THE FRUIT OF HUMAN LIFE

Through the Guru’s service, the Lord’s Bhagti (loving devotion) is
practiced. Then alone is obtained the fruit of this human body (1159).
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The Gurbani (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS) says that the value or the fruit of human life is realized when we practice the Lord's Bhagti (loving devotion) through the Guru's service. We can serve the Guru by allowing the Gurmat (the Guru's teachings or instruction) to be the foundation of our lives. The Gurbani contained the do's and don'ts of the Gurmat. So long one does not halt the external pursuits and seeks the Eternal Life (Gurmukh Lifestyle), his life remains fruitless. By becoming the Gurmukh (spiritual-, enlightened- or Self-realized being), one's life becomes fruitful. In addition to becoming the Gurmukh, a few other things the Gurmat repeats time and again include Naam-Simran (meditation or Jap); mind control; joining Saadh-Sangat (Holy Company); cultivating Humility, truthful living; contentment, compassion, selflessness, simplicity; giving up the notion of "mine mine" (Haume or ego); surrender to God; etc. Thus, with conscientious learning from the Gurmat one's virtues bear fruits and attains true understanding of the outer world (Miri aspect) as well as the inner world (Piri aspect) and subtle sense of values.

The Gurmat urges us to chant the Lord's Name (Naam) always, and talk only about God (Truth). According to the Gurbani, those who are content within can alone perform the true service. The implication is that if we are not fully content within, then our service will be in greed, selfishness and corruption. Those who are content do not engage in sinful activities. Instead, they do good deeds and live truthfully and righteously in Dharma. They thus burn away the bonds of the bewitching Maya (illusion, darkness of ignorance etc.), and live simple and pious life. If one serves the Guru with arrogance, mental speculations, material logic, and clever cunningness, then he will neither understand the Naam (Shabad) nor God. Therefore, one must serve Him with the feeling of utmost sincerety, humbleness and Love. Such service to the Guru is fruitful and rewarding — it bestows the precious Gem of Self-realiazation.

The Gurmat stresses on controlling (conquering, annihilating, killing etc.) the mind. If the mind can be refined and directed towards the right path, there will be only Bliss (Anand) in the life, there can be no sorrows. For this we need spiritual knowledge (Aatam-Giaan), which is boxed in the Gurbani as the fragrance is boxed in the flower. Aatam-Giaan follows sincere Bhagti. The heart and mind filled with sincere love and compassion (Daya) is the true sign of Bhagti.

The means of Bhagti in individuals — chanting of Mantras or prayers, singing of Kirtan or the Lord's Praises, engaging in worship, wearing peculiar robes etc. — may be indicative of one's religious/spiritual practices or routines, but cannot guarantee that the individual practices a true Bhagti. The characteristic of the true devotion is genuineness, steadfastness, and sincerity of the devotees unflinchingly devoted to God at all times and all costs, even when their life is at stake. As indicated in the Gurbani, the child Prahlaada's devotion is unmatched and enthralling and establishes that one who is completely devoted to God is never let down by Him. His strong faith and devotion did not waver even when his very life was at risk. He did not succumb to external pressure, and he stood firm holding on to the God's Name when all others were forced to hail his father who repeatedly ordered life threatening ordeals to harm Prahlaada (his own son). Ignorance and fear keeps Bhagti away from the common people.

The following question may rise in one's bosom: "If I don't have a living Guru, then how am I to remove my doubts or confusion (Bharam, Dubidhaa etc.)? Although, the Knowledge about God (Brahm-Giaan) is available from the SGGS, nonetheless the Gurbani also strongly recommends seeking and keeping constant Satsang or Saadh-Sangat (Spiritual or Holy Company). The Gurbani compares the nature of the Spiritual Association with that of the sandalwood and Paaras (touchstone) — whatever comes into their contact is uplifted. Because in such Holy Company, a lowly conditioned Jeeva (unit consciousness) is purified, thus uplifted and transformed into Divine Consciousness! In the presence of such Holy Company, one finds the energy, integrity, understanding, and persistence to liberate himself from the domain of the false ego regime (Haume). However, the Gurbani has specified a strict criteria as to what a real Saadh-Sangat is (Satsangat kaisee jaaneeyai. Jithai eko naam vakhaaneeyai, sggs 71). The Association of real Gurmukhs can sweep our "filthy" minds clean and help us become established in Pure Awareness and attentiveness. But they are very rare. Also, they are not easily decipherable from the imitation because they have risen above any worldly labels or dogmas. Their ways are unique and distinct ("Bhagataa kee chaal niraalee", sggs 981). Their greatness get camouflaged by their simplicity and humility. Such True and Wise ones ravel constantly in the Universal Consciousness, radiating selfless love, compassion, service (Nishakaam Sevaa), sacrifice, and deep peace to all. To recognize a true Saadh-Sangat, one needs the basic understanding of spirituality (power of discrimination or Viveka-Budhi, intuition etc.). In this regard, the Wisdom of the Gurbani can guide us. The stubborn doors of our minds ("Bajjar Kapaat") are closed and filthy, but the Holy Presence can purify and open them wide, leading to a change in our faulty vision, behavior and attitudes. In the Sang (Association) of a Saadh (Holy), faith — an important element of Bhagti (devotion) — is developed and strengthened. Thus, the real Holy ones have no interest in either making followers or asking anyone to change his religion. Instead, they want people to change themselves within for good by undoing (i.e., unlearning) all the negativity and the defilement (inner "filth" or corruption) collected in our lives, knowingly or unknowingly. They do not compete with religions: they just retell the Truth for their own time, place and circumstances. People call them by different names, and give them all sorts of titles and labels, but real ones care less. God's true devotees are always present on this earth ("Har jug jug bhagat upaaiaa, sggs 451."). But, our "Sang" in the past and present has been insincere or superficial (a road block to full Enlightenment). Because, we expect others to change, but not ourselves! It is very rare one indeed who wants to walk on a "two-edged sword"! The Gurbani says that there is no difference between the Lord and His humble servants.

This earth is the best place to know and experience God, and the lives of the Gurus and Bhagats prove this. Their devotion was unflinching. Therefore, every moment of human life is an auspicious time; an opportunity to overcome all sorrowful memories and take a step towards a fruitful life.

— T. Singh
www.gurbani.org

To read Gurbani verses in Gurmukhi, click here to download Gurmukhi font.

Updated on Saturday, August 23, 2008 1:53 PM (PST)

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