Many have come into my life and have barely left a trace. Less than a handful have entered my cautious heart. These amazing beings have lifted my consciousness, enabling me to rise. It is as if fate had a hand in bringing us together. My life is richer because of them, I cherish their friendship.
And then there are relationships that defy time, space and logic. Such is my relationship with Bhai Vir Singh (1872-1957). I have never met him, yet there is a nearness so intense that I address him as “my Pita ji.” How did that happen? Well, it was through his writings. He enabled me to see Guru Nanak Sahib and I fell in love.
Pita ji now ebbs and flows in my consciousness. His writings open vistas within me, transporting me to another realm. What transpires while translating his works cannot be put into words. Some things are best left unsaid.
In translating his poem “The Nightingale and The Traveler,” I have taken many liberties. The purists will scream: “She has sinned. She must be excommunicated.” The lovers will say: “She has loved. We embrace her.”
I leave it in your hands to judge: Have I sinned or have I loved?
----more----
The translator Inni Kaur is the CEO of the Sikh Research Institute. She is also the author of ‘Journey with the Gurus’ series, ‘Sakhi-Time with Nani ji’, ‘Thank You, Vahiguru.,’ and ‘Daddy’s Turban.’
This series is supported by the generosity of an admirer of Bhai Vir Singh’s writings.
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 04: Divine Protector | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 03: Mentor Specified | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 02: Yoga Disrupted | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 01: Renunciation Redefined | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Introduction | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Nam: Divine Identification | The Fragrance of Bhai Vir Singh
Dan: Giving | The Fragrance of Bhai Vir Singh
Isnan: Cleansing | The Fragrance of Bhai Vir Singh
The Rani’s Love: Rana Surat Singh | The Fragrance of Bhai Vir Singh | SikhRI
Border Crossings | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
1947: South Asia, Panjab & Sikhs | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Jaspreet Singh | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Kiran Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Simran Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Ghazal Fifty-Two, Divan-i-Goya: Damanpreet Singh & Inni Kaur | Bhai Nand Lal | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia: Part 2 | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia: Part 1 | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
The Journey of Acceptance: A Conversation on Hukam | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Vaisakhi: Reviving Panthic Leadership | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Beadbi: Distortions, Transgressions, Responses | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
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