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.
pharīdā jin̖ loiṇ jagu mohiā se loiṇ mai ḍiṭhu.
kajal rekh na sahdiā se paṅkhī sūi bahiṭhu.14.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1378
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
In the twenty-third stanza, Sheikh Farid addresses himself and says, O Farid! A farmer plants thorny acacia but desires grapes and lemons. Here, Sheikh Farid is warning us about wishful thinking and unrealistic expectations. We plant thorniness and expect sweetness. We sow fruitless seeds and expect fruit. When we plant one thing and expect another, we refuse to acknowledge the effort required to reap the fruits we seek.
Sheikh Farid continues, the being goes about getting wool spun, but desires to wear silk. We spend our time spinning rough wool, yet we expect to clothe ourselves in soft silk. We engage in deeds that only bring suffering while still expecting comfort and happiness. We expect nice things, but we don’t work towards them. It is as if Sheikh Farid is saying, This will never work. We all reap what we sow. We are offered a moment to reflect on what we are sowing in this season of our lives. What are we planting? What are we doing to cultivate the metaphorical soil? What effort are we putting into watering our seeds with? What patience have we cultivated to tend to the fruits we seek? Will we plant something new in this season of our lives? Will we finally bring sweetness into our lives instead of thorniness, softness instead of roughness?
