Kudrat se Milo: Embracing Nature to Discover Oneness

In the midst of our complex, fast-paced lives, we often find ourselves disconnected—from each other, from our purpose, and from the earth that nurtures us. Sant Kabir’s verse, "Kudrat se milo, phir kya ho, mil gaya samjho; Bharat sab ek hai, jismein abhi hai," invites us to reconnect with nature to realize a profound spiritual truth: that everything in existence is one, indivisible, and interconnected.

At first glance, the verse seems simple, but it carries a layered depth that speaks to both our physical reality and our spiritual journey. It highlights the importance of aligning ourselves with the natural world—both the external environment and the inner nature that exists within all of us. Sant Kabir asserts that when we truly meet and understand nature, we realize we have already obtained everything we seek. He reminds us that Bharat—symbolizing all existence—is fundamentally one, unified, and still.

Understanding Nature as Our Teacher

When Sant Kabir speaks of “meeting nature,” he’s not just talking about spending time in forests or rivers, though that is certainly one way to begin. It’s about observing the rhythms of life, the seasons of growth and decay, and understanding that we are a part of this cosmic dance. Nature is a mirror of our own inner journey. Just as rivers flow towards the ocean, all our efforts, thoughts, and aspirations ultimately flow towards unity with the divine.

To meet nature means to shed our illusions of separateness, our ego-driven belief that we stand apart from the world around us. When we stop striving against the natural flow of life and instead move with it, we begin to understand that we are already whole. This realization brings an incredible sense of peace and clarity.

Sant Kabir’s insight here is profoundly relevant to modern life. In a world dominated by technology and artificial environments, our connection to nature has weakened. Yet, it’s precisely this connection that holds the key to our well-being, both spiritual and emotional.

The Stillness of Oneness

Sant Kabir points out that “Bharat sab ek hai, jismein abhi hai,” suggesting that all of existence—Bharat—is one. This oneness, this unity, is not something we have to strive to achieve. It’s always present, always still, like the calm at the centre of a storm. The "abhi" (stillness) that Sant Kabir refers to represents the essence of life that remains unchanged, no matter how much the external world may fluctuate. It’s the part of us that is eternal, the core that remains steady as the waves of joy and sorrow, success and failure, rise and fall in our lives.

To experience this stillness, we must quiet our minds and observe the world without judgment or expectation. Only then can we perceive the unity underlying all things. When we step into this awareness, we realize that the distinctions we see—between ourselves and others, between what we want and what we have—are illusions. Everything is already here, already one.

A Practical Toolkit for Integrating Kabir’s Wisdom

Sant Kabir’s teachings aren’t abstract concepts meant to be admired from a distance; they are practical, lived wisdom. Here’s how you can incorporate this spiritual insight into your daily life:

1. Daily Walks in Nature

Begin with a simple daily walk, preferably in a natural setting. Use this time to reflect on the rhythms of nature. Observe how trees grow slowly yet steadily, how birds move effortlessly with the wind. These moments of mindfulness help ground you and remind you of your own natural flow.

2. Mindful Breathing

Practice mindful breathing as a way to tap into the stillness Sant Kabir speaks of. Spend 5–10 minutes each day focusing on your breath. As you inhale, visualize yourself drawing in the energy of the earth; as you exhale, release any feelings of separation or tension. This practice helps you connect with the present moment, where unity exists.

3. Connecting with the Elements

Take time to connect with the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—through daily rituals. For example, grounding yourself by walking barefoot on the grass, or lighting a candle and reflecting on the transformative nature of fire. These small acts remind us of the interconnectedness of all life.

4. Gratitude Practice

Each evening, write down three things you’re grateful for that nature has provided—whether it’s the food on your table, the air you breathe, or the beauty of a sunset. Gratitude helps to reinforce your connection to the larger world and nurtures a sense of abundance.

5. Silence and Reflection

Set aside 10 minutes of your day for silence. During this time, refrain from speaking or engaging with distractions. Simply sit with yourself and observe your thoughts, without reacting to them. This practice helps cultivate inner stillness, the space where you can experience the unity Kabir describes.

Looking Ahead

In a world that often feels fragmented and chaotic, Sant Kabir’s words serve as a reminder of the inherent oneness of all things. By reconnecting with nature and embracing the stillness within ourselves, we can tap into a deeper sense of fulfillment and peace. The wisdom of this timeless verse guides us not to chase after what we think we lack, but to realize that we are already complete, already part of the grand, unified whole.

The practice of living in alignment with nature not only deepens our spirituality but also brings balance and harmony into our daily lives. Sant Kabir’s teachings invite us to step into the flow of life with grace, trust, and an unshakable sense of belonging.