Sant Guru Ravidass Ji
Sant Guru Ravidass Ji was a 14th-century Indian saint and spiritual leader from the Indian state of Punjab. He is considered to be one of the founders of the Ravidassia religion, which is based on the teachings of Guru Ravidass and the Holy book, the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji. The followers of this religion, known as Ravidassias, consider him to be a Guru (teacher) and a Satguru (true teacher).
Guru Ravidas Ji Introduction and History
Guru Ravidass was born in a lower-caste community and faced discrimination because of his caste. However, he rose above this through his spiritual teachings, which emphasized the essential unity of all people and the rejection of caste-based discrimination. He taught that all individuals, regardless of their caste or social status, had the same potential for spiritual growth and that all people are equal in the eyes of God.
Guru Ravidass’s teachings have had a significant impact on the lives of many people, particularly those from lower-caste communities in India and Nepal. His followers celebrate his birth anniversary as the Guru Ravidass Jayanti, which is celebrated every year on Maghi Purnima (full moon day in January-February month as per Gregorian calendar)
He also wrote many hymns, which are considered sacred by the Ravidassia community and are included in the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji. These hymns speak of the importance of devotion, humility, and the rejection of caste-based discrimination, Guru Ravidass Ji is also known for his message of universal brotherhood and equality.
Guru Ravidass is also considered as an important figure in the Bhakti movement, a religious movement that emerged in medieval India and emphasized devotion to God as a means of achieving salvation. His teachings focused on the importance of devotion and selfless service to God, and emphasized the role of the guru (teacher) as a spiritual guide.
Bhagat Ravidas Maharaj Ji Shabads
Guru Ravidass also stressed the importance of good deeds and social service. He advocated for the rights of the poor and oppressed, and encouraged his followers to help those in need. He also spoke out against religious discrimination, social injustice and advocated for equality, universal brotherhood and to treat all human beings as equal.
The followers of Guru Ravidass, the Ravidassias, worship at Ravidassia temples, also called Dharamshalas and recite hymns from the holy book, Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji. These hymns, called Shabads, are also considered as sacred for them and many of these hymns are also sang in devotional gatherings and are an integral part of their religious practices.
Ravidassia community has strong presence in Punjab, Haryana and other parts of India as well as in other countries like UK, Canada and America. Many Ravidassia temples and Gurdwaras have been built in India and other parts of the world, to commemorate Guru Ravidass’s teachings and to serve as places of worship for the Ravidassia community.
It is also noteworthy that, Guru Ravidass’s teachings and message were so universal that it was not limited to one specific community or caste, but rather it spread across many communities, regions and even beyond the national boundaries.
Guru Ravidass’s teachings have had a significant impact on the lives of many people, particularly those from lower-caste communities in India and Nepal. His message of universal brotherhood, equality, and rejection of caste-based discrimination resonated with many people who were marginalized and oppressed by the caste system. He is also considered as an important figure in the Bhakti movement, a religious movement that emerged in medieval India, which emphasized devotion to God as a means of achieving salvation.
Guru Ravidass’s teachings and message continue to be an important source of inspiration and guidance for the Ravidassia community, as well as for many people who believe in the values of equality and social justice. His hymns are considered sacred by the Ravidassia community and are widely recited and sung in religious gatherings and at Ravidassia temples.
In recent times, Guru Ravidass Ji’s message of equality and universal brotherhood is increasingly being seen as highly relevant to the current socio-political context and his teachings are being studied in various academic circles. There is increasing scholarly interest in Guru Ravidass and his teachings, and several books, research papers and articles have been published about him.
Guru Ravidass’s legacy continues to live on through the devotion of his followers and the ongoing efforts to spread his message of love, compassion, and equality. His teachings continues to be an important source of guidance and inspiration for many people today.
It’s important to note that, although Guru Ravidass is considered an important spiritual leader within the Ravidassia community, his teachings have not been without controversy. His teachings have faced some opposition from some quarters of the Sikh community, who view him as a reformist within their tradition, however, the followers of Guru Ravidass consider him as an independent Guru and his teachings are based on the principle of universal brotherhood, equality, and rejection of caste-based discrimination.
Today, the Ravidassia community continues to grow and thrive, with a strong presence in India, Nepal, and many other countries around the world. There are many Ravidassia temples, called Dharamshalas, and Gurdwaras that have been built to commemorate Guru Ravidass’s teachings and to serve as places of worship for the Ravidassia community.
In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness and acceptance of Guru Ravidass’s teachings among people from diverse backgrounds. This is especially true in the fields of academics, where Guru Ravidass’s teachings are now being studied and research papers and articles have been published about him.
