Fake it, you’ll make it – Yogi Bhajan: An Amazing success story

The Yogi’s life is a proof of his favourite saying and at the same time sends a strong message for the Sikh Community. I shall come to the message a little later but first I narrate a true story:-

It was in July/August 1972, I was doing postdoctoral research work in the Imperial College, London and I came in close contact with some members of the Sikh Missionary Society, Gravesend (G S Sidhu) and Balwant Singh Grewal of North London etc. I established contact with the Society when I was working in Amsterdam University and Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium). My contacts were a group of enthusiastic but orthodox Sikhs mostly in teaching professions. On my arrival in London, I found a lot of friends who invited me to their homes. This was a time when Sukhmani Sahib was my favourite Bani and appropriate verses came out of me while conversing with my Sikh and non-sikh friends.

As a result of my deep devotion in Sukhmani Sahib I was invited to several Gurduaras to lecture. I received several Siropas, which somehow boosted my interest and confidence in Gurbani (and also my ego). My Sikh friends held me in high esteem professionally when I got accepted in University of Berne in Switzerland on a research position in analytical chemistry. They were happy to see a young Sikhmani doing well as an academic.

My so-called popularity brought me face to face with Yogi Bhajan in Shepherd Bush Gurduara where he came for the first time with his entourage. He and his members of group (both males and females) were dressed in white clothes and white turbans. One the girls was sitting right in front facing the GGS and the gents side with her eyes closed and holding a rosary with her fingers continuously moving the beads. The members of Sangat sitting in the hall and those who joined later were all looking at this girl with “awe” that how come a white girl is so devout Sikh? His other members were sitting in the same posture but intermingled with the Sangat on both sides of the hall.

Yogi Ji spoke for a few minutes more about his visit than about Gurbani. The Sangat in general was very much impressed but my curious mind was clearly seeing a drama merely to mislead people.

Yogi’s drama was so successful that a number of wealthy Sikh extended invitations to him with his group members to their houses. I also got invited by some and they introduced me to Yogi Bhajan Singh. At this juncture and in the presence of of Yogi’s admirers I shouted a question at Yogi that why did you make a girl with closed eyes holding a rosary sit at a conspicuous place where Sangat was “Mata taking” rather than to make her sit elsewhere. Yogi Ji was bewildered and he sensed me as a rebel to challenge him. While avoiding embarrassment in public he cleverly appreciated my boldness and invited me see him at his temporary place of residence in London.

An appointment was fixed and noted in diary by his female secretary. I was given an odd time on a working day thinking that I might not show up. Any way I accepted, took a day off from work and reached his place at the appointed time.

I saw Yogi ji sitting on the ground with a wall size poster of him behind him with open flowing hairs. I greeted him and as soon as I sat down I pointed out to him that you are not a Sikh and you even do not wear turban in your dera so how do you connect your showpiece visit to the Gurduara? He calmed me down and turned to another man sitting there on the floor and holding a 3 feet long Srisahib (kirpan) with flowing beard and pretty impressive look of a holy Sikhman. Yogi Ji turned to me and told me that I knew that when you come you were going to ask me several questions related to the Sikhism. In anticipation I have here the Jathedar of Akal Thakhat, Amritsar to answer all your queries- please feel free and ask him. This changed the the dimensions of my visit to see Yogi Ji.I don’t quite remember the name of the Jathedar, perhaps S. Gurdeep Singh? not sure- I wrote to the SGPC to get the name to write in my memoirs but have received no response so far.

Before I could ask any thing, Yogi Ji called one the girls and asked her to take me to an exercise room for 20 minutes before going for a light lunch. She took me to a solitary room and lead me to do exercises with moving arms legs and body postures by saying Satnam Waheguru at every movement. During this exercise I intercepted her several times to know about her, her background and her interest in this mission. She never answered any question and kept saying Satnam-Waheguru (somehow I was impressed!).

While I was going to join Yogi Ji and Jathedar Ji again, I overheard Yogi Ji saying to the Jathedar Ji that you kindly arrange a visit for me and my group to Darbar Sahib in the near future. Yogi Ji continued to impress the Jathedar and me about his wealth as well as possessing a private plane for transportation. He went on to offer the Jathedar a trip to his mission in US an an incentive and goodwill visit to see the embracing of Sikhism by whites.

I turned to Jathedar Ji and told him that I cannot imagine the Head of Akal Thakhat sitting here and negotiating some move coming from someone who is a Yogi and not a Sikh. He felt very uncomfortable but yet he nodded in affirmation.

The Yogi was bolder than the Jathedar he held me in his arms and told me youngman you are right ” I am not a Sikh I am a Yogi just like other who have gone to US to make money. I am making money and when I have enough money I shall be able to help my people. Don’t you agree?”. At this point I told Yogi Ji that I am glad to hear your true position and I have no quarrel with you. Since then Yogi Ji and I became friends and I kept receiving greeting cards and invitations to mark special occasions particularly on his birthdays etc ( birthday card with his open hair depicting him as a Yogi) for many years.

The same Jathedar, I was told did arrange his first visit to Darbar Sahib with full honours and Siropas. This was Yogi Ji entry in to the Sikh world In India. From this experience I learnt that some Jathedars can be easily lured to financial incentives and foreign visits to compromise their roles.

I asked a number of Yogi Ji admirers who came to invite him with his followers to their houses in London and spend a lot of money in entertaining in the company of other friends to honor Yogi Ji. The reply was invariably a simple helpless assertion that “our children do not obey us and here is man (Yogi Ji) who command the respect of these white young girls and boys. This is only possible because of his supernatural powers.”.

The reciting of Satnam-Waheguru that Yogi Ji introduced in exercises (instead of saying 1,2, 3) as a fake has made his mission to acquire spiritual dimensions. This exercise took the shape of serious Naam- Simran, which was bound to bring measurable results. Please read Ist Ashpadi of Sukhmani Sahib to verify the claim of ‘PRABH KA SIMRAN SAB TE OOCHA’.

His earlier disciples were dropouts and drug edicts but latter he attracted some sharp analytical minds, who with time transcended the boundaries of fake in to real. I have read a number of Yogi Ji articles where he is trying hard to merge Yogic thoughts with Sikhism but the result is not so appealing. His most impressive assertion is that all human-beings are born Sikhs – since all are born to learn. His strength comes from the long hours of Naam-Simran that he used to practice lately.

I have a lot of appreciation for the scholarly work of his disciples, who are bringing a fresh look in to the Sikhism being analytical in their approach and free from biases and prejudices. I congratulate them all for their immense contribution. The Yogi Ji disciples have helped the SGPC, Amritsar to boost its Information Technology expertise – a remarkable contribution. Daily Hukumnama by Sikhnet from Amritsar is boon for Sikh Sangat.

Some years back Yogi Ji was in a Delhi Gurduara and he when he was about to speak he burst into tears and was seen sobbing. When he was able to recollect himself, he openly accepted that he did not believe that merely uttering of Satnam-Waheguru could do such miracles -talking about his establishment and spread of his brand of Sikhism in the West. He was utterly grateful to Waheguru for His blessings to such a lowly person like him. He sounded very humbled as a perfect Sikh without any trace of a Yogi left in him.

Message: Yogi’s story is a demonstration of Power of Simran (Naam Japna) which is enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib and the same applies to various Deras and Babas who are also thriving because “Prab Ka Simran sab te oocha”.

Gurbani is full of appreciation for those who practice Nam Japna and Japana:-

ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਲਿਹਾਰਣੈ ਜੋ ਆਪਿ ਜਪੈ ਅਵਰਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਏ ॥੨॥ (Maajh Vaar M. 4, GGS. 140-5).
Jan Naanak This Balihaaranai Jo Aap Japai Avaraa Naam Japaaeae ||2||
Servant Nanak is a sacrifice to one who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it as well. ||2||

With Waheguru’s blessings.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand

kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Sikhi is only “Piri” (which stores humility, compassion and service) and not “Miri” (which stores dignity but with certain degree of arrogance). According to Gurbani, Miri and Piri do not go together. There is need for some historical correction to be made some where to stay in tune with Gurbani. I apologize to those who believe in prevalent historical assertions in Sakhees on Sikh History but I would urge them to re-examine the concept in the light of Gurbani. Guru Hargobind Ji and Baba Buddha Ji could have not made a mistake? I think it went as it was intended for Guru Ji to continue to stay in “Piri’ of Sikhi with greater strength rather than diluting with “Miri.” Sikhi breeds only spirituality, humility, service and not temporal or political power. No spiritually imbued Sikh will ever join power-politics. Sikhi is Spirituality and Nishkam-Sewa in whatever profession you choose in life – a serious search in the core message of Gurbani will convince you. The moment spirit touches materialism it lowers the spirit to carnal. During 240+ years of Sikh Guru’s life time, PIRI was prominent except for a brief period when concept of MIRI crept in. Thakhats of Miri are there to uphold PIRI rather than to devalue PIRI.

Piri/ Spirituality are being of the spirit. It is a devotion to the metaphysical matters and activities, which renew uplift, comfort, heal, and inspire us and the others with whom we interact. It is the development of True Divine being to the point that one’s spirit is raised to the Holy Spirit of God, the highest spiritual achievement ever possible.

Spirituality is preparing the body and mind, to receive God’s inspiration and translating it into thinking, speech, and into actions leading to the development of virtuous habits forming good character. Being humble, loving and Compassionate is the Goal in Life leading to Spiritual Enlightenment, which is to unite the Conscious Mind with the Universal metaphysical, incomprehensible, unfathomable One Creator. True spirituality is achieved by logically applying teachings incorporated in Sabd Guru that allow ego to vanish in the fire of Divine love and fear. Only a true Guru, who has achieved oneness with God, can give such true spiritual teachings. The purpose of developing our spirituality is to be free of spiritual ignorance, free of selfish or destructive behavioral patterns (renunciation/detachment) and free to return to our eternal home in God. The mechanical recitation of Nitnem and other rituals performed daily etc without understanding are all superstitions without any spiritual benefit. It is the development of virtues which makes it a devotional worship says Guru Nanak in his Japji:-

ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ (Jap Guru Nanak, GGS. 4-15).
Sabh Gun Thaerae Mai Naahee Koe ||
All virtues are Yours, Lord, I have none at all.

ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
Vin Gun Keethae Bhagath N Hoe ||
Without virtue, there is no devotional worship.

PIRI in Sikhi is Sat Sangat imbued with Naam and Sabd:-

– ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਐ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 72-1).
Sathasangath Kaisee Jaaneeai ||
How is the Society of the Saints to be known?

ਜਿਥੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ॥
Jithhai Eaeko Naam Vakhaaneeai ||
There, the Name of the One Lord is chanted.

ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਆ ਬੁਝਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੫॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 72-2).
Eaeko Naam Hukam Hai Naanak Sathigur Dheeaa Bujhaae Jeeo ||5||
The One Name is the Lord’s Command; O Nanak, the True Guru has given me this understanding. ||5||

– ਦੇਵ ਸਥਾਨੈ ਕਿਆ ਨੀਸਾਣੀ ॥ (Raag Raamkali Bhagat Beni, GGS, 974-8).
Dhaev Sathhaanai Kiaa Neesaanee ||
What is the insignia of the Divine Lord’s dwelling?

ਤਹ ਬਾਜੇ ਸਬਦ ਅਨਾਹਦ ਬਾਣੀ ॥
Theh Baajae Sabadh Anaahadh Baanee ||
The unstruck sound current of the Shabad vibrates there.

MIRI on the other hand is defined by Mahan Kosh as chieftainship, headship, political affairs or power- ਅਮੀਰੀ. ਸਰਦਾਰੀ। (2) ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹਤ. By definition Miri and Piri contradict IMHO even though it was carried out by and after 6th Guru except ninth Guru. The moment spirit touches materialism (Matter) it lowers the spirit to carnal as it creates arrogance and superiority, which spoils the foundation of spirituality (humility).

I am grateful to use some portion of private correspondence with Dr. Virinder Singh Grewal, MI, USA on this subject of PIRI – MIRI.

Kirpal Singh

Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

The message of the Gurbani is nothing but TRUTH so it shall always prevail amidst upheavals and turbulences and inspite of concerns raised by a number of members of the Sikh Community.
Kindly look at the following exploratory list to prove the above point:-
Gurduaras around the world; Nam Rasiye – Naam Japan wale – Anubhavi; Books on Gurbani and different aspects of the Sikhism; Sikh Scholars, parcharaks, ragis, kitinias, gurbani kirtan -CD/Cassettes etc; Magazines and periodicals on Sikh Affairs, Nagar kirtans; Deras, Sikh Forums and Sikh charitable organisations in India and overseas; Nitnem and Sukhmani groups (many headed by Sikh ladies, particularly Sukhmani Groups ) in local gurduaras; the revenues of all historic Gurduaras; Gurmat Camps and books for children; Hospital and dispensaries; Schools, colleges, universities, professional and technical institutions; scholarships for bright, poor and needy Sikh students in India and overseas; Sikh women in public life, scholarship, artists and in political arena; Sikh entrepreneurs and professionals (managers, doctors, lawyers, defence personnel, sports men and women etc); Sikhs in India and overseas; non-sikh devotees (in Sikh Gurduaras and Deras); Sikh Council and organisations; Sikhs of International stature etc etc.

All these and other similar activities/developments have shown considerable growth thus indicating that the the Sikhism in spirit and numerical number has risen in the last 30 years or so and it shall continue to expand. Only if the above parameters will take a plunge then the situation would dictate otherwise. The Sikhism has crossed the boundaries of India and today there are Gurduarars on all the continents in the World – a testimony of TRUTH IN GURBANI (Universal Message).:

– ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਸਾਚਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 3, GGS. 917-12).
guramath saachee saachaa veechaar ||
True are the Guru’s Teachings, and True is contemplative meditation.

– ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਕਰਮਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਏ ॥੧॥ (Raag Srirag M. 3, GGS. 67-10).
gurabaanee eis jag mehi chaanan karam vasai man aaeae ||1||
Gurbani is the Light to illuminate this world; by His Grace, it comes to abide within the mind. ||1||

– ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥ (Raag Nat Narain M. 4, GGS, 982-10).
Baanee Guroo Guroo Hai Baanee Vich Baanee Anmrith Saarae ||
The Word, the Bani is Guru, and Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani, the Ambrosial Nectar is contained.

ਗੁਰੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਕਹੈ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ਪਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥੫॥
Gur Baanee Kehai Saevak Jan Maanai Parathakh Guroo Nisathaarae ||5||
If His humble servant believes, and acts according to the Words of the Guru’s Bani, then the Guru, in person, emancipates him. ||5||

The Sikhism like all other religions of the World is tossing through an environment of rapid social and economical changes in the society to retain its rightful place because of its Universal message. Its Universal appeal is bound to permeate through all unimportant rituals and hurdles and In the end the truth will be accepted by the seekers of the truth wherever they are.

The following three terms are very popular in the Sikhism:

1. Amrit vela,
2. Amrit by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and
3. Amrit Bani

All the three have ‘Amrit’ as a common term.

1. Now let’s go to Amrit Vela – this ‘Vela’ is in the early hours of the morning and what makes is Amrit is, if one reads/recite/ponders on ‘Guru di Bani’, otherwise it just a morning time. In other words the ordinary morning time turns into Amrit Vela only when used according to the Gurbani in the Guru Granth.

2. Amrit Ceremony – the sweetened water was turned Amrit by reciting Bani at the time of its preparation by Guru Gobind Singh – again it is the Gurbani, which converted ordinary water in to an ‘Amrit’.

