Sultan Bahoo, one of the most revered Sufi saints in Islamic history, left behind a legacy of poetry filled with spiritual insight, longing for the Divine, and guidance for seekers on the path to Faqr (spiritual poverty). His poetry often reflects themes of divine love, annihilation of the ego, unity with the Beloved, and the importance of a spiritual guide. Written in Punjabi, his verses convey profound truths that continue to resonate with devotees and seekers alike.
Here are some of his notable verses, along with translations and explanations:
1. On the Essence of Divine Love
“Ishq di navan nukarani, tay nishani labhdi naahi,
Jinnay qurban kiya Sir apna, oh bande nay sahin te sahin.”
Translation:
“The boat of Divine love is unfathomable, and its signs are beyond comprehension.
Only those who sacrifice their very selves can truly know what it means to be close to the Beloved.”
Explanation:
Sultan Bahoo highlights that the journey of love for the Divine is not easy; it requires complete self-sacrifice. True lovers of God must be willing to give up everything, including their ego, for the Beloved.
2. On the Need for a Spiritual Guide (Murshid)
“Dil da hijab uthaiye murshid naal ikhi rahiye,
Murshid da wajood hai Allah waliya nal kiye.”
Translation:
“Remove the veil from your heart by following the guidance of a true Murshid (spiritual guide).
The presence of a Murshid is a bridge that connects one to Allah.”
Explanation:
Sultan Bahoo emphasizes the importance of having a true guide on the spiritual path. The Murshid is essential for removing the veils that hide the Divine and guiding the seeker toward unity with Allah.
3. On the Pursuit of Faqr (Spiritual Poverty)
“Faqr rang da rishta yaaron, zahir te aawe nahi,
Bahoon di majlis wich har waqt faqeeran da jam aayi.”
Translation:
“Faqr is a deep relationship, my friends, that cannot be understood by outward means.
In the gathering of Bahoo, there is always a feast of the fakirs (the spiritually poor).”
Explanation:
Sultan Bahoo explains that Faqr, or spiritual poverty, is not something that can be grasped through material understanding. It is a state of humility and surrender, where only those who have let go of worldly desires can experience the true feast of Divine blessings.
4. On the Unity with the Divine
“Mann samjhai te Rab milai, mann di gal tu na janey,
Jinna ne Rabb nu jaan laya, oh mann di ho gayi sahin te sahin.”
Translation:
“Understand the mind to meet God, but you cannot grasp this with intellect alone.
Those who have known Allah have reached the deepest breaths of understanding.”
Explanation:
This verse speaks to the inner journey of self-awareness required to meet the Divine. Sultan Bahoo explains that the intellect alone cannot comprehend Allah; instead, it requires surrender and inner purification.