A Song Of Kabir

by Rudyard Kipling — a poem card from Justes Mots

Kipling's poem celebrates Kabir, the medieval Indian mystic and saint, who renounces worldly power and status to become a wandering ascetic in pursuit of spiritual truth. The narrative traces his transformation from ruler to bairagi (renunciate), emphasizing his philosophy of universal brotherhood and divine unity. This meditative work serves those seeking inspiration about spiritual awakening and the rejection of material concerns.

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 waste, and the crowd,…

Themes: gratitude · friendship · admiration · reflection