3. So it is clear that the real ‘Amrit’ is in the Gurbani, which when combined with other items like Vela and Water makes them ‘Amrit’ as well. The Amrit Gurbani is embodied in the Guru Granth.

ਪੋਥੀ ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਕਾ ਥਾਨੁ ॥ (Raag Sarang M. 5, GGS. 1226-3).
pothhee paramaesar kaa thhaan ||
This Holy Book is the home of the Transcendent Lord God.

The Sikhs are ordained to enjoy the company of their Parmesar by turning to the Guru Granth Sahib and live the life to its fullest by remembering Waheguru in daily life while attending to family, professional and social life without worrying too much as per the advice in Gurbani:

ਜੋ ਹੋਆ ਹੋਵਤ ਸੋ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 286-7).
jo hoaa hovath so jaanai ||
They know the past and the present.

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਅਪਨੇ ਕਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥
prabh apanae kaa hukam pashhaanai ||
They recognize God’s Own Command.

All is happening in the sweet will of Waheguru whether the current saga of Akal Thakhat under the Akali Dal, children’s or our future, Apostasy among Sikh Youth, Covid-19 etc.

Our role model is prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh (Guru maneo Granth) to follow and there should be nobody other than Guru Granth. And the methodology is simple: ‘Prabh ka simran sab te oocha’, which can be practiced by children as well as by adults at any time though (Waheguru -Waheguru-Waheguru……..2- 5 minutes daily). Kindly try and see the results.

The Sikhs will confront problem only if they renounce their Guru and Sabd as pointed out by Guru Nanak Sahib:-

ਬਾਝੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਬਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਬੂਝ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 55-15).
Baajh Guroo Gubaar Hai Bin Sabadhai Boojh N Paae ||
Without the Guru, there is only pitch darkness; without the Shabad, understanding is not obtained.

While we are still struggling to find an acceptable definition of a Sikh, the Gurbani guides us as to – Who is a Sikh and or Gursikh?

The Sikhi doctrine mentioned in the following verses suggests:-

– ਗੁਰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਜੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਅਖਾਏ ਸੁ ਭਲਕੇ ਉਠਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥ (Gauri Vaar M. 4, GGS. 305-16).
Gur Sathigur Kaa Jo Sikh Akhaaeae S Bhalakae Outh Har Naam Dhhiaavai ||
One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru the True Guru shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord’s Name.

– ਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਧੂੜਿ ਮੰਗੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਕੀ ਜੋ ਆਪਿ ਜਪੈ ਅਵਰਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥ (Raag Gauri M. 4, GGS. 306-2)
Jan Naanak Dhhoorr Mangai This Gurasikh Kee Jo Aap Japai Avareh Naam Japaavai ||2||
Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. ||2||

Accordingly, the criteria to become a Gursikh is that one should chant/recite the Divine Name (of Waheguru) and inspire others to do the same.

It is amazing to see that such a criteria can be easily applied in making Gurbani accepted Universally. People of different religions do recite and do inspire others to recite their respective Divine Names in daily life and in their places of worship. According to Gurbani, they are all Gursikhs even when they think they are professing different faiths and religions?

This would mean there are more Gursikhs in the World then the Sikhs.

We are lucky to be on GL-Z or other Forums in a way that when we receive some messages with the full Sikh salutations even if we do not find much in contents, the Salutation (Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh or Gur Fateh etc…..) reminds us of Waheguru, which has its own reward like that of simran. The number of people benefitting through this exercise are many. This mass-mode of greetings is great – thanks to the modern IT.
Kirpal Singh

Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

We are always looking for peace of mind ‘ Anand’ in life, which is guaranteed in Anand Sahib by Guru Amar Das Ji with his personal blissful experience on uniting with Satguru (Akalpurakh/Waheguru):-

ਅਨੰਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਏ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 3, 917-2).
Anandh Bhaeiaa Maeree Maaeae Sathiguroo Mai Paaeiaa ||
I am in ecstasy, O my mother, for I have found my True Guru.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਹਜ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਵਜੀਆ ਵਾਧਾਈਆ ॥
Sathigur Th Paaeiaa Sehaj Saethee Man Vajeeaa Vaadhhaaeeaa ||
I have found the True Guru, with intuitive ease, and my mind vibrates with the music of bliss.

The state of Spiritual Bliss leads to a state of spiritual awakening to draw the nectre from the Divine Sabd to draw closer to Akalpurakh/Waheguru):-

ਰਾਗ ਰਤਨ ਪਰਵਾਰ ਪਰੀਆ ਸਬਦ ਗਾਵਣ ਆਈਆ ॥
Raag Rathan Paravaar Pareeaa Sabadh Gaavan Aaeeaa ||
The jewelled melodies and their related celestial harmonies have come to sing the Word of the Shabad.

ਸਬਦੋ ਤ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਹਰੀ ਕੇਰਾ ਮਨਿ ਜਿਨੀ ਵਸਾਇਆ ॥
Sabadho Th Gaavahu Haree Kaeraa Man Jinee Vasaaeiaa ||
The Lord dwells within the minds of those who sing the Shabad.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਹੋਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
Kehai Naanak Anandh Hoaa Sathiguroo Mai Paaeiaa ||1||
Says Nanak, I am in ecstasy, for I have found my True Guru. ||1||

On tasting and reaching the blissful Awastha of Anand, Guru Amar Das Ji longs to remain in the company of Akalpurak/Waheguru:-

ਏ ਮਨ ਮੇਰਿਆ ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਰਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
Eae Man Maeriaa Thoo Sadhaa Rahu Har Naalae ||
O my mind, remain always with the Lord.

Guru Amar Das Ji guides us with Spiritual Promises that go in the Divine company, such as:-

1. Removal of worldly sufferings; 2. Guaranteed Guidance to ferry through Sansar Sagar by the support of All Powerful and bountiful Lord:-

1. ਹਰਿ ਨਾਲਿ ਰਹੁ ਤੂ ਮੰਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਦੂਖ ਸਭਿ ਵਿਸਾਰਣਾ ॥
Har Naal Rahu Thoo Mann Maerae Dhookh Sabh Visaaranaa ||
Remain always with the Lord, O my mind, and all sufferings will be forgotten.

2. ਅੰਗੀਕਾਰੁ ਓਹੁ ਕਰੇ ਤੇਰਾ ਕਾਰਜ ਸਭਿ ਸਵਾਰਣਾ ॥
Angeekaar Ouhu Karae Thaeraa Kaaraj Sabh Savaaranaa ||
He will accept You as His own, and all your affairs will be perfectly arranged.

ਸਭਨਾ ਗਲਾ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮਨਹੁ ਵਿਸਾਰੇ ॥
Sabhanaa Galaa Samarathh Suaamee So Kio Manahu Visaarae ||
Our Lord and Master is all-powerful to do all things, so why forget Him from your mind?

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮੰਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਦਾ ਰਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਲੇ ॥੨॥
Kehai Naanak Mann Maerae Sadhaa Rahu Har Naalae ||2||
Says Nanak, O my mind, remain always with the Lord. ||2||

ਸਾਚੇ ਸਾਹਿਬਾ ਕਿਆ ਨਾਹੀ ਘਰਿ ਤੇਰੈ ॥
Saachae Saahibaa Kiaa Naahee Ghar Thaerai ||
O my True Lord and Master, what is there which is not in Your celestial home?

ਘਰਿ ਤ ਤੇਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਸੁ ਪਾਵਏ ॥
Ghar Th Thaerai Sabh Kishh Hai Jis Dhaehi S Paaveae ||
Everything is in Your home; they receive, unto whom You give.

The fulfillment of Divine Promises has a rider of NAAM, which comes with contemplation on Sabd and staying in the Divine Yaad with Liv(Nam Japna):-

ਸਦਾ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਲਾਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਾਵਏ ॥
Sadhaa Sifath Salaah Thaeree Naam Man Vasaaveae ||
Constantly singing Your Praises and Glories, Your Name is enshrined in the mind.

The result of inviting Naam results in deeper contemplation on Sabd/Gurbani in order to enjoy the Divine Melody behind Sabd?Gurbani:-

ਨਾਮੁ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਵਾਜੇ ਸਬਦ ਘਨੇਰੇ ॥
Naam Jin Kai Man Vasiaa Vaajae Sabadh Ghanaerae ||
The divine melody of the Shabad vibrates for those, within whose minds the Naam abides.

Naam fulfills all the desires on receiving the Divine sanctuary and Guru Amar Das Ji admits openly that ‘ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਆਧਾਰੋ’:-

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਚੇ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਿਆ ਨਾਹੀ ਘਰਿ ਤੇਰੈ ॥੩॥
Kehai Naanak Sachae Saahib Kiaa Naahee Ghar Thaerai ||3||
Says Nanak, O my True Lord and Master, what is there which is not in Your home? ||3||

ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਆਧਾਰੋ ॥
Saachaa Naam Maeraa Aadhhaaro ||
The True Name is my only support.

Guru Ji goes on to reiterate further the results of his Divine Support (NAAM), which
has brought peace and tranquility to his mind and fulfilled all his desires:-

ਸਾਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਧਾਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਭੁਖਾ ਸਭਿ ਗਵਾਈਆ ॥
Saach Naam Adhhaar Maeraa Jin Bhukhaa Sabh Gavaaeeaa ||
The True Name is my only support; it satisfies all hunger.

ਕਰਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸੁਖ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ਵਸਿਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਇਛਾ ਸਭਿ ਪੁਜਾਈਆ ॥
Kar Saanth Sukh Man Aae Vasiaa Jin Eishhaa Sabh Pujaaeeaa ||
It has brought peace and tranquility to my mind; it has fulfilled all my desires.

At this exalted state of mind, Guru Ji goes on to show his gratitude to his GURU:-

ਸਦਾ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੁ ਕੀਤਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਜਿਸ ਦੀਆ ਏਹਿ ਵਡਿਆਈਆ ॥
Sadhaa Kurabaan Keethaa Guroo Vittahu Jis Dheeaa Eaehi Vaddiaaeeaa ||
I am forever a sacrifice to the Guru, who possesses such glorious greatness.

On tasting Sabd and Naam, Guru Ji advises us also to enshrine love for Sabd/Gurbani/Naam in order to gain Sejaj/Anand:-

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਧਰਹੁ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥
Kehai Naanak Sunahu Santhahu Sabadh Dhharahu Piaaro ||
Says Nanak, listen, O Saints; enshrine love for the Shabad.

ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਆਧਾਰੋ ॥੪॥
Saachaa Naam Maeraa Aadhhaaro ||4||
The True Name is my only support. ||4||

ਵਾਜੇ ਪੰਚ ਸਬਦ ਤਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਸਭਾਗੈ ॥
Vaajae Panch Sabadh Thith Ghar Sabhaagai ||
The Panch Shabad, the five primal sounds, vibrate in that blessed house.

ਘਰਿ ਸਭਾਗੈ ਸਬਦ ਵਾਜੇ ਕਲਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਧਾਰੀਆ ॥
Ghar Sabhaagai Sabadh Vaajae Kalaa Jith Ghar Dhhaareeaa ||
In that blessed house, the Shabad vibrates; He infuses His almighty power into it.

ਪੰਚ ਦੂਤ ਤੁਧੁ ਵਸਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ॥
Panch Dhooth Thudhh Vas Keethae Kaal Kanttak Maariaa ||
Through You, we subdue the five demons of desire, and slay Death, the torturer.

Guru Ji admits that one is attracted to Naam only with Divine Grace, which is imbedded in the deep love of Sabd:-

ਧੁਰਿ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਸਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਹਰਿ ਕੈ ਲਾਗੇ ॥
Dhhur Karam Paaeiaa Thudhh Jin Ko S Naam Har Kai Laagae ||
Those who have such pre-ordained destiny are attached to the Lord’s Name.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਹ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਆ ਤਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਅਨਹਦ ਵਾਜੇ ॥੫॥
Kehai Naanak Theh Sukh Hoaa Thith Ghar Anehadh Vaajae ||5||
Says Nanak, they are at peace, and the unstruck sound current vibrates within their homes. ||5||
ਸਾਚੀ ਲਿਵੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੇਹ ਨਿਮਾਣੀ ॥
Saachee Livai Bin Dhaeh Nimaanee ||
Without the true love of devotion, the body is without honor.

ਦੇਹ ਨਿਮਾਣੀ ਲਿਵੈ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੇ ਵੇਚਾਰੀਆ ॥
Dhaeh Nimaanee Livai Baajhahu Kiaa Karae Vaechaareeaa ||
The body is dishonored without devotional love; what can the poor wretches do?

ਤੁਧੁ ਬਾਝੁ ਸਮਰਥ ਕੋਇ ਨਾਹੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਿ ਬਨਵਾਰੀਆ ॥
Thudhh Baajh Samarathh Koe Naahee Kirapaa Kar Banavaareeaa ||
No one except You is all-powerful; please bestow Your Mercy, O Lord of all nature.

ਏਸ ਨਉ ਹੋਰੁ ਥਾਉ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਾਗਿ ਸਵਾਰੀਆ ॥
Eaes No Hor Thhaao Naahee Sabadh Laag Savaareeaa ||
There is no place of rest, other than the Name; attached to the Shabad, we are embellished with beauty.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਲਿਵੈ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੇ ਵੇਚਾਰੀਆ ॥੬॥
Kehai Naanak Livai Baajhahu Kiaa Karae Vaechaareeaa ||6||
Says Nanak, without devotional love, what can the poor wretches do? ||6||

Guru Ji comes to know a glimpse of Anand from his Guru who is provider of spiritual wisdom:-

ਆਨੰਦੁ ਆਨੰਦੁ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਆਨੰਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇ ਜਾਣਿਆ ॥
Aanandh Aanandh Sabh Ko Kehai Aanandh Guroo Thae Jaaniaa ||
Bliss, bliss – everyone talks of bliss; bliss is known only through the Guru.

ਜਾਣਿਆ ਆਨੰਦੁ ਸਦਾ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ॥
Jaaniaa Aanandh Sadhaa Gur Thae Kirapaa Karae Piaariaa ||
Eternal bliss in known only through the Guru, when the Beloved Lord grants His Grace.

ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਿਲਵਿਖ ਕਟੇ ਗਿਆਨ ਅੰਜਨੁ ਸਾਰਿਆ ॥
Kar Kirapaa Kilavikh Kattae Giaan Anjan Saariaa ||
Granting His Grace, He cuts away our sins; He blesses us with the healing ointment of spiritual wisdom.

