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Beyond Empty Ritual: The Critique of Outward Religion
Kabir and Vemana's Fierce Rejection of Ritualism Without Understanding
January 29, 2026
•Shikshak Content Board
•8 minute read
Section 3 of 11
Kabir: Symbols Cannot Replace Inner Purity
Kabir Doha
जनेऊ तागा पहन के ब्राह्मण कहावे
भीतर से मन मैला, बाहर धोती धावे
Meaning
Wearing the sacred thread, one calls himself holy,
but inside the mind is filthy,
while outside he washes clothes.
Commentary
Kabir rejects religion as costume.
A sacred thread, robe, or mark is meaningless if:
• greed remains
• anger remains
• pride remains
He insists:
Inner transformation is the only real initiation.
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