Guru Rabidasji's broad based humanity

Every year, the Rabidas community across the sub-continent celebrate anniversary of birth of their spiritual leader Guru Rabidasji for days together on the occasion of full moon in the month of Magh (this year coinciding February 20-22). Guru Rabidasji was born on this holy full moon of Magh 631 years ago to the cobbler couple Raghuram and Raghurani in Gobardhanpur village of Kashi city in Uttar Pradesh state of India.
A super human in ability and wit Rabidas mastered the family craft of livelihood in no time. In that old Hindu society cobblers being in the lowest rung of the caste system Sudra were considered untouchables. As such Rabidas was barred from formal learning. But he was blessed with extraordinary wisdom and could unabatedly acquire mastery on scriptures often only by listening in the company of hermits.
He advocated for a broad generous society of equals. His was the voice of dissent against the ills of society i.e. the degrading caste system and oppressive clout of the so called upper class, the Brahmins, the harmful prejudices and darkening deprivation from enlightenment. Soon he emerged as the religio-philosophic leader of his community, the oppressed and deprived lower caste, more specifically the cobbler class. And after him they are called the Rabidas community.
Guru Rabidasji envisioned a human society without any barrier of caste or creed, religious or cultural. To him all were the children of God, there must not be any difference between man and man. His was a non-violent approach to the ultimate truth. He always told his followers to take the path of peace for that is ideal for all human beings. He told them to be compassionate to others, win the enemy within, pursue fellow feeling, not to see sins of others but be a sinless self.
His broad philosophy of life attracted many beyond his community. He became a rescuer of the untouchables and the lower caste. They could gain at least some freedom and enjoy some rights from then onward in the heavily caste ridden society. With a massive support behind him he could have easily staged a rebellion against the exploiters of caste system. They even wanted to banish him from Kashi. But he chose the non-violent path of persuasion. He asked his followers to be honest and upright and good human beings shunning vices and practising virtues. Because it is humanity that reigns above all in the society. Fame and honour did not motivate him but his belief that it is not caste but action that makes a man known as such, and every one had the right to read the scriptures and be enlightened.
Guru Rabidasji was an embodiment of truth and justice, righteousness and compassion. He taught his disciples to win over falsehood and violence with truth and peace. He inspired, still inspires and will yet inspire humanity and equality among all.

Master Kanailal Rabidas Mohanto is Director General of Bangladesh Guru Rabidas (Dham) Mission.