Guru Ji prescribes giving up of personal vanity (Houmai/Ego) as a precondition for gaining spiritual wisdom from Sabd and that too with Divine Grace only to enjoy blissful state of ANAND:-

ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਜਿਨ ਕਾ ਮੋਹੁ ਤੁਟਾ ਤਿਨ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਚੈ ਸਵਾਰਿਆ ॥
Andharahu Jin Kaa Mohu Thuttaa Thin Kaa Sabadh Sachai Savaariaa ||
Those who eradicate attachment from within themselves, are adorned with the Shabad, the Word of the True Lord.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਏਹੁ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਹੈ ਆਨੰਦੁ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਣਿਆ ॥੭॥
Kehai Naanak Eaehu Anandh Hai Aanandh Gur Thae Jaaniaa ||7||
Says Nanak, this alone is bliss – bliss which is known through the Guru. ||7||

Gist of Anand Sahib is amply and explicitly conveyed in the following tuks:-

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਧਰਹੁ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥ ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਆਧਾਰੋ ॥੪॥
Kehai Naanak Sunahu Santhahu Sabadh Dhharahu Piaaro || Saachaa Naam Maeraa Aadhhaaro ||4||
Says Nanak, listen, O Saints; enshrine love for the Shabad. The True Name is my only support. ||4||

Guru Nanak Sahib sums up beautifully the attainment of ‘Anand’ by merger with Akalpurak/Waheguru by the removal one’s personal vanity, which in turn is instrumental in attracting Divine Grace – a uniting force:-

ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਉਰੁ ਕੈਸੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥ (Raag Tilang M. 1, GGS. 722-13).
Aap Gavaaeeai Thaa Sahu Paaeeai Aour Kaisee Chathuraaee ||
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 ॥
Sahu Nadhar Kar Dhaekhai So Dhin Laekhai Kaaman No Nidhh Paaee ||
When the Husband Lord looks upon the soul-bride with His Gracious Glance, that day is historic – the bride obtains the nine treasures.

The need is to become a ‘ਕਾਮਣਿ’ to attract Divine Grace – a Source of ANAND.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

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

Guru Ji’s core message embraces three fundamental pillars for a meaningful life, such as 1. Naam Japo 2. Kirat Karo and 3. Vand Chacko.

Guru Ji gives priority to Naam Japna because Naam leads to a spiritual awareness necessary for a right choice of a profession (Kirat) that also enables a person to render Seva (Vand Chakna) not only in financial sense but more importantly becoming enlightened to be able to share one’s spiritual understanding (Gurmat) with others.

Keeping in view the importance of Naam Japna, Guru Ji alerts us:-

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||

Naam Japna leads to living in the presence of (Ik Oankar,ੴ ) Akalpurak with full faith and trust so as to embrace divine qualities as per the advice of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:-

– ਜੈਸਾ ਸੇਵੈ ਤੈਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥੪॥ ਨਰ ਨਿਹਕੇਵਲ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 1, GGS. 223-19).
Jaisaa Saevai Thaiso Hoe ||4|| Nar Nihakaeval Nirabho Naao ||
They become just like the One they serve. ||4|| The Name makes a man pure and fearless.

– ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਜੇਹਾ ॥ ਅਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਾਇਲੁ ਸੀਝਸਿ ਦੇਹਾ ॥ (Raag Raamkali Dakhni M. 1, GGS. 931-3).
Jin Jaathaa So This Hee Jaehaa || Ath Niramaaeil Seejhas Dhaehaa ||
One who knows the Lord, becomes like Him. He becomes absolutely immaculate, and his body is sanctified.

ਰਹਸੀ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਇਕ ਭਾਇ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਾਚਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥੧੦॥
Rehasee Raam Ridhai Eik Bhaae || Anthar Sabadh Saach Liv Laae ||10||
His heart is happy, in love with the One Lord.He lovingly centers his attention deep within upon the True Word of the Sbad. ||10||

So obviously on gaining spiritual strength, one is in a better position to find a right and appropriate profession, which helps one to sustain in one’s life as well as keeps the blissful Divine Union in place to draw the necessary guidance and strength needed to walk on Gurmat Path in daily life by studying Gurmat /Gur-Sabd (‘spiritual gian’) through an acquired degree of appropriate literacy (e. g. for a Sikh a knowledge of Gurmukhi helps a great deal in appreciating Gurmat).

In order to remain steady on Spiritual Path, one needs to be a literate, hardworking and ready to share one’s possession (be it be financial and/or spiritual wealth) with discern with the needy:-

– ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥ (Raag Sarang M. 1, GGS. 1245-19).
Ghaal Khaae Kishh Hathhahu Dhaee || Naanak Raahu Pashhaanehi Saee ||1||
One who works for Spiritual Awastha, and shares of what he has obtained to others – O Nanak, he knows the Path. ||1||

– ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥ ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 26-1).
Vich Dhuneeaa Saev Kamaaeeai || Thaa Dharageh Baisan Paaeeai ||
In the midst of this world, do seva, And you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord.

In a nutshell, ‘Naam Japo’/Gurmat Vichaar/Contemplation on Gurbani leads to right ‘Kirat’ and appropriate spirit of ‘Vand Chakna’. These pillars are interrelated and as such lead to 100% literacy; 100% employment followed by Seva/Service for others (sharing of both monetary and Spiritual Wealth) and bring solace in one’s life.

Kirpal Singh

Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Part I: Personality of Guru Nanak Sahib

Guru Nanak Sahib was a Rabbi Jot/ Sargun Saroop of Akalpurakh. His Updesh in his entire Bani especially in Jap Ji Sahib, Asa Di Vaar and Sidh Gosht is exemplary.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not just a spiritual and profound thinker but a social reformer. He challenged all superstitions and rituals, which were prevalent in his lifetime. His Bani enlightens us of the kind of socio-cultural regeneration he brought about in his lifetime. Guru Ji presents a model of ‘Spiritual Chamatkar’.

Guru Ji unveils his Spiritual stature by giving a glimpse of his profound association with his Khasam (God/Akalpurakh) in the following verses:-

1. ਤੂੰ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਹਉ ਸਾਂਗੀ ਤੇਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਣਵੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਾਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ॥੪॥੧॥੩੩॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 358-17)
Thoon Saahib Ho Saangee Thaeraa Pranavai Naanak Jaath Kaisee ||4||1||33||
You are the Lord Master, I am just Your puppet. Prays Nanak, what is my social status to be? ||4||1||33||
2. ਹਉ ਢਾਢੀ ਵੇਕਾਰੁ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 1, GGS. 150-16).
Ho Dtaadtee Vaekaar Kaarai Laaeiaa ||
I was a minstrel, out of work, when the Lord took me into His service..
ਰਾਤਿ ਦਿਹੈ ਕੈ ਵਾਰ ਧੁਰਹੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ॥
Raath Dhihai Kai Vaar Dhhurahu Furamaaeiaa ||
To sing His Praises day and night, He gave me His Order, right from the start.
ਢਾਢੀ ਸਚੈ ਮਹਲਿ ਖਸਮਿ ਬੁਲਾਇਆ ॥
Dtaadtee Sachai Mehal Khasam Bulaaeiaa ||
My Lord and Master has summoned me, His minstrel, to the True Mansion of His Presence.
ਸਚੀ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਪੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Sachee Sifath Saalaah Kaparraa Paaeiaa ||
He has dressed me in the robes of His True Praise and Glory.
ਸਚਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਆਇਆ ॥
Sachaa Anmrith Naam Bhojan Aaeiaa ||
The Ambrosial Nectar of the True Name has become my food.
ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਖਾਧਾ ਰਜਿ ਤਿਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Guramathee Khaadhhaa Raj Thin Sukh Paaeiaa ||
Those who follow the Guru’s Teachings, who eat this food and are satisfied, find peace.
ਢਾਢੀ ਕਰੇ ਪਸਾਉ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥
Dtaadtee Karae Pasaao Sabadh Vajaaeiaa ||
His minstrel spreads His Glory, singing and vibrating the Word of His Shabad.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨੭॥ ਸੁਧੁ
Naanak Sach Saalaahi Pooraa Paaeiaa ||27|| Sudhhu
O Nanak, praising the True Lord, I have obtained His Perfection. ||27||Sudh||

Guru Ji without making any personal claim clearly proclaims the source of his enlightenment in the following verse:-

– ਜੈਸੀ ਮੈ ਆਵੈ ਖਸਮ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਤੈਸੜਾ ਕਰੀ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਵੇ ਲਾਲੋ ॥ (Raag Tilang M. 1, GGS. 722-16).
Jaisee Mai Aavai Khasam Kee Baanee Thaisarraa Karee Giaan Vae Laalo ||
As the Word of the Forgiving Lord comes to me, so do I express it, O Lalo.
Guru Nanak shows his gratitude to One GOD:-

-ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਦਿਉਹਾੜੀ ਸਦ ਵਾਰ ॥ (Raag Asa, Guru Nanak, GGS. 462-19).
Balihaaree Gur Aapanae Dhiouhaarree Sadh Vaar ||
A hundred times a day, I am a sacrifice to my Guru;
ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਸ ਤੇ ਦੇਵਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਕਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਗੀ ਵਾਰ ॥੧॥
Jin Maanas Thae Dhaevathae Keeeae Karath N Laagee Vaar ||1||
He made angels out of men, without delay. ||1||

One God of Guru Nanak is defined as IK OANKAR in the opening verse of Jap Ji Sahib:-

ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ (Jap Ji Sahib, Guru Nanak, GGS. 1-1).f-Existent. By Guru’s Grace.

Ikoankaar Sathnaam Karathaa Purakh Nirabho Niravair Akaal Moorath Ajoonee Saibhan Gurprasaadh||
One Universal Creator God, TheName Is Truth Creative Being Personified No Fear No Hatred Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Sel

On the ONENESS of God, Guru Nanak Sahib further proclaims loudly:-

– ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ॥ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 350-4).
My Lord is one and only One.
– ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਏਕੁ ਬੁਝਾਇਆ ॥੫॥ (Raag Gauri, Guru Nanak Dev, GGS. 223-6).
Sathigur Mo Ko Eaek Bujhaaeiaa ||5||
The True Guru has led me to understand the One Lord. ||5||
ਏਕੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥
Eaek Niranjan Guramukh Jaathaa ||
The Gurmukh knows the One Immaculate Lord.
ਦੂਜਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥੬॥
Dhoojaa Maar Sabadh Pashhaathaa ||6||
Subduing duality, one comes to realize the Word of the Shabad. ||6||
ਏਕੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਭ ਲੋਈ ॥
Eaeko Hukam Varathai Sabh Loee ||
The Command of the One Lord prevails throughout all the worlds.
ਏਕਸੁ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ॥੭॥
Eaekas Thae Sabh Oupath Hoee ||7||
From the One, all have arisen. ||7||
ਰਾਹ ਦੋਵੈ ਖਸਮੁ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੁ ॥
Raah Dhovai Khasam Eaeko Jaan ||
There are two routes, but remember that their Lord and Master is only One.
ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੮॥
Gur Kai Sabadh Hukam Pashhaan ||8||
Through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, recognize the Hukam of the Lord’s Command. ||8||
ਸਗਲ ਰੂਪ ਵਰਨ ਮਨ ਮਾਹੀ ॥
Sagal Roop Varan Man Maahee ||
He is contained in all forms, colors and minds.
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕੋ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ॥੯॥੫॥
Kahu Naanak Eaeko Saalaahee ||9||5||
Says Nanak, praise the One Lord.. ||9||5||

In Jap Ji Sahib, Guru Nanak Sahib brings a Spiritual Revolution:-

1. In defining Ik Oankar – ੴ
2. Foundation of Science of Psychology – ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 6-17).
Man Jeethai Jag Jeeth ||
Conquer your own mind, and conquer the world.
3. ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੬॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 2-12).
There is only the One, the Giver of all souls. May I never forget Him! ||6||
4. Unraveling of 5 Khands i. e. Steps of Spiritual Elevation – (Dharm-, Gian-, Saram-, Karam-, and Sach Khand):-

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਰਚੰਡੁ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਨਾਦ ਬਿਨੋਦ ਕੋਡ ਅਨੰਦੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 7-19).
In the realm of wisdom, spiritual wisdom reigns supreme. The Sound-current of the Naad vibrates there, amidst the sounds and the sights of bliss.

Guru Nanak Sahib gives full credit to Divine Nadr/Gurparsad (Grace) for his emancipation:-

ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-9).
Jin Ko Nadhar Karam Thin Kaar ||
Such is the karma of those upon whom He has cast His Glance of Grace.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥
Naanak Nadharee Nadhar Nihaal ||38||
O Nanak, the Merciful Lord, by His Grace, uplifts and exalts them. ||38||

The above Gurbani quotes point out that Guru Nanak Sahib enjoyed the grace/kirpa of Akalpurakh. As a result he was (Ik-Mik/ Sito-Sita) with God/Waheguru . Guru Nanank Sahib describes this awastha in Jap Ji Sahib:-

ਕਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੋਰੁ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-3).
Karam Khandd Kee Baanee Jor || Thithhai Hor N Koee Hor ||
In the realm of karma, the Word is Power.. No one else dwells there,

ਤਿਥੈ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰ ॥
Thithhai Jodhh Mehaabal Soor || Thin Mehi Raam Rehiaa Bharapoor ||
Except the warriors of great power, the spiritual heroes. They are totally fulfilled, imbued with the Lord’s Essence.

ਤਿਥੈ ਸੀਤੋ ਸੀਤਾ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਕਥਨੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Thithhai Seetho Seethaa Mehimaa Maahi || Thaa Kae Roop N Kathhanae Jaahi ||
Myriads of Sitas are there, cool and calm in their majestic glory. Their beauty cannot be described.

ਨਾ ਓਹਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਨ ਠਾਗੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Naa Ouhi Marehi N Thaagae Jaahi || Jin Kai Raam Vasai Man Maahi ||
Neither death nor deception comes to those, Within whose minds the Lord abides.

ਤਿਥੈ ਭਗਤ ਵਸਹਿ ਕੇ ਲੋਅ ॥ ਕਰਹਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਇ ॥
Thithhai Bhagath Vasehi Kae Loa || Karehi Anandh Sachaa Man Soe ||
The devotees of many worlds dwell there. They celebrate; their minds are imbued with the True Lord.

Guru Amar Das Ji endorses Anand Awastha of Guru Nanak Sahib in the opening verse of Anand Sahib:-

ਅਨੰਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਏ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਹਜ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਵਜੀਆ ਵਾਧਾਈਆ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 3, GGS. 917-2).
Anandh Bhaeiaa Maeree Maaeae Sathiguroo Mai Paaeiaa ||Sathigur Th Paaeiaa Sehaj Saethee Man Vajeeaa Vaadhhaaeeaa ||
I am in ecstasy, O my mother, for I have found my True Guru. I have found the True Guru, with intuitive ease, and my mind vibrates with the music of bliss.

