Kar kassa Darshan ki bhukh – Raag Tilang – Ang 721

SGGS Angg 721

Raag Tilang M.1

The janamsakhis say Guru Nanak Dev Ji was at Eminabad shortly after the attack by Babur, the first Moghul emperor.
There seems to be some truth to this, as Guru Ji’s 4 Shabads generally referred to as Babarvani, appear to speak as an eyewitness account.

The Lodhi Sultans were routed in 1526 during the 1st battle of Panipat.

It is said that Babur was a bhang addict and needed to fortify himself daily with liberal doses. The janamsakhis suggest that Guru Ji addressed this Shabad to Babur about his drug addiction and other bad ways.

A close look at the Shabad does not support the views expressed in the janamsakhis. The Shabad is an outpouring of Guru Ji’s love for God. Guru Ji is speaking about his addiction and love for God.

Lord, my fear (of breaching Your Hukam) is my bhang (cannabis), and my consciousness is the pouch which holds it; I am an intoxicated hermit, in love with God, detached from the world.

In Gurbani there is description of two types of deewaney.

“Nidaan deewaney” – worthless lover of worldliness.

Angg 793.

“Kahe Ravidas nidaan deewaney; chetas nahi duniya fanh khaney.”

And “ateet deewana.” Ateet means detached i.e. detached from the world, and deewana – in love with God, as is described in this Shabad.

“Bhao Tera bhang khalree mera cheet; mai deewana bheya ateet.”

My hands (kar), are my begging bowl (kassa), and I am hungry (beg for) Your Darshan; (unlike the yogis who beg from door to door, Guru Ji says I beg at Your Dar i.e. from You). I beg at Your Door, day after day.

“Kar kassa Darshan ki bhukh; mai Dar maango neeta neet.”

I long for Your Blessed Darshan; I beg at Your Door. Please bless me with Your Charity.

“Tao Darshan ki karo samaaiye; mai Dar maangat bhikhiya paaye.” (rahao).

Saffron, flowers (fragrance), musk and gold, are desired by all bodies; the Saints of the Lord are like sandalwood which spreads its fragrance to all.

“Kesar kusam mirgmeh (musk oil from deers) harnaa (purified gold) sarab sareeri charhnaa; chandan bhagta Jote einehee sarbay parmalh karnaa.”

No one says ghee or silk are defiled; such are the Lord’s Saints, no matter their social status (caste).

“Ghia patt (silk) bhandaa (defiled, soiled) kahe na koye; aisa bhagat varan meh hoye.”

Those who are absorbed in Your love bow to Your Name (Attributes); Nanak says, such persons receive Charity (of Your Darshan) at Your Door.

“Tere Naam nivhe rahe liv laaye; Nanak tin Dar bhikhya paaye ”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shahad Kirtan available on YouTube