Like the first Karhala, in this Karhala as well, the human mind is compared to the unbridled camel who travels in distant foreign lands. Addressing the mind as a contemplator, a dear one, a greatly fortunate one, fickle, etc., has encouraged the fulfillment of the purpose of life. The mind has been inspired to continue contemplating the eternal Sovereign through the Wisdom (Guru). It is through the contemplation of the Sovereign that one is liberated from self-centeredness, fear of death, hypocrisy, illusion, and wandering.
Revealed by Guru Ramdas, this composition is set in the mixed musical mode
Rag Gauri Purbi. Rag Gauri is a serious, emotional, and intimate musical mode capturing the pain of a prolonged separation. This pang of separation is coupled with the hope that while it is difficult, it can still be overcome when we feel
IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One) in our consciousness. Rag Purbi acknowledges the intensity of separation and the desire to overcome it while encouraging us that closeness with
IkOankar, the 1, is possible. The title of this composition translates to ‘camel’ and is used as a metaphor for the human mind. For centuries, camels have been a popular mode of transportation across regions, states, and countries, often carrying loads of weight. Akin to a camel, the human mind traverses varied spaces, bearing considerable burdens and possessing the resilience to endure long, challenging journeys. The Guru invokes the camel’s enduring, sometimes stubborn nature to reflect the mind’s strength and potential. This allusion reminds us of our capacity to overcome the perceived distance from the 1.
The Pause, or
Rahau, line of this composition reminds our minds to enshrine the Wisdom, the embodiment of the 1, in our hearts. Guru Ramdas begins with,
O my unbridled camel-like mind! The Wisdom (Guru) has come from IkOankar and is an embodiment of the all-Pervading IkOankar; keep the Wisdom enshrined within your heart. We learn that the Wisdom, the embodiment of the 1, is Gobind-like or like the Earth-Knower, the Creation-Force. Our unbridled minds can take care of the creative Wisdom. Once we have learned to remember the Wisdom, we may come to take care of it in our hearts. Guru Ramdas, recognizing the innate pristine nature of the human mind, entrusts us with taking care of the Wisdom and enshrining it within ourselves. When we exalt the Wisdom, we dethrone ego and filth’s control over our consciousness. This transformation signifies our constant awareness and care for the Wisdom. We shed self-centeredness and solely rely on nurturing, absorbing, and receiving direction from the creative Wisdom. This is the path to becoming united with the 1.
The first stanza opens,
O my thoughtful camel-like mind! Guru Ramdas alerts our restless and exhausted minds to the next step toward union. We are urged to remember the 1, the Creative Force, through the Wisdom enshrined within. How might we do this? We reflect on the ongoing debates within various religious and philosophical circles; everyone seems to have charted their maps toward enlightenment. Some of us find fleeting comfort in the transient material world. Still, others behave like renunciates seeking direction in a vast, ancient forest, forsaking the world entirely. It’s as if the world is wandering through a dense forest with no clear path. So, as wayfarers through life’s journey, we ponder what our minds seek. Which direction ought we to go in? Guru Ramdas draws our attention inwards, where the 1, the Beloved-Spouse, actually dwells. When we desire to cease our external aimless wandering, the Creative-Force, through the Wisdom, can guide us back. This opportunity is open to all, regardless of which or when we become aware of our minds going down a wayward path. By embracing this awareness, our ego, delusions, and aimless wandering cease, and we find stability with the Beloved internally.
In the second stanza, the inherently caring nature of the mind is invoked:
O my thoughtful camel-like mind! Guru Ramdas says self-centered beings who chase objects are entangled in the great trap of attachment and love of things and relationships. Those of us who chase material wealth become prey to the bondage of attachment. We wander further into the woods of falsehood, forgetting our innate nature to be thoughtful and engage meaningfully in the world. Our minds become so burdened that they are unable to release themselves. Guru Ramdas gives us hope, like a glimmering stream of sunshine seeping in from the dense canopy above, by allowing us to emancipate ourselves and shed this weight of attachment. When we take care of the
Nam of
Hari, or the Identification with the All-Pervasive, a synonym for the 1, we are no longer trapped by the phenomenal world’s distractions. Wisdom-orientedness can guide us in contemplating the Identification of the All-Pervasive. By becoming Wisdom-oriented beings, our minds become lighter and no longer burdened with attachments and anxieties. Attachment obscures our path, causing us to forget the route to the 1, the Creation-Force. However, those beings who, through the grace of the Wisdom, have rediscovered that natural path and have embraced a Wisdom-oriented life find protection and care. Within this world’s dense and convoluted forests, we can find liberation from the shackles of the obsession with material wealth. This path is unforgettable to our inherently thoughtful minds. It is the route we can never forget and always leads to the 1.
In the third stanza, the true value of the company of Wisdom-oriented beings is explored. Guru Ramdas says,
O my dear camel-like mind! Go to the company of the truth-oriented beings and seek eternal Wisdom. Guru Ramdas lovingly reiterates that we ought to contemplate the Identification with the All-Pervasive and enshrine it in our hearts. Our stubborn and enduring minds are reminded that the twinkling guiding star is the Identification that will never lead us astray. Through Identification, we can hope to find liberation and bliss in union. Sometimes, we may find ourselves straying from this path; after all, our minds are easily bewildered by the fleeting splendors of transient relationships and connections. We momentarily forget the purpose of life is found not in temporary relationships but in the more vibrant experience of genuine connection to the vast universe. It’s necessary to clarify that this isn’t a call to neglect our families or relationships. Rather, it emphasizes the need to avoid becoming overly attached to them or becoming so entangled in relationships that we lose sight of our divine purpose. We ought to recognize that our minds are temporarily lodged in an equally transient carriage on a brief expedition, much like an experienced navigator who acknowledges the impermanence of their journey and doesn’t overly fixate on those they meet along the way. We learn that we do not have to journey through this world alone. We can find company among the truth-oriented beings who discern entanglements from liberation. We may wonder how they can see the difference. It is through the Identification residing in their minds. Those who become Wisdom-oriented safeguard the precious path to union with vigilance and humility. Although this ability may have slipped behind other thoughts in our awareness, it remains an innate piece of us, like a once-forgotten memory. Embracing wisdom-oriented living is the means to restore our relationship with the All-Pervasive, a path open to all.
The fourth stanza surpasses traditional notions of fortune and humility, alluding to a new paradigm entirely.
Guru Ramdas says
O, my camel-like mind of great fortune! Here, the mind is sweetly called
vadbhagia, which refers to someone with great fortune. The false binary between “good” and “bad” fortune dissipates. Recognizing our mind’s inherent thoughtfulness and ability to care for the Wisdom emphasizes that all of us, regardless of class, caste, gender, sexuality, or race, possess the ability to enshrine the Wisdom within. We can all become the heart-altar of the Wisdom. This is the embodiment of true fortune. We may wonder, how can that be possible? But we know that double-mindedness cannot dwell in the heart that has become the altar of the Wisdom. The symbolism of "
feet" represents mentorship, humility, and the willingness to submit oneself entirely to the direction of the Wisdom. We overflow with good fortune by embracing the “feet” of the Wisdom within the heart-altar, seeing only Hari, the All-Pervasive. We all have this ability. It is the total and complete surrender of the self-centeredness we may carry. Suppose we wish to remain undeterred by the world’s anxieties and discomforts and forge a path toward union. The answer lies within our mind’s innate fortune, graced by the Wisdom. It’s as if we’ve received a map from the All-Pervasive. We can all become fortunate by humbly nurturing the Wisdom that bestows our minds with the Identification.
