The Secret to a Happy Marriage

Sant Kabir a mystic poet and a saint of the 15th century in India was known for his poetry with deep philosophy and wisdom. 

Once a man came to meet Kabir to learn the secret of his successful married life. He said to Kabir –

“I have heard a lot about you. I have come all the way to meet you. I wanted to know the secret of your successful marriage?”   

Kabir welcomed the stranger. He asked him to take a seat and told that he will share his secret. 

Kabir continued doing his work of weaving the cloth. Few minutes passed by and not a word from Kabir. The stranger was patiently waiting to hear from Kabir. Almost an hour passed, the stranger now became restless. He asked Kabir –

“Can you please share your secret?” To which Kabir replied – “Yes, I will, have patience”

He then called his wife and asked her to bring a lit oil lamp. She went and came back with the lamp. The stranger was a bit puzzled on why Kabir wanted an oil lamp in the daylight. Some more time passed, he then asked his wife to prepare some tea for him and the stranger. 

The wife returned with two cups of tea. Kabir offered tea to the stranger. When the stranger drank the tea he felt like throwing up, as the tea was very salty! He then saw Kabir, who happily drank the tea without saying a word. The stranger asked Kabir – 

“How could you drink that tea? Are you not mad at your wife for putting salt in the tea instead of the sugar?”

To which, Kabir replied –

“She was not mad at me nor she questioned me on why I wanted a lit oil lamp in the daylight. And neither did I question her on why she put salt in the tea. This is the secret of our marriage”