Verses from the Sikh holy book

Recited by Kabir and Naginder Sehmi on the occasion of the United Nations Day organized by the Geneva Spiritual Appeal Group at Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Geneva, Switzerland, 21 September 2006.

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We are going to recite seven verses out of 112 written by Sheikh Farid a Muslim Sufi-saint born in 1173. He addresses these terse couplets to himself. The Sikhs sing these couplets with love and reverence.

1. Farid, if you are wise, then do not blacken others.
   Look first underneath your own collar instead. (6)
2. Farid, should any one strike you,
   Do not strike back.
   Kiss their feet, and return home in peace. (7)
3. Farid, do not slander the soil;
   Nothing is greater than soil.
   When we are alive, it is under our feet,
   And when we are dead, it is above us. (17)
4. Farid, when there is greed, what love can there be?
   Greed makes love false.
   How long can you shelter from rain
   If the cottage roof is leaking? (18)
5. Farid, why do you wander in jungles,
   Crushing the thorny branches?
   God abides in your heart;
   Why do you seek Him in the forest? (19)|
6. Farid, I thought that I alone was miserable,
   Misery is spread over the world.
   Looking from rooftop, I saw
   Every home is burning in the same fire.(81)
7. Farid, do good to those who are evil;
   Do not fill your mind with anger.
   Your body shall not suffer from any illness,
   And you shall achieve everything.  (78)