Kabir Composition on Seeking the True Lord

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Questions and Answers

Who were the two groups of saints mentioned in the text?

Shaivas and Vaishnavas

Alvars and Nayanars (correct)

Buddhists and Jains

Sufis and Yogis

Which caste backgrounds did the Nayanars belong to?

Potter, Peasant, Hunter

Untouchable, Doctor, Artist

Merchant, Scholar, Priest

Brahmana, Soldier, Chief (correct)

In which compilations were the songs of the Alvars compiled?

Puranas and Vedas

Tevaram and Tiruvacakam

Ramayana and Mahabharata

Divya Prabandham (correct)

During which centuries did the Chola and Pandya kings build elaborate temples?

10th and 12th centuries Signup and view all the answers

What are hagiographies?

Religious biographies of saints Signup and view all the answers

How do we use texts about Alvars and Nayanars today?

To write histories of the bhakti tradition Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of Kabir's teachings?

Rejecting major religious traditions Signup and view all the answers

Which language did Kabir primarily use in his poetry?

Spoken Hindi Signup and view all the answers

What method did Kabir believe was the only path to salvation?

Bhakti (Devotion) Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant aspect of Kabir's followers?

They were drawn from both Hindus and Muslims Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did Kabir believe in regarding God?

God is formless Signup and view all the answers

How does Shankara define Brahman in his philosophy?

Formless without attributes Signup and view all the answers

According to Shankara, how did he view the world around us?

As an illusion or maya Signup and view all the answers

What was Ramanuja's main emphasis for attaining salvation?

Intense devotion to Vishnu Signup and view all the answers

How did Ramanuja view the relationship between the devotee and Vishnu?

The soul remains distinct even when united with Vishnu Signup and view all the answers

What did Shankara advocate as a path to understand the true nature of Brahman?

Adoption of the path of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

How did Shankara view the individual soul in relation to the Supreme God?

Distinct and separate entities Signup and view all the answers

Where was Guru Nanak born?

Nankana Sahib Signup and view all the answers

What was established at Kartarpur by Guru Nanak for his followers?

A common kitchen (langar) Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed as Guru Nanak's successor before his death in 1539?

Lehna Signup and view all the answers

Which script was introduced by Guru Angad to compile the compositions of Guru Nanak?

Gurmukhi Signup and view all the answers

Who authenticated the compilation of writings by Guru Arjan in 1604?

Guru Gobind Singh Signup and view all the answers

What is the holy scripture of the Sikhs known as?

Guru Granth Sahib Signup and view all the answers

What was Luther strongly opposed to?

Making donations to the Church for forgiveness of sins Signup and view all the answers

How were Luther's writings widely disseminated?

Through the growth of the printing press Signup and view all the answers

What is a common origin for many Protestant Christian sects?

The teachings of Martin Luther Signup and view all the answers

What did Baba Guru Nanak majorly teach?

Rejection of prevalent religious beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Why did many teachers reject prevalent religious beliefs and practices?

To bring about change or reform Signup and view all the answers

What were the major beliefs and practices of the Sufis known for?

Emphasizing devotion and spiritual practices Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Saints and Their Backgrounds

Two groups of saints mentioned: Nayanars and Alvars.
Nayanars primarily belonged to lower caste backgrounds, including untouchables.

Compilations of Songs

The songs of the Alvars were compiled in the "Nalayira Divya Prabandham."

Temple Construction

Elaborate temples were built during the Chola and Pandya reigns between the 9th and 12th centuries.

Hagiographies

Hagiographies are biographies that highlight the lives and miracles of saints, often to venerate their legacy.

Contemporary Use of Texts

Texts about Alvars and Nayanars continue to be used for spiritual inspiration and cultural identity.

Kabir's Teachings

Main focus of Kabir's teachings was on personal spirituality and direct experience of God.
Kabir primarily used the Hindi language in his poetry.

Path to Salvation

Kabir advocated love and devotion (bhakti) as the only path to salvation.

Followers of Kabir

One significant aspect of Kabir's followers is their inclusive nature, transcending caste barriers.

Concept of God

Kabir believed in a formless and universal concept of God that is accessible to all.

Shankara's Philosophy

Shankara defined Brahman as the ultimate, unchanging reality, transcending the material world.
He viewed the world around us as an illusion (Maya) that obscures the true nature of Brahman.

Ramanuja's Emphasis

Ramanuja emphasized devotion and grace as essential for attaining salvation.
He viewed the relationship between the devotee and Vishnu as one of personal intimacy and ultimate surrender.

Shankara's Advocacy

Shankara advocated knowledge (jnana) and meditation as paths to understand Brahman.

Individual Soul and Supreme God

Shankara viewed the individual soul (Atman) as identical to the Supreme God (Brahman) but obscured by ignorance.

Guru Nanak and His Legacy

Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in present-day Pakistan.
He established Kartarpur as a community center for his followers, promoting equality and social justice.

Successorship

Before his death in 1539, Guru Nanak appointed Guru Angad as his successor.

Script Introduction

Guru Angad introduced the Gurmukhi script to compile the compositions of Guru Nanak.

Authenticated Writings

Guru Arjan authenticated the compilation of writings in 1604, preserving Sikh scriptures.

Sikh Holy Scripture

The holy scripture of the Sikhs is known as the Guru Granth Sahib.

Martin Luther

Luther was strongly opposed to the sale of indulgences and corrupt practices within the church.

Dissemination of Writings

Luther's writings were widely disseminated with the advent of the printing press.

Protestant Sect Origins

Many Protestant Christian sects share a common origin in the Reformation movement initiated by figures like Luther.

Baba Guru Nanak's Teachings

Baba Guru Nanak taught the oneness of God and the importance of living a truthful and honest life.

Rejection of Religious Beliefs

Many teachers rejected prevalent religious beliefs and practices for their perceived hypocrisy and ritualism.

Major Beliefs of Sufis

The major beliefs and practices of the Sufis include love, devotion, and a personal connection to the divine, often expressed through poetry and music.

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Description

Explore a composition by Kabir reflecting on seeking the true Lord, showcasing philosophical reflections on spiritual practices and human nature.