Kabir's Companions and Teachings

12 Questions

Where was Kabir, the renowned ancient Indian poet, born?

Varanasi

According to Kabir, what is essential in addition to worshiping God?

Recognition of God within oneself

What did Birah Bhuvangam, the mendicant, advise about criticism?

Not to avoid those who criticize us

How did Kabir learn, despite not receiving formal education?

Learned from sages and other spiritual figures

Kabir and his friends are armless dwarfs living in this chapter.

False

Kabir received formal education from sages and other spiritual figures.

False

Kabir believed in multiple gods and expressed disapproval for other religions.

False

The scent of jasmine can attract a deer even if the deer is unaware of the flower's presence.

True

Kabir was born in Varanasi, and the exact year of his birth is known.

False

Kabir's friends encourage each other to embrace their ego and prioritize outer self.

False

The scent of jasmine is only used in perfumes, not in medications.

False

Birah Bhuvangam advises to avoid those who criticize us and stay away from them.

False

Study Notes

The text focuses on the friends of Kabir, a renowned ancient Indian poet.
Kabir and his friends are total armless dwarfs living in this chapter, known as Kabir's companions, who begin their journey.
Kabir, one of India's most famous poets, was born in Varanasi, although the exact year is uncertain.
Kabir did not receive formal education, but learned from sages and other spiritual figures.
Kabir believed that God is one, and he expressed devotion and approval for all religions.
Kabir's companions encourage each other to find their inner self and forget their ego.
Kabir advises that sweet words should be spoken to bring coolness and peace, and that love and compassion towards others should be fostered.
The scent of jasmine, which grows near a deer's ear, can attract it even if the deer is unaware of the flower's presence.
The scent of jasmine is also used in perfumes and medications.
Worshiping God is essential, but it is also necessary to recognize Him within oneself.
Kabir's friends are now moving towards their seventh friend, a mendicant named Birah Bhuvangam, who does not carry a needle or thread and does not wear clothes.
Subhāy, a witness, has testified that Birah Bhuvangam is a great sage.
Birah Bhuvangam advises that one should not avoid those who criticize us but should be with them, just as one keeps a cow tied close to prevent it from straying.
One cannot become wise just by reading books, but one must also apply practical knowledge.
The most important thing is to recognize God, and the guru is the one who can reveal this truth.
The final friends are Muradhan, who has taken away the keys to the house, and the elephant Tash, who is in their company.
Kabir states that one must abandon one's desires and attachments to attain true knowledge.
Kabir has illuminated his own ignorance-filled house with the light of knowledge.
Kabir advises that one must help others free themselves from the bonds of ignorance to attain knowledge.