sarab dokh parantiāgī sarab dharam driṛantaṇaḥ.
labdheṇi sādh saṅgeṇi nānak mastaki likhyaṇaḥ.22.
-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 twenty-second salok, Guru Arjan says that the one on whose forehead the Writ is written finds the company of the virtuous beings. It is this person who is able to be a complete renunciate of all flaws and transgressions and embrace all duties and responsibilities. The vices that take us away from remembering IkOankar (One Universal Integrative Force, 1Force, the One) cause us to commit flaws and transgressions constantly. We often enjoy the flavor of those vices, we often enjoy living in forgetfulness, and we are driven by this state of being so much that all principles and virtues are destroyed. This is what causes us sorrow. If we are to eliminate vices from within, it is not just that we need to get rid of the body’s vices but also the mind’s vices. There is a particular level of determination necessary for that to happen. The one who is able to run far from pains and vices is able to become very determined in all principles. That individual is able to find the One, not on their own, but through the company of the virtuous ones. If the deeds are great and the company is great, then those great deeds become even better, even more regular, and the pathway to the One becomes clearer and clearer. This is written on our foreheads, that our fortune depends on our behavior, that our deeds propel us, that the only thing in our sense of awareness is how we behave, and being in the company of the virtuous brings clarity.
We constantly look to have some kind of set of principles, whether rooted in faith or tradition or philosophy or school of thought. But the one who has been able to rid themselves of vices, pain, transgressions, and practice remembrance of the One in the company of the virtuous becomes principled in a way that encompasses all of these different principles. Are we ready to run from the things that cause us pain toward the company that helps us overcome that pain? Are we ready to make great efforts to create good fortune? Are we ready to let our good deeds build upon themselves? Are we ready to become principled? Are we ready to understand the Writ?
We constantly look to have some kind of set of principles, whether rooted in faith or tradition or philosophy or school of thought. But the one who has been able to rid themselves of vices, pain, transgressions, and practice remembrance of the One in the company of the virtuous becomes principled in a way that encompasses all of these different principles. Are we ready to run from the things that cause us pain toward the company that helps us overcome that pain? Are we ready to make great efforts to create good fortune? Are we ready to let our good deeds build upon themselves? Are we ready to become principled? Are we ready to understand the Writ?
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