A Song of Kabir by Rudyard Kipling
The work explores the journey of a seeker who renounces worldly possessions and status to pursue spiritual enlightenment. The protagonist reflects on the transient nature of life and the burdens of material wealth, symbolized by the "guddee" (throne) and "shroud." He embarks on a pilgrimage, traversing the roads to Delhi, seeking wisdom and truth. As he walks, he contemplates the essence of humanity, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings—humans, animals, and the divine. The imagery of the "Red Mist of Doing" suggests the distractions and illusions of the material world that obscure true understanding. The protagonist's transformation into a "bairagi" (renunciant) signifies a commitment to spiritual practice and self-discovery. The narrative emphasizes the importance of discernment and learning from all forms of existence. The protagonist's journey is not just physical but also metaphysical, as he seeks to grasp the unity of life and the singular truth that transcends individual identities. The work ultimately advocates for a path of humility, introspection, and devotion, urging readers to look beyond superficial distinctions and embrace a deeper connection with the universe.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 255 words
First lines
Oh, light was the world that he weighed in his hands! Oh, heavy the tale of his fiefs and his lands! He has gone from the guddee and put on the shroud, And departed in guise of bairagi avowed!
Now the white road to Delhi is mat for his feet, The sal and the kikar must guard him from heat; His home is the camp, and the waste, and the crowd -- He is seeking the Way as bairagi avowed!
He has looked upon Man, and his eyeballs are clear (There was One; there is One, and but One, saith Kabir); The Red Mist of Doing has thinned to a cloud -- He has taken the Path for bairagi avowed!
What this Textopian page supports
A Song of Kabir is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical, Religious, Narrative
- Length: 255 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Spiritual — The themes revolve around spiritual enlightenment and the search for truth, reflecting Kabir's philosophical insights.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about existence, humanity, and the divine, characteristic of philosophical literature.
- Religious — It draws on religious themes and figures, particularly from the context of Kabir's teachings.
Tags
Kabir · Rudyard Kipling · poetry · spirituality · bairagi · philosophy · self-discovery · journey · India · mysticism · nature · wisdom