According to Gurbani a ‘Jeevan Mukt’ (liberated while alive) is one in whose heart is liv (Yad/rememberance) of Waheguru.
-ਓਹੁ ਧਨਵੰਤੁ ਕੁਲਵੰਤੁ ਪਤਿਵੰਤੁ ॥ ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਭਗਵੰਤੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 294-19).
He is wealthy and prosperous, and of noble birth. He is Jivan Mukta – liberated while yet alive; the Lord God abides in his heart.
Liv/Yad (remembrance) develops when one has full trust and faith in Waheguru:
-ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਤਾ ॥੮॥੧੫॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 283-16).
One who recognizes the Supreme Lord God as True. – O Nanak, that humble being is absorbed into the True One. ||8||15||
Liv/Yad of Waheguru is achieved through contemplation of Sabd-guru (Gurbani) – leading to freedom from dubida/duality/ego as a preparation to become ‘Jeevan Mukt’:-
-ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਜਾਗੇ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਰਹਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 1, GGS. 904-3).
Contemplating the Shabad, we become Nirankaari – we come to belong to the Formless Lord God. Awakening to the Guru’s Teachings, evil-mindedness is taken away.
ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਜਾਗਿ ਰਹੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥ ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਗਤਿ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਪਾਈ ॥੪॥
Remaining awake and aware night and day, lovingly focused on the Lord. One becomes Jivan Mukta – liberated while yet alive. He finds this state deep within himself. ||4||
-ਰਖਿ ਰਖਿ ਚਰਨ ਧਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਛੋਡਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Dhanaasree M. 1, GGS. 685-14).
After careful deliberation, the thoughtful person takes a step. Forsaking duality, he becomes a devotee of the Formless Lord.
ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਚਾਖੇ ॥ ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣ ਰਹੇ ਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ॥੨॥
He obtains the treasure of liberation, and enjoys the sublime essence of the Lord. His comings and goings end, and the Guru protects him. ||2||
‘Har Ras’ (Divine bliss – NAAM) makes a person ‘Jeevan Mukt’. All our Gurus, Bhagats, Sadhs, Sants, Brahmgianis, Gurmuks and Gurusikhs were engrossed in NAAM.
ਨਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੩॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 281-11).
One whose mind accepts the Company of the Naam, The Name of the Lord, O Nanak, knows the Immaculate Lord. ||3|
Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com
Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar 