Daak Weekly: Wisdom for the Ages from Kabir and Bulleh Shah

If you, like us, find the news distressing and disheartening, perhaps it’s time to turn to a more uplifting medium: poetry. While it may not inform you about political disputes, communal strife, and natural disasters, it teaches valuable lessons about hope, harmony, and coexistence, which can help prevent the disastrous state of affairs we see today. Throughout history, numerous saints in the subcontinent have used poetry to offer timeless wisdom on our most essential questions. A striking similarity among them is that they wrote not in sophisticated language, but in the common, everyday spoken tongue, making their work accessible to all. Their teachings, often posed as riddles rather than definitive answers, encouraged introspection and empathy.

Although dating back to the 15th century, Kabir's teachings, marked by profound simplicity and deep spiritual insight, remain embedded in our thoughts and language. Writing in straightforward vernacular that resonated with the common people, Kabir used his dohas, or couplets, to convey complex philosophical ideas about life's truths, the unity of the divine, and equality among all beings. His messages challenged the rigid religious orthodoxy of his time, urging individuals to look beyond superficial rituals and embrace a more personal and internalized spirituality.

In the 17th century, Bulleh Shah, the revered Sufi poet, shared similar teachings through his eloquent poetry. The resonance of his work is evident today in the numerous songs and ideas inspired by him. Writing in Punjabi, Bulleh Shah's verses transcended social and religious divides, delivering messages of love, divine unity, and inner reflection. His poetry often criticized entrenched societal norms and rituals, encouraging individuals to seek a direct, personal connection with the divine. His enduring legacy lies in the timeless relevance of his call for peace, tolerance, and universal brotherhood.

Let their poetry serve as a reminder that beyond sensationalised and hateful narratives lie universal, enduring truths. By striving to live by these truths, we can make life a little better for ourselves and others.

Love,

Team Daak

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