"BIPAREET"

Such is the lifestyle of the Saakats;
everything they do is "Bipareet" (sggs 195)
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Bipareet (ਬਿਪਰੀਤਿ) literally means contrary, hostile, reverse, opposite, repugnant, adverse, destructive, corrupt, impure, bad, cruel, negative, offensive, etc. Therefore, Bipareet-Budhi or Bipareet-Mati is simply the cruel- or evil-mindedness (Durmat, Ulatee Mati, Ulatee Preet, Ulatee Chaal etc.). Most of us are in love with duality (Doojaa Bhaav) or Maya's dualistic principle. According to the Gurbani's affirmations, our love of Maya is the cause of our worldly sorrows. It corrupts and wastes away one's life. Those fluttering around in "Bipareet" nature are burnt, like moths in a flame.

As a result of one's love for Maya, one acts in life as the Saakat (Mayadhaaree, Manmukh, faithless cynic, self-centered, Haume or material being, foolish, evil-minded etc.), and all his doing is Bipareet. According to the Gurbani's affirmation, those in "Bipareet-Budhi", cannot stand the truthful ways of saintly people (Gurmukhs) so they bad mouth them. But, to the contrary, they befriend, adore and respect the "Saakats"! Such are their corrupt ("Bipareet") ways. Thus, instead of engaging in Naam-Simran (meditation, Jap), they engage in "Bipareet" doings.

Another example provided in the Gurbani of those who have adopted the practice of "Bipareet" are rulers, kings (leaders, dictators, politicians etc.). The present day rulers or leaders of all sorts lack godly qualities (Dharma), thus are corrupt and evil. Bound in the chains of Maya; they are actively engaged in "gathering in the poisonous wealth". In illusion, they think they and their power will be with them forever. Not true! When rulers or leaders become heedless, people become confused and weakened. As a result, there can be no true spiritual and material growth and prosperity, and social justice for the people, particularly for the weak For justice, peace and harmony to prevail, the rulers (leaders, politicians, ministers, kings etc.) must have a healthy approach towards their subjects and govern according to principles of Dharma. Unfortunately, this is very rare indeed in today's world where power and wealth seem to be the prime motivation for the ruling elite. They are generally corrupt, suffering from falsehood, although probably not all. Even in democratic systems, people are left with the choice to elect the lesser evil!

Another example given in the Gurbani as to how we can remain Free of "Bipareet" is that of the earth, tree, boat, sky, sun, wind etc. The Gurbani enlightens us about how we can imbibe wisdom from these by observing them. From the earth we can imbibe the quality of remaining unperturbed in all circumstances. Seeing the Earth's endurance man should not deviate from his course of truthful living; conscious of the fact of being subject to Providence. The sharp tool cuts down the tree, but it does not feel anger in its mind. It serves the purpose of the cutter, and does not blame him at all. Man boards the boat, and then sits down in it. Not only the fatigue of his body is relieved, but it also carries him to the other shore. Further, it does not let the ocean even wet him. The sky stretches evenly over all. It knows nothing of friend and enemy; all beings are alike to it. Even though covered by a body, man should identify with the Self ("Joti-Svaroopa"), which is all- pervading, by observing the sky (space). The sun rises, and dispels the darkness. Touching both the pure and the impure, it harbors no hatred to any. Similarly, man should adopts the mentality "no one is my enemy". The wind gently blows upon all places alike. Wherever anything is, it touches it there, and does not hesitate a bit. Good or bad, whoever comes close to the fire - his cold is taken away. It knows nothing of its own or others'; it is constant in the same quality. Similarly, though moving among all sorts of objects, man should not get particularly attached to them anymore than air, which flows freely. All these examples highlights the evanescence of the worldly life and the need to strive for liberation (Mukti) from bondage by self-effort of self-observation and self-purification.

The Gurbani also provides us with the affirmation as to how one can Free himself from the pain (Dukha) of the "Bipareet" ways. In other words, how one can go about uprooting it? We human beings seem so "Bipareet", negative or selfish. Spiritual practices such as Naam-Simran, selfless service (Sevaa), being in the association of Saadh-Sangat (Holy Company of the Gurmukhs) etc. are essential to purify the mind.

— T. Singh
www.gurbani.org

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Updated on Sunday, February 22, 2009 1:52 PM (PST)

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