Word Meaning
| Line | Word | Meaning | Meaning in Hindi |
| 1 | Needless | Unnecessary | अनावश्यक |
| 1 | Saint | A holy person or spiritual teacher | साधु |
| 1 | Caste | A social division based on birth | जाति |
| 2 | priest | pujari | पुरोहित |
| 2 | Warrior | fighter | योद्धा |
| 3 | Tradesman | A person who buys and sells goods. | व्यापारी |
| 3 | Alike | Similar | एक जैसे |
| 3 | Seeking | Searching for | खोज रहे हैं |
| 4 | Folly | Stupidity | मूर्खता |
| 5 | Barber | A person who cuts hair | नाई |
| 5 | Washerwoman | A woman who washes clothes | धोबी |
| 5 | Carpenter | A person who makes things from wood | बढ़ई |
| 6 | Seeker | A person who is searching for something | साधक |
| 7 | Rishi | A Hindu sage | ऋषि |
| 7 | Tanner | A person who prepares leather | चमड़ा बनाने वाला |
| 8 | End | Aim or goal | लक्ष्य |
| 8 | mark of distinction | Sign of difference | भेद का चिह्न |
It is needless to ask of a saint Summary
Saint Kabir’s poem “It is Needless to Ask of a Saint” is a powerful critique of the caste system and its emphasis on social divisions. Kabir argues that it is pointless to ask a saint’s caste, because all saints are seeking God, regardless of their birth or social status.
Kabir begins the poem by stating that it is pointless to ask about the caste of a saint. He then goes on to say that people of all castes, including priests, warriors, and tradesmen, are all seeking God. He also points out that barbers, washerwomen, and carpenters have all sought God.
Kabir then gives two specific examples of saints from low-caste backgrounds: Raidas and Rishi Swapacha (a tanner). He also points out that Hindus and Muslims alike have achieved spiritual liberation.
Kabir’s message is clear: caste is irrelevant in the spiritual realm. All people are equal in the eyes of God, and all have the potential to achieve liberation.
The poem is a reminder that we should focus on the inner qualities of a person, rather than their external appearance or social status. If someone is truly seeking God, then they are a saint, regardless of their caste or religion.
Kabir’s poem is still relevant today, as we continue to struggle with issues of caste and discrimination. His message is a call for us to transcend our differences and see each other as equals in the eyes of God.
Key Points
Author: The poem is written by Sant Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint. His writings significantly influenced the Bhakti movement in India.
Form: This poem is a Doha, a form of self-contained rhyming couplet in poetry. Dohas are often used in Hindi literature and have a simple rhythmic structure.
Speaker: The speaker in the poem is Sant Kabir himself, expressing his views on spirituality and caste system.
Setting: The poem doesn’t specify a physical setting. It’s more focused on the social and spiritual context of India during Kabir’s time, particularly the caste system.
Theme: The main theme of the poem is the critique of the caste system and the assertion that spiritual attainment is not confined to any particular caste or social status.
Tone: The tone of the poem is didactic and critical. Kabir instructs his readers about the irrelevance of caste in spiritual pursuits and criticizes societal norms that suggest otherwise.
Style: Kabir’s style in this poem is direct and unambiguous. He uses simple language to convey profound spiritual and social messages.
Message: The message of the poem is clear: Caste or social status has no bearing on one’s ability to seek God or attain spiritual enlightenment. Everyone, regardless of their caste or profession, has an equal right to seek divinity.
Kabir Das
Birth and Early Life: Sant Kabir was born in the year 1398 in Banaras, present-day Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. He was brought up in a Muslim weaver’s family by Niru and Nima.
Name: The name ‘Kabir’ means ‘great’ in Arabic. It is said he was named by a Qazi who opened the Qur’an several times to find a suitable name for the child and each time ended up on Kabir.
Spiritual Influence: Kabir was a mystic poet and a musician, and he was one of the important saints of Hinduism. He is also considered a Sufi by Muslims. His writings significantly influenced Hinduism’s Bhakti movement.
Teachings: Kabir’s teachings were based on a complete, inward-looking devotion to God. His teachings are expressed in a simple and direct manner, devoid of any scholarly jargon.
Works: Kabir’s verses are found in Sikhism’s scripture Guru Granth Sahib, the Satguru Granth Sahib of Saint Garib Das, and Kabir Sagar of Dharamdas. His poems are not only sung by Hindus and Sikhs but also by people of other faiths.
Kabir Panth: Kabir Panth is a religious community that identifies Kabir as the originator of the Sant Mat sects. The followers of Kabir Panth are known as Kabir Panthis.
Death: Sant Kabir passed away in 1518. His teachings continue to have a significant impact on Indian society and culture.
Legacy: Today, Sant Kabir is revered by millions of people across India and the world for his teachings promoting inner peace, unity, and love among all.
