The majority of us (the 99.9 percent category) having separated from our godly status ("Joti-svaroopa") have lost our way. We are given an opportunity in this human form to reform (mend our ways to overcome latent tendencies and old habits) ourselves and return "Home" — "Ghar", "Nij Ghar", "Sach Ghar", "Nij Pada", "Thaan Suhaaiaa", "Chauthaa Pada", "Turiyaa", "Aap Pashaanai" or Self-realization, God-realization, etc. — within

Freedom from repeated suffering (Aavaa Gaman) is figuratively described in scriptures as “Homecoming” and it is the birthright of every bonded Jeeva (individual being). The Homeward-bound soul is said to follow the path of Light (Wisdom, Aatam-Giaan, Self-knowledge, etc.). He enjoys great Anand (everlasting Bliss, Joy, rejoicing, etc) and is escorted to the Transcendental Realm (Sachkhand, etc.) within. Self-knowledge is indicated as supreme as it removes ignorance, which is the cause of bondage. All other knowledge is relative.

• ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਿਉ ਘਰ ਵਾਸੁ ॥: Bin gur mail na otarai bin har kiou ghar vaas: Without the Guru, this pollution (actions committed under the influence of the three modes of the material nature or Maya, which gives rise to desires and anxiety) is not removed. Without the Lord, how can there be any homecoming? (sggs 18).
• ਇਹੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਬਿਕਾਰੁ ਸੰਸੇ ਮਹਿ ਤਰਿਓ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ॥: Ih sansaar bikaaar sanse mahi tario Brham Giaanee: This world is engrossed in Bikaars (evil inclinations: lust, anger, greed, etc.) and cynicism. Only the Brham Giaanee is saved from these (sggs 13).

How can we receive the Guru/God's Grace? According to SGGS, by reforming ourselves and thus becoming fit for that Grace.

The SGGS stresses the absolute necessity of transcending the realm of the three-modes of material nature (Traiguna Maya: Saatav, Raajas and Taamas). SGGS says that the Chauthaa Pada (the Fourth State, Turiyaa or the state of Pure Awareness) is experienced only when the "Trikuti" of Maya is transcended. In other words, when the knot of the three qualities of Maya stands untied, the Tenth Gate (Dasam Duaar) opens up (Homecoming!). Hence, the sphere of Maya is wherein matter predominates over Spirit. In this sphere, the Kaarmic law of repeated suffering works in full swing. Therefore, SGGS accentuates one must go beyond Maya to come Home.

Going beyond Maya or the gross realm of material is synonymous with many other esoteric terms and expressions such as Sunn, Sunn Anaraagee, Sunn-Samaadhi, Sunn Kalaa, Panch-Shabad Jhunakaar, Shabad-Surti, Surati-Dhun, Ajappaa Jaap, Akul Niranjan Deethaa, Sachee Nagree, Baygumpuraa, Kundilini Surjhee, Siv Kee Puree, Sasi Ghari Soor, Siv Shakti, Anhata Naad, Anhata Dhuni, Anhata Shabad, Anhata Baaje, Anhata Bani, Anhata Beenaa, Anahad Benu, Anhata Run Jhun, Anhata Sunn, Ounman, Dhandhookaar Niraalam, Sat Saroop, Guptee Bani, Bees Ikees, Sat Saru, Sahaj-Avasthaa, Gurmukh state, understanding of Irhaa-Pingla-Sushumanaa, turning of the Heart-lotus upright, opening of the Tenth gate (Dasam-duaar), opening of Bajjar Kapaat, third eye, and so on.

