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Sant Ravidas Quotes And Teachings

Sant Ravidas, a 15th century poet-saint and revolutionary, fought against social evils like caste and untouchability. This is a collection of quotes and teachings of Sant Ravidas. He is also one the most prominent Bhakti poets of medieval period.

The Lord is One, but He is diffused in many forms. Bring in, bring in, that All-pervading Lord.

The Palmyra palm tree is considered impure, and so its leaves are considered impure as well. But if devotional prayers are written on paper made from its leaves, then people bow in reverence and worship before it.



Through the way of devotion, the intellect is imbued with Truth; doubts, entanglements and vices are cut away.

When I am in my ego, then You (Lord) are not with me. Now that You are with me, there is no egotism within me.

A family that is a true follower of the Lord is neither high caste nor low caste, lordly or poor.

And this toddy tree you consider impure, since the sacred writings have branded it that way, but see that scriptures are written on its leaves.

Oh well born of Benaras, I too am born well known; my labor is with leather. But my heart can boast of the Lord.

I have never known how to tan or sew
Though people come to me for shoes
I have not the needle to make the holes
Or even the tool to cut the thread.
Others stitch and knot, and tie themselves in knots
While I, who do not knot, break free.
I keep saying Ram and Ram, says Ravidas,
And death keeps his business to himself.

Teachings from the Poems of Sant Ravidas

You know nothing, ignorant Man,
Appraising yourself
You glow with pride.
Such a bride is unwelcome,
Upon her neck caw the crows of death.
O you vainglorious fool
Like the mushroom of Bhadon
You are so short-lived.

As the deer who knows not
That the fragrance of the musk
Lies coiled within,
So the Lord does live within.
Understand this
And you never again will fear death

Brother, the world is a game, a magic show,
And I am in love with the gamester,
The magician who makes it go.

How to escape? I recite the name Ram.
Lord, if you are sandalwood, I am water;
with the fragrance in all parts of my body.
Lord, if you are a cloud, I am a peacock;
looking for you like a chakora for the moon.
Lord, if you are a lamp, I am the wick (batti);
with the light burning day and night.
Lord, if you are a pearl, I am the thread;
together like gold and suhaga.
Lord, you are the master and I servant;
thus is the devotion of Raidas.