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.
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 9: Vahiguru Is Everywhere | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 8: Protecting the Rights of Others | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Ghazal Twenty-five, Divan-i-Goya: Damanpreet Singh & Inni Kaur | Bhai Nand Lal - The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Fatherhood & Sikhi | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Shrist ki Chadar Guru Teghbahadar: The Contemporary Indian Perspectives - Ishmeet Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
1984 Remembrance: The Sikhs and the Indian State - Harinder Singh & Manpreet Singh | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Guru Teghbahadar Sahib Voices: O Mind! Transcend - Inni Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 7: Remembering Vahiguru’s Beautiful Creation | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Sikhs, Statecraft & Civil Society - Harinder Singh | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
O Servant of the Unattainable | Persian Voice in the Guru Granth Sahib | The Sikh Cast
Ghazal Twelve, Divan-i-Goya: Damanpreet Singh & Inni Kaur | Bhai Nand Lal - The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Reflecting on Time, One Becomes the Willing-Servant: Jasleen Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 6: Keeping Our Thoughts Clean | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Guru Teghbahadar Sahib Voices: O Mind! Transcend - Inni Kaur & Jasjit Singh | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Sultan-ul-Duniya Wal-Akhirat: The Sovereign of the World and the Hereafter - Harinder Singh & Jasjit Singh | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Vaisakhi & I: Inni Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Santbir Singh | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Arpinder Kaur | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Gurpal Singh | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Jasleen Kaur | The Sikh Cast
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