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Asa Ki Var

Guru Nanak Sahib

Asa Ki Var
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This pauri (stanza), revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib, is accompanied by two saloks. The first salok, comprising sixteen lines, displays through the repetition of the word ‘vismad,’ a remarkable tonal beauty in describing the unmatched beauty and innumerable wonders of the creations of IkOankar (the Divine). The second salok, comprising nine lines, represents all creation and its many facets as part of IkOankar. IkOankar pervades through all of creation. Thus, the beauty of ‘balihari kudrati vasia’ (I adore! The Creator is pervading the creation!) is highlighted in this salok. This pauri portrays the misery of a materialistic and ignorant person who wastes their precious human life in vain.
paüṛī.
āpīn̖ai bhog bhogi kai   hoi bhasmaṛi bhaüru sidhāiā.
vaḍā hoā dunīdāru   gali saṅgalu ghati calāiā.
agai karṇī kīrati vācīai   bahi lekhā kari samjhāiā.
thāu na hovī paüdīī   huṇi suṇīai kiā rūāiā.
mani andhai janamu gavāiā.3.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
Guru Nanak sets this section as a sort of third act to the final sections of the previous ballads, again using theatrics to set the scene and address what people believe happens on what many religions classify as “Judgment Day.” Instead of challenging the premise of the belief, and telling the audience that everything they have believed to be true is wrong, Guru Nanak knows the audience and continues with the scenario. The Guru addresses the outcome and brings us to the crux of the issue: even if these are the consequences people tell us about, even if we believe in these consequences, how do we avoid these consequences? How do we solve the problem of becoming blinded by our ignorance and being engrossed in material things? How do we keep ourselves from being consumed and destroying our potential in this life? If we don’t want to lose the game of life, end the mind’s ignorance!
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