Songs of Kabir (Dover Literature: Poetry)

I downloaded this free Kindle edition with some trepidation, expecting what I paid...nothing. Instead, as I became fascinated with Evelyn Underhill's erudite and detailed introduction to this edition, translated by the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, I realised I'd stumbled on a gem.The introduction is essential to gaining a deeper understanding of the lyrical, mystical poems that follow. Reading it again after one has read the SONGS OF KABIR deepens both the enjoyment of the introduction itself and the songs.But it's in the ecstasy of Kabir's spiritual experiences as he struggles to share his transcendent experience of the Divine that make this book so excellent. As do the Psalms of King David, Kabir's works range across human emotions, from the depths of despair to the heights of an overwhelming love.Kabir's faith and love of a Divine Being he experienced personally, in his ordinary life as a weaver, could not be boxed by traditional religions, and his impatience with rituals and rules that increase the distance between man and the Divine is clear ("...The Kazi is searching the words of the Koran, and instructing others: but if his heart be not steeped in that love, what does it avail, though he be a teacher of men? The Yogi dyes his garments with red: but if he knows naught of that colour of love, what does it avail though his garments be tinted?..." [Poem LIV]The real heart of these poems - what speaks most clearly to the reader across the centuries - is Kabir's passion and adoration of the Divine Presence in his daily life. Not for this mystic the lonely mountaintop and isolation from the real world. The SONGS OF KABIR clearly reflect the inspiration and joy of a man who had discovered an essential Truth and who carried his God within his heart:"Living in bondage, I have set myself free: I have broken away from the clutch of all narrowness. Kabir says: I have attained the unattainable, and my heart is coloured with the colour of love." [Poem XLVIII]Kabir was, indeed, a free spirit who had discovered the meaning of Love.

To be able to read the words of a religious thinker from the 15th century is incredible! My suggestion is to initially skip the introduction, which is quite lengthy, and jump right into the verses. Then return later and read about Kabir's life as it is believed to have been. It takes a little practice to be able to flow with his style, but don't give up, set it aside for awhile and let your mind ruminate on the words, then return to the verses. I was amazed at his ability to 'see' God, Beloved, etc. in all facets of the world around him. And to understand at a deeper level than most people that everything from Him and about Him is love. I thank the people that are responsible for making writings such as this available and affordable to the everyday reader.

the songs of kabir, which were translated in this edition < 100 years ago, is an inspiring, uplifting, loving, divine product. i am not a professional translator, thus, i am not able to comment on the accuracy of the translated product, other than to say that the final product is beautiful and seems to capture the essence of the man of whom i've read about. while this is a relatively short read, i've preferred to visit it daily, reading a page or two or three. it seems that when i read such a book that way, i am better able to understand the next piece. now free on amazon kindle, i strongly recommend this to all readers with an interest in self development, mysticism, and sufi thought. this certainly merits an "A".

This is one of my favorite books and poets in this lifetime, a true blessing of a man discussing the nature of Brahman, philosophy all from the view of a Hindu Muslim perspective. Truly beautiful poetry, and I would recommend to anyone seeking something greater then themselves. Jai Ma...

I love Tagore's writings -- they inspire peace and love. He did a wonderful job translating Kabir's writings -- but they are not the same as the writings in Tagore's Gitanjali. a group of poems that I carry around with me.

The Songs of Kabir gives expression to the soul's longing for the Divine-represented as Kabir's personal beloved. Th book is basically a dialogue between Kabir and his Divine Beloved. In between he also admonishes and advises those who cannot recognize the all pervasive presence of the divine in the mundane and live disconnected lives. Unfortunately, the English translation has not been able to capture the tenderness nor the beauty of the original.

Original songs and poems of one of the most revered mystics of India who in the 16th. century attempted a fusion of Hinduism and Islam, translated by an equally great poet and noble laureate of the 20th, century Rabindranath Tagore. I enjoyed the book.

Very much Sufi (i think). Renunciation and looking within one's own heart. The poems are healthy overflow from a heart full of God.

Among the most profound poetic works from 15th Century transcends any particular religion. Loved by Muslim and Hindu alike Tagore involvement must elevate this beyond contemporaries. I found it powerful and affecting.

Kabir would not survive in most modern Islamic states, but managed it in the India of his day, writing poems that could be in the heart of Mulims, Hindus or anyone else who tunes in to what they are really about - living with God.

can you be without this book especially if you have never read it before - but the mystic chooses who shall come to his source and be nourished by it

Wonderful poetry, speaks clearly to the modern audience, a real gift. I keep this by the bed to dip into and it is pure therapy!

It's a nice book, but I think the songs should be in Hindi but written in English. This is what I was after , but received this. Kabir's work is amazing though so I still enjoyed it