Vahiguru ji ka Khalsa, Vahiguru ji ki Fatih!

Within the Guru Granth Sahib lies a beautiful composition known as Gatha. Two perspectives exist regarding the origin of this composition within the traditional commentary of the Guru Granth Sahib. According to the first preface, Guru Arjan Sahib composed Gatha in response to a request from the sangat (community), who desired a story to divert their minds from worldly attachments and bodily desires. The second preface suggests that Gatha was composed at the behest of Hari Lal and Krishna Lal, who sought another story from Guru Arjan Sahib after listening to his teachings in Amritsar. The Guru fulfilled their request by uttering this composition.

Bhai Vir Singh shares the view that once, some Pandits from Madha Desh, who did not understand Panjabi, visited Guru Sahib. The Guru delivered a discourse to them in the form of Gatha.

In the twenty-fourth couplet of Gatha, Guru Arjan Sahib says the being who does not engage with precious utterances of the Wisdom and instead is entangled in the love of short-lived worldly materials like the color of safflower finds only ailments, sorrow, and separation. That being cannot find comfort even in dreams.

The Guru employs the example of safflower, a bright reddish-yellow flower historically used to dye clothing red. However, its color quickly fades when exposed to sunlight or even after a single wash.

Let us pause.
Let us reflect.

We often invest in transient pursuits that provide temporary comfort. These worldly possessions are fleeting and fragile. Engaging with them, trapped by Maya's illusions and material attachments, invites pain. Excessive involvement with them leads to illness, and their departure leaves us sad. In this state, genuine comfort eludes us.

How can we free ourselves from this trap?

We possess the treasure of profound wisdom. We can engage in praise of the Divine. We have guidance that offers solace.

Are we willing to let go of our temporary pursuits and find true comfort and joy? Are we willing to embrace the Wisdom’s loving teachings and develop a connection with the Divine? Are we ready to release our ailments, sorrows, and isolation?

May we yearn to experience true comfort and joy.
May the Wisdom-Guru guide us!