ਸਾਗੁ (saag)
Meaning: noun: Saag or sag, a leaf-based dish eaten in the Indian Subcontinent.
Quote:
ਖੀਰ ਸਮਾਨਿ ਸਾਗੁ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵਤ ਰੈਨਿ ਬਿਹਾਨੀ॥
kheer samaan saag mai paaiaa gun gaavat rain bihaanee.
I found the leaf-based dish (saag, in the house of Bidar, as tasty) as the rice and milk pudding, and my night passed by singing the attributes of the Divine. – Bhagat Kabir, Guru Granth Sahib, 1105
Message: Saag was originally a simple dish eaten in the Indian subcontinent, made from fresh, seasonal greens (spinach, etc.) and eaten with bread such as roti or naan. Over time, saag has come to be made with added spices and rich ingredients such as paneer and ghee – an overload to a simple dish.
The hymn from which this verse is taken refers to an anecdote where Krishna visited Hastinapur (present day Delhi) and stayed with a humble devotee instead of being courted by the King. Duryodhan, the King, expecting Krishna to stay at the palace, protested to Krishna against this treatment. The verse reflects the essence of the answer given by Krishna.
He chooses to eat a simple leaf-based dish from the home of a devotee, Bidar, where after a simple dinner the night was spent singing praises of the Divine. The affection from the poor man was pleasing and ordinary water was offered with love. He was not influenced by the wealth of the King which was an illusion in a transitory kingdom where the Giver had been forgotten. Bidar’s ordinary water was preferable to milk and other royal drinks. As was his leaf dish preferable to the rice and milk pudding, he would have been served at the palace.
How many of us today are swayed by material comfort and fail to see the pretense of love and affection. Would we choose Bidar or a rich friend to spend an evening with? Are we conscious of the Giver as we enjoy an evening?
Etymology: From Sanskrit shaak (potherb, vegetable) → Pali saak → Prakrit saag (green vegetables).
