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.
tanu tapai tanūr jiu bālaṇu haḍ balann̖i.
pairī thakāṁ siri julāṁ je mūṁ pirī milann̖i.119.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1384
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the one hundred and nineteenth stanza, Sheikh Farid says, Even if my body heats up like an oven and my bones burn like firewood. If I become tired of walking with my feet, I would begin to walk on my head, if the Beloved meets me. Sheikh Farid paints the picture of a seeker in separation from IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One). When we feel separated, we find ourselves steeped in duality and in pain. We feel anxiety and fear around loss, and we forget the temporariness of all things. In this state, we might become desperate for connection with the One. We might be willing to do anything in that desperation. This is the register from which Sheikh Farid speaks here. Even if he had to heat his body up like an oven or burn his bones like firewood, he would do it if it meant IkOankar would meet him. Even if he was to become exhausted walking on his feet along the path to IkOankar, he would begin to walk on his head if he had to. He is ready to adopt any means, or endure any hardship to meet beloved IkOankar.
What is the sentiment behind these words? This is not just about the pain of separation and the deep desire to feel connection. Many of us feel these emotions, but we are willing to do very little to address what ails us. At what cost to this body? We know what it would take, and we are not willing to do it. This is about patience and the condition of the individual. This seeker is the one who does not want to be in pretension, who does not want to perform devotion as a show for others, but who instead has the patience and deep love within them that makes them willing to do anything for the One. This has nothing to do with the actual body, but everything to do with the virtues contained within it. Will we become this kind of seeker? Will we cultivate patience and resolve, and a willingness to do what is difficult or painful to feel a connection with IkOankar?
