Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar

Ram Naam, Naam (NaaMo) and Guru are perceived to be at a higher pedestal as compared to Waheguru (God) for the reason because these lead us to God (Waheguru) and no other way. The Nadr/Grace/Kirpa/Gurparsad/Bakhshish is engrossed in them and come through these Divine entities put in place by Waheguru.

The following pankties will give a clear view:-

Ram Naam

ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਰ ਮੈ ਗਹਿਓ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਸਮ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥(Salok Guru Teg Bahadur, GGS. 1429-10).
I have enshrined the Lord’s Name within my heart; there is nothing equal to it.

ਜਿਹ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਸੰਕਟ ਮਿਟੈ ਦਰਸੁ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਹੋਇ ॥੫੭॥੧॥
Meditating in remembrance on it, my troubles are taken away; I have received the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan. ||57||1||

Ram Naam Japna is a way to erase one’s ignorance/ego/houmai (i. e. the ਸੰਕਟ – the greatest barrier between a human-being and Waheguru) in order to perceive Divine Presence.

Naam (NaaMo)

Anyone who has trust and faith in Naam eventually becomes familiar with the Divinity (Waheguru).

ਨਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੩॥ (Raag Gauri M.5, GGS. 281-11).
One whose mind accepts the Company of the Naam, The Name of the Lord (Waheguru), O Nanak, knows the way to Immaculate Lord (Waheguru). ||3||

ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਆਪਨ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਸੇਇ ॥੮॥੧੩॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 281-1).
He Himself gives His Name to those, upon whom He bestows His Mercy. Very fortunate, O Nanak, are those people. ||8||13||

Guru

Regarding a true Guru, Guru Ram Dass Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji shed the light of their personal experiences as follows:-

ਸਮੁੰਦੁ ਵਿਰੋਲਿ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹਮ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਇਕ ਵਸਤੁ ਅਨੂਪ ਦਿਖਾਈ ॥(Raag Asa M. 4, GGS. 442-18).
I have churned the ocean of the body, and I have seen the incomparable thing come into view.

ਗੁਰ ਗੋਵਿੰਦੁ ਗਵਿੰਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਭਾਈ ॥੪॥੧॥੮॥
The Guru is God, and God is the Guru, O Nanak; there is no difference between the two,

ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੁ ॥ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Gond M. 5, GGS. 864-9).
Know that the Guru and the Transcendent Lord are One. Whatever pleases Him is acceptable and approved. ||1||Pause||

ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣੀ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ ਦੂਖੁ ਦਰਦੁ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਭਾਗੈ ॥
One whose mind is attached to the Guru’s feet His pains, sufferings and doubts run away.

ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਪਾਏ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
Serving the Guru, honor is obtained.

ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣੀ and ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ amount to contemplating and experiencing the truths/divine light in Gurbani (Gurbani eis jag mein channan).

Sikh, Sevak, Jan, Sadh, Sants, Gurmukhs

They are Bhagats of Waheguru and Waheguru keeps them in His loop as they have tasted Ram Naam and Naam/NaaMo by following a True Guru. Therefore, they are marg darshi and deserve highest respect and attention as they are appointed as the custodians of Divine Treasures with contemplative and practical know how of Gurbani in Sikhi:-

ਰਤਨ ਜਵੇਹਰ ਨਾਮ ॥ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਗਿਆਨ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 5, 893-17).
The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is a jewel, a ruby. It brings Truth, contentment and spiritual wisdom.

ਸੂਖ ਸਹਜ ਦਇਆ ਕਾ ਪੋਤਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਾ ਹਵਾਲੈ ਹੋਤਾ ॥੧॥
The Lord entrusts the treasures of peace, intuition and kindness to His devotees. ||1||

ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਕੋ ਭੰਡਾਰੁ ॥ ਖਾਤ ਖਰਚਿ ਕਛੁ ਤੋਟਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਅੰਤੁ ਨਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਰਾਵਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
This is the treasure of my Lord. Consuming and expending it, it is never used up. The Lord has no end or limitation. ||1||Pause||

ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਨਿਰਮੋਲਕ ਹੀਰਾ ॥ ਆਨੰਦ ਗੁਣੀ ਗਹੀਰਾ ॥
The Kirtan of the Lord’s Praise is a priceless diamond. It is the ocean of bliss and virtue.

ਅਨਹਦ ਬਾਣੀ ਪੂੰਜੀ ॥ ਸੰਤਨ ਹਥਿ ਰਾਖੀ ਕੂੰਜੀ ॥੨॥
In the Word of the Guru’s Bani is the wealth of the unstruck sound current. The Saints hold the key to it in their hands. ||2||

ਸੁੰਨ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਗੁਫਾ ਤਹ ਆਸਨੁ ॥ ਕੇਵਲ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪੂਰਨ ਤਹ ਬਾਸਨੁ ॥
They sit there, in the cave of deep Samaadhi; The unique, perfect Lord God dwells there.

ਭਗਤ ਸੰਗਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਗੋਸਟਿ ਕਰਤ ॥ ਤਹ ਹਰਖ ਨ ਸੋਗ ਨ ਜਨਮ ਨ ਮਰਤ ॥੩॥
God holds conversations with His devotees. There is no pleasure or pain, no birth or death there. ||3||

ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਆਪਿ ਦਿਵਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਤਿਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
One whom the Lord Himself blesses with His Mercy, Obtains the Lord’s wealth in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy.

ਦਇਆਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਨਾਨਕ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਰੀ ਵਰਤਣਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਰੀ ਰਾਸਿ ॥੪॥੨੪॥੩੫॥
Nanak prays to the merciful Primal Lord; The Lord is my merchandise, and the Lord is my capital. ||4||24||35||

Finally –

ਊਚੇ ਉਪਰਿ ਊਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥(Guru Nanak Dev, Jap, GGS.5-10).
Highest of the High, above all is His (Waheguru’s) Name.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

It was in Nigeria in mid 1980s, Dr. Iyengar, a colleague of mine in the Science Faculty of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU met with an accident in which a family of five while crossing a road outside the main Gate of ABU struck against his car while a speeding heavy truck was coming from the opposite side with full lights which blinded Dr. Iyengar who was driving with his wife in the car. As a result of impact two children died on the spot, mother, and two others were badly injured.The driver of the heavy truck fled away in the darkness. Dr. Iyengar stopped his car and while he and her wife were panicking a policeman appeared on the spot and he arranged injured and dead to be taken to the University hospital. The police arrested Dr. Iyengar and dropped his wife at their residence.

Next morning Mrs. Iyengar came to our house also on the university campus and told what had happened. I had known Dr. Iyengar as a polite and decent person who never consumed alcohol and a careful experienced driver. Certainly he had no intention to harm or kill any one. This was to happen but it created a mystery.

I had known a Sikh medical doctor (Dr. Sandhu) and Mr. Gowon, a businessman who was younger brother of Gen. Gowon who once ruled Nigeria. Dr. Sandhu and Mr. Gowon met the Nigerian Lady magistrate (who lived in their neighbourhood) and appraised her about the circumstances in which accident happened, in addition to the police report. Dr. Iyengar was released on bail but was not sure about his and his wife’s security from the victims family members, who were Muslims..

As a courtesy, Dr. Iyengar wished to visit the other members of the victim’s family. But none of his close friends (north or south Indian Hindus) supported his idea and so none was willing to accompany him to the family who lived in a village near the university campus. Dr. Iyengar asked me and I told him that on the strength that you were not drunk driving and you had no enmity whatsoever against the victim’s family, I am inclined to go with you to visit the victims family. My wife was terribly upset that as a turbaned Sikh I will become their target because of my conspicuous appearance. She went on to say that they might forget Dr. Iyengar but the victims family and their other relatives could go after you.

We had daily Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib (GGS) in our house and used to read the GGS and pray for a while every day. I told her that it was not Dr. Iyengar who wanted this accident but this was to happen – but why did it happen? We did not know the answer?

I advised Dr. Iyengar to take along some rice, kasawa (a root crop), sugar, oil and tin fish for the aggrieved family. After enquiring we reached the right house in the Samaru village. Some members spotted us and the ushered us in to the house. Walking through several interconnected rooms we finally entered a room where the lady (lying) and two children were with bandaged legs and arms. We both were quite nervous that anything could happen to us. As we finished exchange of greetings and paying our condolences, we were served a soft drink each. We were not sure whether to drink or not? But somehow I took a sip and Dr. Iyengar followed me.

We told the family that we were sorry for what had happened. The lady in crutches wasted no time and in a brave tone told us “it was Allah’s Will that all this happened. We have no ill-will against Dr. Iyengar (pointing towards him) – it is Allah only who gives and takes away life”. The next day was fixed for hearing in the court and she added that they have no intention to pursue any case against Dr. Iyengar.

On hearing this I had tears flowing in my eyes to learn of such a strong faith and devotion in Allah from an ordinary Muslim lady. I was also ashamed that even on daily reading of Gurbani I had not developed such a strong faith in Waheguru/Allah. The following verses from Sukhmanee Sahib sounded differently and clearly after that encounter:-

ਮਾਰੈ ਰਾਖੈ ਏਕੋ ਆਪਿ ॥ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕੈ ਕਿਛੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਾਥਿ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 281-4).
The One Lord Himself destroys and also preserves.  Nothing at all is in the hands of mortal beings.

ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਬੂਝਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਖੁ ਕੰਠਿ ਪਰੋਇ ॥
Understanding His Order, there is peace.  So take His Name, and wear it as your necklace.

ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੋਇ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਘਨੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਕੋਇ ॥੧॥
Remember, remember, remember God in meditation.  O Nanak, no obstacle shall stand in your way. ||1||

– This Muslim family taught me the meaning of Gurbani more than any Teeka or Gyani or Parcharak/Preacher.

There was a change in my perception of Gurbani ever since – a great lesson from a Muslim Family for which I am grateful to them; and Dr. Iyengar for taking me along to witness such a blissful experience.

The court case lasted for four months and finally Dr. Iyengar was cleared.

I do believe that there are good Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Budhists and Sikhs…. in the wide world.

