Thiti (Kabir Ji)

The being whose love is attached with the lotus-feet of Gobind, through the grace of Saint-Guru, the mind of that being becomes filth-free. On the twelfth day after the new moon, when a seeker unites with IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One), it is as if the Sun moves through all twelve zodiac signs at once. A great wonder occurs, and a seeker becomes fully illuminated within through the Wisdom-Guru. As the sun’s rays extend in every direction, so is the seeker imbued with the divine light of IkOankar. With this wonder, Bhagat Kabir says the unstruck internal melody plays. Unlike other melodies, which are created by two things coming together, this effortless, natural, beautiful sound resounds within a seeker on its own; it arises from the meeting of seeker and IkOankar. Bhagat Kabir further describes the significance of this union: when a being meets beloved IkOankar, the One of the whole universe, the being becomes Shiva. Among the three deities in the popular Hindu trinity, Shiva possesses the greatest of contemplative qualities and wisdom. In this sense, this likening to Shiva isn’t about reinforcing reverence for a specific idol or deity. Rather, it tells us that the internal transformation born of loving devotion is immensely powerful by referencing a recognizable, highly regarded idol of the era and religious context of Bhagat Kabir.  

Through Bhagat Kabir’s writing on the twelfth day, we are drawn closer to the experience of union—an experience of a fully radiant and expansive sun, shining in all twelve directions. The radiant beauty of this state is illustrated through cultural imagery, helping us relate to it ourselves. In this experience, one’s mind and body are immersed in the essence of IkOankar, inseparable. We become entranced by the beautiful melody of union, an enticing tune that flows within us day and night, regardless of what happens in the world around us—a detachment not born of ignorance, but of Truth. This is the beholding of IkOankar, the One of the three worlds—the One in whom all realms exist, regardless of the system of realms referenced. In this state, we recognize IkOankar as our supremely beloved One—our Dearest. We are led to reflect on the sublime state of those who personally and intimately relate with IkOankar in this way. They are the renowned Ones in this world, profoundly exemplifying the Truth of the Wisdom-Guru. Through growing love for IkOankar within ourselves, through Nam (Identification with IkOankar), we may be graced with that same unity. Will we experience the full illumination of the sun, rather than focusing on partial illuminations? Will we learn to hear the beautiful music within us? Are we allowing it to grow louder or are we silencing it?