• ਨਿਜ ਪਦ ਊਪਰਿ ਲਾਗੋ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥: Nij pada oopar laago dhhiaan: I focus my meditation on my inner Self, deep within.(sggs 1159).
• ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਇ ਅਨੰਤਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਏ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ॥: Nij ghar vasiaa gun gaai anantaa. Prabh milio Nanak bhaye achintaa: By singing the Divine glory, now I have met God within, O Nanak, I have become worry-free (sggs 371).
• ਨਉ ਦਰ ਠਾਕੇ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਰਹਾਏ ॥ ਦਸਵੈ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਓਥੈ ਅਨਹਦ ਸਬਦ ਵਜਹਿ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੬॥: Naou dar thaake dhaavat rahaaye. Dasvai nij ghar vaasaa paaye ...: Those who close off the nine gates, and restrain the wandering mind, come to dwell in the Home of the Tenth Gate. There, the Unstruck Melody of the Shabad vibrates day and night. Through the Guru's Teachings, the Shabad is heard. ||6|| (sggs 124).
• ਇੜਾ ਪਿੰਗਲਾ ਸੁਖਮਨਾ ਲੰਘ ਤ੍ਰਿਬੇਨੀ ਨਿਜ ਘਰ ਆਵੈ ॥: Irhaa pingalaa sukhamanaa langh tribenee nij ghar aavai: Go beyond the Triveni of Irhaa, Pingalaa and Sushumanaa and stablize in your own Self (Vaar Bhai Gurdaas).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਹਿ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਦਾਸਾ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਕਮਲੁ ਪਰਗਾਸਾ ॥ ਅਨਹਦੁ ਵਾਜੈ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ॥ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਘਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਉਦਾਸਾ ॥੩॥: Satgur sevahi sadaa man daasaa. Haumai maar kamal pargaasaa. Anhad vaajai nij ghar vaasaa. Naam rate ghar mahi udaasaa ||3||:  Serving the True Guru, the mind becomes humble forever. (They) kill their egotism, and their heart-lotus blossoms forth. The Unstruck Melody vibrates, as they dwell within the Inner Home (their consciousness remains focussed on Naam). Attuned to the Naam, they remain detached (from Maya's attraction) in the midst of the household (life) ||3|| (sggs 161).
• ਇਸੁ ਗੁਫਾ ਮਹਿ ਇਕੁ ਥਾਨੁ ਸੁਹਾਇਆ ॥: Is gufaa mahi ik thaan suhaaiaa: There is beautiful place within this cave of the Heart (sggs 126).
• ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਘਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਜਾਇ ॥: Aap pashaanai ghar vasai houmai thrisanaa jaai: Through realizing the (True) Self, people dwell within the Home of their inner being and their ego and desire depart (sggs 57).

The SGGS indicates that the Reality of our Being or our True Home is within us, here and now (Haajraa Hajoor). So there is nowhere to go! That is, "Bande Khoj" or "Mann Khoj Maarag" is the journey within: inner search! Accordingly, the SGGS time and again reminds us to look inwards to know the Reality. However, with awareness externalized, we are unable to see it. Consciousness of most of us is being attuned to the physical aspect of life, makes it hard to believe or accept the simple Truth that everything is within the body. It is the deceitful nature of the outgoing mind that shield this Truth from us. The SGGS indicates that all we need is a pure, calm, or silent (Haume-free) mind to experience it. But, the truth is that our mind is never silent or still. So our mind is never found there. It is always somewhere else, lost wandering in the glitter of the world (Maya). Hence the Real Home remains empty. It wants us to come back and occupy it, but we are always somewhere else, thus keep missing it. As indicated in the SGGS, "Joti-svaroopa" is our Originality, our very Being. Everything else comes and goes... this Reality always is, changeless in midst of the changefulness.

• ਐਸੇ ਕਾਹੇ ਭੂਲਿ ਪਰੇ ॥ ਕਰਹਿ ਕਰਾਵਹਿ ਮੂਕਰਿ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਪੇਖਤ ਸੁਨਤ ਸਦਾ ਸੰਗਿ ਹਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਕਾਚ ਬਿਹਾਝਨ ਕੰਚਨ ਛਾਡਨ ਬੈਰੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਹੇਤੁ ਸਾਜਨ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਖਰੇ ॥ ਹੋਵਨੁ ਕਉਰਾ ਅਨਹੋਵਨੁ ਮੀਠਾ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਮਹਿ ਲਪਟਾਇ ਜਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਅੰਧ ਕੂਪ ਮਹਿ ਪਰਿਓ ਪਰਾਨੀ ਭਰਮ ਗੁਬਾਰ ਮੋਹ ਬੰਧਿ ਪਰੇ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਹੋਤ ਦਇਆਰਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟੈ ਕਾਢੈ ਬਾਹ ਫਰੇ ॥: Aise kaahe bhool pare...: Why do you wander in delusion like this? You act, and incite others to act (evil Karma), and then deny it. The Lord is always with you; He sees and hears everything. ||1||Pause||You purchase glass (worldliness), and discard gold (Truth or Divine Name); you are in love with your enemy (Maya), while you renounce your true friend (God or His Name). That which exists (Truth or Divine Name), seems bitter; that which does not exist (illusion or Maya), seems sweet to you. Engrossed in corruption, you are burning away. The mortal has fallen into the deep, dark pit (of attachment), and is entangled in the darkness of doubt, and the bondage of emotional attachment. Says Nanak, when God becomes merciful (when the Divine Mercy is awakened within), one meets with the Guru, who takes him by the arm, and lifts him out (sggs 823).
• ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਹਰਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਨ ਮਰਣਾ ਹੋਇ ॥: Aap pashaanai har milai bahurr na maranaa hoi: One who understands his (True) Self, meets with the Lord, and never dies again (sggs 1410).
• ਬੰਦੇ ਖੋਜੁ ਦਿਲ ਹਰ ਰੋਜ ਨਾ ਫਿਰੁ ਪਰੇਸਾਨੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥: O human being, search your own heart every day, and do not wander around in confusion (sggs 727).
  
