Having Crossed The River

Kabir

Birth: 1440 , Varanasi

Death: 1518-01-01 , Maghar

Kabir was a 15th-century Indian mystic and poet whose teachings and verses have profoundly influenced the Bhakti movement and Indian spirituality. He is revered by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike for his emphasis on the direct experience of God, transcending religious dogma and ritual. His poetry, known as *dohas* and *padas*, is characterized by its simple yet profound language, often using vivid metaphors from daily life to convey complex spiritual truths. Kabir's work champions religious tolerance, the equality of all beings, and the ultimate unity of the divine. He critiqued the rigid caste system and the superficial practices of organized religion, advocating instead for a personal, heartfelt devotion to the divine. His legacy endures through the Kabir Panth, a spiritual community that follows his teachings, and his verses continue to inspire seekers of truth worldwide.

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Having Crossed The River

Having crossed the river,
where will you go, O friend?

There's no road to tread,
No traveler ahead,
Neither a beginning, nor an end.

There's no water, no boat, no boatman, no cord;
No earth is there, no sky, no time, no bank, no ford.

You have forgotten the Self within,
Your search in the void will be in vain;
In a moment the life will ebb
And in this body you won't remain.

Be ever conscious of this, O friend,
You've to immerse within your Self;
Kabir says, salvation you won't then need,
For what you are, you would be indeed.

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