Saman jo iss prem ki damm kio hotee satt – Chaubole M.5 – Ang 1363

 SGGS Angg 1363.

Chaubole’ M.5. (11 padas).

Guru Arjun Dev Ji concludes the Banis at Angg 1363. After that we find Sloks by Bhagat Kabir Ji, Sheikh Fareed Ji, Sawaiyee, Shaloks Vaaran tey Vadheek, Slok M.9 and Raagmala.

This Bani (Chaubole’) is addressed to four persons. Saman, Musan, Jamal and Patang. There is a word play on the names. The gist of Chaubole’ is various aspects of Divine Love.

Firstly, it can never be purchased by money. Thus “Saman jo iss prem ki damm kio hotee satt….”

Secondly, there should be no other loves besides love for God and this love is not external or showy, rather it is enshrined in the consciousness. Thus “… beech na rayee hote..” and “bujjan surat sanjogh”

Thirdly, this Divine love should be of such fervour that one would cross oceans, mountains, forests, and the entire earth to be with the Beloved.
“… prem piram ke ganno ek kar karam”

Fourthly, this love is not gross like worldly love. It is at a lofty plane “ambar shaaye.” And you clasp tight to this Divine Love like a bumble bee caught in the lotus flower. ” bhavar rahe laptaaiye.”

Fifthly, in exchange for a mere moment of the Lord’s Love one should be willing to sacrifice all disciplines, pleasures, honor, pride.
“…vaar vaar deyo sarab…”

Sixthly, Guru Ji looks at the world. It is engrossed in perishable pursuits and does not understand the mystery of the Lord. “… urjiyo mith biohaar”

Then Guru Ji says we tend to grieve when we suffer some worldly loss.
But it is a true grief when one gets separated from the Lord.

In the eight pada, Guru Ji says those who enjoy the taste of the Lord’s Love and remember Naam do not ever wander away from Him. “….aan na kathu jaaye”

The ninth pada says high worldly acclaim makes the mind fickle; the lowly (humble) lotus grows beautiful although it draws sustenance from the mud. Divine Love thrives in humility. “neech keech nimrat ghanee karni kamal jamaal”

In the tenth pada Guru Ji says smash your necklace of pride to bits if you wish to get a Vision of the Beauteous Lord.”khand khand kar haar”

Finally in the 11th pada, Guru Ji says love for the Divine should reach such heights of intoxication that you are no longer conscious of your body “sudh na simrat angg.”

Rather, your love for the Lord should be like the moth, mesmerised by the flame willing to be consumed by the very Flame it adores, just so it be near its Beloved.

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube