saloku mahalā 2.
cākaru lagai cākarī nāle gārabu vādu.
galā kare ghaṇerīā khasam na pāe sādu.
āpu gavāi sevā kare tā kichu pāe mānu.
nānak jis no lagā tisu milai lagā so parvānu.1.
This pauri (stanza), revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib, is accompanied by five saloks. The first salok comprises four lines and conveys that by renouncing self-interest and submitting to the Owner, a servant enjoys the happiness and closeness of the Owner. The second salok contains two lines and conveys that efforts to conceal the truth are futile despite all attempts. The third salok comprises five lines, while the fourth and fifth include two lines each. These three saloks highlight the inalienable fact that an immature friendship and egotistical love are temporary. This pauri advises seekers to be ever obedient to the Owner.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
Guru Nanak in this verse focuses on the devotee and the service they perform for their Beloved. If a devotee is serving 1Force (One Universal Integrative Force, also referred to as 1-Ness) and is caught up in ego, arguing in arrogance and boasting about the service they have done, then their service is of little value, and they will not receive the happiness of 1Force. But if a devotee gives up their ego and serves 1Force, they can receive the sweetness or fragrance of the Beloved. We receive that honor as devotees when we lose ourselves in our devotion, so much so that our egos dissolve and we serve only in love, with no other motives. This applies even to the everyday experience of doing things for others, serving others in big and small ways. If we are serving others because it makes us feel good, or gives us something to brag about, or feeds our sense of self-importance, then it is not really the service of a devoted person. It is when that service comes as second nature, when there is no calculation or thought of reward, no sense of self, that we are truly acting as devotees.
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