The
saloks of Sheikh Farid
Ji guide the seeker toward the devotion of the one absolute IkOankar (the Divine), which is the true purpose of life. In these saloks, Farid Ji shares that our time in this world is finite, and thus, one should immediately turn to the devotion of IkOankar without delay. However, due to attachment to transient things and relationships, many forget this truth and become entangled in vices, leading to a perpetually restless and uneasy life. However, the being who embraces virtues such as remembrance of IkOankar, love, humility, tolerance, patience, contentment, selfless service, and righteous living, experiences the bliss of connection with IkOankar even while leading a householder’s life. Their life becomes comfortable and peaceful.
m: 3.
pharīdā kālī dhaülī sāhibu sadā hai je ko citi kare.
āpaṇā lāiā piramu na lagaī je locai sabhu koi.
ehu piramu piālā khasam kā jai bhāvai tai dei.13.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1378
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the thirteenth stanza, Guru Amardas expands on the previous stanza and says, O Farid, the Sovereign is always there, whether the hairs are back or gray, if one remembers that Sovereign within the consciousness. Here, we gain insight into Guru Amardas’s life experience, which helps us understand Sheikh Farid’s previous stanza—by the time Guru Amardas becomes Guru, he is seventy-three. This is when he discovers the love of IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One). He knows from experience that this love is not bound by age, as the nature and Will of IkOankar center on Grace. Even in this urgency to begin making an effort towards a devoted relationship with IkOankar, there is an understanding of the compassion of IkOankar. Guru Amardas emphasizes that the Presence is always there, regardless of age. If we remember the Beloved in our consciousness, the color of the hair on our heads is irrelevant. It is never too late to begin.
But, Guru Amardas continues, the love developed by own-self is not attached, even though everyone yearns for it. This love cannot be attached to the One solely through our own efforts. We cannot force it. We can make the effort to begin, we can cultivate devotion, but that love becomes firm and attached through the Grace of the One alone. Guru Amardas says, this love-cup is of the Divine-Husband; the Divine-Husband gives it to that being with whom the Divine-Husband is pleased. Whoever is graced with this connection is graced only through the Will of IkOankar. We can make many efforts, but that grace is given when IkOankar gives it. Then what are we to do? We can make an effort to become endearing to the One, so that the One is pleased with us. We can exist in that ever-fresh, ever-new love, colored in its changing hues. How do we become pleasing to the One we love? We can praise the One, remember the One, and inculcate the virtues of the One. If we do this, then that Sovereign, that Beloved, that Spouse will never not look towards us. Will we prepare ourselves to receive that cup of love? Will we begin now?
