ZINDAGI NAMAH Zindagi Namah is a collection of pious Persian poetry by Bhai Nand Lal Goya, an esteemed Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh. His name is revered with great affection among the Sikh community. Uniquely, Bhai Nand Lal’s verses, like those of Bhai Gurdas, are permitted to be sung alongside Scriptural hymns at Sikh religious gatherings (divans).
Zindagi Namah is believed to be Bhai Nand Lal’s first poetic work, written after he moved to Anandpur to join Guru Gobind Singh. Originally titled Bandagi Namah (Book of Prayer), the manuscript was presented to the Guru, who read it with admiration and suggested renaming it Zindagi Namah (Book of Life). The poet himself mentions in couplet 498 that the title reflects the work’s essence as a fountain of life’s nectar.
Comprising 510 couplets, the poem was written to illuminate the Divine mystery (497). It portrays enlightened souls and seeks to edify readers (501). The verses often resonate with the themes of the Guru Granth Sahib.
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God is portrayed as the Creator of the universe and the giver of life to all beings (1).
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The human body is depicted as God’s temple, illuminated by His light (55).
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Since God resides within every heart, all humans should be treated with respect (81).
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Those seeking closeness to the Divine must turn to the true Guru (440), who heals troubled hearts and fulfills desires (454).
Man is described as possessing an invaluable treasure—a Divine essence within his soul. Yet, without guidance from saints, he remains unaware of it. By following the saints’ path, one can unlock this treasure (164-170).
The poem praises satsang (the assembly of the holy) and the Guru’s company:
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Holy company inspires love for God within the human mind (129).
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Man is urged to eliminate duality and continuously remember the Divine Name (504).
The final verses (505-510) are an invocation to the Supreme Lord, with Bhai Nand Lal seeking blessings for himself and all of humanity.
References:
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Ganda Singh, ed., Bhai Nand Lal Granthavali, Malacca (Malaya), 1968
