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.
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Inderpreet Singh | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Anupreet Kaur | The Sikh Cast
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 5: Being True, Inside and Out | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Surender Pal Singh | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Inni Kaur | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Jujhaar Singh | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Dr. Jaspreet Kaur | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Pritpal Singh | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Dr. Harsohena Kaur | The Sikh Cast
Countdown to Vaisakhi | Featuring Kulvir Singh | The Sikh Cast
Ghazal Eight, Divan-i-Goya: Damanpreet Singh & Inni Kaur | Bhai Nand Lal - The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 4: Importance of Honest Living | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 3: Lasting Friendship | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 2: The Lesson in Equality | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Getting to Know Guru Nanak Sahib | Episode 1: When Guru Nanak was Little | Sojhi: A Kid's Cast
Collecting HERstory: Narratives that Shape our Futures | The Sikh Cast
Transcendent Love | The Sikh Cast
Nanakshahi: Calendar & ‘Era of Nanak the Sovereign’
Shadow: Inni Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
Ghazal Two, Divan-i-Goya: Damanpreet Singh & Inni Kaur | Bhai Nand Lal - The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
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