Conversation between God Kabir and Garud

In the 11th chapter of the Kabir Sagar, "Garud Bodh," page 65 (625), Lord Kabir explains to Dharmdas that he imparted wisdom to Garud, the celestial bird and vehicle of Lord Vishnu, and revealed the secrets of creation. Kabir described the glory of Amarlok (Eternal Realm) and the majesty of the True Supreme Being, which left Garud stunned and in disbelief. Garud was so astonished that he doubted his own senses, wondering if what he heard was a dream or if he had unknowingly traveled to another realm. The vividness of Kabir's words made it feel like a moving picture playing before him.

Seeing Garud lost in thought, Kabir addressed him, saying, "O King of Birds, do you think my words are untrue? You have gone silent. If you have questions, ask them to clarify your doubts. If my words caused you any distress, forgive me." Hearing Kabir's humility, Garud was moved to tears and asked, "Who are you, Lord? What is your purpose? You have revealed a bitter truth that is difficult to digest. If this Eternal Supreme God you spoke of truly exists, then we have been deceived. If it is untrue, then you would be guilty of blasphemy. But if it is true, then consider me your devoted servant."

Kabir continued, "O Garud, it is natural to have doubts, but you showed great patience, which speaks of your noble character. What I have revealed to you about the Eternal Supreme Being and the Truth of Satyalok is absolutely true. My name is Kabir, and I reside in that Eternal Realm. You have been misled by Kal Brahm, the demigod of this material world. Even Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are unaware of this knowledge. Consider this carefully, Garud: every soul takes birth, experiences joy, establishes a family, and grows old while fulfilling worldly obligations. Then, despite cherishing their family, they are compelled to leave everything behind and die, sorrowfully counting their last breaths, while their family mourns. Does this seem just? Is it right?"

Garud responded, "O Lord Kabir, this is the way of the world. Whatever is born must also die."

Kabir then questioned, "But does anyone wish to grow old or die?"

Garud replied, "No."

Kabir said, "What if old age and death did not exist—how would that feel?"

Garud replied, "It would be wonderful, indeed, but that seems like an impossible dream."

Kabir, addressing Dharmdas, said, "I then asked Garud whether he considered the Vedas and Puranas as true or false."

Garud answered, "They are the absolute truth."

In the Devi Purana, Lord Vishnu himself says, "O Mother, you are the pure essence. This entire universe shines forth because of you. Brahma, Shankar, and I exist due to your grace. We experience both appearance (birth) and disappearance (death)."

After hearing such definitive evidence directly from Lord Kabir's lotus lips, Garud was overcome with reverence and fell at Kabir's feet. Garud praised his own fortune and said, "The Supreme God, who knows the creation of the universe, the origins of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Durga, and even Niranjan (the demigod of illusion), is truly the Creator. Until now, no one has imparted such knowledge. If any being—be it a sage or great seer—had known, they would surely have shared it. I have listened to the discourses of many renowned masters, but none possess this wisdom. They lack understanding even of the Vedas and the Gita. You have hidden your true identity, but now I recognize you. Please, Supreme Lord, grant me refuge in your grace."

Supreme God Kabir told Garud, "First, seek permission from your master, Lord Vishnu. Tell him, ‘I wish to attain salvation. I have met a great saint and listened to his wisdom. If you permit, I would like to pursue my liberation. I am your servant, and you are my lord. We are always together, so if I take initiation secretly, it may cause you sorrow.’”

Garud did as instructed. He explained everything to Lord Vishnu, who replied, “I do not forbid you; you are free to make your choice. You did well to speak truthfully. I have no objection.”

"O Dharmdas! I first initiated Garud with the 'Five-Name Mantra' (names related to deities that open the spiritual chakras). Garud then said, 'O Gurudev! These names belong to the deities; they don’t seem to be the mantra of the Immortal God.' Supreme God Kabir replied, 'These are not for the worship of those deities. Rather, they are keys (codes) to align these deities favorably and free oneself from their grasp. These are the mantras of influence over them.

