STUBBORN MINDEDNESS:
"Mann-Hatha"

Acting in stubbornness and egotism, (Truth) is not attained (Realized, etc.) (sggs 905).
One who stubbornly follows his own mind (ਮੂੰਹ-ਜ਼ੋਰ ਮਨੁੱਖ) will suffer ahead ||12|| (sggs 470).
<><><><>

The Sikhi is born and brought up in Prema Bhagti (Gurmat-Aatam Giaan). Hence, the Sikh philosophy is the Way of the Soul; not the way of the stubborn mindedness, defiled senses, deluded mind, or corrupt intellect. Instead, it is the game of Shabad-Surti or God-Consciousness. As such, it is to be played in the Sahaj Maarag - Natural State of just "Being", ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ; the State which is Transcendental, Simple, Spontaneous, Intuitive, Peaceful, Pure, True, Still, Quiet, Wisdom, Dheeraj, Love, Inner Perfection, Goodness, Oneness, Spiritual Silence (Sunn Samaadhi), and so on. It is so because the nature of the Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...) is "Sahaj" and Subtle. To realize this Subtlest Truth, one must take means which are equally subtle.

Like beads, all thoughts or states of our instinctive mind are strung on the basic obstinate error of Mool-forgetfulness. Each state of the mind is transitory, hence unreal. Since the mind is nothing but a collection of these transitory states or thoughts-stuff, it is also transitory. Non-reflection, non-investigation, non-inquiry or the absence of Shabad-Vichaar is the thread on which the beads of all these unreal states of mind are strung. For all the mental states, names and forms are rooted in the darkness of the Mool-forgetfulness; wherein the Truth that the living entity is nothing but the "Joti-Svaroopa" becomes forgotten. Consequently, one takes the transitory states of his mind as his real Mool (Source, Origin, Jot...). The state or nature of stubborn mindedness (Mann-Hatha, ਮਨ-ਹਠ), thus, is the way of the inflated ego; hence absolutely opposite to the Divine attributes of Sahaj Avasthaa, Prema-Bhagti, Spiritual Wisdom (Shabad-Giaan) or Naam Simran. Simply put, the Mann-Hatha is the way of the Manmukh - unwise, material or ego being in Mayadhaaree existence.

In the pages that lie ahead, the Gurbani (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS) will reveal to us the Truth about this ignoble and demoniac quality of "stubborn mindedness". In this context, this Gurbani Reflection will attempt to reflect on the followings:

Since the Gurbani is of the nature of Parameshar, it only speaks the Truth. In the beginning, however, the Truth may taste bitter and unpleasant to our false ego, as our inner mind reveals to us our shocking crookedness, falsehood, corruption, perversions, and weaknesses. Overwhelmed by these shocks, many of us may shrink from pursuing It, as the inner self plays back unhappy thoughts on the screen of our instinctive mind. However, diligent attempt, consistent self-effort, and continuous mental alertness is the key to the conquest. In all earnestness if the Truth is given a chance, it will sink in and then taste sweet later! Baabaa Nanak Says:

What Is Stubborn Mindedness?

The stubborn mindedness (Mann-Hatha) is the lack of the followings: Spiritual Wisdom (Aatam Giaan), Spiritual Understanding (ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ) of the Gur-Shabad. It is synonymous to the state of self-will (Manmukhataa) - selfishness, falsehood, unbelief, affliction, hardness of heart, impenitence, reprobacy, heinousness, fanaticism, crookedness, evil-mindedness, mental-weakness, immaturity, egoity, and raw or undisciplined mind, etc. Such person, although, may be aware of thinking, feeling and acting, but he is unaware of his Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...).

Thus, the meaning, function, and outcome of stubborn mindedness is totally apposite to the Sahaj Maarag or Sahaj Avasthaa of the Gurmat. Consequently, any actions performed in mental stubbornness are condemned and rejected by the Gurbani. Baabaa Nanak declares in the following verses that:

