Some people say that “No Guru has advocated chanting the word Vahiguru. Naam is the edict/guide for leading life”. And they often relate Divine Virtues and Hukam as Naam.

While I accept the importance of Divine – Virtues and Hukam but my quarrel is that the “Appreciation of Divine Virtues and Hukam” belong only to the enlightened class of human beings. What about those like me who are struggling to come to grip with the “Divine Virtues and Hukam” of the Beant Akalpurakh? What about those who are not so enlightened or even for the children who have no clue to “Divine Virtues and Hukam” as such except those enlightened of the like Guru Harkrishan Sahib?

In my case at a very young age I started reciting Waheguru, Waheguru……on the influence of my mother and the Dharmak lessons at my Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa School, Delhi. I used to walk to my school and back home reciting Waheguru on the way. One day my attention stuck on the following promises in Gurbani that led me in later years to a more focussed Gurmat searching endeavours in Gurbani:-

1. ਤਿਥੈ ਤੂ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਜਿਥੈ ਕੋਇ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਓਥੈ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਖ ਅਗਨੀ ਉਦਰ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 5, GGS. 962-1).
Thithhai Thoo Samarathh Jithhai Koe Naahi || Outhhai Thaeree Rakh Aganee Oudhar Maahi ||
Where You are, Almighty Lord, there is no one else. There, in the fire of the mother’s womb, You protected us.

2. ਸੁਣਿ ਕੈ ਜਮ ਕੇ ਦੂਤ ਨਾਇ ਤੇਰੈ ਛਡਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਬਿਖਮੁ ਅਸਗਾਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
Sun Kai Jam Kae Dhooth Naae Thaerai Shhadd Jaahi || Bhoujal Bikham Asagaahu Gur Sabadhee Paar Paahi ||
Hearing Your Name, the Messenger of Death runs away The terrifying, treacherous, impassible world-ocean is crossed over, through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad.

3. ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਲਗੀ ਪਿਆਸ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸੇਇ ਖਾਹਿ ॥ ਕਲਿ ਮਹਿ ਏਹੋ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਗਾਹਿ ॥
Jin Ko Lagee Piaas Anmrith Saee Khaahi || Kal Mehi Eaeho Punn Gun Govindh Gaahi ||
Those who feel thirst for You, take in Your Ambrosial Nectar. This is the only act of goodness in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, to sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe.

4. ਸਭਸੈ ਨੋ ਕਿਰਪਾਲੁ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲੇ ਸਾਹਿ ਸਾਹਿ ॥ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਜਿ ਆਵੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਹਿ ॥੯॥
Sabhasai No Kirapaal Samhaalae Saahi Saahi || Birathhaa Koe N Jaae J Aavai Thudhh Aahi ||9||
He is Merciful to all; He sustains us with each and every breath. Those who come to You with love and faith are never turned away empty-handed. ||9||

On the blessings of Waheguru, the above 4 core messages impacted my mind at young age and that led me into a serious contemplative effort to explore Gurbani knowing that He has been there for me before I was born and shall be there in entire life (ਤਿਥੈ ਤੂ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਜਿਥੈ ਕੋਇ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਓਥੈ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਖ ਅਗਨੀ ਉਦਰ ਮਾਹਿ).

I started realizing that the Spiritual journey of a Sikh though starts with Waheguru Jaap and Nit-nem of Gurbani but the process is long and tedious. Waheguru Jaap and Gurbani do lead one on this path. However, the Kipa/Nadr/Bakshish/Gurparsad/Grace of Waheguru bridges the gap.

Gurbani guides us that the main aim in our life is seeking salvation and the process commences before even our birth :-

ਭਈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ ॥ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਮਿਲਣ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਰੀਆ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 5, GGS. 378-1) – Repeated twice in GGS.
Bhee Paraapath Maanukh Dhaehureeaa || Gobindh Milan Kee Eih Thaeree Bareeaa ||
You have been blessed with this human body. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.

