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.
pharīdā inī nikī jaṅghīai thal ḍūṁgar bhaviom̖i.
aju pharīdai kūjaṛā sai kohāṁ thīomi.20.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1378
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the twentieth stanza, Sheikh Farid says, With these small legs, I have roamed deserts and mountains. In his youth, Sheikh Farid traveled long distances, roaming sandy and mountainous terrains on his own two feet. In Islamic practice, those who traveled or wandered kept a small pot with them for performing wudu, or the cleansing Muslims do before prayer, with the belief that physical cleansing takes one toward internal cleansing.
Sheikh Farid references this pot when he continues, Today, a small pot has become hundreds of miles away to me. At one point, he could roam easily. His legs could take him everywhere, through every terrain, with ease. Now, he no longer has the strength to pick up his pot and clean himself. The body is losing strength. We see this in our own ways—when we witness those we love aging and unable to take care of themselves in the same way. This is one of the most eye-opening changes we experience in old age, as even the little tasks become monumental. The implied urging here is towards using our youth wisely. It is as if Sheikh Farid is saying, Why did I not do more when I was able? Why are we not doing more now to connect with IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One) while we are able? What are we doing with our strength? With our capacity for connection now?
