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.
rukhī sukhī khāi kai ṭhanḍhā pāṇī pīu.
pharīdā dekhi parāī copaṛī nā tarsāe jīu.29.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1379
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the twenty-ninth stanza, Sheikh Farid says, Having eaten dry, unbuttered bread, drink cold water. O Farid! Having seen the buttered bread of another, do not let your mind crave it. It is important to note that the Prophet Muhammad lived a restrained and simple life, consuming very little and living in a mud house. This lifestyle serves as an example to Muslims today. Sheikh Farid emulates this lifestyle by refusing to indulge in the flavors and tastes that can cause more craving, more desire, and more distraction. Inspired by the Prophet Muhammad’s life, he encourages himself to eat simply and drink simply. He encourages himself and all of us to avoid looking at other people’s plates—literally and figuratively.
Sheikh Farid’s message is direct here. There is no use looking at what other people are eating or consuming or experiencing, what lifestyles they have, what tastes they are pursuing. When we do, we feed our envy and our greed for others’ things. Sheikh Farid urges us to earn honestly, consume sparingly and simply, and to remain content. Can we cultivate the ability to look inward rather than outward? This is harder than it sounds! Will we change our perspective and live with gratitude rather than want? Will we learn to stop comparing what we have to what we see others have?
