Spiritual Humanism in the Indian Knowledge System: A Comparative Study of Kabir, Meera, Bulle Shah, and Kahlil Gibran

Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS), recognized and revitalized through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizes the integration of India's intellectual, spiritual, and cultural traditions into contemporary education.One of the significant dimensions of IKS is its emphasis on spiritual humanism, which promotes compassion, equality, and universal brotherhood.The teachings of Bhakti and Sufi saints such as Kabir, Meera, and Bulle Shah represent powerful expressions of this humanistic philosophy.Their poetry challenges rigid social hierarchies, religious dogmatism, and materialistic pursuits, advocating instead a vision of spiritual unity and human dignity.Similarly, the Lebanese-American poet and philosopher Kahlil Gibran articulated universal spiritual values in works such as The Prophet, emphasizing love, compassion, and inner spiritual awakening.This paper explores the concept of spiritual humanism within the framework of the Indian Knowledge System through a comparative study of Kabir, Meera, Bulle Shah, and Kahlil Gibran.By examining their poetic and philosophical expressions, the study highlights the convergence of Eastern mystical traditions and universal human values.The research also situates this discussion within the contemporary educational context, particularly the inclusion of IKS in higher education curricula as recommended by NEP 2020 and implemented by several leading Indian universities.Using a comparative literary and philosophical approach, the paper analyzes selected texts to demonstrate how these spiritual thinkers transcend religious boundaries and advocate a universal vision of humanity.The study argues that the humanistic teachings of these poets can contribute significantly to value-based education and ethical awareness in modern society, thereby reaffirming the relevance of spiritual wisdom within contemporary academic discourse.