India is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. The country recorded 352,991 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, breaking the record once again for the most cases recorded in a single day anywhere in the world since the beginning of the pandemic. By most accounts it seems the actual numbers might be much larger than what’s being reported. And unfortunately it could get worse from here.
If you are in India, take all the necessary precautions. Maintain social distancing, wear masks and stay away from crowds as much as possible.
Here are a few reliable institutions that you can donate to help out.
Khalsa Aid has procured oxygen concentrators for people in Delhi and has delivered fire wood to overwhelmed cremation sites. They are currently appealing for donations for more oxygen machines.
Hemkunt Foundation has been collecting oxygen tanks from various states in India, then giving them out for free to anyone who shows that they are in dire need. They are also receiving donations to keep expanding the help they are able to give. Here is where you can help:
Gurdwaras are trying to serve free food to all those affected with Corona. This is a video from Delhi but this is true throughout India. https://youtu.be/vxgXQrtbjnM
While countries around the globe are sending aid, here are a few organizations you can donate to if you have the means:
Making the Difference is helping provide medical supplies for public hospitals and nursing homes in Mumbai as well as grocery and ration kits to daily wage earners. Details on how to donate here.
Rapid Response, India’s premier disaster-response and preparedness service, is seeking donations to provide dry food goods such as rice, dal, salt, and sugar to families across India. Details on how to donate here.
Breathe India, a fundraiser led by Indian Institutes of Technology alumni in conjunction with the SaveLife Foundation, is seeking donations to procure effective distribution of oxygen concentrators to hospitals in Delhi. Lack of supplemental oxygen is currently a massive problem amid the COVID surge in India. Details on how to donate here.
Seva Kitchen, a nonprofit in Nagpur, is seeking donations to provide meal kits for marginalized communities. More details on how to donate here.
Transgender Welfare Equity and Empowerment Trust (TWEET) has been creating and funding shelter homes for trans people in Delhi during the pandemic. Details on how to donate here.
Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF), a children’s rights organization based in India, is collecting donations to help children in poverty-stricken communities with access to meals and education. Details on how to donate can be found here.
HelpNow is an initiative led by young students in Mumbai to provide quick, 24/7 medical transportation. It is currently seeking donations to ensure adequate supplies and compensate its drivers. Details on how to donate here.
Give India, a crowdfunding nonprofit platform created to support India throughout the pandemic, is currently running fundraising campaigns for oxygen supply, food shortages, and women’s reproductive health amid the pandemic. Details on how to donate can be found here.
I was sad to hear that vocalist Rajan Mishra died of Covid-19 complications on Sunday. Being from Banaras as well, he was very close to our guru gharana (Pt. Raghunath Prasanna et. al.) and he was often in concerts with flautists from our guru gharana and a close friend of Pt. Rajendra Prasanna. He suffered a heart attack in the morning and while his family struggled to secure a ventilator for him, he died of another heart attack in the evening.
Listening to a bhajan in his memory: Chalo Man Brindaban Ki Aur.
Lyrics - Chalo Man Vrindavan
Chalo maan vrindavan kee aur ...
Prem ka ras jahan chalkae hai ...
Krishen naam sae bhor...
Bhakti ki reet jahan pal pal hai, prem preet ki dor
Radhae Radhae japatae japatae dikh jaae chitchor
Usha ki laali kae sang jahan, krishan katha ras barsae
Radha raas bhihari kae mandir jakae manva rase
brij ki maati chandan jasae man ho jaae vibhor
Ban upvan mae krishan ki chaya, sheetal man ho jaae
man bhee ho jae ati paavan, krishen kripa jo paayae
das narayan sharan tumharae kripa karo is aor
- Narayan Das (see below)
English Translation
O mind,
lets go towards Virdavan
where the nectar of love overspills
with the name of
Krishna
Where service is incessant
and the string of love pulls you
where by saying Radhe Radhe one
can see the robber of the heart, the chitchor
Where with the crimson dawn stories of krishna rain
and the drenched mind is entranced in the play with Raadha
Like the sweet smelling soil of brij the mind becoming ecstatic
Where in the forest the mind cools in the shade of Krishna
And with Krishna's blessing the mind becomes pure
I am in your refuge, have mercy upon me
-Translation by Shivpreet Singh
Also spelt: Chalo maan brindaban kee aur ...
More on Narayan Das
The great lyrical and musical compositions of the mystic-poets of 16th century India have commanded the hearts and souls of devotees over the centuries and influenced and inspired present day composers and poets. The poetic compositions are sung by all the renowned singers of India set to different melodies of their choosing. One lyric has of late been casting his spell through his compositions on devotional love, similar to Meera, Sur, Tulsi, Raidas and Kabir. Narayan Agarwal in the tradition of the devotional movement of the 16th century calls himself Narayan Das (servant of Narayan) much as Tulsi was Tulsi Das and Sur was Surdas and Rai was Rai Das.
Kavi 'Das Narayan' Agrawal has hit one of the sweetest spots in the Indian music industry. By placing himself on the hyphen between the Nathpanth-influenced Kabir and the Nathpanth-inspired Sufis, the poet has claimed prime property in what's perhaps the industry's fastest growing sector. The two new albums of Agrawal's compositions state upfront the 'rich' lineages he claims to follow. Lending their voices are two graduates of Pune's Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.
One of his bhajans was also sung by Pt. Jasraj:
Krishna Krishna Bhorhi Mukh Bolo
Tumi Robe Nirobe ... this is one of my favorite Tagore songs. I am listening to it, meditating upon it and translating it. It happens to be a full moon tomorrow, and a fragrant jasmine blossoms in our front yard as the summer ensues.
Lyrics
Tumi robe nirobe hridoye mamo
NibirO nibhrito purnima nishithini somo ||
MomO jibanO joubanO momO akhilO bhubanO
Tumi bhoribe gourabe nishithini somO ||
Jagibe ekaki tabO karunO aankhi,
TobO anchalO chhaya more rohibe dhhaki |
Momo dukkhobedanO momo safalO swopanO
Tumi bhoribe sourabhe nishithini-somo ||
Translations
Thou shalt dwell in silence in my heart like the full moon in the summer night.
Thy sad eyes shall watch over me in my wanderings.
The shadow of thy veil shall rest upon my heart
Thy breath like the full moon in the summer night shall hover about my dreams, making them fragrant.
- Translated by Rabindranath Tagore
Like the full moon on a dark night
you live silently in my heart
giving my life a youthful radiance.
Your eyes alone look at me compassionately.
The shadow of your cloak drapes me as I sleep.
Your breath hovers over my painful stories and sweet dreams
like the full moon on a dark night.
- My interpretation
[I have taken a lot of liberties in this translation; my aim is to transfer the essence of what I have understood. I also like the present tense because it feels more personal to me if it is present tense. Its nice to see how Gurudev Tagore himself takes liberties with his own verse, attesting to allowing a wider interpretation.]
You shall remain in my heart, quietly,
Like a dark, composed, moonlit night.
You shall fill my life, my entire universe,
With grace and dignity, like a calm night.
Your passionate eyes alone shall stay awake,
Your shady veil shall provide me comfort.
