bed purāṇ sāstra bīcāraṅ. ekaṅkār nām ur dhāraṅ.
kulah samūh sagal udhāraṅ. baḍbhāgī nānak ko tāraṅ.20.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1361
Guru Arjan Sahib describes a flaw-riddled body and the futile nature of pride in material attachment to the physical world. The seeker is encouraged to connect with the eternal IkOankar (the Divine), who removes diseases, sorrows, and sufferings, making way for a fruitful life. The precious gift of Nam is received in the company of virtuous beings and makes the seekers’ lives fruitful. This saloks encourages seekers to welcome the company of virtuous beings to unite with the all-pervasive IkOankar and find eternal comfort and happiness.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the twentieth salok, Guru Arjan says that the contemplation of various religious texts happens naturally by enshrining the Identification of IkOankar (One Universal Integrative Force, 1Force, the One) in the heart. We might read religious texts, but that does not mean we are learning anything. Instead, we might engage in quarrels and disagreements on what is and what is not, who is an expert and who is not, who is knowledgeable and who is not. And these things distract us from the act of Identifying with the One, which is the only thing that really creates freedom for ourselves and those around us through generations. But it is only a rare and fortunate person who is able to free multiple lineages.
We can hear a story and pick out what we think is the story's heart, but we might take only one element or one character and focus on those singular things, which means we have not understood the story. If we were reading these texts reflectively, we would naturally enshrine the Identification with IkOankar within our minds and hearts. But we tend to end up with other things instead. What is really being reflected on and contemplated if there is no Identification, which is the support of life, and what creates freedom for generations? The Guru is inviting us to consider this story of IkOankar, this profound narrative, and ask ourselves what we are taking away from it. The narrative has given us everything we need, but what are we receiving? Are we fighting by quoting excerpts or using them to assert authority and power? Are we getting to the heart of it?
We can hear a story and pick out what we think is the story's heart, but we might take only one element or one character and focus on those singular things, which means we have not understood the story. If we were reading these texts reflectively, we would naturally enshrine the Identification with IkOankar within our minds and hearts. But we tend to end up with other things instead. What is really being reflected on and contemplated if there is no Identification, which is the support of life, and what creates freedom for generations? The Guru is inviting us to consider this story of IkOankar, this profound narrative, and ask ourselves what we are taking away from it. The narrative has given us everything we need, but what are we receiving? Are we fighting by quoting excerpts or using them to assert authority and power? Are we getting to the heart of it?
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