Guru Ravidass’s teachings continue to be an important source of inspiration and guidance for many people who believe in the values of equality, social justice and human rights. His message of love, compassion, and equality continue to be as important today as it was in the past. Many people from different walks of life are now being drawn to his teachings, which are being seen as a source of hope, inspiration and guidance.
As a religious leader, Guru Ravidass has left a deep and lasting impact on the religious and cultural heritage of India. He is considered to be a major figure in the Bhakti movement, a religious movement that emphasized devotion to God as a means of achieving salvation. His teachings stressed the importance of devotion and selfless service to God, and emphasized the role of the guru as a spiritual guide.
Guru Ravidass’s message of universal brotherhood and rejection of caste-based discrimination is seen as particularly important and relevant in today’s context, where the issues of social justice and equality continue to be major concerns. His teachings continue to inspire many people, who see in them a message of hope and guidance in a world that is often troubled by discrimination and injustice.
The legacy of Guru Ravidass is also being carried forward by many organizations and institutions that are dedicated to promoting his teachings and message. Many of these organizations work to promote education, social welfare, and human rights, and are actively involved in working for the upliftment of marginalized and oppressed communities.
In conclusion, Guru Ravidass has left an indelible mark on the spiritual and cultural landscape of India. He is remembered and revered as a spiritual leader and reformer who fought against discrimination and advocated for equality, universal brotherhood and social justice. His teachings and message continue to be an important source of inspiration and guidance for many people today, and are expected to continue to be so in the future as well.
It is worth mentioning that, in recent years there has been a growing interest in Guru Ravidass’s teachings outside of the Ravidassia community. Many people from diverse backgrounds are becoming aware of his message of universal brotherhood, equality and rejection of caste-based discrimination and finding inspiration in his teachings. His message of love, compassion and equality is seen as universal and inclusive, and not limited to any specific community or group.
Additionally, there are also many artists, poets and writers who have been inspired by the life and teachings of Guru Ravidass and have created works of literature and art that reflect his message. Guru Ravidass’s hymns are still being recited and sung in religious gatherings and devotional programs, and many of these hymns have been set to music, which is helping to spread his message to a wider audience.
Guru Ravidass’s teachings are also being studied in the academic circle, and it’s helping to understand his teachings in more depth and to appreciate their historical and cultural context. Researchers and scholars are studying his life and teachings, and many books and articles have been published on the subject.
In summary, the message of Guru Ravidass is timeless and universal. His teachings of universal brotherhood, equality and rejection of caste-based discrimination are more relevant than ever and continue to inspire many people today. The devotion and respect towards Guru Ravidass is continues to grow both within and outside of the Ravidassia community.
Sant Ravidass and His Teachings
Here are a few key life lessons that are often associated with Sant Ravidass and his teachings:
Equality: Sant Ravidass taught that all humans are equal and should be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their caste or social status. He preached that everyone has a right to worship and be close to God, and that there is no superiority based on birth or social status.
Devotion: Sant Ravidass emphasized the importance of devotion to God as a means of attaining inner peace and salvation. He taught that a life devoted to God, with love and devotion, is the most important thing one can do.
Compassion: Sant Ravidass taught that we must be compassionate and help those in need, especially those who are less fortunate than ourselves. He encouraged people to assist others and show kindness towards others.
Non-violence: Ravidass Ji was a firm believer of non-violence and peaceful co-existence. He said that use of force and violence is not a right way to solve problems or conflicts.
Self-realization: Sant Ravidass taught that the ultimate goal of life is to realize the true self and become one with God. He taught that by understanding the true nature of the self, one can achieve ultimate peace and happiness.
Emphasis on Karma: Sant Ravidass also placed great emphasis on the law of Karma, the belief that one’s actions in this life determine the fate of the soul in the next. He encouraged people to live a life of good deeds and positive actions.
Service: Sant Ravidass taught that true devotion to God is demonstrated through selfless service to others. He encouraged people to help those in need and to be of service to their community.
Humility: Sant Ravidass emphasized the importance of humility and taught that true wisdom comes from recognizing one’s own limitations. He taught that those who are humble and open to learning are better able to understand and connect with God.
Forgiveness: Sant Ravidass taught the importance of forgiveness in order to achieve inner peace and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. He encouraged people to let go of grudges and resentments and to forgive those who have wronged them.
Truth: Sant Ravidass taught that the pursuit of truth is essential for spiritual growth. He encouraged people to seek knowledge and wisdom and to be true to themselves and others.
Simplicity: Ravidass Ji taught that one should live a simple and honest life. He said that simplicity is the key to true happiness and inner peace. He rejected materialism and living a luxurious lifestyle.
Friendship: Sant Ravidass also emphasized the importance of good company and friendship. He taught that good friends can help us to grow spiritually and to live a more meaningful life. He encourages to stay in company of saintly people and people with virtuous characters.