Glossary

9.2 Sant tradition of North India

4 min read•august 15, 2024

The Sant tradition of North India emerged during medieval times, emphasizing devotion to a formless divine reality. It rejected religious rituals and caste distinctions, focusing on direct mystical experience through meditation and devotional singing.

Key figures like and composed in vernacular languages, challenging social norms. The tradition blended Hindu and Islamic concepts, promoting religious harmony and social equality. Its influence on literature, , and social reform continues to shape North Indian culture.

Sant Tradition in North India

Emergence and Key Teachings

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  • Emerged in North India during the medieval period
  • Emphasized devotion (bhakti) to a formless divine reality known as Satnam (True Name) or Hari
  • Rejected religious rituals, idol worship, and the authority of scriptures
  • Focused on direct mystical experience of the divine through meditation and singing of devotional hymns ()
  • Central concept of the divine Name (Nam)
    • Repetition of the Name (Nam Simran) purifies the mind and attains union with the divine
  • Taught the importance of having a living spiritual teacher (guru) to guide disciples on the path of devotion
    • Guru-disciple relationship based on complete surrender and service to the guru

Social Teachings and Key Figures

  • Promoted egalitarianism, rejecting caste distinctions and gender discrimination
    • Welcomed disciples from all social backgrounds, emphasizing the equality of all humans before the divine
  • Key figures include , Kabir, Nanak, and
    • Composed devotional poetry in vernacular languages (Hindi, Punjabi) that challenged social and religious norms of their time
    • Examples of their teachings:
      • Kabir: "The Hindu says Ram is the Beloved, the Muslim says Rahim. Then they kill each other, and no one finds the truth."
      • Nanak: "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim. All are created by the One Creator."

Sant Tradition vs Bhakti Movements

Similarities with Bhakti Movements

  • Emphasizes devotion and a personal, loving relationship with the divine
  • Rejects ritual worship and intellectual knowledge of scriptures as means to spiritual realization
  • Uses vernacular languages to make teachings accessible to the masses

Distinctive Features of Sant Tradition

  • Drew upon both Hindu and Islamic concepts, using language of Sufism and Vedanta
    • Syncretic approach distinguishes them from more sectarian bhakti movements
  • Non-sectarian, emphasizing a formless, nameless divine reality that transcends religious boundaries
    • Contrasts with bhakti traditions focused on devotion to specific deities (Krishna, Shiva)
  • Strong emphasis on social equality and rejection of caste distinctions
    • More pronounced compared to some bhakti movements that remained within caste society framework
  • Compositions in vernacular languages like Hindi and Punjabi
    • Contrasts with Sanskrit-based compositions of some bhakti poets

Sant Tradition's Influence on Culture

Impact on Vernacular Literature

  • Played significant role in development and popularization of vernacular literature in North India (Hindi, Punjabi)
  • Sant poets (Kabir, Ravidas, Nanak) composed teachings in simple, colloquial language
    • Used metaphors and imagery drawn from daily life to make message accessible to common people
  • Use of vernacular languages challenged dominance of Sanskrit in religious discourse
    • Helped establish legitimacy of regional languages as vehicles of spiritual expression
  • Sant compositions (bani or vaani) cover wide range of genres
    • Hymns, couplets (dohas), longer narrative poems
    • Integral part of North Indian literary canon

Contributions to Devotional Music

  • Contributed to development of devotional music, particularly kirtan tradition of congregational singing
    • Sant hymns set to music and sung in community gatherings, fostering shared devotion and equality
  • Musical legacy influenced various North Indian musical traditions
    • Classical Hindustani music, Sikh devotional music (Gurbani Kirtan)
    • Popular genres like qawwali and bhajan

Sant Tradition and Social Change

Challenging Caste Hierarchy and Religious Orthodoxy

  • Emphasized equality of all humans before the divine, challenging rigid caste hierarchy of medieval Indian society
    • Taught that caste or social status was irrelevant in pursuit of spiritual realization
  • Sant poets from low-caste backgrounds (Ravidas) used compositions to assert dignity and worth of all individuals
    • Message of social equality attracted followers from marginalized communities
  • Rejected religious rituals, idol worship, and authority of scriptures
    • Challenged power and influence of Brahmin priestly class as mediators and interpreters of religious knowledge
  • Emphasized direct mystical experience and importance of guru-disciple relationship
    • Undermined role of Brahmins as sole performers of sacred rituals

Promoting Religious Harmony and Egalitarian Communities

  • Syncretic teachings drew upon both Hindu and Islamic concepts
    • Promoted religious harmony and challenged sectarian divisions
    • Kabir and Nanak sought to bridge gap between Hindus and Muslims, emphasizing common essence of all religions
  • Legacy of challenging social and religious orthodoxy seen in emergence of egalitarian religious communities
    • Sikhs trace origins to teachings of Guru Nanak
    • Ongoing influence of Sant poetry in promoting messages of equality and harmony

Key Terms to Review (19)