The blissful personality of Guru Nanak Sahib is elaborated Guru Arjan Dev Ji Bhai Gurdas Ji and Bhatt Kirat Ji, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji:-

– ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 750-4).
Sabh Thae Vaddaa Sathigur Naanak Jin Kal Raakhee Maeree ||4||10||57||
Guru Nanak is the greatest of all; He saved my honor in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. ||4||10||57||
– ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਦੁਹਹੂ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਨ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ਆਏ ॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS.. 749-3).
Janam Maran Dhuhehoo Mehi Naahee Jan Paroupakaaree Aaeae ||
Those generous, humble beings are above both birth and death..
ਜੀਅ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੇ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਇਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਲੈਨਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥੨॥
Jeea Dhaan Dhae Bhagathee Laaein Har Sio Lain Milaaeae ||2||
They give the gift of the soul, and practice devotional worship; they inspire others to meet the Lord. ||2||
– ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਮਹਿ ਜਨੁ ਜਨ ਮਹਿ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287-3).
Breham Mehi Jan Jan Mehi Paarabreham ||
The servant is in God, and God is in the servant.
ਏਕਹਿ ਆਪਿ ਨਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਭਰਮੁ ॥
Eaekehi Aap Nehee Kashh Bharam ||
He Himself is One – there is no doubt about this.
– ਸਤਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 286-12).
Sath Purakh Jin Jaaniaa Sathigur This Kaa Naao ||
The one who knows the True Lord God, is called the True Guru.
ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਿਖੁ ਉਧਰੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਉ ॥੧॥
This Kai Sang Sikh Oudhharai Naanak Har Gun Gaao ||1||
In His Company, the Sikh is saved, O Nanak, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||1||
– ਨਿਰਗੁਨੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਰਗੁਨੁ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287-17).
Niragun Aap Saragun Bhee Ouhee ||
He Himself is absolute and unrelated; He Himself is also involved and related.
ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਮੋਹੀ ॥
Kalaa Dhhaar Jin Sagalee Mohee ||
Manifesting His power, He fascinates the entire world.
-. ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਤੇਰਿਆ ਚਰਣਾ ਕਉ ਬਲਿਹਾਰਾ ॥੪॥੧॥੪੭॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 747-2).
Gur Naanak Miliaa Paarabreham Thaeriaa Charanaa Ko Balihaaraa ||4||1||47||
Guru Nanak has met the Supreme Lord God; I am a sacrifice to Your Feet. ||4||1||47||
– . ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਤਾ ॥੮॥੧੫॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 283-15).
Paarabreham Jin Sach Kar Jaathaa || Naanak So Jan Sach Samaathaa ||8||15||
One who recognizes the Supreme Lord God as True – O Nanak, that humble being is absorbed into the True One. ||8||15||
– ਆਪਿ ਨਰਾਇਣੁ ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਪਰਵਰਿਯਉ ॥ (Savaiye (praise of Guru Amar Das) Bhatt Kirat, GGS. 1395-6).
Aap Naraaein Kalaa Dhhaar Jag Mehi Paravariyo ||
The Lord Himself wielded His Power and entered the world.
ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰਿ ਆਕਾਰੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਜਗ ਮੰਡਲਿ ਕਰਿਯਉ ॥
Nirankaar Aakaar Joth Jag Manddal Kariyo ||
The Formless Lord took form, and with His Light He illuminated the realms of the world.
– ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਤਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਚੀ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੨੯॥ ( Salok Guru Teg Bahadur, GGS. 1428-1).
Har Jan Har Anthar Nehee Naanak Saachee Maan ||29||
There is no difference between the Lord and the humble servant of the Lord; O Nanak, know this as true. ||29||
– ਸੁਣੀ ਪੁਕਾਰਿ ਦਾਤਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਠਾਇਆ। (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 1, Pauri 23, page 1).
Sunee Pukaari Daatar Prabhu Guru Naanak Jag Maahi Pathhaaiaa |
The benefactor Lord listened to the cries (of humanity) and sent Guru Nanak to this world……

ਕਲਿ ਤਾਰਣ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਇਆ ॥੨੩॥
Kali Taarani Guru Naanaku Aaiaa ||23 ||
Guru Nanak came to redeem the kaliyug.

Part II – Gurmat Messages of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Humanity

The foregoing Gurbani quotes amply point out that Guru Nanak Sahib was a SARGUN SAROOP of Akalpurakh/Waheguru. As a result he was as versatile not just as a Spiritual and profound thinker but also as a social reformer who challenged all superstitions and rituals, which were prevalent in his time. He addressed the various aspects of Universal Humanity, such as:-

A. Spiritual Guidance
1. ਪਵਨ ਅਰੰਭੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਲਾ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 1, GGS. 943-1).
Pavan Aranbh Sathigur Math Vaelaa ||
From the air came the beginning. This is the age of the True Guru’s Teachings..
ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥
Sabadh Guroo Surath Dhhun Chaelaa ||
The Shabad is the Guru, upon whom I lovingly focus my consciousness; I am the chaylaa, the disciple.
2. ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥(Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-10).
Sikhee Sikhiaa Gur Veechaar ||
Contemplating the Guru, I have been taught these teachings;
3. ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ (Japji, GGS. 2)
guraa eik dhaehi bujhaaee ||
The Guru has given me this one understanding:
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੫॥
(sabhanaa jeeaa kaa eik dhaathaa so mai visar n jaaee ||5||
there is only the One, the Giver of all souls. May I never forget Him! ||5||
4. ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee, M. 1, GGS 904).
sabadh beechaar bheae nirankaaree ||
Contemplating the Shabad, we become Nirankaari – we come to belong to the Formless Lord God.
ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਜਾਗੇ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਰਹਾਰੀ ॥
guramath jaagae dhuramath parehaaree ||
awakening to the Guru’s Teachings, evil-mindedness is taken away.

B. Spiritual Path (Marg) and Satsangat
1.ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 2-5).
Anmrith Vaelaa Sach Naao Vaddiaaee Veechaar ||
In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, and contemplate His Glorious Greatness.
ਕਰਮੀ ਆਵੈ ਕਪੜਾ ਨਦਰੀ ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
Karamee Aavai Kaparraa Nadharee Mokh Dhuaar ||
By the karma of past actions, the robe of this physical body is obtained. By His Grace, the Gate of Liberation is found.
ਨਾਨਕ ਏਵੈ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਆਪੇ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥੪॥
Naanak Eaevai Jaaneeai Sabh Aapae Sachiaar ||4||
O Nanak, know this well: the True One Himself is All. ||4||
2. ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 6-17).
Man Jeethai Jag Jeeth ||
Conquer your own mind, and conquer the world.
3. ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਐ ॥ (Raag Sriraag, M. 1, GGS 72).
sathasangath kaisee jaaneeai ||
How is the Society of the Saints to be known?
ਜਿਥੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ॥
jithhai eaeko naam vakhaaneeai ||
There, the Name of the One Lord is chanted.

C. Economic needs and prosperity
1. ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਆਖੀਐ ॥ (Raag Sri Rag M. 1, GGS 91)
keethaa lorreeai kanm s har pehi aakheeai || Whatever work you wish to accomplish-tell it to the Lord
ਕਾਰਜੁ ਦੇਇ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਖੀਐ ॥
kaaraj dhaee savaar sathigur sach saakheeai ||
He will resolve your affairs; the True Guru gives His Guarantee of Truth.
2. . ਸਾਈ ਵਸਤੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ਜਿਸੁ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਇਆ II (Raag Soohee, M. 1, GGS 764).
saaee vasath paraapath hoee jis saethee man laaeiaa ||
I have obtained that thing, which my mind desired.
3. ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ (Raag Saran, M. 1, GGS 1245).
ghaal khaae kishh hathhahu dhaee ||
One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has.
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥
naanak raahu pashhaanehi saee ||1||
– O Nanak, he knows the Path. ||1||

D. Personality Development
1. ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥ ( Raag Aasaa, M. 1, GGS 470).
mithath neevee naanakaa gun changiaaeeaa thath ||
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness.
2. ਨਾਨਕ ਫਿਕੈ ਬੋਲਿਐ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਫਿਕਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ ( Raag Aasaa, M. 1, GGS 473).
naanak fikai boliai than man fikaa hoe ||
O Nanak, speaking insipid words, the body and mind become insipid.
3. ਕੂੜ ਨਿਖੁਟੇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਓੜਕਿ ਸਚਿ ਰਹੀ ॥੨॥ (Raag Raamkalee M. 1, GGS 953).
koorr nikhuttae naanakaa ourrak sach rehee ||2||
Falsehood will come to an end, O Nanak, and Truth will prevail in the end. ||2||
4. ਫਿਟੁ ਇਵੇਹਾ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਇ ਵਧਾਇਆ ਪੇਟੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਭੋ ਦੁਸਮਨੁ ਹੇਤੁ ॥੨॥ (Raag Suhi M. 1, GGS. 790-18).
Fitt Eivaehaa Jeeviaa Jith Khaae Vadhhaaeiaa Paett ||

Cursed is that life, in which one only eats to fill his belly. O Nanak, without the True Name, all one’s friends turn to enemies. ||2||

5. ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਆਖੀਐ ਪੜਿ ਅਖਰੁ ਏਹੋ ਬੁਝੀਐ ॥ ਮੂਰਖੈ ਨਾਲਿ ਨ ਲੁਝੀਐ ॥੧੯॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, 473-13).
Mandhaa Kisai N Aakheeai Parr Akhar Eaeho Bujheeai ||
Do not call anyone bad; read these words, and understand. Don’t argue with fools. ||19||

6. ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮਨਹੁ ਵਿਸਾਰੀਐ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਜੀਅ ਪਰਾਣ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 16-3).
So Kio Manahu Visaareeai Jaa Kae Jeea Paraan ||
How can you forget the One who created your soul, and the praanaa, the breath of life?

ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਭੁ ਅਪਵਿਤ੍ਰੁ ਹੈ ਜੇਤਾ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖਾਣੁ ॥
This Vin Sabh Apavithra Hai Jaethaa Painan Khaan ||
Without Him, all that we wear and eat is impure.

E. Respect for Female Gender
1. ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ ॥ ((Rag Asa M. 1, GGS 473-9).
So Kio Mandhaa Aakheeai Jith Janmehi Raajaan ||
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
ਭੰਡਹੁ ਹੀ ਭੰਡੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਝੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
bhanddahu hee bhandd oopajai bhanddai baajh n koe |
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਸਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
naanak bhanddai baaharaa eaeko sachaa soe ||
O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman

F. Casteless Human Society
Guru Nanak Sahib promotes Universal brotherhood (presence of God in all of us) and in turn offers scope for peace and prosperity in the world:-
1. ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ (Raag Dhanasree M. 1, GGS. 663-8).
Sabh Mehi Joth Joth Hai Soe ||
The Divine Light is within everyone; You are that Light.
ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
This Kai Chaanan Sabh Mehi Chaanan Hoe ||
Yours is that Light which shines within everyone.
2. ਫਕੜ ਜਾਤੀ ਫਕੜੁ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 83-13).
Fakarr Jaathee Fakarr Naao ||
Pride in social status is empty; pride in personal glory is useless.
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਇਕਾ ਛਾਉ ॥
Sabhanaa Jeeaa Eikaa Shhaao ||
The One Lord gives shade to all beings.

G. Quality Education and Life-style
1. ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 356-14).
Vidhiaa Veechaaree Thaan Paroupakaaree ||
Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others.
2. ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥੫॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 62-11).
Sachahu Ourai Sabh Ko Oupar Sach Aachaar ||5||
Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is truthful living. ||5||
3. ਸੂਚੇ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਨ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥੨॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 472-10).
Soochae Saeee Naanakaa Jin Man Vasiaa Soe ||2||
Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the Lord abides. ||2||
4. ਰੈਣਿ ਗਵਾਈ ਸੋਇ ਕੈ ਦਿਵਸੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਖਾਇ ॥ (Raag Gauri Bairaagan M. 1, GGS. 156-17).
Rain Gavaaee Soe Kai Dhivas Gavaaeiaa Khaae ||
The nights are wasted sleeping, and the days are wasted eating.

ਹੀਰੇ ਜੈਸਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਹੈ ਕਉਡੀ ਬਦਲੇ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥
Heerae Jaisaa Janam Hai Kouddee Badhalae Jaae ||1||
Human life is such a precious jewel, but it is being lost in exchange for a mere shell. ||1||-

H. Scientific realm and Expanse of Universe

ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS, 5-2).
Paathaalaa Paathaal Lakh Aagaasaa Aagaas ||
There are nether worlds beneath nether worlds, and hundreds of thousands of heavenly worlds above.
ਓੜਕ ਓੜਕ ਭਾਲਿ ਥਕੇ ਵੇਦ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਕ ਵਾਤ ॥
Ourrak Ourrak Bhaal Thhakae Vaedh Kehan Eik Vaath ||
The Vedas say that you can search and search for them all, until you grow weary.
ਸਹਸ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਕਹਨਿ ਕਤੇਬਾ ਅਸੁਲੂ ਇਕੁ ਧਾਤੁ ॥
Sehas Athaareh Kehan Kathaebaa Asuloo Eik Dhhaath ||
The scriptures say that there are 18,000 worlds, but in reality, there is only One Universe.
ਲੇਖਾ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਲੇਖੈ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਣਾਸੁ ॥
Laekhaa Hoe Th Likheeai Laekhai Hoe Vinaas ||
If you try to write an account of this, you will surely finish yourself before you finish writing it.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਡਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੁ ॥੨੨॥
Naanak Vaddaa Aakheeai Aapae Jaanai Aap ||22||
O Nanak, call Him Great! He Himself knows Himself. ||22||

2. ਸਚੀ ਤੇਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਸਚੇ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 463-9).
Sachee Thaeree Kudharath Sachae Paathisaah ||
True is Your almighty creative power, True King.
3.ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਵਸਿਆ ॥ (Raag Asa, Guru Nanak, GGS. 469-10).
Balihaaree Kudharath Vasiaa ||
I am a sacrifice to Your almighty creative power which is pervading everywhere.
4. ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਦਿਸੈ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਭਉ ਸੁਖ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 464-5).
Kudharath Dhisai Kudharath Suneeai Kudharath Bho Sukh Saar ||
By His Power we see, by His Power we hear; by His Power we have fear, and the essence of happiness……………………

ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਪਾਤਾਲੀ ਆਕਾਸੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਸਰਬ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 464
Kudharath Paathaalee Aakaasee Kudharath Sarab Aakaar ||
By His Power the nether worlds exist, and the Akaashic ethers; by His Power the entire creation exists.

ਸਭ ਤੇਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਤੂੰ ਕਾਦਿਰੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪਾਕੀ ਨਾਈ ਪਾਕੁ ॥
Sabh Thaeree Kudharath Thoon Kaadhir Karathaa Paakee Naaee Paak ||
Everything is in Your Power, Lord; You are the all-powerful Creator. Your Name is the Holiest of the Holy.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਵਰਤੈ ਤਾਕੋ ਤਾਕੁ ॥੨॥
Naanak Hukamai Andhar Vaekhai Varathai Thaako Thaak ||2||
O Nanak, through the Command of His Will, He beholds and pervades the creation; He is absolutely unrivalled. ||2||

5. ਜਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਣਾ ਤਾ ਜਗਤੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maaroo M. 1, GGS. 1036-6).
Jaa This Bhaanaa Thaa Jagath Oupaaeiaa ||
When He so willed, He created the world.

ਬਾਝੁ ਕਲਾ ਆਡਾਣੁ ਰਹਾਇਆ ॥
Baajh Kalaa Aaddaan Rehaaeiaa ||
Without any supporting power, He sustained the universe.

I. Respect for Environment/Ecology
– ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥ ਦਿਵਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਦਾਈ ਦਾਇਆ ਖੇਲੈ ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤੁ ॥ (Salok Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-10).
Pavan Guroo Paanee Pithaa Maathaa Dhharath Mehath || Dhivas Raath Dhue Dhaaee Dhaaeiaa Khaelai Sagal Jagath ||
Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great Mother of all. Day and night are the two nurses, in whose lap all the world is at play.

J. Respect towards different Faiths
ਚਾਰੇ ਵੇਦ ਹੋਏ ਸਚਿਆਰ ॥ ਪੜਹਿ ਗੁਣਹਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਚਾਰ ਵੀਚਾਰ ॥ (Raag Asa, M.1, GGS. 470-8)
Chaarae Vaedh Hoeae Sachiaar || Parrehi Gunehi Thinh Chaar Veechaar ||
The four Vedas each claim to be true. Reading and studying them, four doctrines are found.

ਭਾਉ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਏ ॥ ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੋਖੰਤਰੁ ਪਾਏ ॥੨॥
Bhaao Bhagath Kar Neech Sadhaaeae || Tho Naanak Mokhanthar Paaeae ||2||
With loving devotional worship, abiding in humility, O Nanak, salvation is attained. ||2||

When translated in simple words it reads:-
i).Love for God/Waheguru ii). devotional worship with iii). total loss of one’s ego/houmai/duality (abiding in humility iv). The above three steps lead to the final state of attaining Salvation.

K. Against Rituals

1. ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਟਿਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਤਗੁ ॥੧॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, 467-6).
Nanak sache naam bin kya tikka kya tag?
O Nanak, without the True Name, of what use is the frontal mark of the Hindus, or their sacred thread? ||-

2. ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਨ ਪੜਉ ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਪੂਜਉ ਮੜੈ ਮਸਾਣਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥ (Raag Sorath M. 1, GGS. 634-8).
Dhubidhhaa N Parro Har Bin Hor N Poojo Marrai Masaan N Jaaee ||
I am not torn by duality, because I do not worship any other than the Lord; I do not visit tombs or crematoriums.

L. Seva (Service of Humanity)

– ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 26-1)
Vich Dhuneeaa Saev Kamaaeeai ||
In the midst of this world, do seva,

ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
Thaa Dharageh Baisan Paaeeai ||
And you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord.

K. Social Reforms
1. ਹਕੁ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 1, GGS. 141-1).
Hak Paraaeiaa Naanakaa Ous Sooar Ous Gaae ||
To take what rightfully belongs to another, is like a Muslim eating pork, or a Hindu eating beef.
2. ਜੇ ਲੋੜਹਿ ਚੰਗਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਕਰਿ ਪੁੰਨਹੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਈਐ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-16).
Jae Lorrehi Changaa Aapanaa Kar Punnahu Neech Sadhaaeeai ||
If you yearn for goodness, then perform good deeds and feel humble.
3. ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ (Sri Raag M.1, GGS. 16-13).
Baabaa Hor Khaanaa Khusee Khuaar ||
O Baba, the pleasures of other foods are false.
ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jith Khaadhhai Than Peerreeai Man Mehi Chalehi Vikaar ||1|| Rehaao ||
Eating them, the body is ruined, and wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Pause||
………..
ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
Baabaa Hor Painan Khusee Khuaar ||
O Baba, the pleasures of other clothes are false.
ਜਿਤੁ ਪੈਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jith Paidhhai Than Peerreeai Man Mehi Chalehi Vikaar ||1|| Rehaao ||
Wearing them, the body is ruined, and wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Pause||

L. Tirath Yatra/Pilgrimage to Holy Places

– ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਣ ਜਾਉ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ॥ (Raag Dhanaasree M. 1, GGS. 687-14).
Theerathh Naavan Jaao Theerathh Naam Hai ||
Why should I bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage? The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is the sacred shrine of pilgrimage.

ਤੀਰਥੁ ਸਬਦ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਹੈ ॥
Theerathh Sabadh Beechaar Anthar Giaan Hai ||
My sacred shrine of pilgrimage is spiritual wisdom within, and contemplation on the Word of the Shabad.

M. Way to the Divine Path?
1. ਭੈ ਰਚਿ ਰਹੈ ਸੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਹੋਇ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 1, GGS. 223-19).
Bhai Rach Rehai S Nirabho Hoe ||
Those who remain immersed in the Fear of God become fearless.

ਜੈਸਾ ਸੇਵੈ ਤੈਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥੪॥
Jaisaa Saevai Thaiso Hoe ||4||
They become just like the One they serve. ||4||
2. ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਉਰੁ ਕੈਸੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥ Raag Tilang, M.1 GGS. 722-130.
Aap Gavaaeeai Thaa Sahu Paaeeai Aour Kaisee Chathuraaee ||
Give up your selfhood, and so obtain your Husband Lord; what other clever tricks are of any use?
3. ਭਗਤ ਤੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵਦੇ ਦਰਿ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਗਾਵਦੇ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 1, GGS. 468-3).
Bhagath Thaerai Man Bhaavadhae Dhar Sohan Keerath Gaavadhae ||
Your devotees are pleasing to Your Mind, Lord. They look beautiful at Your door, singing Your Praises……………….

ਇਕਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੁਝਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਅਣਹੋਦਾ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਾਇਦੇ ॥
Eik Mool N Bujhanih Aapanaa Anehodhaa Aap Ganaaeidhae ||
Some do not understand their origins, and without cause, they display their self-conceit.
Guru Nanak Sahib himself proclaimed the importance of Naam as his only support in the following verse:-
ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਾਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਆਸ ਏਹੋ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Sri Raag, 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||
Guru Sahib attaches a lot of importance to Sat Naam “ਸਾਚੇ ਨਾਮ” – (repeated twice by Guru Nanak Sahib) calls it as Panacea of all ills:-
1. ਸਾਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਭੂਖ ॥ ਤਿਤੁ ਭੂਖੈ ਖਾਇ ਚਲੀਅਹਿ ਦੂਖ ॥੧॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 349-7).
Saachae Naam Kee Laagai Bhookh || Thith Bhookhai Khaae Chaleeahi Dhookh ||1||
If someone feels hunger for the True Name. Then that hunger shall consume his pains. ||1||

2. ਸਾਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਭੂਖ ॥ ਉਤੁ ਭੂਖੈ ਖਾਇ ਚਲੀਅਹਿ ਦੂਖ ॥੧॥ ( Sodar Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 9-16).
Saachae Naam Kee Laagai Bhookh || Outh Bhookhai Khaae Chaleeahi Dhookh ||1||
If someone feels hunger for the True Name,That hunger shall consume his pain. ||1||

ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਇ ॥ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚੈ ਨਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
So Kio Visarai Maeree Maae || Saachaa Saahib Saachai Naae ||1|| Rehaao ||
How can I forget Him, O my mother? True is the Master, True is His Name. ||1||Pause||
So for a Sikh, it is made clear in the Gurbani to accept that “ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚਾII” (prabh kaa simaran sabh thae oochaa ).(Raag Gauri, M. 5, GGS. 263) and ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੪॥੪॥ -“naanak kai ghar kaeval naam ||4||4||”- (Raag Bhaira-o, M. 5, GGS. 1136).
Note: All translations are from the Internet

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand

E-mail: kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Personality of Guru Nanak Sahib

Guru Nanak Sahib was a Rabbi Jot/ Sargun Saroop of Akalpurakh. His Updesh in his entire Bani especially in Jap Ji Sahib is exemplary as a Spiritual Chamatkar.

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਰਚੰਡੁ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਨਾਦ ਬਿਨੋਦ ਕੋਡ ਅਨੰਦੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 7-19).
In the realm of wisdom, spiritual wisdom reigns supreme. The Sound-current of the Naad vibrates there, amidst the sounds and the sights of bliss.

The blissful personality of Guru Nanak Sahib is elaborated Guru Arjan Dev Ji Bhai Gurdas Ji and Bhatt Kirat Ji:-

– ਸਤਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 286-12).
The one who knows the True Lord God, is called the True Guru.

– ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 750-4).
Guru Nanak is the greatest of all; He saved my honor in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. ||4||10||57||

– ਸੁਣੀ ਪੁਕਾਰਿ ਦਾਤਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਠਾਇਆ। (Bhai Gurdas, Var 1, Pauri 23, page 1).
The benefactor Lord listened to the cries (of humanity) and sent Guru Nanak to this world.
……………………
ਕਲਿ ਤਾਰਣ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਇਆ ॥੨੩॥
Guru Nanak came to redeem the kaliyug.

– ਆਪਿ ਨਰਾਇਣੁ ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਪਰਵਰਿਯਉ ॥ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰਿ ਆਕਾਰੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਜਗ ਮੰਡਲਿ ਕਰਿਯਉ ॥
(Savaiye (praise of Guru Amar Das) Bhatt Kirat, GGS. 1395-6).
The Lord Himself wielded His Power and entered the world. The Formless Lord took form, and with His Light He illuminated the realms of the world.

Guru Nanak Sahib himself unveils his stature by giving a glimpse of his profound association with his Khasam (God/Akalpurakh) in the following verses:-

ਹਉ ਢਾਢੀ ਵੇਕਾਰੁ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਰਾਤਿ ਦਿਹੈ ਕੈ ਵਾਰ ਧੁਰਹੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 1, GGS. 150-16).
I was a minstrel, out of work, when the Lord took me into His service. To sing His Praises day and night, He gave me His Order, right from the start.

ਢਾਢੀ ਸਚੈ ਮਹਲਿ ਖਸਮਿ ਬੁਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਚੀ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਪੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
My Lord and Master has summoned me, His minstrel, to the True Mansion of His Presence. He has dressed me in the robes of His True Praise and Glory.

ਸਚਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਖਾਧਾ ਰਜਿ ਤਿਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
The Ambrosial Nectar of the True Name has become my food.. Those who follow the Guru’s Teachings, who eat this food and are satisfied, find peace.

ਢਾਢੀ ਕਰੇ ਪਸਾਉ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨੭॥ ਸੁਧੁ
His minstrel spreads His Glory, singing and vibrating the Word of His Shabad. O Nanak, praising the True Lord, I have obtained His Perfection. ||27||Sudh||

Guru Ji sets asides his personal ego and admits his direct link with Akalpurakh regarding his spiritual emancipation:-

ਜੈਸੀ ਮੈ ਆਵੈ ਖਸਮ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਤੈਸੜਾ ਕਰੀ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਵੇ ਲਾਲੋ ॥ (Raag Tilang M. 1, GGS. 722-16).
As the Word of the Forgiving Lord comes to me, so do I express it, O Lalo.

On the ONENESS of God, Guru Nanak Sahib further proclaims loudly:-

– ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ॥ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 350-4).
My Lord and Master is One; He is the One and Only; O Siblings of Destiny, He is the One alone. ||1||Pause||

– ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਏਕੁ ਬੁਝਾਇਆ ॥੫॥ (Raag Gauri M. 1, GGS. 223-5).
In His Mercy, He attuned my consciousness to the Lord. The True Guru has led me to understand the One Lord. ||5||

ਏਕੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਦੂਜਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥੬॥
The Gurmukh knows the One Immaculate Lord. Subduing duality, one comes to realize the Word of the Shabad. ||6||

ਏਕੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਭ ਲੋਈ ॥ ਏਕਸੁ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ॥੭॥
The Command of the One Lord prevails throughout all the worlds. From the One, all have arisen. ||7||

ਰਾਹ ਦੋਵੈ ਖਸਮੁ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੁ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੮॥
There are two routes, but remember that their Lord and Master is only One. Through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, recognize the Hukam of the Lord’s Command. ||8||

ਸਗਲ ਰੂਪ ਵਰਨ ਮਨ ਮਾਹੀ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕੋ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ॥੯॥੫॥
He is contained in all forms, colors and minds. Says Nanak, praise the One Lord. ||9||5||

In Jap Ji Sahib, Guru Nanak Sahib brings a Spiritual Revolution:-

1. In defining Ik Oankar – ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ (Jap Ji Sahib, Guru Nanak, GGS. 1-1).
One Universal Creator God, TheName Is Truth Creative Being Personified No Fear No Hatred Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru’s Grace.

2. Foundation of Science of Psychology – ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 6-17).
Man Jeethai Jag Jeeth ||
Conquer your own mind, and conquer the world.

3. ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੬॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 2-12).
There is only the One, the Giver of all souls. May I never forget Him! ||6||

4. Unraveling of 5 Khands i. e. Steps of Spiritual Elevation – (Dharm-, Gian-, Saram-, Karam-, and Sach Khand). Here Guru Ji describes his own Spiritual Awastha as well as Ik-mik or Sito-Sita with Akalpurakh:-

ਕਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੋਰੁ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-3).
In the realm of karma, the Word is Power. No one else dwells there,

ਤਿਥੈ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰ ॥
Except the warriors of great power, the spiritual heroes. They are totally fulfilled, imbued with the Lord’s Essence.

ਤਿਥੈ ਸੀਤੋ ਸੀਤਾ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਕਥਨੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Myriads of Sitas are there, cool and calm in their majestic glory. Their beauty cannot be described.

ਨਾ ਓਹਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਨ ਠਾਗੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Neither death nor deception comes to those, Within whose minds the Lord abides.

ਤਿਥੈ ਭਗਤ ਵਸਹਿ ਕੇ ਲੋਅ ॥ ਕਰਹਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਇ ॥
The devotees of many worlds dwell there. They celebrate; their minds are imbued with the True Lord.

Guru Amardas Ji endorses the Anand Awastha of Guru Nanak Sahib as a state of Union with Akalpurakh:-

ਅਨੰਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਏ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਹਜ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਵਜੀਆ ਵਾਧਾਈਆ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 3, GGS. 917-2).
I am in ecstasy, O my mother, for I have found my True Guru. I have found the True Guru, with intuitive ease, and my mind vibrates with the music of bliss.

ਰਾਗ ਰਤਨ ਪਰਵਾਰ ਪਰੀਆ ਸਬਦ ਗਾਵਣ ਆਈਆ ॥
The jewelled melodies and their related celestial harmonies have come to sing the Word of the Shabad.

ਸਬਦੋ ਤ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਹਰੀ ਕੇਰਾ ਮਨਿ ਜਿਨੀ ਵਸਾਇਆ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਹੋਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
The Lord dwells within the minds of those who sing the Shabad. Says Nanak, I am in ecstasy, for I have found my True Guru. ||1||

Guru Nanak Sahib is obviously Sargun Saroop of God/Waheguru. The reasons being various as given below and endorsed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, The Editor of Adi Granth Sahibi:-

– ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਮਹਿ ਜਨੁ ਜਨ ਮਹਿ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ॥ ਏਕਹਿ ਆਪਿ ਨਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਭਰਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287-3).
The servant is in God, and God is in the servant.He Himself is One – there is no doubt about this.

– ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਆਕਾਰ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰਗੁਨ ਸਰਗੁਨ ਏਕ ॥ ਏਕਹਿ ਏਕ ਬਖਾਨਨੋ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕ ਅਨੇਕ ॥੧॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 250-11).
He Himself is formless, and also formed; the One Lord is without attributes, and also with attributes. Describe the One Lord as One, and Only One; O Nanak, He is the One, and the many. ||1||

– ਨਿਰਗੁਨੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਰਗੁਨੁ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287-17).
He Himself is absolute and unrelated; He Himself is also involved and related.

The above Gurbani quotes amply point out that Guru Nanak Sahib was a Sargun Saroop of God/Waheguru. As a result he was so versatile to address various aspects of Universal Humanity, such as:-

1. Universal brotherhood 2. Honesty 3. Righteousness 4. Equality 5. Sharing with people and 6. Showing compassion. His message can help us all with the challenges we face in everyday life.

A. Spiritual Guidance

1. ਪਵਨ ਅਰੰਭੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਲਾ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 1, GGS. 943-1).
From the air came the beginning. This is the age of the True Guru’s Teachings. The Shabad is the Guru, upon whom I lovingly focus my consciousness; I am the chaylaa, the disciple.

2. ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥(Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-10).
Contemplating the Guru, I have been taught these teachings;

3. ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਜਾਗੇ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਰਹਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee, M. 1, GGS 904).
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.

