The Philosophical and Cultural Teachings of Sankaradeva and Kabirdas

The Bhakti movement was a profound spiritual and social revolution that sought to redefine the relationship between the individual and the divine. The essence of Bhakti lies in its emphasis on an individual’s emotional and spiritual relationship with the divine, transcending rituals and orthodox dogmas. Among the many leaders of this movement, Sankaradeva and Kabirdas stand out for their strong devotion to Bhakti and efforts to address social and religious issues of their time. Despite geographical and cultural differences, both shared a vision of unity, devotion, and a society free from the chains of the caste and Brahminical ritualism.

Unfortunately, Sankaradeva remains largely unexplored outside Assam and Northeast India, despite his profound contributions to the Bhakti movement. There is a need to revisit and disseminate his teachings on a broader scale, recognizing his role as a cultural and philosophical luminary.

Sankaradeva and His Ek Sharana Naam Dharma

Sankaradeva, the saint-philosopher of Assam, was a harbinger of Vaishnavism in the region. His doctrine, Ek Sharana Naam Dharma (complete surrender to one God, Krishna) laid the foundation for a spiritual and moral reformation in Assamese society. Rooted in the principles of Nirguna Bhakti (formless devotion), his teachings emphasized absolute devotion to Lord Krishna, rejecting elaborate rituals and Brahmanical supremacy. Sankaradeva’s approach to Bhakti was holistic as it was not merely confined to devotion but extended to an integrated cultural movement incorporating literature, music, dance, and drama. His compositions, known as Borgeet (devotional songs), and Ankiya Nata (One-Act play) created a unique synthesis of art and spirituality, engaging the common people in devotional practices. Through his teachings, Sankaradeva sought to cultivate love, tolerance, and an inclusive sense of community. Contrary to the perception that he was entirely opposed to Brahmanism, Sankaradeva’s critique was rooted in logic. He rejected empty formalism and upheld the egalitarian essence of devotion. His movement served as an antidote to religious fragmentation, uniting people under the singular devotion to the divine.

Kabirdas: The Mystic Weaver of Devotion

Kabirdas, an illustrious poet-saint of the Nirguna Bhakti tradition, emerged as a formidable voice against orthodoxy. Born in Varanasi, he was raised by a Muslim weaver couple, which deeply influenced his worldview and contributed to his relentless advocacy for interfaith harmony. Kabirdas challenged ritualism, idolatry, and sectarianism, emphasizing the oneness of God beyond religious confines. To him, the divine was Nirguna -formless and beyond material manifestations. His poetry, marked by piercing simplicity, conveyed profound spiritual truths. He articulated the futility of external religious practices, advocating an inward journey of devotion and self-purification.

His verses, compiled in the Bijak (The Seed), reflect his disdain for societal divisions and his firm belief in universal brotherhood. He viewed Hindu and Muslim distinctions as superficial, asserting that the essence of spirituality lay in internal transformation rather than outward observances. His famous lines “Hindu kahe Mohi Ram Piyara, Turuk kahe Rahmana” encapsulate his ideology of religious unity. Kabir’s Bhakti was not passive; it was revolutionary. It confronted blind faith and sought to liberate individuals from dogmatic rigidity.

Relevance of Sankaradeva and Kabirdas in Contemporary Society

Sankaradeva and Kabirdas' messages of love, unity, and devotion hold an utmost relevance in contemporary society, which continues to grapple with divisions of caste, creed, and identity politics. Their teachings urge humanity to look beyond superficial barriers and embrace the essence of divine love. While Kabirdas' philosophy of interfaith harmony and rejection of casteism serves as an antidote to religious discord, Sankaradeva’s vision of a culturally enriched Bhakti offers a holistic path to spiritual and social reformation. The underlying message of both reformers is clear that devotion is the ultimate purpose of human life, and it is through Bhakti that one transcends the ephemeral illusions of the material world.

The major goal of the Bhakti movement was to realize the purpose of human life. Eating, sleeping, fearing, and mating are four common principles of both animal and human lives. But man can decide what the ultimate purpose of his life is. This ultimate purpose comes into the human mind through religion and devotion, or Dharma and Bhakti, which stress this realization. In an age marked by fragmentation, the idealism of Sankaradeva and Kabirdas offers a ray of hope. Through Bhakti, they envisioned a society where love reigns supreme, and all distinctions melt into the singular pursuit of the divine. The modern world, with its increasing materialistic pursuits, stands to benefit immensely from their wisdom reminding us that beyond the transient chaos of life, devotion remains the ultimate reality.

The author is a research fellow at Panjab University, Chandigarh.