Archive for October 2024

After composing Bhai Santokh Singh ji's Raam So Daas, I have been doing some research on this amazing poet. He has been a revered figure in Punjabi and Sikh literature, is most famously known for his epic work Gur Partap Suraj Granth (or Suraj Parkash). His poetry not only captures the essence of Sikh spirituality but also immortalizes key moments of Sikh history.

Although the exact details of Bhai Santokh Singh’s early life aren’t widely documented, his lifelong dedication to the Sikh faith is evident through his writing. Born in the early 19th century, Bhai Santokh Singh's work flourished during a time when oral traditions and religious narratives played a vital role in the preservation of Sikh history. His most significant work, Suraj Parkash, is a monumental text that offers both a historical and spiritual guide to the lives of the Sikh Gurus. This work, written in Braj Bhasha (a dialect used by many poets of the time), combines intricate storytelling with a profound sense of devotion.

For those interested in exploring Suraj Parkash online, you can find translations and explanations of this epic on SikhiWiki, where the entire composition is available with summaries of key chapters. Another valuable resource is Suraj Parkash Katha, a YouTube playlist that features audio recitations of the text for those who prefer to listen to its verses.

The Epic Poem: Gur Partap Suraj Granth

Gur Partap Suraj Granth, Bhai Santokh Singh’s magnum opus, spans thousands of verses and is one of the most detailed accounts of Sikh history. It is divided into two main sections: the Raas, which discusses the creation of the world and early Sikh history, and the Rut, which narrates the life stories of the ten Sikh Gurus. Each verse is imbued with a deep sense of respect for the spiritual teachings of the Gurus while also documenting critical events in Sikh history.

If you're looking to explore this epic further, the Sikh Digital Library offers digitized versions of Suraj Parkash as well as scholarly articles that analyze its historical significance.

Themes in Bhai Santokh Singh’s Poetry

Spiritual Devotion

Bhai Santokh Singh's poetry is centered around a deep devotion to Sikhism. His works often reflect on the teachings of the Gurus, focusing on concepts such as divine justice, faith, and humility. In Suraj Parkash, for example, his portrayal of Guru Arjan Dev’s martyrdom is both a historical account and a spiritual lesson on the value of sacrifice for faith.

For more on Sikh spirituality as expressed through poetry, you can visit SikhNet, which offers an extensive range of articles, podcasts, and videos on Sikh spiritual teachings and literature.

Historical Preservation

Bhai Santokh Singh’s writings also serve as a rich historical record, preserving key events in the Sikh faith for future generations. He documented events like the founding of the Khalsa and the martyrdom of Sikh leaders in verse, creating a form of historical poetry that blends narration with spiritual reflection.

For historical insights, check out the Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, which provides in-depth coverage of key events mentioned in Suraj Parkash and other works of Bhai Santokh Singh.

Ethical and Moral Teachings

Much of Bhai Santokh Singh’s poetry is didactic, imparting lessons on how to live a life in line with Sikh values. His verses remind readers of the importance of virtues such as service (seva), humility, and sacrifice. These teachings are a reflection of the Guru Granth Sahib’s emphasis on living a life of compassion and righteousness.

For a deeper understanding of these moral themes, Sikh Research Institute offers insightful educational resources, including courses and articles that explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of Sikh literature.

The Legacy of Bhai Santokh Singh

Bhai Santokh Singh’s work has had a profound influence on Sikh literature and remains an integral part of Sikh religious education. His poetry is not only recited in Sikh congregations worldwide but also continues to be a source of inspiration for scholars and devotees alike. Whether through audio recitations, written translations, or live discussions, his works continue to be celebrated across different platforms.

To explore more of Bhai Santokh Singh’s legacy, you can visit Guru Granth Sahib Academy, which features discussions and interpretations of Sikh scriptures and historical texts, including Suraj Parkash.

Celebrating Guru Ramdas' Gurpurab this year with his beautiful words. He says of all the good deeds, one of the great good deeds is to bow before a Sadhu, a person who is a seeker and is walking on the path of oneness. Despite our tradition of humility we often forget to respect those who are walking on the path of oneness. May we always be inspired to be inspired by them.

Much thanks and gratitude to Ahsan Ali for his beautiful Sarangi and Bhai Rajvinder Singh ji for his inimitable Tabla.

