Bijak is a compilation of verses and hymns attributed to Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint. The term "Bijak" translates to "Seedling" or "The Seed" in English, symbolizing the essence of Kabir's teachings. The text is central to the Kabir Panth, a spiritual movement that follows his philosophy.
The Bijak is written mostly in the Mirzapuri dialect of Old Awadhi.[1] While Ahmed Shah tells it a dialect of Bhojpuri; Grierson confirms that it hasn't any typical Bhojpuri word and written in old form of Awadhi language.[2] Also Mirzapuri is considered a dialect of Awadhi language.[3]
Bijak, strongly advocates religious unity. Kabir was deeply critical of sectarianism and sought to transcend the boundaries of organized religions, emphasizing the underlying unity of all faiths. His verses in the Bijak emphasize the futility of external rituals and dogmas, instead urging individuals to seek the divine within themselves and embrace universal truths.
Structure
The Bijak is divided into three main sections, each containing different types of compositions:
a) Ramaini (रामैनी): Consists of 64 dohas (two-line verses) or couplets. These verses are deeply philosophical, focusing on spiritual truths and moral values.
b) Shabda (शब्द): Contains 100 poetic compositions. These are spiritual songs (bhajans) expressing Kabir's realization of God and the soul's relationship with the divine.
c) Sakhi (साखी): Features 700 couplets (dohas). These offer practical wisdom and lessons for living a virtuous and spiritually conscious life.
Composition of Doha:
दुई जगदीस कहाँ ते आया, कहु कवने भरमाया। अल्लह राम करीमा केसो, हरि हजरत नाम धराया॥ "Dui Jagdish kahan te aaya, kahu kawne bharmaaya॥. Allah Ram Kareem, Keso, Hari Hazrat naam dharaya॥."
Kabir, in this doha, questions the idea of duality in God. He asks, "Where did the concept of two Gods come from, and who created this illusion?" By mentioning names like Allah, Ram, Kareema, Keso, Hari and Hazrat, he highlights that these are just different names given to the same divine power by people of different faiths including Hindus and Muslims. Kabir's message is clear: God is one, and all divisions and distinctions are man-made illusions. He encourages us to look beyond names and forms to understand the universal oneness of the divine.
Themes and Philosophy in Bijak
Kabir Das with a disciple
The Bijak reflects Kabir's inclusive and non-dualistic philosophy. Key themes include:
1) Unity of God:
Kabir believed in one formless, universal divine presence, beyond labels like "Ram" or "Rahim," "Hindu" or "Muslim." He criticized rituals, dogmas, and blind adherence to religious orthodoxy.
2) Self-Realization:
Kabir emphasizes that God resides within oneself, and self-realization is the key to spiritual awakening. Meditation, introspection, and living an ethical life are central to achieving this.
3) Critique of Religious Hypocrisy:
Kabir was a vocal critic of religious hypocrisy and rituals performed without understanding. He questioned the caste system, sectarianism, and institutionalized religion.
4) Simple Living and Devotion:
Kabir advocates living a simple, truthful life with devotion to the divine, without the need for intermediaries like priests or maulanas.
5) Transcendence of Duality:
Kabir's philosophy goes beyond dualistic oppositions like life and death, good and evil, Hindu and Muslim, asserting the oneness of existence.
Influence
The Bijak has had a profound impact on Indian poetry and mystic literature, inspiring poets like Guru Nanak, Ravidas, and others in the Bhakti and Sufi traditions. Kabir's teachings, encapsulated in the Bijak, continue to inspire movements against casteism, communalism, and social injustice.
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