pancamī panc bhūt betālā.
āpi agocaru purakhu nirālā.
iki bhrami bhūkhe moh piāse.
iki rasu cākhi sabadi triptāse.
iki raṅgi rāte iki mari dhūri.
iki dari ghari sācai dekhi hadūri.6.
-Guru Granth Sahib 839
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 sixth stanza through the fifth lunar day, Guru Nanak says, the beings made of the five elements are out of tune. All of us beings, made of the same ‘stuff,’ the same basic elements, are out of step, wandering, and not living harmoniously. We stray from the path of IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One) under the influence of Maya (the attachment to transient things and relationships). Only the imperceptible and all-pervading IkOankar is distinct, unique, sovereign, and beyond the influence of Maya.
Guru Nanak continues by describing what is happening in the world to all beings—this universal experience. Guru Nanak says that some are hungry and thirsty due to the illusion of attachment. Many of us, because we are so entangled in the temporary attachment to material things and transient relationships, are never satiated. We think we need more of what we have, we convince ourselves that what we have is not enough, we seek to accumulate endlessly, and still, we do not feel satisfied. But there are also many of us who, having tasted the essence of Nam (Identification with IkOankar), having experienced the presence of IkOankar through Sabad (hymn-like stanza that exemplifies the word-sound of the Infinite Wisdom), are satiated. It is these beings who, having imbibed the essence of the Nam, enjoy its bliss through the Wisdom-Guru and are content.
Guru Nanak continues that many are imbued in the color of Nam, and many are dying in the dust. Many have become steady at the eternal door of the eternal house, having seen the presence of the One everywhere, in every space. Some of us who are still entangled in Maya are straying, wandering, and suffering, waiting to turn to dust. Rare among us are those who have become dyed in the color of Love of the One through Identification with the One, have found steadiness, and have come to experience the One pervading everywhere. We are all made of the same ‘stuff!’ We are all made of the same elements. We are all given the same opportunity to use these bodies in our lives. It is just that depending on whether or not we are out of tune, our experiences differ. What will we choose to do? Will we choose to stay out of tune, wandering, unable to quench our thirst? Or will we become harmonious in our lifestyles, steady and in love with the eternal One, whose presence we feel everywhere?
Guru Nanak continues by describing what is happening in the world to all beings—this universal experience. Guru Nanak says that some are hungry and thirsty due to the illusion of attachment. Many of us, because we are so entangled in the temporary attachment to material things and transient relationships, are never satiated. We think we need more of what we have, we convince ourselves that what we have is not enough, we seek to accumulate endlessly, and still, we do not feel satisfied. But there are also many of us who, having tasted the essence of Nam (Identification with IkOankar), having experienced the presence of IkOankar through Sabad (hymn-like stanza that exemplifies the word-sound of the Infinite Wisdom), are satiated. It is these beings who, having imbibed the essence of the Nam, enjoy its bliss through the Wisdom-Guru and are content.
Guru Nanak continues that many are imbued in the color of Nam, and many are dying in the dust. Many have become steady at the eternal door of the eternal house, having seen the presence of the One everywhere, in every space. Some of us who are still entangled in Maya are straying, wandering, and suffering, waiting to turn to dust. Rare among us are those who have become dyed in the color of Love of the One through Identification with the One, have found steadiness, and have come to experience the One pervading everywhere. We are all made of the same ‘stuff!’ We are all made of the same elements. We are all given the same opportunity to use these bodies in our lives. It is just that depending on whether or not we are out of tune, our experiences differ. What will we choose to do? Will we choose to stay out of tune, wandering, unable to quench our thirst? Or will we become harmonious in our lifestyles, steady and in love with the eternal One, whose presence we feel everywhere?
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