Bhakti movement: The bhakti movement was a devotional trend in Hinduism that emerged around the 7th century and emphasized personal devotion to a personal god, often expressed through poetry, song, and communal worship. This movement sought to transcend caste divisions and promote a direct, emotional connection between the devotee and the divine, influencing various aspects of Hindu practice and culture.
Bijak: Bijak is a term that refers to a collection of poetic verses attributed to various saints in the Sant tradition of North India, encapsulating spiritual teachings and philosophical insights. These verses often emphasize personal devotion, the importance of inner realization, and the rejection of ritualism in favor of direct experience of the divine. Bijaks are a crucial element of the Sant tradition, helping to spread their message and promote a more accessible form of spirituality.
Guru granth sahib: The guru granth sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, recognized as the final, eternal Guru by Sikhs. It is a compilation of hymns and writings by Sikh Gurus and other saints, embodying the spiritual teachings and philosophies that guide Sikh beliefs and practices. This scripture plays a crucial role in Sikh worship and community life, bridging connections to various spiritual traditions, including the Sant tradition of North India and its historical roots in Hinduism.
Guru Purnima: Guru Purnima is a festival dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to spiritual teachers, or gurus, in Hinduism, celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha. It is a day for students to pay respect to their gurus and seek their blessings, reflecting the importance of the guru-disciple relationship in spiritual growth and knowledge acquisition.
Kabir: Kabir was a 15th-century poet-saint and a prominent figure in the Sant tradition, known for his devotional poetry that transcended religious boundaries. His teachings emphasized a direct personal experience of the divine and criticized ritualistic practices, making him an important link between Hinduism and other spiritual traditions.
Kabir Jayanti: Kabir Jayanti is the celebration of the birth anniversary of Kabir Das, a revered saint and poet in the Sant tradition of North India. This festival typically occurs on the full moon day of the month of Jyeshtha, which falls between May and June, and it honors Kabir's teachings and contributions to spirituality and social reform, emphasizing unity among different religions.
Kirtan: Kirtan is a form of devotional chanting or singing in Hinduism, where participants sing the names and glories of God, often accompanied by musical instruments. This practice is deeply rooted in bhakti (devotion) and plays a vital role in various devotional traditions, enhancing spiritual connection and communal harmony.
Medieval india: Medieval India refers to the period from roughly the 8th century to the 18th century, marked by significant political, cultural, and religious transformations. This era saw the rise of various regional kingdoms, the establishment of Islamic rule, and the flourishing of new religious movements such as the Sant tradition and Bhakti movement, which emphasized personal devotion and direct experiences of the divine.
Mirabai: Mirabai, often referred to simply as Mira, was a 16th-century Hindu mystic and poet saint known for her passionate devotion to Lord Krishna. Her life and works are deeply intertwined with the Bhakti movement, emphasizing personal devotion over ritualistic practices and establishing her as a prominent figure within the Sant tradition of North India.
Music: Music in the context of the Sant tradition of North India refers to a rich form of artistic expression that integrates spiritual themes, poetic lyrics, and various musical styles. It serves as a medium for devotion and is often performed in connection with spiritual practices, connecting the divine with everyday life. This music plays a vital role in the oral transmission of Sant teachings and helps to create a communal atmosphere during devotional gatherings.
Mysticism: Mysticism is a spiritual practice that emphasizes direct, personal experiences of the divine or ultimate reality, often transcending ordinary religious practices. It seeks to establish a deep, intimate connection with the divine, often through meditation, devotion, and personal revelation, which can lead to transformative experiences and insights.
Nanak: Nanak is the founder of Sikhism, a major world religion that emerged in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century. He is revered as the first Guru in Sikh tradition, emphasizing the importance of devotion to one God, equality among all people, and the necessity of living a truthful and honest life. His teachings laid the foundation for Sikh beliefs and practices, connecting deeply with the Sant tradition prevalent in North India during his time.
Nirguna brahman: Nirguna brahman refers to the concept of an ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy that is formless, attributeless, and beyond human comprehension. This idea emphasizes the divine nature of reality that exists without any qualities or characteristics, contrasting with saguna brahman, which possesses attributes. In the context of various spiritual traditions, including the Sant tradition, nirguna brahman represents a way of understanding the divine as a universal essence that transcends religious boundaries and personal experiences.
Non-dualism: Non-dualism is a philosophical and spiritual concept that emphasizes the unity of existence, asserting that there is no fundamental separation between the self and the ultimate reality. This idea connects deeply with various Hindu texts and practices, suggesting that individual consciousness (Atman) is ultimately one with the universal consciousness (Brahman), leading to a profound understanding of the nature of existence.
Poetry: Poetry is a literary form that uses rhythmic and often metaphorical language to evoke emotions, convey ideas, and express complex thoughts. In the context of the Sant tradition in North India, poetry serves as a powerful medium for spiritual expression, often reflecting themes of devotion, love for the divine, and the quest for enlightenment.
Ravidas: Ravidas was a prominent saint and poet in the Bhakti movement, known for his deep devotion to God and his messages of equality, love, and social justice. His teachings challenged the rigid caste system and promoted a direct, personal connection with the divine, which resonated with many followers in North India. Ravidas's verses often emphasized the importance of inner spirituality over external rituals, aligning him with other key figures in the Sant tradition.
Sant Mat: Sant Mat, meaning 'the path of the saints,' is a spiritual movement that emphasizes the importance of direct personal experience of God through meditation and devotion. Rooted in the Sant tradition of North India, Sant Mat promotes teachings from various saints and emphasizes inner spiritual awakening over ritualistic practices.
Satsang: Satsang is a spiritual gathering or assembly where individuals come together to seek truth and spiritual knowledge through discussions, chanting, and the company of enlightened beings or gurus. This practice emphasizes the importance of community in the spiritual journey, allowing participants to share insights and experiences that promote personal growth and understanding.
Unity of God: The unity of God refers to the concept that there is only one supreme being, transcending all forms and manifestations in the universe. This idea emphasizes the singularity and oneness of the divine, which is a central tenet in various spiritual traditions, including the Sant tradition of North India, where it is often articulated through poetic expressions and teachings that promote devotion to one ultimate reality.
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