The Surrender of the Self: Sant Kabir’s Path to Divine Illumination

In his timeless wisdom, Sant Kabir beautifully encapsulates the essence of spiritual awakening in the doha, “Jab main tha tab Hari nahi, ab Hari hai main na; Sab andhiyara mit gaya, aab roshan ghar ke.” This doha reflects the profound transformation that occurs when the ego dissolves, and the divine presence takes its place. It is a journey from the darkness of self-centered existence to the light of divine realization.

The Illusion of the Self: When ‘I’ Was Everything

Sant Kabir begins by highlighting the state of ignorance in which the self—represented by the ego or ‘I’—was dominant. In this state, the divine presence, or Hari, was obscured. The ego, with its endless desires, attachments, and identifications, creates a barrier between the individual and the divine. It’s a state of spiritual blindness, where the light of truth is overshadowed by the illusions of the material world.

This phase of existence is marked by a deep sense of separation. The individual perceives themselves as an independent entity, disconnected from the divine source. This separation is the root of all suffering, as it fuels desires, fears, and the constant need to assert and protect the ego. In this darkness, the true nature of the self, which is divine, remains hidden.

The Dissolution of the Ego: When ‘I’ No Longer Exist

Sant Kabir’s doha then takes a transformative turn as he describes the moment of spiritual awakening: “Ab Hari hai main na.” Here, the ego has dissolved, and in its place, the divine presence of Hari is realized. The ‘I’ that once dominated has vanished, giving way to the infinite and all-encompassing presence of the divine. This is the moment of enlightenment, where the individual no longer identifies with the limited self but with the universal consciousness.

In this state, all duality is transcended. There is no longer a distinction between the self and the divine, between the individual and the universe. The darkness of ignorance is completely dispelled, and the house—the body, mind, and soul—is filled with the light of divine awareness. This is the ultimate realization in spirituality, where one sees the divine in everything and everyone, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

The Light of Divine Awareness: Illuminating the Inner World

The illumination of the house in Sant Kabir’s doha symbolizes the complete transformation of the individual’s inner world. Where there was once darkness—symbolizing ignorance, ego, and separation—there is now light, representing knowledge, unity, and divine presence. This light is not just an abstract concept but a lived reality that permeates every aspect of existence.

With the ego gone, there is no more conflict, no more suffering. The individual is at peace, having found their true home in the divine. This state of being is characterized by unconditional love, compassion, and an unshakeable sense of oneness with all creation. The light of Hari shines through the individual, guiding their thoughts, actions, and interactions with the world.

A Practical Toolkit for Embracing Divine Illumination

To integrate the teachings of Sant Kabir’s doha into your daily life, here is a practical toolkit that will help you dissolve the ego and invite the light of divine awareness into your inner world:

1. Daily Surrender Meditation: Start your day with a meditation focused on surrendering the ego. Visualize releasing all attachments, desires, and fears into the light of the divine. Allow the divine presence to fill your entire being, replacing the ‘I’ with the awareness of Hari.
2. Mindful Awareness: Throughout the day, practice mindful awareness of your thoughts, words, and actions. Whenever you notice the ego asserting itself—through judgment, desire, or attachment—pause and remind yourself of the divine presence within you. Gradually, this awareness will help you shift from ego-centered behaviour to divinely inspired action.
3. Self-Inquiry Practice: Regularly engage in self-inquiry by asking yourself, “Who am I?” This practice, rooted in the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, helps to dismantle the ego’s false identifications and reveals the true self, which is one with the divine.
4. Gratitude for the Divine: Cultivate a daily practice of gratitude, focusing on the presence of the divine in your life. Acknowledge the guidance, protection, and love that Hari provides, and express your gratitude through prayer, journaling, or simple acknowledgment.
5. Service to Others: Engage in selfless service (seva) as a way to dissolve the ego and connect with the divine in others. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbour, or simply offering a kind word, these acts of service reinforce the understanding that we are all part of the same divine consciousness.
6. Divine Reflection Journal: Keep a journal where you reflect on moments when you felt the presence of the divine guiding you. This practice helps to reinforce the realization that you are never alone; Hari is always with you, illuminating your path.
7. Breath Awareness: Practice breath awareness to anchor yourself in the present moment, where the divine presence is most accessible. Focus on your breath as a reminder that each inhale and exhale is a gift from the divine, sustaining your life.
8. Living in the Light: Consciously choose to live in the light of divine awareness by aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with the values of love, compassion, and unity. Let go of the need to control or dominate, and trust in the divine flow of life.
9. Sacred Space for Reflection: Create a sacred space in your home where you can retreat for quiet reflection and meditation. Fill it with symbols of the divine, such as candles, images of deities, or natural elements, to remind you of the divine presence that illuminates your inner world.
10. End-of-Day Reflection: End your day with a reflection on how the divine presence manifested in your life. Acknowledge any moments where the ego was dissolved, and celebrate the light that continues to grow within you.

By embracing these practices, you will begin to experience the profound shift that Sant Kabir describes—the dissolution of the ego and the illumination of your inner world by the divine presence. This journey leads to a life of peace, joy, and unconditional love, where the darkness of ignorance is replaced by the radiant light of spiritual awakening.