You shall fill up my pain and feelings,
My successful dreams, like a delightful night.
- Translated by Anjan Ganguly
You will reside silently in my heart
Like a deep, secret full moon.
You will fill up -
My life, my bloom of youth, my whole world
With pride and joy of midnight.
Your pensive, lonely eyes will be sleepless
You will drape me with your cloak of love
You will fill up my efficacious dreams
You will erase my pains with the fragrance of midnight.
- Translated by Rabiul Zaki
You will dwell silently in my heart
Like the dense secret moonlit night
My youth, my life, my whole universe
You will pervade with pride as does the night
Your poignant eyes shall watch me
The shadow of your veil will wrap me
My sorrows and my triumphant dreams
You will fill with delicate scent like the beautiful night.
- Translated by Ratna De
Lyrics in Bengali
রাগ: বেহাগ
তাল: একতাল
রচনাকাল (বঙ্গাব্দ): ১৮ কার্তিক, ১৩০২
রচনাকাল (খৃষ্টাব্দ): 1895
রচনাস্থান: জোড়াসাঁকো
তুমি রবে নীরবে হৃদয়ে মম
নিবিড় নিভৃত পূর্ণিমানিশীথিনী-সম ।।
মম জীবন যৌবন মম অখিল ভুবন
তুমি ভরিবে গৌরবে নিশীথিনী-সম ।।
জাগিবে একাকী তব করুণ আঁখি,
তব অঞ্চলছায়া মোরে রহিবে ঢাকি ।
মম দুঃখবেদন মম সফল স্বপন
তুমি ভরিবে সৌরভে নিশীথিনী-সম ।।
I am listening to a lecture by Dr Manzur Ejaz today. He describes one of Guru Nanak's Babarvani shabads at the beginning: Jaisi Main Aveh Khasam Ki Baani. He speaks in a very sweet Punjabi, he shows a lot of respect for Guru Nanak, and his analysis is spot on.
Man Atkeya Beparwah De Naal - Listening and Singing this kaafi by Shah Hussain today ...
Says Hussain, Gods faqir, I spread my robe before you
Lord of all things visible and invisible
Kahe Husain Faqeer Numanrha
Sache Sahib Nu Mein Jana
Aurhak Kam Allah De Naal
Says Hussain, the worthless faqir,
I know the true Lord
In the end I will meet my Creator
Additional Poetry - Added by Nusrat
Wasdi Hardam Mann Mere Vich, Soorat Yaar Pyare Di
Apne Shah Nu Ap Rajawan, Hajat Nai Pasaray Di
Kahe Husain Faqeer Numanha, Theewan Khaak Daware Di
The image of the precious beloved lives constantly within my soul
I can please my love alone, I need no display
Says Hussain the worthless faqir, I am the dust on your doorstep
Sajan Bin Raatan Hoian Waddiyan
Ranjha Jogi Mein Jogiani
Kamli Kar Kar Saddyan
Sajan Bin Raatan Hoian Waddiyan
Mein Han Ayani Nooh Kee Jana
Birhon Tanawan Gaddiyan
Without my beloved the nights are long,
Ranjha is a saint and I am his follower
He has driven me senseless
Lyrics in Punjabi
ਮਨ ਅਟਕਿਆ ਬੇ-ਪਰਵਾਹਿ ਨਾਲਿ
ਮਨ ਅਟਕਿਆ ਬੇ-ਪਰਵਾਹਿ ਨਾਲਿ ।
ਉਸ ਦੀਨ ਦੁਨੀ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਾਹਿ ਨਾਲਿ ।1।ਰਹਾਉ।
ਕਾਜ਼ੀ ਮੁੱਲਾਂ ਮੱਤੀ ਦੇਂਦੇ,
ਖਰੇ ਸਿਆਣੇ ਰਾਹਿ ਦਸੇਂਦੇ,
ਇਸ਼ਕ ਕੀ ਲੱਗੇ ਰਾਹਿ ਨਾਲ ।1।
ਨਦੀਓਂ ਪਾਰ ਰਾਂਝਣ ਦਾ ਠਾਣਾ,
ਕੀਤਾ ਕਉਲ ਜ਼ਰੂਰੀ ਜਾਣਾ,
ਮਿੰਨਤਾਂ ਕਰਾਂ ਮਲਾਹਿ ਨਾਲ ।2।
ਕਹੈ ਹੁਸੈਨ ਫ਼ਕੀਰ ਨਿਮਾਣਾ,
ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਛੋਡਿ ਆਖ਼ਰ ਮਰ ਜਾਣਾ,
ਓੜਕਿ ਕੰਮ ਅਲਾਹਿ ਨਾਲ ।3।
Additional Related Poetry
Guru Nanak - Denda Deh Lehnde Thak Pahe
ਦੇਦਾ ਦੇ ਲੈਦੇ ਥਕਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
देदा दे लैदे थकि पाहि ॥
Ḏeḏā ḏe laiḏe thak pāhi.
The Great Giver keeps on giving, while those who receive grow weary of receiving.
ਜੁਗਾ ਜੁਗੰਤਰਿ ਖਾਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥
जुगा जुगंतरि खाही खाहि ॥
Jugā juganṯar kẖāhī kẖāhi.
Throughout the ages, consumers consume.
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਰਾਹੁ ॥
हुकमी हुकमु चलाए राहु ॥
Hukmī hukam cẖalāe rāhu.
The Commander, by His Command, leads us to walk on the Path.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥੩॥
नानक विगसै वेपरवाहु ॥३॥
Nānak vigsai veparvāhu. ||3||
O Nanak, He blossoms forth, Carefree and Untroubled. ||3||
Guru Arjan - Vadda Veparvaah
ਤਿਲੰਗ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਘਰੁ ੩ ॥
तिलंग महला ५ घरु ३ ॥
Ŧilang mėhlā 5 gẖar 3.
Tilang, Fifth Mehl, Third House:
ਮਿਹਰਵਾਨੁ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮਿਹਰਵਾਨੁ ॥
मिहरवानु साहिबु मिहरवानु ॥
Miharvān sāhib miharvān.
Merciful, the Lord Master is Merciful.
ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਿਹਰਵਾਨੁ ॥
साहिबु मेरा मिहरवानु ॥
Sāhib merā miharvān.
My Lord Master is Merciful.
ਜੀਅ ਸਗਲ ਕਉ ਦੇਇ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
जीअ सगल कउ देइ दानु ॥ रहाउ ॥
Jīa sagal kao ḏee ḏān. Rahāo.
He gives His gifts to all beings. ||Pause||
ਤੂ ਕਾਹੇ ਡੋਲਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਰਾਖੈਗਾ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
तू काहे डोलहि प्राणीआ तुधु राखैगा सिरजणहारु ॥
Ŧū kāhe dolėh parāṇīā ṯuḏẖ rākẖaigā sirjaṇhār.
Why do you waver, O mortal being? The Creator Lord Himself shall protect you.