– In addition, I learnt the deep meaning of the expression,“Dekh ke un-dith keeta”, which is part of the Sikh daily supplication (Ardas.) It is one of the highest ideals by any standard.The Sikhs repeat in their daily supplication (Ardas) by admiring those who see or witness an evil being done to them yet they turn their attention away from that evil/unfortunate incident. The Gurbani teaches us:-

ਕਰਣ ਕਾਰਣ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਦੂਸਰ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਲਿਹਾਰਣੈ ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਮਹੀਅਲਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੧॥(Raag Gauri M. 5. 276).
God alone is the Doer of deeds – there is no other at all.  O Nanak, I am a sacrifice to the One, who pervades the waters, the lands, the sky and all space. ||1||

“Dekh ke undith keeta” – is a virtuous act though a very difficult one. Those who lost their loved ones in 1984, it is not easy for them to forget and brush aside their grief. However, we do remember those who are imbued with the spirit of forgiveness in our daily supplication (Ardas). I think it is time to give practical shape to our longing for fulfillment of “Dekh ke undith Keeta”.

As Gursikh of Gurbani, we should be guided by the message of Sabd Guru. All that happened in 1984 was as per the Divine Hukam (Waheguru ordained).

In the light of the Gurbani then how should we treat the saga of June and November 1984 (killing of thousands of innocent Sikhs) in which various parties (Sikh leadership, Government of the day and some hooligans) should share blame in any rational terms? It has both legal and spiritual dimensions. The legal part is for the security forces and law enforcement agencies to handle, whereas the spiritual side belongs to all of us those who profess Hinduism or Sikhism.

I think that the well meaning Sikhs and Hindus can bring about reconciliation between the two communities a lot better than politicians who have failed to do so far.

Although it is very hard for the families of those who lost their beloved ones to come to grip with the situation yet spiritually speaking the aggrieved parties should forgive the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to invite spiritual strength as a solace.

I would suggest that just like Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself went to Sajjan Tugh, Haridwar and Kabba etc to show people the right paths; Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Teg Bhadur ji sacrificed their lives for upholding unity and spiritual values, it is time to say a collective Ardas to Waheguru for the forgiveness of all those involved in killing of fellow human-beings. This will be in keeping with the highest Ideal and Spirit of Sikhi.

An Ardas could be suitably worded some think like the following and published in media in Indian Dailies from Shiromani Gurduara Parbhandhak Committee, Amritsar and Delhi Sikh Gurduara Management Committee, Delhi and Haryana Gurduara Management Committee etc :-

“May Waheguru forgive all those who somehow lost their sanity and became instrumental in killing of innocent people in 1984. Please give a sense of direction to those who became part of such criminal act and grant peace to them and their near and dear ones who have been suffering since and help restore sense of unity among fellow human-beings.”

ਜਬ ਧਾਰੈ ਕੋਊ ਬੈਰੀ ਮੀਤੁ ॥ਤਬ ਲਗੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਚੀਤੁ ॥(Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 278-17).
As long as he considers one an enemy, and another a friend, His/her mind shall not come to rest.

I do hope such an initiative will bring solace to both the Communities in keeping with the message of true spirit of the Sanatan Dharma and Sikhi alike, which stand for FORGIVENESS.

“It is well known that forgiveness removes unhealthy emotions that would otherwise cause harm & creates emotions with a wholesome effect.”

The various Hindu Organizations can also come up with some suitable gestures towards the Sikhs in general upholding their ancient Spiritual traditions of peace and reconciliation.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

To say that the entire Gurbani (as of now) follows science is somewhat an overstatement. However, there are scientific examples quoted in the Gurbani, which lead a layman to get an insight in to the Gurmat that on its own appears to be complex.

1. Washing of dirt from body parts and stained clothes with soap and water is understood and experimented by all of us. Guru Nanak Ji goes on to extend this example to explain that similarly a stained and polluted intellect can be cleansed by Naam.

Washing with soap can be easily explained and a mechanism of chemical cleansing can be forwarded by scientific minds. On the other hand, cleansing of intellect/mind is hard to explain without Gurmat, which is a subject of faith and trust in Guru who is giving a tip based on his own personal experience.

ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥ (Guru Nanak, Jap Ji, GGS. 4-11).
When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty, Water can wash away the dirt.

ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥
When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, Soap can wash them clean.

ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, It can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name.

It is further emphasised that any amount of scientific/mechanical cleansing will not help to get rid of filth or duality of mind.

ਸੋਚ ਕਰੈ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਅਰੁ ਰਾਤਿ ॥ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਜਾਤਿ ॥ (Raag Gauhri M. 5, 265-17).
You may practise cleansing day and night, But the filth of your mind shall not leave your body.

2. An easily experiment-able example of mixing two samples of water to get one miscible sample is quoted to explain complex phenomenon of blending of divine-light:-

ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਜਲੁ ਆਇ ਖਟਾਨਾ ॥ ਤਿਉ ਜੋਤੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮਾਨਾ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 278-4).
As water comes to blend with water, His light blends into the Light.

3. Gurmat supports the mind and is compared with pillars that support a building. And also like a boat that helps stones to cross over a stretch of water.

ਜਿਉ ਮੰਦਰ ਕਉ ਥਾਮੈ ਥੰਮਨੁ ॥ ਤਿਉ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਹਿ ਅਸਥੰਮਨੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 282-16).
As a palace is supported by its pillar. So does the Guru’s Word support the mind.

ਜਿਉ ਪਾਖਾਣੁ ਨਾਵ ਚੜਿ ਤਰੈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣ ਲਗਤੁ ਨਿਸਤਰੈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 282-17).
As a stone placed in a boat can cross over the river, So is the mortal saved, grasping hold of the Guru’s Feet.

4. Gurmat brings light of bliss just like a lamp dispels darkness.

ਜਿਉ ਅੰਧਕਾਰ ਦੀਪਕ ਪਰਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਮਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 282).

As the darkness is illuminated by the lamp, So does the mind blossom forth, beholding the Blessed Vision of the Guru’s Darshan.

5. The Guru’s advice (Gurmat) is not limited to scriptures (including Guru Granth Sahib) rather it is based on Guru’s personal experience with his own Guru’s advice (Gurmat) and its implementation in his life (ref to 6th,7th and 8th Sikh Gurus).

ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਬੇਦ ਨ ਜਾਨਹਿ ॥ ਜੇਤਾ ਸੁਨਹਿ ਤੇਤਾ ਬਖਿਆਨਹਿ ॥ (Gauri M. 5, GGS. 272-7).
The glory of the Holy people is not known to the Vedas. They can describe only what they have heard.

6. In Gurmat, Naam, Man and Niranjan are the three abstract entities and their collective involvement points towards our final destination in life. There is no scientific explanation to support this except the experience based on Gurmat.

ਨਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੩॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 281-11).
One whose mind accepts the Company of the Naam. The Name of the Lord, O Nanak, knows the Immaculate Lord. ||3||

7. Again contrary to any scientific proof, Naam is treasured in human body but its presence can be explained or explored only by applyingGurmat.

ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਦੇਹੀ ਮਹਿ ਇਸ ਕਾ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 293-16).
The nine treasures are in the Ambrosial Name of God. Within the human body is its place of rest.

8. How far one has comprehended Gurmat is also revealed through ‘Gurmat-symtoms’, like:

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜੀ ਬਸਹਿ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਰਸਨਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਕਾ ਦਾਸਨਿ ਦਸਨਾ ॥੪॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 263-4).
God abides upon the tongues of His Saints. Nanak is the servant of the slave of His slaves. ||4||

A person engrossed in Gurmat lives in presence of Waheguru and enjoys ‘Humility’, the highest virtue that comes with experimentation with Gurmat.

Reading, reciting and contemplation on Gurbani is gathering information about Gurmat. These stages are not the same as experimenting with Gurmat. Experimentation in Gurmat starts when you start accepting Gurmat directions as ‘two plus two equals four’ without questioning (in full faith and trust).

Nadr/Grace belong to a realm full of experimentation on Gurmat while passing through various Khands as explained in Jap Ji Sahib and four steps of Lavaan.

Bhatts had had the first hand experience of Gurmat on the strength of which Kahl Ji was able to narrate the following:-

ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਦਾਸੀ ॥ (Bhatt Kalh, GGS. 1397-12).
The Naam is the wealth of the nine treasures; prosperity and supernatural spiritual powers are His slaves.

Guru Nanak Ji sums up beautifully:-

ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥(Guru Nanak, Jap Ji , GGS. 8-9).
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||

The state of “ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ’ is beyond description and its attributes are many folds i.e. not only help to attract divine vision to be able to receive/compose Bani but also a ‘grant of a higher living’ as experienced by the 6th, 7th, and 8th Sikh Gurus

Science does help in gearing up towards Gurmat. But Gurmat is certainly not a pure science but a lot more than that. Real Gurmat understanding comes with practical experimentation on Gurmat directions given in the Gurbani – this exercise amounts to enjoying Nadr/Grace/Blessings/Kirpa/Gurparsad.

An essential scientific step does involve in transforming of matt of an individual with Gurbani:-

ਅਹਰਣਿ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਦੁ ਹਥੀਆਰੁ ॥(Guru Nanak, Jap Ji, GSS. 8,-8).
Let understanding be the anvil, and spiritual wisdom the tools.

However to understand the fundamentals of Gurmat contained in the following shiromani message has no obvious scientific bearing as such:-

ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੪॥੪॥ (Raag Bhaira-o M. 5, GGS. 1136-16).
Nanak’s home is filled with the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||4||4||

“Wake up folks – Sikhi is not a an easy path” – But certainly achievable through Gurmat.

References: Guru Granth Sahib as quoted in the body of the text.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

According to Gurbani, one becomes a Bhagat on giving up oneself ( ਜਿਨੀ ਆਪੁ ਤਜਿਆ, Jinee Aap Thajiaa). And this transformation is possible only with the Grace of Waheguru.

ਭਗਤਾ ਕੀ ਚਾਲ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ॥ ਚਾਲਾ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ਭਗਤਾਹ ਕੇਰੀ ਬਿਖਮ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਚਲਣਾ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 3, GGS. 918-18).
The lifestyle of the devotees is unique and distinct. The devotees’ lifestyle is unique and distinct; they follow the most difficult path.

ਲਬੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਤਜਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਬੋਲਣਾ ॥ ਖੰਨਿਅਹੁ ਤਿਖੀ ਵਾਲਹੁ ਨਿਕੀ ਏਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਜਾਣਾ ॥
They renounce greed, avarice, egotism and desire; they do not talk too much.
The path they take is sharper than a two-edged sword, and finer than a hair.

