Talk:Sopurkh

(Very) Basic Background: So Purkh is listed as written by Baba Ram Das (often spelled Ram Dass), a contemporary spiritual teacher and former Harvard professor named Richard Alpert, son of well-connected and affluent Jewish parents. He is perhaps best known for his book Be Here Now. He is a contemporary of Krishna Das and Bhagavan Das.

My Query: My understanding was that So Purkh is an ancient mantra of the Sikhs that was translated and popularized by Ram Das. That is quite different than being written by him. My original question is can anyone shed some light on the etymology of this song/mantra, and its real history?

Random Comments: Ultimately, 'the answer' does not matter, I suppose. This is a beautiful devotional Bhakti mantra, part of a holy kirtan. Whoever wrote it or channeled it brought us something beautiful, and for that we are grateful. We find it much better to fill our heads and hearts with this rather than FOX TV/popular materialistic paradigms.

One very special Yin Yoga and Kundalini teacher plays this mantra often before class, as we prepare and enter our bodies more fully. Afterward, she reports that many men ask about this mantra, and report that it makes them feel good somehow. I find this mantra brought positive change to all who hear it, regardless of spiritual practice or religious belief.

As a Nowist, I find this mantra just as special as if I were a Sikh or Hindu or atheist or whatever. It speaks of truths known by all people and all beliefs, truths written on our hearts.

Related Queries: Many sounds in Sanskrit are considered root sounds or bija mantra, and thus transformational and holy. Do the Sikhs consider the sound alone to be holy and curative, aside from the (obviously) holy words?

Caveats: All comments are based on my admittedly limited knowledge. I write this in hopes others who know can help reduce my ignorance on this. Namaste, Salaam, Peace...AUM Siva Das 18:19, 9 August 2009