ਜਿਨਿ ਪੈਦਾਇਸਿ ਤੂ ਕੀਆ ਸੋਈ ਦੇਇ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥
जिनि पैदाइसि तू कीआ सोई देइ आधारु ॥१॥
Jin paiḏāis ṯū kīā soī ḏee āḏẖār. ||1||
He who created you, will also give you nourishment. ||1||
ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਈ ਮੇਦਨੀ ਸੋਈ ਕਰਦਾ ਸਾਰ ॥
जिनि उपाई मेदनी सोई करदा सार ॥
Jin upāī meḏnī soī karḏā sār.
The One who created the world, takes care of it.
ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਮਾਲਕੁ ਦਿਲਾ ਕਾ ਸਚਾ ਪਰਵਦਗਾਰੁ ॥੨॥
घटि घटि मालकु दिला का सचा परवदगारु ॥२॥
Gẖat gẖat mālak ḏilā kā sacẖā parvarḏagār. ||2||
In each and every heart and mind, the Lord is the True Cherisher. ||2||
ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੀਮ ਨ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਵਡਾ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥
कुदरति कीम न जाणीऐ वडा वेपरवाहु ॥
Kuḏraṯ kīm na jāṇīai vadā veparvāhu.
His creative potency and His value cannot be known; He is the Great and carefree Lord.
ਕਰਿ ਬੰਦੇ ਤੂ ਬੰਦਗੀ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਘਟ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਹੁ ॥੩॥
करि बंदे तू बंदगी जिचरु घट महि साहु ॥३॥
Kar banḏe ṯū banḏagī jicẖar gẖat mėh sāhu. ||3||
O human being, meditate on the Lord, as long as there is breath in your body. ||3||
Guru Arjan - Shaahan de shaah
ਸਜਣੁ ਸਚਾ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਸਾਹਾਂ ਦੈ ਸਾਹੁ ॥
सजणु सचा पातिसाहु सिरि साहां दै साहु ॥
Sajaṇ sacẖā pāṯisāhu sir sāhāʼn ḏai sāhu.
My Friend is the True Supreme King, the King over the heads of kings.
ਜਿਸੁ ਪਾਸਿ ਬਹਿਠਿਆ ਸੋਹੀਐ ਸਭਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਵੇਸਾਹੁ ॥੨੨॥
जिसु पासि बहिठिआ सोहीऐ सभनां दा वेसाहु ॥२२॥
Jis pās bahiṯẖiā sohīai sabẖnāʼn ḏā vesāhu. ||22||
Sitting by His side, we are exalted and beautified; He is the Support of all. ||22||
Guru Nanak - Khote Ko Kharaa
ਗਉੜੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥
गउड़ी महला १ ॥
Gaoṛī mėhlā 1.
Gauree, First Mehl:
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਬੂਝਿ ਲੇ ਤਉ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਬੇਰਾ ॥
गुर परसादी बूझि ले तउ होइ निबेरा ॥
Gur parsādī būjẖ le ṯao hoe niberā.
By Guru's Grace, one comes to understand, and then, the account is settled.
ਘਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਾ ਸੋ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥੧॥
घरि घरि नामु निरंजना सो ठाकुरु मेरा ॥१॥
Gẖar gẖar nām niranjanā so ṯẖākur merā. ||1||
In each and every heart is the Name of the Immaculate Lord; He is my Lord and Master. ||1||
ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦ ਨ ਛੂਟੀਐ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਾ ॥
बिनु गुर सबद न छूटीऐ देखहु वीचारा ॥
Bin gur sabaḏ na cẖẖūtīai ḏekẖhu vīcẖārā.
Without the Word of the Guru's Shabad, no one is emancipated. See this, and reflect upon it.
ਜੇ ਲਖ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਵਹੀ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਅੰਧਿਆਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
जे लख करम कमावही बिनु गुर अंधिआरा ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
Je lakẖ karam kamāvahī bin gur anḏẖiārā. ||1|| rahāo.
Even though you may perform hundreds of thousands of rituals, without the Guru, there is only darkness. ||1||Pause||
ਅੰਧੇ ਅਕਲੀ ਬਾਹਰੇ ਕਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਸਿਉ ਕਹੀਐ ॥
अंधे अकली बाहरे किआ तिन सिउ कहीऐ ॥
Anḏẖe aklī bāhre kiā ṯin sio kahīai.
What can you say, to one who is blind and without wisdom?
ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਪੰਥੁ ਨ ਸੂਝਈ ਕਿਤੁ ਬਿਧਿ ਨਿਰਬਹੀਐ ॥੨॥
बिनु गुर पंथु न सूझई कितु बिधि निरबहीऐ ॥२॥
Bin gur panth na sūjẖī kiṯ biḏẖ nirabahīai. ||2||
Without the Guru, the Path cannot be seen. How can anyone proceed? ||2||
ਖੋਟੇ ਕਉ ਖਰਾ ਕਹੈ ਖਰੇ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ॥
खोटे कउ खरा कहै खरे सार न जाणै ॥
Kẖote kao kẖarā kahai kẖare sār na jāṇai.
He calls the counterfeit genuine, and does not know the value of the genuine.
ਅੰਧੇ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਰਖੂ ਕਲੀ ਕਾਲ ਵਿਡਾਣੈ ॥੩॥
अंधे का नाउ पारखू कली काल विडाणै ॥३॥
Anḏẖe kā nāo pārkẖū kalī kāl vidāṇai. ||3||
The blind man is known as an appraiser; this Dark Age of Kali Yuga is so strange! ||3||
ਸੂਤੇ ਕਉ ਜਾਗਤੁ ਕਹੈ ਜਾਗਤ ਕਉ ਸੂਤਾ ॥
सूते कउ जागतु कहै जागत कउ सूता ॥
Sūṯe kao jāgaṯ kahai jāgaṯ kao sūṯā.
The sleeper is said to be awake, and those who are awake are like sleepers.
ਜੀਵਤ ਕਉ ਮੂਆ ਕਹੈ ਮੂਏ ਨਹੀ ਰੋਤਾ ॥੪॥
जीवत कउ मूआ कहै मूए नही रोता ॥४॥
Jīvaṯ kao mūā kahai mūe nahī roṯā. ||4||
The living are said to be dead, and no one mourns for those who have died. ||4||
ਆਵਤ ਕਉ ਜਾਤਾ ਕਹੈ ਜਾਤੇ ਕਉ ਆਇਆ ॥
आवत कउ जाता कहै जाते कउ आइआ ॥
Āvaṯ kao jāṯā kahai jāṯe kao āiā.
One who is coming is said to be going, and one who is gone is said to have come.
ਪਰ ਕੀ ਕਉ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਕਹੈ ਅਪੁਨੋ ਨਹੀ ਭਾਇਆ ॥੫॥
पर की कउ अपुनी कहै अपुनो नही भाइआ ॥५॥
Par kī kao apunī kahai apuno nahī bẖāiā. ||5||
That which belongs to others, he calls his own, but he has no liking for that which is his. ||5||
ਮੀਠੇ ਕਉ ਕਉੜਾ ਕਹੈ ਕੜੂਏ ਕਉ ਮੀਠਾ ॥
मीठे कउ कउड़ा कहै कड़ूए कउ मीठा ॥
Mīṯẖe kao kauṛā kahai kaṛūe kao mīṯẖā.
