write two similarities and differences between the lives of Guru Nanak and Kabir
Answers
Baba Guru Nanak and Sant Kabir have many similarities and both are the two greatest pillars of the Bhakti Movement which would ultimately enlighten Emperor Akbar to bring India’s third golden age to fruition. Both Baba Nanak and Sant Kabir, exposed in Hinduism and Islam the need for change. They both spoke of equality and recognized the oneness of creation, and of all cosmic forces as representing an infinite will which remained present at all times in the past and future. But perhaps both expressed this in such elegance that they were able in the languages of 15th century North India, to approach the descriptive properties the Vedas. However there are differences to be found which are not obvious as many of Sant Kabir’s teachings are integrated seamlessly in the Adi Grant. It is here that Baba Nanak’s work proves to be more dynamic in offering muliple paths for individual enlightenment. Both Baba Nanak’s teachings and that of Sant Kabir would bring India into a golden age in which diversity of religion would no longer be looked as a hindrance for enlightened philosophical advancement and economic prosperity in India
Although many scholars still do not agree on the exact dates for Sant Kabir’s life. Based on our family handed down recollections from the time of Baba Sri Laxmi Chand Bedi, we have been led to believe that Sant Kabir was present at the time Baba Nanak lived. Being acknowledged, that Sant Kabir was older, it fair to estimate that he was born in about 1440 A.D. and he lived until about 1520. As Baba Nanak Guru Nanak lived from 1469–1539. There was ample time for them to meet as been recorded in many family sources and in traditions from United Punjab. For historical reasons it makes far more sense that their work overlapped in time frame as the message is so similar yet profoundly different in application.
Baba Nanak differs on many key levels when it comes to the notion of how spirituality, Karmic deeds and belief could be obtained. Baba Nanak taught that there was no division in Karmic Law, which made one path any better or worse than the other. Sant Kabir held a different viewpoint, and stated, “Woman ruins everything when she comes near man; Devotion, liberation, and divine knowledge no longer enter his soul.” This statement has a more profound meaning than simply a gender based prejudicial statement. Sant Kabir basically did not believe enlightenment could be found through the path of “Grasti” or a householder. He seemed to be more inclined towards the traditional aesthetic paths as found since Vedic times in India. It is here where Baba Nanak completely differs with Sant Kabir. As through Baba Nanak’s divinely inspired enlightenment, showed that just as the oneness of creation is universal, so are the different paths towards enlightenment. Supporting one’s parents, children and spouse are not necessary detractors from also doing Karmic deeds of universal benefit. The forces of the cosmos maintain life cycles and karmic principles, and they are one with the creator, thus by humans doing the same there is no conflict. If actions are done in this spirit than effort based enlightenment was still being obtained. It can be stated that Baba Nanak and Sant Kabir though very similar in many beliefs also had different messages, which molded successfully in the Bhakti movement and in Sikhism of which Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder.
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Guru Nanak ji was a Sikh and Kabir ji was a Hindu