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ABOUT "REFLECTIONS ON
GURBANI"
Purpose
This
website is dedicated attaining deeper Understanding of the Gurbani (Sri Guru
Granth Sahib, SGGS, the eternal Guru of the Sikhs) As It Is. Various themes mentioned in the Gurbani are being
reflected upon through the Gurbani in the form of Articles. New Gurbani Reflections
are continually added. These Reflections are written without the mumble jumble of spiritual language. Because, in essence,
the true Spirituality is just Simplicity!
Our lives are interwoven with the thread of Divine Love. It is this Divine Love that
brings harmony between souls. As such, the influence of our daily actions and
behavior spreads in ever-widening circles. As our lives are interwoven, we can
each draw the needed strength from all-pervading Divine Presence within to help
each other spiritually, so that ultimately we all can be situated on the platform
of Truth — Shabad-Surti or our True Nature. The Gurbani teaches us as follows:
- Aap japahu awraaNaam jappaawahu. Sunat kahat rahat gati paawahu: Repeat the
Divine Name yourself, and make others repeat it. By hearing, uttering, and abiding
by it, one attains emancipation (sggs 289).
One may ask: "Why do you write these Gurbani Articles?" The author writes
them to teach himself. It may be so that they could be of some spiritual value
to like-minded. In that spirit they are "shared" here. In fact, as indicated by the Guru's Word in the foregoing verse
and many more in the SGGS, each and every Sikh is duty-bound to disseminate the Truth and share spiritual matters.
As the Gurbani is of the nature of God (Pure Consciousness), it only speaks of the
Truth, Righteousness, Spirituality, Authenticity, Love, Service (Sevaa), compassion,
Selflessness, Trust, Faith, Devotion, Wisdom, Detachment, Humility,
Contentment, Mercy, a sense of Higher Purpose in life, and so on. Many of us will
be offended by these!! Because all these taste bitter and unpleasant to our false
ego-sense (Haume); for they reveal to us our shocking negativity or Bikaars (lust, anger, greed, etc.).
Overwhelmed by these shocks, many may shrink from pursuing
Truth, as the inflated ego plays back unhappy thoughts on the screen of our
conditioned mind. But in all earnestness, if the Truth is given a chance, It will
sink in and then taste sweet later! Diligent attempt, consistent self-effort,
and continuous mental alertness is indicated to be the key to the conquest. Baabaa Nanak Says:
- Tam lag mahal na paayeeyai jabalag saach na cheeti: As long as the Truth does not
enter into the consciousness, the Divine Presence is not realized (sggs 58).
The common theme of this site is intended to grasp the true Spiritual essence
of the Gurbani (the Guru's Word) through the Gurbani (SGGS). Possibly all the contents of these Reflections may not fully
conform with those of another seeker. The author claims no infallibility for himself. Neither he claims absolute consistency
or finality. With this in mind, as a beginner, this tiny effort is a spiritual pursuit in
line with the general spirit of the SGGS. Neither any offense or criticism of
any entity is intended, nor it is intended to hurt any ones belief and feelings
in any way, nor it is intended to flatter or please any ones whims or fancies
(false ego-sense) either. The Guru's Word transcends relativism or duality ("Doojaa
Bhaav").
Aim
First,
this web site is not a commercial site. Second, it's not meant to make presentation
of corrupt politics, etc. Third, it's not intended to make presentation of nonsense
rituals and dogmas that have no place in the SGGS. Fourth, it's not for external,
superficial, or egoistic show of religion and spirituality. Fifth, this site is
not intended for materialistic endeavors in the pretext of the religion, as numerous
swindlers in the garb or guise of "Giaanee", "Bhaaee", "Raagee", "Sant", "Baabaa",
"Pujaaree", "Priest", "Granthee", "Parchaarak", "Paathee", etc., are
doing all over the world; not to mention many of the so-called Sikhism related
web sites on the Internet. The author leaves the politics, entertainment, etc.,
for those who feel more tempted in those areas! This site is an educational site
— a tiny effort aimed at the dissemination of the Gurbani in its true sense.
Sikhi is the game of Shabad-Surti or Pure Consciousness (Naam- or God-consciousness). Hence,
as tirelessly emphasized by the Gurbani, Sikhi is the Internal Way of life — Inner
Path; where one's outer life is unimportant. Therefore, the game of Sikhi must
be played in the Sahaj Maarag: Inner Perfection, Natural State of Being,
Inner Simplicity, Inner Purity, etc.
- Pritam basat rid mahi khor: My Beloved lives in the cave of my heart (sggs 1121).
- Gurmukh bigsai Sahaj subhhayi: The Gurmukh, spiritual being, blossoms forth with Sahaj
(sggs 174).
- Sabh kish ghar mahi baahari naahee. Baahari tolai so bharam bhulaahee: Everything is
within the home of the Self; there is nothing beyond. One who searches outside
is deluded by doubts (sggs 102).
The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gurbani reveals to us very important Principles. The first
is that the man is made in the True Image (Joti Svaroop) of the Spirit;
hence, the man's True Nature is Divine. Second, the only aim of human life is
to realize the Essence of this Divinity within.
the experience of the Oneness of the Soul with the Universal Spirit is to Realize
God. Accordingly, the Gurbani indicates to us that if by reading scriptures this understanding
does not arise in our mind, then we are worse than beasts, worms and insects.
As the Gurbani reminds us, without the true realization of the Shabad (or Divine
Name) within, the realization of the True Self within is impossible. Therefore, it goes without saying that the true way
of living life is no other than constant cultivation of Intuitive Wisdom (Giaan), Universal Virtues, contemplative lifestyle,
clarity of cognition, selflessness, eradication of Haume or false ego-sense, and so on.
- Saach Shabad bin mukti na hoyee: Without realizing the True Shabad or Naam, no one will
be liberated (sggs 938).
- Uttam karnee Shabad beechaar: The ultimate action is reflections on the Shabad i.e.,
Vichaar or inner inquiry (sggs 158).
The question is: how can one go about doing it? As we know it, the organized religious
places are plagued with corruption, selfishness, hatred, differences, conflicts,
madness of "Jaat Paat", violence, fanaticism, ignorance, and so on;
leading to a total disregard for the dissemination of the Gurbani (SGGS) in its
true perspective. Although may be not all, but the calculated focus of the so
called "Giaanees", "Bhaaees", "Raagees", "Sants",
"Granthees", "Baabaas", "Pardhaans", "Parchaaraks",
"Pujaarees or Priests", "Paathees" (professional SGGS
readers), etc., seems to be none other than using the pretext of the religion
for material gains -- lust, money, name, fame, power, status, prestige etc. In
the modern Cyber Platform, many web sites apply aggressive marketing communications
and motivation strategies to the Cyber Snagat, such as asking visitors
to "register", to become a "member", " see this pop or
block it", "pick smile logo" here and there, or the "remaining
message is restricted to registered members only", and so on. Such obtrusive
strategies are commercialization and exploit of the faith. This is the truth (the
idea here is not to criticize anybody, but to depict the reality as it is. Also, from a security standpoint, it's
understandable to require visitors to register in the discussion Forums).
Additionally, instead of using it as a Spiritual Guide for daily living, many
with personal agenda have made the Holy Word of the SGGS merely the subject of
unmeaning rituals, habitual reading, lip worship, dogmatism etc. Old or young,
all are affected by such environment of distortion and manipulation which is unconducive
to spiritual progress and deeper understanding of the Gurbani. The Gurbani thunders
that the performance of meaningless rituals bind people in more and more false
ego-sense (Haume). Why? Because the chronic disease of this false ego-sense
makes us do useless deeds, devoid of any spiritual vibrations.
- Karam karat baadhe ahammev: Ritual practices bind people in egotism (sggs 324).
- Thaansatt jag bhrishat hoye doobtaa iv jag: The holy places of worship in the world are
polluted, and so the world is drowning (sggs 662).
Further, right after the death of the Tenth Master, over the past three hundred years or
so, the Mahants, Pujaarees, Paathees, Raagees, Bhaaees,
priests, Giaanees and Kathaakaars, as well as the people running
Gurdwaraas and related huge cash-funds have corrupted Baabaa Nanak's teachings.
In addition, on account of selfishness, not too many people appear to be interested
in trying to study the Gurbani (SGGS) in depth to get at the kernels of the Inner
Truth in it.
Hence, there seems to be a common feeling to bring the true meaning of the Gurbani (SGGS)
and Dharma out in the open from its dormancy — it has to come out of the
SGGS, Gurdwaaraas or organized religious institutions and start coming
closer to the people en masse.
But how? First of all, as the Dharma is eternal, it is not the Dharma
that needs to be recharged; it's the followers of the Dharma that need
to regain the true spirit of the Updesa (spiritual teachings, etc. The
first step is appreciating and applying the fundamentals of the spiritual philosophy
of the Gurbani (SGGS), which is based on sound common sense. But common sense
dose not seem to be common anymore! The teaching of the Gurbani (SGGS) can be
appreciated only if we are cool-headedly open to its diligent study and true understanding.
Second, those who are sincere in their pursuit of the Supreme Truth has to come out of
their secluded existence and work for the society as well. This requires sincere
and selfless efforts called "Uddam" in the Gurbani. Otherwise,
there will be no difference between them and so called "Sidhas"
who abandoned their society and families only to go sit on mountain-tops! The
easiest thing most of us do is condemn and relax, and do nothing to make the difference!