For example, if someone wants to attract a buffalo, simply calling ‘buffalo-buffalo’ doesn’t catch its attention. But when you use its specific call, it immediately responds and comes towards you, enabling you to achieve your purpose. Similarly, by chanting other names of Lord Vishnu, he may not pay attention. But if you use this mantra, Vishnu will be positively influenced and help the practitioner. These deities rule the three realms (earth, heaven, and the underworld) and can only grant what is fated. This mantra increases our accumulation of virtue and devotion, which prompts these deities to assist the practitioner. Thus, there is a distinction between worship and influence over these deities.

If you want to eat mangoes, you must first work or earn money to buy them. The job is not the object of worship—your worship is directed towards the mango. Similarly, Supreme God Kabir and the Eternal Realm are our ultimate goals. To reach there, we practice spiritual disciplines involving Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh, and Durga, while our true worship is directed towards the Supreme God.

Garud was overjoyed and, eager to discuss this divine knowledge, went to Brahma and shared, ‘I have heard remarkable wisdom from a great sage, and I believe it to be true. He told me that you, Brahma, as well as Vishnu and Shiva, are mortal and not the complete Creator. You can only grant what is predestined and cannot extend anyone's lifespan or alter their karma. The Supreme God, residing in the Eternal Realm, is different. He can erase sins, delay death, and extend life. This truth is also supported in the Vedas.’"

In Rigveda Mandala 10, Hymn 161, Verse 2, it is stated that if a devotee’s illness has worsened and he has approached death, I can release him from the clutches of the god of death and grant him new life, allowing him to live out his full lifespan.

In Rigveda Mandala 10, Hymn 161, Verse 5, it says, "O being who has received rebirth, keep practicing my devotion. Even if you lose your sight, I will restore your eyes to health, and I shall also appear before you, meaning I will be attainable to you."

Lord Brahma had memorized the Vedic mantras, so he immediately understood their meaning. However, based on popular beliefs, Brahma considered himself the creator of all beings, the "Prajapati." Memorizing the Vedas is different from truly understanding the wisdom within their mantras. Due to pride and ego, Brahma declared that he alone possessed the knowledge of the Vedas in the entire universe and claimed Kabir’s interpretations were incorrect. In reference to such individuals, Kabir Parmeshwar says:

"Kabir, those who knowingly reject the truth and instead cling to falsehood—Lord, may I never even see such people, not even in a dream."

Upon hearing Garuda's words, Brahma became extremely angry and said, “You have the mind of a bird. You believe anyone who says something to you without thinking for yourself.” Then, Brahma called Vishnu, Shiva, Indra, all the gods, and the sages for a meeting. He explained the reason for the gathering, saying, “Garuda is speaking something new today, claiming that Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are mortal and that there is another Supreme God who resides in the Eternal Abode. He says that we are not the true creators of the world.” Hearing this, Vishnu and Shiva were also angered and joined Brahma in criticizing Garuda.

Together, they decided to consult Mother Durga for the truth. They went to her and asked, “Is there indeed another Supreme God apart from us (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva)? Are we truly mortal?” Durga replied sharply, “When did you get this illusion that you are eternal and the creators of the universe? If that were the case, then you would be my creators as well, yet you were born from my womb. In truth, there is another Supreme God who is immortal and the true creator of all.” The assembly broke up after this revelation, but Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva struggled to accept the truth. They called Garuda back and questioned him further, “How can you be certain that we are not the true creators? Test us if you wish.”

Garuda then came to Kabir Sahib (Lord Kabir) and reported everything that had happened. Kabir suggested a test, saying, “There is a twelve-year-old Brahmin boy in the Bengal region (present-day Bangladesh). His lifespan is about to end. I had shared the knowledge of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva with him, similar to what I told you. He debated with me and did not accept my knowledge, so I said to him, ‘You have three days to live. If Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are capable, let them protect you.’ I disappeared after saying this, and now he is anxious. Take this boy to the gods and test them. They will not be able to do anything. Then return to me for further guidance.”