The intellect that's cut off from the Super Consciousness (Mool within) by becoming opinionated (stubborn mindedness) becomes the external or false ego (Haumai). When a person is represented by such contaminated intellect, his behavior becomes stubborn, unyielding or fanatic. He always wants to hold on to his ego-sense; as such, if agitated or disturbed, he behaves unfriendly or violently. Simply put: a stubborn person has no sense of consequences of his actions! Accordingly, he refuses to hearken to Gur-Shabad; and he refuses to receive correction. Therefore, as revealed in the Gurbani, the state of stubborn mindedness and Manmukh (material being) is one and the same; for it is characterized by doubts, egotism, foolishness, ignorance, mental trickery, falsehood, deception, untruth, duality, bondage, corruption, cheating, crookedness, fear, greed, insecurity, selfishness, desires and fear, Vaasnaa, etc. The opposite of such stubborn fanatic is the Gurmukh, the Mool-realized person. As indicated in the Gurbani, some examples of stubborn mindedness are as follows: Bathing in cold water early morning, sitting in wilderness to perform penance, making pilgrimages, bathing at the so called sacred ponds (Srovars or Sar), mechanical reading of scriptures without understanding a word of them, applying the so called ceremonial religious garbs and symbols to the perishable body, worshipping images and embodied beings (But-Prastee and Aadam-Prastee), fasting, making vows, standing naked in the water, enduring hunger and poverty, sitting cross-legged, stubbornly practicing ritualistic postures and austerities, standing on their heads, making offerings and sacred feasts, intense meditations with the body upside-down, performing external worship services, making donations to charity in ignorance, performing fire sacrifices, clean shaving the head or keeping long hair, performing fire sacrifices, carrying ceremonial walking sticks, digging wells and pools, asceticism, observing celibacy, abiding in detachment as Udaasees, being naked renunciates, applying patch on the mouth, wearing patched coats, practicing occult powers, remaining always awake, bathing at holy places of pilgrimage, believing in untouchability, remaining secluded, thinking wise in their own minds, plucking the hair out of heads, afraid of cleanliness and drink in filthy water and beg endlessly and eat the garbage which others have thrown away, spreading manure and suck in rotting smells, smearing bodies with ashes, renouncing or asserting faith in family, having begging bowls hanging from waists and keeping fly-brushes in hands, practicing austere meditation and live on roots and the fruits, living at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, wandering all across the earth, disciplining body and the mind that run around in ten directions, practicing celibacy, wear religious robes for show, singing melodies and hymns without true love, practicing rigid meditation, practicing self-discipline, speaking of liberation like yogis, and so on. The Gurbani thunders forth the declaration that Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...) cannot be won over with such stubborn mindedness. Prior to Baabaa Nanak, all types of Mann-Hatha (stubborn mindedness) were prevalent in the society. However, he decisively condemned and rejected all of them by declaring that one cannot realize the Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...) by such foolishness. In turn, he gave us the Divine Gurbani so that all future generations to come can understand the folly of stubborn mindedness.

But, surprisingly, rituals based on Mann-Hatha still are practiced by the Pujaaree group at the religious places, as well as in personal life by majority of us on a daily basis!

Further, interestingly enough, in spite of condemnation by the Gurbani, the term "stubborn mindedness" has made its way into the Sikh Ardaas (holy prayer) as well! For example, the portion of the Ardaas that was later composed and added by the Pujaaree group reads: "...Hatheeaan Japeeaan Tapeeaan jinna..."; here the use of word "Hatheeaan" (meaning one with stubborn mindedness) appears to be in direct contradiction with the Gurmat (Shabad-Giyan)! [footnote 1].

Since all types of Mann-Hatha are rejected and condemned by the Gurbani, it is very obvious that either we do not believe in the Gur-Shabad or we do not understand it! This Gurbani Reflection will attempt to reflect on a few of the widely practiced Mann-Hatha in our daily life. Baabaa Nanak says:

Ritual Bathing In Stubbornness

First, let us reflect on the ritual bathing or Ishanaan. In stubborn mindedness, many preach that if you do not take cold bath in the early morning, you cannot find God! Further, under the spell of duality (Maya) they preach that if you do not visit the places of pilgrimage and take ritual bath in their waters, then you are doomed as well. However, the Gurbani rejects such Mann-Hatha, and declares such Hathees to be Manmukhs. Further, the Gurbani proclaims that those who believe in such Mann-Hatha are no better than a "frog" who always remains in cold water!