• ਮਨ ਖੋਜਿ ਮਾਰਗੁ ॥: Mann khoj maarag: mwrgu: O mind, seek out the way! (sggs 71).
• ਇਉ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਅਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੫॥: Iou kahai Nanak mann toon joti saroop hai apanaa mool pashaan ||5||: Thus says Nanak: O my mind, you are the embodiment or the True Image of the Divine Light (i.e., God) - recognize your Origin ||5|| (sggs 441).

The SGGS shows us the way to get established in the Inner Home. A mind free of passions (Bikaars, etc.) is indicated to be an innocent and pure mind (empty of Haume but full of "Joti-svaroopa"). To the contrary, a mind full of passions is indicated to be a corrupt and impure mind (empty of Awareness). So the SGGS urges us dropping our passions and becoming the Gurmukh (Spiritual or Enlightened Being). The Gurmukh leads Spiritual Life (also called Inner, Divine or Eternal Life) of non-attachment, purity and contentment; for he knows that only by knowing one's True Nature one can overcome material afflictions (passions), and become eternally Blissful. Hence, the one with Spiritual outlook spend their time and energy on the Spiritual path (Aatam-Maarag) practicing dispassion, resorting to acquisition of Self-knowledge (Aatam-Giaan), practicing love and devotion, doing selfless service, meditating on Divine Name, and associating with Sat (Truth) within and outside; without however sacrificing the household duties and responsibilities. How it's possible?

The analogy of watching pictures on the television screen will be helpful to further appreciate this. The screen is fixed, whilst the pictures move in it. However, the screen remains unaffected by the movement of these pictures. Likewise, the True Home is the changeless Center within; the waking, dream and sleep states are mere movement in it. The Gurmukh (Spiritually Awakened) is fully aware that the true state of his inner Being ever remains unmodified and that all activities go on around him; hence he considers only the screen and not the moving pictures. To silent or to arrest the mind is easier said than done. The mind is ever changing. It is restless, unsteady and imbalanced. That's why our thoughts, emotions, fears, and worries are ever unsteady and changing. Accordingly, the SGGS urges us becoming the Gurmukh (egoless being) and arresting (conquering or annihilating) the mind and making it intuitively balanced and steady (purified). The wobbling and unsteady mind is indicated to become steady when it has realized its essence or True Nature as Pure Consciousness. Therefore, in the Gurmat (Teachings of the SGGS), true understanding or right viewpoint is said to be the key.

