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 be nivājā kutiā eh na bhalī rīti.
kabahī cali na āiā panje vakhat masīti.70.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1381
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the seventieth stanza, Sheikh Farid says, O Farid, O the one without Namaz, O dog! This way is not good. Having walked, you never came to the mosque to pray five times. In the previous stanza, we were urged to use these beautiful bodies and their beautiful breaths wisely. Here, it is as if Sheikh Farid is answering the question, What does this beautiful body need to do now? Without Namaz, without praying and practicing remembrance of IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One), we are like stray dogs—restless, wandering, directionless, Ownerless. We wander aimlessly, but we still do not find ourselves walking to the mosque to pray five times a day. This way of being is not good.
Sheikh Farid is speaking from the register of a Muslim, but the message is for all of us. We all might have different ways of seeking connection with IkOankar. We might do particular prayers to return to that space of connection and communication with IkOankar. When we do not engage in remembrance and praise of IkOankar, when we do not cultivate connection and devotion, we become animal-like in our aimlessness. We become animal-like in our vices. We do not have the right habits or behaviors, and we are confined only to eating, drinking, and sleeping—living our lives on autopilot. We are being urged to change our ways, to follow the way that is best for us—whichever way leads us to discipline, devotion, and effort. Sheikh Farid is speaking to us also from the register of a Sufi Sheikh. These are the ones so in love with IkOankar that they are carefree in that love. They are the ones who have attained the state on the Sufi path of experiential knowledge of the Divine. Yet, even the carefree lover chooses the path that leads back to the Divine again and again, no longer a stray. But even those who are carefree and experiencing the Divine must still work to cultivate effort, discipline, and devotion and nurture that relationship. Will we shed our stray dog-like tendencies? Will we walk a different path? Will we work towards devotion?