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜਿਨੀ ਆਪੁ ਤਜਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਵਾਸਨਾ ਸਮਾਣੀ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਚਾਲ ਭਗਤਾ ਜੁਗਹੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ॥੧੪॥
By Guru’s Grace, they shed their selfishness and conceit; their hopes are merged in the Lord.
Says Nanak, the lifestyle of the devotees, in each and every age, is unique and distinct. ||14||

Bhagats are devotees of Waheguru and they owe their existence to Simran of Waheguru:

ਹਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਭਗਤ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਏ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 263-15).
Remembering the Lord, His devotees are famous and radiant.

There are reasons for “Bhagatan ki chaal niraali” because the Bhagats are specials and adored by Waheguru as they always sing His praises

ਭਗਤ ਤੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵਦੇ ਦਰਿ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਗਾਵਦੇ ॥Raag Asa: Guru Nanak Dev, GGS. 468-2).
Your devotees are pleasing to Your Mind, Lord. They look beautiful at Your door, singing Your Praises.

A special status of Bhagats becomes clear as they are sought after by Waheguru Himself:

ਭਗਤ ਸੰਗਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਗੋਸਟਿ ਕਰਤ ॥ (Raag Raamkali: Guru Arjan Dev, GGS. 894-1).
God holds conversations with His devotees

Waheguru deals with Bhagats at their professional level as they deal in Naam as their main occupation:

ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਬਰਤਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri Sukhmanee: Guru Arjan Dev, GGS. 264-14).
Unto the devotee, the Naam is an article of daily use.

The sole occupation of Bhagats in Naam is the reason for their bisram and vigas (Sehaj-anand Awastha full of tranquility and bliss).

ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸੁਖ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥(Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 262-13).

The minds of the devotees abide in a joyful peace.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ (Guru Nanak Dev, Jap Ji, GGS. 2-18).
O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss

There is an overall firm promise in Gurbani about the existence of Bhagats in all the Yugs (ages) – ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਚਾਲ ਭਗਤਾ ਜੁਗਹੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ. Who could be the next Bhagat in the modern age in keeping with the promise?

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

‘Sarbat da bhalla’ (Welfare of All) is a common slogan heard very often that the Sikhs raise on various platforms. But how serious are we in practical terms of this expression needs exploration.

‘Sarbath da bhalla’ is linked with ‘Raaj karega khalsa’.”Sarbat da bhalla” – a slogan we say loudly to portrait that the Sikhs stand for welfare of all. Do we really mean that in practical terms? No. The divisions among the Sikhs suggest that we are not seeking ‘Bhalla’ even of our community members let alone ‘Bhalla of the Sarbat’ (Humanity).

The ‘Sarbat da bhalla” is clearly linked to Naam that is the powerful tool in Sikhi that provides ‘sojee’ and strength (blissful intelect) to be able to do “sarbat da bhalla” – “Nanak Naam chardikala, tere bhanne sarbat da bhalla”.

To do Sarbat da bhalla, we first need to obtain Naam, which is the only commodity actually available in plenty in Guru Granth Sahib – “Nanak ke ghar kewal naam”. After becoming familiar with Naam, we are asked to share the same ‘ras’ (blissful experience) with others as part nishkam seva i. e. ‘Sarbat da bhalla’. In other words sharing the spirit of unity taught by Gurbani to others.

Since my childhood I have been listening to this phrase, “Raaj karega Khalsa, aaki rahe no koe”. In some Gurduaras it is being periodically uttered after the daily Ardas for many many years. Are we anywhere near achieving ‘Khalsa Raaj” in India or in any other part of the world?

Coming to ‘Raaj Karega Khalsa” – when, where and how it is going to happen? Are we members of the ‘Sikh Panth’ working collectively towards achieving this objective seriously? The divisions among the Sikhs suggest that we are actually working against this objective.

The most important factors that come to my mind that can possibly help us to achieve this objective are :

1. To forge and achieve unity among the Sikhs – to inculcate a spirit of oneness in the light of Gurbani.
2. To obey the messages of Gurbani that bind not only the various factions of Sikhs but those who at present do not call themselves as Sikhs.
3. To bring out the Universal Spirit of Gurbani that binds us together under one umbrella, such as: “toon ghat ghat antar”, “toon mera pita toon hei mera mata” and “manas ki jaat sabai eke pachanvo” etc.
4. To remove “Aakis”- those who are sitting in opposition because of ignorance of Gurbani.

Gurmat has equipped us as how to go about – by using the various divine (Sach) names which were sacred in the past, present and shall remain so in the future: “Aad sach jugad sach hebi sach Nanak hosi bhi sach”. This Sach is known by various names such as Vahiguru/Waheguru, IkOnkaar, Satnam, Kartapurakh/Kartar, Akalpurak, Ram, Nirankar, Har, Niranjan, Allah etc. etc.

Why should we feel shy as to not recognize our present spiritual path with linkage to the past spiritual paths. Sikhi of today has a lot common with preceding spiritual paths minus some rituals of the past and plus some new rituals.

According to Gurbani, “kinka ek jis je basave ta ki mehma kathi na jave”. It is good to offer Langar meals to a large number of people (just a meal) but of no use if they do not grasp a ‘Kinka of Gurbani”.

The Sikhi has been tried out by 10 successive Gurus and other Gurmukhs over a long period of time.The strength of Sikhi lies in that it is the only tolerant religion in which and in its scripture (Guru Granth Sahib) the various divine names of Almighty are listed and revered equally. In a Sikh Gurduara one hears, Waheguru, Ram, Allah joyfully. This is worth partaking with others to draw them closer.

It is our duty to share with others as part of Seva (service) our deep conviction of our heritage as where we stand through the the messages of Gurbani . We need to tell them what a Sikh stands for by extending a hand of friendship that we all belong to same Father though known by different names. Once we understand then a cordial communication starts to work towards a common goal i. e. ‘Raaj of Khalsa’ – a land where people care for one another as moral duty. This will result in spread of Sikhi in India and around the globe to extend boundaries of Khalsa Raaj everywhere and the Deras will be dismantled.

Sikhi originated in India and all our Sikh Gurus were borne and lived in different parts of India. So a United India is a reality. Division of India was a mistake committed by our grossly selfish and ignorant leaders. Those seeking further division of Punjab to fulfill their political dreams are are equally misguided.

My estimate is that in less than 30 years the expression ‘Raaj Karega Khalsa’ will be realized provided we share the Gurmat with others without our personal narrow biases. This will build confidence and respect among the Communities and Governments in neighboring countries such as Pakistan allowing an easy access to all Sikh Gurduaras in Pakistan thus fulfilling our request to Waheguru in our daily Ardas.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Concept of ONE GOD (Ik Oankar) in Sikhism

Before I develop the concept of ONE GOD ONE WORLD FAMILY, it is desirable to understand the relationship between Sikh Gurus and the Almighty wonderful God (Ik Oankar/Waheguru).

Oneness of God (Waheguru) in Sikhism is elaborated in the divinely revealed Gurbani from One God (Gurbani eis jag mein channan), who is called Har, Hari, Ram, Rahim, Allah, Rab, Gopal, Ishwar, Parvadgar etc

Guru Nanak shows his gratitude to One GOD:-

ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਦਿਉਹਾੜੀ ਸਦ ਵਾਰ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਸ ਤੇ ਦੇਵਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਕਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਗੀ ਵਾਰ ॥੧॥ (Raag Asa, M. 1, GGS. 462-19).
A hundred times a day, I am a sacrifice to my Guru; He made angels out of men, without delay. ||1||

ਹਉ ਆਪਹੁ ਬੋਲਿ ਨ ਜਾਣਦਾ ਮੈ ਕਹਿਆ ਸਭੁ ਹੁਕਮਾਉ ਜੀਉ ॥ (Raag Suhi, M. 5, GGS. 763-5).
By myself, I do not even know how to speak; I speak all that the Lord commands.

One God is defined as Ik Oankar in the Mool Mantar in Jap Ji Sahib of Guru Nanak Dev:-

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, The Name Is Truth Creative Being Personified No Fear No Hatred Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru’s Grace~

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

*ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ॥ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਏਕੋ ਹੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 1, GSS, 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||

ਆਪੇ ਮਾਰੇ ਆਪੇ ਛੋਡੈ ਆਪੇ ਲੇਵੈ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਵੇਖੈ ਆਪੇ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਆਪੇ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥੨॥
He Himself kills, and He Himself emancipates; He Himself gives and takes. He Himself beholds, and He Himself rejoices; He Himself bestows His Glance of Grace. ||2||

ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਣਾ ਸੋ ਕਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕਰਣਾ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਜੈਸਾ ਵਰਤੈ ਤੈਸੋ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਭ ਤੇਰੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥੩॥
Whatever He is to do, that is what He is doing. No one else can do anything. As He projects Himself, so do we describe Him; this is all Your Glorious Greatness, Lord. ||3||

*ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਅਵਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਭਾਈ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 1, GGS. 420-16).
My Lord and Master is the One; there is no other, O Siblings of Destiny.

*ਏਕੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਦੂਜਾ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥ (Raag Maaroo, M. 1, GGS. 991-8).
He recognizes none other than the One Lord and Master. ||2||

*ਨਾਨਕ ਦੂਜਾ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੭॥ (Raag Gauri, M. 5, GGS. 278-2).
O Nanak, there is no other at all. ||7||

*ਪ੍ਰਭ ਵਿਣੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣਾਇ ॥ (Raah Maajh, Guru Arjan Dev, GGS. 135-4_.
Without God, there is no other at all. Nanak has entered the Sanctuary of the Lord.

*ਤੂੰ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਿਤਾ ਤੂੰਹੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਾਤਾ ॥ (Raag Maajh, M. 5, GGS. 103-13).
You are my Father, and You are my Mother.
,,,,,,
ਤੁਮਰੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਤੇ ਤੁਧੁ ਪਛਾਣਾ ॥
By Your Grace, I recognize You.