As revealed by the Gurbani here, one's belief in ritual bathing is nothing but ignorance. Instead of focusing the consciousness on the Divine Name and , thereby, cleansing the mind, stubborn ritualists focus it on external cleansing. In the process, as indicated in the Gurbani, such "idiotic Manmukhs" end up accumulating more mental filth! Whenever there is a mention of Ishanaan (bathing) in the Gurbani, it is only pointed toward the Inner Ishanaan; bathing in the Inner Pool ("Sarovar") of the Naam-Simran located within the body. As stated before, prior to the coming of Baabaa Nanak, rituals including bathing or ablution in Mann-Hatha were on the rampant in the society. Although they were totally disapproved by him, however, surprisingly enough, if we carefully read the Sikh Ardaas it will reveal to us that the ritual of bathing or ablution also has made its way into it! For example, the portion of the Ardaas that was later composed and added by the Pujaaree group reads as follows: "...Sri Amritsar ji de Ishnaan....". Since the Gurbani condemns making any pilgrimages and ablutions, this again appears to be in direct contradiction with the Divine Word! In this regard, the Gurbani questions all of us as follows: [footnote 2]. Here the Gurmat (Divine Teaching of the Gurbani) makes it very clear that the true Ishanaan only consists of bathing the mind in the cleansing water of the Shabad or Naam (Aatam Giaan, Spiritual Wisdom...). Insistence on any other Ishanaan will only indicate no faith in the Gurbani, bewilderment of the mind, ignorance of the Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...), absurdity of the intellect indulged in the worldly affairs or duality (Maya). Religious Wearing In Stubbornness

"I am so tired of wearing all these necklaces, hair-ties and bracelets, and decorating myself. Meeting with my Beloved, I have found peace; now, I wear the necklace of Total Virtue. O Nanak, the Gurmukh attains God, with love and affection. Without God, who has found Peace? Reflect upon this in your mind, and see. Read about God, understand Him, and enshrine love for Him. Chant God's Name, and meditate on Him; hold tight to the Support of His Name" (sggs 937).

In the forgoing hymn, we are reminded that our material body is born with two filthy robes: lust and anger. The human life's ultimate aim is to rid the body of this inner "garbage". However, instead of liberating the body from this internal filth, majority of us have further adorned it with external blemishes consisting of various religious paraphernalia. Poor Soul! The Gurbani teaches us that all these external body robes, and other paraphernalia are nothing but a pompous show ("Adammbar") of man's unripe ego. Hence condemned by the Gurbani.

Although the religious wearing are condemned by the Gurbani, still people decorate their ephemeral body with them. Why? The Gurbani provides us with authoritative answers as well as explanations. According to the Gurbani, many put on such garbs to cover up their wickedness; to make believe that they know God; to establish their religious authority; to show they are spiritual scholars; to show they are better than those who do not wear such robes; to hide the fire of worldly desires and fear; to hide the filth of Maya within; to show that they know the true teachings of the scriptures; to hide their corruption, stubbornness, fanaticism, mental delusions or spiritual ignorance (egoity); and so on. The Gurbani confirms all of this as follows: The Gurbani has thus repeatedly warned us that the Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...) cannot be realized by any outwardly religious appearance or robes. In fact, as claimed by the Gurbani, one can go weary of such religious wearing or appearance but it will not bring him a bit closer to God. For example, hunger of a beggar will never depart just by wearing begging robes! Similarly, we are warned that mind's crookedness or ego-sense can not be seized by such unavailing ("Fokat") rituals. Can snow be found on Sun? Can one chew iron with the teeth of wax, or live in a snow house wearing robes of fire? Obviously not. Similarly, one can not captivate the Divine Substance with his external religious robes condemned by His own Word (Gurbani)! As revealed in the Gurbani, the only robes that can captivate Timeless Being are: (1) humility, (2) forgiveness, and (3) sweet speech. But, in Mann-Hatha, many still keep on preaching that in order to find God one must wear external marks or symbols such as sword or dagger, waistband (Camarbandh), ring, rosary, thread (Janeyu), peculiar clothes, Tilak (mark on the forehead), cross, so on and so forth. But God (in the Gurbani) rejects such claims since He being Subtle and Sublime cannot be approached and comprehended through such gross, external wearings in stubbornness. According to the Gurbani, Baabaa Nanak also wore a sword. But his sword was nothing but the Absolute Truth, secured in a scabbard made of Divine Virtues, and sharpened on the grindstone of the Shabad! Guru Gobind Singh Jee also compliments it by declaring that God is the Sword! Further, Baabaa Nanak says that his ring and the rosary are the remembrance of God's Name, and his Camarbandh is the contentment! Among many external symbols or marks that Yogis applied to their bodies include keeping a begging bowl ("Khappar") in their hands; a specially made head-covering; smear body with ash and sit next to fire to keep the body alert ("Kaya Karhaasan"); a special under wear called Langoti for celibacy, and so on.

