Asa Ki Var

Guru Nanak Sahib

This pauri (stanza), revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib, is accompanied by two saloks. The first salok comprises eight lines and advises humility for all beings through the metaphor of the Silk-cotton tree, which does not appear valuable but is indeed internally useful. The second salok comprises ten lines and depicts that adoration of IkOankar (the Divine), realized with steadfast conviction, is the path; other ritualistic lifestyles are fruitless. This pauri explains vain individuals that take pride in their ephemeral form and wealth are discourteous to others. They, too, must leave everything behind and depart from this world empty-handed. For these prideful individuals, remorse is their only company.