*ਕਲਿਜੁਗੁ ਉਧਾਰਿਆ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥ ਮਲ ਮੂਤ ਮੂੜ ਜਿ ਮੁਘਦ ਹੋਤੇ ਸਭਿ ਲਗੇ ਤੇਰੀ ਸੇਵ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 5, GGS. 406-4).
The Divine Guru is the Saving Grace in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga.Even those fools and idiots, stained with feces and urine, have all taken to Your service. ||1||Pause||
……………………………………..

ਸਤਜੁਗੁ ਤ੍ਰੇਤਾ ਦੁਆਪਰੁ ਭਣੀਐ ਕਲਿਜੁਗੁ ਊਤਮੋ ਜੁਗਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
The Golden Age of Sat Yuga, the Silver Age of Trayta Yuga, and the Brass Age of Dwaapar Yuga are good; but the best is the Dark Age, the Iron Age, of Kali Yuga.

*ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਏਕੁ ਹੋਰ ਰੁਤਿ ਨ ਕਾਈ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਲੇਹੁ ਜਮਾਈ ॥੪॥੧੦॥ (Raag Bhaira-o, M. 3, GGS. 1130-1).
In Kali Yuga, it is the time for the One Dear Lord; it is not the time for anything else. O Nanak, as Gurmukh, let the Lord’s Name grow within your heart. ||4||10||

ONE WORLD FAMILY

1. ਅਵਲਿ ਅਲਹ ਨੂਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਬੰਦੇ ॥ ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ ॥੧॥ (Raag Parbhati, Bhagat Kabir, GGS. 1349-19).
First, Allah created the Light; then, by His Creative Power, He made all mortal beings. From the One Light, the entire universe welled up. So who is good, and who is bad? ||1||

2. ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਸ੍ਰਬ ਠਾਂਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Parbhati, Bhagat Kabir, GGS. 1350-1).
The Creation is in the Creator, and the Creator is in the Creation, totally pervading and permeating all places. ||1||Pause||

3. ਤੂੰ ਘਟ ਘਟ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਜੀ ਹਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਸਮਾਣਾ ॥ ((Raag Asa, M. 4, GGS. 11-1).
You are constant in each and every heart, and in all things. O Dear Lord, you are the One.

4. Guru Gobind Singh speaks of unity of Humanity in the light of ONENESS of God as:-

-ਹਿੰਦੂ ਤੁਰਕ ਕੋਊ ਰਾਫਜੀ ਇਮਾਮ ਸਾਫੀ ਮਾਨਸ ਕੀ ਜਾਤ ਸਬੈ ਏਕੈ ਪਹਿਚਾਨਬੋ ॥ (Guru Gobind Singh, Dasam Granth, 50-14).
Someone is Hindu and someone a Muslim, then someone is Shia, and someone a Sunni, but all the human beings, as a species, are recognized as one and the same.

ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੀਮ ਸੋਈ ਰਾਜਕ ਰਹੀਮ ਓਈ ਦੂਸਰੋ ਨ ਭੇਦ ਕੋਦੀ ਭੂਲ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਮਾਨਬੋ ॥
Karta (The Creator) and Karim (Merciful) is the same Lord, Razak (The Sustainer) and Rahim (Compassionate) is the same Lord, there is no other second, therefore consider this verbal distinguishing feature of Hindusim and Islam as an error and an illusion.

ਏਕ ਹੀ ਕੀ ਸੇਵ ਸਭ ਹੀ ਕੋ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਏਕ ਏਕ ਹੀ ਸਰੂਪ ਸਬੈ ਏਕੈ ਜੋਤ ਜਾਨਬੋ ॥੧੫॥੮੫॥
Thus worship the ONE LORD, who is the common enlightener of all; all have been created in His Image and amongst all comprehend the same ONE LIGHT.

ਦੇਹਰਾ ਮਸੀਤ ਸੋਈ ਪੂਜਾ ਔ ਨਿਵਾਜ ਓਈ ਮਾਨਸ ਸਬੈ ਏਕ ਪੈ ਅਨੇਕ ਕੋ ਭਰਮਾਉ ਹੈ ॥
The temple and the mosque are the same, there is no difference between a Hindu worship and Muslim prayer; all the human beings are the same, but the illusion is of various types.

ਦੇਵਤਾ ਅਦੇਵ ਜੱਛ ਗੰਧ੍ਰਬ ਤੁਰਕ ਹਿੱਦੂ ਨਿਆਰੇ ਨਿਆਰੇ ਦੇਸਨ ਕੇ ਭੇਸ ਕੋ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਉ ਹੈ ॥
The gods, demons, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Turks and Hindus… all these are due to the differences of the various garbs of different countries.
………………………………………………….
ਅਲਹ ਅਭੇਖ ਸੋਈ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਔ ਕੁਰਾਨ ਓਈ ਏਕ ਹੀ ਸਰੂਪ ਸਭੈ ਏਕ ਹੀ ਬਨਾਉ ਹੈ ॥੧੬॥੮੬॥
Allah of Muslims and Abhekh (Guiseless) of Hindus are the same, the Puranas of Hindus and the holy Quran of the Muslims depict the same reality; all have been created in the image of the same Lord and have the same formation.

Guru Nanak goes further and asserts the Unity of various Holy Books in meeting the One God:-

4. ਚਾਰੇ ਵੇਦ ਹੋਏ ਸਚਿਆਰ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 1, GGS. 470-8).
The four Vedas each claim to be true.

ਪੜਹਿ ਗੁਣਹਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਚਾਰ ਵੀਚਾਰ ॥
Reading and studying them, four doctrines are found.

1.ਭਾਉ 2.ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ 4.ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਏ ॥
With loving devotional worship, abiding in humility,

ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ 4.ਮੋਖੰਤਰੁ ਪਾਏ ॥੨॥
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) and the above three steps lead to the final state of attaining iv) Salvation.

Where does One God exist as per Gurbani?

1. ਪੋਥੀ ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਕਾ ਥਾਨੁ ॥ (Raag Sarang, M. 5, GGS. 1226-3).
The Holy Book is the home of the Transcendent Lord God.

2. ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਵਸਿਆ ॥ ਤੇਰਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 1, GGS. 469-10).
I am a sacrifice to Your almighty creative power which is pervading everywhere. Your limits cannot be known. ||1||Pause|I

3. ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜੀ ਬਸਹਿ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਰਸਨਾ ॥ (Raag Gauri, M. 5, 263-4).
God abides upon the tongues of His Saints.

Gurbani provides some quick transforming steps that draw a person closer to the ONE God as given in the Gurbani:-

1.ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਸੁਖ ਬਾਲੇ ਭੋਲੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥(Raag Kaanhaa, M. 5, GGS. 1307-7).
I have met God through innocent faith, and He has blessed me with peace. ||1||Pause||

2.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?

3. ਆਪੁ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਸਰਨਿ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥(Raag Gauri, M. 5 , GGS. 288-13).
Give up your selfishness and conceit, and seek the Sanctuary of the Divine Guru.

Guru Arjav Dev, the Editor of Granth Sahib provides a tried Divine RECIPE to get closer to One God (Ik Oankar/Waheguru):-

ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਘਿਣਾਵਣੇ ॥ ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਬੇਦ ਪੜਾਵਣੇ ॥ (Raamkali Ki Vaar, M. 5. 962-9).
No one can bring You under control, by despising the world. No one can bring You under control, by studying the Vedas.

ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਈਐ ॥ ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਧਾਈਐ ॥
No one can bring You under control, by bathing at the holy places. No one can bring You under control, by wandering all over the world.

ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਕਿਤੈ ਸਿਆਣਪੈ ॥ ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੇ ॥
No one can bring You under control, by any clever tricks. No one can bring You under control, by giving huge donations to charities.

ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਤੇਰੈ ਵਸਿ ਅਗਮ ਅਗੋਚਰਾ ॥ ਤੂ ਭਗਤਾ ਕੈ ਵਸਿ ਭਗਤਾ ਤਾਣੁ ਤੇਰਾ ॥੧੦॥
Everyone is under Your power, O inaccessible, unfathomable Lord. You are under the control of Your devotees; You are the strength of Your devotees. ||10||

According to Gurbani, the all powerful Almighty Waheguru (God) continues to enjoy putting in place His Devotees with guaranteed safe-guard:-

-ਹਰਿ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਭਗਤ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਪੈਜ ਰਖਦਾ ਆਇਆ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 4, GGS. 451-12).
In each and every age, He creates His devotees and preserves their honor, O Lord King.

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.

Bhagat Kabir goes a step further, when he is so pure that God seeks for him:-

ਕਬੀਰ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਭਇਆ ਜੈਸਾ ਗੰਗਾ ਨੀਰੁ ॥ ਪਾਛੈ ਲਾਗੋ ਹਰਿ ਫਿਰੈ ਕਹਤ ਕਬੀਰ ਕਬੀਰ ॥੫੫Salok Bhagat Kabir,GGS.1367-8)
Kabeer, my mind has become immaculate, like the waters of the Ganges. The Lord follows after me, calling, “Kabeer! Kabeer!”||55||

The aesthetic sweetness of God is described in Gurbani by Baba Farid Ji as:-

-ਫਰੀਦਾ ਸਕਰ ਖੰਡੁ ਨਿਵਾਤ ਗੁੜੁ ਮਾਖਿਓੁ ਮਾਂਝਾ ਦੁਧੁ ॥ ਸਭੇ ਵਸਤੂ ਮਿਠੀਆਂ ਰਬ ਨ ਪੁਜਨਿ ਤੁਧੁ ॥੨੭॥ (Salok Baba Farid, GGS.1379-6).
Fareed: sugar cane, candy, sugar, molasses, honey and buffalo’s milk – all these things are sweet, but they are not equal to You. ||27||

Guru Amar Das Ji enjoys the taste of presence of Waheguru in his Bani “Anand Sahib”:-

-ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਹੋਰਿ ਅਨ ਰਸ ਸਭਿ ਵੀਸਰੇ ਜਾ ਹਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥੩੨॥ (Raag Raamkali, M. 3, GGS. 921-13).
Says Nanak, all other tastes and essences are forgotten, when the Lord comes to dwell within the mind. ||32||

Sikhi revolves around an important theme i.e. of ‘Gobind Milan’.

ਭਈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ ॥ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਮਿਲਣ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਰੀਆ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 5, GGS. 12-6).
This human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.

