mātā ke udar mahi pratipāl kare so kiu manahu visārīai.
manahu kiu visārīai evaḍu dātā ji agani mahi āhāru pahucāvae.
os no kihu pohi na sakī jis naü āpaṇī liv lāvae.
āpaṇī liv āpe lāe gurmukhi sadā samālīai.
kahai nānaku evaḍu dātā so kiu manahu visārīai.28.
-Guru Granth Sahib 920-921
In this pauri, one is advised to remember IkOankar (the Divine), who nurtures the being in the womb without any conscious effort by the mother. One ought to reflect on the virtues of IkOankar by becoming Wisdom-oriented (Guru-centered). No suffering can affect the being who remembers IkOankar.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the twenty-seventh pauri, the twenty-seventh step on the ladder, Guru Amardas poignantly reminds us that grasping the essence of reality depends on the guidance of the Wisdom-Guru. Moving on to the twenty-eighth pauri, the twenty-eighth step, Guru Amardas poses a heart-rending question: The One who nurtures within a mother’s womb, why forget That One from the mind? Let’s pause for reflection. This question rhetorically establishes that the One, IkOankar (One Universal Integrative Force, 1Force, the One), is the nurturing presence even within a mother’s womb. It’s a profound reality we can hardly fathom– the miracle of life unfolding. And yet, despite this incredible gift, beings often forget the One who bestows it. Guru Amardas reiterates, why forget the One, the great Giver, who delivers sustenance amid life’s metaphorical and literal fires? Consider the womb’s heat, even in that the great Giver has ingeniously designed a sanctuary for the growth and protection of the being. Nothing can harm or touch that being because the Great Giver’s loving connection is deeply embedded with them. The Giver creates, nurtures, and connects the lowercase self, the individual being, with the Self, with the Being. This profound connection with the Giver is inherent in all beings from birth. So, why have beings forgotten this incredible gift? Those who become Wisdom-oriented safeguard this priceless connection continuously with vigilance and devotion. Guru Amardas concludes this ladder step by asking, why forget such a great Giver from the mind?
We reflect on why we’ve forgotten the One who nurtured us in the womb for nine months, even amidst the fiery warmth of that space. This womb is of a miraculous design, orchestrated by the One, that sustains the being without any need for direct maternal intervention. It is a clear testament that in situations where nothing and no one else can provide, the One, like the divine architect, is the ultimate source of sustenance for every being. This profound connection between the Being and the being is inherently bestowed upon all beings, like a divine birthright; there’s no need for any specific action to attain it. However, somewhere along the way, beings have neglected this connection, allowing it to fade into oblivion. We reflect on how Guru Amardas disrupts this thought pattern by emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their caste, gender, sexuality, race, privilege, or status, possesses this connection. Although it may have slipped our awareness, it remains an intrinsic part of our existence, like a hidden treasure. The means to rekindle this connection is to embrace wisdom-oriented living. The One has graciously gifted this priceless connection to all. If we want to remain untouched by the world’s disturbances, harms, and pains, the solution lies within this connection, like an armor provided by the Great Giver. The verse underscores the importance of this connection by repeating the phrase "Why do you forget the One who has provided for you" three times. It serves as a reminder that the absence of remembrance of the One in our minds is the essence of this step: re-establishing our connection. The clarity on what we need to do to experience anand the bliss is now before us, like a treasure map laid out for seekers. The question beckons whether we desire to reconnect with the One, like wayfarers seeking the path back to the Source.
We may ask ourselves: Are we truly willing to embark on the journey of reconnecting with the One? What are we willing to do to ensure an unwavering remembrance of the One? Have we forgotten the profound miracle of life and divine sustenance, even within a mother’s womb? Have we allowed the inherent connection with the One, gifted to us from birth, to slip into oblivion? If so, what steps are we prepared to take to rekindle and strengthen this connection?
We reflect on why we’ve forgotten the One who nurtured us in the womb for nine months, even amidst the fiery warmth of that space. This womb is of a miraculous design, orchestrated by the One, that sustains the being without any need for direct maternal intervention. It is a clear testament that in situations where nothing and no one else can provide, the One, like the divine architect, is the ultimate source of sustenance for every being. This profound connection between the Being and the being is inherently bestowed upon all beings, like a divine birthright; there’s no need for any specific action to attain it. However, somewhere along the way, beings have neglected this connection, allowing it to fade into oblivion. We reflect on how Guru Amardas disrupts this thought pattern by emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their caste, gender, sexuality, race, privilege, or status, possesses this connection. Although it may have slipped our awareness, it remains an intrinsic part of our existence, like a hidden treasure. The means to rekindle this connection is to embrace wisdom-oriented living. The One has graciously gifted this priceless connection to all. If we want to remain untouched by the world’s disturbances, harms, and pains, the solution lies within this connection, like an armor provided by the Great Giver. The verse underscores the importance of this connection by repeating the phrase "Why do you forget the One who has provided for you" three times. It serves as a reminder that the absence of remembrance of the One in our minds is the essence of this step: re-establishing our connection. The clarity on what we need to do to experience anand the bliss is now before us, like a treasure map laid out for seekers. The question beckons whether we desire to reconnect with the One, like wayfarers seeking the path back to the Source.
We may ask ourselves: Are we truly willing to embark on the journey of reconnecting with the One? What are we willing to do to ensure an unwavering remembrance of the One? Have we forgotten the profound miracle of life and divine sustenance, even within a mother’s womb? Have we allowed the inherent connection with the One, gifted to us from birth, to slip into oblivion? If so, what steps are we prepared to take to rekindle and strengthen this connection?
Tags