Consequently, there is a huge gap between belief and what we call everyday reality. The aim
and attempt of this web site is directed toward healing this gap through heightened
awareness of the true Spiritual Gist of the Gurbani.
This web site is for those who have become aware that there is more than what you have
been previously taught.Hopefully, this web site and its resources can be of use to spiritual seekers who have a
genuine interest in the pursuit of the Supreme Truth. The road map for reaching
there includes: read/listen (Parho/Suno), reflect or deliberate (Socho-Vichharo),
gain intuitive understanding (Samjho), remember or believe (Manno), and practice
(Karo). As the Gurbani says:
- Jab lag Shabad bhed nahee aayaa tab lag kaal santaaye: As long as the mortal does
not come to understand the mystery of the Shabad, he will continue to be tormented
by death (sggs 1126).
- Hari mandar Shabde khojeeyai Hari Naamo lehu samaali: The Temple of the Lord is found
through the Shabad; so become imbued in the Divine Name (sggs 1346).
Author's Alliance: Waheguru
The author or this web site is not affiliated with any group or organization:
political, social, religious, or otherwise. Accordingly, there is no financial
support from any organization or group. This web site, in most part, has been supported by the author (retired). Since 2007,
a few visitors have also extended their generous support.
Like most of us, the author (retired) is just a regular householder with limited
resources, time and finances. Thus, the author's true support or alliance
("Dharhaa") has been Waheguru; for all worldly alliances are declared by
the Gurbani to be false —"Koorh"
or Maya's working. The Gurbani gracefully sums it up as follows:
- Ham Hari siyu dharhaa keeaa meree Hari tek..: I have formed my alliance with the Lord;
the Lord is my only support. Other than the Lord, I have no other faction or alliance;
I sing of the countless and endless Glorious Praises of the Lord. Pause. Those
with whom you form alliances, will perish. Making false alliances, the mortals
repent and regret in the end. Those who practice falsehood will not last. I have
formed my alliance with the Lord; there is no one more powerful than Him. All
these alliances are mere extensions of the love of Maya. Only fools argue over
Maya. They are born, and they die, and they lose the game of life in the gamble.
My alliance is with the Lord, who embellishes all, in this world and the next.
In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the five thieves (i.e., all evil passions) instigate
alliances and conflicts. Lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment and self-conceit
have increased. One who is blessed by the Lord's Grace, joins the Sat Sangat,
the True Association. My alliance is with the Lord, who has destroyed all these
alliances. In the false love of duality, people sit and form alliances. They complain
about other peoples’ faults, while their own self-conceit only increases. As they
plant, so will they harvest. Servant Nanak has joined the Lord’s alliance of Dharma,
which will conquer the whole world (sggs 366).
About The Author
The
author is not a professional "Giaanee", "Raagee", "Sant", "Baabaa", "Pujaaree",
"Priest", "Granthee", "Parchaarak", "Bhaaee", "Musician", "Swami", "Paathhee",
"Mahaatamaa", "Teacher" and so on. Neither the author was
born in such a family, nor lived with any one of them, nor wants to be one of
them. The author is just an ordinary being who is trying to see the world the
way Gur-Shabad (SGGS) does!
The author is neither a scholar, nor a philosopher, nor a writer, nor interested in
being one. Neither the author has completely mastered the Divine Knowledge of
the Gurbani (SGGS). So the author does not claim to understand fully. As a beginner, the author is learning it along with
you. If you know how to say the esoteric meaning of the Gurbani clearer, please contact us.
This life or the body is likened to a field ("Khet"), in which, our
Karma is the seed. We harvest exactly what we sow. This infallible Law
of Karma holds everyone responsible for what he is or going to be. Based
on the past as well as the present Karma, some are getting closer to their
"Joti Svaroop" (godly status or Unconditioned Consciousness)
in this life, and some are yet far away or even drifting farther.
- Karmee aapo aapanee ke nerhai ke door: According to our actions, some will get closer
to the Real Self, and other would slip farther away (sggs 8).
Based on Karma, we only apply what the Eternal Law (or Hukam) has delegated to
us. We all are just a channel or an instrument of doing; not the doers, for the
Doer (Kartaa Purakh) is God alone.
- Jit jit laavahu tit lagahi har naath. Nanak in kai kashoo na haath : As You have
delegated, O Lord, so do we apply ourselves. O Nanak, nothing is in our hands
(sggs 271).
The human mind and intellect is incapable of describing or treatising the Transcendent
Absolute Reality, Waheguru. All credit for this ongoing effort goes entirely to
Waheguru. For any shortcomings and inconsistencies, the author humbly stand to
be responsible, which, however, the author believes, readers will over look in
their magnanimity, keeping their focus on the core of this infallible Divine Knowledge
of the Gurbani (SGGS).
The spirit of the Gurbani can truly be expressed if we can manage to live lives of
humble souls — practicing love, compassion, wisdom, mercy, contentment, humulity,
etc.; looking beyond people's shortcomings; taking on their good qualities; forgiving
others; trying to understand others without first waiting to be understood; and
so on.
Though the author was born in a Sikh family (parents: Tarlochan Sing and Karam Kaur) in Punjab (Doaba area), India,
but judging himself, he certainly knows very little about the Sikhi. Therefore,
it would be a travesty of truth him calling himself a Sikh or Khalsa. Because, according
to the Gurbani, to be a True Sikh (or Khalsa) is not a question of heredity, family
of birth, ancestry, religion, race, region, social status, caste, creed, education,
titles or any peculiar external appearance of a person; it is a question Of Self-realization
(Realization of one's Real Nature or "Joti-Svaroopa" within)!
In other words, these words "Sikh" and "Khalsa" do not represent
one's physical state. But, to the contrary, they represent a Higher Spiritual
State for us to experience within us. In this context, consider the following verses:
- So guru so sikh hai bhaaee jin joti jot milaaee: He
alone is the Guru and he alone is the Sikh who has become one with the Divine
Light (sggs 602).
- Pooran jot jagai ghat main tab Khaalas taahi Nakhaalas jaano: One becomes Khaalsaa (pure within) only
when he realizes his Complete Self within; otherwise know him to be an impure
one (Guru Gobind Singh).
- Aatam ras ji jaanahee so hai khaalas dev: He who has realized the Self within is alone the godly Khaalsaa—Pure
Being (Guru Gobind Singh).
- Kahu Kabeer jan bhaye Khaalse prem bhagti jih jaanee: Says Kabeer: Those persons become Khaalsaa
(pure within) who have realized the Prema Bhagti within—Loving Devotion, Divine
Name, Self, etc. (sggs 655).
- Jap tap satt santokh pikhi darsan gur sikhah: Gazing upon the Blessed Vision of Divine Darshan
(Self-realization), the Gursikh is blessed with chanting and deep meditation,
truth and contentment (sggs 1395).
The author came to the USA in young age in 1970 and studied civil engineering
(now retired). With two children and wife, he currently resides in San Diego,
California, USA.
We cannot see our own back! Similarly, it's difficult to see
our own shortcomings. Therefore, he humbly request all true and wise readers to
point out all his errors.
- Kahu Nanak sabh teree vadiyaayee koyee naayu na jaane meraa: Says Nanak, this is all Your
greatness; no one even knows my name (sggs 383).
- Mai naahee kachhu hayu nahee kichhu aahi na moraa. Ayusar lajja rakh lehu Sadhnaa
jan toraa: Says Bhakta Sadhnaa: I am nothing, I have nothing, and nothing belongs
to me. Now, protect my honor, O Lord; I am Your humble servant (sggs 858).
How It All Started
Back
in 1994, one day the author casually coined the idea to his son (Mandeep Singh,
who was a high school student then) to have a Sikhism related web site dedicated
to deeper Understanding of the Gurbani. In nutshell, as we both were novice in
web designing as well as related Internet applications, in the beginning it was
not easy at all. Perhaps Waheguru was testing us for our patient, sincerity, determination,
commitment, faith, willingness, and perseverance. Finally, after a long struggle,
the young boy came up with a basic design of the web page. The author wrote the
first article "Prerequisite Of Spiritual Life - Bin Gun Keete Bhagti Na Hoi".
We gave the name "REFLECTIONS ON GURBANI" to this website.
Due to the positive response and encouragement from all over the world, in June, 1998,
we moved this website from a temporary site to a registered domain (www.gurbani.org).
Where it goes from here is only known to God! If you have any gentle spiritual
comments, suggestions, ideas, thoughts or feedback, please contact us either through
the e-mail or the physical mail address listed below.
If You Would Like To Support This Website
If you'd like to support this website (website operating and maintenance
cost) please follow the PayPal "Donate" link below the Menu to your left. In addion to
PayPal, you may also donate using other conventional methods.
NOTES:
- If
you own or manage a web site or publish a newsletter, for the interest and benefit
of the entire mankind, please feel free to link this website to your website or
the newsletter.
-
All Gurbani Articles are only for personal and non-commercial use. For any non-personal and
non-commercial use such as books, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, posting any article or portion(s) of any article in
forums, blogs, message boards, etc., please contact us for
PERMISSION using the "Contact Us" feature on our website.
Please read our Terms of Use for more information. |
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