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 Ep21 - "I have no worthy flower for the Incomparable" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep20 - "Guru hasn’t held it back from the mind" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep19 - "O! People, if I meet a trader of the Charmer-Divine" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep18 - "Your Nam is the merchandise and the trade, indeed!" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep17 - "Slowly and gently rains the immortal stream" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep16 - "My mind pines for Guru’s vision" (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep15 - "My Sovereign is dyed in color-love" (Sabad of the week)
"Emperor-Prophet" - The Real Guru Gobind Singh Ji with Harinder Singh
Sikh Cast Ep13 - You and I, I and You; What’s the Difference? (Sabad of the week)
Sikh Cast Ep12 - Inderpreet Singh talks about growing up in Japan, current state of camps and Sidak
Sikh Cast Ep11 - Gurdit Singh shares his insights on Pakistan, Raagas, Baba Farid, Sufism, Translations and much more
Sikh Cast Ep10 - Harinder Singh talks about Valentines Day, Love in Sikhi, Martyrdom, Lovers of Punjab and more
Sikh Cast Ep9 - Gurdit Singh shares his story and journey of being a turbaned Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Dept. of State
Sikh Cast Ep8 - The 1st Female Turbaned Sikh Pilot in the World - Conversation with Arpinder Kaur
Sikh Cast Ep7 - What really happened at Sarbat Khalsa and what we should do now? Conversation with Harinder Singh
Sikh Cast Ep6 - June/November 1984, 40 Gurduaras, Gandhi, Current state of Panjab today
Sikh Cast Ep5 - Current State of Panjab, Protests, 1984, Beadvi of GGS
Sikh Cast Ep4 - Kultar's Mime - A 1984 play
Sikh Cast Ep3 - The Truly Inspirational Story of Inni Kaur
Sikh Cast Ep2 - Charleston Tragedy and the Sikh Response
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