ekādasī iku ridai vasāvai.
hinsā mamtā mohu cukāvai.
phalu pāvai bratu ātam cīnai.
pākhanḍi rāci tatu nahī bīnai.
nirmalu nirāhāru nihkevalu.
sūcai sāce nā lāgai malu.13.
-Guru Granth Sahib 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 thirteenth stanza, through the eleventh lunar day, Guru Nanak says that the being who enshrines the One within their heart is able to dispel violence, possessiveness, and attachment from within. On this day, Guru Nanak urges us to bring the One within us and to refrain from going after anything else. If we do this, the violence within us, which causes us to harm, dies. We might seek all kinds of external things to help us with these negative emotions or our baser tendencies, but nothing will eliminate these things from within us other than enshrining IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One) within our hearts.
Guru Nanak says that the being who recognizes this inner fast, who in a way fasts from these vices, finds the mind-desired fruit and recognizes their inner self. Guru Nanak is playing on the practices done on the eleventh lunar day, including fasting and eating only fruit. Guru Nanak says if we really want to fast, why not partake in an inner-fast from vices? If we want to have fruit, why not experience the fruit of getting out of our own pretenses so that we can experience the presence of the One within us? If we remain engrossed in hypocrisy, we will not be able to see this reality—that the one pervades each and every one of us.
Guru Nanak says that IkOankar alone is unblemished, free from the filth of vices, bondages, and the need for sustenance. Many different communities and traditions practice fasting for spiritual benefit—not just from physical food but also from particular habits, behaviors, or practices. Fasts are temporary and still entangle us in worldly systems of supremacies and purities. We might pretend that, for some time, we are free from our vices, bondages, or the need to consume. But does this feeling last? The One is the only one who is beyond any of these things. The One is the only one who is able to be without sustenance. The One does not need to be physically nourished. The One is distinct and unique. The One is the only one doing the ultimate fast—the rest of us are simply pretending! Guru Nanak reminds us that the filth of vices does not cling to those beings who, through the unblemished and filth-free Nam, experience and become one with the eternal IkOankar. Will we pursue this kind of fasting? Will we experience this kind of fruit?
Guru Nanak says that the being who recognizes this inner fast, who in a way fasts from these vices, finds the mind-desired fruit and recognizes their inner self. Guru Nanak is playing on the practices done on the eleventh lunar day, including fasting and eating only fruit. Guru Nanak says if we really want to fast, why not partake in an inner-fast from vices? If we want to have fruit, why not experience the fruit of getting out of our own pretenses so that we can experience the presence of the One within us? If we remain engrossed in hypocrisy, we will not be able to see this reality—that the one pervades each and every one of us.
Guru Nanak says that IkOankar alone is unblemished, free from the filth of vices, bondages, and the need for sustenance. Many different communities and traditions practice fasting for spiritual benefit—not just from physical food but also from particular habits, behaviors, or practices. Fasts are temporary and still entangle us in worldly systems of supremacies and purities. We might pretend that, for some time, we are free from our vices, bondages, or the need to consume. But does this feeling last? The One is the only one who is beyond any of these things. The One is the only one who is able to be without sustenance. The One does not need to be physically nourished. The One is distinct and unique. The One is the only one doing the ultimate fast—the rest of us are simply pretending! Guru Nanak reminds us that the filth of vices does not cling to those beings who, through the unblemished and filth-free Nam, experience and become one with the eternal IkOankar. Will we pursue this kind of fasting? Will we experience this kind of fruit?
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