Question

Answer in 100-150 words.

Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Baba Guru Nanak, and the ways in which these have been transmitted. 

Answer 1

Kabir is a great poet-cum-saint of Indian society. He has had appeal among Hindus and Muslims alike as it is believed that he was born as Hindu but was brought up by a Muslim couple. He wrote poems that exhorted both communities to take to social reforms.

The major teachings of Kabir were as follows:

1. Kabir described God as nirankar (having no shape). He used terms drawn from Islamic tradition like Allah, Khuda, Hajrat, and Peer but also used words of Vedic traditions like Alakh (the unseen) and nirakar (the formless). Thus, he freely took to both traditions viz. Islamic and Vedantic.
2. He repudiated idol worship and polytheism.
3. He emphasized the oneness of God though there can be many names of His.
4. He criticised religious rituals of Hindus and Muslims alike.
5. He also preached against caste discrimination.
6. He combined the Sufi traditions of love of God with the Hindi tradition of remembrance of God.
7. He also emphasised the dignity of labour.

Thus, the essence of the teachings of Kabir was simple living based on love and respect for all. He wrote in simple language to be understood by the common man of the country.

Guru Nanak and his teachings: Guru Nanak was born in a Hindu family in 1469 at Nankana Saheb on the bank of the river Ravi. His birthplace is now in Pakistan. He learnt Persian, Arabic, Hindi, and Mathematics. He spent time in the company of Sufi saints and Bhaktas of various socio-religious movements.

The major teachings of Guru Nanak are as follows:

1. He rejected the religious texts of both Hindus and Muslims.
2. He preached God is Nirakar viz., without any shape.
3. He criticised the religious practices like ceremonial baths, sacrifices, and idol worship and emphasised simplicity.
4. He called upon his followers to connect to the divine by remembering and repeating the divine name.

Guru Nanak expressed himself in Punjabi, the language of the local people, in a lyrical form called Shabad. Shabad can be recited in various ragas.