We often ignore the fact that Waheguru is BEANT and so are His Hukam and Virtues, which can be understood by Divine Grace only; and by drawing closer to Waheguru in order to have a glimpse of His Hukam and Naam i. e. Gobind Milan ki eih teri baria – an ultimate aim to have Waheguru in one’s driving seat in life.
ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ (Raag Asa M.2, GGS. 466-18)
Houmai Dheeragh Rog Hai Dhaaroo Bhee Eis Maahi ||
Ego is a chronic disease, but it contains its own cure as well.
ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
Kirapaa Karae Jae Aapanee Thaa Gur Kaa Sabadh Kamaahi ||
If the Lord grants His Grace, one acts according to the Teachings of the Guru’s Shabad.
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਜਨਹੁ ਇਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਦੁਖ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੨॥
Naanak Kehai Sunahu Janahu Eith Sanjam Dhukh Jaahi ||2||
Nanak says, listen, people: in this way, troubles depart. ||2||
- Houmai is a serious hurdle in the way to ‘Gobind Millan’ – an ultimate aim of a Sikh. at the same time degree of Its control and erosion acts as a means of a measure towards path to Gobind Millan.
- Growth of Manmat that creates and spreads confusion in life making it purposeless.
- However, grace/nadr/kirpa of Waheguru can swim us across provided we have sohjee of the Divine Window of Gurmat (Naam) by contemplating on Sabd (ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ).
Houmai, which is a serious hurdle in progressing on Divine Path can be to controlled or eroded by the grasp of Gurmat/Naam through devotion:-
-ਹਉਮੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਲਿ ਵਿਰੋਧੁ ਹੈ ਦੁਇ ਨ ਵਸਹਿ ਇਕ ਠਾਇ ॥ (RaagVadhans M. 3, GGS. 56012).
Houmai Naavai Naal Virodhh Hai Dhue N Vasehi Eik Thaae ||
Ego is opposed to the Name of the Lord; the two do not dwell in the same place.
ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਤਾ ਮਨੁ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥
Houmai Vich Saevaa N Hovee Thaa Man Birathhaa Jaae ||1||
In egotism, selfless service cannot be performed, and so the soul goes unfulfilled. ||1||
The need is to resort to Gurmat through complete devotion and full faith:-
- ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਮਤਿ ਤੂੰ ਲੇਹਿ ਇਆਨੇ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 288-18).
Gur Kee Math Thoon Laehi Eiaanae ||
Take the Guru’s advice, you ignorant fool;
ਭਗਤਿ ਬਿਨਾ ਬਹੁ ਡੂਬੇ ਸਿਆਨੇ ॥
Bhagath Binaa Bahu Ddoobae Siaanae ||
Without devotion, even the clever have drowned.
Various scholars tend to make spirituality an an academic subject. So according to them this Marg can be understood by joining an academy, school, college or a university. If this is the case then children and other members of the Society who do not have access to formal education cannot have access to Waheguru. Many such scholars ignore the fact that the success on Spiritual Marg is achieved by giving away one’s conceit (houmai/ego) and working with a tool of innocence of a ‘CHILD like Personality’. This gives promise to children as well as those deprived of academic education to walk on this Marg just like our Gurus (Child-Guru Harkrishan Ji), Bhagats and Mahapurakhs etc. The Gurbani clearly chalks out the way out:-
1.ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਸੁਖ ਬਾਲੇ ਭੋਲੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Kaanrhaa M. 5, GGS. 1307-7).
I have met God through innocent faith, and He has blessed me with peace. ||1||Pause||
- ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਉਰੁ ਕੈਸੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥ (Raag Tilang M. 1, GGS. 722-13).
Give up your selfhood, and so obtain your Husband Lord; what other clever tricks are of any use?
ਸਹੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਸੋ ਦਿਨੁ ਲੇਖੈ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਈ ॥
When the Husband Lord looks upon the soul-bride with His Gracious Glance, that day is historic – the bride obtains the nine treasures.
- ਆਪੁ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਸਰਨਿ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, 288-13).
Give up your selfishness and conceit, and seek the Sanctuary of the Divine Guru.
The loss of self-consciousness, which is full of self conceit (Duality) leads to merger with Waheguru when the clarity of Divine Hukam/Virtues becomes imminent:-
– ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਿਲਣੈ ਕੀ ਏਹ ਨੀਸਾਣੀ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਇਕੋ ਸਚਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੀ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 5, GGS. 106-17).
This is the sign of union with God: In the mind, the Command of the True Lord is recognized.
Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar 