Kabir

After the dark-complexioned One had embraced Kabir, He returned to His home. When Kabir's mother had whipped him, it was done out of ignorance. However, after that incident brought her the sight of Shri Ram, she found solace. Despite her previous habit of persecuting him, she now refrained from saying anything to him.

When one has the favor of the Pervader of the universe, all troubles dissipate. Those who have the favor of the king are honored by the king's ministers. If a mother-in-law is fond of her daughter-in-law, no one reviles her. Similarly, those who have the favor of their guru are never troubled by rebirths. If Sarasvati (the goddess of speech) is favorable, heretics do not engage in debate with them. Those who have obtained nectar are not afflicted by disease. Likewise, if Ganpati favors anyone, hindrances do not obstruct their path.

Therefore, Kabir's mother, having received the favor of the Lord of Ayodhya (Ram), no longer persecuted him. Embracing divine knowledge, she devoted herself to the worship of Hari (God). Her mind became indifferent to worldly matters. To conform to societal customs, she continued her daily household routines, but in her heart, she constantly repeated the names of God with profound love. Even though she lacked food or clothing in her home, her mind felt no anxiety.

Kabir's dutiful wife resembled the virtuous Anusaya. A lamp and its light are inseparable, just as there is no distinction between a word and its meaning. Similarly, Kabir and his wife were unified. Like lightning and a cloud existing harmoniously, Kabir and his wife lived in perfect accord. Just as sweetness and sugar never exist apart, their love was as strong as the phases of the moon. In his domestic life, Kabir regarded joy and sorrow as equal, and his wife resolutely followed him in union.

Kabir's wife, while pregnant, possessed devotion, knowledge, and indifference to worldly matters, and in the ninth month, she gave birth to Kabir's son. At the moment of his birth, his nature exhibited indifference to worldly affairs. He was extremely pure in matters of cleanliness and displayed generosity, wisdom, and unwavering determination. His mind remained undisturbed. When he was twelve days old, he was named Kamal. As he heard his father singing the praises of God, he imitated him in worship.

At the age of seven, he humbly requested permission from his father to go to Dwarka. Hearing his son's request, Kabir granted him permission and urged him to return quickly after fulfilling his desires. Even at a young age, Kamal expressed a desire to visit sacred places, which filled Kabir's heart with joy. Just as a king rejoices when his son desires to conquer the world, Kabir felt elated. Similarly, the tide of the sea reaches its fullest when it sees the full moon, and thus Kabir rejoiced upon Kamal's journey to visit sacred places, witnessing his son's detachment from worldly matters.

Kamal sought the blessings of his father and mother before setting off. As he walked along the path, he sang the names and praised the deeds of God. He never entertained thoughts of worldly life and had no inclination towards clothes or ornaments. His palate did not crave the finest food, and he had no desire for superficial encounters with kings. All he cared about was the worship of Ram.

Everyone recognized the devotee Kamal as Kabir's son. Upon entering cities, people heard of his arrival and went out to greet him. Just as the sage Narad, the son of Brahmadev, constantly devoted himself to singing God's praises, Kamal dedicated himself day and night to the worship of Ram. The townspeople, upon seeing him, honored him and invited him into their towns. He would stay there for a night and engage in Hari kirtan (chanting and singing praises of God). Thus, with profound knowledge and experience, he hastened towards Dwarka.

Suddenly, the sacred Gomsti pond appeared before him, and his heart was filled with repentance. If a person wanders from one sacred city to another without repentance in their heart, their journeys will be in vain. Why should someone without a son seek to accumulate wealth? If you have no money, why go to the market aimlessly? If you lack love for God in your heart, why sing His praises? Without adding salt to food, it will lack taste. The wealth of a miser does not reach those deserving of a gift. If a warrior lacks bravery, why carry a weapon in vain? There can be no joy in befriending a miser. If one does not know the Gayatri mantra, how can they call themselves a Brahman? Even if adorned with ornaments, they are useless without the Mangalasari ornament. Without knowledge of reasoning, the sixty-four crafts are futile. If one lacks compassion for living beings, why boast about their own knowledge? If someone does not have the favor of God, their verses are composed in vain. Similarly, if one lacks sincere repentance in their heart, wandering from one sacred place to another brings them no advantage. Lust, anger, pride, and envy are a person's worst flaws. Without repentance in their heart, bathing in these sacred places will not cleanse them of these sins.

Standing on the banks of the Gomati, Kabir's son paid his respects and lovingly praised God. He waded into the water, bathing with his clothes on. He prayed, "Oh Ganges, cleanse my faults and end my cycle of rebirths." After bathing and marking his forehead with clay, wearing a tulsi garland around his neck, and focusing his mind on the Lord of Dwarka, he mentally worshiped (manas-puja) and with love in his heart, entered the temple to see Him. At the grand entrance of the temple, he prostrated himself on the ground. Then, as he stepped into the inner sanctum, he embraced the feet of Shri Krishna. Opening his eyes with love, he envisioned the image of Shri Krishna and performed Harathi while singing songs that described the virtuous deeds of Hari. Spending four months in Dwarka, he acquired knowledge and associated with the righteous. Three times a day, he entered the temple to worship and see God.