Conversation between Guru Nanak Dev Ji & Sant Kabir

Kabir Sagar

Conversation between Guru Nanak Dev Ji & Kabir Sahib is registered in Kabir Sagar

Kabir Sagar (Swasam bed bodh) Page no. 158 - 159:

नानकशाह कीन्हा तप भारी। सब विधि भये ज्ञान अधिकारी।।
भक्ति भाव ताको समिझाया। तापर सतगुरु कीनो दाया।।
जिंदा रूप धरयो तब भाई। हम पंजाब देश चलि आई।।
अनहद बानी कियौ पुकारा। सुनिकै नानक दरश निहारा।।
सुनिके अमर लोककी बानी। जानि परा निज समरथ ज्ञानी।।

In this passage, it is said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji undergoes intense spiritual practices and achieves a high level of wisdom and knowledge. Observing his dedication and devotion, Kabir, in the form of the eternal and compassionate Satguru, blesses him with divine insight and understanding.

1. "नानकशाह कीन्हा तप भारी। सब विधि भये ज्ञान अधिकारी।।"
   Guru Nanak Dev Ji engages in rigorous spiritual discipline and becomes well-versed in all forms of knowledge, becoming a true authority in spiritual wisdom.

2. "भक्ति भाव ताको समिझाया। तापर सतगुरु कीनो दाया।।"
   Kabir, as the compassionate Satguru, imparts to Guru Nanak the understanding of true devotion (bhakti) and blesses him with grace.

3. "जिंदा रूप धरयो तब भाई। हम पंजाब देश चलि आई।।"
   Kabir takes on a living form, symbolizing his active guidance, and travels to Punjab.

4. "अनहद बानी कियौ पुकारा। सुनिकै नानक दरश निहारा।।"
   Kabir calls out with the eternal, divine sound, which reaches Guru Nanak’s ears, prompting Guru Nanak to seek his divine vision.

5. "सुनिके अमर लोककी बानी। जानि परा निज समरथ ज्ञानी।।"
   Hearing the transcendent, immortal sound from the eternal realm (Amar Lok), Guru Nanak realizes the divine power and omniscience of Kabir, acknowledging him as the Supreme Knower.

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नानक वचन (Nanak Speech)

आवा पुरूष महागुरु ज्ञानी। अमरलोकी सुनी न बानी।।
अर्ज सुनो प्रभु जिंदा स्वामी। कहँ अमरलोक रहा निजधामी।।
काहु न कही अमर निजबानी। धन्य कबीर परमगुरु ज्ञानी।।
कोई न पावै तुमरो भेदा। खोज थके ब्रह्मा चहुँ वेदा।।

In this passage, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is speaking with great reverence to God Kabir, acknowledging Him as the Supreme Guru and the true knower of spiritual wisdom.

1. "आवा पुरूष महागुरु ज्ञानी। अमरलोकी सुनी न बानी।"
   Guru Nanak is addressing God Kabir as the Supreme Being ("पुरूष महागुरु") who is immensely wise and omniscient. He acknowledges that Kabir's wisdom is beyond the material world and comes from "Amarlok," the eternal, deathless realm. The divine message Kabir brings is unknown and unheard in the mortal realm.

2. "अर्ज सुनो प्रभु जिंदा स्वामी। कहँ अमरलोक रहा निजधामी।"
   Here, Guru Nanak is respectfully requesting Kabir, whom he calls the living Lord ("जिंदा स्वामी"), to explain more about Amarlok, Kabir's own eternal realm where He resides. 

3. "काहु न कही अमर निजबानी। धन्य कबीर परमगुरु ज्ञानी।"
   Guru Nanak is emphasizing the uniqueness of Kabir’s knowledge. He remarks that no one else has ever revealed or spoken about the eternal truth the way Kabir has. He honors Kabir as the "Paramguru," the Supreme Guru, who alone possesses and shares this divine wisdom.

4. "कोई न पावै तुमरो भेदा। खोज थके ब्रह्मा चहुँ वेदा।"
   Guru Nanak declares that Kabir's true essence and divine secrets are beyond comprehension, even for highly esteemed deities and sages like Brahma who failed to uncover Kabir's mysteries, despite deep exploration of the four Vedas.

