The true Sahib (Punjabi, non-incarnate Spirit, God; lit., lord, master), true by name (Truth) speaks the language of infinite love.
They (devotees) speak and ask, "Give us, please give," and the giver (Spirit, God) keeps giving.
What can we offer so we behold the divine court?
What words can we speak to be held dear?
In the timeless dawn praise the true name. Dwell on it.
Our actions give us this garment, the body. The gaze of love leads to the gate of liberation.
...
[S]ing of that treasure of virtues, sing, listen, and hold love in your heart, for sorrow is banished and joy enters.
*"Morning Hymn." In Guru Nanak. Poems from the Sikh Sacred Tradition. Trans. Nikkty-Guninder Kaur Singh.
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I have a fond memory of a visit to a hospital. I was admitted as a patient and stayed three days. I did not enjoy the pain or want to make the hospital my home. It was not a pleasure visit.
However, I remember how lovingkindness met me in the staff's presence, smiles, and caring. Those women and men were doing paying jobs, yet together we transcended "professional" and "patient."
I especially recall a nurse who listened to me about a terribly hurtful relationship breakup. She had gone through a comparable experience and shared her story. She affirmed my hurt was valid and the experience of betrayal was not mine alone. Through her offering herself as a conduit of Love, I felt less alone, not as shut in by my own personal story of confusion and distress.
The nurse did not have to take time to share with me as she did - it was beyond her job title. But she did, for that is who she was - is. Through her presence of lovingkindness, grace met me while I lay in a hospital bed, nudging me onward through an otherwise total stranger. Her compassionate voice, encouraging words, and shining smile lifted me up. She was saying, "Don't let this take your heart. Don't lose yourself. Don't close in on yourself. All is and will be well"...
Thank You! Now, years later, I recall you standing there. Recall your face. Your smile. Your gentleness. Send gratitude. May your way be blessed, and you be a shining light wherever you are now and always, Earth or elsewhere. I bow to you, here, now, my sister. May you feel this kindness in return, appreciation for beautiful lovingkindness, your lovely heart - you.
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The nurse was - is - an angel. There are "angels" everywhere, and they often show up unexpectedly. Are we awake for when an angel appears?
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I began this writing with a quote from the Sikh sacred Scripture, the Adi Granth (1564 ff.). The passage speaks of our union with God, the One of limitless love. Yet, in union with God, we enter into God becoming for others. That is, we, like the nurse, we are the means of formless Spirit.
Hence, she was - is - all I read of in those lovely lines from the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak (b. 1469, Pakistan).
She is Sahib to me, conduit of formless, supernal, infinite Love.
As God gives, she gave - became giver, gift, given - she.
She led me to the divine court.
I spoke, and she held me dear.
I dwell upon that Love that arose from and through her.
She graced me with the gaze of love - shines still... not within time... nor was.
Sorrow was banished, joy entered, for where love arises, joy shines anew this moment.
She reminds ... be Sahib for each other - in that, God is, God appears, God loves - and you
yes
'[S]ing ... sing, listen, and hold love in your heart, for sorrow is banished and joy enters.' Amen.
*Use of photography is allowed accompanied by credit given to Brian K. Wilcox and title and place of photographs.
*Brian's book, An Ache for Union: Poems on Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major online booksellers or the publisher AuthorHouse.
