Mystical Symbolism in the Hymns of Baba Farid Guru Nanak Dev as In Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Selected Poems of Bulleh Shah and Waris Shah

Abstract

The study, Mystical Symbolism in the Hymns of Baba Farid, Guru Nanak Dev (as in Sri Guru Granth Sahib) and the Selected Poems of Bulleh Shah and Waris Shah is a thorough analysis of the development of spiritual thought from the advent of Punjabi poetry to the Qissa Period. There is a strong impact of the Sufi and Bhakti movements on the poetic works of the poets. Their works depict a change in the Sufi thought from Ijadist Sufism (reflected by Baba Farid) to the later Sufism (reflected by Bulleh Shah and Waris Shah). Guru Nanak Dev forms a link between the two with his Sikh-panth. The study is an analysis of the symbols and their connected meanings in the selected works. The poems are set against the background of the rich colour and music that infuses the culture of Punjab, the state to which the poets belonged. The poets through symbols reveal the process by which one can be united with the Supreme Lord. The symbols have been taken from nature and from day to day life. The symbols of a bride (the soul/ seeker), Husband/ beloved (master or Lord), spinning wheel (meditation), swan (Holy person), boatman and sea (master and life), Nectar or wine (Holy Name), and Anahad Naad or unstruck melody (repetition of the Holy Name) are some of the major symbols in their writings. Some of the ideals highlighted in their works are the importance of a pir or master, the repetition of the Holy Name which is the elixir for all the sufferings and a complete surrender to the Lord. The concept of unio mystica, which shows the phases of spiritual transformation through the experiences of union, separation and reunion of the seeker, has been applied to the works of Bulleh Shah and Waris Shah. A comparative study reveals the differences in the concept of Grace and also the development of the idea of Love projected in the selected works. Love has supremacy over all spiritual practices in the works of Bulleh Shah. The love depicted is based on his personal experiences and his relationship with his master. In Waris Shah s Heer, the legend of Heer-Ranjha is used to depict the master-disciple relationship. Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasises the love of the seeker for the Guru. For Baba Farid the strict adherence to Sharia t and following the duties of a true Muslim, are of utmost importance. The Baramaha (Song of the Twelve Months) which is one of the techniques in folk poetry, has been used in a unique way by all the four poets. Baba Farid makes a mention of a few months in his verses. Guru Nanak Dev and Bulleh Shah depict a change in the condition of the soul over the time of twelve months. Waris Shah depicts the deteriorating condition of Heer during the period of separation through the symbolic presentation of the Baramaha. The contribution of each of these poets has been assessed. The works of these four poets laid the foundation of Punjabi Literature. Music plays a key role in their works. Guru Nanak Sahab made use of a number of traditional ragas of Hindi music in his verses. Bulleh Shah s kafis are sung even today by qawwals to highlight the yearning of the soul. Their teachings gave comfort and succour to the people of Punjab during troubled times. The Shahmukhi script popularised the use of Punjabi language in the poetic works. With the invention of the thirty five letters of the Gurmukhi script by Guru Sahab the Punjabi language got its written form. newlinePunjabi literature is the outcome of numerous influences and cultures reflecting multicultural and multilingual characteristics. The analysis of the selected works, on the basis of Mystical Symbolism has brought a much better understanding of the mystical experiences of the four poets as well as their works. newline newline