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 koṭhe dhukaṇu ketaṛā pir nīdaṛī nivāri.
jo dih ladhe gāṇave gae vilāṛi vilāṛi.56.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1380
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the fifty-sixth stanza, Sheikh Farid says, O Farid! How much running is possible on the rooftop? End your sleep towards the beloved One. The numbered days that were found, having run and run, have passed away. The days are numbered. We are not here for a long time! Sheikh Farid uses the imagery of a flat roof to emphasize just how short these lives are. How much can a person run on that small space of the roof? How many steps could one actually take? That is how small this life is.
We are urged to stop sleeping, stop being in forgetfulness toward the beloved One, IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One). We are urged to rid ourselves of our laziness, carelessness, and craziness that cause us to be entangled in worldly affairs and neglectful of our relationship with IkOankar. The days are running away from us, and soon our time will be up. Sheikh Farid is urging us to dispel our ignorance, to become mindful and aware and full of remembrance, and to turn toward the beloved One IkOankar’s devotion. Will we make this change? Will we cultivate this relationship with the beloved One? Will we end our sleep and wake up?