Garuda brought the boy to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The boy, as advised, pleaded, “We are your devotees; my forefathers and I have always worshipped you. I have only two days left to live. Please grant me a longer life.” The gods attempted to help, but to no avail. They then decided to go to Dharmaraj (the god of justice) who oversees the life accounts of all beings. They asked Dharmaraj, “How much life does this Brahmin boy have left?” Dharmaraj checked his register and replied, “He will die tomorrow.” The gods then pleaded, “Can you extend his life?” Dharmaraj replied, “This is impossible; even a single moment cannot be added unless you offer your own life to him.” The gods, realizing the limits of their power, remarked, “Only the Supreme God can do this.”

They then challenged Garuda, “If there is any other power, let it extend his life.” Garuda contacted Kabir Sahib through meditation, and Kabir instructed him to bring water from Mansarovar, where a devotee named Shravan was waiting with sacred water. Following Kabir’s instructions, Garuda gave the amrit (nectar) to the boy, reviving him. The boy then met Kabir and took initiation. Ten days passed, and when the boy did not die, Garuda informed Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva that the boy had received Kabir’s blessings for a long life.

The three gods returned to Dharmaraj with Garuda and asked why the boy was still alive. Dharmaraj checked his records and found that the boy's lifespan had indeed been extended. He remarked, “This is rare and happens only through the Supreme Lord’s grace, which is beyond anyone’s comprehension.” While the gods were astonished, they still could not fully accept the truth due to their pride. However, Garuda’s faith in Kabir was firmly established.

कबीर, राज तजना सहज है, सहज त्रिया का नेह। मान बड़ाई ईष्र्या, दुर्लभ तजना येह।।

Kabir says: "Renouncing a kingdom is easy; so is renouncing the affection of a woman. But letting go of pride, honor, and jealousy is the most difficult."

Now read some excerpts from Garud Bodh

धर्मदास वचन

धर्मदास बीनती करै, सुनहु जगत आधार।
गरूड़ बोध भेद सब, अब कहो तत्त्व विचार।।
सतगुरू वचन (कबीर वचन)
प्रथम गरूड़ सों भैंट जब भयऊ। सत साहब मैं बोल सुनाऊ।
धर्मदास सुनो कहु बुझाई। जेही विधि गरूड़ को समझाई।।

गरूड़ वचन

सुना बचन सत साहब जबही। गरूड़ प्रणाम किया तबही।।
शीश नीवाय तिन पूछा चाहये। हो तुम कौन कहाँ से आये।।
ज्ञानी (कबीर) वचन
कहा कबीर है नाम हमारा। तत्त्वज्ञान देने आए संसारा।।
सत्यलोक से हम चलि आए। जीव छुड़ावन जग में प्रकटाए।।

गरूड़ वचन

सुनत बचन अचम्भो माना। सत्य पुरूष है कौन भगवाना।।
प्रत्यक्षदेव श्री विष्णु कहावै। दश औतार धरि धरि जावै।।

ज्ञानी (कबीर) बचन

तब हम कहया सुनो गरूड़ सुजाना। परम पुरूष है पुरूष पुराना।।(आदि का)
वह कबहु ना मरता भाई। वह गर्भ से देह धरता नाहीं।।
कोटि मरे विष्णु भगवाना। क्या गरूड़ तुम नहीं जाना।।
जाका ज्ञान बेद बतलावैं। वेद ज्ञान कोई समझ न पावैं।।
जिसने कीन्हा सकल बिस्तारा। ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, महादेव का सिरजनहारा।।
जुनी संकट वह नहीं आवे। वह तो साहेब अक्षय कहावै।।

गरूड़ वचन

राम रूप धरि विष्णु आया। जिन लंका का मारा राया।।
पूर्ण ब्रह्म है विष्णु अविनाशी। है बन्दी छोड़ सब सुख राशी।।
तेतीस कोटि देवतन की बन्द छुड़ाई। पूर्ण प्रभु हैं राम राई।।

ज्ञानी (कबीर) वचन

तुम गरूड़ कैसे कहो अविनाशी। सत्य पुरूष बिन कटै ना काल की फांसी।।
जा दिन लंक में करी चढ़ाई। नाग फांस में बंधे रघुराई।।
सेना सहित राम बंधाई। तब तुम नाग जा मारे भाई।।
तब तेरे विष्णु बन्दन से छूटे। याकु पूजै भाग जाके फूटे।।
कबीर ऐसी माया अटपटी, सब घट आन अड़ी।
किस-किस कूं समझाऊँ, कूअै भांग पड़ी।।

गरूड़ वचन

ज्ञानी गरूड़ है दास तुम्हारा। तुम बिन नहीं जीव निस्तारा।।
इतना कह गरूड़ चरण लिपटाया। शरण लेवों अविगत राया।।
कबहु ना छोडूँ तुम्हारा शरणा। तुम साहब हो तारण तरणा।।
पत्थर बुद्धि पर पड़े है ज्ञानी। हो तुम पूर्ण ब्रह्म लिया हम जानी।।

ज्ञानी (कबीर) वचन

तब हम गरूड़ कुं पाँच नाम सुनाया। तब वाकुं संशय आया।।
यह तो पूजा देवतन की दाता। या से कैसे मोक्ष विधाता।।
तुमतो कहो दूसरा अविनाशी। वा से कटे काल की फांसी।।
नायब से कैसे साहेब डरही। कैसे मैं भवसागर तिरही।।

ज्ञानी (कबीर) वचन

साधना को पूजा मत जानो। साधना कूं मजदूरी मानो।।
जो कोऊ आम्र फल खानो चाहै। पहले बहुते मेहनत करावै।।
धन होवै फल आम्र खावै। आम्र फल इष्ट कहावै।।
पूजा इष्ट पूज्य की कहिए। ऐसे मेहनत साधना लहिए।।
यह सुन गरूड़ भयो आनन्दा। संशय सूल कियो निकन्दा।।

Meaning: Garuda said to Lord Kabir, "O Supreme Lord! You have given me mantras that use the names of these very deities. This seems like their worship. You have told me that these gods possess only 16 powers, while Kaal (Brahm) has a thousand powers, and the Supreme Brahm, the Complete God, has innumerable powers. In the creation story, you also explained that Kaal has restrained you, and that the three deities—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—are under Kaal Brahm's rule. So, Lord, how can a servant (naib) truly frighten his master (sahib)?"

In other words, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are merely deputies (naib) of Kaal Brahm. Just as a deputy tax officer (naib tehsildar) serves under a full tax officer, these deputies cannot possibly liberate us from their superior, Kaal Brahm. Lord Kabir then explained the distinction between worship and devotion. He illustrated it with an analogy: if someone desires a mango, then the mango is their object of devotion. To attain this cherished item (the mango), they must make an effort—this is devotion. Similarly, if we desire the Supreme God, He is our worshipful deity. Repeating the names of these deities is like laboring to earn the spiritual wealth needed to attain Kabir, the Supreme God, and be freed from Kaal Brahm.

Upon hearing this, Garuda felt immense joy and was reassured that his Guru was indeed the true Guru, capable of answering all doubts. He then received initiation. Garuda had sought refuge with Lord Kabir in Treta Yuga. However, due to constantly witnessing Vishnu's miracles and hearing praise for him, his devotion toward his Guru weakened somewhat, though he did not become a betrayer. In a future birth, Garuda will attain a human form, and Lord Kabir will then grant him refuge and liberation.

After his initiation, Garuda decided to engage in a spiritual discussion with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Garuda went to Brahma first and began a knowledge-based dialogue with him.

‘‘‘गरूड़ वचन ब्रह्मा के प्रति‘‘

ब्रह्मा कहा तुम कैसे आये। कहो गरूड़ मोहे अर्थाय।।
तब हम कहा सुनों निरंजन पूता। आया तुम्हें जगावन सूता।।
जन्म-मरण एक झंझट भारी। पूर्ण मोक्ष कराओ त्रिपुरारी।।