The following are the traditional translations. I will be discussing this shabad later this week in live contemplations. For a more detailed introduction on this shabad please see: 1 hour discussion on Kar Sadhu Anjali

ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ ਪੂਰਬੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥

raag gauRee poorabee mahalaa chauthhaa ||

रागु गउड़ी पूरबी महला ४ ॥

Raag Gauree Poorbee, Fourth Mehla:

ਕਾਮਿ ਕਰੋਧਿ ਨਗਰੁ ਬਹੁ ਭਰਿਆ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਖੰਡਲ ਖੰਡਾ ਹੇ ॥

kaam karodh nagar bahu bhariaa mil saadhoo kha(n)ddal kha(n)ddaa he ||

कामि करोधि नगरु बहु भरिआ मिलि साधू खंडल खंडा हे ॥

The body-village is filled to overflowing with anger and sexual desire; these were broken into bits when I met with the Holy Saint.

ਪੂਰਬਿ ਲਿਖਤ ਲਿਖੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਲਿਵ ਮੰਡਲ ਮੰਡਾ ਹੇ ॥੧॥

poorab likhat likhe gur paiaa man har liv ma(n)ddal ma(n)ddaa he ||1||

पूरबि लिखत लिखे गुरु पाइआ मनि हरि लिव मंडल मंडा हे ॥१॥

By pre-ordained destiny, I have met with the Guru. I have entered into the realm of the Lord's Love. ||1||

ਕਰਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਅੰਜੁਲੀ ਪੁਨੁ ਵਡਾ ਹੇ ॥

kar saadhoo a(n)julee pun vaddaa he ||

करि साधू अंजुली पुनु वडा हे ॥

Greet the Holy Saint with your palms pressed together; this is an act of great merit.

ਕਰਿ ਡੰਡਉਤ ਪੁਨੁ ਵਡਾ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

kar dda(n)ddaut pun vaddaa he ||1|| rahaau ||

करि डंडउत पुनु वडा हे ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥

Bow down before Him; this is a virtuous action indeed. ||1||Pause||

ਸਾਕਤ ਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਕੰਡਾ ਹੇ ॥

saakat har ras saadh na jaaniaa tin a(n)tar haumai ka(n)ddaa he ||

साकत हरि रस सादु न जाणिआ तिन अंतरि हउमै कंडा हे ॥

The wicked shaaktas, the faithless cynics, do not know the Taste of the Lord's Sublime Essence. The thorn of egotism is embedded deep within them.

ਜਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਚਲਹਿ ਚੁਭੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ਸਹਹਿ ਸਿਰਿ ਡੰਡਾ ਹੇ ॥੨॥

jiau jiau chaleh chubhai dhukh paaveh jamakaal saheh sir dda(n)ddaa he ||2||

जिउ जिउ चलहि चुभै दुखु पावहि जमकालु सहहि सिरि डंडा हे ॥२॥

The more they walk away, the deeper it pierces them, and the more they suffer in pain, until finally, the Messenger of Death smashes his club against their heads. ||2||

ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਣੇ ਦੁਖੁ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਭਵ ਖੰਡਾ ਹੇ ॥

har jan har har naam samaane dhukh janam maran bhav kha(n)ddaa he ||

हरि जन हरि हरि नामि समाणे दुखु जनम मरण भव खंडा हे ॥

The humble servants of the Lord are absorbed in the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. The pain of birth and the fear of death are eradicated.

ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਬਹੁ ਸੋਭ ਖੰਡ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡਾ ਹੇ ॥੩॥

abinaasee purakh paiaa paramesar bahu sobh kha(n)dd brahama(n)ddaa he ||3||

अबिनासी पुरखु पाइआ परमेसरु बहु सोभ खंड ब्रहमंडा हे ॥३॥

They have found the Imperishable Supreme Being, the Transcendent Lord God, and they receive great honor throughout all the worlds and realms. ||3||

ਹਮ ਗਰੀਬ ਮਸਕੀਨ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੇਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਖੁ ਰਾਖੁ ਵਡ ਵਡਾ ਹੇ ॥

ham gareeb masakeen prabh tere har raakh raakh vadd vaddaa he ||

हम गरीब मसकीन प्रभ तेरे हरि राखु राखु वड वडा हे ॥

I am poor and meek, God, but I belong to You! Save me-please save me, O Greatest of the Great!

ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਧਾਰੁ ਟੇਕ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੇ ਹੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਮੰਡਾ ਹੇ ॥੪॥੪॥

jan naanak naam adhaar Tek hai har naame hee sukh ma(n)ddaa he ||4||4||

जन नानक नामु अधारु टेक है हरि नामे ही सुखु मंडा हे ॥४॥४॥

Servant Nanak takes the Sustenance and Support of the Naam. In the Name of the Lord, he enjoys celestial peace. ||4||4||

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The Epic Poem: Gur Partap Suraj Granth

Themes in Bhai Santokh Singh’s Poetry

Spiritual Devotion

Historical Preservation

Ethical and Moral Teachings

The Legacy of Bhai Santokh Singh

SHIVPREET SINGH

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