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जिन्दा वचन (Jinda Speech)

नानक तव बहुतै तप कीना। निरंकार बहुते दिन चीन्हा।।
निरंकारते पुरूष निनारा। अजर द्वीप ताकी टकसारा।।
पुरूष बिछोह भयौ तव जबते। काल कठिन मग रोंक्यौ तबते।।
इत तव सरिस भक्त नहिं होई। क्यों कि परमपुरूष न भेटेंउ कोई।।
जबते हमते बिछुरे भाई। साठि हजार जन्म भक्त तुम पाई।।
धरि धरि जन्म भक्ति भलकीना। फिर काल चक्र निरंजन दीना।।
गहु मम शब्द तो उतरो पारा। बिन सत शब्द लहै यम द्वारा।।
तुम बड़ भक्त भवसागर आवा। और जीवकी कौन चलावा।।
निरंकार सब सृष्टि भुलावा। तुम करि भक्तिलौटि क्यों आवा।।

In this passage, God Kabir is addressing Guru Nanak Dev Ji with a compassionate explanation of the spiritual journey and obstacles faced by sincere seekers.

1. "नानक तव बहुतै तप कीना। निरंकार बहुते दिन चीन्हा।।"
   Kabir ji says that Guru Nanak has undergone intense penance ("तप") and spiritual search, and that he has worshipped the "Nirankar" (the Formless) God for far too long. 

2. "निरंकारते पुरूष निनारा। अजर द्वीप ताकी टकसारा।।"
   Here, Kabir ji explains the distinction between "Nirankar" (the formless God) and "Purush" (the Supreme, eternal God). The "Ajar Dweep" (the immortal realm) symbolizes the eternal and pure realm where the Supreme God resides.

3. "पुरूष बिछोह भयौ तव जबते। काल कठिन मग रोंक्यौ तबते।।"
   Kabir sahib describes how separation from the Supreme Being ("Purush") has led to obstacles placed by Kaal (the ruler of 21 multiverses). This explains that, upon separation from the Supreme God, souls endure Kaal's difficult paths, which cause suffering and challenges on the journey to liberation and make it impossible.

4. "इत तव सरिस भक्त नहिं होई। क्यों कि परमपुरूष न भेटेंउ कोई।।"
   Kabir Ji explains to Guru Nanak Dev that without the intervention of the Supreme God himself, one cannot achieve the true path of worship.

5. "जबते हमते बिछुरे भाई। साठि हजार जन्म भक्त तुम पाई।।" 
   Kabir Sahib reminds Guru Nanak that since his soul separated from Him (God Kabir), it has taken 60,000 lifetimes as a devotee.

6. "धरि धरि जन्म भक्ति भलकीना। फिर काल चक्र निरंजन दीना।।"
   Kabir Ji explains that despite countless lifetimes dedicated to devotion, Guru Nanak’s soul has been caught again and again in the cycle ("चक्र") of birth and death governed by Kaal (Niranjan), in the material world.

7. "गहु मम शब्द तो उतरो पारा। बिन सत शब्द लहै यम द्वारा।।"
   Kabir God offers guidance to Guru Nanak, saying that only by holding onto His divine Word (Shabd) can one cross over the ocean of birth and death. Without this "Sat Shabd" (Satnaam, True Word), one cannot avoid the doors of Yama (death).

8. "तुम बड़ भक्त भवसागर आवा। और जीवकी कौन चलावा।।"
   Kabir ji further explains that even an exceptional devotee like Guru Nanak is trapped in the cycle of birth and death, then what hope does a normal person (जीव) have.

9. "निरंकार सब सृष्टि भुलावा। तुम करि भक्तिलौटि क्यों आवा।।"
   Kabir Sahib explains that the Nirankar (formless god) has led many to misunderstand or forget the Supreme truth. He asks Nanak why, despite worshipping this Nirankar god, has he returned time and again to this world. 

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नानक वचन (Nanak Speech)

धन्य पुरूष तुम यह पद भाखी। यह पद हमसे गुप्त कह राखी।।
जबलों हम तुमको नहिं पावा। अगम अपार भर्म फैलावा।।
कहो गोसाँई हमते ज्ञाना। परमपुरूष हम तुमको जाना।।
धनि जिंदा प्रभु पुरूष पुराना। बिरले जन तुमको पहिचाना।।

Translation Summary: “Blessed are you, Supreme Purush, for revealing this knowledge. You kept this truth hidden from us. As long as I hadn’t found you, boundless illusions surrounded me. Now I recognize you as the true Supreme Purush, ancient and eternal. Blessed is the Living Lord, the original Purush, known only by a rare few.”

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Explanation

1. "धन्य पुरूष तुम यह पद भाखी। यह पद हमसे गुप्त कह राखी।"
   Acknowledgment of Kabir’s Hidden Wisdom: Guru Nanak starts by recognizing Kabir as the Supreme Purush who has revealed profound knowledge that had been concealed from him until now. 

2. "जबलों हम तुमको नहिं पावा। अगम अपार भर्म फैलावा।"
   Realization of Illusions: Nanak reflects on his prior state of spiritual confusion, saying that before discovering Kabir as the Supreme, he was ensnared by boundless illusions and falsehoods. 