B. Spiritual Path (Marg) and Satsangat

1.ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 2-5).
In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, and contemplate His Glorious Greatness.

2. ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਐ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ॥ (Raag Sriraag, M. 1, GGS 72).
How is the Society of the Saints to be known? There, the Name of the One Lord is chanted.

C. Economic needs and prosperity

1. ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥ (Raag Saran, M. 1, GGS 1245).
One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has.- O Nanak, he knows the Path. ||1||

2. ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਆਖੀਐ ॥ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਦੇਇ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਖੀਐ ॥ (Raag Sri Rag M. 1, GGS 91)
Whatever work you wish to accomplish-tell it to the Lord. He will resolve your affairs; the True Guru gives His Guarantee of Truth.

3. ਸਾਈ ਵਸਤੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ਜਿਸੁ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਇਆ II (Raag Soohee, M. 1, GGS 764).
I have obtained that thing, which my mind desired.

D. Personality Development

1. ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥ ( Raag Aasaa, M. 1, GGS 470).
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness.

2. ਨਾਨਕ ਫਿਕੈ ਬੋਲਿਐ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਫਿਕਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ ( Raag Aasaa, M. 1, GGS 473).
O Nanak, speaking insipid words, the body and mind become insipid.

3. ਕੂੜ ਨਿਖੁਟੇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਓੜਕਿ ਸਚਿ ਰਹੀ ॥੨॥ (Raag Raamkalee M. 1, GGS 953).
Falsehood will come to an end, O Nanak, and Truth will prevail in the end. ||2||

E. Social Reforms

1. ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 473-9).
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.

2. ਹਕੁ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 1, GGS. 141-1).
To take what rightfully belongs to another, is like a Muslim eating pork, or a Hindu eating beef.

3. ਜੇ ਲੋੜਹਿ ਚੰਗਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਕਰਿ ਪੁੰਨਹੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਈਐ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-16).
If you yearn for goodness, then perform good deeds and feel humble.

4. ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
(Sri Raag M.1, GGS. 16-13).
O Baba, the pleasures of other foods are false. Eating them, the body is ruined, and wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Pause||
……….
ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਪੈਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
O Baba, the pleasures of other clothes are false. Wearing them, the body is ruined, and wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Pause||

F. Human Equality

Guru Nanak Sahib promotes Universal brotherhood (presence of God in all of us) and in turn offers scope for peace and prosperity in the world:-

1. ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ (Raag Dhanasree M. 1, GGS. 663-8).
The Divine Light is within everyone; You are that Light. Yours is that Light which shines within everyone.

2. ਫਕੜ ਜਾਤੀ ਫਕੜੁ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਇਕਾ ਛਾਉ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 83-13).
Pride in social status is empty; pride in personal glory is useless. The One Lord gives shade to all beings.

G. Quality Education and Life-style

1. ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 356-14).
Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others.

2. ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥੫॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 62-11).
Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is truthful living. ||5||

3. ਸੂਚੇ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਨ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥੨॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 472-10).
Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the Lord abides. ||2||

4. ਫਿਟੁ ਇਵੇਹਾ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਇ ਵਧਾਇਆ ਪੇਟੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਭੋ ਦੁਸਮਨੁ ਹੇਤੁ ॥੨॥ (Raag Suhi M. 1, GGS. 790-18).
Cursed is that life, in which one only eats to fill his belly. O Nanak, without the True Name, all one’s friends turn to enemies. ||2||

5. ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਆਖੀਐ ਪੜਿ ਅਖਰੁ ਏਹੋ ਬੁਝੀਐ ॥ ਮੂਰਖੈ ਨਾਲਿ ਨ ਲੁਝੀਐ ॥੧੯॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, 473-13).
Do not call anyone bad; read these words, and understand. Don’t argue with fools. ||19||

H. Scientific realm and Expanse of Universe
.
ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS, 5-2).
There are nether worlds beneath nether worlds, and hundreds of thousands of heavenly worlds above.

I. Respect for Environment/Ecology

– ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥ (Salok Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-10).
Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great Mother of all.

J. Respect for other Faiths

– ਚਾਰੇ ਵੇਦ ਹੋਏ ਸਚਿਆਰ ॥ ਪੜਹਿ ਗੁਣਹਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਚਾਰ ਵੀਚਾਰ ॥ (Raag Asa, Guru Nanak, GGS. 470-8).
The four Vedas each claim to be true. Reading and studying them, four doctrines are found.

ਭਾਉ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਏ ॥ ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੋਖੰਤਰੁ ਪਾਏ ॥
With loving devotional worship, abiding in humility,

K. Against Rituals

– ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਟਿਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਤਗੁ ॥੧॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, 467-6).
O Nanak, without the True Name, of what use is the frontal mark of the Hindus, or their sacred thread? ||1|

L. How to reach the Divine Path?

– ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਉਰੁ ਕੈਸੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥ Raag Tilang, M.1 GGS. 722-130.
Give up your selfhood, and so obtain your Husband Lord; what other clever tricks are of any use?

– ਭਗਤ ਤੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵਦੇ ਦਰਿ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਗਾਵਦੇ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 1, GGS. 468-3).
Your devotees are pleasing to Your Mind, Lord. They look beautiful at Your door, singing Your Praises.
……………………….
ਇਕਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੁਝਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਅਣਹੋਦਾ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਾਇਦੇ ॥
Some do not understand their origins, and without cause, they display their self-conceit.

Guru Nanak Sahib himself proclaims the importance of Naam as his only support and PANACEA of all ills:–

ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਾਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਆਸ ਏਹੋ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Sri Raag, M. 1, GGS 24).
Your Name alone, Lord, saves the world. This is my hope; this is my support. ||1||Pause||

Panacea of all ills – Repeated twice by Guru Nanak Sahib

1. ਸਾਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਭੂਖ ॥ ਤਿਤੁ ਭੂਖੈ ਖਾਇ ਚਲੀਅਹਿ ਦੂਖ ॥੧॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 349-7).
If someone feels hunger for the True Name. Then that hunger shall consume his pains. ||1||

2. ਸਾਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਭੂਖ ॥ ਉਤੁ ਭੂਖੈ ਖਾਇ ਚਲੀਅਹਿ ਦੂਖ ॥੧॥ ( Sodar Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 9-16).
If someone feels hunger for the True Name,That hunger shall consume his pain. ||1||

ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਇ ॥ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚੈ ਨਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
How can I forget Him, O my mother? True is the Master, True is His Name. ||1||Pause||

So for a Sikh, it is made clear in the Gurbani to accept that “ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚਾii” (prabh kaa simaran sabh thae oochaa ).(Raag Gauri, M. 5, GGS. 263) and ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੪॥੪॥ -“naanak kai ghar kaeval naam ||4||4||”- (Raag Bhaira-o, M. 5, GGS. 1136).

Guru Nanak Sahib promulgated a MOTTO:-

Kirat Karo, Naam Japo and Vand Chacko – with an aim to have 100% employment; 100% literacy and Seva/Service for others.

Note: All translations are from the Internet.
_______________________________________________________________________
* Excerpts presented in Wellington Gurduara Sahib on Sunday, the 13th of October, 2019 in connection with 550th Parkash Divas of Guru Nanak Sahib.

Kirpal Singh

Wellington, New Zealand

kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

The Guru of the Sikhs is: “Agam roop gobind ka anik naam aapaar” (the one who everywhere with different names).

The numerous names also appear in the Guru Granth Sahib: Ik Onkar, satnam, kadir kareem, raam, raheem, parmatma, bhagwan, prabhu, rab, allah, khudha, god, yahowa, beethal, madhusudan, madho, akalpurakh, waheguru, khasam, pita, mittar, pranpati, sajjan, bandhap, sakha, bharata, rachanhara, sirjanhara, palanhara, prithpalak, gharanhara, bhanjanhara, gosain, gopal, dinanath, nath, deen-dyal,damodar, karta, harta, bharta, padampat, karunaidh, aad-purak, karta-purak, niranjan, nirankar, pooran purak. datta, bidata,, avtoot, sat-purak, akal-purakh, abinasi-purak, parbhram, parmesar, sat-karta, bhram, dhitman, dharadhar, dharridhar, dhanurpan, gharagket,antarzami, jagdish, banwari, banwali, madhaw,mukandh, murari, bhisambar, amiteshvar, sarabeshvar, jagtesvar, achut, anatarjami, damodar, swami, rikikesh, govardan, murli manohar, jagan-nath, jagjiwan datta, bhu-bhajjan, govind, hari, har etc etc (by courtesy of Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Gurmat Parkash, March 2012 page 9).

“Nirbhu nirankar sach naam ja ki kiaha sagal jahan” (This conveys that the Almighty God is reality who is behind the entire creation).

Guru Nanak Sahib on his own tells who is his Guru though Guru Nanak used ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ but not Wah Guru:

ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਜਿ ਵਾਟ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ॥( Guru Nanak, GGS. 226).
Waaho! Waaho! – Hail, hail, to the one who shows us the Way.

ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਜਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥
Waaho! Waaho! – Hail, hail, to the one who teaches the Word of the Sabd.

ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਜਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ॥੬॥
Waaho! Waaho! – Hail, hail, to the one who unites me in the Lord’s Union. ||6||

Here Guru Nanak is praising that person, who would show the right way, explain the Sabd and help him know the Almighty God.

Then Guru Nanak Sahib is describing his Guru as follows:

ਗੁਰੁ ਪਉੜੀ ਬੇੜੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੁ ਤੁਲਹਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Guru Nanak Sahib, GGS. 17).
The Guru is the Ladder, the Guru is the Boat, and the Guru is the Raft to take me to the Lord’s Name.

Here Guru Nanak Sahib says that the one who is a ladder, boat and raft is my Guru to guide me to know the God/Almighty.

Guru Nanak’s Guru is a ladder, boat and raft and is known by numerous names as given above and many more when you include the names given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Jaap Sahib. If Guru did not believe in these names, he would have not quoted these in his Bani and likewise the other authors of Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib.

How can one say all these names in one go? Not possible. However, looking at all these and many more names one starts wondering that who is such a wonderful entity who serves as a spiritual ladder, boat and raft for Guru Nanak Sahib? – the answer automatically comes ‘What a Wonderous Guru’ – WAHEGURU, which includes all His names and attributes.

The first Guru of the Sikh is UNDOUBTEDLY the One who is and was the GURU of Guru Nanak, and that is WAHEGURU. All other Gurus and Bhagats and Mahpurakhs testify in the same in the entire Gurbani of the Guru Granth Sahib.

However, the Gurbani points out:-

ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਤਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਚੀ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੨੯॥ ( Salok Guru Teg Bahadur, GGS. 1428-1).
Har Jan Har Anthar Nehee Naanak Saachee Maan ||29||
There is no difference between the Lord and the humble servant of the Lord; O Nanak, know this as true. ||29||

Guru Nanak Sahib is Har Jan – ik mik with WAHEGURU. So Guru Nanak Sahib is God/Waheguru for me. The reasons being various as given below and endorsed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, The Editor of Adi Granth Sahib and Bhatt Kirat Ji:-

1. ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਤੇਰਿਆ ਚਰਣਾ ਕਉ ਬਲਿਹਾਰਾ ॥੪॥੧॥੪੭॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 747-2).
Gur Naanak Miliaa Paarabreham Thaeriaa Charanaa Ko Balihaaraa ||4||1||47||
Guru Nanak has met the Supreme Lord God; I am a sacrifice to Your Feet. ||4||1||47||

2. ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਤਾ ॥੮॥੧੫॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 283-15).
Paarabreham Jin Sach Kar Jaathaa || Naanak So Jan Sach Samaathaa ||8||15||
One who recognizes the Supreme Lord God as True – O Nanak, that humble being is absorbed into the True One. ||8||15||

3. ਸਤਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, 286-12).
Sath Purakh Jin Jaaniaa Sathigur This Kaa Naao ||
The one who knows the True Lord God, is called the True Guru.

ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਿਖੁ ਉਧਰੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਉ ॥੧॥
This Kai Sang Sikh Oudhharai Naanak Har Gun Gaao ||1||
In His Company, the Sikh is saved, O Nanak, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||1||

4. ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 750-4).
Sabh Thae Vaddaa Sathigur Naanak Jin Kal Raakhee Maeree ||4||10||57||
Guru Nanak is the greatest of all; He saved my honor in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. ||4||10||57||

5. ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਦੁਹਹੂ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਨ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ਆਏ ॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 749-3).
Janam Maran Dhuhehoo Mehi Naahee Jan Paroupakaaree Aaeae ||
Those generous, humble beings are above both birth and death.

ਜੀਅ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੇ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਇਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਲੈਨਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥੨॥
Jeea Dhaan Dhae Bhagathee Laaein Har Sio Lain Milaaeae ||2||
They give the gift of the soul, and practice devotional worship; they inspire others to meet the Lord. ||2||

ਸਚਾ ਅਮਰੁ ਸਚੀ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀ ਸਚੇ ਸੇਤੀ ਰਾਤੇ ॥
Sachaa Amar Sachee Paathisaahee Sachae Saethee Raathae ||
True are their commands, and true are their empires; they are attuned to the Truth.

ਸਚਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਚੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਜਿਸ ਕੇ ਸੇ ਤਿਨਿ ਜਾਤੇ ॥੩॥
Sachaa Sukh Sachee Vaddiaaee Jis Kae Sae Thin Jaathae ||3||
True is their happiness, and true is their greatness. They know the Lord, to whom they belong. ||3||

6. ਆਪਿ ਨਰਾਇਣੁ ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਪਰਵਰਿਯਉ ॥ (Savaiye (praise of Guru Amar Das) Bhatt Kirat, GGS. 1395-6).
Aap Naraaein Kalaa Dhhaar Jag Mehi Paravariyo ||
The Lord Himself wielded His Power and entered the world.

ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰਿ ਆਕਾਰੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਜਗ ਮੰਡਲਿ ਕਰਿਯਉ ॥
Nirankaar Aakaar Joth Jag Manddal Kariyo ||
The Formless Lord took form, and with His Light He illuminated the realms of the world.

ਜਹ ਕਹ ਤਹ ਭਰਪੂਰੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਦੀਪਕਿ ਦੀਪਾਯਉ ॥
Jeh Keh Theh Bharapoor Sabadh Dheepak Dheepaayo ||
He is All-pervading everywhere; the Lamp of the Shabad, the Word, has been lit.

ਜਿਹ ਸਿਖਹ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਹਿਓ ਤਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣ ਮਿਲਾਯਉ ॥
Jih Sikheh Sangrehiou Thath Har Charan Milaayo ||
Whoever gathers in the essence of the teachings shall be absorbed in the Feet of the Lord.

ਨਾਨਕ ਕੁਲਿ ਨਿੰਮਲੁ ਅਵਤਰ੍ਯ੍ਯਿਉ ਅੰਗਦ ਲਹਣੇ ਸੰਗਿ ਹੁਅ ॥
Naanak Kul Ninmal Avathariyo Angadh Lehanae Sang Hua ||
Lehnaa, who became Guru Angad, and Guru Amar Daas, have been reincarnated into the pure house of Guru Nanak.

