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I Have No Worthy Flower for the Incomparable

Sabad Reflection

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Monday
,
27
February
2017

In this Sabad attributed to Bhagat Ravidas, a profound contemplation unfolds. This composition finds its musical foundation in Rag Gujri, an ancient melodic mode reserved for the early hours of the day, evoking a sense of serene awakening.

Suckling calf contaminated the milk,
Bees spoiled the flower. Fish the water. 1.

O Mother! What do I offer the Earth-Force in worship?
I have no worthy flower for the Incomparable. 1. Reflect.

Snakes ensnare Mailagar1 sandalwood trees,
Poison and Nectar dwell together. 2.

Incense, lamps and edible idol offerings are contaminated due to odor.
How then are Your votaries to worship You? 3.

I dedicate body and mind, offer them in worship,
By Guru’s Grace, the Immaculate is realized. 4.

“I don’t know how to worship or venerate You,”
says Ravidas. “How will I fare?” 5.

1 Sandalwood trees that are on the Malaya mountain.

    Bhagat Ravidas ji in Gujri Rag | Guru Granth Sahib 525

In This Podcast

Harinder Singh

Senior Fellow, Research & Policy
Senior Fellow, Research & Policy

Harinder Singh is the Senior Fellow at the Sikh Research Institute. He holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University, an MS in Engineering Management from the University of Kansas, and an MPhil from Punjab University in the linguistics of the Guru Granth Sahib. 

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Manpreet Singh

Manpreet Singh has worked for fortune 500 companies where he was a Marketing Director leading digital strategies.

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