The Ten Savaeyai written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji form part of the Sikh Daily Prayers and is recited by the Panj Payare during the Amrit ceremony. This Gurbani has some very descriptive language and is very powerful and inspiring. The general message is that worldly power, wealth and rituals are of no avail in attaining to God.
Let us look at the message of each of the Savaeyay in turn:
1. Guru Ji tells us that he has seen many so-called "wise people" of different religions and sects, but found none who are devoted to the True Lord of Life. Such people who do not have true Love for Waheguru are worthless.
2. The second Savaeya descriptively tells of great kings and monarchs who posses armies with great elephants and fast horses, but "What sort of Monarchs are they, for at the end they depart this world bare-footed?"
3. Continuing this theme further Guru Ji tells us of the hundreds of powerful kings who have conquered many lands and then says "What use is such power, for at the end they all proceed to the home of death empty-handed"
4. The forth Savaeya tells us that ritualistic practices such as bathing in holy places, giving charity, mechanical reading of prayers and other practices are all of no avail without true meditation and Love for God.
5. Guru Ji goes on to tell us about powerful soldiers with many weapons who are filled with pride, they too will leave this world empty-handed without the grace of God.
6. Next we are told that mighty heroes who can conquer many countries cannot become the masters or providers of the world. They all stand as beggars at the door of the Lord who is the sole provider.
7. In the Seventh Savaeya Guru Ji tells us that all creatures utter the name of God and were created by the Lord. The glory and triumphs of good grow while evil perishes. Holy men or saints live in Joy and evil-doers perish.
8. Guru Ji goes on to say that all powerful people who may rule worlds and perform millions of holy baths and ceremonies, all such people and even gods (such as Brahma and Vishnu) are all caught in the noose of death. Only those who fall at the Lord's Feet (surrender their ego's) do not go through the circle of birth and death.
9. The Ninth Savaeya exposes the futility of hypocritical meditation ("sitting with eyes closed like a crane") and bathing in holy places. The person who lives his life in such futile pursuits wastes his life achieving nothing. Only those who seek God with loving devotion shall attain him.
10. In the Last Savaeya Guru Ji tells us that all over the world people try to find God in stones, idols and graveyards, or in different directions. The whole world is entangled in false practices; they have not realised the Mystery of God.
Bhupinder Singh