3. "कहो गोसाँई हमते ज्ञाना। परमपुरूष हम तुमको जाना।"
   Recognition of Kabir as the Supreme Purush: By calling Kabir Gosain (Lord) and Param Purush (the Supreme Person), Guru Nanak acknowledges Kabir as the ultimate divinity, understanding him now as the eternal, original soul of the cosmos.

4. "धनि जिंदा प्रभु पुरूष पुराना। बिरले जन तुमको पहिचाना।"
   The Rare Recognition of Kabir’s Divinity: Guru Nanak concludes by calling Kabir the “Living Lord, ancient Purush,” recognizing him as eternal and affirming that only a few rare souls can truly understand and recognize Kabir’s divine essence.

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जिन्दा वचन (Jinda Speech)

भये दयाल पुरूष गुरु ज्ञानी। दियो पान परवाना बानी।।
भली भई तुम हमको पावा। सकलो पंथ काल को ध्यावा।।
तुम इतने अब भये निनारा। फेरि जन्म ना होय तुम्हारा।।
भली सुरति तुम हमको चीन्हा। अमर मंत्र हम तुमको दीन्हा।।
स्वसमवेद हम कहि निज बानी। परमपुरूष गति तुम्हैं बखानी।।

Jinda Speech (Kabir’s Divine Words)

Translation:
"The merciful, knowledgeable Supreme Purush has bestowed upon you the true teachings and authorized speech. It is well that you have found me, as most paths worship Kaal. Now, you have become free, and you will no longer have rebirth. Your consciousness has truly recognized me, and I have given you the immortal mantra. I have explained the highest state of the Supreme Purush to you through my own words, the true essence of the Swasam Veda."

1. "भये दयाल पुरूष गुरु ज्ञानी। दियो पान परवाना बानी।"
   Kabir’s Compassion and Bestowal of True Knowledge: Compassionate and wise Supreme Purush (God) Kabir granted Guru Nanak Dev ji the mantra (पान परवाना).

2. "भली भई तुम हमको पावा। सकलो पंथ काल को ध्यावा।"
   Significance of Finding the True Path: Kabir ji says that it is auspicious Guru Nanak has found him, the true Supreme Purush. Otherwise, the rest of the sects are just worshipping Kaal.

3. "तुम इतने अब भये निनारा। फेरि जन्म ना होय तुम्हारा।"
   Freedom from Rebirth: Kabir Sahib says that Guru Nanak has now become separate from worldly ties (free from Kaal’s influence). This liberation marks the end of Nanak’s cycle of rebirth, indicating that he will not return to the material world.

4. "भली सुरति तुम हमको चीन्हा। अमर मंत्र हम तुमको दीन्हा।" 
   Recognition and Bestowal of the Eternal Mantra: Kabir Sahib says that Guru Nanak Dev ji has rightly identified Kabir as the Supreme Purush. In response, Kabir Ji has given him the “Amar Mantra,” a divine mantra meant to grant eternal spiritual liberation beyond the material realm.

5. "स्वसमवेद हम कहि निज बानी। परमपुरूष गति तुम्हैं बखानी।" 
   Revelation of the True Knowledge of Swasam Veda: Kabir ji explains that he has imparted the teachings of the “Swasam Veda” (a Veda originating from the Supreme himself) to Guru Nanak through his own words, describing the ultimate state of liberation and union with the Supreme Purush.

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नानक वचन (Nanak Speech)

धन्य पुरूष ज्ञानी करतारा। जीवकाज प्रकटे संसारा।।
धनि करता तुम बंदी छोरा। ज्ञान तुम्हार महाबल जोरा।।
दिया नाम दान किया उबारा। नानक अमरलोक पग धारा।।

Nanak Speech (Guru Nanak’s Words)

Translation:
"Blessed is the knowledgeable Supreme Purush, the Creator, who appeared in the world for the welfare of souls. O blessed Creator, Liberator of souls, your knowledge is powerful and filled with great strength. You have given the gift of true Naam (divine name) and provided salvation. Nanak has now set foot in the immortal realm."

1. "धन्य पुरूष ज्ञानी करतारा। जीवकाज प्रकटे संसारा।।"
   Praise for the Supreme Purush and His Purpose: Guru Nanak begins by acknowledging and praising Kabir as the benevolent, wise Supreme Purush and Creator who has manifested on Earth to help souls attain salvation. 

2. "धनि करता तुम बंदी छोरा। ज्ञान तुम्हार महाबल जोरा।।" 
   Kabir as the Liberator and Source of Great Knowledge: Here, Guru Nanak refers to Kabir as the “Creator” and “Liberator of souls.” Kabir’s knowledge is not just profound but also a powerful force. This acknowledgment shows Nanak’s realization that Kabir’s divine wisdom holds the strength to break the bonds of Kaal (Brahm, Jyoti Niranjan) and bring liberation.

3. "दिया नाम दान किया उबारा। "नानक अमरलोक पग धारा।" 
   Gift of the Divine Name for Salvation and Attainment of the Immortal Realm: Guru Nanak expresses gratitude for receiving the gift of Naam (mantra) from Kabir Sahib, which he understands as the key to salvation. This final line reflects Nanak’s realization of spiritual attainment through Kabir’s guidance. He metaphorically describes himself as setting foot in Amarlok (the immortal realm), symbolizing that he has now achieved a state of liberation and spiritual realization, moving beyond the cycle of birth and death.

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Summary - Conversation between Guru Nanak & Kabir Sahib

The most venerable God Kabir, taking the form of Jinda Mahatma, visited Punjab (then part of Western Pakistan) to meet Shri Nanak ji and engaged in this dialogue. God Kabir explained to Nanak ji that if even a devout soul like him endures the cycle of life and death, what hope remains for an ordinary person? Kabir revealed that the Supreme God differs from the formless one Nanak worships and declared, “I am that God.” Since separating from the Supreme, Kabir stated, Nanak had been reborn 60,000 times, some in esteemed positions, such as King Ambrish in Satyug, King Janak (father of Sita ji) in Tretayug, and as Shri Nanak Sahib in Kalyug. Still, the cycle continued. God Kabir then offered the jaap of Satshabad—Satnaam, the True Mantra—for eternal liberation. Recognizing this, Shri Nanak ji acknowledged Kabir as the Bandichhor God, who only the rare fortunate can truly recognize.

Amritvani Kabir Sagar (Agam Nigam Bodh) Page 44

।।नानक वचन।। (Nanak Speech)

।।शब्द।। (Hymn)

वाह वाह कबीर गुरु पूरा है।
पूरे गुरु की मैं बलि जावाँ जाका सकल जहूरा है।।
अधर दुलिच परे है गुरुनके शिव ब्रह्मा जह शूरा है।।
श्वेत ध्वजा फहरात गुरुनकी बाजत अनहद तूरा है।।
पूर्ण कबीर सकल घट दरशै हरदम हाल हजूरा है।।
नाम कबीर जपै बड़भागी नानक चरण को धूरा है।।

This passage is a profound praise by Guru Nanak Dev Ji for his Guru, Kabir Sahib, recognizing him as the complete and perfect Guru.

Explanation:

"वाह वाह कबीर गुरु पूरा है। पूरे गुरु की मैं बलि जावाँ जाका सकल जहूरा है।"

• Translation: “Hail, hail to Guru Kabir, the perfect Guru. I am devoted to this complete Guru, whose presence fills the entire creation.”
• Meaning: Guru Nanak is expressing deep reverence for Kabir Sahib, acknowledging him as the complete spiritual guide who permeates all of existence.

"अधर दुलिच परे है गुरुनके शिव ब्रह्मा जह शूरा है।"

• Translation: “In reverence before the Guru are even mighty beings like Shiva and Brahma.”
• Meaning: This line emphasizes Kabir Sahib’s supreme spiritual status, suggesting that even gods like Shiva and Brahma stand in awe of him, acknowledging his spiritual supremacy.

"श्वेत ध्वजा फहरात गुरुनकी बाजत अनहद तूरा है।"

• Translation: “The Guru’s white flag waves, and the divine unstruck sound resonates in his presence.”
• Meaning: The white flag symbolizes purity and truth, while the unstruck sound (anahad naad) represents the eternal divine vibration that pervades the universe, indicating Kabir Sahib’s profound spiritual reach.

"पूर्ण कबीर सकल घट दरशै हरदम हाल हजूरा है।"

• Translation: “The complete Kabir is visible in every heart and is present everywhere at all times.”
• Meaning: Kabir Sahib’s divine presence is seen as residing in every being, always present, showing his omnipresence and eternal connection with all.

"नाम कबीर जपै बड़भागी नानक चरण को धूरा है।"

• Translation: “Those who are fortunate chant the name of Kabir; Nanak is blessed to be dust at his feet.”
• Meaning: Here, Guru Nanak highlights the rare fortune of those who understand and chant the name of Kabir, expressing his humility and devotion by describing himself as the dust of Kabir Sahib’s feet.

References:

• Kabir Sagar - Guru Nanak conversation with God Kabir - Swasamved Bodh Page 158

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