That which is sweet is said to be bitter, and the bitter is said to be sweet.
ਰਾਤੇ ਕੀ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕਰਹਿ ਐਸਾ ਕਲਿ ਮਹਿ ਡੀਠਾ ॥੬॥
राते की निंदा करहि ऐसा कलि महि डीठा ॥६॥
Rāṯe kī ninḏā karahi aisā kal mėh dīṯẖā. ||6||
One who is imbued with the Lord's Love is slandered - his is what I have seen in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. ||6||
ਚੇਰੀ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਹਿ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਦੀਸੈ ॥
चेरी की सेवा करहि ठाकुरु नही दीसै ॥
Cẖerī kī sevā karahi ṯẖākur nahī ḏīsai.
He serves the maid, and does not see his Lord and Master.
ਪੋਖਰੁ ਨੀਰੁ ਵਿਰੋਲੀਐ ਮਾਖਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਰੀਸੈ ॥੭॥
पोखरु नीरु विरोलीऐ माखनु नही रीसै ॥७॥
Pokẖar nīr virolīai mākẖan nahī rīsai. ||7||
Churning the water in the pond, no butter is produced. ||7||
ਇਸੁ ਪਦ ਜੋ ਅਰਥਾਇ ਲੇਇ ਸੋ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਮਾਰਾ ॥
इसु पद जो अरथाइ लेइ सो गुरू हमारा ॥
Is paḏ jo arthāe lee so gurū hamārā.
One who understands the meaning of this verse is my Guru.
ਨਾਨਕ ਚੀਨੈ ਆਪ ਕਉ ਸੋ ਅਪਰ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥੮॥
नानक चीनै आप कउ सो अपर अपारा ॥८॥
Nānak cẖīnai āp kao so apar apārā. ||8||
O Nanak, one who knows his own self, is infinite and incomparable. ||8||
ਸਭੁ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਆਪੇ ਭਰਮਾਇਆ ॥
सभु आपे आपि वरतदा आपे भरमाइआ ॥
Sabẖ āpe āp varaṯḏā āpe bẖarmāiā.
He Himself is All-pervading; He Himself misleads the people.
ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਬੂਝੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੯॥੨॥੧੮॥
गुर किरपा ते बूझीऐ सभु ब्रहमु समाइआ ॥९॥२॥१८॥
Gur kirpā ṯe būjẖīai sabẖ barahm samāiā. ||9||2||18||
By Guru's Grace, one comes to understand, that God is contained in all. ||9||2||18||
Happy Earth Day folks! Those who have found love in nature can find true freedom, and inspire others to be free. I believe poetry can be a powerful tool for self-expression and can help to alleviate feelings of despair by providing a means to process and understand difficult emotions. Even just reading poetry can offer a sense of connection with others who have experienced similar feelings, and can serve as a source of inspiration and hope. This peace leads to freedom. On this earth day I am reminded of two poems that take you from grief to peace, and ultimately to freedom and lasting solace: One is by Wendell Berry and the other one by Guru Nanak:
THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS
by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Wendell Berry finds peace in observing the wood drake that rests in a lake, or a heron that feeds in it. Neither of them are taxed by the problems of the past or the future. Its like the stillness of the water has been absorbed by them, and is transferred to Wendell Berry. The stars patients wait for their time to shine at night. This is a beautiful lesson in acceptance.
It reminds me how in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, the character Scout Finch finds peace and solace in the natural world, particularly in the Radley's garden which is known as a place of beauty and wonder to the children. The Radley's garden represents a place of refuge for Scout, a place where she can escape the racial tensions and prejudices of her community and find solace in the beauty of nature.
I am also reminded of Guru Nanak's Pavan Guru Paani Pita:
Wind is Guru, Water is Father, and Earth, the Great Mother. Day and night are the two caretakers In whose lap all the world is at play.
Good deeds and bad deeds are spoken in presence of Dharma Through one’s action, one can be near or far
Those who remember Satnaam through their hard work They have radiant faces And spread freedom to others
Following are my favorite tappe videos. But before those, let me just provide some background on the importance of folk music and specifically some information on punjabi folk music and tappe.
Importance of Folk Music
Folk music is considered important for many reasons, both historically and culturally. Some of the key reasons include:
Cultural Identity: Folk music has been used as a way to preserve the cultural identity of a group of people. It often reflects the traditions, beliefs, and experiences of a particular community, and can serve as a way to connect people to their heritage.
Social Commentary: Folk music has a long history of being used to comment on social and political issues. Many folk songs address important topics such as poverty, war, and human rights, and serve as a way for people to voice their concerns and protest against injustices.
Historical Significance: Folk music can provide insight into the history and cultural traditions of a particular time and place. Many folk songs have been passed down orally from generation to generation, and they can serve as a way to understand the experiences and perspectives of people in the past.
Emotional Connection: Folk music often has a simple and straightforward musical structure that allows people to connect with the lyrics and emotions expressed in the songs. This emotional connection can be particularly powerful in live performances, where people can come together to sing and experience the music together.
Musical Diversity: Folk music encompasses a wide range of musical styles and traditions from different parts of the world. This musical diversity helps to preserve unique cultural traditions and adds to the overall richness and diversity of global music.
In short, folk music has the power to connect people to their cultural roots, express important social and political issues, provide a historical record, evoke emotional responses, and add to the diversity of global music.
Pubjabi Folk Music and Tappe
Punjabi folk music is a rich and diverse musical tradition that has its roots in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It is known for its lively and upbeat rhythms, as well as its use of traditional instruments such as the dhol, dholak, sarangi, and algoza.
'Tappa' (plural is tappe) is believed to be originated from musical talent of Ghulam Nabi Shori, i.e. Shori Miyan after getting influenced by folk music of Punjab and Sindh. It is supposed that Tappa is originally, the folk song of camel-drivers of Punjab-Sindh region, so it contains the lyrics in Punjabi language. Basically the lyrical content depicts the love and sorrow of separation of Hir and Ranjha or any lovers. Raags expressing romance, light mood or pathos such as Khamaj, Kafi, Bhairavi, Jhinjhoti, Tilang, Sindhura, Des, and Taals such as Punjabi, Pashto, Sitarkhani are popularly practiced for Tappa.
Tappe are characterized by its fast, rhythmic beat and intricate melodic patterns. The lyrics of tappe often tell stories or express emotions, and the songs are typically sung in a call-and-response style, with the lead singer improvising the melody and the chorus repeating the refrain. Usually the lyrics have three lines in the ABA pattern with the first and last line rhyming. These songs can be about romance, spirituality or just life in general.
Tappe are often performed at festivals, religious ceremonies, and other special events, and they are considered an important part of Punjabi folk music culture. The songs can be accompanied by traditional instruments, as well as by more modern instruments such as the guitar and keyboard.
The classical tappas have evolved somewhat differently from the folk tradition. I really like the folk tradition tappas. Punjabi Tappe in the folk tradition generally have three lines where lines 1 and 3 rhyme, and also generally are composed on the same tune. They can also have four lines (see below). Also, generally there is no relation between one stanza and the other - they can be looked at as independent poems.
