We often blame the times, but darkness is in the minds; when kirtan is sublime, light abounds at all times (KIRTAN = Singing of God's glory) <BR> This poem, written by Bhai Gurdas, is dedicated to Guru Nanak, the primary inspiration for my music. He was born in the 15th century but his poems are still very popular and are listened to by millions of people across the world. Its because his message of love and equality for all is universal and resonates till today. <BR> In the middle of the last millennium, India was in a bad plight. Torturous Mughal King Babar had invaded India. His armies assaulted and sacked several cities. The ascetic captives were forced to do rigorous work. There was wholesale massacre everywhere. <BR> The kings were bloodthirsty, cruel and tyrannical. There was no real religion, only religious persecution. The real spirit of religion was crushed by ritualism. The hearts of the people were filled with falsehood, cunningness, selfishness and greed. At such a time Guru Nanak came to the world with a message of peace, unity, love and devotion to God. <BR> In one of his poems the Guru says: Realise your unity with all. Love God. Love God in man. Sing the love of God. Repeat God’s Name. Sing His glory. Love God as the lotus loves water, as the bird Chatak loves rain, as the wife loves her husband. Make divine love thy pen and thy heart the writer. If you repeat the Name, you live; if you forget it, you die. Open your heart to Him. Enter into communion with Him. Sink into His arms and feel the divine embrace". <BR> Here is another example of his poetry: Love the saints of every faith: Put away thy pride. Remember the essence of religion Is meekness and sympathy, Not fine clothes, Not the Yogi’s garb and ashes, Not the blowing of the horns, Not the shaven head, Not long prayers, Not recitations and torturings, Not the ascetic way, But a life of goodness and purity, Amid the world’s temptations.