Guru Arjan Dev Ji has left a striking legacy to help explore the basics of Sikhi by prescribing a Gurmat Research Methodology to Grasp the Gist of Gurbani: Naam.
In Sukhmani Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Chief Editor of Granth Sahib (Pothi Sahib) gives an extensive guidelines on 1. Literature survey, 2. Experimental work and
3. Conclusion as his tried Research Methodology to grasp the Sikhi Spiritual Marg elaborated in Gurbani:-
When I started my research work for a PhD degree in Analytical Chemistry, the first thing my supervisor told me was to collect information on the work already done in the chosen area/topic of my research (in technical terms to carry out a literature survey).
Some years later on moving to the Gurmat Marg, I received a similar advice by Guru Arjan Dev Ji but in this case he himself handed down a comprehensive literature review (as set out in Sukhmani Sahib) to facilitate progressive research in the broad area of spirituality:-
ਬਹੁ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਹੁ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਪੇਖੇ ਸਰਬ ਢਢੋਲਿ ॥ ਪੂਜਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਮੋਲ ॥੧॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 265-8).
The many Shaastras and the many Simritees – I have seen and searched through them all.| They are not equal to Har, Haray – O Nanak, the Lord’s Invaluable Name. ||1||
The outcome of literature survey done by Guru Arjan Dev Ji narrows down the essence of choice of Gurmat Topic as ‘Invaluable Naam’.The literature survey then clearly defines an appropriate Research Title i.e. ‘Naam Leads to Niranjan’ (Waheguru/Vahiguru):-
ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੪॥੪॥ (Raag Bhairao M. 5, GGS. 1136-16).
Nanak’s home is filled with the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||4||4||
When we consider Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Bani as the body of his research thesis, then the conclusion goes remarkably with the title:-
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||
ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਆਪਨ ਆਪੁ ਸੁਝੈ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਬੁਝੈ ॥
By Guru’s Grace, one understands himself; Know that then, his thirst is quenched.
– Guru Ji dedicates his Bani (research work) to ੴ (Waheguru/Vahiguru) as:-
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru.
– Guru Ji’ sums up his acknowledgement in the following words to Waheguru:-
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਭ ਤੇਰੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਉ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਮੇਰਾ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੪੯॥ (Raag Asa M. 5, GGS. 383-12).
Kahu Naanak Sabh Thaeree Vaddiaaee Koee Naao N Jaanai Maeraa ||4||10||49||
Says Nanak, this is all Your greatness; no one even knows my name. ||4||10||49||
The SYNOPSIS of Guru Ji’s thesis is summed up as:-
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਆਰਾਧਣਾ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਜਪਿ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Raag Goojree M. 5, GGS. 517-15).
Anthar Gur Aaraadhhanaa Jihavaa Jap Gur Naao ||
Deep within yourself, worship the Guru in adoration, and with your tongue, chant the Guru’s Name.
ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੇਖਣਾ ਸ੍ਰਵਣੀ ਸੁਨਣਾ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਉ ॥
Naethree Sathigur Paekhanaa Sravanee Sunanaa Gur Naao ||
Let your eyes behold the True Guru, and let your ears hear the Guru’s Name.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਤੀ ਰਤਿਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਈਐ ਠਾਉ ॥
Sathigur Saethee Rathiaa Dharageh Paaeeai Thaao ||
Attuned to the True Guru, you shall receive a place of honor in the Court of the Lord.
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਏਹ ਵਥੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
Kahu Naanak Kirapaa Karae Jis No Eaeh Vathh Dhaee ||
Says Nanak, this treasure is bestowed on those who are blessed with His Mercy.
ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਉਤਮ ਕਾਢੀਅਹਿ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥੧॥
Jag Mehi Outham Kaadteeahi Viralae Kaeee Kaee ||1||
In the midst of the world, they are known as the most pious – they are rare indeed. ||1||
Guru Arjan Dev Ji is a great Guru (Professor of Gurmat), researcher and Chief Editor of a famous Universal Spiritual Journal – Adi Granth Sahib, which gave birth to the Guru Granth Sahib in 1609.
Guru Ji’s prescribed of Research Methodology is the digest of the outcome of the life experiences of Sikh Gurus, Bhagats, Mahapurakhs and Gurmukhs.
As a humble academic, I value and love Guru Arjan Dev Ji for his guidance and supervision on Gurmat Path (Marg).
https://gurmatvichaar.home.blog/
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Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com
Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar 