Guru Ravidasji And Bhakti Movement
Source: PIB
GS I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Guru Ravidasji
- Guru Ravidasji And Bhakti Movement
Why in the News?
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu greeted fellow citizens on the eve of the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidasji.
News in Brief
- Sant Ravidas was an embodiment of spiritual wisdom.
- He dedicated his life to serving humanity with faith and devotion. He fought for the cause of the eradication of caste-based and social discrimination.
- Guru Ravidasji strived to bring harmony to society by following devotional practices. He spread the message of peace, tolerance and brotherhood.
- He showed the path of enlightenment to the people.
About Guru Ravidasji
- Guru Ravidas Ji, also known as Sant Ravidas, was a prominent saint, poet, and social reformer who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries in India.
- He was born into a family of leather workers, traditionally considered “untouchables” in the caste system, in the city of Varanasi (then known as Banaras) in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
- Despite facing discrimination and social marginalization due to his caste, Guru Ravidas Ji rose above these challenges.
- He became a revered spiritual figure known for his profound teachings on equality, humility, and devotion.
- He rejected the hierarchical caste system and advocated for all individuals’ spiritual and social upliftment, regardless of their background.
- Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings emphasized the importance of inner purity, devotion to the divine, and treating all beings with compassion and respect.
Literary works and Philosophy
- He is one of thirty-six contributors to this foremost canonical scripture of Sikhism, The Adi Granth.
- Songs of Ravidas discuss Nirguna-Saguna themes, as well as ideas that are at the foundation of Nath Yoga philosophy of Hinduism.
Guru Ravidasji And Bhakti Movement
Key aspects of Guru Ravidas Ji’s contribution to the Bhakti Movement
- Emphasis on Devotion (Bhakti)
- Guru Ravidas Ji emphasized the path of devotion (bhakti) as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
- He preached the importance of developing a loving and intimate relationship with the divine through prayer, meditation, and selfless service.
- His devotional poetry, filled with expressions of love and longing for the divine, inspired countless individuals to cultivate a deeper connection with God.
- Spiritual Equality
- One of Guru Ravidas Ji’s most significant contributions to the Bhakti Movement was his emphasis on spiritual equality.
- He vehemently opposed the rigid caste system prevalent in society and advocated for the idea that spiritual worth is not determined by one’s caste, social status, or birth.
- Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings emphasized the universality of divine love and the equal access of all individuals, regardless of their background, to the divine grace.
- Rejection of Ritualism and Formalism
- Guru Ravidas Ji criticized the excessive emphasis on rituals and formalism in religious practices.
- He believed in the simplicity and sincerity of devotion, emphasizing the inner qualities of love, humility, and compassion over outward displays of religious observance.
- His teachings encouraged people to focus on the essence of spirituality rather than getting entangled in external rituals and ceremonies.
- Social Reform
- In addition to his spiritual teachings, Guru Ravidas Ji actively engaged in social reform efforts aimed at challenging social injustices, particularly caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
- He advocated for the dignity of labour and promoted social equality and harmony among people of all castes and communities.
- Guru Ravidas Ji’s life and teachings inspired many to question and challenge oppressive social norms and strive for a more just and equitable society.
Daily Current Affairs: Click Here