LAVAN

LAVAN is the title traditionally given a short fourslan/a composition by Guru Ram Das included under rdga Suhi (p. 773) in the Guru Granth Sahib. The word Idvdn, in the Indian tradition, also stands for the marriage ceremony: in Hindu society the couple reverentially circumambulates the holy fire to the singing of holy hymns from Hindu scriptures. Among Sikhs the couple circumambulates the Guru Granth Sahib, completing a circuiting as each of the quartets of Ldvdnis being sung or intoned (^^ANAND KARAJ). In the Sikh canonical literature the human soul is likened to a bride whose marriage (union) with Lordhusband is the ultimate end of human life.

The very first lav (singular of Idvan) with which begin the marriage rites is the Lord`s ordinance showing the way for leading a happy wedded life. The twofold emphasis here requires man to be ever absorbed in the Divine Name and to hold fast to his moral and social obligations. This endeavour for simultaneous perfection in spiritual as well as social spheres is required to move successfully towards the goal of mukti, the ultimate end of human life. The second quartet (the couple makes the second circumambulalion as the verse is being sung) tells man that his earlier endeavour is rewarded in the meeting of the True Guru.

As a result of this, the human heart becomes free of all fears and all the filth of selfishness is washed off his mind. Ever in the presence of God, he sings His praises. He realizes that all beings are, in essence, manifestations of the Divine who pervades within and without. The third quartet advises man to cultivate in his heart love of the Lord and detach himself from the mundane world.

Company of the good and the holy is declared to be auspicious. It is in the holy congregation that glory of the Ineffable Lord is sung. And it is to singing of His praise that man must dedicate himself. The fourth quartet shows the human mind unlocking the Divine mystery.

Man achieves mystical union with the Absolute One.This union results in indescribable bliss for the nva bride and all desires of `her` heart arc fulfilled. The four quartets of the hymn depict the four stages of human consciousness seeking realization. It begins in man`s endeavour simultaneously to advance on the spiritual and social planes (1).

To achieve this man is advised to live under the guidance of the Guru. It is under the Guru`s guidance (2) that man will be led to cultivating in his mind an intense longing for the Lord and detachment from the world. He now revels in the company of the good and the holy (3). As love for the Divine is awakened in the human heart and man`s grip on human values of life tightens, he gains proximity to the Divine and becomes one with Him (4). Thus, the religious ceremony of Javan begins with man`s quest for Godrealization and concludes with the attainment of this ideal.

References :

1. Snbaddrth Sn Guru Grant h Sahib. Am ri tsar, 1964
2. Sikh Rahit Mmyddu. Amritsar, 1975
3. Jogendra Singli, Sikh Ceremonies. Cti.iiidig.irli, 1968