KARHALE is the title under which two compositions, each of ten verses, by Guru Ram Das appear in the Guru Granth Sahib in Raga Gauri Purabi. The title has been picked from the text of the hymns wherein the term karhale (plural form) or karhala (singular form) has been used in each verse. Karhal/karhala is a Sindhi word meaning a camel. In these hymns, the term applies to the human man (mind) which keeps wandering restlessly like the camel roaming from one place to another.
The similitude can be further expanded: the mind is stubborn like a camel and wanders away from home to alien realms. Turning away from tlic Reality, it engrosses itself in ego and mdyd. Thus reads the first verse: 0 camel like mind of mine, Wandering into realms alien, How shall thou ever meet thy God! What has made the mind morbid is haumai or ego. This can be overcome by listening to the Guru`s word. The camel like self is adjured to seek the company of holy persons, to heed the counsel of the Guru and to be always mindful of God.
Thus will one receive the Divine favour and attain liberation. The two short compositions expound, in a simple metaphor, the Sikh way of spiritual realization. The ultimate aim is to obtain proximity to God and the way to achieve this is to bring round the wandering man (mind) and to wash away the “dirt” of haumai. This is possible through the guidance of the Guru; mere observance of forms of piety is of no avail.
References :
1. Sabadarth Sri Guru Cranth Sahib. Amritsar, 1961
2. Sahib Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan. Jalandhar, n.d.
KARHALE—the set of hymns by Guru Ram Das in the Guru Granth Sahib that use a simple yet striking metaphor to elucidate the condition of the wandering mind.
Title and Literal Meaning
The title KARHALE is derived from the Sindhi word karhal (or its singular form karhala), meaning “camel.” In these hymns, the camel is not merely an animal but a potent metaphor for the human mind: stubborn, restless, and prone to wander aimlessly. Just as a camel roams the desert without clear direction, the mind, when dominated by ego (haumai) and worldly attachments, drifts away from the pursuit of the Divine.
Composition and Musical Framework
KARHALE consists of two brief compositions, each comprising ten verses. These hymns are situated within the Guru Granth Sahib under Raga Gauri Purabi—a mode that lends a distinctly folk character to the recitation. The musical setting reinforces the simplicity and accessibility of the metaphor:
- Folk Element: By adopting the tone of a popular folk ballad, the composition connects deeply with the everyday experiences of the devotee.
- Repetitive Structure: The repetition of the camel metaphor in each verse serves both as a reminder of the mind’s erratic nature and as a call to focus and discipline one’s inner being.
The Metaphor of the Wandering Mind
At the heart of KARHALE is a powerful allegory:
- Camel-like Mind: The persistent reference to the “camel” symbolically represents a mind that is constantly on the move—never resting, always drifting from one thought or distraction to another. This imagery vividly captures the inherent restlessness that prevents spiritual realization.
- Ego and Distraction: The hymns highlight that the wandering of the mind is primarily driven by haumai (ego) and maya (the attachment to the material world). Such distractions prevent the devotee from turning inward and connecting with the Supreme.
- Call to Remembrance: Guru Ram Das admonishes the devotee to tame this unruly mind by engaging in simran (remembrance of God) and by seeking the counsel of the Guru. In doing so, the “camel-like” nature of the mind can be transformed into a steady, focused channel for divine realization.
Spiritual and Practical Implications
The simple yet penetrating metaphor of KARHALE carries several important spiritual messages:
- Self-Discipline and Clarity: By comparing the mind to a wandering camel, the hymn emphasizes the need for inner discipline. The devotee is urged to consolidate their mental energies, bringing the mind back “home” to the Divine presence.
- The Role of the Guru: The text makes clear that mere observance of external forms or rituals is insufficient to attain spiritual insight. Instead, the guidance and word of the Guru are essential to correct the course of the mind and to cleanse it of ego.
- Path to Liberation: Ultimately, by reclaiming control of the wandering mind through constant remembrance and adherence to the Guru’s teachings, one can overcome the barriers posed by ego and material attachment. This transformation is portrayed as the key step toward attaining proximity to God and achieving liberation (mukti).
Concluding Reflections
KARHALE stands as a succinct yet profound commentary on the human condition. Guru Ram Das uses the familiar image of a camel—a creature known for its endurance yet its stubborn, unpredictable nature—to mirror the state of the wandering mind. Through this allegory, he provides both a diagnosis and a remedy: the remedy is found in turning inward, listening to the Guru’s word, and engaging in the continuous remembrance of the Divine.
This elegant synthesis of folk imagery and deep spiritual insight exemplifies the accessibility of Sikh devotional poetry. The metaphor of the camel calls devotees to cultivate a focused, disciplined mind, ensuring that the path to spiritual realization remains clear and attainable.
