In many religious and spiritual traditions, humility is revered as a foundational trait, described as the alphabet upon which all other virtues are built. This metaphor emphasizes the essential role humility plays in shaping one’s character and spiritual journey. From humility springs the virtue of forgiveness, which further develops into the sweetness of one’s words and actions—an attribute described as the "magic mantra" that has the power to transform and captivate.

The verse from Gurbani that asks, "What is that word, what is that virtue, and what is that magic mantra?" invites deep contemplation. It seeks to uncover the core principles that can guide an individual toward spiritual fulfillment. The answer lies in the subsequent lines, where humility is identified as the "akhar" (letter), forgiveness as the "gun" (virtue), and sweetness in speech as the "mant" (mantra). These three qualities together form the essence of a life that resonates with divinity and harmony.

Humility, in this context, is likened to the alphabet—the building blocks of language and communication. Just as letters are fundamental to forming words and conveying meaning, humility is fundamental to spiritual growth and ethical living. It is the first step in the journey of self-realization, where one acknowledges their smallness in the vastness of the universe. By embracing humility, one begins to dismantle the ego, which is often the greatest barrier to true understanding and connection with the divine.

Humility is not just about lowering oneself but recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. It’s about seeing oneself as part of a larger whole, where the well-being of others is as important as one’s own. This perspective naturally leads to the next virtue: forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the direct outcome of humility. When one is humble, they can see beyond their own pain and grievances, recognizing that others, too, are fallible. Forgiveness becomes a way of releasing the burden of anger and resentment, allowing both the forgiver and the forgiven to move forward. In Sikhism, forgiveness is not merely an act but a state of being—a constant readiness to let go of grudges and embrace others with compassion.

This virtue is powerful because it breaks the cycle of vengeance and hostility, replacing it with understanding and peace. It is through forgiveness that relationships are healed and communities are strengthened. This virtue also paves the way for the next transformative quality: sweetness in speech.

The culmination of humility and forgiveness is sweetness—both in speech and in demeanor. Sweet speech is described as a "magic mantra" because of its ability to soothe, comfort, and bring joy to others. It is a reflection of inner peace and contentment, qualities that are nurtured by humility and forgiveness.

Sweetness in communication is not just about being polite; it is about speaking with sincerity, kindness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. It is the outward expression of a heart that has been softened by humility and forgiveness. This sweetness has a transformative effect, creating a ripple of positivity that can touch everyone it encounters.

The verse concludes by advising the "wearing" of these three qualities—humility, forgiveness, and sweetness—as garments that will captivate the "Husband Lord," a metaphor for the divine presence. This suggests that these virtues are not merely moral guidelines but spiritual practices that bring one closer to the divine. By embodying these traits, one becomes aligned with the divine will, living in harmony with the universe and experiencing a deep sense of fulfillment.

In essence, humility, forgiveness, and sweetness form a triad of virtues that are foundational to a life of spiritual richness. They are interdependent, each reinforcing the other in a cycle that leads to greater understanding, compassion, and joy. These qualities are not just ideals to aspire to but practical tools for daily living, guiding one toward a more peaceful and meaningful existence.

ਕਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਅਖਰੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਗੁਣੁ ਕਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਮਣੀਆ ਮੰਤੁ ॥

kavanu su akhar kavan gun kavanu su maneeaa ma(n)t ||

What is that word, what is that virtue, and what is that magic mantra?

ਕਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਵੇਸੋ ਹਉ ਕਰੀ ਜਿਤੁ ਵਸਿ ਆਵੈ ਕੰਤੁ ॥੧੨੬॥

kavanu su veso hau karee jit vas aavai ka(n)t ||126||

What are those clothes, which I can wear to captivate my Husband Lord? ||126||

ਨਿਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਅਖਰੁ ਖਵਣੁ ਗੁਣੁ ਜਿਹਬਾ ਮਣੀਆ ਮੰਤੁ ॥

nivanu su akhar khavan gun jihabaa maneeaa ma(n)t ||

Humility is the letter, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra.

ਏ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਭੈਣੇ ਵੇਸ ਕਰਿ ਤਾਂ ਵਸਿ ਆਵੀ ਕੰਤੁ ॥੧੨੭॥

e trai bhaine ves kar taa(n) vas aavee ka(n)t ||127||

Wear these three robes, O sister, and you will captivate your Husband Lord. ||127||

Notice what Guru Nanak says about sweetness in this shabad in Raag Shri: 

ਕਰਤਾ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਤੇਰੈ ਜੋਰਿ ॥

karataa sabh ko terai jor ||

O Creator Lord, all are in Your Power.

ਏਕੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੀਐ ਜਾ ਤੂ ਤਾ ਕਿਆ ਹੋਰਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

ek sabadh beechaareeaai jaa too taa kiaa hor ||1|| rahaau ||

I dwell upon the One Word of the Shabad. You are mine-what else do I need? ||1||Pause||

ਜਾਇ ਪੁਛਹੁ ਸੋਹਾਗਣੀ ਤੁਸੀ ਰਾਵਿਆ ਕਿਨੀ ਗੁਣਂੀ ॥

jai puchhahu sohaaganee tusee raaviaa kinee gunee(n) ||

Go, and ask the happy soul-brides, ""By what virtuous qualities do you enjoy your Husband Lord?""

ਸਹਜਿ ਸੰਤੋਖਿ ਸੀਗਾਰੀਆ ਮਿਠਾ ਬੋਲਣੀ ॥

sahaj sa(n)tokh seegaareeaa mittaa bolanee ||

"We are adorned with intuitive ease, contentment and sweet words.

ਪਿਰੁ ਰੀਸਾਲੂ ਤਾ ਮਿਲੈ ਜਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣੀ ॥੨॥

pir reesaaloo taa milai jaa gur kaa sabadh sunee ||2||

We meet with our Beloved, the Source of Joy, when we listen to the Word of the Guru's Shabad.""||2||

Next up in the series: 

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਜੇ ਤੂ ਅਕਲਿ ਲਤੀਫੁ ਕਾਲੇ ਲਿਖੁ ਨ ਲੇਖ ॥

fareedhaa je too akal lateef kaale likh na lekh ||

Fareed, if you have a keen understanding, then do not write black marks against anyone else.

ਆਪਨੜੇ ਗਿਰੀਵਾਨ ਮਹਿ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਂੀਵਾਂ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੁ ॥੬॥

aapanaRe gireevaan meh sir nee(n)vaa(n) kar dhekh ||6||

Look underneath your own collar instead. ||6||