User talk:Jossifresco~enwiki/sandbox/Sant Mat

The Sant Mat movement (there is no adequate translation of the expression Sant Mat, literally the 'point of view' of the Sants) assumed prominence in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent from about the 13th century. The movement, that was not homogenous, consistied mostly of these Saint's presentation of socio-religious attitudes based on bhakti (devotion) as described a thousand years early in the Bhagavad Gita^[1].

The boundaries of the movement were likely not sectarian and were devoid of Brahmin concepts of caste and liturgy. The poet-saints expressed their teaching in vernacular verse, addressing themselves to the common folk in oral style in Hindi and other dialects such as Marathi). They referred to the "Divine Name" as having saving power, and dismissed the religious rituals as having no value. They presented that true religion was a matter of surrendering to God "who dwells in the heart"^[1].

Some of these Saints, came from lower cast, some of them were women and even untouchables (Atishudras). Some of the more notable Saints include Namdev (d.1351), Kabir (d.1518), Nanak (d.1539), Mirabai (d.1545), Surdas (d.1573) and Tulsidas (d.1623) .

Formally, only a small minority of religious Hindus have followed Sant Mat, but the tradition has considerable influenced Hindus across sects and castes. Bhajans (devotional songs) attributed to past Saints such as Mirabai are widely listened to in India and in Hindu communities around the world.

The 'tradition of the Sants' (sant parampara) remained non-sectarian, though a number of Sant poets have been considered as the founders of sects which may bear their name but have developed after them by later followers such as Kabir Panth, Dadu Panth, Dariya Panth, Advait Mat, and Radhasoami. ^[2]

Guru Nanak, one of most notable saint-poets is considered to be the founder of the Sikh religion.

The Sant tradition is the only one in medieval and modern India which has successfully crossed some barriers between Hindu and Muslim blocks.^[1]

Poem by Kabir: Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat.; My shoulder is against yours.; you will not find me in the stupas, not in Indian shrine; rooms, nor in synagogues, nor in cathedrals:; not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding; around your own neck, nor in eating nothing but; vegetables.; When you really look for me, you will see me; instantly —; you will find me in the tiniest house of time.; Kabir says: Student, tell me, what is God?; He is the breath inside the breath^[3]

Poem by Mirabai: I am true to my Lord,; O my companions, there is nothing to be ashamed of now; Since I have been seen dancing openly.

In the day I have no hunger

At night I am restless and cannot sleep.

Leaving these troubles behind, I go to the other side;

A hidden knowledge has taken hold of me.

My relations surround me like bees.

But Mira is the servant of her beloved Giridhar,

And she cares nothing that people mock her.^[4]

Sources

^ ^a ^b Lipner, Julius J. Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices (1994). Routledge (United Kingdom), pp. 120-1 . ISBN 0415051819
^ Vaudeville, Charlotte. Sant Mat: Santism as the Universal Path to Sanctity in Sant Mat:Studies in a Devotional Tradition of India in Schomer K. and McLeod W.H.
^ Mitchell, Stephen A. The Enlightened Heart (1993) p.72. HarperCollins. ISBN 006092053X
^ Taru, Susie. Women Writing in India: 600 B.C. to the Present, V : 600 B.C. to the Early Twentieth Century (1992). The Feminist Press at CUNY. ISBN 1558610278

See also

Sources