Kabir

In the guise of a Brahman, Krishna went to Kabir's house and called Kabir's mother. He informed her about what had transpired. Krishna said, "Kabir sat in the bazaar while customers approached him, inquiring about the price of the scarf. However, he remained silent and did not respond to any of them. Despite numerous customers coming his way, he remained immersed in his worship, keeping the image of Sita's husband, Shri Ram, in his mind. When the entire bazaar emptied out, he called out to a Brahman, tore his scarf in half, and gave it to him, mother. Then a fakir appeared and asked for the remaining portion of the garment, and Kabir immediately gave him the other half of the scarf. Now he is sitting in an empty house, engrossed in his worship. I witnessed the scene from a distance and hurried here to inform you. I sincerely wish for your prosperity, but mother, Kabir has no interest in worldly affairs."

Upon hearing this, Kabir's mother became extremely angry. She resolved to give him a severe beating when he returned home. As Ram, the Delight of the mind, overheard her thoughts, he exclaimed, "He will not return home quickly. After a scorpion has completed its act of wrongdoing by stinging, it hides in another place. Come with me, and I will show you where he is seated." Krishna then took the old woman's hand and hurriedly led her to Kabir's location. They soon arrived where Kabir was sitting, continuously chanting the names of God.

The Life of the world (Krishna) pointed out Kabir to his mother from a distance. The sound of Ram's name could be heard emanating from the house where Kabir was seated. It was similar to how Narad seated the sage Valmiki to repeat the name of Ram, or how Sita sat in the Ashoka forest and lovingly worshipped Ram, or how Jatayu worshipped Ram while being harassed by Rawan. In the same manner, Kabir sat there, visualizing the form of Shri Ram, and with his lips, he sang praises to Ram, completely losing himself in the process. He disregarded thoughts of honor or dishonor, let go of all pride in public recognition, and abandoned all worldly desires. He continued singing Ram's praises, with his mind solely focused on God.

At that moment, Kabir's mother entered the house, and the Lord of Heaven, Vaikunth, pointed out Kabir to her from a distance. He stood outside and witnessed the amusing sight of the devoted bhakta Kabir. His mother demanded Kabir to bring the scarf and show it to her. She threatened to punish him if he did not comply. However, Kabir did not respond to her. With his mind unwaveringly fixed on worshipping Ram, he did not recognize the presence of his mother and the noble Brahman.

His mother grew angrier and exclaimed to Kabir, "You are sitting here foolishly, worshipping Ram with love." Hearing her words, the Lord of Heaven, Vaikunth, said to the old woman, "Though your words are harsh, love for your son resides in your heart. Now, take a cane in your hand and punish your son." Upon hearing this, Kabir's mother replied, "I have nothing to whip him with." God then manifested a cane and placed it in her hand. Enraged, she struck Kabir on his back, but he remained oblivious, completely absorbed in the worship of Ram.

Now, let me share with you the amusing incident that unfolded. As Kabir's mother continued to strike him, Shri Hari stood outside, experiencing the pain inflicted upon Kabir. He said to her, "You are beating your child, but the welts appear on my back. The beating has been sufficient." These words came from the dark complexioned One. Just as when the edge of an axe strikes the root of a tree, causing the tree to tremble violently, in the same way, as Kabir's mother continued to punish the bhakta Kabir, the Savior of the world trembled with pain. It was akin to how a mother feels the pain when her child is tormented by someone wicked. Similarly, as she continued whipping Kabir with the cane, God trembled in agony. Just as a king becomes disheartened when his army dwindles in number, the Merciful One, compassionate to the humble, experienced anguish as this God-loving bhakta was being tormented. Likewise, when a young deer gets ensnared, the mother deer feels the pain. Similarly, in the act of whipping His bhakta, God trembled with agony. It resembled the sea's trembling when it beheld the sage Agasti. Thus, the Dweller of Heaven, Vaikunth, trembled with pain as Kabir's mother persistently beat him.

Eventually, the Husband of Rukmini exclaimed, "That is enough now, mother." The Infinite One added, "I went to trouble Bali, and I ended up becoming his doorkeeper. So, ultimately, my deception had a positive outcome. I have had many noble and devout bhaktas, but no one has ever given me a beating. Now, I acknowledge that the bhakta Kabir is superior to myself." Then, the Husband of Sita resolved to reveal his visible form to Kabir, realizing that Kabir hadn't recognized him when he troubled him disguised as a Brahman.

Bhagavan discarded His Brahman disguise and held His bow and arrow in His hand. His head was adorned with a dazzling crown, and His face radiated brightness from His large eyes. He wore the most brilliant earrings, and His chest was broad while His waist remained slender. Around His neck hung the purest jewel, the Kaustubh, and the Vaijyanti garland adorned His neck. He wore an embroidered yellow garment around His waist, and His feet were adorned with the Vanki and Todar ornaments. Thus, the Husband of Janaki (Sita) presented Himself to Kabir.

Kabir opened his eyes and beheld a sight as if a billion suns had risen. Witnessing such a divine form, he embraced Bhagavan's feet. The Dweller in Vaikunth (Heaven) then spoke, saying, "You have passed My test. I shall never forget you, just as a mother never forgets her child. Just as experts pierce coins with their instruments and string them together, or as they test diamonds by hammering them on an anvil and then store them in their treasury, I have tested you. Now I will place you deep within My heart, always favoring you with My gaze." Thus spoke God.

The Life of the world (Bhagavan) then lovingly embraced Kabir's mother and said, "Your good fortune, bestowed by Me, cannot be fully described." Hearing these words, the mother experienced immense joy. She held Kabir close to her heart and showered him with a loving caress. She said to him, "It is because you have become my son that I have had the privilege of seeing Shri Ram." The mother then took Kabir's hand and led him back to their home. The Husband of Sita advised them, saying, "Keep thoughts of Me in your heart." Having spoken these words, the Life of the world vanished from sight.