“Thou art me, I
am Thou, What is the difference?
The same as between gold and its bracelet and between water and its ripples” (Ang 93)
The same as between gold and its bracelet and between water and its ripples” (Ang 93)
Today we
celebrate the birth of Bhagat Ravidas Ji. He was born in a “low-caste” (Shudra/Untouchable)
Hindu family on Jan 30 1399. He was born in Seer Govardhanpur near Banaras
(Kashi). Bhagat Ramanand visited the family to bless the child at the age of 5
days. By profession, he was a cobbler (tanned and made shoes). He spent time in
the company of saints and would give away his money to those in need. Because
of this, he was banished from his home. He made a hut with his wife Lona Devi and
continued to work as a cobbler. He had a son, Vijaydas.
He studied as a
disciple of Bhagat Ramanand, along with Bhagat Kabir, Dhanna, Pipa and Sain. He
gained many followers, which made the Brahmin priests angry. During those times
people spread the messages that low-caste people could not reach God. Ravidas
Ji spread the message that rejected caste, and that each individual is a part
of God and can merge with Him. He emphasized concentrating on Naam in the 41
compositions which are included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Here are some
sakhis about the life of Ravidas Ji: When Queen Jallbai presented him with
expensive clothes and jewels, he said that the Name of God was more precious.
This teaches us to put values on Naam and not worldly possessions. It is said
that when Maharani Jhally became a follower of Ravidas, her husband became very
angry, and decided to test Ravidas. He was invited to the kingdom. The Brahmins
refused to eat where he was seated, and Ravidas Ji moved away, however suddenly
the Brahmins started to see each person distributing food as Ravidas Ji. The
Maharana then became a devout follower of Ravidas.
During his
travels to Punjab, he met Guru Nanak Dev Ji who loved his works, and used to
use his invested money to purchase langar for Ravidas and his companions. He met Guru Nanak Dev Ji again in Sultanpur,
and again at Guru Ka Bhag. The length of his life is not known, but he is said
to have lived well over a hundred years.
Thus, Bhagat
Ravidas Ji taught us not to get entangled in caste, or profession. We have achieved the human life after 8.4 million reincarnations, and Bhagat
Ravidas Ji reminded us that we can all connect to our creator in this lifetime. For this, we have to let go of maya and meditate on God’s Name.
References:
http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bhagat_Ravidas
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