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Attachment and Freedom: The Householder's Dilemma
Living in the World Without Being Bound — Wisdom from Bhaja Govindam, Kabir, and Vemana
February 1, 2026
•Shikshak Content Board
•9 minute read
Section 4 of 9
Kabir: Detachment in the Marketplace
Kabir was not a monastery saint.
He lived among ordinary people.
He worked, spoke, sang, challenged.
His genius was showing:
Liberation is possible even in the bazaar.
Kabir’s spirituality is the householder’s spirituality.
Kabir’s Famous Doha
Hindi
कबीरा खड़ा बाज़ार में, माँगे सबकी खैर।
ना काहू से दोस्ती, ना काहू से बैर॥
Meaning
“Kabir stands in the marketplace wishing well for all.
He has no friendship that binds, and no enmity that burns.”
Commentary: The Perfect Householder Ideal
Kabir stands in the world…
But remains inwardly unattached.
He participates…
But does not cling.
He loves…
But does not possess.
This is freedom.
Kabir on Family Attachment
Hindi
यह संसार कागद की पुड़िया
जैसे पानी में गिर जाय।
“This world is like a paper packet—
it dissolves the moment it falls into water.”
Commentary: Do Not Build Eternity on Paper
Kabir warns householders:
Family, wealth, relationships are fragile.
Do not mistake them for immortality.
Use them as fields for devotion.
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