simraṇaṅ gobind nāmaṅ udhraṇaṅ kul samūhṇah.
labdhiaṅ sādh saṅgeṇ nānak vaḍbhāgī bheṭanti darsanah.21.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1361
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 twenty-first salok, Guru Arjan says that it is in the remembrance of the Earth-Knower’s Identification that entire lineages are freed — entire networks of people — but this remembrance is only found in the company of the virtuous beings. It is only the greatly fortunate who are given even a glimpse of this company. Being in the company of the virtuous ones can only happen when we have put in the work and effort to be in their company — this is part of what it means to be in great fortune. Through this great effort, we are able to develop a connection with the virtuous ones. A great fortune is about how we develop and change our behaviors. And it is also, when we have joined the company of the virtuous ones, how we are nurtured in their company, how we continue to change our deeds and behavior, affecting those around us so that they too may become free.
We know this can only happen in the company of the virtuous ones and that this comes only through great fortune. We also know that good fortune comes with the particular deeds we do. And so, this is what we can focus on. The first work is ours as seekers, to make our deeds better and eliminate any behavior that may be considered a misdeed. Are we willing to do that work? Are we free ourselves before we pursue that for others?
We know this can only happen in the company of the virtuous ones and that this comes only through great fortune. We also know that good fortune comes with the particular deeds we do. And so, this is what we can focus on. The first work is ours as seekers, to make our deeds better and eliminate any behavior that may be considered a misdeed. Are we willing to do that work? Are we free ourselves before we pursue that for others?
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