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When he sings, I just stand and listen || Acharya Prashant, on Kabir Saheb (2019)
Scriptures and Saints
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1 year ago
Kabir Saheb
Honesty
Varanasi
Advaita
Bhakti
Maya
Veganism
Spirituality
Description

Acharya Prashant introduces Kabir Saheb as a figure of absolute honesty and integrity, highlighting that he was a weaver from Varanasi who worked for his living throughout his life. Unlike many religious teachers who rely on donations or titles, Kabir Saheb remained humble, never seeking to establish himself as a high-profile guru or a beggar. He lived an ordinary life, referring to himself simply as Kabir or Kabira, which the speaker describes as honesty to the core. This humility is perhaps why he has not been given the place he truly deserves in history, despite being one of the greatest figures to have lived. Kabir Saheb is portrayed as a courageous individual who spoke truth to power and challenged the orthodoxy of his time. He was unsparing in his criticism of idol worship and religious pretense, famously stating that even dogs are better than the gods people worship because they offer actual protection. Acharya Prashant admires Kabir Saheb's ability to express profound realizations with childlike simplicity, particularly his dismissal of complex concepts like Maya and time with straightforward, hard-hitting verses. He is described as a 'superhero' whose expression is both brutal in its honesty and innocent in its delivery. Furthermore, the speaker identifies Kabir Saheb as the greatest scholar of Advaita and a supreme devotee, merging the paths of knowledge and devotion. He was a staunch advocate against cruelty to animals and flesh-eating, even criticizing the Vedas when they mentioned animal sacrifice. Kabir Saheb's teachings encompass the Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain streams, making him a singular figure in human history. Acharya Prashant also highlights Kabir Saheb's terrific sense of humor and wit, noting that his casual yet insightful verses continue to challenge and enlighten listeners today.