In the third stanza (
savaiya), Guru Arjan asks us to recognize the ever-present grace of
IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One), which, as mentioned in stanza two, we so often forget. He focuses on the many ways we are graced, beginning with our very conception. Guru Arjan reminds us that human life is a rare gem—hard to attain, granted only by IkOankar’s will through the wondrous union of sperm and egg. Grace does not end there. After birth, IkOankar provides all we need to thrive: nourishing food, water to sustain us, and shelter to rest in. Sometimes, these gifts are even lavish, surpassing mere necessity and pointing to IkOankar’s abundant grace, which we still often overlook. Guru Arjan continues, reminding us that we are also given family structures, support networks, and the awareness to grow and strengthen through these relationships.
Guru Arjan points out that we are growing older day by day, forgetful of this Grace. At that age, there is no guarantee that challenges are not to come. The body slows down, and health problems can develop. Guru Arjan compares our pitiable state to insects, always searching for something new to consume. Similarly, we chase after fleeting distractions of
Maya—transient things and relationships. Our consumption is constant, not just physically but mentally and emotionally; our appetites seem endless. After highlighting this struggle, Guru Arjan urges us to remember the Sovereign, the Bestower of blessings, even for a moment. At the end of the first stanza, Guru Arjan exemplifies the power of a plea, addressing IkOankar and acknowledging immense grace. He symbolically asks to have his hand held by the One, to be pulled from the mire of illusion that leads to forgetfulness of such grace.
Guru Arjan highlights the clear ways we overlook what is right in front of us: our bodies, nourishment, homes, families, and awareness. While corrupt systems prevail that distort and funnel the all-prevailing grace of IkOankar such that sustenance
isn’t available to all, the premise is that IkOankar, the Bestower, provides what is needed for all to thrive. All creatures are given what they need for strong, healthy bodies, and minds. The beautifully designed stages of growth and sustenance are evident—as we develop, everything falls into place. When we have no teeth, we are nourished by our mother’s milk; as we age and need support, our networks hold us.
While our bodies may grow, our relationship with IkOankar, the Bestower of all, may not. Our consciousness may remain stagnant. Empty of remembrance, we indulge in all that is provided, yet our hunger remains unsatisfied. Compared to the immense gratitude possible for IkOankar’s grace, we are like insects, burrowing into temporary pleasures. Even then, we are not condemned. This realization may make us feel virtueless, poor, or downtrodden—perhaps like a lowly worm. Recognizing our forgetfulness and distance from our potential greatness, we long for a way forward. We yearn to be filled with remembrance of the Bestower at all times. For this, we ought to seek Grace; we ought to ask IkOankar, the Sovereign, to be lifted from illusion and forgetfulness. Through Grace, the burdens that keep us ignorant can be removed.
Will we let this stanza sink in and remind us of all how Grace is inherent and prevails? Will we recognize the importance of being reminded of our shortcomings? Recognizing our shortcomings, will we ask IkOankar to pull us out of our illusions that cause forgetfulness?
