My visit to Sachal Sarmast Shrine in Sindh

23rd February, 2020

Sachal Sarmast was born in 1739 in the village of Daraza, which is now located in the Khairpur district of Sindh province, Pakistan. His real name was Abdul Wahab, but he became known by the name Sachal Sarmast, which means "truthful mystic" in Sindhi.

He was raised in a family of Sufi scholars and became a disciple of the Sufi saint and poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai at a young age. He spent many years studying and practicing Sufism, and his poetry reflects the influence of his spiritual mentor.

He was not only a poet but also a musician, and he played the flute and the Durango, a traditional Sindhi musical instrument. He composed music to accompany his poetry, and his songs and poems became popular among the people of Sindh. Sachal Sarmast was known for his simple and humble lifestyle and his devotion to God. He was a proponent of universal love and believed that the essence of Sufism was to love and serve humanity.

Sachal Sarmast died in 1827 in Daraza, and his shrine has become a popular pilgrimage site for his followers and admirers. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the Sufi culture and literature of Sindh province and beyond.

His poetry is characterized by its simplicity, depth, and spiritual message. His poems express his deep love and devotion to God, and they offer insights into the mystical aspects of Sufism. Here are a few examples of his poetry:

 

"Dedan Mein Dedan, Aahin Dilan Mein Aahin": This poem emphasizes the importance of love and devotion to God. It says that God is present in every heart, and that by loving Him, we can attain spiritual enlightenment.

 

"Kafi Surzindagi Dha Jeevay": This poem reflects on the transience of life and the importance of living in the present moment. It says that life is like a flame that can be extinguished at any moment and that we should cherish every moment we have.

 

"Sugharre Manhun Na Bhaavo": This poem speaks to the idea of detachment and the need to overcome the ego in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. It says that we should not be attached to worldly possessions or pleasures and that we should strive to attain inner peace and contentment.

 

"Maseeha Saaeen Samaan Je Naal": This poem reflects on the idea of the spiritual guide or mentor, who can help us on our journey towards enlightenment. It says that the spiritual guide is like a companion who can show us the way and help us overcome our inner obstacles.

 

Overall, Sachal Sarmast's poetry offers a profound message of love, spirituality, and the search for inner peace and enlightenment.

 

 

There is no other Beloved,

There is only what I see every day!

I was sitting by the roadside,

When the path became clear to me;

In the Palace the Beloved I saw,

a glimpse the Beauty gave;

Through the window was the vision,

a glimpse the Beauty saw;

Take care of the ignorant;

Our bond was made for a reason.

I truly recognized the Lord,

My companion He sure became;

‘He is the Creator of all

and intrinsic to all’,

All doubts in this perished.

With happiness shall I carry

Sisters, if your trust I have.

All the journeys, all the manifestations

The Dear One’s own;

Friend ‘Sachal’ know this correctly,

Slumber has created illusions.

 

‘Tis not in religion I believe.

‘Tis love I live in.

When love comes to you.

Say Amen!

‘Tis not with the infidel

that love resides

Nor with the faithful.

 

Friend, this is the only way

to learn the secret way:

Ignore the paths of others,

even the saints’ steep trails.

Don’t follow.

Don’t journey at all.

Rip the veil from your face.

 

Neither did I roll the rosary, nor did I ponder and pray,

I went to no mosque or temple, nor bow in adoration to any,

Sachal is lucky every day, love is all around him.

 

You by yourself, know what is in your form!

Why chant ‘Allah Allah’? Find Allah within you.

You listen, you see, Allah’s word is witness,

There is no doubt, O Sachal! that the Lord is One!

 

We are, what are we?

We know not, what we are!

For a moment we are blessed

For a moment we are accursed

Some moments we pray and fast

Some moments we are free spirits

Now we declare, ‘Only we exist

Now we declare, ‘We don’t exist

For a bit, our heart is calm

In a bit, we weep rivers

Now we say, ‘We are self-realized

Now we ask, ‘Who are we?’

‘Sachal’ we are only That eternally

What other contracts can we make here?