ਅਵਰਿ ਕਾਜ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਕਾਮ ॥ ਮਿਲੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਭਜੁ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ॥੧॥
Nothing else will work. Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam. ||1||

‘Gobind Milan’ indicates union with ONE GOD.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

I like to share an episode where Waheguru (God) in Dr. Hakam Singh Ji (currently settled and living in USA) came to my house to answer my prayers (without his knowing about it). But it changed my life for ever for good.

It was in 1963, on completing my M. Sc.degree in chemistry from Delhi University I intended to enter into a Ph D programme. I found Dr. KNJ as a supervisor who endorsed my application to work with him as his first PhD student. But my nominated supervisor, Dr. KNJ was a Reader in Chemistry and was not eligible to register me with him solely. For formality sake there was a requirement to have a Professor or Head of the Department as a co-supervisor.

Dr. KNJ took my application to the Prof. TRS who was Head of Chemistry for his endorsement. Prof. TRS refused to endorse my application and that meant that I could not be accepted to pursue for PhD degree programme. Naturally I became dejected and started looking for other avenues but my heart was close to teaching and research in chemistry since early young age.

I asked Dr. KNJ that why the Head of the Department was not in favour of my joining as a PhD student. He told me that he could not tell me but he instead advised me to see him directly to find out the reasons. I took courage and went to see the HOD. His opening remarks were,” You are more suited for defence forces so better join Indian Air Force or Army rather than going for a PhD degree. He pointed out to my navy blue turban and remarked that I could be successful in Sikh politics as well (as an Akali)”.

At the same time, in the same department there was an another Sikh student JSC (at least five years senior to me) who was directly under the supervision of Prof. TRS developed some strained relations to the extent that Prof. refused to forward his completed thesis for examination on some fabricated but serious charges against him. JSC also used to wear a navy blue turban. JSC was a brilliant student (a gold medalist in M.Sc.) and extraordinary as a researcher whereas I was a mediocre but qualified to be enrolled for PhD studies.

I think when JSC sensed that he was to be thrown out of the Delhi University without a PhD degree, he must have appraised his situation with Dr. Hakam Singh Ji, the only Sikh lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at that time.

Meanwhile, I approached another Punjabi Professor BDJ in the Department of Chemistry and told him that the HOD has refused my admission in PhD programme and I am rather confused as to what should I do under the circumstances. He told me that he could not possibly help me against the wishes of the HOD. However, he made a humorous remark that “your state of confusion’ can be a bliss and do not let it go just like that. He further added in a haste as I was leaving his office, “Do you know that Gita was born out of confusion surrounding Arjan”. This was my first serious introduction to Gita Ji, which later became one of my favourite readings.

I felt very dejected on my prospects of enrolling into PhD programme for which I had developed a strong passion under a Gursikh S. Bachitar Singh Ji who taught me chemistry in Sri Guru Teg Bhadur Khalsa Higher Secondary School, Dev Nagar, New Delhi. I was his best student and once he remarked that one day I will be a professor of chemistry in some university. SBS was a devout Sikh and a saintly teacher in the School.

I was pretty confused that how I shall become a professor when I am unable to enrol as a PhD candidate. For me to leave Delhi (home) and go to another university was out of question.

Those days my prayers were restricted to the daily reading of the following shabds with some understanding whereas Nit-nem was a routine, however, without much understanding (only literal understanding at the most). My daily Ardas was around the messages in my following favourite sabds:

1. ਤੇਰਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਤੋ ਨਾਹੀ ਮੈਨੋ ਜੋਗੁ ਕੀਤੋਈ ॥ (Raag Mundaavanee M. 5, GGS. 1429-14).
I have not appreciated what You have done for me, Lord; only You can make me worthy.

2. ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਨਿਤ ਧਿਆਈ ॥ (Raag Asaa M. 5, 394-2).
Meditate continually on the Name of the Lord within your heart.

3. ਥਿਰੁ ਘਰਿ ਬੈਸਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ (Raag Gauhree M. 5, GGS. 201-6).
Remain steady in the home of your own self, O beloved servant of the Lord

4. ਤਿਥੈ ਤੂ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਜਿਥੈ ਕੋਇ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਓਥੈ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਖ ਅਗਨੀ ਉਦਰ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee M. 5, GGS. 962-1).
Where You are, Almighty Lord, there is no one else. There, in the fire of the mother’s womb, You protected us.

ਸੁਣਿ ਕੈ ਜਮ ਕੇ ਦੂਤ ਨਾਇ ਤੇਰੈ ਛਡਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਬਿਖਮੁ ਅਸਗਾਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
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.

ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਲਗੀ ਪਿਆਸ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸੇਇ ਖਾਹਿ ॥ ਕਲਿ ਮਹਿ ਏਹੋ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਗਾਹਿ ॥
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.

ਸਭਸੈ ਨੋ ਕਿਰਪਾਲੁ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲੇ ਸਾਹਿ ਸਾਹਿ ॥ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਜਿ ਆਵੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਹਿ ॥੯॥
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||

My disappointment was increasing day by day whereas my Ardas was intensifying moment by moment based on the assurance “ਬਿਰਥਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਜਿ ਆਵੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਹਿ”.

Finally a day came and I heard a knock on the main door of our house. On opening the door I saw Dr. Hakam Singh Ji along with JSC. I ushered them in and they told me that they have learnt that Prof. TRS has refused to enrol you in the department in PhD programme . They further added that Prof. TRS is anti-Sikhs and he wants to get rid of JSC and wants to keep you out of the Department as well. Dr. Hakam Singh said that we should not let this go his (Prof TRS) way.

They proposed that I give them in writing what Prof. TRS said to me in his office so that they could put this in a Punjabi Daily for the Community to know about such discrimination in Delhi University. I agreed to give in writing on Dr. Hakam Singh’s intervention only (I might have not perhaps obliged JSC with my statement had he approached me on his own).

Our story (of JSC and KS) made headlines in a Punjabi language evening newspaper, which was distributed to members of the Sikhs Community outside Gurduara Sisganj Sahib in Delhi. Some copies were sent to Dr. C. D. Deshmukh , a former Finance Minister and Civil servant who was then the Vice Chancellor; and also to the Registrar of Delhi University.

The Vice Chancellor wasted no time and got in touch with the Prof. TRS and warned him that he was playing with fire by making discriminatory remarks about the Sikhs. He could refuse admission on academic grounds but not on any other flimsy ground.

I could sense a lot of tension on the University campus and I used to spend considerable time there on daily basis thinking that now I have absolutely no chance to come back to the University.

Within a weeks’ time the Administrative Officer of the Chemistry Department called for me to tell that Prof. J who was HOD of Botany and Dean of Science wanted to see me in connection with my PhD application. I went to see the Dean who was not only very kind to me but he assured me that Prof. TRS is not against my joining the Department as a PhD student because I was a Sikh and that I should not have any misgivings against him (Prof. TRS). Actually he was covering up Prof TRS and at the same time he was buying peace with me. The Dean told me to commence work from any day pending a formal letter of admission, which shall be processed in the next faculty admission committee meeting.

I commenced my research work as a Junior Research Fellow under a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) project and under the supervision of Dr. KNJ within a few days and my admission was formalized after three months thus losing almost 8 months. I was able to complete experimental work in two years, writing of thesis took six months and I graduated in early 1967 at the end of 3rd year of my formal registration (ahead of all the students who completed M.Sc with me in the same batch but who joined PhD course before me).

I was able to publish several research papers out of my thesis in International and local Journals, which helped my supervisor to win promotion as Professor and I was able to find lecturer’s position in a Delhi University College and later successive post doctoral positions in Amsterdam Univ., Holland, The Netherlands; Catholic Univ. of Louvain, Belgium; Imperial College, London; and Univ. of Berne, Switzerland. After spending two years at the Univ. of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1976 I joined Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria where after a span of five years I was promoted as a Professor in 1981 as per the ‘Ashirwad’  (Blessings) of my Gurmukh teacher in School.

Dr. Hakam Singh’s intervention proved divine for me but unfortunately JSC could not survive and he was expelled without a degree.

The Divine intervention was not only for me to get a PhD degree but it had other ramifications, which were beyond my imagination – the plans that Waheguru Ji has put in place. During my 12 years of stay in Nigeria I was pushed by Waheguru Ji to become instrumental as Head of an M.Sc. (Analytical Chemistry) Programme to train (by coursework and supervising research dissertations) of more than 90 Analytical Chemists (of course with the collaboration of some lectures/tutors), who with further training rose to levels of Vice Chancellors, Professors in both Nigerian and Overseas Universities, Governor, High Commissioners, Heads of Government Departments and Chemistry Laboratories, Editor of Journal and including one of the later Presidents of Nigeria, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua (who passed away in 2013).

I just cannot claim any personal effort on my part, it all happened with Waheguru’s Divine guidance, blessings and support, which attracted even attention of the NRI Institution in Delhi to bestow ‘Shiromani Award’ and ‘Mother India International Award’ for my humble contribution in Nigeria, which was actually His doing.

I see clearly that God manifests in his creation (in human-beings) and operates through them in His own way and style:

1. Waheguru Ji used the various staff in the university to take their respective stands to help me to strengthen His faith in me.
2. Waheguru Ji put JSC in a situation and to link with me to strengthen my faith in Him and Ardas.
3. Waheguru Ji finally appeared in Dr. Hakam Singh Ji to fully respond to my prayers.

I equally salute Waheguru Ji in S. Bachitar Singh Ji, Dr. KNJ, Profs. TRS, BDJ, J, Dr. CDD (VC), JSC and Dr. Hakam Singh Ji; and my numerous Nigerian students and colleagues who enriched me in Gurmat and eventually making it possible, in due course of time, to help connect with the GL-Z Sangat from New Zealand.

Someone rightly said “When God opens doors no man can close. God is so big that He can cover the whole world with his Love and yet so small that He can curl up inside one’s heart”.

My ANCHOR is hidden in the following Tuk of Guru Nanak Sahib:

ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਾਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਆਸ ਏਹੋ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Sriraag M. 1, GGS. 24-15).
Your Name alone, Lord, saves the world. This is my hope; this is my support.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fourth successor to Guru Nanak Ji, was installed as the fifth Guru of the Sikh community by his Grandfather on August 31, 1518 at Goindwal, when he showered his blessing saying, ‘ਦੋਹਿਤਾ ਬਾਣੀ ਕਾ ਬੋਹਿਥਾ’. Guruship was bestowed on to Guru Arjan Dev Ji exclusively on merit.