ਅਵਰਿ ਕਾਜ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਕਾਮ ॥ ਮਿਲੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਭਜੁ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ॥੧॥
Avar Kaaj Thaerai Kithai N Kaam || Mil Saadhhasangath Bhaj Kaeval Naam ||1||
Other efforts are of no use to you. Joining the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, vibrate and meditate on the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||1||

The life goal can be met in two ways i. e by understanding and inculcating 1. Divine Virtues and obeying Divine Hukam and 2. And/or by praising Akalpurak. To praise Waheguru is beyond humans. We can only say our humble praise by saying/uttering Wah Guru (Waheguru, Waheguru…..) only:-:-

– ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਜਾਗੇ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਰਹਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee, M. 1, GGS 904).
sabadh beechaar bheae nirankaaree || guramath jaagae dhuramath parehaaree ||
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.

– ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਹੋਵੈ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਤਾ ਖਸਮੈ ਕਾ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਾਇਸੀ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 471-13).
Hukam Manniai Hovai Paravaan Thaa Khasamai Kaa Mehal Paaeisee ||
Obeying the Order of His Will, he becomes acceptable, and then, he obtains the Mansion of the Lord’s Presence.

– ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਿਲਣੈ ਕੀ ਏਹ ਨੀਸਾਣੀ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਇਕੋ ਸਚਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੀ ॥ (Raag Maajh, M. 5, GGS 106).
prabh milanai kee eaeh neesaanee ||man eiko sachaa hukam pashhaanee ||
This is the sign of union with God: in the mind, the Command of the True Lord is recognized.

– ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵਡਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੭॥ (Raag Asa M. 2, GGS. 467-3).
Vaddiaaee Vaddaa Paaeiaa ||7||
By praising His greatness, the Great Lord is obtained. ||7||

– ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਐ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ॥(Raag Sriraag, M. 1, GGS 72).
sathasangath kaisee jaaneeai ||jithhai eaeko naam vakhaaneeai ||
How is the Society of the Saints to be known. There, the Name of the One Lord is chanted

– ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਨ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੇ ਕਿਨੇਹਿਆ ॥ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹੁ ਮੂਲਿ ਸਾਂਈ ਜੇਹਿਆ ॥੧॥(Raag Aasaa, M. 5, GGS 397).
jinhaa n visarai naam sae kinaehiaa ||bhaedh n jaanahu mool saanee jaehiaa ||1||
What are they like – those who do not forget the Naam, the Name of the Lord? Know that there is absolutely no difference; they are exactly like the Lord. ||1||

There is need for us to make room for ‘ਗੋਵਿੰਦੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ’ – based on developing a devotional equation with Waheguru irrespective of one’s academic qualifications.

ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਗੋਵਿੰਦੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥ ਪੜਿਆ ਅਣਪੜਿਆ ਪਰਮ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 197)
jo praanee govindh dhhiaavai ||parriaa anaparriaa param gath paavai ||1||
The mortal whether educated or uneducated who meditates on the Govind/Waheguru/Hari, obtains the Supreme Dignity.

A feeling of virtual presence of Guru Ji by one’s side keeps hammering the need for a daily resolve of seriously contemplating on Gurbani to attract Gurparsad in order to grasp the Divine essence of Gurbani (TAT):-

ਸੋਧਤ ਸੋਧਤ ਸੋਧਤ ਸੀਝਿਆ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਤਤੁ ਸਭੁ ਬੂਝਿਆ ॥ (Raag Gaurhee Sukhmanee, M. 5, GGS 281).
sodhhath sodhhath sodhhath seejhiaa ||gur prasaadh thath sabh boojhiaa ||
Searching, searching, searching, and finally, success! By Guru’s Grace, the essence of all reality is understood.

What is now the ‘TAT’ (Divine Sohjee)? – which is proclaimed as the only divine force in Guru Granth Sahib -‘Nanak ke ghar kewal Naam’ that Guru Nanak Sahib trusts as the greatest force that serves him as his life support.

ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਾਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਆਸ ਏਹੋ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ (Sriraag, M. 1, GGS 24).
thaeraa eaek naam thaarae sansaar ||mai eaehaa aas eaeho aadhhaar ||1|| rehaao ||
Your Name alone, Lord, saves the world. This is my hope; this is my support. ||1||Pause||

Following Guru Ji’s advice that ‘ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੁ’. If Guru and Parmeshar are same that it would be easier for me to first befriend the Guru to know the secrets of knowing and reaching Waheguru. The Guru translates the necessity of Divine Connectivity all the time to leading to Divine Pargas.

ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪੇਖਹੁ ਨੇਰਾ ॥ ਮਿਟੈ ਅਗਿਆਨੁ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਅੰਧੇਰਾ ॥(Raag Gauri Sukhmanee Guru Arjan Dev, GGS. 293)
aath pehar prabh paekhahu naeraa ||mittai agiaan binasai andhhaeraa ||
Behold God near at hand, twenty-four hours a day. Ignorance shall depart, and darkness shall be dispelled.

This brings one in the realm of Saram Khand or Lavaan #2. The trend of further Spiritual growth can be extrapolated.

The next step has a waiting period when to get divine inspiration to speak and write as Waheguru directs:-

ਅਗਮ ਅਗੋਚਰੁ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥ਨਾਨਕੁ ਬੋਲੈ ਬੋਲਾਇਆ ਤੇਰਾ ॥੪॥੨੩॥੨੯॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 743-4).
Agam Agochar Sach Saahib Maeraa ||Naanak Bolai Bolaaeiaa Thaeraa
You are inaccessible and unfathomable, O my True Lord and Master Nanak speaks as You inspire him to speak. ||

Following the above, a Sikh of Guru moves to the glorious step when a Sikh experiences like Kabir Ji that Waheguru is not only Ang-Sang but also follows him/her:-

ਕਬੀਰ ਤੂੰ ਤੂੰ ਕਰਤਾ ਤੂ ਹੂਆ ਮੁਝ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਾ ਨ ਹੂੰ ॥ (Salok Bhagat Kabir, GGS. 1375-10)
Kabeer Thoon Thoon Karathaa Thoo Hooaa Mujh Mehi Rehaa N Hoon ||
Kabeer, repeating, “”You, You””, I have become like You. Nothing of me remains in myself.

ਜਬ ਆਪਾ ਪਰ ਕਾ ਮਿਟਿ ਗਇਆ ਜਤ ਦੇਖਉ ਤਤ ਤੂ ॥੨੦੪॥
Jab Aapaa Par Kaa Mitt Gaeiaa Jath Dhaekho Thath Thoo ||204||
When the difference between myself and others is removed, then wherever I look, I see only You. ||204||

When the Waheguru Jaap reaches its peak, the result is the Sehaj Awastha enjoyed by Bhagat Kabir Ji:-

ਕਬੀਰ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਭਇਆ ਜੈਸਾ ਗੰਗਾ ਨੀਰੁ ॥ ਪਾਛੈ ਲਾਗੋ ਹਰਿ ਫਿਰੈ ਕਹਤ ਕਬੀਰ ਕਬੀਰ ॥੫੫॥ (Salok Bhagat Kabir, GGS. 1367-7).
Kabeer Man Niramal Bhaeiaa Jaisaa Gangaa Neer ||Paashhai Laago Har Firai Kehath Kabeer Kabeer ||55||
Kabeer, my mind has become immaculate, like the waters of the Ganges. The Lord follows after me, calling, “”Kabeer! Kabeer!””||55||

I realize that the Sikh ‘Spiritual Journey’ starts with Waheguru Jaap (even in mother’s womb) followed by reciting and contemplating on Nit-nem of Gurbani to meet a Guru in Parthak form (virtually present ang-sang) and then move along with the Guru firmly in order to know the Guru’s GURU (Waheguru) intimately with love, devotion and utmost humility (total loss of personal ego). This follows leading in to a magnetic Divine relationship in equilibrium with equal pull as experienced by Kabir Ji – an ultimate aim of a Sikh.

ਜਪਹੁ ਤ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮਾ ॥ ਅਵਰਿ ਨਿਰਾਫਲ ਕਾਮਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥(Raag Suhi M. 1, GGS. 728-5)

Japahu Th Eaeko Naamaa ||Avar Niraafal Kaamaa ||1|| Rehaao ||

Chant the Name of the One Lord. All other actions are fruitless. ||1||Pause||

Jaap of Ik Onkar/Waheguru/Hari/Satnam/Kartar/Ram……..(choice is yours) is a stepping stone on Gurmat Path.

References: All Gurbani quotes are from Guru Granth Sahib with the page nos as indicated.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand

kirpal2singh@yahoo.com