pavitu hoe se janā jinī hari dhiāiā.
hari dhiāiā pavitu hoe gurmukhi jinī dhiāiā.
pavitu mātā pitā kuṭamb sahit siu pavitu saṅgati sabāīā.
kahde pavitu suṇde pavitu se pavitu jinī manni vasāiā.
kahai nānaku se pavitu jinī gurmukhi hari hari dhiāiā.17.
-Guru Granth sahib 919
In the previous pauri, a reference was made to the Wisdom (Guru) as the real source of bliss. In this pauri, it is stated that the beings, who contemplate on the Nam of IkOankar (the Divine) through the Wisdom, lead a virtuous life and inspire others in their company. Bliss is experienced through such a way of life.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the sixteenth pauri, the sixteenth step of the ladder, Guru Amardas revealed that the ultimate joy resides within the Sabad (the hymn-like stanza that exemplifies the word-sound of the Infinite Wisdom), a gift that only the eternal Wisdom can impart to us. Moving on to the seventeenth pauri, the seventeenth step of the ladder, Guru Amardas says those beings became pure who meditated on Hari the All-Pervasive, the 1-Light. We pause to ponder. Who are these "beings"? The answer: The individuals who are deeply committed to the unceasing remembrance of the 1-Light. Through the grace of the Wisdom-Guru, they are the ones who have embraced Sabad. Purification occurs through the constant contemplation and unwavering remembrance of the 1-Light. This path of wisdom leads these beings to wisdom-centered living, resulting in purity. This purification doesn’ solely impact them; its reach extends to their familial relationships and companions. This profundity beckons our attention. It implies that their purity radiates beyond their selves. It’s not a confined purity but a wisdom-infused essence that influences everyone around them. Their speech, actions, and thoughts resonate with this transformative purity. Its a shift that extends beyond personal boundaries; it’s a ripple effect touching all facets of their lives. The reason behind this cascading effect is evident: their purity is rooted in wisdom-centeredness, not self-centeredness. Their connection with the 1-Light fostered through the guidance of the Wisdom-Guru, reflects in their every action. Their thoughts are imbued with purity, their words emanate it, and their deeds radiate it. It’s an evolution of purity that elevates not only them but also their relationships and the aura of their surroundings. It’s through the Wisdom-Guru that this purity can be achieved. Guru Amardas concludes this ladder step by underlining the transformative process: Those beings become pure who meditated on Hari-Hari, the All-Pervasive, the 1-Light through the Wisdom-Guru.
We reflect upon the term “pure” occurring eight times in this quintet. Its significance becomes apparent, shedding light on society’s profound value for purity. This reverence for purity drives the quest for amrit, the metaphorical nectar of purity, which is elusive unless grounded in Sabad-centeredness. Purity is a universal aspiration sought after as a coveted label. The allure of this label is understandable, as it promises distinct happiness and joy. However, this global perspective on purity is mainly external. In contrast, the bhagat, the devoted being who experiences the 1-Light, perceives purity through an internal lens. The thought in this verse transcends the physical realm, delving deep into the realm of the inner self. While the external world defines purity primarily based on physicality, the Wisdom-Guru reveals it as an internal cleansing process. This purification ripples through one’s thoughts, influencing those in immediate proximity, including family members, companions, and associates. This intricate internal process starkly contrasts the external and exclusive purification approaches. Individuals who embrace the teachings of the Wisdom-Guru embody a wisdom-oriented mindset. Their constant remembrance of the 1-Light sets them apart. This signifies true purity, an elevation of the mind over a mere bodily state. The mind, over time, gets tainted by external influences, yet the essence of the being retains its intrinsic purity since its inception. The distinction between mind and body underscores the internal nature of purity. This quintet’s emphasis centers around the mind’s purification, echoing the exploration of transgressions in earlier verses. Immersing oneself in the 1-Light becomes transformative for the mind. Individuals who internalize this divine presence manifest purity in their thoughts, words, and actions. Contrary to the conventional perception that purity is an exclusive privilege, this verse dispels such notions. Instead, it asserts that continual remembrance and immersion of the 1-Light engenders an ongoing process of becoming pure, extending even to their family. The importance of birth and lineage becomes less significant when we realize this. It highlights that when the devotee embraces the 1-Light, they symbolize purity as they undergo a process of purification in thoughts, behaviors, and the removal of non-virtues and superiority complexes. Their purity affects how people think, guiding them away from negativity. This transformative force reshapes thought patterns, irrespective of lineage or physical attributes. There is no guarantee of purity of all those around the devoted being. Rather, it illustrates the potential for anyone in their company to benefit from their internal purity. This transcendence beyond external definitions of purity redefines the very paradigm of what it truly means to be pure.