As an educationist, Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s biggest contribution has been the compilation of Guru Granth Sahib. He took upon himself the colossal work of including the hymns of five gurus, 15 Bhagats, 4 devotee Sikhs and 11Bhats. He himself contributed 2218 hymns to the Adi Granth. He set all these hymns to 30 musical measures (Raags).

In the following lines taken from the Guru Granth Sahib, Rai Balvand says that through Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji spread the light of knowledge in all four directions:-

ਉਗਵਣਹੁ ਤੈ ਆਥਵਣਹੁ ਚਹੁ ਚਕੀ ਕੀਅਨੁ ਲੋਆ ॥ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨ ਸੇਵਿਓ ਮਨਮੁਖਾ ਪਇਆ ਮੋਆ ॥ (Raag Raamkali Bhatt Satta & Balwand, GGS. 968-16).
From east to west, He illuminates the four directions. Those self-willed manmukhs who do not serve the Guru die in shame.

ਦੂਣੀ ਚਉਣੀ ਕਰਾਮਾਤਿ ਸਚੇ ਕਾ ਸਚਾ ਢੋਆ ॥ ਚਾਰੇ ਜਾਗੇ ਚਹੁ ਜੁਗੀ ਪੰਚਾਇਣੁ ਆਪੇ ਹੋਆ ॥੮॥੧॥
Your miracles increase two-fold, even four-fold; this is the True Lord’s true blessing. The four Gurus enlightened the four ages; the Lord Himself assumed the fifth form. ||8||1||

In the view of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, education is the best way through which one can cleanse one’s mind. Through education, man gets spiritual enlightenment and darkness of ignorance is removed. Education helps to reveal the Ultimate Reality to man. Such knowledge epitomizes intellectual and spiritual development. When one is in tune with God, there remains no fear, hatred, greed or lust. Man then exists in a state of lasting peace and bliss.

The Guru was of the view that education should be a tool for all round development of man, be it spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, cultural or physical. Guru Arjan Dev ji favored a life of action and discouraged the life of a recluse or an ascetic. Honest labor according to him, activated the brain, developed social qualities, made an individual independent and took him nearer God.

Guru Arjan encouraged his followers to live in peace, harmony and unity. Guru Granth Sahib, as compiled by him contains compositions of the various saints from diverse backgrounds.

The Guru came up with Bavan Akhari, through which children were to be taught the gurmukhi alphabets. These were idioms elaborating the teachings of Gurus, which would make it easier for the children to learn the gurmukhi alphabets.

Guru Ji enumerated a spiritual path for all of us irrespective of age:-

ਗਗਾ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਗੁਣ ਰਵਹੁ ਸਾਸਿ ਸਾਸਿ ਜਪਿ ਨੀਤ ॥ ਕਹਾ ਬਿਸਾਸਾ ਦੇਹ ਕਾ ਬਿਲਮ ਨ ਕਰਿਹੋ ਮੀਤ ॥(Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 254-2).
GAGGA: Chant the Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe with each and every breath; meditate on Him forever. How can you rely on the body? Do not delay, my friend;

ਨਹ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਨਹ ਜੋਬਨੈ ਨਹ ਬਿਰਧੀ ਕਛੁ ਬੰਧੁ ॥ ਓਹ ਬੇਰਾ ਨਹ ਬੂਝੀਐ ਜਉ ਆਇ ਪਰੈ ਜਮ ਫੰਧੁ ॥
There is nothing to stand in Death’s way – neither in childhood, nor in youth, nor in old age. That time is not known, when the noose of Death shall come and fall on you.

ਗਿਆਨੀ ਧਿਆਨੀ ਚਤੁਰ ਪੇਖਿ ਰਹਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਇਹ ਠਾਇ ॥ ਛਾਡਿ ਛਾਡਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਗਈ ਮੂੜ ਤਹਾ ਲਪਟਾਹਿ ॥
See, that even spiritual scholars, those who meditate, and those who are clever shall not stay in this place.  Only the fool clings to that, which everyone else has abandoned and left behind.

ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਰਹੈ ਜਾਹੂ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਭਾਗ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਏ ਸਫਲ ਤੇ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਪ੍ਰਿਅਹਿ ਸੁਹਾਗ ॥੧੯॥
By Guru’s Grace, one who has such good destiny written on his forehead remembers the Lord in meditation. O Nanak, blessed and fruitful is the coming of those who obtain the Beloved Lord as their Husband. ||19||

Guru Arjan Dev Ji encouraged the study of Guru Granth Sahib among his pupils. He favored the development of literary skill among his followers. In his view this was one of the ways in which one could immerse himself in remembrance of God. He was of the view that knowing the scriptures of other religions was also important for comprehensive educational development.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji understood the importance of trade and commerce. Keeping that in mind he made mathematics a part of the curriculum. His followers traded in horses in Kabul and Kandahar and he supported the flourishing 52 trades in Amritsar which was later developed into a commercial center of great importance.

Printing Press was yet to be invented at the time of the fifth Guru. Copies of Guru Granth Sahib were written in hand and distributed among the public. Thus, Guru Arjan Dev Ji encouraged the art of calligraphy so that the best quality copies of the Granth Sahib could be obtained.

The fifth Guru very well understood that the Mughals did not understand the language of peace. He encouraged his son (Guru) Hargobind to get military training so that the tyrants could be dealt with bravely when the situation so demanded.

Guru Sahib also promoted the celebration of festivals, observing important events and organization of fairs so that children could learn more about the Sikh culture and tradition.

Guru Arjan Sahib believed that it is only through the efforts of the Guru that ignorance among people can be removed and the true purpose of life realized. The Guru helps man to walk on the righteous path and achieve freedom from the cycle of re-incarnation. The Guru helps to remove ignorance from the mind of the people. By enlightening them with the truth, the Guru blesses the people with the most precious wealth in the world. Anxiety, fear and doubt existing in the mind of man are removed, when the Guru initiates man to the spiritual path without any discrimination of the basis of caste, colour or creed.

The Guru believed in the importance of the written word and accorded the written word in the Adi Granth, the status of the Guru. The importance of keeping company of pious people was no less in his mind. He knew that such company removes ignorance, ego is lost and one starts to lead an immaculate life-style.

A careful study of Guru Arjan Dev ji’s bani reveals that, a disciple ever remains in love and awe of his Guru. A true disciple is one who is fully attuned to Guru’s word. He is dedicated to the spiritual teachings of his Guru. He is a seeker of the truth. He involves himself in sewa i.e. in the service the society. A disciple has great reverence for the Guru. He unconditionally surrenders himself to the Guru. Soon comes a time when there exists no difference between the Guru and the disciple.

Guru Arjan Dev ji nurtured the idea of a disciplined life-style among his followers. He wanted them to discipline their physical, mental and spiritual faculties. He suggested that they start their day with kirtan and katha, then go for work and in the evening again come back to the Gurdwara for katha, kirtan and debates and discussions of issues related to the community. A spirit of quest and query so essential for the development of man as an awakened being was meticulously encouraged.

In Sukhmani Sahib Guru Arjan Dev ji talks of Brahm-Gaini. According to him, Brahm-Gaini is a person who has passed all the tests put forward by God. Such a person has attained the state of spiritual enlightenment. Brahm-Giani is not affected by mammon. He is free from sins and loves all those who are around him. He remains calm and unruffled in all situations. Brahm-Gaini possesses divine knowledge. He is humble and kind. No one can fathom his value or gauge his greatness.

Guru Arjan Sahib taught his followers the organizational skill by practical example. He deputed his followers called Masands to collect voluntary revenue, called Daswandh which was to be used in the community welfare projects.

On account of the sacred compositions preserved here in the form of Guru Granth Sahib installed at Darbar Sahib and the presence of scholars, artists, blessed souls and sages in the town, sessions for discussion and dialogue , lectures and expositions were in plenty , and centers for learning and training of all types were set up . Teaching of the sacred lore and the skill of wielding the weapons, the art of architecture and classical music (kirtan), all kept evolving side by side. The Sikh community had picked up the rendering of voluntary labor of love i.e. sewa during the construction of Harmandir Sahib. Such projects accelerated the process of cohesion among the Sikhs, developed mutual cordiality among them, removed differences and augmented the feeling of equality at congregations and the dining place. The city of Tarn Taran was set up and the service to the lepers was started there, cities like those became places where Sikh community got together to celebrate festivals and attend fairs.

Like his predecessors, Guru Arjan Dev Ji greatly understood the importance of the role of women in the making of a society. He was of the view that women must also participate in activities outside the house. He regarded them as guide for her children as also for the community at large. He supported the idea of women reading Gurbani in the Gurdwaras and to make hand written copies of the Gurbani. He opened education centers for women and girls which were attached to the Gurdwaras.

Guru Arjan taught the greatest lesson to humanity through his martyrdom. On the one hand, the Sikh race was soon going to be evolved into a martial race , on the other hand his followers learnt that no power on earth can deter a man from his spiritual beliefs. He made the Sikhs realize that those truly devoted to God could never be harmed:-

ਮੁਆ ਜੀਵੰਦਾ ਪੇਖੁ ਜੀਵੰਦੇ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਨਿ ॥ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮੁਹਬਤਿ ਇਕ ਸਿਉ ਤੇ ਮਾਣਸ ਪਰਧਾਨ ॥੨॥ (Raag Maaroo M. 5, GGS. 1102-11 to 13).
See, that only one who has died, truly lives; one who is alive, consider him dead Those who are in love with the One Lord, are the supreme people. ||2||
…………………
ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਪੀਰ ॥ ਭੁਖ ਤਿਖ ਤਿਸੁ ਨ ਵਿਆਪਈ ਜਮੁ ਨਹੀ ਆਵੈ ਨੀਰ ॥੩॥
Pain does not even approach that person, within whose mind God abides. Hunger and thirst do not affect him, and the Messenger of Death does not approach him. ||3||

Guru Sahib inspired a strong faith in the Almighty among his followers. A firm belief in the fearless and all loving God made the Sikhs all loving and fearless. As a result the Sikhs were always ready when it came to standing up for the truth, humanity and fighting against atrocities of the tyrant.