During the Sidh Gost, Baabaa Nanak was asked by the Yogis to show them symbols he wore on his body. Baabaa Nanak replied: "My inverted heart-lotus (Undhaou) turned up right is my begging bowl; the awakening of the Soul is my head-covering; I keep my body alert with mental control; the control of mind is my Langoti; truth, contentment and self-discipline are my companions. O Nanak, by becoming the Gurmukh dwells on the Naam ||11|| " (ਊਂਧਉ ਖਪਰੁ ਪੰਚ ਭੂ ਟੋਪੀ ॥ ਕਾਂਇਆ ਕੜਾਸਣੁ ਮਨੁ ਜਾਗੋਟੀ ॥ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਮਾਲਿ ॥੧੧॥: Oondhaou khappar panch bhoo topee. Kaaniaa karhaasan mann jaagotee. Sat santokh sanjam hai naali. Nanak gurmukh Naam samaali ||11||, sggs 939).

In these verses as well as many more, Baabaa Nanak has made it very clear as to what symbols a seeker ought to wear, and what we must do in the path of Sikhi! Since Baabaa Nanak's Shabad is the Eternal Word of the Absolute Truth, it's Attall (Permanent)! Only a concept or an idea can be changed. However, since the Eternal Word (Shabad) is not a concept or an idea, it is unchangeable. The edict of Baabaa Nanak is:

Baabaa Nanak cannot be more clear than this. He did not approve of any peculiar religious wearing; because they are nothing but the symptom of one's stubborn mindedness (spiritual ignorance). Complementing the First Mahal, Guru Gobind Singh Jee declares that those who put on peculiar religious wearing do not know God at all! Guru Gobind Singh Jee, therefore, declared that, among other vices, one must abandon his stubborn mindedness if he wants to Realize God. Performing Calculated Service In Stubbornness

In Mann-Hatha, many chant calculated rounds of beads, many read calculated Banis or Paaths, many perform calculated prayers, and so on. All calculations are in false ego or Maya (Manmukhtaa). This is the nature of the worldly, calculating mind. This is the way the mind free to escape through the defiled nine-holes of our body thinks. The Gurbani declares that no one can Realize God by such calculations or accounting.

Since God cannot be calculated, this sort of businesslike stubborn practice is rejected by the Gurbani. Why? Because such practices can never transform our mind enchanted with unproductive thought-wanderings. Just few short prayers (Ardaas), some chanting, some Mantra recitation with rosary are totally insufficient. This sort of meditation cannot change us. Our psychological ego is so powerful that unbroken efforts are needed. If we practice constantly, only then negative emotions of mind will disappear.

Sikhi is the game of Sahaj Avasthaa or Prema-Bhagti. The Shabad (Naam) cannot be tasted unless we are spontaneously and infinitely in love with the Supreme Self. Accordingly, the Gurbani teaches us to spontaneously keep God's Name in the heart while sitting, standing, walking, eating, working, and so on. To put it otherwise, by becoming a Gurmukh (Spiritual Being), the sincere seeker plunges headlong into Shabad-Surti or God Consciousness; he does not calculate his Bhagti or meditation.

Reading And Listening Gurbani In Stubbornness

Today, in the Gurdawaaraa the page to page reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib called Akhand-Paath is sold to the devotees in a businesslike manner. In mental stubbornness, many go and pay these Pujaarees dearly, or hire Paathees (professional Gurbani readers) to perform Akhand-Paath in their homes. Now, people can also buy Akhand Paath over the Internet! Also, many read the Gurbani themselves in ritualistic, and robotic manner. However, the Gurbani never tires of reminding us that this type of practice has nothing to do with the Prema-Bhagti or Naam-Simran.

As revealed in the Gurbani, the mind bound by the stubbornness or three dispositions - the three modes of Maya: Taamas, Raajas, and Saatav - goes weary by reading and reciting religious books. But, as further as pointed out by the Gurbani, we can never realize the Supreme Essence by doing so. Thus, mere reading of countless Paath or Akhand-Paath in duality are of no avail, since the Pure Being cannot be reached by such practices. However, the Pujaaree or priest group is making a good return business out of all this Karamkaand (Jhoothaa Sodaa)! Why are they so successful in cheating people? Because people want something as Sublime as God and want it cheaply. As a result, they put themselves in a position to be easily cheated. In other words, a stubborn person has no sense of consequences of his actions! As we can appreciate, the Gurbani makes it very clear that by reading religious books, one cannot catch God; also, by speaking and talking, His limits cannot be found. The purpose of reading or listening the Gurbani (or any other scripture for that matter) is to develop Divine Understanding (Aatam-Giaan), and then act upon it. If that does not happen, then, there is no difference between a human being engaged in reading or listening to scriptures and a beast engaged in filling his belly. The Gurbani say: Singing Kirtan In Stubbornness

In general, Kirtan is sung in greed and heard to gratify ears - ਕੰਨ ਰਸ - (with "rare" exceptions) at religious places, religious ceremonies, homes, radios, televisions, tape-players, CD-players, Internet, and so on.

