Kabir

Swami Ramanand, astounded by the unfolding events, smiled. However, he maintained silence and proceeded with his bath, reflecting to himself, "I have never encountered such unwavering determination as Kabir possesses. I shall subject him to a little hardship to test his resolve, just as experts melt and examine inferior gold, or as they test the authenticity of a diamond by placing it on an anvil and striking it with a hammer, or as they assess the purity of a jewel in a serpent's head by wrapping a thread around it and subjecting it to a blazing fire. Similarly, Vishvamitra tested Harischandra's mind rigorously, and Shiva arrived uninvited as a guest to Shriyal. And when Krishna sought a gift from Karns, the latter willingly offered himself on a pyre of arrows. Thus, I shall feign anger and test Kabir's inner strength."

On a particular day, Kabir entered the marketplace, singing and dancing with joy. Tears of happiness streamed from his eyes, brimming with love. Amidst his ecstatic dance, he exclaimed to himself, "By cherishing the lotus feet of my guru Ramanand within my heart, my mind finds boundless joy."

As Kabir sang fervently in his state of love, Ramanand heard from a distance. Removing his wooden sandals, he approached Kabir with an angry countenance and rebuked him, "You dare to call yourself my disciple without any valid reason. When did I impart instructions to you? What evidence do you present to substantiate your claim of being my disciple? Tell me!" Saying this, he struck Kabir's head with his sandal, akin to a mother feigning anger towards her child, or a mother displaying displeasure while instructing her daughter, or a teacher punishing a student for the sake of knowledge, or people branding their cattle forcefully to ward off diseases, or an expert melting gold to test its purity. Thus, in order to gauge Kabir's determination, Ramanand struck him on the head with his sandal. Blood flowed freely, yet Kabir remained joyful.

He spoke resolutely, "Pay heed to my words. When you imparted the instructions that made me your disciple, there was no witness present. Hence, Swami, you could dismiss me with contempt. However, now, in front of everyone, you struck my head with your sandal. This act proclaims to the world that I am truly your disciple. I have appointed water, earth, air, space, light, and God as witnesses to testify that I have devoted myself to your service." As Kabir uttered these words, the benevolent guru felt immense satisfaction. He approached Kabir and placed his hand upon his head, remarking, "Your unwavering resolve has passed my test. Now, chant the mantra 'Ram Krishna' incessantly and sing their praises day and night." Hearing these words from the enlightened guru, Kabir brimmed with joy and composed verses of various kinds, extolling the virtues of Shri Ram. He relinquished all wrongful desires and aspirations for popular acclaim, renounced sensual cravings and the pride of knowledge, and incessantly sang the praises of God. The people of Benares exclaimed to Kabir, "Blessed are you." However, such high regard became intolerable for the wicked-hearted individuals.