The
saloks of Sheikh Farid
Ji guide the seeker towards life’s true purpose, the devotion to the one absolute Divine, IkOankar. In these saloks, he reminds us that our time in this world is finite; therefore, one must turn to IkOankar without delay. Yet, attachment to transient possessions and relationships causes many to forget this truth, becoming entangled in vices that lead to restlessness and inner turmoil. In contrast, those who cultivate virtues such as love, humility, patience, contentment, selfless service, and righteousness experience the bliss of connection with IkOankar even while living a householder’s life. Their life becomes serene and suffused with inner joy.
dekhu pharīdā ji thīā sakar hoī visu.
sāṁī bājhahu āpaṇe vedaṇ kahīai kisu.10.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1378
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the tenth stanza, Sheikh Farid says, O Farid! Look what has happened; sugar has turned into poison. In an urgent but compassionate tone, we are being asked to reflect on what has happened over time. The things that were once sweet to us have become like poison. The things that once brought us joy now only bring us pain. The things we were entangled in are slowly killing us. Some bitter medicines might make us feel better. Sweetness and bitterness are all about perspective! Ignorance and intoxication are also things that seem sweet, but they ultimately destroy us. Indulgence causes pain that we might not realize is there until later—it catches up with us.
This is a realization that Sheikh Farid is having. He has experienced this. He says, now that we know, we can do something about it, even though it is painful now. That doubt or ignorance or entanglement or poison can be removed! It might have been so long that we are embarrassed by how we have been living. It might be that we do not know who to go to, who to tell, who to ask for help, or even how to ask for help. Who can we tell? Sheikh Farid says, other than one’s own beloved IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One), whom should one tell of their agony? Where does our shame come from in the world? Does it come from the fact of being entangled? Does it come from our pain? Does it come from the embarrassment of not addressing these things that ail us? No matter where it comes from, we must not be ashamed in front of the Beloved. There is hope here. We can always go to the Beloved for help. We can always admit our fault in front of that Beloved. Will we?
