There are times when I have not concurred with Sahni ji’s interpretation of Gurbani. However, in this case, I feel, he has a point regarding ‘the son of maya’ interpretation.
I am not exactly sure Sahni ji’s understanding is but this is how I see it with my meagre understanding of Kabir Ji’s Bani.
As stated in my earlier post (#3) Bhagat Ji has used two scenarios:
(a) kakree-aa (khakhree-aa)
(b) a wedding scenario
Let us take each in turn:
(a) kakree-aa (khakhree-aa)
Our mann under the negative influences of maya is like the fruit from Akk or cactus – bitter and repulsive (the exact identity of the plant is not an issue except it is repulsive and tasteless).
The negative aspects of maya on mann and its inner-concious are illustrated by the characteristics of various animals depicted, e.g. stubborn, obstinate, merciless, foolish etc.
Once these are eradicated, the bitter fruit (former mann) is now transformed in to a sweet mango ready for consumption. The ‘soul-bride’ is now ready to go into wed-lock with the Truth, Parmatma, WaheGuru (Sikhs use different terms for this and I do not wish to enter into another debate).
(b) a wedding scenario
Gurbani has referred to our inner-conscious, jeea, surti, in feminine form. This mind’s surti (anteh-karan, inner-conscious) which, previously, was like an ignorant, stupid, ugly bride of low status has now turned into a vivacious, wise bride of divine understanding.
ਬੰਸ ਕੋ ਪੂਤੁ ਬੀਆਹਨ ਚਲਿਆ ਸੁਇਨੇ ਮੰਡਪ ਛਾਏ॥ਰੂਪ ਕੰਨਿਆ ਸੁੰਦਰਿ ਬੇਧੀ ਸਸੈ ਸਿੰਘ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਏ॥੩॥ bans ko poot bee-aahan chali-aa su-inay mandap chhaa-ay. (SGS 477)
Maya is baanjh and therefore does not give birth but we become her ‘adopted’ sons by adopting the three qualities (Gunn) of Maya — three thought-conditions or states of the mind. (Sato, Rajo, Tamo).
The mann which was previously under the grip of maya (as we say in Punjabi - “maya da putar banyaa baitha see”), now, with humility nurtured through the teachings of Guru, has transformed into an eligible son ready to step on to the mandap, bedecked with beautiful pillars under the golden canopy of Gian and enlightenment. The conscious mind is now in congruence with the pure, virgin and unstained surti (i.e. the mind’s surat or surti is now rid of all vicars (negative traits).
As always I stand corrected.
Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’