‘‘ब्रह्मा वचन‘‘

हमरा कोई नहीं जन्म दाता। केवल एक हमारी माता।।
पिता हमारा निराकर जानी। हम हैं पूर्ण सारंगपाणी।।
हमरा मरण कबहु नहीं होवै। कौन अज्ञान में पक्षि सोवै।।
तबही ब्रह्मा विमान मंगावा। विष्णु, ब्रह्मा को तुरंत बुलावा।।
गए विमान दोनों पासा। पल में आन विराजे पासा।।
इन्द्र कुबेर वरूण बुलाए। तेतिस करोड़ देवता आए।।
आए ऋषि मुनी और नाथा। सिद्ध साधक सब आ जाता।।
ब्रह्मा कहा गरूड़ नीन्द मैं बोलै। कोरी झूठ कुफर बहु तोलै।।
कह कोई और है सिरजनहारा। जन्म-मरण बतावै हमारा।।
ताते मैं यह मजलिस जोड़ी। गरूड़ के मन क्या बातां दौड़ी।।
ऋषि मुनि अनुभव बताता। ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, शिव विधाता।।
निर्गुण सरगुण येही बन जावै। कबहु नहीं मरण मैं आवै।।

‘‘विष्णु वचन‘‘

पक्षीराज यह क्या मान में आई। पाप लगै बना आलोचक भाई।।
हमसे और कौन बडेरा दाता। हमहै कर्ता और चैथी माता।।
तुमरी मति अज्ञान हरलीनि। हम हैं पूर्ण करतार तीनी।।

‘‘महादेव वचन‘‘

कह महादेव पक्षी है भोला। हृदय ज्ञान इन नहीं तोला।।
ब्रह्मा बनावै विष्णु पालै। हम सबका का करते कालै।।
और बता गरूड़ अज्ञानी। ऋषि बतावै तुम नहीं मानी।।
चलो माता से पूछै बाता। निर्णय करो कौन है विधाता।।
सबने कहा सही है बानी। निर्णय करेगी माता रानी।।
सब उठ गए माता पासा। आपन समस्या करी प्रकाशा।।

‘‘माता वचन‘‘

कहा माता गरूड़ बताओ। और कर्ता है कौन समझाओ।।

‘‘गरूड़ वचन‘‘

मात तुम जानत हो सारी। सच्च बता कहे न्याकारी।।
सभा में झूठी बात बनावै। वाका वंश समूला जावै।।
मैं सुना और आँखों देखा। करता अविगत अलग विशेषा।।
जहाँ से जन्म हुआ तुम्हारा। वह है सबका सरजनहारा।।
वेद जाका नित गुण गावैं। केवल वही एक अमर बतावै।।
मरहें ब्रह्मा विष्णु नरेशा। मर हैं सब शंकर शेषा।।
अमरपुरूष सत पुर रहता। अपने मुख सत्य ज्ञान वह कहता।।
वेद कहे वह पृथ्वी पर आवै। भूले जीवन को ज्ञान बतलावै।।
क्या ये झूठे शास्त्रा सारे। तुम व्यर्थ बन बैठे सिरजनहारे।।
मान बड़ाई छोड़ो भाई। ताकि भक्ति करे अमरापुर जाई।।
माता कहना साची बाता। बताओ देवी है कौन विधाता।।

‘‘माता (दुर्गा) वचन‘‘

माता कह सुनो रे पूता। तुम जोगी तीनों अवधूता।।
भक्ति करी ना मालिक पाए। अपने को तुम अमर बताए।।
वह कर्ता है सबसे न्यारा। हम तुम सबका सिरजनहारा।।
गरूड़ कहत है सच्ची बानी। ऐसे बचन कहा माता रानी।।
सब उठ गए अपने अस्थाना। साच बचन काहु नहीं माना।।

‘‘गरूड़ वचन‘‘

ब्रह्मा विष्णु मोहे बुलाया। महादेव भी वहाँ बैठ पाया।।
तीनों कहे कोई दो प्रमाणा। तब हम तोहे साचा जाना।।
मैं कहा गुंगा गुड़ खावै। दुजे को स्वाद क्या बतलावै।।
मैं जात हूँ सतगुरू पासा। ला प्रमाण करू भ्रम विनाशा।।
त्रिदेव कहें लो परीक्षा हमारी। पूर्ण करें तेरी आशा सारी।।
हमही मारें हमही बचावैं। हम रहत सदा निर्दावैं।।
गरूड़ कहा हम करें परीक्षा। तुम पूर्ण तो लूं तुम्हारी दीक्षा।।
उड़ा वहाँ से गुरू पासे आया। सब वृन्तात कह सुनाया।।

