Sufficiency and Compassion

 

God, please give me only that much which will maintain my family. I also will not remain hungry, nor will any sadhu go hungry. ~Kabir~

Kabir’s Prayer for Sufficiency and Compassion

Kabir humbly prays, “God, please give me only that much which will maintain my family. 

I also will not remain hungry, nor will any sadhu go hungry.” 

In these words, Kabir expresses a deep yearning for a life grounded in sufficiency rather than excess. 

His request is not for abundance or personal luxury, but for enough to meet the basic needs of his household, while ensuring that he, too, is sustained and that no wandering ascetic, or sadhu, is left without nourishment.

This prayer encapsulates Kabir’s ideal of a balanced and compassionate existence. 

By seeking only what is necessary, he embodies the virtues of moderation and gratitude, echoing his teachings that caution against greed and heedless ambition. 

Kabir’s concern extends beyond his own well-being to encompass the welfare of others, particularly those who live by spiritual pursuits and renunciation. 

In this way, his plea becomes a call for generosity and a readiness to share one’s blessings with those in need.

Through this simple yet profound request, Kabir reminds us that true fulfillment lies in contentment and in the willingness to care for both family and stranger alike. 

He encourages a life where the heart remains open to the divine and attuned to the shared needs of humanity—a life where sufficiency, compassion, and the spirit of service guide our actions.