I thank some friends on GL-Z Forum for providing ample direction for this article.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

As you all know that Bhai Kanaiya was a unique and remarkable Sikh in the history of the World who offered water to the Mugal soldiers wounded on the battlefield along with the Sikh soldiers. When he was asked by Guru Gobind Singh Ji to explain his conduct (as some Sikhs lodged a complaint against him) he said ” I see Waheguru in all of them and thus I fail to distinguish between the Sikhs and the Muslims (enemies)”. The Guru Ji was proud to hear such an innocent reply. The International “Red Cross” is a gift from Bhai Ji.

Obviously, Bhai Kanaiya Ji was fully in tune with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and imbued with the Gurbani and Naam. As a result he saw Waheguru in friends and in foes; and was fearless in serving water in the battlefield. Gurbani promises presence of such attributes in those who turn to it faithfully with devotion. The following verses from the Guru Granth Sahib testify in constructing the personality of Bhai Kanaiya:

Bhai Ji was able to serve in the Divine light of The Gurbani:

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਕਰਮਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਏ ॥੧॥ (Sriraag M.3, GGS 67) ||
Gurbani is the Light to illuminate this world; by His Grace, it comes to abide within the mind. ||1||

Bhai Ji believed in the presence of Waheguru in all human-beings and all around himself.

ਤੂੰ ਘਟ ਘਟ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥(Raag Aasaa, M 4,GGS page 448)
You are pervading and permeating each and every heart, everywhere, You are contained in all.
\
Bhai Kanaiya Ji was a humble Sikh Sewadar and although his duty statement prescribed him to serve water to the Sikhs but he chose to serve the Muslims as well. This shows he was a true Par-Upkari.

ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥(Guru Nanak, Sriraag, GGS 26).
In the midst of this world, do seva, and you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord.

If we further visualise the battlefield where soldiers were fighting with all kind of weapons (swords, arrows, guns etc.). Bhai Ji was doing sewa as if he was operating under a Divine Power. He saw Waheguru in every fighting soldier and all around that battlefield area. The grace of Waheguru blessed him to become a fearless Jodha so that he could serve in the battlefield by remaining in Anand state of mind. It is situation of coming face to face with Waheguru when His Grace is operating as given in Jap Ji Sahib below:

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

ਤਿਥੈ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥ਤਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰ ॥
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.

Bhai Kanaiya Singh’s personality clearly demonstrates his humility, devotion and faith in his Guru and in the Gurbani. He believed and practised in the three Pilars of Sikhism i.e. Naam Japna, Kirt Karni and Vand Chakna.

Bhai Kaniya Ji’s life offers a lesson for the entire Humanity in seeing Waheguru in everyone, everywhere and love others while going through the battlefield of life (MAYA surrounding us).

Bhai Ji’s story leads us to have full faith in the Guru (Gur, Satgur…), Sabd, and Naam, which appear on almost each and every page of the Guru Granth Sahib. Bhai Ji has left first hand foot prints for us to follow to become a Gursikh of the like of him.

There are VIRLE (Rare persons) of the like Bhai Kaniya Ji:-

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਆਰਾਧਣਾ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਜਪਿ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Raag Goojree M. 5, GGS. 517
Deep within yourself, worship the Guru in adoration, and with your tongue, chant the Guru’s Name.

ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੇਖਣਾ ਸ੍ਰਵਣੀ ਸੁਨਣਾ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਉ ॥).
Let your eyes behold the True Guru, and let your ears hear the Guru’s Name.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਤੀ ਰਤਿਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਈਐ ਠਾਉ ॥
Attuned to the True Guru, you shall receive a place of honor in the Court of the Lord.

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਏਹ ਵਥੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
Says Nanak, this treasure is bestowed on those who are blessed with His Mercy.

ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਉਤਮ ਕਾਢੀਅਹਿ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥੧॥
In the midst of the world, they are known as the most pious – they are rare indeed. ||1||

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਮਹਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥(Raag Gauhree M. 5, GGS. 289-13). ||
By God’s Gracious Glance, there is great peace.

ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਬਿਰਲਾ ਕੋਇ ॥
Rare are those who obtain the juice of the Lord’s essence.

ਖਸਮੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਦੂਜੈ ਲਗੇ ਡੁਬੇ ਸੇ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 1, GGS. 470-11).
Those dealers who abandon their Lord and Master and attach themselves to another, are drowned.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬੋਹਿਥਾ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਕਿਨੈ ਵੀਚਾਰਿਆ ॥
The True Guru is the boat, but few are those who realize this.

ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਮੀਠਾ ॥ Raag Gaurhee Guaarayree, M. 3, GGS. 162).
Spiritual wisdom and meditation come to those unto whom the Word of the Guru’s Shabad is sweet.

ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਕਿਨੈ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਚਖਿ ਡੀਠਾ ॥੨॥
By Guru’s Grace, a few have tasted, and seen it. ||2||

ਬਾਣੀ ਬਿਰਲਉ ਬੀਚਾਰਸੀ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਇ ॥(Raag Raamkalee Dakhnee, M. 1, GGS. 935-12).
How rare are those who contemplate the Word of the Guru’s Bani; they become Gurmukh.

As per Gurbani, Bhai Ji was VADDBHAAGI as well.

A brief of a Vaddbhaagi would comprise of 1. Born as human 2. Joining of Sat Sangat 3. Meeting a Guru 4. Obtaining the state of Naam, and 5. Remaining imbued forever in praising the name of Waheguru.

ਵਡੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਇਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maaroo, M. 3, GGS. 1065-5).
By great good fortune, I obtained this body;

ਵਡੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਪਾਈ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥ (Raag Sarang, M. 4, GGS. 1198-10).
By great good fortune, I have found the Sat Sangat; the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, is all-prevading everywhere.

ਵਡੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਭੇਟੇ ਗੁਰਦੇਵਾ ॥ (Raag Dhanaasree M. 5, GGS. 683-19).|
| By great good fortune, one meets the Divine Guru.

ਵਡੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਪਾਈਐ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੀ ॥੧॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 1, GGS. 421).
By great good fortune, one meets the True Guru, and the supreme status of Nirvaanaa is obtained. ||1||

ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ਤਿਹ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵੈ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee, M. 9).
Know that one who sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord is very fortunate.

While everyone can be a Sikh by turning to the Gurbani but only some Kewal-Virle and Vadbhaagi can be a Khalsa (creative and Upkari) as proclaimed by Guru Gobind Singh JI..

ਤੀਰਥ ਦਾਨ ਦਇਆ ਤਪ ਸੰਜਮ ਏਕ ਬਿਨਾ ਨਹ ਏਕ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥ ਪੂਰਨ ਜੋਤ ਜਗੈ ਘਟ ਮੈ ਤਬ ਖਾਲਸ ਤਾਹਿ ਨਖਾਲਸ ਜਾਨੈ ॥੧॥ (DS 1350).

He is the true Khalsa (Sikh), who remembers the ever-awakened Light throughout night and day and does not bring anyone else in the mind; he practices his vow with whole heated affection and does not believe in even by oversight, the graves, Hindu monument.

A Khalsa is embodiment of all the Gurus and such a person will do the same as Gurus did in their lifetime. However, this comes with Waheguru’s Nadr/Kirpa/Grace/Gurparsad and the Kewal-Virle-Vadbhagi rule does apply unless Waheguru waves this and every one can become Vadbhagi. This could, however, be possible through the collective Ardas of Khalsa: “Prithme sarbat khalsa ki ki Ardas hai ji, sarbat khalsa ji ko Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru chit avai, chit avan ka sadka sarab sukh howe”. Since this is not happening, either we are not in the category of Khalsa or we do not have faith and trust in our Ardas to Waheguru. It is sad that some people doubt about the existence of Waheguru and others on the authenticity of the Word-Waheguru and yet they expect the positive results from Gurbani.

Full faith and trust in Gurbani can bring a new breed of human-beings to forge peace and prosperity in the World.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Guru Nanak Sahib (in Asa di Vaar) and other Gurus tried to free the Sikhs from the shackles of rituals but unfortunately we are still very much into these in spite of the fact that the Guru Granth denounces these openly.

Serving Jal (Amrit) at Bangla Sahib Gurduara, New Delhi

Those of you who have visited Gurduara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi, must have seen that on the left hand-side of the entrance to main hall of Gurduara is a facility (a small pond of water). The supply of water comes from a municipal pipeline (as elsewhere in the city). There are a number of young and old (male and females) as well as some children holding water full of mugs from the pond and serving “Jal” as they call it to lined up devotees who gracefully receive the “Jal” in their hands folded into a cup-shape. Most people drink part of this “Jal” and a part they apply on their eyes or sprinkle on top of their heads with obvious reverence. Some bring bottles and get those filled to be taken back home for distribution to other members of the families including neighbors who normally expect this sharing on regular basis. I witnessed that some people came to fetch “Jal” and after getting a good supply left the premises of Gurduara even without paying respect to the Guru Granth in the main hall. It is worth noting that a lot of non-sikhs who are attracted to Gurduara also follow the same practice.

What makes this water holy, if it is at all holy? I asked this question to the head priest, sewadars and some educated devotees to find the reasons attached to this holiness.The usual answers were attributed to the Guru Harkrishan Ji who visited this ‘spot’ and treated sick people. However, the exact ‘spot’ remains unverifiable.

When I drew the attention of Head Granthi that the water in this pond is the same as supplied elsewhere in Delhi, then his argument was that the Gurbani Kirtan that goes on on this premises makes this water to turn in to “Holy Jal”. If that is the case the same results could be achieved at home also where tapes and CDs of Keertan and Gurbani are playing for long hours. His response was that since Guru Ji stayed here so that makes a difference. But how come all other Gurus stayed in India and their advice and teachings attributed to their presence are recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib but still we are struggling to figure out the existence of spirituality in the Society at large.

If ordinary water can turn into “Holy Jal” in the an environment where Gurbani is being sung then a seeker who listens to Gurbani can also become somewhat holy and healthy in the same way by breathing in the environment charged with Gurbani. And furthermore, if the same people exert to understand and contemplate on the Gurbani they are bound to achieve divine blessings, which according to the Gurbani can come in even in a ‘Chin’ (just in a moment) of true contemplation, according to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

I do believe that prolonged recitation of Gurbani does impart purity in the minds of the people provided they understand the meaning and message of the Gurbani.

