A true believer does not feel the need to follow norms or conventions because they believe that purity of heart is more important than outward appearances. Sincere devotion is a better way of getting closer to God than performing extensive rituals. In fact, if somebody feels it is very important to perform some rituals in a particular way, or follow certain conventions, it indicates that somewhere their belief is weak. Otherwise, they would not have considered such things. Saint Kabir was one such person who had such a strong conviction in his devotion that he did not care for norms. Throughout his life, this can be seen in several incidents.
Kabir used to live in the city of Kashi. At the time, as it is now, Kashi was a major hub of religion. The Brahmins used to maintain a monopoly over rituals. Common people were caught in a web of superstitions and feared God. Kabir stood up strongly against such practices. He emphasised true devotion to God and shunned outward appearances and show of religiosity. Once, a group of Brahmins had come to the Ganga to take a bath. With great ceremony, they descended into the river. By chance, Kabir had also gone to the Ganga to take a bath at the same time. He was carrying a lota (water pot). When he saw the group of Brahmins, he offered them his water pot so that they could bathe easily. The Brahmins were horrified. Kabir was a weaver by profession, so they considered him low-caste and his water pot as impure. They told Kabir that they would lose all merit of bathing in the Ganga if they used his impure water pot. At this, Kabir smiled and said, ‘If the Ganga cannot purify my water pot, how can I believe that it can purify me?’
Even in death, Kabir sought to shatter superstitions. At the time, there was a widespread belief that anybody who died at Kashi would secure heaven. Kabir was born in Kashi and had lived there throughout his life. It was natural that he should breathe his last at Kashi. However, when Kabir felt that his end was near, he moved from Kashi to Maghar. It was believed that anybody who died at Maghar went straight to hell. Kabir wanted to use his death to show that heaven can be achieved only by lifelong good karma and not by choosing one’s place of death. He said:
Kya Kasi kya usar Maghar, Ram hriday bas mora
Jo Kasi tan taje Kabira, Rame kaun nihora
What is Kashi and what is barren Maghar, when Ram is in my heart,
If Kabir departs his body at Kasi, what use is my belief in Ram?