Saint Ravidas: The Guru of Meera

Introduction:
Meera Bai, also known as Mirabai, was a prominent saint and poetess in medieval India. She was a devotee of Lord Krishna and her compositions, known as bhajans, are still widely sung and revered today. Meera Bai was greatly influenced by the teachings of various saints, one of whom was Saint Ravidas.

Saint Ravidas:
- Saint Ravidas, also known as Guru Ravidas or Raidas, was a 15th-century saint and social reformer. He was born into a low-caste family and faced discrimination and social inequality throughout his life.
- Despite the challenges, Saint Ravidas dedicated his life to spiritual pursuits and became a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement, a devotional movement that aimed to bridge social and religious divides.
- Saint Ravidas preached the philosophy of equality, love, and devotion to God. He emphasized the importance of inner spirituality over outer rituals and rituals.
- His teachings were centered around the concept of Bhakti, or intense devotion to God, as a means of attaining salvation and self-realization.
- Saint Ravidas composed numerous devotional poems and songs, which are collectively known as the "Guru Granth Sahib" and are considered sacred by followers of Ravidassia religion.
- Meera Bai was deeply inspired by the teachings of Saint Ravidas and his philosophy of devotion and love for God. She found solace in his teachings and incorporated them into her own spiritual journey.

Influence on Meera Bai:
- Meera Bai was born into a Rajput family and was married to Prince Bhoj Raj, the crown prince of Mewar. Despite her royal status, Meera Bai renounced worldly comforts and dedicated her life to Lord Krishna.
- Meera Bai faced opposition and persecution from her family and society due to her devotion to Lord Krishna. However, she remained steadfast in her faith and found solace in the teachings of saints like Saint Ravidas.
- Meera Bai's compositions reflect the influence of Saint Ravidas' teachings. Her bhajans often emphasize the importance of unconditional love, surrender, and devotion to God.
- Meera Bai's devotion to Lord Krishna and her spiritual journey were greatly influenced by the teachings of Saint Ravidas. She considered him as her guru and drew inspiration from his teachings.
- Through her bhajans, Meera Bai spread the message of love, devotion, and spirituality, just like her guru Saint Ravidas.

Conclusion:
Saint Ravidas played a significant role in shaping Meera Bai's spiritual journey and influencing her compositions. His philosophy of love, devotion, and equality resonated deeply with Meera Bai, and she considered him as her guru. The teachings of Saint Ravidas continue to inspire and guide devotees like Meera Bai in their pursuit of spirituality and devotion to God.