The fifth stanza further uncovers layers of the nature of our consciousness. Guru Ramdas says,
O my dear camel-like mind! Care for the light within the body. Our journey into this world was like an uncharted expedition into the depths of a new frontier. The path ahead was often unclear or did not appear to exist at all. A revelation awakens our minds — the light of the Wisdom illuminates our existence. This divine light is our guiding force and accompanies us on our journey in this world. This Wisdom-light is the supreme reality, while the body is the transient vessel in which our minds dwell. This radiant inner light acts as our mind’s connection to the eternal universe, much like a luminous trail of flora and fauna guiding a desperately parched wayfarer to a life-giving river. We realize our only genuine connection is with the universal light that permeates the universe, placed by the 1, like an intricate tapestry connecting all beings. When our minds gain this deeper knowledge, we rise above debates about origin, lineages, or sects. Various religious denominations have sought access to the legendary nine treasures in the Indic tradition for centuries. These are unique qualities an individual can attain on their spiritual journey. However, Guru Ramdas imparts profound insights using the metaphor — even greater than the nine-treasure is the gift of Identification with the All-Pervasive. We have learned that we are all fortunate, and we can access this through the Wisdom to receive the nine greatest treasures and witness countless wonders beyond measure. Instead of becoming entranced by discourse about the puzzling wonders of a fascinating experience, we are invited to focus inwards — on the light within our minds. The Wisdom operates and guides us to the compassionate 1 by aligning our once rambling path.
In the sixth stanza, we are called to forsake our fickleness and cleverness. Guru Ramdas says,
O my camel-like mind! You are fickle. We reflect. The fickle mind, engrossed in the attachment to objects and possessions, is addressed as the stubborn yet durable camel-like mind. This guidance aligns with the frequently forgotten, wandering, doubt-ridden mind and redirects it toward remembering the All-Pervasive, the Great Liberator. Our minds, entangled in attachments, are urged to relinquish instability and cleverness and instead focus on the eternal truth, the All-Pervasive. In a world where distractions abound, we can become steadfast and unwavering in our loyalty to the Identification. When Identification becomes our magnetic north, our minds become impervious to falsehood and fickleness. Instead, we are drawn towards the 1, bonded by an indestructible tether. We realize that there is no duality on this journey. The bitterness that greed, dishonesty, and games that breed in our minds cease their allure. In this profound alignment with the eternal Wisdom, the mind’s thoughts and actions synchronize like the exquisitely timed strides from a well-practiced crew. The mind does not merely traverse life’s journey; it is orchestrated with wisdom and grace. By listening, following, and living by the revelations of Hari, the Remover of Suffering, the Fear-Elimiator, we earn a liberated existence, a life guided by the Identification.
In the seventh stanza, the priceless nature of the Wisdom is invoked:
O my camel-like mind of great fortune! Guru Ramdas places the Wisdom at the center of our attention, likening it to a precious jewel. We all understand the value placed on jewels. By using the analogy of the jewel, we realize that the most invaluable jewel is the eternal Wisdom. When the mind becomes attached to this Wisdom-jewel, our consciousness becomes fully immersed in it, and love for the 1 blossoms. It’s as if we’ve found the missing key to a cosmic map that makes the undercurrents of the universe knowable. We learn to hold on tightly to the precious jewel-like Wisdom. It is the dearest gift that our minds may be graced with. Guru Ramdas emphasizes the importance of the Wisdom through a complimentary analogy, likening it to the sword capable of destroying fear. The Wisdom is more precious than a jewel and more powerful than a sword in a battle to fend off the dread that drives us mad. Having enshrined this magnificent gift in the mind, a profound realization erupts in the once fear-laden mind. A deep and authentic experience of the Wisdom-orientedness is like a sword that has the potential to fend off our biggest fear, that of death. When we learn to cherish the precious Wisdom, it galvanizes in our hearts, and we are liberated from anxieties and fears that weigh heavy on our minds.
