2. It Is Needless To Ask Of A Saint
It is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs;
For the priest, the warrior. the tradesman, and all the
thirty-six castes, alike are seeking for God.
It is but folly to ask what the caste of a saint may be;
The barber has sought God, the washerwoman, and the carpenter-
Even Raidas was a seeker after God.
The Rishi Swapacha was a tanner by caste.
Hindus and Moslems alike have achieved that End, where remains no mark of distinction.
Summary of It Is Needless to Ask of a Saint
In this poem, Kabir conveys the message that spirituality and devotion to God are beyond caste and social divisions. He emphasizes that saints should not be judged by their caste, as people from all backgrounds—including priests, warriors, traders, barbers, washerwomen, and carpenters—seek God. Kabir highlights examples like Raidas and Rishi Swapacha, who, despite belonging to lower castes, attained spiritual enlightenment. He further states that both Hindus and Muslims have reached the ultimate truth, where all distinctions disappear. The poem promotes equality and the idea that true devotion unites all people, regardless of their social status.
Let’s break down this poem line by line, as per your instructions. I’ll analyze each verse, explain difficult words, and provide an in-depth explanation of the text and context. Here we go:
Line 1: It is needless to ask of a saint the caste to which he belongs;
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Needless: Unnecessary.
- Saint: A holy or spiritually enlightened person.
- Caste: A social hierarchy in Hinduism, traditionally determining one’s occupation and status.
- Explanation:
- The poem begins by asserting that a saint’s caste is irrelevant. Kabir challenges the societal obsession with caste, emphasizing that spiritual enlightenment transcends such divisions.
- Context:
- In Kabir’s time, caste was a deeply entrenched social system in India, often dictating one’s opportunities and interactions. By dismissing the importance of caste in the context of sainthood, Kabir critiques the rigid social hierarchy and advocates for spiritual equality.
Line 2: For the priest, the warrior, the tradesman, and all the thirty-six castes, alike are seeking for God.
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Priest: A religious leader (Brahmin in the Hindu caste system).
- Warrior: A member of the Kshatriya caste, traditionally responsible for protection and governance.
- Tradesman: A member of the Vaishya caste, involved in commerce and trade.
- Thirty-six castes: A reference to the numerous subdivisions within the traditional caste system.
- Explanation:
- Kabir points out that individuals from all castes—whether priests, warriors, traders, or others—are united in their search for God. This line underscores the universality of the spiritual quest, which transcends social and occupational divisions.
- Context:
- Kabir’s message here is one of inclusivity. He rejects the idea that spirituality is the domain of any particular caste or group, emphasizing that the divine is accessible to all, regardless of social status.
Line 3: It is but folly to ask what the caste of a saint may be;
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Folly: Foolishness or lack of wisdom.
- Explanation:
- Kabir reiterates that inquiring about a saint’s caste is foolish. He suggests that such questions are irrelevant to the saint’s spiritual stature and distract from the true essence of their enlightenment.
- Context:
- This line reinforces Kabir’s critique of caste-based discrimination. By calling it “folly,” he dismisses the societal norms that prioritize caste over spiritual merit.
Line 4: The barber has sought God, the washerwoman, and the carpenter—
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Barber, washerwoman, carpenter: Occupations traditionally associated with lower castes.
- Explanation:
- Kabir provides examples of individuals from lower castes—such as barbers, washerwomen, and carpenters—who have sought and realized God. This challenges the notion that spirituality is reserved for the upper castes.
- Context:
- By highlighting the spiritual pursuits of individuals from marginalized communities, Kabir emphasizes that divine realization is not limited by one’s social or occupational status. This was a radical idea in his time, as lower castes were often denied access to religious education and practices.
Line 5: Even Raidas was a seeker after God.
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Raidas: A 15th-century saint and poet from the untouchable (Dalit) caste, revered for his devotion and spiritual wisdom.
- Explanation:
- Kabir cites Raidas as an example of a saint who transcended his low caste to achieve spiritual greatness. This serves as proof that caste is no barrier to divine realization.
- Context:
- Raidas, also known as Ravidas, was a contemporary of Kabir and a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement. His inclusion here reinforces Kabir’s message of spiritual equality and the irrelevance of caste in the pursuit of God.
Line 6: The Rishi Swapacha was a tanner by caste.
- Difficult words/meanings:
- Rishi: A sage or seer in Hindu tradition.
- Swapacha: A sage from the Mahabharata, born into a family of tanners (a low-caste occupation).
- Explanation:
- Kabir references Swapacha, a sage who belonged to a low caste, to illustrate that spiritual wisdom and enlightenment are not determined by birth or social status.
- Context:
- The story of Swapacha is a well-known example from Hindu scriptures that challenges caste-based prejudices. By invoking this example, Kabir aligns himself with a long tradition of spiritual inclusivity.
Line 7: Hindus and Moslems alike have achieved that End, where remains no mark of distinction.
- Difficult words/meanings:
- End: The ultimate goal, often referring to spiritual liberation or union with God.
- Mark of distinction: Any sign of difference or division.
- Explanation:
- Kabir concludes by stating that both Hindus and Muslims have attained the same spiritual goal, where all distinctions—whether of caste, religion, or social status—disappear. This highlights the universality of the divine and the futility of religious or social divisions.
- Context:
- Kabir lived in a time of religious tension between Hindus and Muslims. By asserting that both communities can achieve the same spiritual end, he promotes harmony and unity, transcending religious boundaries.
Summary of the Poem:
Kabir’s poem is a powerful critique of caste-based and religious divisions. He argues that spiritual enlightenment is accessible to all, regardless of caste, occupation, or religion. By citing examples of saints from marginalized communities and emphasizing the universality of the divine, Kabir challenges societal norms and advocates for spiritual equality. His message is one of inclusivity, unity, and the transcendence of artificial distinctions.
