patra bhurijeṇ jhaṛīyaṅ nah jaṛīaṅ peḍ sampatā.
nām bihūṇ bikhmatā nānak bahanti joni bāsaro raiṇī.8.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1360
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 eighth salok, Guru Arjan says that the leaves of a tree that fall from it and dry up cannot be pinned back onto the branches again. In the same way, those of us who are devoid of Nam, or Identification with IkOankar (One Universal Integrative Force, 1Force, the One), are not able to reconnect with our origin, IkOankar. It is Identification that connects us to our root, IkOankar. Without it, we crumble. We fly away; we fall; we break. Without Identification, without a connection to our root, the One, we bear difficulty constantly, day and night, and flow back into the cycle of birth and death — whether living multiple lives within one lifetime or multiple lifetimes.
Those who are connected to IkOankar through Identification are firmly attached to their root. It does not matter how windy or rainy it gets; these leaves still do not break from their tree. Despite life's difficulties, they do not feel difficulty; they are not wandering or frustrated, and their lives do not go in vain. Will we connect with the One through Identification? Will we stay attached to our root?
Those who are connected to IkOankar through Identification are firmly attached to their root. It does not matter how windy or rainy it gets; these leaves still do not break from their tree. Despite life's difficulties, they do not feel difficulty; they are not wandering or frustrated, and their lives do not go in vain. Will we connect with the One through Identification? Will we stay attached to our root?
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