Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar

There are times when Waheguru can use to help us grow stronger in Him. He then allows some painful experiences in our lives because they are designed to teach us something. If we do not find Waheguru’s solution to our trial of doubt, then our faith may not survive the testing process.

There are some truths in Guru Granth Sahib, which relate us to fundamental concepts of Waheguru and His attributes, such as: ‘Gopal damodar din diyal, dhukh bhanjan pooran kirpal’ (Waheguru is merciful; kind to meek; capable of removing our miseries). As a practice, before we pray we should concentrate/ mediate on Waheguru in order to understand who Waheguru (God) is? Focus on Waheguru’s existence around us with full faith is of paramount importance before we say our petition, our hurts, our needs and feelings through prayer.

Our usual tendency is to pray first and then meditate (if at all). When we pray before concentrating on Waheguru (to whom the prayer is directed) we pray about our problems, our suffering, our anxiety and our worries. Whereas we need to learn to put Waheguru at the centre of our prayers. 

We need to concentrate on Gurbani (or scriptures) that give us knowledge/gian about Waheguru (God). By focusing on Waheguru instead of ourselves, we remove all limitations from our thinking and our prayers and our perspective is changed – all things become possible when we begin with our full faith and trust in only Waheguru (God). The faith should be so strong that even if you are going through a trial and Waheguru (God) seems silent, you must have confidence that He is helping you to grow in your character and your faith in Him with steadfast believing spirit – that of a ‘Gurmukh’.

Gurmuks (those who always seek for Him) are Waheguru’s people and they never go back empty handed (‘birtha koi na jahe je avavai tudh aaye’). Without faith it is impossible to please God. Any one who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that he is Kirpaloo (who does not disappoint His Devotee). Draw near to Waheguru and He will draw near to you. That If you sincerely and earnestly seek Him, you will find Him. Those who truly want to find Him will find Him – this is always

The very power and forces that frighten us are themselves under the command of Waheguru (God). All the things that we fear, those fear Him. No power, natural or human can operate except by the permission of Waheguru, because He is “sab kich aape aap”. All the authorities, world’s forces, and systems are under Waheguru’s (God’s) control. All power belongs to Him and nothing can touch us without the express permission of Waheguru- “Karta kare so hoeai”.

If you search in Gurbani, the problems and afflictions are normal part of life. Sometimes we pray and Waheguru lifts us out of our afflictions. Other times Waheguru leads us through our afflictions (“Dukh daru sukh rog bhehaia”).

In prayers, we need to place our confidence in Waheguru, trusting that He has a plan that, though inscrutable, is perfect. We cannot imagine what Waheguru will do, but we can trust that whatever He does will be the best thing for us, and it will be amazing. According to Gurbani His Bhagats (Devotees) only enjoy His confidence over others and they are looked after very well so that they can stay always happy- ‘Har jug jug bhagat upaiaa paij rakhadha aaiaa ram raje’ and ‘Nanak Bhagtan sada

Besides prayer, there is another way in Gurbani to satisfy our inner feelings (Pooran Aasa) and that is of ‘Simran’. In Sukhmani Sahib, there are promises like:

‘Prab ke simran andin jage, -bhu na biape, -dukh na santape, -ridh sidh nau nidh, -gian dhian tat budh, -binse dhooja, -suphal falah, -trisna booje, -sab kich sooje’, -puran aasa, -karaj poore,- kabhu na choore,- etc leading to ‘har simran meh aap nirankra”. However, Simran is also controlled by Waheguru and gives on His discretion (‘kar kirpa jis aap bujhaiaaha, nanak gurmukh har simran tin payeaia’).

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com