dhadhai dhāri kalā jini choḍī hari cījī jini raṅg kīā.
tis dā dīā sabhnī līā karmī karmī hukamu païā.22.
-Guru Granth Sahib 433
The Patti composition revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib consists of thirty-five stanzas, each containing two lines. This composition is based on the thirty-five letters of the alphabet prevalent at that time. In this composition the Guru has established a foundational system based on letters. In the rahau line, by addressing his own mind, the Guru provides insights, saying, “O fool! Why do you remain forgetful? You will be considered truly educated only when you are able to settle the account of your deeds in IkOankar’s (the Divine) court.” The Guru goes on to explain the mystery of the letters, enlightening that the limits of IkOankar, the Creator, cannot be known. All beings are under IkOankar’s command, and no one else can exercise authority over them. All-pervading IkOankar is the cause of everything in the creation. An arrogant being who forgets IkOankar and is engrossed in worldly matters continues to suffer. However, if a being recognizes the eternal IkOankar through the Wisdom (Guru), they are freed from suffering. The being who understands the mystery explained through these thirty-five letters becomes one with IkOankar.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
O mind! Why do you forget, O foolish mind? You will be considered learned only when you give the account of your deeds, O sibling! In the twenty-second couplet, Guru Nanak delivers a message through the letter ਧ (‘dhaddhā,’ #24) and says, the 1-Light has infused the universe with power, who has created the infinite colors in all things. The word used to refer to this infusing of power is ‘dhāri,’ popularly ‘dhaari.’ Whatever the beings have received has been given by that One. The writ and the Command of IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One) is inscribed on the foreheads of every being as per their deeds. We all receive what has been given by the One. The Guru emphasizes the capacity, potency, and creative power of the One who has created all forms and colors. Whatever joy or bliss we are looking for in creation, we can experience it through the various forms and colors manifested by the One. The 1-Light who has created this creation put color in all things, made all things beautiful, and infused the universe with power is the same One who gives. We receive the gifts of the 1-Light. We also experience joy through living in alignment with the 1-Light’s Command. Our deeds are ours, and the Command is what operates. As per our own actions and deeds, the Command is placed on our foreheads. But we also have access to Grace, which operates within the Command. The Guru is urging us to take it out of the mundane or worldly and into the experiential. Will we understand these truths in a lived way? Will we operate in the world with an understanding that everything is happening in the Command? Will we enjoy the beauty and gifts of the Giver?
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