• ਜਿਨੀ ਸੁਣਿ ਕੈ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਤਿਨਾ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸੁ ॥: Jinee suni kai manniaa tinaa nij ghare vaas: Those who hear and believe, find the home of the Self deep Within (sggs 27).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਵਣੀ ਸਚੁ ਘਟਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜਿਸ ਕੈ ਸਚੁ ਵਸੈ ਸਚੇ ਸਚੀ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਸਚਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਸੇ ਨ ਵਿਛੁੜਹਿ ਤਿਨ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਹੋਇ ॥: Gurmukhi kaar kamaavanee sach ghati pargat hoi ...: The Gurmukh practices good deeds, and the truth is revealed in his heart. True is the reputation of the true, Within whom truth abides. Those who meet God are not separated again; they come to dwell in the home of the Self deep Within (sggs 27).
• ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸੈ ਸਾਚਿ ਸਮਾਏ ॥ ਜੰਮਣੁ ਮਰਣਾ ਠਾਕਿ ਰਹਾਏ ॥: Nij ghari vaasai saachi samaae. Jamman marnaa thaaki rahaae: They (Gurmukhs) dwell in the home of their own inner beings, and merge in the True Being. Their cycle of birth and death is ended (sggs 222).
• ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਪਾਏ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਏ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਹਾਗਣਿ ਨਾਰੀ ॥: Nij ghar vaasaa paaeae sabad vajaaeae sadaa suhaagan naaree: Obtaining an abode in the home of her inner being, she vibrates the Word of the Shabad, and is a happy Soul-bride forever (sggs 568).
• ਸੁਖ ਦੁਖ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਅਮਰੁ ਅਤੀਤਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਿਜ ਘਰੁ ਪਾਇਦਾ ॥: Sukh dukh hee te amar ateetaa Gurmukh nij ghar paaidaa: By becoming the Gurmukh, become Immortal, and remain untouched by pleasure and pain. He obtains the Eternal Home of his own Inner Being within (sggs 1037).
• ਬਿਖੈ ਰੋਗ ਭੈ ਬੰਧਨ ਭਾਗੇ ਮਨ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਜਾਨਾਨਾ ॥: Bikhai rog bhai bandhan bhaage mann nij ghar sukh jaanaanaa: The diseases of corruption, fear and bondage have run away; my mind has come to know peace in its own true home within (sggs 339).
• ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਵਿਆਪੇ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਮਨੂਆ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥: Manmukh Maya mohi viaape doojai bhaai manooaa thir naahi: The Manmukhs (ego-beings) are engrossed in emotional attachment to Maya; in the love of duality, their minds are unsteady (sggs 652).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪੈ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੀ ॥: Nanak aapai aap pashaanai gurmukh tata beechaaree: O Nanak, by becoming the Gurmukh, realize your (True) Self and reflect on the essence of Reality (sggs 1112).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜੈਸੇ ਅਵਿਨਾਸੀ ॥: Nanak gurmukh aap pashaanai prabh jaise avinaasee: O Nanak, by becoming the Gurmukh, when one understands his (True) Self, thwn he becomes like the Imperishable God (sggs 765).

But, this "Home" within is not palpable and its existence can only be inferred by the seeker. A seeker can reach a certain stage on his own. To progress beyond in this inner search by himself, the Guru who already has been there is needed to guide him further. If approached with reverence, patience, enthusiasm, faith and sincerity, Guru's Teachings, Instructions and Wisdom (Gurmat) will clarify one's doubts and will impart the Knowledge of Truth unto him. The Gur-Shabad deals with spiritual Knowledge, which removes ignorance that causes bondage and mistaken identity with the limited (finite) body-mind-intellect personality obscuring one's eternal spiritual nature ("Joti-svaroopa"). The SGGS indicates that when the dirt (of passions, ego or Haume, etc.) is removed from the "mirror" of the mind, the True Home will manifest itself. To say it otherwise, when the mind attains the Purity of the Naam (meditation), instantly the Home is there just as bringing of the light spells sudden disappearance of the darkness!

• ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦ ਨ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਨ ਕਾਲੁ ਟਰੇ ॥: Bin gur sabad na aap pashaanai bin har naam na kaal tare: Without (practicing) the Gur-Shabad, one does not undersand his (True) Self. Without the Lord's Name, death (fear of death) cannot be avoided (sggs 1014).
• ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਆਪੈ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਤਾ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਪਾਵੈ ॥: Guramatee aapai aap pashaanai taa nij ghar vaasaa paavai: Under Guru's Instruction, one comes to understand his (True) Self, and then, he comes to dwell in the Home of his inner Self (sggs 565).
• ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥: Gur parasaadee aap pashaanai: By Guru's Grace (by following His Teaching), (a true devotee) realizes his (True) Self (sggs 88).
• ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦੇ ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥: Gur kai sabade aap pashaanai: Through the Guru's Shabad, he realizes his (True) Self (sggs 224).
• ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਆਰਸੀ ਕੋਈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਖੈ ॥ ਮੋਰਚਾ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਸੋਖੈ ॥ ਅਨਹਤ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਏ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੪॥: Ih mann aarsee koee Gurmukh vekhai ...: This mind is like a mirror (or looking-glass, through which we can see our Originality, Authentic Nature, Aatmic Jeevan, etc., but); how rare are those who, by becoming the Gurmukh (spiritual beings), see themselves in it. The rust (of ego or Haume) does not stick to (the mind of) those who (by coming to the Sanctuary of the Guru) burn their ego (with ego burnt, they can see themselves through this mind-mirror). The Unstruck Melody of the Bani, the Pure Shabad resounds (within that person who has taken refuge in the Sanctuary of the Shabad-Guru, thus); through the Guru’s Shabad, he remains absorbed in the Truth ||4|| (sggs 115).

— T. Singh
www.gurbani.org

Updated on Thursday, September 3, 2009 9:05 AM (PST)

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