Kabir Satsang: Words Can Be Deceiving
Sant Mat Mysticism Blog
Writing in Greek sometime during the Second Century AD probably in Syria, the author of the Gnostic Nag Hammadi book called the Gospel of Philip reflected on the inadequacy of words, how that earthly language rather than being an avenue to mystical Truth, instead can easily end up being for us just another way we are held captive by the powers of illusion:
'The names of worldly things are utterly deceptive, for they turn the heart from what is real to what is unreal. Whoever hears the word "god" thinks not of what is real but rather of what is unreal. So also with the words "father," "son," "holy spirit," "life," "light," "resurrection," "church," and all the rest, people do not think of what is real but of what is unreal, [though] the words refer to what is real. The words that are heard belong to this world. Do not be deceived. If words belonged to the eternal realm,
they would never be pronounced in this world, nor would they designate worldly things. They would refer to what is in the eternal realm.' (The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, Marvin Meyer)
Below is a satsang discourse about "Words" from one of my favorite books on the teachings of Guru Kabir, and the Sant Dharamdas line of Masters. This is a book from the same lineage that first used the Anurag Sagar of Kabir and other books of the Kabir Sagar (Ocean of Kabir). I believe it also is the same lineage that Sant Dariya Sahib and Sant Tulsi Sahib ultimately connects to, and therefore modern-day Radhasoami and Sant Mat as well. According to the Bijak, Anurag Sagar and other texts of Kabir Panth, Kabir is not only the Adi Guru or founding Sant Satguru of the Path of Sat Purush in this Kali Yuga of time, but also founded the Path during previous yugas or epochs also.
This book is most definitely on my list of top ten most important wisdom-books for devotees to both own and contemplate. 1008 Kabir Vani is a valuable collection of ethical or ahimsa teachings and admonitions about living a spiritual life in this human form as we cross this ocean of life.
From, 1008 Kabir Vani, a divine collection of incomparable 1008 nectarous Saakhis collected from the Saakhi Compilation of Satya Purush Sadguru Kabir Saheb, Compiled by Lalchand Doohan Jigyasu, Translated bu Kunwar Anil Kumar, Published by Manoj Publications:
The Chapter Titled, "Words"
Introduction
It is words which form part of didactic preachings. Words and deeds have a special relationship with each other. Words have a meaning only when they are practised in one's deeds. No matter how much we talk about the virtues of truth, love, non-violence and conscience, but these will bear no meaning unless we practise them in our lives. Anything said bearing true knowledge becomes a thing without substance, if not brought into practice. There are many in this world who would be talking big, but there are very few who practise what they say. Such persons tend to be rather didactic by way of singing in praise of God, preachings and spiritual speeches, but they and their audience never practise as preached. There is no improvement in their lives. Why? Because, so long as the words and deeds of the speaker do not harmonize with each other, the preachings will leave no lasting impact on the audience.
If our own minds are restless and we preach to others to be quiet, if we ourselves speak lies and preach others to cling to truth, if we cause pain to others stealthily and preach non-violence during our speech, it sure will yield no benefits. It will be entirely meaningless. And so, we have to remove the gap between words and deeds; and then only there will be an overall improvement in the life, of everyone. Even if there are no 'words', it wouldn't matter, but performance of sacred deeds in one's life is very important. In this context Kabir Saheb has instructed to practise true knowledge and devotion above articulation of words.
Kabir Saakhis:
What is the use of talking wise unless one brings it into practice? Like, a palace made of papers falls within the twinkling of an eye, in the same manner, a person without character, also meets his downfall within no time.
If what one says is not observed in one's own life, it becomes meaningless. And thus, so many foolish speakers and hearers, led by such ostentatious behaviour, met their doom.
One should be alert with such impostors whose speech is as sweet as sugar but what they do is as harmful as poison. If one observes what he says, his poison-like deed, too, will be converted into nectar (and such low kind of person, too, becomes praiseworthy).
Get rid of the ego of delivering speeches only and concentrate on your deeds (duties). A thirsty person's thirst cannot be quenched unless he is given water to drink, i.e. deed is more important than mere speech.
One led by his ego, feels proud of his speech and says that he allows sweet and beautiful words to come out of his mouth. But such ignorant people do not understand the aspect of devotion (they only make others happy by their speeches).
Speech, in this world, is considered something very ordinary and deed something great and beneficial. Kabir Saheb says: 'Deed is great and is something which helps one cross the ocean-like world'.
There are many brave persons who only talk big and keep moving about without bringing down their own speeches into their own lives; this can be likened to moving about with blunt arrows (delivering speeches only). But those, who have been hit by the arrow of devotion, are restless, physically and mentally (i.e. they, instead of delivering speeches, bring down true knowledge for observance in their lives).
Talking big without observing it in one's own life is like beating husk without rice. This can be likened to shooting false bullet from a gun which produces only sound and does not kill anyone (and so, do what you say).
Preach to others only when you are in a position to do what you say. It is only then that your audience will listen to your knowledgeable speech and get impressed. It is useless talking big unnecessarily. It is the same as beating husk without rice and getting nothing (time and labour both are wasted).
One began rhyming and saying Saakhis but his endeavours in this regard remained dry. He does not drink the clean and pure water already drawn from the well; he wants to draw the water himself and drink, i.e. he does not want to observe the sacred knowledge imparted by Saints; he wishes to follow his own wisdom.
(Pretending oneself to be a poet for honour and status) one composed Saakhis by changing a few words of others' compositions. Kabir Saheb says-'How would one survive by licking someone else's leftovers?' i.e. one shall not be able to survive for long by plagiarizing others' compositions and having no knowledge of his own. It is proper only when one makes a composition with one's own experiences.
The minds of such people remain restless who are themselves characterless and preach others by reading treatises and other religious books. Kabir Saheb says that such people remain worried about assuaging their hunger.
One himself does not get water to drink and gives milk to others (one who himself is leading a life of scarcity, how will he provide happiness to others). He himself does not have his mind in his control and tries to bring endurance in others by delivering speeches of wisdom
The wisdom of those who, without bringing in practice in their own lives, talk big in a cunning manner, may burn into ashes. Even one's knowledge-ability is wasted if it is devoid of devotion (for the stability of true knowledge it is necessary to have devotion and spiritual endeavour). ////////