In recent years, tappe have become increasingly popular in the Punjabi music scene, and many contemporary musicians have incorporated elements of the genre into their music (see Tappe by Yasir Hussain below). Despite this modernization, the tradition of tappe remains strong, the 3-line structure remains intact, and the songs continue to be an important part of Punjabi folk music culture.
Tappe by Jagjit Singh - Kothe te aa Maahiya
Frolic and romantic teasing:
Jagjit Singh Tappe Lyrics
Kothe te aa mahiya,
Milna taa millege,
Nai to khasmaa nu kha mahiya,
Ke leyna hai mitra to,
Milne to aa jawa,
Daar lagta hai chiitra to,
Tusi kale kale ho,
Kuch tee sharam karo,
Dhiya putra wale ho,
Aye sare dand paye kade ne,
Asi taanu chunge lagde,
Te sade dhiya put wadhde ne,
Ithe pyaar di puch koi na,
Tere nail nayui boolna,
Tere muh te much koi na,
Maja pyaar da chak langa,
Je tera hukm hoye,
Meh to dadi wi rakh langa
Bage which aaya kaaro,
Jado usii so jayye,
Tusi makhiya udaya karo,
Tusi rooj nahaya kaaro,
Makhiya to darde ho,
Gud thoda khaya karo
Eet pyaar di pawage,
Hum asi mil gaye ha,
Geet pyaar de gawa ge
https://lyricstranslate.com
Tappe by Ghulam Ali - Patna e ta mil maahiyaa
(missing the beloved)
Patna e ta mil maahiyaa
mudattaan beet gaiyaan
tera dil e ke sil maahiyaa
If you want to agree then meet
its been years
do you have a heart or a stone?
tu charh gayi doli ni
kachhiye bolaan diye
saadi jindari roli ni
mere aas rodi vey
kali main reldi saan
kandeyaan sang jodi vey
hun mel naa hone ni
sukhi vas tu adiye
saanu umraan de rone ni
anhoni hoyi mahiyaa
veriyaan zulam keeta
mera dosh na koyi mahiyaa
mera maan gavaayaa ni
sajna da sang chhad ke
tere hath ki aayaa ni?
tere pyaar di saun mainu
Rabb mainu bhul jaave
bhul jaavaan je main tainu
Interesting to hear tappe sometimes in a qawwalli (around 22 minutes into):
Do zulfaan challe vey challe Do zulfaan challe vey challe Saara jag sohna he mainde mahiye toon thale vey thale
Do naina nail deeyan
maithoo ki tareef theeve
teriyaan zulfaan valail deeyaan
Others with this:
kothe te kalo mahiya
chan pave nit chadhdaa
sanu teri hi lo mahiya
do patri anara de sadi gali lang mahiya dukh tutan bimara de
kothe te kill mahiya mudata beet gayiya
tera dil aake sil mahiya
badi chandri javaani e
ik vaari mildi e
ve dende umraa nishaani e
Tappe by Yasir Hussain
Gallan Kar Ikrar Diyan, Gallan Kar Ikrar Diyan,
Main Seene Nal La Rakhiyan, Tasveeran Yar Diyan,
Main Seene Nal La Rakhiyan, Tasveeran Yar Diyan,
Hathan Vich Chale Mundiyan Ne,
Hathan Vich Chale Mundiyan Ne,
Ni Pata Laga Phone Utte,
Ni Gallan Gairan Nal Hondiyan Ne,
Tainu Russe Nu Manawange,
Tainu Russe Nu Manawange,
Je Fer Vi Na Tu Manya,
Ve Tere Kann Utte Lavange,
Kanni Kach Diyan Mundran Ne,
Kanni Kach Diyan Mundran Ne,
Ve Ishq Da Rog La Leya,
Ve Aje Chotiyan Umran Ne,
Ve Ajj Dhabe Utton Chah Peeti,
Ve Ajj Dhabe Utton Chah Peeti,
Ve Teriyan Main Mann Mann’ke,
Ainve Zindagi Tabah Kiti,
Atta Gun Diyan Go Goke,
Atta Gun Diyan Go Goke,
Ve Din Katte Tere Asre,
Ratan Katdi An Ro Roke,
Koi Battiyan Band Kariye,
Allah Vi Naraz Hunda,
Je Sajna Tu Tang Kariye,
Allah Vi Naraz Honda,
Je Sajna Tu Tang Kariye.
On November 25th, 1915, Albert Einstein unveiled his general theory of relativity to the Prussian Academy of Sciences, the result of nearly a decade of intense research. This two-page paper would elevate Einstein to worldwide fame and secure his place as one of the greatest physicists in history. A few days before this presentation, Einstein wrote a letter to his 11-year-old son, Hans Albert, who was residing in Vienna with his second son, Eduard 'Tete,' and his estranged wife, Mileva. The letter, which can be found in the book "Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children," features advice from Einstein to his son Hans Albert on love, learning, creativity and passion.
Albert Einstein's letter to his son
My dear Albert,
Yesterday I received your dear letter and was very happy with it. I was already afraid you wouldn’t write to me at all any more. You told me when I was in Zurich, that it is awkward for you when I come to Zurich. Therefore I think it is better if we get together in a different place, where nobody will interfere with our comfort. I will in any case urge that each year we spend a whole month together, so that you see that you have a father who is fond of you and who loves you. You can also learn many good and beautiful things from me, something another cannot as easily offer you. What I have achieved through such a lot of strenuous work shall not only be there for strangers but especially for my own boys. These days I have completed one of the most beautiful works of my life, when you are bigger, I will tell you about it.
I am very pleased that you find joy with the piano. This and carpentry are in my opinion for your age the best pursuits, better even than school. Because those are things which fit a young person such as you very well. Mainly play the things on the piano which please you, even if the teacher does not assign those. That is the way to learn the most, that when you are doing something with such enjoyment that you don’t notice that the time passes. I am sometimes so wrapped up in my work that I forget about the noon meal. . . .
Be with Tete kissed by your
Papa.
Regards to Mama.
Love is central to learning
I often say that if you are not singing at work, you need to work on your singing. You have to love what you do. The most poignant sentence I found in this letter is the following: Mainly play the things on the piano which please you, even if the teacher does not assign those. He taught him the timeless lesson that love is central to learning.
Love is a powerful emotion that can play a significant role in the learning process. When we love something or someone, we are more likely to be motivated to learn about it or them, and to put in the effort to understand and appreciate them more fully. Love also creates a positive and supportive environment for learning, as it fosters a sense of safety and security that allows us to take risks and explore new ideas without fear of failure.
Research has also shown that love can have a direct impact on the way our brains process information and form connections. Studies have found that when we are in a state of love, our brains release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of trust, attachment and emotional bonding. Oxytocin also increases the activity in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. This means that when we love something or someone, our brains are more active and better able to process new information and form lasting memories.
Furthermore, when children feel loved and supported by their parents or caregivers, they are more likely to develop a positive self-concept and self-esteem, which are essential for a healthy psychological development and academic success.