As per the Gurbani, is it the purpose or definition of Kirtan? Not according to the Gurbani!

Kirtan is defined in the Gurbani as Viaakhiaa of the Gurbani, of the One... (Viaakhiaa - ਵਿਆਖਿਆ: ਬਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਨੁ, commentary, explanation, interpretation, definition, annotation, elucidation...).

In other words, the only purpose of Kirtan is to annihilate the ego-mind through the Shabad-Vichaar. Does that happen? Not "even in dreams"! To the contrary, world is full of corruption, danger, conflicts and animosity. As evident in the society, more and more Raagees (commercial or for-hire Kirtan singers) are coming into the market place, more and more listeners are falling into their trend, but their minds are becoming more crooked and restless. What a paradox! Why? The Gurbani answers as follows:

The Kirtan is Bhagti (Understaning the Gurmat). Kirtan performed in Mann-Hatha (greed and lust) for making money as we see at religious gathering does not constitute Bhagti or Naam-Simran or Shabad-Vichaar. That's simply a worldly trade. The Gurbani warns us that the mystery of the Shabad can only be grasped through it's proper understanding. Due to lack or absent of faith and love, the Raagees think, feel, and behave like movie stars; consequently, they perform and charge for their performance in a concert like manner. Apparently, they have taken this word "Kirtan" out of context and put the trademark of music on the Gur-Shabad. As a result, Shabad-Vichaar almost has been turned into a club activity. They memorize the Gurbani like a parrot, and sing it in attractive melody or Taals; however, it all goes in vain because they do it in greed and selfishness. The edict of the Gurbani is: To illustrate the point, once it so happened that right after the Kirtan Divaan, a famous Raagee Jathaa had a fit with the host. They accused the host for not paying them enough money for the Kirtan they had just performed in his house. On the contrary, during the Kirtan the same Raagee had been preaching the Sangat not to be greedy and selfish in life. However, as soon as the Kirtan was over, they were fighting with the host for not paying them big buck! Finally, someone from the congregation politely asked them why they were asking for so much money which the host was financial unable to pay. The ring leader of the Raagee Jathaa replied: "Do you know the difference in the going rate for actor Amitaabh Bachan and the other actors in India?" Since the Kirtan has become nothing more than a mundane business, he was implying that he was equal to the topnotch actor so he should be paid high price for his Kirtan performance. This is the corruption - "Kanik Kaamini" - or greed and lust the Gurbani so much speak of. The Gurbani wants us to know that this is not the Kirtan the Gurmat talks about. Any Kirtan performed and heard in such hypocrisy or egoism (stubborn mindedness) is useless, thus rejected by the the Gurbani. Because, such Kirtan has nothing to do with the Bhagti or Naam-Simran or Shabad-Vichaar, consequently, it only results in accumulating more mental "filth". This is the reason the false ego in both Raagees and their listeners is on the rampant! Therefore, it goes without saying that the Kirtan is not to be taken as the intellectual or recreational pastime; nor it is to be taken as a concert or a club activity as we witness at the organized religious gatherings nowadays. Singing or listening Kirtan in this manner for the sake of pleasing the taste of one's senses is unavailing; because it only aids in enticing the senses further. It is like supplying more fuel to a burning blaze! Hence the Kirtan performed in any manner other than the Gurbani's intention results in added mental agitation, disturbance, discontentment and restlessness (impurity). The realm of Truth (Sach Khand), as mentioned in the Gurbani, is way beyond all such circus of mental activities (Karamkaand). The Gurmat cannot be more clear than this. Apparently, the true meaning of the Kirtan has been totally derailed by our greed and Mann-Hatha. Realization of the Amrit (Immortality) of the Naam or God-consciousness is possible only through the sincere practice of the Shabad-Kamaaee, not by mere mechanical singing or hearing of the Kirtan in a business like manner ("Badhaa chattee jo bhare naa gun naa upkaar"). This is the reason hypocrite Raagees and their listeners only remain ego or body-conscious, rather than becoming situated at the Higher Taste: God-consciousness or Shabad-Surti. Cooking Separate Food In Stubbornness

Before and during the time of Baabaa Nanak, Brahmins or Pundits in their stubborn mindedness or fanaticism used to cook their own food separately. They also used their on utensils and kitchens. Many still do! It seems like their is a new class of Sikhs as well: the Brahamin Sikhs, who also cook their separate food!

