The
saloks of Sheikh Farid
Ji guide the seeker toward the devotion of the one absolute IkOankar (the Divine), which is the true purpose of life. In these saloks, Farid Ji shares that our time in this world is finite, and thus, one should immediately turn to the devotion of IkOankar without delay. However, due to attachment to transient things and relationships, many forget this truth and become entangled in vices, leading to a perpetually restless and uneasy life. However, the being who embraces virtues such as remembrance of IkOankar, love, humility, tolerance, patience, contentment, selfless service, and righteous living, experiences the bliss of connection with IkOankar even while leading a householder’s life. Their life becomes comfortable and peaceful.
pharīdā jāṁ taü khaṭaṇ vel tāṁ tū ratā dunī siu.
marag savāī nīhi jāṁ bhariā tāṁ ladiā.8.
-Guru Granth Sahib 1378
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
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?