In summary, Love plays a fundamental role in learning, it creates a positive and supportive environment, it fosters motivation, it can have a direct impact on the way our brain processes information and forms connections, and it is essential for a healthy psychological development and academic success.
I thought how this can be tested using historical and literary examples.
One example of fatherly love from history is the relationship between Alexander the Great and his father, Philip II of Macedon. Despite Philip having multiple wives and children, he had a strong bond with Alexander and was a dedicated and involved father. Philip recognized Alexander's potential and provided him with the best education, hiring Aristotle to be his personal tutor. He also took Alexander with him on military campaigns and gave him important responsibilities, grooming him to be his successor. Alexander deeply respected and loved his father and was deeply affected by his assassination. He even named one of his cities after him, Alexandria.
An example of fatherly love from literature is Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." Atticus is a single father raising his two children, Jem and Scout, in the 1930s in Alabama. Despite the racism and prejudice of the time, Atticus teaches his children to be fair and just, and to treat everyone with kindness and respect. He also shows them the importance of courage and standing up for what is right. Atticus's love for his children is evident throughout the book and he is willing to put himself in harm's way to protect them.
Rabba Kadi Vi Na Pain Vichore - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
[verse and chorus highlighted in bold]
Vichhar Gaya Mere dil Da Jaani
Te Mein Kakhan Wangar Rul Gayi
Phullan Naalan Naazuk Jindare
Meri Vich Kandiyah De Khul Gayi
Gham Sajna De Maar Mukaaya
Te Mein Athru Ban Ke Dul Gayi
Ik Mahia Teri Yaad Na Bhuldi
Baki Her Shay Jag Di Bhul Gayi
Rabba Kadi Vi Na Pain Vichore,
Sunn Lai Duawan Meriyaan
Koyi Jaande Hoye Sajjnaa Nu Morre,
Sunn Lai Duawan Meriyaan
rog vijog te sog hazaaran sajna tere naa de
oh na bhaandi roz qayaamat vichchde yaar jihna de
Rabba Kadi …
Hauke Haade Hijar de Athru, De Geya Yaar Sugaataan
Murr Na Aya Dill De Jaani, Beet Gayiyaan Barsataan
Rabba Kadi …
dukhi dil diyan haawan sunn lai rabba
seene agg hijr di baldi e
chheti mel mere maahi nu
hun jaan proni paldi e
Rabba Kadi …
Jis din da mami vichhar gaya
mainu saun de chete bhul gaye ne
akhaan mud mud raavaan vekhdiyaan
hun aun de chete bhul gaye ne
Rabba Kadi …
pyaar diyan jhokan shala inj rehan wasiyan
rol na vichchodeyan thalan vich sassiyan
din pyaar de kadi na hon thore
Sun lai duavaan meriyaan
Rabba Kadi …
pawe na judayi kadi eho fariyaad e
sajna de dam naal eh duniya abaad e
koi dil na kise da tode
sunn lai duavaan merian
Nayi langda waqt wichory da Bin yar guzara kon kary Dunya to kinara ho sakda Yaran to kinara kon kary Ik din howy te lang jawy Sari umar guzara kon kary
pawe na judayi kadi eho fariyaad e
sajna de dam naal eh duniya abaad e
koi dil na kise da tode
sunn lai duavaan merian
Rabba Kadi …
aasan te umeedan shala sada hon pooriyan
pasha ji na pain kadi pyar vich dooriyan
hadd dardan da kadi vi na rode
sunn lai duavaan merian
Rabba Kadi …
Lyrics from other versions of this song:
Aa kaga tenu churiyan paavan,
Kadi sadae vi baith banere.
De paigam koi sjna wala
Ve main shagn manava tere.
Aa ke baith banere sade
Shayed aa jaan saajn mere.
Addiyan chuk chuk Raah tere
Takka sham savere
Rabba Kadi …
Ucheeyaan Shaanaan Waleyaan Saayiyaan,
Sunn lai Meriyaan HAaal Duhaayiaan
Rabba Kadi …
pardes gaya na mud ke aaya
maahi kal da waada kar ke
ausiyan paawan kaag udaawan
sochan maththe te hath dhar ke
khair howe mera dil vi dole
naale kal di akh vi phadke
ankhiyan neend na maanan sayiyo
payiyan raundiyan hoke bhar ke
Rabba Kadi …
Lad gaya dil jaani deke dard ghanera
aj sajjana de bajon sunna chaar chaphera
MORE LYRICS
aukha langda waqt
bina yaar guzaara kon kare
Rabba Kaddi Vi Na Paenn Vichorre, Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Koyi Jaande Hoye Sajjnaa Nu Morre, Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Hoke Harre Hijar de Athru, De Geya Yaar Sugaataan
Murr Na Aye Dill De Jaani, Beet Gayiyaan Barsataan
Rabba Kaddi Vi Na Paenn Vichorre, Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Rog Vijog Te Sog Hazaaran, Te Sajjna Tere Naaan De
Onaa Bhaa(n)ti Roz Qyamat, Vichrae Yaar Jina De
Rabba Kaddi Vi Na Paenn Vichorre, Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Ucheeyaan Shaanaan Waleyaan Saayiyaan, Sunn lai Meriyaan HAaal Duhaayiaan
Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Rabba Kaddi Vi Na Paenn Vichorre, Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Dukhi Dill diya Haawaan, Hunn Sunn Lae Rabban
Seeene Latt Hijjar Di, Baldi ee
Chaetti Mel De Mere Mahi Nu, Hunn Jaan Praoni Pal Di ee
Rabba Kaddi Vi Na Paenn Vichorre, Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
Sunn Lai Duyawaan Meriyaan
MORE LYRICS
gaflat na kar yaar pariton chchadd jangli rehan basera
panchi mud gharan nu aa gaye kyun chit nahi karda tera
wal wal ishq marenda halle atte main teri tu mera
yaar fareed karan jind qurbaani je yaar paawe hik phera
mangalwaar main aajid kitii mainu os maahi diyan sallan
sukh su nede dardan waale te main kis da ad hath gallan
bedardi ki dard pachchanan evein karan zabaani gallan
yaar fareed os maahi baajon main rul gayi haan vich challan
rabba kadi vi na pain vichchode
sunn lai duawan merian
waasta e tenu tere yaar da
rabba kadi vi na pain vichchode
kise da yaar na pardes jaawe
vichchoda na kise de pesh aawe
unchiyan shaanan waaleya saiyaan
sunn lai merian haal duhayiyaan
dukhi dil diyan haawan sunn lai rabba
seene agg hijr di baldi e
chheti mel mere maahi nu
hun jaan proni paldi e
din vich udeekan lang jaanda
aassan vich raat viha jaandi
inj dil nu aara dendi haan
hun aa jande hun aa jande
rabba kadi vi na pain vichchode
sunn lai duawan merian
koi jaande hoye sajna nu mode
sunn lai duawan merian
dardan maari main ro ro haari
nahi aunde dost dili de
jivein dilbar kiti naal asaade
evein dushman nahi karinde
dushman lok te maa peo wairi
ghulam fareed main mangan duawan
na nikran yaar kisi de
pyaar diyan jhokan shala inj rehan wasiyan
rol na vichchodeyan thalan vuch sassiyan
din pyar de kade na hon thode
sunn lai duawan merian
pawe na judayi kadi eho fariyaad e
sajna de dam naal eh duniya aabad e
koi dil na kise da tode
sunn lai duawan merian
aasan te umeedan shala sada hon pooriyan
pasha ji na pain kadi pyar vich dooriyan
hadd dardan da kadi vi na rode
sunn lai duawan merian
Sir te topi, te niyat khoti Lena ki topi sir dhar ke.
