Dharmadasi cult is a sect within the broader Kabir Panthis, which originated from the teachings of the 15th-century mystic poet Kabir. This particular sect was established by Dharamdasa, a prominent disciple of Kabir. The primary centers of the Dharmadasi sect are located in Chhattisgarh and Puri, Odisha.
Origins and Historical Context
Traditional stories suggest that Kabir actively sought out
Dharmadasa due to their karmic connection as friends in a previous life.
However, Dharamdasa only became a disciple of Kabir later in his life,
following personal hardships, including the departure of his wife and
subsequent financial ruin. This transformation marked the beginning of his deep
spiritual journey under Kabir's guidance.
Key Texts and Teachings
The Dharmadasi sect's doctrinal foundation is encapsulated
in several key texts:
- Bijak:
A collection of Kabir’s compositions.
- Anurag
Sagar: Chronicles the conversations between Dharmadasa and Kabir,
detailing esoteric teachings.
- Brahma
Nirupana: Expounds on metaphysical concepts and the nature of Brahma.
- Amar
Mul: Delves into the secrets of immortality and the eternal truths
imparted by Kabir to Dharmadasa.
These texts claim to convey the secret teachings of Kabir as
passed down to Dharmadasa. Despite some skepticism about their authenticity as
true Kabirian teachings, they are venerated by numerous gurus and hold
significant spiritual importance within the sect.
Spiritual Practices
The Dharmadasi sect emphasizes a meditative path,
prominently featuring the practice of Simran (repetition of the name).
The central tenets include:
- Meditation
and Nama Repetition: Practitioners focus on the continuous repetition
of Kabir’s name, which eventually becomes an internal mantra, resonating
within the heart.
- Sound
Current and Anami Loka: Through deep meditation, the soul attunes to
the inner sound current, leading to Anami Loka, a transcendental realm
beyond birth and death.
- Tenth
Door and Sahasrara Chakra: By surpassing the Sahasrara Chakra (the
crown chakra), the devotee experiences divine light and melody. This
process involves reaching the 'tenth door,' a symbolic gateway to higher
consciousness.
- Transcendence
of Form and Language: Kabir’s teachings, as interpreted by the
Dharmadasi texts, advocate for rising above physical forms, language, and
written letters to attain a formless, ultimate reality.
Ultimate Goal
The ultimate goal in Dharmadasi spiritual practice is to
realize the One Word within all souls. This realization leads the
practitioner to Satya Loka, the divine realm characterized by countless
celestial abodes. The journey involves transcending physical limitations and
aligning with the divine essence, culminating in spiritual liberation and
enlightenment.
The Dharmadasi cult, through its rich textual heritage and
unique practices, offers a distinct spiritual pathway within the broader Kabir
Panthi tradition. Its focus on meditation, internalized repetition of the
divine name, and transcendence of earthly realms provides a profound framework
for devotees seeking deeper spiritual fulfillment and liberation.