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O! Ignorant. Wake up! Why Are You Asleep?

Sabad Reflection

Monday
,
10
July
2017

The Sabad begins with a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life. Each day that dawns eventually fades away, and the impermanence of our stay in this world is underscored by the inevitability of departure.

The Sabad begins with a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life. Each day that dawns eventually fades away, and the impermanence of our stay in this world is underscored by the inevitability of departure. Bhagat Ravidas paints a vivid picture of the journey ahead, emphasizing that death is always looming, a reminder of our mortal existence.

Whichever day comes, that day goes.
Stay is impermanent; departure is imminent.
Companions are departing. I, too, will be departing.
Long journey ahead. Death hovering overhead.  1.

O! Ignorant. Wake up! Why are you asleep?
You deem the life in this world to be eternal. 1. Reflect.

The One who gives life also nourishes.
Inside all beings, dispensing consumables.

Embrace devotion; leave “I” and “mine.”
At dawn, remember Nam¹ within the heart.  2.

Life is passing; the Path is not beautified.Dusk descends. Everywhere, darkness spreads.Ravidas says, O! Ignorant, crazy being,No Remembrance? The world is a perishable house. 3.

1 Divine Identification

     Bhagat Ravidas in Rag Suhi  |  Guru Granth Sahib 793

About Sabad of the Week

We are finite; our understanding is finite. Our understanding was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad. In this trans-creation, we have chosen to keep the repeating words in the Sabad same. We aspire to learn and retain the Divine attribute used in the original Sabad and avoid terms like God or Lord.

In This Podcast

Inni Kaur

Creative Director
Creative Director

Inni Kaur is Creative Director at the Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI). She has served SikhRI in several capacities since 2010, including Chair of the Board, and most recently as CEO. 

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