In this Finale, Nanak, by way of an epilogue, gives a complete view of life, its nature, its purpose, and its salvation. We are all like children, whom the mother earth nourishes. Each one sows the seeds of his actions and reaps the fruit thereof. God’s justice is immaculate. They that act well move nearer towards Him; they that do not act well move farther away from Him. They alone who practise the holy Word will be saved – not only they, but countless more – their companions and disciples, through their good actions.
Finale
Air is the Master, Water the father, and the Earth the mother, Day and Night are the two nurses in whose lap the whole world is at play. Our actions: good and evil, will be brought before His court, and by our own deeds, shall we move higher or be cast into the depths. *Those Who have communed with the Word, Their toils shall end. And Their faces shall flame with Glory, not only shall They have salvation, oh Nanak, but many more shall find freedom with Them.
* (This section is adjusted to the Second Edition of 1964;
Editor’s Note 2011.)
Here, all the living beings are likened to children. The water – i.e. sperm – is the father, giving them life. The earth, like a mother, affords them nourishment. Day supplies them with work and is, therefore, the male nurse – while the night lulls them to rest, as a female nurse. The breath of the True Master imparts the Divine Word, without which a man’s soul is dead.