Tasbi pheri par dil na phireya, Lena ki phir tasbi hath phar ke.
Chille kitte par rab na mileya, Lena ki Chillyan wich warh ke.
You wear a prayer cap, but still you harbour ill intent So what good is wearing a cap on your head?
You spend time in recitation over prayer beads,but don't feel it in Your heart, So what do you get out of holding prayer beads in your hands?
You performed all your rituals, but didn't find god What good will observing such rituals do?
You can't curdle milk without rennet, Even if you make it red by trying.
Jaag here can be "Guru" or "Love"
I have been invited to participate in a seminar on resisting injustice and building equity. Coincidentally this morning I was reading a letter today that Russian writer Dostoevsky to his brother right after being pardoned from a death sentence; his story is very interesting. This letter is a great example in resisting injustice and maintaining hope in dire times. Dostoevsky's letter (excerpted below) reminds me of many truths about life, love, hope, truth and resistance. I am also reminded of Guru Nanak's resistance against the atrocities of Babar, and singing the songs of murder (khoon ke sohele), a daring act of courage. I am also reminded of Guru Arjan's sweet song of hope, Tera Kiya Meetha Laagai, which he sang sitting on the iron plate upon which he would die. Dostoevsky letter is definitely worth a read for anyone trying to affirm the purpose of life:
Dostoevsky after his mock-execution: An excerpt of his letter to his brother
Brother, my precious friend! I have not become gloomy or low-spirited; life is everywhere life, life is in ourselves and not in what is outside us. To be among people and remain a man forever, not to despair nor to be downhearted – this is life, this is the task of life. This idea has entered deeply into my flesh and into my blood.
Yes, it’s true! The head which was creating and living with the highest life of art, which had realized and grown used to the highest needs of the spirit, that head has already been cut off from my shoulders. There remain the memory and the images created but not yet incarnated. They will tear me, it is true! But there remains in me my heart and the same flesh and blood which are still capable of loving and suffering, desiring and remembering, and this, after all, is life. On voit le soleil!
My God! How many imaginations lived through by me, created by me anew will be extinguished in my brain or will be spilled as poison in my blood! If I am not allowed to write, I will perish! Better 15 years of prison with a pen in my hands!
Do not grieve for me for the love of God! Do believe that I am not downhearted, do remember that hope is still alive in me. In four years there will be a mitigation of my fate. I will serve as a private – much better than being a prisoner, and remember that someday I will embrace you! I was today in the grip of death for three quarters of an hour; I have lived it through with that idea; I was at the last instant and now I live again!
If anyone has bad memories about me or bears a grudge against me, tell them to forgive and forget it. There is no resentment or spite in my soul. I wish I could embrace any one of my former friends with great fondness.
When I look back at the past, I realize how much time has been wasted in vain, how much time has been lost in delusions, in errors, in ignorance of how to live, how I did not value time, how often I sinned against my heart and my spirit, and my heart starts bleeding. Life is a gift, life is happiness, every minute of my life might have been an age of happiness.
I tear myself from everything that was dear; it is painful to leave it! It is painful to break oneself in two, to cut the heart in two.
Mere Ridai Tu Aao on Baisakhi
Today on Baisakhi the sunset makes everything saffron and it inspires the hope of guru darshan ... so the seeker takes a long journey to meet at the guru at harimandir and asks the guru for this gift: Let me slow down from the hustle bustle of life to remember and sing hari's name until my mind is fashioned by hari's shabad. Give me this wisdom that is exalted, this mati that has been made uttam like the sunset has made everything saffron. And the true guru leads the seeker gently to a deep journey within.
Video with my translation follows. Lyrics and alternative translations are below along with additional Gurbani that I meditated upon on hearing this shabad.
My Translation
O exalted wisdom
come into my heart
let me sing and ponder
the virtues of Govinda
and let me be enthralled
in the true essence
With the Guru's word
let me fashion my mind.
Envisioning the Guru
let me collect Hari's wealth.
Let me be sated
only by the truth
Instead of 68 holy pilgrimages
let me choose the dust of saints' feet
Let me recognize
the one doer in everyone
Engaging with the saints
let my wisdom blossom
Let me serve everyone
giving up my pride
To me, O guru,
give this blessing
English Lyrics and Translation - Bhai Manmohan Singh
Āsā mėhlā 5.
Asa 5th Guru.
Gur kai sabaḏ banāvahu ih man.
In the mould of Guru's instruction, I fashion this mind of mine.
आसा महला ५ ॥ गुर कै सबदि बनावहु इहु मनु ॥ गुर का दरसनु संचहु हरि धनु ॥१॥
पद्अर्थ: सबदि = शब्द के द्वारा। बनावहु = नए सिरे से घड़ो, सुंदर बना लो। संचहु = इकट्ठा करो।1।
अर्थ: (हे भाई!) गुरु के शब्द में जुड़ के (अपने) इस मन को नए सिरे से घड़ो। (गुरु का शब्द ही) गुरु का दीदार है (इस शब्द की इनायत से) परमात्मा का नाम-धन इकट्ठा करो।1।
ऊतम मति मेरै रिदै तूं आउ ॥ धिआवउ गावउ गुण गोविंदा अति प्रीतम मोहि लागै नाउ ॥१॥ रहाउ॥
पद्अर्थ: मति = हे मति! मेरै रिदै = मेरे हृदय में, मेरे अंदर। धिआवउ = मैं ध्याऊँ। गावउ = मैं गाऊँ। अति प्रीतम = बहुत प्यारा। मोहि = मुझे।1। रहाउ।
अर्थ: हे श्रेष्ठ मति! (अगर गुरु मेहर करे तो) तू मेरे अंदर आ के बस ता कि मैं परमात्मा के गुण गाऊँ परमात्मा का ध्यान धरूँ और परमात्मा का नाम मुझे बहुत प्यारा लगने लगे।1। रहाउ।
त्रिपति अघावनु साचै नाइ ॥ अठसठि मजनु संत धूराइ ॥२॥
पद्अर्थ: त्रिपति = तृप्ति, संतुष्टि। अघावन = पेट भर जाना, तृप्ति। नाइ = नाम के द्वारा। अठसठि = अढ़सठ। मजनु = स्नान। धूराइ = धूल।2।
अर्थ: (हे भाई!) गुरु के चरणों की धूल अढ़सठ तीर्थों का स्नान है। (गुरु के द्वारा) सदा कायम रहने वाले परमात्मा के नाम में जुड़ने से तृष्णा खत्म हो जाती है, मन की भूख मिट जाती है।2।
सभ महि जानउ करता एक ॥ साधसंगति मिलि बुधि बिबेक ॥३॥
पद्अर्थ: जानउ = मैं जानता हूँ, जानूँ। मिलि = मिल के। बिबेक = अच्छे बुरे की परख।3।
अर्थ: (हे भाई!) गुरु की संगति में मिल के मैंने अच्छे-बुरे की परख करने वाली बुद्धि प्राप्त कर ली है और मैं अब सभी में एक कर्तार को ही बसता पहचानता हूँ।3।
छिजै न जाइ किछु भउ न बिआपे हरि धनु निरमलु गाठे ॥३॥
Cẖẖijai na jā▫e kicẖẖ bẖa▫o na bi▫āpe har ḏẖan nirmal gāṯẖe. ||3||
I am not worn down, I do not die, and nothing strikes fear in me, since I have the wealth of the Lord's Immaculate Name in my purse. ||3||
Usage of Hari Naam
ਠਾਕੁਰ ਨਾਮੁ ਕੀਓ ਉਨਿ ਵਰਤਨਿ ॥
ठाकुर नामु कीओ उनि वरतनि ॥
Ŧẖākur nām kī▫o un varṯan.
