ecstatic love poems; St. Francis’s loving observations of nature through the eyes of Catholicism; Kabir’s wild, freeing humor that synthesizes Hindu, Muslim, and Christian beliefs; St. Teresa’s sensual verse; and the mystical, healing words of Sufi poet Hafiz—these along with inspiring works by Rabia, Meister Eckhart, St. Thomas Aquinas, Mira, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and Tukaram are all “love poems by God” from writers considered “conduits of the divine.” Together, they form a spiritual treasure to cherish always.