‘‘सतगुरू (कबीर) वचन‘‘

गरूड़ सुनो बंग देश को जाओ। बालक मरेगा कहो उसे बचाओ।।
दिन तीन की आयु शेषा। करो जीवित ब्रह्मा विष्णु महेशा।।
फिर हम पास आना भाई। हम बालक को देवैं जिवाई।।
बंग देश में गरूड़ गयो, बालक लिया साथ।
त्रिदेवा से अर्ज करी, जीवन दे बालक करो सुनाथ।।

‘‘त्रिदेव वचन‘‘

धर्मराज पर है लेखा सारा। बासे जाने सब विचारा।।
गरूड़ और बालक सारे। गए धर्मराज दरबारे।।
धर्मराज से आयु जानी। दिन तीन शेष बखानी।।
याकी आयु बढ़ै नाहीं। मृत्यु अति नियड़े आयी।।
त्रिदेव कहँ आए राखो लाजा। हम क्या मुख दिखावैं धर्मराजा।।
धर्म कह आपन आयु दे भाई। तो बालक की आयु बढ़ जाई।।
चले तीनों न नहीं पार बसाई। बने बैठे थे समर्थ राई।।
सुन गरूड़ यह सत्य है भाई। आई मृत्यु न टाली जाई।।

गरूड़ वचन

समर्थ में गुण ऐसा बताया। आयु बढ़ावै और अमर करवाया।।
अब मैं जाऊँ समर्थ पासा। बालक बचने की पूरी आशा।।
गया गरूड़ कबीर की शरणा। दया करो हो साहब जरणा(विश्वास)।।

‘‘कबीर साहब वचन‘‘

सुनो गरूड़ एक अमर बानी। यह अमृत ले बालक पिलानी।।
जीवै बालक उमर बढ़ जावै। जग बिचरे बालक निर्दावै।।
बालक लाना मेरे पासा। नाम दान कर काल विनाशा।।
जैसा कहा गरूड़ ने कीन्हा। बालक कूं जा अमृत दीना।।
ले बालक तुरंत ही आए। सतगुरू से दीक्षा पाए।।
आशीर्वाद दिया सतगुरू स्वामी। दया करि प्रभु अंतर्यामी।।
बदला धर्मराज का लेखा। ब्रह्मा विष्णु शिव आँखों देखा।।
गए फिर धर्मराज दरबारा। लेखा फिर दिखाऊ तुम्हारा।।
धर्मराज जब खाता खोला। अचर्ज देख मुख से बोला।।
परमेश्वर का यह खेल निराला। उसका क्या करत है काला।।
वो समर्थ राखनहारा। वाने लेख बदल दिया सारा।।
सौ वर्ष यह बालक जीवै। भक्ति ज्ञान सुधा रस पीवै।।
यह भी लेख इसी के माहीं। आँखों देखो झूठी नाहीं।।
देखा लेखा तीनों देवा। अचर्ज हुआ कहूँ क्या भेवा।।
बोले ब्रह्मा विष्णु महेशा। परम पुरूष है कोई विशेषा।।
जो चाहे वह मालिक करसी। वाकी शरण फिर कैसे मरसी।।
पक्षीराज तुम साचे पाये। नाहक हम मगज पचाऐ।।
करो तुम जो मान मन तेरा। तुम्हरा गरूड़ भाग बड़ेरा।।
पूर्ण ब्रह्म अविनाशी दाता। सच्च में है कोई और विधाता।।
इतना कह गए अपने धामा। गरूड़ और बालक करि प्रणामा।।
भक्ति करी बालक चित लाई। गरूड़ अरू बालक भये गुरू भाई।।
धर्मदास यह गरूड़ को बोधा। एक-एक वचन कहा मैं सोधा।।

कबीर सागर के अध्याय ‘‘गरूड़ बोध‘‘ का सारांश सम्पूर्ण हुआ।

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