Sheikh hayati jag na koyee thirr rehiya – Raag Assa – Ang 488

SGGS Angg 488.

Raag Assa – Sheikh Fareed Ji.

Fareed Ji tells us to attach ourselves to the Lord’s Name. He also tells us that life is very fragile. It can end suddenly. Do not ever think you can stay permanently on earth. The Sheikhs and others, none had a permanent stay in the world. In fact that seat (spot) on which you sit, many have sat there and departed.

“Sheikh hayati jag na koyee thirr rehiya; jis assan ham bethay ketay bess gyaa”

The Shabad starts with Sheikh Fareed Ji telling us O my friend attach yourself to the Lord; be warned that this body shall turn to dust and it’s home shall be a neglected graveyard.

“Bolay Sheikh Fareed Aleh lagay; eh tan hosi khaak nimani ghor gharey”

We tend to have so many desires and wishes in this world. Each wish or desire is a karma. The accumulated desires and wishes keep the mind in turmoil.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji has said for example:

“Asa mahe nirass vilaiye; nichao Nanak Karte paaye” (Ang 877). One who in the midst of all hopes, remains detached from those hopes, will surely meet the Creator Lord.

Similarly, Sheikh Fareed Ji says in the rahao. You can meet the Lord today if you restrain your bird like desires which keep your mind in turmoil.

“Aaj milava Sheikh Fareed takem kunjerhiya manho machindrihya” (Rahao).

If you know that you have to surely die and shall not return again; do not ruin yourself by clinging on to this false (illusory, perishable) world.

“Je jana mar jaaiye ghom na aaiyeh; jhuthi duniya lagh na aap vanjaiyeh”

Always speak the Truth and do not speak falsehoods; be a good disciple and follow the path set by the Guru.

“Boliye Sach dharam jhuth na boliye; jo Gur dassay vaat murida jolihye”

Seeing the radiant youths being carried across, the hearts of the young soul brides are encouraged; but those whose path is led by the glitter of gold, they will be cut apart with saws.

“Shaill lagandey paar gori man dhireeya; kanchan valey pasey kalvatt chirreya”

Next Fareed Ji speaks of the changes we see every month, i.e. nothing is permanent; only the soul brides who are cooled inside, their arms lovingly embrace their Husband’s Neck.

“Katak kunja, chet dao, sawan bijliyaan; sihaley sohundiyan Pir Gall bahrhiyaan”

Reflect upon this in your minds that all transitory bodies continuously perish; it takes six months to make a full fetus: but it breaks in an instant.

“Chale chalanhaar vichara le manho; gandendiya sheh maah torhundiya ek khinno”

The final lines are so touching and instructive. The world asks the Sky (Guru/God) “where have the boatmen (humans) gone?”
The reply (their bodies) have been either cremated or buried, whilst their jeevs are enduring rebukes/punishments (for their conduct in the world).

“Jimmi puchay Asman Fareeda khevat kinn gayeh; jallan, goran naal ulamey jee sahey”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube