nāu naümī nave nāth nav khanḍā.
ghaṭi ghaṭi nāthu mahā balvanḍā.
āī pūtā ihu jagu sārā.
prabh ādesu ādi rakhvārā.
ādi jugādī hai bhī hogu.
ohu aparamparu karṇai jogu.11.
-Guru Granth Sahib 839-840
This composition is based on fifteen lunar dates. Through the first lunar day, IkOankar (the Divine) is praised as unique, emphasizing the importance of Wisdom (Guru). Through the second, the plight of a being engrossed in the material world and relationships is described. Through the third and fourth, the creative power of IkOankar is highlighted. Through the fifth, while describing the destructive influence of attachment to the material world and relationships, the significance of Wisdom in life is explained. Through the sixth, the eternal Nam of IkOankar is elucidated in the context of the six Indic religious orders. Through the seventh and eighth, the importance of Wisdom and the contemplation of Nam are stressed. Through the ninth, IkOankar is praised. Through the tenth, again, the contemplation of Nam is encouraged. Through the eleventh, the being is advised to observe a fast of abstinence from vices. Through the twelfth, the way of life of a seeker is eulogized. Through the thirteenth, while highlighting the transient nature of life, the being is inspired to live in reverence of IkOankar and attain an exalted state. Through the fourteenth, the way to achieve the fourth state, which is beyond the influence of attachment to the material world and relationships and union with IkOankar, is described. Through the fifteenth lunar day, the all-pervading IkOankar is praised.
Commentary
Literal Translation
Interpretive Transcreation
Poetical Dimension
Calligraphy
What recitation might I recite other than the Nam of Jagdish? In the eleventh stanza, through the ninth lunar day, Guru Nanak says that all nine master Yogis and all the beings in the nine realms are all reciting the Nam (Identification) of Prabhu. Guru Nanak invokes Prabhu as one of the many names of IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One). Prabhu is a name that invokes the royal and benevolent nature of the One, whose nature is to fulfill a particular role of goodness and compassion. This is the One who is capable of helping us when no one else can. Prabhu here can also be understood as the Sovereign. The references to the nine orders of the yogic world and the nine divisions of the earth are, again, references to popular understandings in Indic cosmology. Guru Nanak localizes and then expands, emphasizing that even in these systems, all are talking about and praising the One, the powerful Owner of the world who pervades each and every heart. What can we recite or remember other than that Owner of the world? That Owner of every world?
Guru Nanak says that the entire universe, which is considered to be the child of Maya (the attachment to transient things and relationships), is actually created by IkOankar. All of creation is of IkOankar, and IkOankar alone is its Owner. There is no one other than IkOankar. Salutation or obeisance ought to be given to IkOankar, who is the protector of all beings and has been since the beginning. Others might present themselves in particular systems as being the learned ones or the masters of certain schools of thought—but they are not the ones who create, sustain, and cause creation to perish. In reality, the only true Master or Owner is IkOankar. This is the One we ought to salute—the One who has existed and will exist long after we are gone.
That One was present from the beginning, was present even before the beginning, is present now, and will also be present in the future. That One is beyond estimation, is limitless, and is capable of doing and causing everything. This is the One who is unique and distinct, who is beyond our senses and imaginations. This is the One who pervades every heart and every body. This is the One of whom we are all children. This is the One who is the protector and supporter at all times. We do not need a middleman! We do not need someone else to help us have a relationship with that One, to tell us that we have to develop access through holy people and demi and demi-gods. The ones we might be worshipping or asking to act as our middlemen are also children of that One. That One is infinite and all-capable. So why not begin to cultivate a relationship with the One directly?
Guru Nanak says that the entire universe, which is considered to be the child of Maya (the attachment to transient things and relationships), is actually created by IkOankar. All of creation is of IkOankar, and IkOankar alone is its Owner. There is no one other than IkOankar. Salutation or obeisance ought to be given to IkOankar, who is the protector of all beings and has been since the beginning. Others might present themselves in particular systems as being the learned ones or the masters of certain schools of thought—but they are not the ones who create, sustain, and cause creation to perish. In reality, the only true Master or Owner is IkOankar. This is the One we ought to salute—the One who has existed and will exist long after we are gone.
That One was present from the beginning, was present even before the beginning, is present now, and will also be present in the future. That One is beyond estimation, is limitless, and is capable of doing and causing everything. This is the One who is unique and distinct, who is beyond our senses and imaginations. This is the One who pervades every heart and every body. This is the One of whom we are all children. This is the One who is the protector and supporter at all times. We do not need a middleman! We do not need someone else to help us have a relationship with that One, to tell us that we have to develop access through holy people and demi and demi-gods. The ones we might be worshipping or asking to act as our middlemen are also children of that One. That One is infinite and all-capable. So why not begin to cultivate a relationship with the One directly?
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