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 loṛai dākh bijaürīāṁ kikari bījai jaṭu.
hanḍhai uṁn katāidā paidhā loṛai paṭu.23.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1379
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
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?
