In the first stanza (
savaiya), Guru Arjan described the immanence and ineffability of
IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One). In the next stanza
, Guru Arjan describes the streams of immortalizing nectar
flowing from the One. These streams are the
Nam of IkOankar, the medium through which seekers connect with and experience IkOankar in the world in a palpable way. Through Nam, one comes to identify with IkOankar. Guru Arjan invokes
Hari as an epithet for IkOankar, articulating the all-pervasiveness of the One from whom these streams of immortalizing nectar flow. This nectar is described as bountiful and abundant: as it flows, the treasures it creates are immeasurable. It never empties or runs dry, flowing powerfully and infinitely. As such, the opportunity for Identification is just as abundant. This Nam is described as
amrit, meaning ‘beyond-death’—this Identification makes mortals immortal. This is not a literal immortality of the body but an internal, profound shift towards recognizing one’s true union with the eternal One.
Guru Arjan then speaks of IkOankar’s ultimate authority, saying that IkOankar can create and destroy in an instant. IkOankar grants this power to none other and needs no consultation on how to wield it. Guru Arjan highlights the light of wisdom that emanates from IkOankar, meaning the wisdom and awareness that blooms in devotion to the One, which brings pristineness to IkOankar’s devotees. How does this pristineness arise? Guru Arjan teaches that through Identification with the all-pervasive One, through the immaculate wisdom imparted by the all-pervasive One, millions upon millions of afflictions dissipate. Through devotion, through living by the wisdom imparted by IkOankar, devotees experience the immortalizing essence of Identification, which makes them immaculate.
Guru Arjan reiterates the last lines from the first stanza, invoking Guru Nanak to remind us that all Guru embodiments are of the same light. Guru Arjan says:
Servant Nanak, the accepted devotee at Your door, is equal to You, is like You, O Braham! Guru Arjan invokes
Braham, the Divine,
as a name for IkOankar. Here, Guru Arjan tells us that an accepted devotee, such as Guru Nanak, sits only at the door of IkOankar alone; that is, an accepted devotee is loyal to and waits only to meet IkOankar, knowing their desires are fulfilled by IkOankar alone. From this place of deep devotion, Guru Arjan rhetorically questions how his single tongue alone could possibly describe the profundity of IkOankar. Guru Arjan then expresses his deep love and selflessness toward the One, reiterating five times that he devotes himself to IkOankar, that he
always devotes himself to IkOankar.
In many cultures and traditions, substances believed to confer immortality are highly prized and sought after. People pursue that which promises more than ordinary sustenance, like food, water, and medicine. Guru Arjan unveils for us what that substance truly is, its profundity as both pervasive and available to all. We all seek treasure, and this treasure of Nam, through which we experience IkOankar, abounds. When we experience the all-pervasive Nam, we are illuminated by a new kind of awareness which begins to transform us. Our afflictions and transgressions begin to slough away. This is IkOankar’s ineffable power shining within, dusting away the cobwebs from the forlorn corners of our being. Guru Arjan tells us that what we glean from anyone other than IkOankar is immature and incomplete. The awareness imparted through devotion to the One scatters the fears that once haunted us. We no longer seek material gratification in the same way, as we are fulfilled by the Identification we experience. As we are nurtured by the immortalizing essence, bringing an immaculacy to every cell, our devotion, praise, and love for IkOankar grow and bloom. Identifying with IkOankar, the eternal One, we transcend identities formed from temporal things and recognize our union with the eternal One.
The ultimate, unified power of the Divine invoked here offers a refreshing perspective. There are no hierarchies, sidekicks, or various deputies carrying out different tasks. It is the recognition that
all originates from the One, whose Will holds ultimate authority and is final. When we truly devote ourselves to this One, full of love and praise, we no longer wander or seek through other means, nor wait at the door of any lesser deity, idol, or person. Instead, we develop a strong conviction that contentment comes from IkOankar alone, like a loyal steed faithful to its owner. Content with the sublime sustenance IkOankar provides, all we desire is to keep giving of ourselves more to experience and connect with the One. We become willing to give our minds, bodies, possessions, and any other assets for connection with the One. This devotion is far beyond the momentary devotion practiced in certain ceremonies or places; it stays alive wherever we go, as all places are the places of IkOankar, the all-pervasive One.
Will we identify what brings us closer to the immortalizing essence of Identification in our lives, and cultivate that more? Will we allow IkOankar’s illuminating light to dust away the cobwebs that have accumulated within us? Will we stop waiting for contentment to come through lesser doors, and instead go to the door of sovereign IkOankar?
