This composition by Bhagat Kabir
Ji is based on fifteen lunar dates. It consists of one
salok and sixteen
pauris. In it, Bhagat Kabir Ji conveys that IkOankar (the Divine) is the Creator of all. When one develops love for the
Nam of IkOankar, their mind is cleansed of the filth of vices. By singing IkOankar’s praises, one remains alert to the temptations of vices. Those who remain absorbed in IkOankar’s love become free of suffering. Additionally, the pauris of the composition inspire the being to accept the teachings of the Wisdom (
Guru), contemplate Nam, renounce desires, master the mind, and free oneself from the influence of transient things and relationships.
The being whose love is attached with the lotus-feet of Gobind, through the grace of Saint-Guru, the mind of that being becomes filth-free. Bhagat Kabir writes that bliss arises in all ten directions on the tenth day after the new moon. Having uprooted the internal vices through
Nam (Identification with
IkOankar, One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One), the distorting film of ego is removed and a seeker experiences union with IkOankar. Here, IkOankar is introduced through the name
Gobind, Creation-Force, emphasizing IkOankar’s creative force behind all things. In this union, a seeker recognizes IkOankar as the Source of all, both internally and externally—IkOankar is the embodiment of light, a Light without which there is nothing. Doubts melt away on experiencing this essence of IkOankar. This union comes once the seeker relinquishes desire. Greed and attachment of the mind no longer sway the seeker to remain immersed in the sensations of the nine openings of the body. The seeker sees that nothing is outside the domain of Creation-Force, nowhere untouched by the light of IkOankar. The dualities of purity and impurity, light and dark, joy and sorrow that existed before union are equalized; the presence of IkOankar is seen everywhere.
Bhagat Kabir illuminates for us on the tenth day that the bliss of union is expansive and uncontainable, not limited to ten directions. As IkOankar is everywhere and everything, as we are IkOankar through and through, this blissful union we experience with IkOankar pervades every layer of the self and creation, the inner and external worlds. How does this bliss arise? Through love of IkOankar. Through Identification with IkOankar. Through tying off the paths where our love flows to much smaller, transient things. Through following the Wisdom-
Guru and being in the company of those who exemplify a relationship with Truth. We decide to no longer walk down the paths in our inner garden that are fruitless and bordered by sharp, thorny brush. Greatest of all, we planted seeds of love in the fertility of our inner-garden, we watered them, and now eat the bliss-imparting fruit they bear. In these ways, the illusion and distraction that block the light of IkOankar from our minds break and fall away. Our minds, no longer dark with doubt or waxing and waning, become fully awakened to the all-pervasive, creative force of IkOankar. Day-to-day fears fade, and we proceed with deep faith and conviction. Resting in serene coolness, the inner ocean is still, and we reflect love for IkOankar as a flower bursts into bloom. Are we still choosing to walk thorn-lined paths that lead us in all too many directions, or are we planting seeds that come to bear beautiful fruit? Are we still caught in dualities, or are we seeing more and more that the light of IkOankar is present in all beings and places?
