Did Guru Nanak and Kabir ever meet?
Yes, there is a tradition and narrative that Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Saint Kabir had a profound spiritual connection and even an encounter, as described in certain texts like the Janam Sakhi Bhai Bale Wali and Pran Sangli. The historical timeline and the similarity between teachings of the two saints strongly suggests that they had both met. You will find the true account of their meeting further below.
Historical Timeline:
- Saint Kabir is believed to have lived from 1398 to 1518 CE, while Guru Nanak Dev Ji lived from 1469 to 1539 CE.
- Their lifetimes overlapped for approximately 49 years, making a meeting theoretically possible.
Parallels between Saint Kabir's and Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings
- Both spiritual leaders shared a universal message emphasizing devotion to the Supreme God, equality, and the rejection of ritualistic practices.
- Guru Nanak's teachings, as recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, resonate with Kabir's philosophy, particularly in their emphasis on one Supreme Being and a direct, personal relationship with God.
- Both Guru Nanak and Saint Kabir lay emphasis on the importance of a Complete Guru (Satguru) who imparts the true mantra (Satnaam) which causes liberation of a human soul.
- Both Guru Nanak Dev and Saint Kabir talk about the achievement of eternal realm called Sachkhand (punjabi) and Satlok (hindi), reaching where one attains liberation.
- Saint Kabir's verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, signifying respect and alignment with his teachings. The Guru Granth Sahib contains over 500 verses attributed to Kabir, demonstrating the deep spiritual resonance between the two.
Expanded Account of the Meeting between Guru Nanak and Saint Kabir
The Meeting on the Banks of River Bein:
- According to the Janam Sakhi Bhai Bale Wali, Guru Nanak Dev Ji met Saint Kabir on the banks of the River Bein in Sultanpur Lodhi. This account is also present in Kabir Bani (in Kabir Sagar) very vividly.
- During this encounter, Saint Kabir took Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Sachkhand, the eternal divine realm where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed for 3 days and then returned to earth.
The Revelation in Sachkhand:
- In Sachkhand, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is said to have witnessed Kabir Sahib seated on a throne as the Supreme God.
- Saint Kabir revealed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji that he was performing a divine play by living humbly as a weaver in Varanasi.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Recognition of Kabir in Varanasi:
- Upon returning to earth, Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled to Varanasi, where he recognized Kabir Sahib's divine essence despite his humble appearance as a weaver.
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji praised Saint Kabir’s glory and divinity, acknowledging him as the Supreme God.
Guru Granth Sahib’s Eulogy of Kabir:
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s respect and recognition of Kabir’s divine stature are reflected in his compositions within the Guru Granth Sahib:
- Rag Siri Mehla 1 (page 24) and Rag Tilang Mehla 1 (page 721) praise the divine qualities and teachings associated with Kabir Sahib.
Documentation in Janam Sakhi:
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji narrated this encounter to his disciples Bala and Mardana, which is documented in the Janam Sakhi Bhai Bale Wali. It is considered a significant spiritual milestone in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s journey.
Significance of the Encounter:
This narrative emphasizes:
- The divine unity and alignment in the teachings of Saint Kabir and Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- The recognition of Saint Kabir as the Supreme God by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, showcasing the interconnectedness of their spiritual missions.
- The inclusion of Kabir Sahib’s Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib, further affirming the reverence and acknowledgment of his divine wisdom in Sikhism.
Conclusion:
Whether one views this as a literal or symbolic account, it beautifully highlights the shared mission of both spiritual leaders in guiding humanity toward devotion, equality, and liberation. It reinforces the idea that divine wisdom transcends individual identities, linking Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Saint Kabir in a profound spiritual relationship.