Basant Ki Var Mahal 5

Guru Arjan Sahib

Basant Ki Var is three short compositions of Guru Arjan that are sung in Rag Basant during spring. In the first two verses of Basant Ki Var, we reflect on what supports us to feel nourished and beautiful inside out and what sustains our inner growth. In the second verse, we recognize that our capacity to thrive depends on our ability to combat the state of our habitual mindsets and emotional states that can influence our innate capacity to remain joy-like and happy. In the third verse, we reflect more deeply on our life journey, our relationship with IkOankar, the Eternal-Provider, where we are destined if we are determined to pursue this connection within.

Pause for a moment to reflect; from whom do you originate? To whom will you return in the end? Ask yourself, where are you right now in your journey? Are you living your life to be reminded of the connection you have with IkOankar, the Eternal-Provider? Look at the magnificence of nature, look at the life-forms and creatures, look at the beings around us that the Eternal-Provider sustains. How do we even begin to honor the One who has created such abundance? Maybe when we begin to listen, recite and contemplate on the magnificence of the One, we may realize our origin, purpose, and eternal connection to the One. This connection is Nam, the Identification with the One, with IkOankar, the 1Force, the Eternal Provider. This is how we feel the 1Force’s 1Ness. Now, can we realize the opportunity we have in this lifetime to honor that goodness, that wisdom from within? Can we become as radiant and beautiful as the abundant nature, the Eternal-Provider, has created around us? To realize the true potential of the Eternal-Provider is beyond the grasp of the mind and the senses. Still, this wisdom has been imparted so that we can immerse ourselves in this connection to become divine-like. In essence, to become part of the paradigm of the Nam of IkOankar to experience 1Ness. There will be poignant times in our lives where we will dig deep to ask the fundamental questions in life with awestruck wonder. If we recognize that our origin and end are with IkOankar, the 1Force, the Eternal Provider, how do we remain connected to IkOankar? It is only by connecting with Nam, the beautiful essence, from within. Just like a bee attracted to the color and sweetness of the flower will reluctantly separate from the honey it produces, so do we feel the absence and loss of separation and desire to merge with the 1Ness that exists in everything around us. Only by experiencing the bliss of 1Ness, the feeling of separateness dissolves. Springtime fills us with hope and the possibility to rejuvenate ourselves. These verses remind us that the time to flourish is in the here and now. The Guru provides us with the key to experiencing the beauty within the Beautiful. First, seek the possibility that the Beautiful can be experienced within. Then notice what gets in the way. If our beginning and ending started in love, how do we remain immersed in this love? How will we seek the opportunity to experience this inner sanctuary of bliss available to us right now?