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.
bhijaü sijaü kambalī alah varsaü mehu.
jāi milā tinā sajṇā tuṭaü nāhī nehu.25.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1379
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the twenty-fifth stanza, Sheikh Farid continues, even if the blanket gets drenched and soaked, even if the rain continues to fall from Allah, may I go and meet those friends. May my love not break. The determination here is clear: even if the rain keeps falling, even if we get drenched, let it happen—it is all Allah, it is all IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One).
There is an acceptance here of the reality that the weather will change. That things will be difficult on this path, that the conditions will not always be the best as we pursue a relationship with the beloved Friend, IkOankar. May we go and meet the beloved Friend, may our love not break, even as we acknowledge and expect that the path is often hard and often presents problems. We go anyway, because we cannot afford for our love to break. Sheikh Farid models for us determination and acceptance of this path and all that it brings. Will we walk it, rain or shine?
