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.
Sikh Cast Ep41 - "O! Ignorant. Wake up! Why are you asleep?" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep40 - What is Barah Maha and Why your Kids will Love it?
Sikh Cast Ep39 - "Surrender mind and body, forsake societal norms" (Sabad of the week)
Ep 38: “Brimful Immortal Nectar is Within the Home” (Sabad of the Week)
Sikh Cast Ep37 - "Colorful Enticer is my life’s honor” (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep36 - "I cannot live without All-Pervasive for even a moment or an instant" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep35 - "Who are mother, father, children and wife? Who is whose sibling" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep34 - "Grace me with the understanding to sing Your virtues such that I remain with You, O! Eternal Contentment" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep33 - "All-Pervasive enables world-ocean crossing " (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep32 - "O! Eternal-Guru, I have come to Your sanctuary" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep31 - "O! Divine! Glance at me, graciously save me" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep30 - "Whatever is asked from the Ruler, that’s what is given" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep29 - "Everywhere I go, Bithal is present" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep28 - "That Husband-Beloved’s Love" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep27 - ”Perfect Guru instilled All-Pervasive’s Nam-without Nam life is pointless” (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep26 - "My Sovereign is new every day, Ever and ever the Giver" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep25 - "For, if I break with You, with whom would I join? " (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep24 - "Charmer-Divine permeates all beings, in water and on land" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep23 - "Day and night I ask for Nam within" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep22 - "O! All-Pervasive’s Truth-Exemplar, articulate the Way, and I shall follow" (Sabad of the week)
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