RUTI (RUTTI)

RUTI (RUTTI), a composition by Guru Arjan in Raga Ramkali in the Guru Granth Sahib comprising eight six line stanzas, preceded by two slokas, each of two lines. Rutfi is the plural of rutt, Skt. rtu (season). The slokas introduce the theme briefly while the stanzas, called chhantshere, elaborate it. Generally, the hymn portrays the intense urge in man to meet the Supreme Being. The yearning sharpens from season to season.

According to the Indian tradition the year is divided into six seasons, viz. Vasant (spring). Gnsma (summer), Varsd ( rainy season), Sarad or Patjhar (autumn), Sisir (the dewy season) and Hemani (winter). Vasant (Punjabi Basant) is from mid March to mid May. Gnsma or Gnkham from mid May to mid July, and so on.

The chhants`m Rutti describe a woman`s (seeker`s) longing for the spouse (the Lord), the pangs she bears in separation, and the blissful joy she experiences on meeting with the Lord. The union is achieved through meditation on the Name and thereby all the seasons, months and hours become delightful for the devotee. Fortunate are they who are dyed in the steadfast colour of single minded meditation; fortunate is their coming into the world. In the spring season all is verdant within and without; the scorched inner self has bloomed through contemplation on the Name.

The egoridden person, however, is unaware of the joys of the delectable showers of His grace. It is association with the gurmukhs which leads on to the path of devotion and to union with the Supreme Spouse. The jiva (bride), says Guru Arjan, then never suffers the torments of separation: “binvanti ndnak prabhi dpi melt tah na prem bichhoh flu” (GG, 929). The changing seasons then do not affect her.

“The saints are the true helpers of jiva and they are capable of ferrying her across the worldly ocean. They are imbued with the love of God`s Name and they are the acme of mankind.”

References :

1. Sabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964
2. Kohli, Surindar Singh, A Critical Study of Adi Granth. Delhi, 1961