It is common to see young couple both Sikhs and Non-Sikh praying in Gurduara Bangla Sahib on daily basis for 40 days (non-break ‘Challiaa/Chalisa) with the hope to get a son (or even for a daughter) and others for good-health of their loved ones or for general prosperity in the family. Praying for 40 days with a strong faith and belief can certainly do miracles anyhow as ordained in the Gurbani. So what is the role of “Jal”? Isn’t just a myth to devalue the importance of the Gurbani rather than strengthening the power of Gurbani and Nam Simran? Most people who pray in Guduara Bangla Sahib or any other Gurduara or even at home can get their prayers answered through the Gurbani and yet a credit is given to “Jal”. Most people generally put more faith in what they achieve on the consumption of “Jal” rather than exploring on the truths offered in the Gurbani. The praying in congregation (Sangat) is a bliss, which needs to be acknowledged whole-heartedly rather than partly.

Similarly in Gurduaras Rakabganj and Sis Ganj, there are some sort of Samadhis maintained colorfully to attract the attention of visitors right under where the Granthis sit in the main hall. Most of the devotees are seen offering reverence there too, when such practices are against the spirit of Guru Granth Sahib’s teaching.

Could the Sikh Community take steps to restore the place of the Gurbani in proper perspective against the prevalent rituals, which are going on without interruption? The need is to have knowledgeable Parcharaks/Granthis to enforce what is according to the Guru Granth Sahib.

There are some other rituals performed on daily basis in Gurduaras around the World. Some of the rituals are highlighted in this article:-

Bowing to empty bed of Birr Sahib

I saw many a Sikhs in Gurduara Bangla Sahib bowing to the empty resting bed of Birr Sahib and even bowing down and matta teka on the ground.

I was curious and asked a number of Sikhs who apparently looked well educated. Their reply invariably was that they were doing that out of their sharda for the Guru Granth Sahib.

It is often seen that many Sikhs interpret the following tuk literally:-

ਜਿਥੈ ਜਾਇ ਬਹੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਸੋ ਥਾਨੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਾ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 4, GGS. 450-17).
Wherever my True Guru goes and sits, that place is beautiful, O Lord King.

“ਸੋ ਥਾਨੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਾ’ is actually the heart where Gurbani is enshrined rather than a room/bed/or resting place of Birr Sahib.

To my mind, bowing or matta teka is empty ritual and have no spiritual significance.

Guru Amar Das Ji further clarifies this myth in Gurbani:-

ਡਿਠੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥(Raag Vadhans M. 3, GGS. 594-11).
One is not liberated by merely seeing Him, unless one contemplates the Word of His Shabad.

When we enter a Gurduara and matta teka in front of Birr Sahib – this actually signifies our silent prayer that we have come to receive a message to improve our soojh-budh.

If the salvation was possible by merely seeing the Birrs Sahib of Guru Granth Sahib then the workers in publishing houses or book shops that store Birr Sahib, would have been emancipated without much effort.

Langar and Karah Parshad distribution

There is a practice of offering of a plate full of Langar items and some Karah Parshad in a Katori (a small cup) to Guru Granth Sahib before distribution to Sangat in Gurduaras around the world. Some even keep a glass full of water under the Guru Granth Birr Sahib for distribution to members of Sangat after the daily programme comes to end. I am not sure if such practices have any Gurmat blessings as such?

Nishan Sahib

Putting up a Nishan Sahib or the cleaning of ‘Nishan Sahib’ poll is common scene in all Gurduaras. The members of Sikh Sangat are witnessed going around Nishan Sahib in Gurduara compound and offering flowers and money. Some even take the residual liquids of washing Pole of Nishan Sahib home and apply on their eyes.

Once I attended the ceremony of lowering the Nishan Sahib in Wellington Gurduara and cleaning the steel pipe with diluted milk (Kachi lassi) and re-clothing the Nishan Sahib with a new outfit. All those present participated except me and the Bhai Sahib – a graduate of Sikh Missionary College, Ludhiana.

I asked Bhai Sahib – “What do think about this exercise? He whisked into my ears that if I say anything to the contrary I shall be risking my Job”. Bhai Sahibs know Gurmat but are handicapped for want of a necessary job to sustain themselves and their families with meagre salary.

I later asked some well educated and highly placed Sikhs in the gathering about cleaning of Nishaan Sahib and their response was -” It is our ‘shraddha’ (inner liking?) and that matters for us. I smilingly kept quiet!

As a chemist my advice would be to clean the metal pipe with detergent and water and remove rust, if any with a sandpaper. There are heaps of safe cleansing agents in the market these days. Any trace of milk attached to cloth would smell awfully and the cloth will attract insects in large numbers.

Guru Nanak’s Sahib message is handy for cleansing of physical objects:-

ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 4-12).
When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, Soap can wash them clean.

The need is to clean the mind with Naam to get enlightenment to do the right things in right ways:-

ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, It can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name.

Rumalas

In Sikh Gurduara around the World, the ‘Rumala-bheta’ is done in order to attract spiritual rewards in ignorance. While there should not be any restriction in moving Rumalas from one Gurduara to another needy Gurduara, the basic question is, however, whether or not there is any spiritual enhancement in offering Rumalas to any Gurduara in the first place by members of the Sangat.

I do not recall ever buying a Rumala as offering except the one we purchased when we got the Guru Granth Sahib Birr Sahib for the first time in 1981. The additional Rumalas we got from some Gurduara which stored a huge stock and was very willing to give away any numbers to manage their stocking capacity.

In 2015, I visited several Gurduaras Sahibs in Punjab and was astonished to see a room full of Rumalas in their premises (What a waste of space!) with people lined up and paying homage to stocked Rumalas surrounded by oil lit-jyots and flowers.

While living in Papua New Guines (PNG), we often visited Sikh Gurduara in Brisbane (Australia). Whenever we made a request for one or two Rumalas, we were given a load of brand new Rumalas any way. My wife on returning to PNG used most of these Rumalas to stitch colourful children outfits for the children of house-maid, gardener and of some neighbours etc – and the children enjoyed wearing those with great pride and happiness. We found this exercise pretty satisfactory.

I wish if the devotees donate money to Gurduaras so that the funds could be used for a variety of useful purposes coming under the purview of different Gurduaras.

The various Gurduaras are requested to involve members of Sangat /and/or professional tailoring facilities to to make a better use of their stocked Rumalas to redesign into wearable outfits for free distribution to needy children who are plenty around in India including in many orphanages in different parts across the nation. Even face masks can be carved out of surplus Rumalas to protect Sangat/or others who need to safeguard against Covid-19 in the current emergency to control spread of Coronavirus.

I am of the view that providing of suitable “Rumalas” to cover Guru Granth Sahib and cleaning of iron pipe (Pole) of Nishaan Sahib should be handled by the Managing Committee as part of management tasks as the need arises rather that giving a false impression to vulnerable members of Sangat of an opportunity to reap spiritual awakening/rewards, which are attracted only by reading, studying and experiencing Gurbani and that too with the grace/nadr/kirpa of Waheguru.

Practice of bowing (‘MathaTakenna’) at every step in Gurduaras

I saw a very successful Sikh businessman who was in early sixties stopping at every step of underground Samadhi of Guru Teg Bahadur ji in Sis Ganj Gurduara and performing a prolonged ‘Matha Tekka’ when the Gurduara was in full activity with a sizable crowd eagerly waiting to pass through the narrow passage to pay their respective homage (Darshan).

When he finished the ritual, he just walked away without listening to Kirtan. I hurriedly followed him and politely pointed out to him that he was source of annoyance to other devotees. He was not remorseful but maintained that he has been doing the same for many years before going to his business at nearby Lajpat market in Chandni Chowk. He added that his success in business is attributed to his daily ‘Matha Tekkna’ in Sis Ganj Gurduara. Unfortunately I could not prolong dialogue with him as he was in a hurry to open his business for the day.

There are many other rituals, which are witnessed in and around Gurduaras:-

1. Sprinkling water in front of Guru Granth Sahib at Sukhasan time. I have seen people doing it even on carpets.
2. Pressing the Palki Sahib supports.
3. Doing darshan of Birr Sahib by picking up Rumala on Guru Granth Sahib.
4. Washing the premises floor with milk (in Harmandir Sahib, Sis Ganj Gurduaras).
5. Ritual practice of simultaneously held scores of Akhand Paaths is a serious transgression.
6. Metha tekha at the entry door of a Gurduara
7. Metha tekhna on ‘Chor Sahib’ on holding it.
8. Banning of a cap in favour of a rumalah while entering a Gurduara, etc etc.

Guru Nanak Sahib has voiced against Rituals in preference to Naam:-

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.

Guru Amar Das Ji stresses on the Spiritual Profit associated with Naam and how to obtain Naam through Gurmat (Contemplation on Gurbani):-

– ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਨਿੰਦਕਿ ਪਤਿ ਗਵਾਈ ॥ (Raag Maroo M. 3, GGS. 1046-3).
Guramukh Naam Milai Vaddiaaee || Manamukh Nindhak Path Gavaaee ||
The Gurmukh is blessed with the glorious greatness of the Naam. The self-willed manmukh, the slanderer, loses his honor.

– ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਏ ॥ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਏ ਸਾਚਾ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਲਾਹਾ ਹੇ ॥੭॥(Raag Maaroo M. 3, GGS. 1053-15).
Guramathee Naam Mann Vasaaeae || Anadhin Naam Dhhiaaeae Saachaa Eis Jag Mehi Naamo Laahaa Hae ||7||
Through the Guru’s Teachings, the Naam comes to dwell within the mind.
Night and day, meditate on the Naam, the Name of the True Lord, and earn the profit of the Naam in this world. ||7||

“Gurbani eis jag mein channan” – Gurbani is the Gurmat lighthouse, which is worth exploring to seek solace rather than practicing empty rituals.

We certainly need an Action Plan for execution of our Dharam Parchar Committees under SGPC, DSGMC and HSGMC etc. I wish the Gurduara Management Committees and Parcharaks pay attention to address such misconception among the Sikh masses and propagate as advised by Guru Nanak Sahib:-

ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-10).
Sikhee Sikhiaa Gur Veechaar || Nadharee Karam Laghaaeae Paar ||
Contemplating the Guru, I have been taught these teachings. Granting His Grace, He carries His servants across.
Kirpal Singh

Wellington, New Zealand

kirpal2singh@yahoo.com