Journeys with Kabir
Earlier this week I went to a screening of the film Koi Sunta Hai, one of four documentaries produced by the Kabir 
Project, an expansive music and film project directed by Shabnam Virani.
In their own words:
The Kabir project brings together the experiences of a series of ongoing journeys in quest of this 15th century North Indian mystic poet in our contemporary worlds. Started in 2003, these journeys inquire into the spiritual and socio-political resonances of Kabir’s poetry through songs, images and conversations.
We journey through a stunning diversity of social, religious and musical traditions which Kabir inhabits, exploring how his poetry intersects with ideas of cultural identity, secularism, nationalism, religion, death, impermanence, folk and oral knowledge systems.
I first learned about The Kabir Project a couple of years ago when they did a screening several clips from the films in Jackson Heights, Queens and featured a stirring performance by folk musician Prahlad Tipaniya, who is featured in the films. I was deeply moved and inspired by the films’ (and musicians’) explorations of Bhagat Kabir’s bani, and especially by the way the filmmaker and artists highlight the Kabir’s powerful message in the face of of contemporary manifestations of sectarian violence, caste oppression, and religious and national tensions in South Asia.
I was inspired again this week in watching Koi Sunta Hai, which highlights the Kabir-oriented journey of classical musician Kumar Gandharva. Kumarji, as he is referred to with admiration in the film, was a child prodigy classical Hindustani singer who developed an illness (the film says TB, Wikipedia says lung cancer) as a young man that forced him to not sing a note for five years. In that time of his world being turned upside down and his profession and main form of expression indefinitely at a halt, he began to hear singers from very non-classically trained backgrounds — folk singers, “common” people — singing the poetry of Kabir. This began to change his entire approach to music, spirituality, and life. The below clip from the film explains more about Kabir’s poetry and Kumarji’s relationship to it.
As many readers are well aware, the Guru Granth Sahib contains 292 hymns of Bhagat Kabir, by far the most of any non-Sikh Guru. A predecessor to Guru Nanak, Bhagat Kabir’s message has greatly informed Sikh philosophy, and is embraced not only by Sikhs, but by many Muslims and Hindus as well.
My Ram, Rahim, Karim, Keshav
Allah, Ram — all are the truth.
Bismil, Bishambhar are one.
There is no other.They who have qazis, peers, and prophets,
fast and worship to the west.
They who worship god in the east,
eleventh day dip in the Ganges.Turks their mosques, Hindus their temples,
the two with their Ram and Khuda.
But where there’s neither mosque nor temple,
who’s the master of the land?Says Kabir Das, the wandering faqir:
take your own path, my friend.
The lord of Hindus and Turks is one.
His way cannot be seen!(translated by Shabnam Virmani and Vidya Rao)
Reflecting upon the amazing work that the Kabir Project has done to highlight the message of Bhagat Kabir (including 4 full-length films and 10 audio CDs with accompanying books of the poetry), I realize the great need for this kind of accessible exploration of the shabads of our Sikh Gurus. Not simply Sikhism 101 materials which exist in abundance (thankfully) or Sikhi to the Max translations, but deep exploration of the contemporary relevance of the beautiful and inspiring poetry that makes up the Guru Granth Sahib. We need more than listening to katha at the gurdwara. We need a way in which Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike can appreciate the beauty and power of Gurbani.
Perhaps readers can share any resources along these lines that exist, projects underway, or ideas in the comments. In the mean time, you can watch clips of the Kabir Project films, including Koi Sunta Hai, here and purchase the CDs and DVDs here.
110 Responses to “Journeys with Kabir”
Seeing as how growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money, our family vacations would be road trips to places around the country. My dad, ever the planner, used to plan our yearly road trip with AAA. Most scenic route and nice yet cheap accommodations for a family on a budget.
I have to say I have traveled to many places in the US and abroad and still to this day my favorite trip EVER, hands down, was the road trip he planned from Jersey up to PEI one summer. It was a long trip but it was absolutely amazing. I think now that GPS exists we forget the art of a well planned road trip. Much luck with the drive!Xian Tours
Hi, You have written all the detail about travel that is very helpful for us. Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.avionske karte
Meh, I don’t like renting cars while travelling. Some people find it handy but I don’t. You know, I like to stick to places where I stay. And by the way, I like resorts. there you can see a live view from Tenerife, Spain. Yeah, this is my next destination.sri lanka beach
I got up early every morning to swim laps. It was the perfect way to start the day. We also love to hike, so we try to find local trails that we can take the whole family on. But my favorite vacation work out in Hawaii – definitely SUP (Stand Up Paddling) in the ocean!cheap travels
Great post. It is very informative post for everyone I love reading this information. This is a perfect blog about best campervan. Keep posting and keep sharing like this. For more visit this website.José Ignacio
It was the perfect way to start the day. We also love to hike, so we try to find local trails that we can take the whole family on. But my favorite vacation work out in Hawaii – definitely SUP (Stand Up Paddling) in the ocean!travel blog
These are great pics! We are looking in buying an Oliver and wondered what you tow yours with. Have you gotten very much use out of it? Any regrets? Any insight would be so helpful. rhodes island sightseeing tours
You have written all the detail about travel that is very helpful for us. Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.paris photo tour
You have written all the detail about travel that is very helpful for us. Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.
que ver en siena
You have written all the detail about travel that is very helpful for us. Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.munduk
Hi! your trip looks amazing question .. I’m heading to Grand Cayman (Kimpton Seafire resort) in August and booked the North Sound Eco boat tour with Redsail through the Kimpton resort (includes 4 stops, Stingray City, Starfish Point, coral reef, and mangroves). I noticed the boat in your pictures looks like a different tour / boat then the tour that I booked. I would prefer the snorkel tour in your review. Which tour did you book.top 10 hotels in yangon
Just a quick note to tell you I used this design today to make a coupon for an adventure for our two oldest grandkids as their Christmas gift. Thank you for sharing, it’s perfect!top 10 hotels in yangon
My favorite food during the holidays (and probably throughout the year too) is homemade macaroni and cheese. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful parties and your talent! Happy Thanksgiving to you!vacante de vis in romania
You have written all the detail about travel that is very helpful for us. Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.van rental
You have written all the detail about travel that is very helpful for us. Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.omio offers
Another possibility? Find a side hustle you can use to finance your travels. My husband and I are musicians (classic rock/country) who play at small- to mid-size venues throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This has enabled us to visit a lot of places we might not have been able to under normal circumstances, plus makes routine travel expenses such as mileage, lodging, and meals tax-deductible!fethiye rodos feribot
Meh, I don’t like renting cars while travelling. Some people find it handy but I don’t. You know, I like to stick to places where I stay. And by the way, I like resorts. there you can see a live view from Tenerife, Spain. Yeah, this is my next destination.lisa
Many people come here to display their illiteracy on the comment space. How can someone watch a video and still doest understand the message in the video, is it not illiteracy of the highest order? Patoranking clearly passed a message with this video of white skin dominance.ucuz uçak bileti
Hi! your trip looks amazing ???? question .. I’m heading to Grand Cayman (Kimpton Seafire resort) in August and booked the North Sound Eco boat tour with Redsail through the Kimpton resort (includes 4 stops, Stingray City, Starfish Point, coral reef, and mangroves). I noticed the boat in your pictures looks like a different tour / boat then the tour that I booked. I would prefer the snorkel tour in your review. Which tour did you book?booking
These are really useful tips. You don’t have to be rich or drop everything else in your life to be able to travel and this is definitely the proof of that.hiking
You have written all the detail about travel that is very helpful for us. Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.
Krabi Tour Package from jaipur
I have a close family member who is an agent and she receives all of her commissions from the airlines – not from the traveller, just as the above poster mentioned. As with any time you work with someone in ‘sales’, as your friends and families for recommendations, but using an agent should not cost you more money than booking anything yourself via the web. However, they will probably save you considerable time with the knowledge that they already have.Bangkok Sightseeing
Hello, The most important part about traveling is packing, and if you are traveling by road then it plays a major role. Most of the people have no idea of packing while they are going on a trip and that might even cause some issues while you are on the journey.withinph
It is good to have most of these articles around to maintain the regular flow of information. Help people that no one cruise rentals could do it later, good work! This is so helpful! Help people that no one could do it later, good work.bodrum kos feribot
Very interesting topic, thank you for posting. “The deepest American dream is not the hunger for money or fame it is the dream of settling down, in peace and freedom and cooperation, in the promised land.” by Scott Russell Sanders.bodrum kos feribot
Hi,
You have written all the detail about travel that is very helpful for us. Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.backpacking cairo
I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that?s equally educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which too few folks are speaking intelligently about. For more Check here
This article could not be written much better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I most certainly will forward this information to him. Fairly certain he'll have a very good read. Thanks for sharing.albania capital
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues? A small number of my blog audience have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any solutions to help fix this problem? k?br?s ucak bileti
Every traveler should need this information. Often we suffer in diseases so this is the best guidance blog for all. Very nice post, thanks for more information. The information that you discuss in the article is really helpful for me.turkish airlines
Hi
Our online courses are designed without walls and without invisible ceilings. And that means irrespective of who you are, you're going to have access to it all. Nothing held back, just empowering content that will not only teach you what's possible but also make you powerful. For more visit online learning platforms for students
Good tip. I never thought to bring one on one of my trips. I might buy one from Amazon. Thanks for sharing!Bali to Nusa Penida
Love these travel/adventure printables. So clever. I have a small globe collection and love travel themes in general so these will look great with my decor. While not a world traveler, my husband and I have visited 45 of the US state capitals (the first 30 with our daughter) and hope to complete the entire US before too long. Not sure I would want to RV it but good luck with your travels!jeftine karte
Oh wow that is absolutely incredible well done! I think you have done the right thing as well – have your time off, enjoy it don’t deprive yourself. Sometimes a week off is what everyone needs.Mannheim Ferienwohnung
Good tip. I never thought to bring one on one of my trips. I might buy one from Amazon. Thanks for sharing!wellness travel
Oh wow that is absolutely incredible well done! I think you have done the right thing as well – have your time off, enjoy it don’t deprive yourself. Sometimes a week off is what everyone needs.visit albania
It is good to have most of these articles around to maintain the regular flow of information. Help people that no one cruise rentals could do it later, good work! This is so helpful! Help people that no one could do it later, good work.Bangkok Sightseeing
I’d love to travel to each of these places, not just in winter, but anytime! This winter though, I’ve already booked a short trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I wanted to plan a hot weather getaway, heh.Belize Secret Beach
Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors .Viaggio Baja California
Great post. It is very informative post for everyone I love reading this information. This is a perfect blog about best campervan. Keep posting and keep sharing like this.albania tirana
I preferred to send you this truly little statement to assist issues many thanks over again over the pleasing techniques you have looked at on this net web website. This remains to be to remain to be in fact very kind of you to make absolutely specifically what an alternate individual can have developed.<a href="https://www.imusafir.pk/hotels?city=Neelum+Valley">Hotels in Neelum Valley
Exploring nature's wonders is a humbling experience that reminds us of the planet's beauty and our responsibility to protect it. From hiking through lush rainforests to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, nature-based travel offers a profound connection to the Earth. As we witness the intricate ecosystems, encounter diverse wildlife, and breathe in the fresh air, we are reminded of the fragility and interconnectedness of our world, inspiring a desire to preserve and cherish it.Caribbean guide
Food is an integral part of travel, offering a sensory exploration of different cultures. From savoring exotic spices in bustling street markets to indulging in fine dining experiences, each destination has its own culinary delights to offer. Whether it's sampling traditional dishes like sushi in Japan or pasta in Italy, or discovering unique local specialties, such as ceviche in Peru or tagine in Morocco, food can be a gateway to understanding a culture's traditions, values, and social dynamics.tours medellin
Exploring historical landmarks and iconic sites unveils the tales of civilizations long gone, leaving a lasting impression on the traveler's mind. From the majestic wonders of ancient architecture to the poignant remnants of the past, these historical treasures provide a glimpse into the collective heritage of humanity.
Yacht Charter
Hi,
Traveling often presents us with moments of awe and wonder. The sight of a breathtaking sunset over a serene beach, the majesty of a snow-capped mountain, or the intricacy of stunning architecture can leave us speechless, reminding us of the world's inherent beauty.Is Bogotá safe for American tourists
Travel, in its purest form, is a journey of self-discovery. It challenges our preconceptions, exposes us to unfamiliar perspectives, and forces us to confront our own biases. It allows us to reconnect with ourselves and our place in the world. As Mark Twain aptly put it, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."Siem Reap Tour
In the heart of Southeast Asia, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Luang Prabang, Laos. Awaken your senses with the scent of incense in ancient temples, and witness saffron-robed monks collecting alms at dawn. Cruise down the Mekong River, discovering remote villages and lush landscapes that seem frozen in time.Vietnam bike tours
The realm of travel provides a unique avenue for cultural exploration, deep interpersonal connections, and a multitude of exhilarating experiences. Furthermore, it serves as a catalyst for personal growth, compelling individuals to transcend their comfort zones. If the yearning for adventure strikes.cheap flights
ITSM includes robust incident and problem management processes. Incident management focuses on resolving issues and disruptions in IT services promptly. Problem management, on the other hand, delves deeper to identify root causes and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurring incidents.it security audit
Pest control in Palo Alto plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the homes and businesses of this vibrant California city. Palo Alto, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for its picturesque landscapes, affluent neighborhoods, and a thriving tech industry. However, this idyllic setting is not immune to pest infestations, which can pose significant challenges for residents and businesses alike. fremont pest control