The eighth stanza urges us to turn our journeys inwards. Guru Ramdas nudges us to look within and says,
O camel-like mind! The treasure of the Nam is within you. We may wander in delusion and ignorance, seeking fleeting relief from our burdens. Some seek respite in consumption, while others seek it in rituals or retreats. Guru Ramdas urges us to seek within instead. Identification is a continuous stream of eternal consciousness guiding us through the confines of the material world. The journey of the enduring camel-like mind is profoundly distinct. We search far and wide for anything to give our stubborn minds stability and security. But their absence in the phenomenal world serves as a reminder that the remembrance of the 1 in our minds is the essence of our divine purpose in this world. Enabling this purpose, the Identification flows continually throughout the mind. The grip of delusion and ignorance loosens on the unbridled mind, and the Wisdom liberates us. All this becomes clearer when we recognize the everlasting Identification within us the entire time. Everything we need to connect with the light of the 1 is already in every 1 of us. When we recognize the treasure of Identification, we experience, at long last, the presence of the 1 for ourselves.
In the ninth stanza, the attachments ensnaring are untangled from the unbridled mind. Guru Ramdas says
O, my camel-like mind, entangled in attachment to material things and relationships! Guru Ramdas uncovers the temporality of our relationships, bringing into question the
Maya (the attachment to material things and relationships) in which we shroud our minds. Often, our consciousness is overridden by our attachment to objects and to posessions– it tramples over our inner awareness. We learn the answer to this dilemma. The immortal Wisdom continuously infuses our lives with the love-color of Hari, the All-Pervasive, when we turn ourselves into the heart-altars of the 1, in which our innate genuine minds are housed. This infusion of the love-color is immutable, unwashable — even if we forget we are wearing it. Addressing our minds, Guru Ramdas implores us to embrace the
Sabad (teachings that exemplify the word-sound of the Infinite Wisdom) with love. We pause to contemplate. To continue on the path towards the eternality residing within us and to truly experience it, we ought to dedicate ourselves to the service of Wisdom through a profound love for the Sabad. Thus, we may also receive Identification, our guidance, and experience the lasting alignment of our divine to purpose– to connect with the 1. Guru Ramdas imparts the knowledge that when Sabad permeates the mind, and we become Wisdom-oriented, the chains of bondage shatter, leading to genuine liberation.
The tenth stanza reminds us of our need for the 1. Guru Ramdas says,
O my camel-like mind! The 1 alone is our support and shelter. We visualize the All-Pervasive as a grand and unshakeable tree upon which countless birds take refuge and shelter. This imagery evokes a sense of security and nourishment the 1 provides, an unceasingly open inn on our fleeting and often turbulent worldly journeys. Our minds find comfort and safety in the enduring shelter of the 1, like travelers who roamed to distant and vast places, finally finding that the oasis was within the entire time. Guru Ramdas urges us to recognize that the All-Pervasive alone gives us sanctuary and nourishes us. This cosmic tree, our shelter, is abundant, eternal, and lush with the sweet and endless fruits of the Identification. Connecting with the Identification gives rise to a deep sense of fulfillment and spiritual nourishment, transcending material concerns. Reflecting on the immeasurable generosity flowing from this grace, is there hope for the mind not yet connected with the 1? The answer is yes — when the Wisdom aligns our consciousness with the 1 through the Identification. The re-awakened consciousness, linked to the eternal Wisdom, bridges the mind and the All-Pervasive, enabling one to perceive the true path.
Guru Ramdas urges us to observe the nature of our worldly relationships and look within. Our understanding of true love and freedom is challenged. We are nudged to question whether choosing what to eat, wear, or where to travel is true freedom. Today, we look for oversimplified, easy shortcuts for everything, but there is no shortcut for the way. Our mind’s potential enables us to experience the eternal presence, but we ought to reflect, absorb, and nurture the Wisdom first. In this composition, we learn that true liberation is accessing, absorbing, and retaining the experience of the 1 within us. We may start by reflecting: Are we ready to wield the sword-like Wisdom? Have we taken the time to cherish our good fortune? When will we fully be in the Identification of the 1? Can we recognize the timeless refuge that shelters and keeps us, IkOankar, the 1?