Mirabai expresses a central tenet of spiritual philosophy: that the material world is fleeting and not ultimately true, while her divine love (Krishna) is the only eternal and absolute reality.
Quote by Mirabai: “The world is an illusion, only my beloved is real.”
The world is an illusion, only my beloved is real.
Insight
Historical Context
This reflects the influence of Vedanta philosophy on Bhakti, viewing the material world as 'maya' (illusion). Mirabai's radical devotion saw only Krishna as real, challenging conventional wisdom of her time.
About the Author
Sixteenth-century Rajput poet-saint whose devotional songs to the god Krishna are among the most celebrated bhakti literature in South Asian history. Born into royalty in Rajasthan, she rejected courtly life and social convention to pursue spiritual devotion, composing hundreds of poems in Hindi dialects. Her works are still sung across India today.
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