paüṛī.
asṭamī asṭ sidhi nav nidhi.
sagal padārath pūran budhi.
kaval pragās sadā ānand.
nirmal rīti nirodhar mant.
sagal dharam pavitra isnānu.
sabh mahi ūc bisekh giānu.
hari hari bhajanu pūre gur saṅgi.
japi tarīai nānak nām hari raṅgi.8.
-Guru Granth Sahib 298
Guru Arjan Sahib depicts how when the virtues of IkOankar (the Divine) are reflected upon, the fear of death does not afflict the individual. Corresponding to the fifteen-day lunar calendar and each pauri (stanza) correlates to each day formed by the waxing and waning of the moon. The eighth pauri states that all powers and treasures of the world are received through Nam (Identification with IkOankar). The mind blooms and remains blissful. One develops such an understanding which never diminishes.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
In the eighth pauri (stanza), the Guru asks us to consider the paradigms in which we operate through a listing: the eight supernatural powers received through ascetic discipline, the nine treasures of Hindu mythology, all substances, the state of blossoming like a lotus, the state of continuous bliss, a filth-free way of life, an unfettered mantra that is unaffected by any other mantra, all religious practices, and principles, all auspicious cleansings, the best knowledges and wisdoms in the world. All of these things are received if we engage in praise of the 1-Light; if we Identify with the One in the company of the eternal and complete Wisdom. If we live in devotion and Identification, we are colored in devotion, and we make our lives fruitful here and now.
The Guru lists the things people are accustomed to within their paradigms, the things that we desire through our transactional rituals and relationships with the One. These are our entanglements, whether the fear of death or the pursuit of spiritual gifts and treasures. If we really want to transcend our paradigms and rid ourselves of the things which drive us and bind us, this happens through Wisdom and Identification. Whatever our conceptions are of these things we desire, they are all received through Identification with the 1-Light in the company of the complete Wisdom.
The Guru simplifies things for us even more in this composition. Before, we had more contextualized, reframed, or subverted inquiries and paradigms. In this composition, the Guru shows us that if we just sing the virtues at all times, if we engage in constant devotion and experience connection with IkOankar, the greatest fear of all will not even touch us. This happens because when we sing, we inculcate the virtues within. We identify with IkOankar, and we feel the presence of the Compassionate. Instead of remembering other mantras of particular saints, yogis, or schools of thought, why not focus only on the compassionate One? Why not experience a different kind of lotus blooming, a different radiance, a different bliss? Why not color ourselves in the color of devotion? Why not make our lives fruitful here and now?
The Guru lists the things people are accustomed to within their paradigms, the things that we desire through our transactional rituals and relationships with the One. These are our entanglements, whether the fear of death or the pursuit of spiritual gifts and treasures. If we really want to transcend our paradigms and rid ourselves of the things which drive us and bind us, this happens through Wisdom and Identification. Whatever our conceptions are of these things we desire, they are all received through Identification with the 1-Light in the company of the complete Wisdom.
The Guru simplifies things for us even more in this composition. Before, we had more contextualized, reframed, or subverted inquiries and paradigms. In this composition, the Guru shows us that if we just sing the virtues at all times, if we engage in constant devotion and experience connection with IkOankar, the greatest fear of all will not even touch us. This happens because when we sing, we inculcate the virtues within. We identify with IkOankar, and we feel the presence of the Compassionate. Instead of remembering other mantras of particular saints, yogis, or schools of thought, why not focus only on the compassionate One? Why not experience a different kind of lotus blooming, a different radiance, a different bliss? Why not color ourselves in the color of devotion? Why not make our lives fruitful here and now?
