Kabir Ecstatic Poems: A Window into the Divine Madness of Mystic Verse

Kabir: Ecstatic Poems

by Robert Bly

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4128 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

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The poetry of Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic, is a testament to the transformative power of love. His verses, characterized by their intense emotionalism and playful defiance, explore the profound depths of human experience, particularly the search for the divine.

Kabir's poems are rooted in the traditions of both Hinduism and Islam, and his writings reflect the rich diversity of Indian spirituality. He denounced religious dogma and external rituals, emphasizing instead the importance of inner devotion and direct experience of the divine.

In Robert Bly's masterful translation, Kabir's ecstatic poems become accessible to a contemporary audience. Bly's deep understanding of mysticism and his innate poetic sensitivity allow him to capture the essence of Kabir's verses, preserving their raw emotional power while making them accessible to a Western readership.

The Divine Madness of Kabir

At the heart of Kabir's poetry lies the concept of "divine madness," a state of ecstatic surrender to the divine. This madness is not a pathological condition but rather a transformative experience that transcends the boundaries of reason and convention.

In Kabir's ecstatic poems, the divine madness manifests itself in a variety of ways: through laughter, dance, music, and even intoxication. These expressions of joy and abandon are not mere indulgences but rather pathways to the divine, ways of breaking free from the constraints of the ego and experiencing the boundless love of God.

Kabir's most famous ecstatic poem is "The Elephant Song," which describes the union between the soul (represented by an elephant) and the divine (symbolized by a lotus flower). Through a series of vivid and sensual images, Kabir paints a picture of the soul's journey towards the divine, a journey that is both joyous and arduous.

The Elephant Song

The elephant is caught in a lotus flower,
The elephant is caught in a lotus flower,
The elephant is caught in a lotus flower.
The bee buzzes, the bee buzzes,
The bee buzzes, and the flower laughs
Because the bee is drunk with honey.
(Bly, p. 36)

In this poem, the elephant represents the soul, which is trapped within the confines of the ego (symbolized by the lotus flower). The bee represents the divine, which calls to the soul through its sweet fragrance (the honey). The soul, overcome with longing, breaks free from the ego and experiences the ecstasy of union with the divine.

The Elephant Song is just one example of Kabir's ecstatic poetry. Throughout his work, he explores the divine madness in all its forms, revealing the transformative power of love and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.

Love, Longing, and Divine Ecstasy

Love is a central theme in Kabir's poetry. He writes of love in its various forms, from the passionate longing of the lover for the beloved to the selfless devotion of the mystic for the divine.

In his love poems, Kabir celebrates the exquisite joy and pain of human love. He captures the intensity of desire, the thrill of anticipation, the agony of separation, and the bittersweetness of remembrance.

Kabir's love poems are not limited to the romantic realm. He also writes of the divine love that transcends all human limitations. This love is pure, unconditional, and eternal, and it is the ultimate goal of the mystic's journey.

In the following poem, Kabir expresses his longing for the divine:

My heart is a temple,
My body is the priest,
My mind is the worshiper,
And my love is the god.
(Bly, p. 54)

In this poem, Kabir reveals the essential truth of divine love: it is not something external to be sought after but rather an inherent part of our being. When we turn our hearts to the divine, we discover that the divine is already within us, waiting to be realized.

Kabir's love poems are a testament to the transformative power of love. His verses remind us of the beauty and potential of human love while also pointing us towards the ultimate goal of divine love, a love that heals, redeems, and makes us whole.

The Legacy of Kabir

Kabir's poetry continues to inspire and challenge readers centuries after his death. His ecstatic verses provide a glimpse into the realm of divine mystery, offering a path to liberation and a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.

Robert Bly's translation of Kabir's ecstatic poems has made this profound body of work accessible to a contemporary audience. Bly's deep understanding of mysticism and his own poetic brilliance allow him to capture the essence of Kabir's verses, preserving their emotional power and spiritual depth.

Reading Kabir Ecstatic Poems is a transformative experience. Through Bly's skilful translation, we are transported into the vibrant world of Kabir's poetry, where love, longing, and divine ecstasy dance together in a harmonious symphony. May these verses ignite your own spiritual journey and inspire you to embrace the divine madness that resides within us all.

References:

Bly, R. (2004). Kabir Ecstatic Poems. HarperCollins.