Anand Mahindra begins 2026 with 15th century mystic's timeless lesson: 'Slowly and steadily...'

As the calendar turned to a new year, industrialist Anand Mahindra reached out to his followers with a message rooted in wisdom and patience. Using the reflective teachings of the revered mystic Kabir, he chose to mark the occasion with words that emphasised calm progress and faith in timing. Through a post on X, Mahindra reminded people that meaningful outcomes unfold gradually and cannot be rushed, no matter how intense the effort.

The essence of the verse he shared focused on the idea that growth follows its own rhythm. Even if a gardener pours endless water into the soil, the harvest will only emerge when nature decides the moment is right. By reshaping this centuries-old insight for the present day, Mahindra encouraged people to trust the process of life, urging them to remain steady and hopeful rather than impatient. He extended warm wishes from his home to countless others, expressing hope that the year ahead would bring inner calm, satisfaction, and visible rewards for every honest effort made.

"Dheere-dheere re mana, dheere sab kuch hoye, Maali seenche sau ghada, ritu aaye phal hoye"

—Kabir (Slowly and steadily, It will happen. Even if the gardener waters his plants with a hundred pots, the fruit appears when the season arrives) he wrote

Kabir, whose words continue to resonate across generations, was a prominent spiritual poet and thinker of the fifteenth century. Known as a sant and mystic, his teachings left a deep mark on India’s devotional traditions. His verses played a meaningful role in shaping the Bhakti movement within Hinduism, while also finding a sacred place in Sikh religious texts such as the Guru Granth Sahib. His compositions are preserved in several other spiritual collections, reflecting the wide reach of his influence. Today, Kabir is respected not only in Hindu and Sikh traditions but also within Sufi thought, highlighting his universal appeal.

He was born in Varanasi, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, and became widely known for challenging rigid religious structures. Kabir openly questioned rituals and customs that he felt had lost their moral and spiritual essence. His criticism extended to both Hindu and Islamic practices, particularly those he believed distracted people from genuine devotion and ethical living. Such bold views made his life difficult, as he faced hostility and threats from followers of different faiths who felt unsettled by his ideas.

Despite the opposition he encountered, Kabir’s message remained centred on inner truth and moral integrity. He taught that real understanding belongs to those who walk the path of righteousness, who recognise the sacred presence in both living beings and the inanimate world, and who maintain a calm distance from excessive attachment to worldly matters. According to his philosophy, the pursuit of truth requires shedding the ego and letting go of the constant assertion of the self.

Kabir’s spiritual legacy did not fade with his passing. His teachings continue through the Kabir Panth, meaning the Path of Kabir, a spiritual tradition that regards him as its guiding force. Followers of this path, known as Kabirpanthis, carry forward his ideals of simplicity, humility, and devotion. Even centuries later, Kabir’s words remain relevant, offering guidance on patience, harmony, and the quiet power of steady faith.