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?