For example, many fanatics will refuse to partake in the Langar (common kitchen) and eat with rest of the Sangat. Instead, they cook their own food in their separate utensils and kitchens. This is one of the burning examples of a stubborn minded person's display of ignorance and deluded ego.

The Gurbani thunders that no one would be helped along with one's nonsense rituals stemming from his mental concoctions, doubts, superstitions and fear. Accordingly, the Gurbani repudiates such useless practices, because they will not help anybody find God.

It's not that the Gurbani is only telling Brahmins or Pundits not to practice such worthless rituals, it is also urging the Sikhs as well! If  a Sikh does than why wouldn't a Brahmin be helped along with his rituals, or a Muslim or a Christian or a Yogi with his? How absurd! The fact of the matter is that the Gurbani's instructions are for the good of all mankind; including Sikhs as well.

Yet, many self-appointed saints and Baabaas (and their followers), Sikh and non-Sikh alike, fanatically cook their own food; using their separate utensils and kitchens! Although they preach or attend the congregations at religious gatherings, but refuse to eat food from the Langar, or share their own cooking with others. Apparently, when it comes to God and Spiritual matters, such Manmukhs do not know the difference between the ear and the elbow! According to the Gurbani, whosoever practices such absurd ritual is a fanatic, ignorant or Manmukh; because he does not understand the true meaning of the Gur-Shabad, or on account of his greed he does not care.

Destruction of Stubbornness

Preceding are just a few examples of the man's stubborn mindedness as seen by the Gurbani. We are repeatedly asked by the Gurbani to destroy our mental stubbornness, once for ever. The abandonment of mental stubbornness will help us to retrace our steps back to our Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...). Therefore, we are asked by the Gurbani to renounce all our Mann-Hatha.

But it's not so easy! First of all, from the very childhood we are systematically led into believing in stubborn-mindedness and related rituals. Second,our life is full of quarrel, cheating, deceit, cynicism, hypocrisy, duplicity, misinformation, etc. Further, we are short-lived; not very intelligent and fortunate; and perpetually disturbed and agitated by anxieties. Third, our mind is ever flickering, turbulent, swift, restless, obstinate, tossing around and so strong that it often overcomes even one's own intelligence. Thus, the present age is a bitter struggle for a life of short duration!

Just as a blind cannot see a garden of beautiful flowers, just as a drunkard cannot be instructed in the subtleties of spirituality, just as hair cannot grow on a tortoise's shell, just as a dead cannot get up and run, just as a lotus cannot grow on a rock, and just as there is no oil in the sand grains, similarly, the stubborn mindedness is not conducive for Bhagti or Naam-Simran or Shabad-Vichaar . Accordingly, the Gurbani challenges us to fight against our Mann-Hatha.

Maya is stubborn and persistent; so is Mayadhaaree (stubborn being). Prisoned in the fortress of ignorance of the Mool within (Source, Origin, Jot...), Maya has shut its stubborn doors on us; consequently, we cannot see the Light. Our stubborn mindedness does not allow us plant the seeds of Intuitive Wisdom. Caught in the love of duality (Maya), thus, we have forgotten the treasure of the Naam-consciousness (Aatam Giaan...). Instead, we attach our material consciousness to the foul-smelling pile of "filth", which is transitory, like the fading color of the safflower. In Mann-Hatha, we wander in ten direction; continually spinning around, like the potter’s wheel. In sorrow, we eat, and in sorrow, we gather things and try to enjoy them, but we only increase our stores of sorrow. This brings us to the following question: How can the stubborn mindedness (contaminated intellect or false ego) be destroyed? As reveals throughout the Gurbani, the stubborn mindedness can be eradicated by attaining Aatam Giaan through the Shabad-Vichaar. When one’s mind abides in the Shabad-Surti, he radiates Aatam Giaan, and one becomes a Gurmukh (Spiritual Being) — one who understands his Mool. He then merges in Sahaj Avasthaa, and the stubborn foolishness departs.

—T. Singh 
www.gurbani.org

FOOTNOTE 1 & 2: This is not a criticism of anything or any entity, but instead, a specific point intended to foster a true spiritual understanding of the Shabad [Return to footnote 1] , [Return to footnote 2].

Updated on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 2:39 PM (PST)

[Home] [Article Menu]