We may ask ourselves: Are we willing to challenge the conventional definitions of purity that focus solely on external appearances? Do we perceive purity as a state of mind and consciousness rather than a physical attribute? Are we willing to redefine the meaning of purity and align it with the perspective of the Wisdom-Guru? What does it mean to be in the company of a wisdom-oriented individual, and how might their internal purity affect our mindset? We become pure when we become like the Eternal.
We reflect upon the term “pure” occurring eight times in this quintet. Its significance becomes apparent, shedding light on society’s profound value for purity. This reverence for purity drives the quest for amrit, the metaphorical nectar of purity, which is elusive unless grounded in Sabad-centeredness. Purity is a universal aspiration sought after as a coveted label. The allure of this label is understandable, as it promises distinct happiness and joy. However, this global perspective on purity is mainly external. In contrast, the bhagat, the devoted being who experiences the 1-Light, perceives purity through an internal lens. The thought in this verse transcends the physical realm, delving deep into the realm of the inner self. While the external world defines purity primarily based on physicality, the Wisdom-Guru reveals it as an internal cleansing process. This purification ripples through one’s thoughts, influencing those in immediate proximity, including family members, companions, and associates. This intricate internal process starkly contrasts the external and exclusive purification approaches. Individuals who embrace the teachings of the Wisdom-Guru embody a wisdom-oriented mindset. Their constant remembrance of the 1-Light sets them apart. This signifies true purity, an elevation of the mind over a mere bodily state. The mind, over time, gets tainted by external influences, yet the essence of the being retains its intrinsic purity since its inception. The distinction between mind and body underscores the internal nature of purity. This quintet’s emphasis centers around the mind’s purification, echoing the exploration of transgressions in earlier verses. Immersing oneself in the 1-Light becomes transformative for the mind. Individuals who internalize this divine presence manifest purity in their thoughts, words, and actions. Contrary to the conventional perception that purity is an exclusive privilege, this verse dispels such notions. Instead, it asserts that continual remembrance and immersion of the 1-Light engenders an ongoing process of becoming pure, extending even to their family. The importance of birth and lineage becomes less significant when we realize this. It highlights that when the devotee embraces the 1-Light, they symbolize purity as they undergo a process of purification in thoughts, behaviors, and the removal of non-virtues and superiority complexes. Their purity affects how people think, guiding them away from negativity. This transformative force reshapes thought patterns, irrespective of lineage or physical attributes. There is no guarantee of purity of all those around the devoted being. Rather, it illustrates the potential for anyone in their company to benefit from their internal purity. This transcendence beyond external definitions of purity redefines the very paradigm of what it truly means to be pure.
We may ask ourselves: Are we willing to challenge the conventional definitions of purity that focus solely on external appearances? Do we perceive purity as a state of mind and consciousness rather than a physical attribute? Are we willing to redefine the meaning of purity and align it with the perspective of the Wisdom-Guru? What does it mean to be in the company of a wisdom-oriented individual, and how might their internal purity affect our mindset? We become pure when we become like the Eternal.
Tags
