This post continues the previous discussion, establishing that Nirgun and Sargun are inseparable aspects of the ultimate truth. This post will delve deeper into decoding the following verse by Sant Kabir Das.
सरगुन की सेवा करो, निरगुन का करो ज्ञान ।
निरगुन सरगुन के परे, तहीं हमारा ध्यान॥
The opening line of the verse emphasizes the importance of perceiving the Nirguna, the formless and attribute-less essence. To perceive it, one must engage in action or selfless service (seva). Such action inherently requires form and direction toward some form. Every action generates a corresponding outcome, ensuring that actions aligned with truth are inherently rewarding. The ultimate reward for actions rooted in truth is the realization of truth itself. Through dedicated and sincere service over time, this truth begins to manifest in one’s experiences, gradually finding expression within. This transformative journey is beautifully articulated in the following lines from the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas.
सोई जानहि जेहि देहु जनाई, जानत तुम्हहि तुम्हइ होइ जाई।
In short it says, one who has experiences the truth becomes the truth.
The final line of Kabir’s verse delves into the ultimate state of truth, emphasizing that the state of truth transcends both Nirguna (formless) and Sarguna (with form). Neither can fully encapsulate its essence.
To illustrate this state, consider the example of the sky. While the clear sky appears blue, in reality, it has no color. Thus, describing it as either blue or colorless is not entirely accurate—yet it is, in a way, both. The sky symbolizes the ultimate state of truth, which cannot be fully captured in words but can only be experienced directly.
The truth transcends both Nirguna and Sarguna.
This represents the ultimate state of the truth, the origin of all creation and the place where everything will ultimately dissolve.
For our intellectual minds, it can be challenging to grasp how service (seva) is the sole path to experiencing the ultimate truth. The upcoming posts will delve deeper into this concept.
Conclusion
Although Nirguna (formless) and Sarguna (with form) are inseparable aspects of the ultimate truth, the ultimate truth transcends both and cannot be explained by either. It is akin to describing the clear sky as blue or colorless—neither description fully captures its essence.