They make the Name of their Lord and Master their way of life;
ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਅਘਾਵਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਕੈ ਦਰਸਨਿ ॥੧॥
त्रिपति अघावनु हरि कै दरसनि ॥१॥
Ŧaripaṯ agẖāvan har kai ḏarsan. ||1||
they are satisfied and fulfilled with the Blessed Vision of the Lord's Darshan. ||1||
The light of the one doer is within everyone
ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥
सभ महि जोति जोति है सोइ ॥
Sabẖ mėh joṯ joṯ hai so▫e.
Amongst all is the Light-You are that Light.
ਤਿਸ ਦੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
तिस दै चानणि सभ महि चानणु होइ ॥
Ŧis ḏai cẖānaṇ sabẖ mėh cẖānaṇ ho▫e.
By this Illumination, that Light is radiant within all.
The doer is one
ਆਪੇ ਮਾਛੀ ਮਛੁਲੀ ਆਪੇ ਪਾਣੀ ਜਾਲੁ ॥
आपे माछी मछुली आपे पाणी जालु ॥
Āpe mācẖẖī macẖẖulī āpe pāṇī jāl.
He Himself is the fisherman and the fish; He Himself is the water and the net.
ਆਪੇ ਜਾਲ ਮਣਕੜਾ ਆਪੇ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਲਾਲੁ ॥੨॥
आपे जाल मणकड़ा आपे अंदरि लालु ॥२॥
Āpe jāl maṇkaṛā āpe anḏar lāl. ||2||
He Himself is the sinker, and He Himself is the bait. ||2||
I am honored to be sitting down to have an online chat with Pritpal Singh Khalsa ji from Sikh Dharma International on Wednesday, April 14, 3PM EST. I will be releasing a new video following our chat. It is a Guru Arjan shabad in Raag Asa about finding the exalted wisdom of the Guru within, which I thought would be apt for Baisakhi. This chat will be available on Facebook as well as YouTube.
The video will premier on my YouTube channel at 5PM PST (I don't know how the premier timing works so it didn't premiere at 5PM EST as scheduled; I might to a regular launch if it still doesn't work) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDoOheLp3tc
Reading Emily Dickinson in the morning ... there is just enough time in this life to make a little toil of love.
I HAD no time to hate, because
The grave would hinder me,
And life was not so ample I
Could finish enmity.
Nor had I time to love; but since
Some industry must be,
The little toil of love, I thought,
Was large enough for me.
It’s 3.00am on Saturday morning and I haven’t gone to bed yet because I was part of this panel discussing the need and modes of spiritual transformation. And while I am trying to fall asleep I searched for a random poem by Emily Dickinson. And it turns to be a poem about how words can bring a transformation in a person. A transformation from finite to a lot more.
He ate and drank the precious words,
His spirit grew robust; He knew no more that he was poor, Nor that his frame was dust. He danced along the dingy days, And this bequest of wings Was but a book. What liberty A loosened spirit brings!
The eating and drinking of the words reminds me of Guru Arjan’s words towards the end of the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib: Thaal vich tin vastu. In the platter of this book are words which have three ingredients: truth, contentment and contemplation. These are the virtues which when consumed bring about the freedom of the spirit that Emily Dickinson talks about in her poem.
As part of Bhagat Namdev's 750th birth anniversary celebrations I am listening to all kinds of compositions. Last night I heard something from Rabbi Shergill of bulla ki jaana fame. The composition is in Raag des which is similar to Raag Sorath under which Guru Arjan categorized this shabad. Sometime last year I made a composition of this shabad. I really like Rabbi Shergill's version - the video, the music, the meditation elements and the translation; everything that a meditative shabad needs is there.
Pāṛ Paṛōsaṇi - Thus Spake Namdev by Rabbi Shergill
Lyrics for Paar Parosan:
pāṛ paṛosaṇi pūchi le nāmā kā pahi chān chavāi ho
to pahi dugṇi majūrī daihau mo kau beḍhī dehu batāī ho
r ī bāī beḍhī denu nā jāī
dekh beḍhī rahio samāī
hamārai beḍhī prān adhārā
beḍhī prīti majūrī māngai jau koū chāni chavāvai ho
log kuṭamb sabhahu te torai tau āpan beḍhī āvai ho
aiso beḍhī barni nā sākau sabh antar sabh ṭhānī ho
gūngai mahā amrit rasu cakhiā pūchai kahanu na jāī ho
beḍhī ke guṇa suni rī bāī jaladhi bāndh dhrū thāpio ho
nāme ke suāmī sīa bahori lank bhabhikhaṇa āpio ho
English Translation:
The lady next door asks Nama 'Who made your hut?
I'll pay him double, just tell me who the builder is'
O lady! The builder can't be spoken of
See! He's everywhere
This builder is the source of all life
The builder demands love from whoever wants his hut made
Give up all attachment and the builder will come by himself
It's hard to describe a builder who is within and without
A mute may taste the elixir but describing it is beyond him
Listen well my lady! The builder bridged the ocean and put up the polestar
It was Nama's Lord that saved Sita and dedicated Lanka to Vibhishana
I collected poems by William Stafford by searching postings on twitter. I have found this to be a good way to find poems that people love. In this case I was trying to find which poems of William Stafford are most loved. I am posting the poems I found below. Of the ones I found on twitter, I really liked Freedom and The Way It Is.
Freedom is one where his voice comes alive. It’s about waking up in the morning at 4:30am and setting aside 3-3:30 hours for writing. Apparently he started this discipline in 1942 and continued the practice throughout his life. Other people would think this kind of dedication and commitment was something he forced himself to do. But for him this kind of a schedule came with intuitive ease. It was his “freedom.” This reminds me of guru Gobind Singh’s Sanyasa in which is emphasizes “nem” or “niyam”, a regular spiritual practice. Sanyaas also implies some kind of freedom from the world. And the Guru says it’s the freedom of the mind that is important.
Singing oneness!
