Sant Shri Ravidas Ji: The Light of Humanity

Sant Shri Ravidas Ji was a great saint, spiritual sage and social reformer of the Bhakti movement. He gave a new direction to humanity through his high ideals, sacred teachings and life values. His entire life was spent in eradicating social evils, spiritual upliftment, giving a message of brotherhood and love. Sant Shri Ravidas Ji’s devotion and his teachings are still inspiring for humanity today.

Sant Shri Ravidas Ji was a great saint, spiritual sage and social reformer of the Bhakti movement. He gave a new direction to humanity through his high ideals, sacred teachings and life values. His entire life was spent in eradicating social evils, spiritual upliftment, giving a message of brotherhood and love. Sant Shri Ravidas Ji’s devotion and his teachings are still inspiring for humanity today.

He was born in the 15th century in the city of Kasi (present day Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) in North India. Many legends are prevalent regarding his birth, but his life and high ideals proved that his greatness is not determined by his birth or social background, but by his deeds and teachings. Sant Shri Ravidas Ji believed that any person can reach a high status through his spiritual and moral qualities. Through his sermons, he taught that humanity, love and spiritual purity are the true qualities of human life.

His devotion was not limited to the attainment of God alone, but he awakened the consciousness of brotherhood, equality and truth among the common people. His 40 sacred words are recorded in Sant Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, which show his spiritual height and the greatness of his sermons. His words are still working as a guide for humanity all over the world. Sant Shri Ravidas Ji taught that a person who adopts respect, kindness, compassion and love in his life, actually walks on the spiritual path.

He always rejected the divisions and casteism prevailing in the society. His lofty thinking is manifested in "Aisa Chahu Raj Main, Jaha Milei Saban Ko An". Sant Shri Ravidas Ji wanted a society where all are equal, where no one is considered superior or inferior, where everyone gets spiritual and social freedom. This aspiration of his reflects his determination towards equality.

He also taught that karma is the identity of a person. The phrase "Karma Bindu Te Jaati Upjai" shows that a person can become high by his good karma, not by his birth. He made it clear that God meets a person only according to his karma. This message is one that was not only important in Sant Shri Ravidas Ji's time, but it is equally needed today.

He envisioned "Begampura", which reflects his determination towards social justice and his ideal interpretation. Begampura is that ideal place, where there is no injustice, pain, suffering or discrimination of any kind. It presents a complete picture of his ideal beliefs.

The legacy of Sant Shri Ravidas Ji lives on even today. His teachings, his devotion, and his spirituality still enlighten people today. His legacy teaches us that living a life filled with courage, industriousness, and virtue is true humanity.

The light that Shri Ravidas Ji shed will shine forever. His teachings are not just a spiritual path for us, but also a complete way of life. If we follow his teachings, we can create an egalitarian, loving, and ethical world. The sacred teachings of Sant Shri Ravidas Ji give us the path to live a right life.

- Davinder Kumar