ਗੁਰ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਤਾਰਣ ਤਰਣ ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਪਾ ਸਰਣਿ ਤੁਅ ॥੨॥੧੬॥
Gur Amaradhaas Thaaran Tharan Janam Janam Paa Saran Thua ||2||16||
Guru Amar Daas is our Saving Grace, who carries us across; in lifetime after lifetime, I seek the Sanctuary of Your Feet. ||2||16||

ਜਪੁ ਤਪੁ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਪਿਖਿ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖਹ ॥
Jap Thap Sath Santhokh Pikh Dharasan Gur Sikheh ||
Gazing upon the Blessed Vision of His Darshan, the Gursikh is blessed with chanting and deep meditation, truth and contentment.

ਸਰਣਿ ਪਰਹਿ ਤੇ ਉਬਰਹਿ ਛੋਡਿ ਜਮ ਪੁਰ ਕੀ ਲਿਖਹ ॥
Saran Parehi Thae Oubarehi Shhodd Jam Pur Kee Likheh ||
Whoever seeks His Sanctuary is saved; his account is cleared in the City of Death.

ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਇ ਭਰਪੂਰੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਉਚਰੈ ਕਰਤਾਰੈ ॥
Bhagath Bhaae Bharapoor Ridhai Oucharai Karathaarai ||
His heart is totally filled with loving devotion; he chants to the Creator Lord.

ਗੁਰੁ ਗਉਹਰੁ ਦਰੀਆਉ ਪਲਕ ਡੁਬੰਤ੍ਯ੍ਯਹ ਤਾਰੈ ॥
Gur Gouhar Dhareeaao Palak Ddubanthyeh Thaarai ||
The Guru is the river of pearls; in an instant, he carries the drowning ones across.

ਨਾਨਕ ਕੁਲਿ ਨਿੰਮਲੁ ਅਵਤਰ੍ਯ੍ਯਿਉ ਗੁਣ ਕਰਤਾਰੈ ਉਚਰੈ ॥
Naanak Kul Ninmal Avathariyo Gun Karathaarai Oucharai ||
He was reincarnated into the House of Guru Nanak; He chants the Glorious Praises of the Creator Lord.

ਗੁਰੁ ਅਮਰਦਾਸੁ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਸੇਵਿਅਉ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਦੁਖੁ ਦਰਿਦ੍ਰੁ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਪਰੈ ॥੩॥੧੭॥
Gur Amaradhaas Jinh Saeviao Thinh Dhukh Dharidhra Parehar Parai ||3||17||
Those who serve Guru Amar Daas – their pains and poverty are taken away, far away. ||3||17||

ਚਿਤਿ ਚਿਤਵਉ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ਕਹਉ ਪਰੁ ਕਹਿ ਭਿ ਨ ਸਕਉ ॥
Chith Chithavo Aradhaas Keho Par Kehi Bh N Sako ||
I consciously pray within my consciousness, but I cannot express it in words.

ਸਰਬ ਚਿੰਤ ਤੁਝੁ ਪਾਸਿ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਹਉ ਤਕਉ ॥
Sarab Chinth Thujh Paas Saadhhasangath Ho Thako ||
I place all my worries and anxieties before You; I look to the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, for help.

ਤੇਰੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਪਵੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ਤਉ ਕਰਉ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ॥
Thaerai Hukam Pavai Neesaan Tho Karo Saahib Kee Saevaa ||
By the Hukam of Your Command, I am blessed with Your Insignia; I serve my Lord and Master.

ਜਬ ਗੁਰੁ ਦੇਖੈ ਸੁਭ ਦਿਸਟਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਮੁਖਿ ਮੇਵਾ ॥
Jab Gur Dhaekhai Subh Dhisatt Naam Karathaa Mukh Maevaa ||
When You, O Guru, gaze at me with Your Glance of Grace, the fruit of the Naam, the Name of the Creator, is placed within my mouth.

ਅਗਮ ਅਲਖ ਕਾਰਣ ਪੁਰਖ ਜੋ ਫੁਰਮਾਵਹਿ ਸੋ ਕਹਉ ॥
Agam Alakh Kaaran Purakh Jo Furamaavehi So Keho ||
The Unfathomable and Unseen Primal Lord God, the Cause of causes – as He orders, so do I speak.

ਗੁਰ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਣ ਜਿਵ ਤੂ ਰਖਹਿ ਤਿਵ ਰਹਉ ॥੪॥੧੮॥
Gur Amaradhaas Kaaran Karan Jiv Thoo Rakhehi Thiv Reho ||4||18||
O Guru Amar Daas, Doer of deeds, Cause of causes, as You keep me, I remain; as You protect me, I survive. ||4||18||

7. ਨਿਰਗੁਨੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਰਗੁਨੁ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287-17).
Niragun Aap Saragun Bhee Ouhee ||
He Himself is absolute and unrelated; He Himself is also involved and related.

ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਮੋਹੀ ॥
Kalaa Dhhaar Jin Sagalee Mohee ||
Manifesting His power, He fascinates the entire world.

ਅਪਨੇ ਚਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਆਪਿ ਬਨਾਏ ॥
Apanae Charith Prabh Aap Banaaeae ||
God Himself sets His play in motion.

ਅਪੁਨੀ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਆਪੇ ਪਾਏ ॥
Apunee Keemath Aapae Paaeae ||
Only He Himself can estimate His worth.

ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥
Har Bin Dhoojaa Naahee Koe ||
There is none, other than the Lord.

ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਸੋਇ ॥
Sarab Niranthar Eaeko Soe ||
Permeating all, He is the One.

The above Gurbani quotes point out All Gurus, Bhagats and Mahapurakhs whose Bani is incorporated in the Guru Granth Sahib were Surgun Saroops of God/Waheguru.

With Waheguru’s blessings.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand

kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Guru Nanak Sahib and his Gurmat Messages*

Personality of Guru Nanak Sahib

Guru Nanak Sahib gives a glimpse of his profound association with his Khasam (God/Akalpurakh) in the following verses:-

ਹਉ ਢਾਢੀ ਵੇਕਾਰੁ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 1, GGS. 150-16).
Ho Dtaadtee Vaekaar Kaarai Laaeiaa ||
I was a minstrel, out of work, when the Lord took me into His service.

ਰਾਤਿ ਦਿਹੈ ਕੈ ਵਾਰ ਧੁਰਹੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ॥
Raath Dhihai Kai Vaar Dhhurahu Furamaaeiaa ||
To sing His Praises day and night, He gave me His Order, right from the start.

ਢਾਢੀ ਸਚੈ ਮਹਲਿ ਖਸਮਿ ਬੁਲਾਇਆ ॥
Dtaadtee Sachai Mehal Khasam Bulaaeiaa ||
My Lord and Master has summoned me, His minstrel, to the True Mansion of His Presence.

ਸਚੀ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਪੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Sachee Sifath Saalaah Kaparraa Paaeiaa ||
He has dressed me in the robes of His True Praise and Glory.

ਸਚਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਆਇਆ ॥
Sachaa Anmrith Naam Bhojan Aaeiaa ||
The Ambrosial Nectar of the True Name has become my food.

ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਖਾਧਾ ਰਜਿ ਤਿਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Guramathee Khaadhhaa Raj Thin Sukh Paaeiaa ||
Those who follow the Guru’s Teachings, who eat this food and are satisfied, find peace.

ਢਾਢੀ ਕਰੇ ਪਸਾਉ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥
Dtaadtee Karae Pasaao Sabadh Vajaaeiaa ||
His minstrel spreads His Glory, singing and vibrating the Word of His Shabad.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨੭॥ ਸੁਧੁ
Naanak Sach Saalaahi Pooraa Paaeiaa ||27|| Sudhhu
O Nanak, praising the True Lord, I have obtained His Perfection. ||27||Sudh||

Guru Nanak shows his gratitude to One GOD:-

-ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਦਿਉਹਾੜੀ ਸਦ ਵਾਰ ॥ (Raag Asa, Guru Nanak, GGS. 462-19).
Balihaaree Gur Aapanae Dhiouhaarree Sadh Vaar ||
A hundred times a day, I am a sacrifice to my Guru;

ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਸ ਤੇ ਦੇਵਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਕਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਗੀ ਵਾਰ ॥੧॥
Jin Maanas Thae Dhaevathae Keeeae Karath N Laagee Vaar ||1||
He made angels out of men, without delay. ||1||

One God of Guru Nanak is defined as IK OANKAR in the Mool Mantar in Jap Ji Sahib:-
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ (Jap Ji Sahib, Guru Nanak, GGS. 1-1).
Ikoankaar Sathnaam Karathaa Purakh Nirabho Niravair Akaal Moorath Ajoonee Saibhan Gurprasaadh||
One Universal Creator God, TheName Is Truth Creative Being Personified No Fear No Hatred Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru’s Grace.

On the ONENESS of God, Guru Nanak Sahib further proclaims loudly:-

– ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਏਕੁ ਬੁਝਾਇਆ ॥੫॥ (Raag Gauri, Guru Nanak Dev, GGS. 223-6).
Sathigur Mo Ko Eaek Bujhaaeiaa ||5||
The True Guru has led me to understand the One Lord. ||5||

ਏਕੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਦੂਜਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥੬॥
Eaek Niranjan Guramukh Jaathaa ||Dhoojaa Maar Sabadh Pashhaathaa ||6||
The Gurmukh knows the One Immaculate Lord. Subduing duality, one comes to realize the Word of the Shabad. ||6||

ਏਕੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਭ ਲੋਈ ॥ ਏਕਸੁ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ॥੭॥
Eaeko Hukam Varathai Sabh Loee ||Eaekas Thae Sabh Oupath Hoee ||7||
The Command of the One Lord prevails throughout all the worlds. From the One, all have arisen. ||7||

ਰਾਹ ਦੋਵੈ ਖਸਮੁ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੁ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੮॥
Raah Dhovai Khasam Eaeko Jaan ||Gur Kai Sabadh Hukam Pashhaan ||8||
There are two routes, but remember that their Lord and Master is only One. Through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, recognize the Hukam of the Lord’s Command. ||8||

ਸਗਲ ਰੂਪ ਵਰਨ ਮਨ ਮਾਹੀ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕੋ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ॥੯॥੫॥
Sagal Roop Varan Man Maahee ||Kahu Naanak Eaeko Saalaahee ||9||5||
He is contained in all forms, colors and minds. Says Nanak, praise the One Lord.. ||9||5||

Guru Nanak Sahib gives full credit to Divine Nadr/Gurparsad (Grace) for his emancipation:-

ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥(Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-9).
Jin Ko Nadhar Karam Thin Kaar || Naanak Nadharee Nadhar Nihaal ||38||
Such is the karma of those upon whom He has cast His Glance of Grace. O Nanak, the Merciful Lord, by His Grace, uplifts and exalts them. ||38||

Guru Nanak Sahib is Har Jan – ik mik with WAHEGURU. So Guru Nanak Sahib is Sargun Saroop of God/Waheguru for me. The reasons being various as given below and endorsed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, The Editor of Adi Granth Sahib, Bhatt Kirat Ji and Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji:-

– . ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 750-4).
Sabh Thae Vaddaa Sathigur Naanak Jin Kal Raakhee Maeree ||4||10||57||
Guru Nanak is the greatest of all; He saved my honor in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. ||4||10||57||

– ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਦੁਹਹੂ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਨ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ਆਏ ॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS.. 749-3).
Janam Maran Dhuhehoo Mehi Naahee Jan Paroupakaaree Aaeae ||
Those generous, humble beings are above both birth and death.

ਜੀਅ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੇ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਇਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਲੈਨਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥੨॥
Jeea Dhaan Dhae Bhagathee Laaein Har Sio Lain Milaaeae ||2||
They give the gift of the soul, and practice devotional worship; they inspire others to meet the Lord. ||2||

– ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਮਹਿ ਜਨੁ ਜਨ ਮਹਿ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ॥ ਏਕਹਿ ਆਪਿ ਨਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਭਰਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287-3).
Breham Mehi Jan Jan Mehi Paarabreham ||Eaekehi Aap Nehee Kashh Bharam ||
The servant is in God, and God is in the servant. He Himself is One – there is no doubt about this.

– ਸਤਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਿਖੁ ਉਧਰੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਉ ॥੧॥(Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 286-12).
Sath Purakh Jin Jaaniaa Sathigur This Kaa Naao ||This Kai Sang Sikh Oudhharai Naanak Har Gun Gaao ||1||
The one who knows the True Lord God, is called the True Guru. In His Company, the Sikh is saved, O Nanak, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||1||

– ਨਿਰਗੁਨੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਰਗੁਨੁ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥ ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਮੋਹੀ ॥(Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287-17).
Niragun Aap Saragun Bhee Ouhee ||Kalaa Dhhaar Jin Sagalee Mohee ||
He Himself is absolute and unrelated; He Himself is also involved and related. Manifesting His power, He fascinates the entire world.

-. ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਤੇਰਿਆ ਚਰਣਾ ਕਉ ਬਲਿਹਾਰਾ ॥੪॥੧॥੪੭॥ (Raag Suhi M. 5, GGS. 747-2).
Gur Naanak Miliaa Paarabreham Thaeriaa Charanaa Ko Balihaaraa ||4||1||47||
Guru Nanak has met the Supreme Lord God; I am a sacrifice to Your Feet. ||4||1||47||

– . ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਤਾ ॥੮॥੧੫॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 283-15).
Paarabreham Jin Sach Kar Jaathaa || Naanak So Jan Sach Samaathaa ||8||15||
One who recognizes the Supreme Lord God as True – O Nanak, that humble being is absorbed into the True One. ||8||15||

– ਆਪਿ ਨਰਾਇਣੁ ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਪਰਵਰਿਯਉ ॥ (Savaiye (praise of Guru Amar Das) Bhatt Kirat, GGS. 1395-6).
Aap Naraaein Kalaa Dhhaar Jag Mehi Paravariyo ||
The Lord Himself wielded His Power and entered the world.

ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰਿ ਆਕਾਰੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਜਗ ਮੰਡਲਿ ਕਰਿਯਉ ॥
Nirankaar Aakaar Joth Jag Manddal Kariyo ||
The Formless Lord took form, and with His Light He illuminated the realms of the world.

– ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਤਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਚੀ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੨੯॥ ( Salok Guru Teg Bahadur, GGS. 1428-1).
Har Jan Har Anthar Nehee Naanak Saachee Maan ||29||
There is no difference between the Lord and the humble servant of the Lord; O Nanak, know this as true. ||29||

– ਸੁਣੀ ਪੁਕਾਰਿ ਦਾਤਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਠਾਇਆ। (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 1, Pauri 23, page 1).
Sunee Pukaari Daatar Prabhu Guru Naanak Jag Maahi Pathhaaiaa |
The benefactor Lord listened to the cries (of humanity) and sent Guru Nanak to this world.
………………….

ਕਲਿ ਤਾਰਣ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਇਆ ॥੨੩॥
Kali Taarani Guru Naanaku Aaiaa ||23 ||
Guru Nanak came to redeem the kaliyug.

The above Gurbani quotes point out that Guru Nanak Sahib enjoyed the grace of Waheguru. As a result he was himself a Surgun Saroop of God/Waheguru (Ik-Mik/ Sito-Sita) . Guru Nam Sahib describes this awastha in Jap Ji Sahib:-

ਕਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੋਰੁ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-3).
Karam Khandd Kee Baanee Jor || Thithhai Hor N Koee Hor ||
In the realm of karma, the Word is Power.. No one else dwells there,

ਤਿਥੈ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰ ॥
Thithhai Jodhh Mehaabal Soor || Thin Mehi Raam Rehiaa Bharapoor ||
Except the warriors of great power, the spiritual heroes. They are totally fulfilled, imbued with the Lord’s Essence.

ਤਿਥੈ ਸੀਤੋ ਸੀਤਾ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਕਥਨੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Thithhai Seetho Seethaa Mehimaa Maahi || Thaa Kae Roop N Kathhanae Jaahi ||
Myriads of Sitas are there, cool and calm in their majestic glory. Their beauty cannot be described.

ਨਾ ਓਹਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਨ ਠਾਗੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Naa Ouhi Marehi N Thaagae Jaahi || Jin Kai Raam Vasai Man Maahi ||
Neither death nor deception comes to those, Within whose minds the Lord abides.

ਤਿਥੈ ਭਗਤ ਵਸਹਿ ਕੇ ਲੋਅ ॥ ਕਰਹਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਇ ॥
Thithhai Bhagath Vasehi Kae Loa || Karehi Anandh Sachaa Man Soe ||
The devotees of many worlds dwell there. They celebrate; their minds are imbued with the True Lord.

ਸਚ ਖੰਡਿ ਵਸੈ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥
Sach Khandd Vasai Nirankaar || Kar Kar Vaekhai Nadhar Nihaal ||
In the realm of Truth, the Formless Lord abides.
Having created the creation, He watches over it. By His Glance of Grace, He bestows happiness.

As a result, Guru Nanak was so versatile to address the various aspects of Universal Humanity, such as:-

A. Spiritual Guidance

1. ਪਵਨ ਅਰੰਭੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਲਾ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 1, GGS. 943-1).
Pavan Aranbh Sathigur Math Vaelaa ||
From the air came the beginning. This is the age of the True Guru’s Teachings..
ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥
Sabadh Guroo Surath Dhhun Chaelaa ||
The Shabad is the Guru, upon whom I lovingly focus my consciousness; I am the chaylaa, the disciple.
2. ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥(Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-10).
Sikhee Sikhiaa Gur Veechaar ||
Contemplating the Guru, I have been taught these teachings;
3. ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ (Japji, GGS. 2)
guraa eik dhaehi bujhaaee ||
The Guru has given me this one understanding:
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੫॥
(sabhanaa jeeaa kaa eik dhaathaa so mai visar n jaaee ||5||
there is only the One, the Giver of all souls. May I never forget Him! ||5||
4.. ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee, M. 1, GGS 904).
sabadh beechaar bheae nirankaaree ||
Contemplating the Shabad, we become Nirankaari – we come to belong to the Formless Lord God.
ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਜਾਗੇ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਰਹਾਰੀ ॥
guramath jaagae dhuramath parehaaree ||
awakening to the Guru’s Teachings, evil-mindedness is taken away.

B. Spiritual Path (Marg) and Satsangat

1.ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 2-5).
Anmrith Vaelaa Sach Naao Vaddiaaee Veechaar ||
In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, and contemplate His Glorious Greatness.
ਕਰਮੀ ਆਵੈ ਕਪੜਾ ਨਦਰੀ ਮੋਖੁ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
Karamee Aavai Kaparraa Nadharee Mokh Dhuaar ||
By the karma of past actions, the robe of this physical body is obtained. By His Grace, the Gate of Liberation is found.
ਨਾਨਕ ਏਵੈ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਆਪੇ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥੪॥
Naanak Eaevai Jaaneeai Sabh Aapae Sachiaar ||4||
O Nanak, know this well: the True One Himself is All. ||4||
2. ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 6-17).
Man Jeethai Jag Jeeth ||
Conquer your own mind, and conquer the world.
3. ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਐ ॥ (Raag Sriraag, M. 1, GGS 72).
sathasangath kaisee jaaneeai ||
How is the Society of the Saints to be known?
ਜਿਥੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ॥
jithhai eaeko naam vakhaaneeai ||
There, the Name of the One Lord is chanted.

C. Economic needs and prosperity

1. ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਆਖੀਐ ॥ (Raag Sri Rag M. 1, GGS 91)
keethaa lorreeai kanm s har pehi aakheeai || Whatever work you wish to accomplish-tell it to the Lord
ਕਾਰਜੁ ਦੇਇ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਖੀਐ ॥
kaaraj dhaee savaar sathigur sach saakheeai ||
He will resolve your affairs; the True Guru gives His Guarantee of Truth.
2. . ਸਾਈ ਵਸਤੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ਜਿਸੁ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਇਆ II (Raag Soohee, M. 1, GGS 764).
saaee vasath paraapath hoee jis saethee man laaeiaa ||
I have obtained that thing, which my mind desired.
3. ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ (Raag Saran, M. 1, GGS 1245).
ghaal khaae kishh hathhahu dhaee ||
One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has.
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥
naanak raahu pashhaanehi saee ||1||
– O Nanak, he knows the Path. ||1||

D. Personality Development

1. ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥ ( Raag Aasaa, M. 1, GGS 470).
mithath neevee naanakaa gun changiaaeeaa thath ||
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness.
2. ਨਾਨਕ ਫਿਕੈ ਬੋਲਿਐ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਫਿਕਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ ( Raag Aasaa, M. 1, GGS 473).
naanak fikai boliai than man fikaa hoe ||
O Nanak, speaking insipid words, the body and mind become insipid.
3. ਕੂੜ ਨਿਖੁਟੇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਓੜਕਿ ਸਚਿ ਰਹੀ ॥੨॥ (Raag Raamkalee M. 1, GGS 953).
koorr nikhuttae naanakaa ourrak sach rehee ||2||
Falsehood will come to an end, O Nanak, and Truth will prevail in the end. ||2||

4. ਫਿਟੁ ਇਵੇਹਾ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਇ ਵਧਾਇਆ ਪੇਟੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਭੋ ਦੁਸਮਨੁ ਹੇਤੁ ॥੨॥ (Raag Suhi M. 1, GGS. 790-18).
Fitt Eivaehaa Jeeviaa Jith Khaae Vadhhaaeiaa Paett ||

Cursed is that life, in which one only eats to fill his belly. O Nanak, without the True Name, all one’s friends turn to enemies. ||2||

5. ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਆਖੀਐ ਪੜਿ ਅਖਰੁ ਏਹੋ ਬੁਝੀਐ ॥ ਮੂਰਖੈ ਨਾਲਿ ਨ ਲੁਝੀਐ ॥੧੯॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, 473-13).
Mandhaa Kisai N Aakheeai Parr Akhar Eaeho Bujheeai ||
Do not call anyone bad; read these words, and understand. Don’t argue with fools. ||19||

E. Social Reforms

1. ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ ॥ ((Rag Asaasa M. 1, GGS 473-9).
So Kio Mandhaa Aakheeai Jith Janmehi Raajaan ||
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
ਭੰਡਹੁ ਹੀ ਭੰਡੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਝੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
bhanddahu hee bhandd oopajai bhanddai baajh n koe |
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਸਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
naanak bhanddai baaharaa eaeko sachaa soe ||
O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman
2. ਹਕੁ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 1, GGS. 141-1).
Hak Paraaeiaa Naanakaa Ous Sooar Ous Gaae ||
To take what rightfully belongs to another, is like a Muslim eating pork, or a Hindu eating beef.
3. ਜੇ ਲੋੜਹਿ ਚੰਗਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਕਰਿ ਪੁੰਨਹੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਈਐ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-16).
Jae Lorrehi Changaa Aapanaa Kar Punnahu Neech Sadhaaeeai ||
If you yearn for goodness, then perform good deeds and feel humble.
4. ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ (Sri Raag M.1, GGS. 16-13).
Baabaa Hor Khaanaa Khusee Khuaar ||
O Baba, the pleasures of other foods are false.
ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jith Khaadhhai Than Peerreeai Man Mehi Chalehi Vikaar ||1|| Rehaao ||
Eating them, the body is ruined, and wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Pause||
………..
ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
Baabaa Hor Painan Khusee Khuaar ||
O Baba, the pleasures of other clothes are false.
ਜਿਤੁ ਪੈਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jith Paidhhai Than Peerreeai Man Mehi Chalehi Vikaar ||1|| Rehaao ||
Wearing them, the body is ruined, and wickedness and corruption enter into the mind. ||1||Pause||

F. Human Equality

Guru Nanak Sahib promotes Universal brotherhood (presence of God in all of us) and in turn offers scope for peace and prosperity in the world:-
1. ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ (Raag Dhanasree M. 1, GGS. 663-8).
Sabh Mehi Joth Joth Hai Soe ||
The Divine Light is within everyone; You are that Light.
ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
This Kai Chaanan Sabh Mehi Chaanan Hoe ||
Yours is that Light which shines within everyone.
2. ਫਕੜ ਜਾਤੀ ਫਕੜੁ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 83-13).
Fakarr Jaathee Fakarr Naao ||
Pride in social status is empty; pride in personal glory is useless.
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਇਕਾ ਛਾਉ ॥
Sabhanaa Jeeaa Eikaa Shhaao ||
The One Lord gives shade to all beings.

G. Quality Education and Life-style

1. ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 356-14).
Vidhiaa Veechaaree Thaan Paroupakaaree ||
Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others.
2. ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥੫॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 62-11).
Sachahu Ourai Sabh Ko Oupar Sach Aachaar ||5||
Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is truthful living. ||5||
3. ਸੂਚੇ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਨ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥੨॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 472-10).
Soochae Saeee Naanakaa Jin Man Vasiaa Soe ||2||
Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the Lord abides. ||2||

H. Scientific realm and Expanse of Universe

ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS, 5-2).
Paathaalaa Paathaal Lakh Aagaasaa Aagaas ||
There are nether worlds beneath nether worlds, and hundreds of thousands of heavenly worlds above.
ਓੜਕ ਓੜਕ ਭਾਲਿ ਥਕੇ ਵੇਦ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਕ ਵਾਤ ॥
Ourrak Ourrak Bhaal Thhakae Vaedh Kehan Eik Vaath ||
The Vedas say that you can search and search for them all, until you grow weary.
ਸਹਸ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਕਹਨਿ ਕਤੇਬਾ ਅਸੁਲੂ ਇਕੁ ਧਾਤੁ ॥
Sehas Athaareh Kehan Kathaebaa Asuloo Eik Dhhaath ||
The scriptures say that there are 18,000 worlds, but in reality, there is only One Universe.
ਲੇਖਾ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਲੇਖੈ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਣਾਸੁ ॥
Laekhaa Hoe Th Likheeai Laekhai Hoe Vinaas ||
If you try to write an account of this, you will surely finish yourself before you finish writing it.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਡਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੁ ॥੨੨॥
Naanak Vaddaa Aakheeai Aapae Jaanai Aap ||22||
O Nanak, call Him Great! He Himself knows Himself. ||22||

I. Respect for Environment

1.ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਵਸਿਆ ॥ (Raag Asa, Guru Nanak, GGS. 469-10).
Balihaaree Kudharath Vasiaa ||
I am a sacrifice to Your almighty creative power which is pervading everywhere.
2. ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥ ਦਿਵਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਦਾਈ ਦਾਇਆ ਖੇਲੈ ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤੁ ॥ (Salok Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-10).
Pavan Guroo Paanee Pithaa Maathaa Dhharath Mehath || Dhivas Raath Dhue Dhaaee Dhaaeiaa Khaelai Sagal Jagath ||
Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great Mother of all. Day and night are the two nurses, in whose lap all the world is at play.

J. Respect towards different Faiths

ਚਾਰੇ ਵੇਦ ਹੋਏ ਸਚਿਆਰ ॥ ਪੜਹਿ ਗੁਣਹਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਚਾਰ ਵੀਚਾਰ ॥ (Raag Asa, M.1, GGS. 470-8)
Chaarae Vaedh Hoeae Sachiaar || Parrehi Gunehi Thinh Chaar Veechaar ||
The four Vedas each claim to be true. Reading and studying them, four doctrines are found.

ਭਾਉ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਏ ॥ ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੋਖੰਤਰੁ ਪਾਏ ॥੨॥
Bhaao Bhagath Kar Neech Sadhaaeae || Tho Naanak Mokhanthar Paaeae ||2||
With loving devotional worship, abiding in humility, O Nanak, salvation is attained. ||2||

When translated in simple words it reads:-
i).Love for God/Waheguru ii). devotional worship with iii). total loss of one’s ego/houmai/duality (abiding in humility iv). The above three steps lead to the final state of attaining Salvation.

K. Against Rituals

– ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਟਿਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਤਗੁ ॥੧॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, 467-6).
Nanak sache naam bin kya tikka kya tag?
O Nanak, without the True Name, of what use is the frontal mark of the Hindus, or their sacred thread? ||

L. How to reach the Divine Path?

1. ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਉਰੁ ਕੈਸੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥ Raag Tilang, M.1 GGS. 722-130.
Aap Gavaaeeai Thaa Sahu Paaeeai Aour Kaisee Chathuraaee ||
Give up your selfhood, and so obtain your Husband Lord; what other clever tricks are of any use?
2. ਭਗਤ ਤੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵਦੇ ਦਰਿ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਗਾਵਦੇ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 1, GGS. 468-3).
Bhagath Thaerai Man Bhaavadhae Dhar Sohan Keerath Gaavadhae ||
Your devotees are pleasing to Your Mind, Lord. They look beautiful at Your door, singing Your Praises.
………………………..
ਇਕਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੁਝਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਅਣਹੋਦਾ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਾਇਦੇ ॥
Eik Mool N Bujhanih Aapanaa Anehodhaa Aap Ganaaeidhae ||
Some do not understand their origins, and without cause, they display their self-conceit.

Guru Nanak Sahib himself proclaimed the importance of Naam as his only support in the following verse:-

ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਾਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਆਸ ਏਹੋ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Sri Raag, 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||

Panacea of all ills – Repeated twice by Guru Nanak Sahib:-

1. ਸਾਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਭੂਖ ॥ ਤਿਤੁ ਭੂਖੈ ਖਾਇ ਚਲੀਅਹਿ ਦੂਖ ॥੧॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 349-7).
Saachae Naam Kee Laagai Bhookh || Thith Bhookhai Khaae Chaleeahi Dhookh ||1||
If someone feels hunger for the True Name. Then that hunger shall consume his pains. ||1||

2. ਸਾਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਭੂਖ ॥ ਉਤੁ ਭੂਖੈ ਖਾਇ ਚਲੀਅਹਿ ਦੂਖ ॥੧॥ ( Sodar Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 9-16).
Saachae Naam Kee Laagai Bhookh || Outh Bhookhai Khaae Chaleeahi Dhookh ||1||
If someone feels hunger for the True Name,That hunger shall consume his pain. ||1||

ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਇ ॥ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚੈ ਨਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
So Kio Visarai Maeree Maae || Saachaa Saahib Saachai Naae ||1|| Rehaao ||
How can I forget Him, O my mother? True is the Master, True is His Name. ||1||Pause||

So for a Sikh, it is made clear in the Gurbani to accept that “ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚਾii” (prabh kaa simaran sabh thae oochaa ).(Raag Gauri, M. 5, GGS. 263) and ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੪॥੪॥ -“naanak kai ghar kaeval naam ||4||4||”- (Raag Bhaira-o, M. 5, GGS. 1136).
Note: All translations are from the Internet

With Waheguru’s blessings
Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com
——————————————————————————————————————
*Towards 550th Parkash Divas of Guru Nanak Sahib. Excerpts to be presented in Wellington Gurduara Sahib on Sunday, 13th October 2019.