Gurbani Discards Entrenched Beliefs in Magic and Miracles

According to the spirituality of the Guru’s Shabad, magic and miracles (Kaarammat, occult powers, mystical or weird tricks, supernatural events, Sidhi etc.) are a violation of the Hukam (System-Rule-Law of Nature, Cosmic Law-ਨਿਯਮ).

Hence the spiritual Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) rejects magic and miracles and their conscious display. Because they are a violation of the Hukam — they are waste of time and of no value.

Gurbani Discards Entrenched Beliefs in Magic and Miracles

The Gurbani calls them ‘Avraa Saad-ਅਵਰਾ ਸਾਦ’, ‘Paakhand-ਪਾਖੰਡੁ‘, ‘Moh-ਮੋਹੁ’ etc. – inferior tastes, fraud, deception, delusion …

  • ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਫੁਰੀ ਤਬ ਕਾਹੂ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਆ ਕਾਜ ॥ ਤੇਰੇ ਕਹਨੇ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਕਿਆ ਕਹਉ ਮੈ ਬੋਲਤ ਹੀ ਬਡ ਲਾਜ ॥੧॥ : If you have magical powers, then why do you need to work for something (why do you need to depend on anyone for anything etc.)? What should I say about the reality of your talk (claims having the power to perform miracles)? I feel ashamed even to speak to you. ||1||(sggs 1103).
  • ਸਿਧਿ ਬੋਲਨਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਤੁਹਿ ਜਗ ਨੋ ਕਿਆ ਕਰਾਮਾਤਿ ਦਿਖਾਈ। ਕੁਝ ਵਿਖਾਲੇਂ ਅਸਾਨੋ, ਤੁਹਿ ਕਿਉ ਢਿਲ ਅਵੇਹੀ ਲਾਈ। : Siddhs (Yogis) said, listen O Nanak! (We have heard that) You have shown miracles or magical powers to the world. Why don’t you show us also, why are you delaying it or not showing it (do it now)? (Bhai Gur Das, Vaar 1, Pauri 42).
  • ਬਾਬਾ ਬੋਲੇ ਨਾਥ ਜੀ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਸਚੁ ਮੁਖਹੁ ਅਲਾਈ। ਬਾਝੋ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਦੇ ਹੋਰੁ ਕਰਾਮਾਤਿ ਅਸਾਂ ਤੇ ਨਾਹੀ। : Baba replied, O respected Nath! Please listen to the truth that I utter – I listen to the Shabad, I discourse the Shabad and I cause the Shabad listen by others. Other than the Creator’s Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) no else miracle I have. (Bhai Gur Das, Vaar 1, Pauri 43).
  • ਬਾਬੇ ਕੀਤੀ ਸਿਧਿ ਗੋਸਟਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸਿਧਾਂ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਈ। ਜਿਣਿ ਮੇਲਾ ਸਿਵਰਾਤਿ ਦਾ ਖਟ ਦਰਸਨ ਆਦੇਸਿ ਕਰਾਈ। ਸਿਧਿ ਬੋਲਨਿ ਸੁਭ ਬਚਨਿ ਧਨੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇਰੀ ਵਡੀ ਕਮਾਈ। : Baba has discussions with the Siddhs and explained the Shabad to them, as a result Siddhs attained Peace (i.e. now they understood the Reality of the spirituality). In that Sivratri fair Baba Nanak talked to the about Realization of the Creator. Now, speaking benign words, the Siddhs said, Nanak, your achievement is Great. (Bhai Gur Das, Vaar 1, Pauri 44).

The Gurbani asserts that the conscious display of magic and miracles (Karamaat-ਕਰਾਮਾਤ…) are illusion — the dictum of the senses confined to time and space.

  • ਆਪਿ ਨਾਥੁ ਨਾਥੀ ਸਭ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਅਵਰਾ ਸਾਦ ॥: (O Yogi!) The Divine is supreme (Universal Energy, System of Nature…) whose (Hukam) controls all; (these Mayaic) Ridhi Sidhi or magical powers are all inferior tastes. (sggs 6).
  • ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਸਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥: Ridhi Sidhi (magical powers) are all worldly attachments; through them, Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) does not come to abide in the mind (sggs 593).
  • ਸਿਧੁ ਹੋਵਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਲਾਈ ਰਿਧਿ ਆਖਾ ਆਉ ॥ ਗੁਪਤੁ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ਬੈਸਾ ਲੋਕੁ ਰਾਖੈ ਭਾਉ ॥ ਮਤੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਭੂਲਾ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਤੇਰਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਉ ॥੩॥ : What would I gain if I were to become ‘Sidh’ (Yogi) and acquire the so called supernatural powers (magical trickery) to perform miracles to disappear and appear at will so that people would hold me in awe? I am afraid such temptations would make me forget God / Truth. (sggs 14).
  • ਕਿਨਹੀ ਸਿਧ ਬਹੁ ਚੇਟਕ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਭੇਖ ਬਹੁ ਥਾਟ ਬਨਾਏ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਤੰਤ ਮੰਤ ਬਹੁ ਖੇਵਾ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੀਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸੇਵਾ ॥੬॥ : Many ‘Sidh‘ are busy performing miracles. Many wear different garbs to set their own order. Many practice Tantric spells and chant magic Mantras. But, I the helpless one, serve God only (Gurmat Bhagti). ||6|| (sggs 913).

Not only Karaamaat, the SGGS also rejects ‘Tant Mant’ (Tantric spells, magical mantras, witchcraft, ਜਾਦੂ-ਟੂਣਾ…)! Babaa Nanak calls them ‘Paakhand‘ (hypocrisy):

  • ਤੰਤੁ ਮੰਤੁ ਪਾਖੰਡੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥: I know nothing of ‘Paakhand‘ of Tantric spells and magical mantras (witchcraft, ਜਾਦੂ-ਟੂਣਾ…); I have enshrined Raam (-Naam: Wisdom, Truth…) within my Heart, my mind is pleased with That. (sggs 766).

Why this is all ‘Paakhand‘? Because, nobody has power to change the System or Law of Nature (Hukam):

  • ਭਾਈ ਮਤ ਕੋਈ ਜਾਣਹੁ ਕਿਸੀ ਕੈ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਾਥਿ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਕਰੇ ਕਰਾਇਆ ॥: O brother! Let none think that they have any power. All (i.e., old age, death, so called evil spells, air, water, fire, solar systems…) act per the System or Law of Nature (Hukam, ਕੁਦਰਤ ਦਾ ਨਿਯਮ). (sggs 168).

Hence, only bogus among the so called Baabaa, Sant, Saadhoo, Yogi, etc., consciously display such powers for insignificant things like impressing upon people for making new disciples and followers, amassing money, gaining fame and honor, securing material welfare and comforts of life by misguiding others, gaining recognition, seeking people’s appreciation and attention, etc.

The life of such mean and deluded Moodha or rascals is no different than a prostitute: They sell their body, mind and soul just as a whore does!

As it will become more clear in the following pages, so long one consciously or selfishly exercises supernatural powers to produce miracles, that person cannot and will not transcend Maya (illusion, duality, Bhav Saagar, etc.). Such person is sure to ruin himself as well as his followers.

  • ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖਾਣੁ ਸਭੁ ਬਾਦਿ ਹੈ ਧਿਗੁ ਸਿਧੀ ਧਿਗੁ ਕਰਮਾਤਿ ॥: Without the Naam, all dress and eating are worthless; (without the Naam) accursed are all ‘Sidhee and Karaamaat’ (sggs 650).

Hence, developing and practicing occult powers is among the greatest obstacles on the Way to linking with one’s Mool within (Source, Jot Saroop, Original Nature, Truth…).

The reason being is that it further inflates false ego-sense (Haumai) or Bikaar, and rebels against unconditional surrender of all falsehood of the crooked or wandering mind.

Hence, the SGGS tells us display of Karamaat or miracles is ‘Avraa Saad-ਅਵਰਾ ਸਾਦ’, ‘Paakhand-ਪਾਖੰਡੁ’, ‘Moh-ਮੋਹੁ’, etc. It’s to act only out of deeply deluded egocentric false convictions and self-serving ambitions for enjoyment of Maya.

  • ਪਹਿਰਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਹਿਵੈ ਘਰੁ ਬਾਧਾ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਸਾਰੁ ਕਰਾਈ ॥ ਸਗਲੇ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਣੀ ਕਰਿ ਪੀਵਾ ਧਰਤੀ ਹਾਕ ਚਲਾਈ ॥ ਧਰਿ ਤਾਰਾਜੀ ਅੰਬਰੁ ਤੋਲੀ ਪਿਛੈ ਟੰਕੁ ਚੜਾਈ ॥ ਏਵਡੁ ਵਧਾ ਮਾਵਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਭਸੈ ਨਥਿ ਚਲਾਈ ॥ ਏਤਾ ਤਾਣੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਮਨ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕਰੀ ਭਿ ਆਖਿ ਕਰਾਈ ॥: If I put on the dress of fire, and built my house of snow, and made iron my food; and if I were to drink in all pain like water, and drive the entire earth before me; and if I were to become so large that I could not be contained, and if I were to control and lead all; and if I were to possess so much power within my mind that I could cause others to do my bidding – SO WHAT? (sggs 147).
  • ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖਾਣੁ ਸਭੁ ਬਾਦਿ ਹੈ ਧਿਗੁ ਸਿਧੀ ਧਿਗੁ ਕਰਮਾਤਿ ॥: Without the Naam, all dress and eating are worthless; (without the Naam) accursed are all ‘Sidhee and Karaamaat’ (sggs 650).

However, despite the fact that the Gurbani rejects exhibition of Karaamaat, the greedy Pujaaree groups, the foolish so called scholars, Deraa-Vaad, etc., are still fabricating the fake stories (Sakhi) on a daily basis and shamelessly keep attributing them to the Gurus and Bhagats!

Not only that, the self-serving Pujaaree in Sikhi have been successful in reducing the Gurbani to a mere mundane business (‘ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ’, ਧੰਧਾ, Golak…), rituals or Karamkaand, external appearance or Bhekh or religious paraphernalia) etc.

Anti-Gurmat stories (Sakhi)

Having said that, any Sikhi related text (there are dozens of them) that connects Gurus and Bhagats with Kraamaat (miracles) is NOT only FAKE TEXT but also ANTI-GURMAT. They violate the very basic principle of Gurmat — NOT to violate the Hukam. These texts are promoted by the anti-Gurmat Pujaree to distort and corrupt the Uniqueness of the Baabaa Nanak’s spirituality of the Shabad (Upadesh, Message etc.).

The Gurus and Bhagats (i.e. Daas Jan etc.) do NOT violate the Hukam. The Gurbani says:

  • ਆਖਣੁ ਵੇਖਣੁ ਬੋਲਣੁ ਚਲਣੁ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਮਰਣਾ ਧਾਤੁ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਾਜਿ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਖੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਆਪਿ ॥੨॥ : (All aspects of my life such as) talking, seeing, speaking, walking, living and dying; the essence of all that is created in the Hukam and contained in the Realization of Hukam of the Creator who is Permanently in Existence.॥2॥ (sggs 145).

As the Gurbani asserts, the spirituality or living the Divine Life ( the Gurmukh Lifestyle) is not meant to perform weird tricks or miracles.

The purpose of religion or Spirituality is to kill the false ego-sense (Haumai) and stay clear from the rule of the senses, and, ultimately, realize the Mool , within.

Therefore, all miracle or Karaamaati stories (Sakhi-ਸਾਖੀ) as manufactured by the self serving Pujaaree (clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.) and the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) etc. are:

  • not written by the Gurus,
  • none is found in the SGGS,
  • mostly written by anti-Gurus elements, thus,
  • anti-SGGS,
  • anti Gurbani,
  • anti-Gur-Shabad,
  • anti- Gurmat (Wisdom, Giaan, Upadesh or Way of the SGGS…)…

The intention or Goal of the Gurbani is not to create sorcerers, magicians, Madaarees or Manmukhs, but Gurmukhs ( Enlightened Mind, Hukam-Willed: ਹੁਕਮੀ ਬੰਦੇ…)!

Source of Fake stories in Sikhi

Despite the fact that the Gurbani has rejected magic and miracles (Karaamaat), still there are countless fake stories (ਗੱਪ ਕਹਾਣੀਆਂ, ਮੰਨ-ਘੜੰਤ ਝੂਠ ਸਾਖੀ-Sakhi) in Sikhi manufactured by the self-serving Pujaaree groups (ਮੰਗ ਖਾਣਾਂ ਪੁਜਾਰੀ ਲਾਣਾਂ), Deraa-Vaad,, Baabaa-Vaad, Sant-Vaad etc. They falsely attribute these fake stories to the Gurus and Bhagats.

The Pujaaree groups find the ideas from the books like ‘Suraj Prakash‘ etc. that are full of fake and meaningless stories (Sakhi-ਸਾਖੀ), falsehood (ਝੂਠ), disfigured history with embellishments, and imaginary facts along the lines of Brahmanical concepts and mythology!

  • ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਾਖੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਣੀ ਪੀਵਤ ਹੀ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਭਇਆ ॥: ‘Gur Ki Sakhi‘ means Guru’s Teaching, which is the Amrit Bani (i.e., Gurbani, Gur-Shabad); by drinking it (i.e., Realizing the Upadesh or Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad or Naam), one becomes proofed (genuine, approved, acceptable…). (sggs 360).
  • ਸਚ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਾਖੀ ਮੂਲੋ ਨ ਬਾਕੀ ॥੨੩॥: ‘Sakhi’ without Truth is of no avail (sggs 1412).

The so called Sikh scholars (ਅਖੌਤੀ ਵਿੱਦਵਾਨ or Pandit) were supposed to be better, but they turned out to be just like the pre-1469 Pujaaree groups (if not worse)! No wonder the Gurbani calls them ‘learned fools‘!

  • ਮੂਰਖ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਹਿਕਮਤਿ ਹੁਜਤਿ ਸੰਜੈ ਕਰਹਿ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥: The greedy Learned fools (Pundit, priest, clergy, religious scholars) gathers wealth through chicanery and clever arguments. (sggs 469).
  • ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਬਿਦਿਆ ਬਿਕ੍ਰਦਾ ਬਿਖੁ ਖਟੇ ਬਿਖੁ ਖਾਇ ॥ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਚੀਨਈ ਸੂਝ ਬੂਝ ਨਹ ਕਾਇ ॥ ॥੫੩॥: The Manmukh sells his knowledge (learning, etc.); he earns poison (of Maya), and eats this poison (that brings him spiritual death). The fool does not Reflect on the Shabad. He has no understanding, no comprehension ||53|| (sggs 938).

Worst, the self-serving Pujaaree imposed these fake stories on the heads of unsuspecting or ignorant Sikhs, from which Baabaa Nanak freed all of us!

The tragic result is minds of Sikhs have been shut up and confined or enslaved by this Pujaaree system, as a chick in an eggshell (of doubt, Karamkaand, ignorance, Bikaar or demerits, religious paraphernalia, ignorance, confusion, and so on).

Consequently, this self-serving Pujaaree system, Deraa-Vaad, Baabaa-Vaad, Sant-Vaad etc. have made the Gurus and Bhagat to appear self contradictory – what they practice in their real life is NOT what they write in the SGGS!

However, when it comes to face the reality like Covid-19 pandemic, the Pujaaree groups have disappeared like horns from the head of a donkey! All over the world, they have shut the doors of their shrines, Srovar, places of pilgrimage, Deraa etc. only to run away from people and hide in their dens along with their counterfeit god!

Where are their phony miracles now? The fraud they have been perpetrating on unsuspecting or ignorant people for centuries, and fake god they have been selling have been exposed!

The truth is that the Pujaaree groups have nothing to do with the Gurbani and the Gurus. On account of their selfishness and greed, there main aim is amassing wealth – it’s all business (Golak, ਧੰਧਾ, ਰੋਟੀ ਦਾ ਜਰੀਆ) in the name of the Gurbani and the Gurus!

Fittingly the Gurbani warns about making phony claims or bragging:

  • ਕਬੀਰ ਦਾਵੈ ਦਾਝਨੁ ਹੋਤੁ ਹੈ ਨਿਰਦਾਵੈ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਸੰਕ ॥ ਜੋ ਜਨੁ ਨਿਰਦਾਵੈ ਰਹੈ ਸੋ ਗਨੈ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਸੋ ਰੰਕ ॥੧੬੯॥: O Kabeer! Claiming (or bragging…) begets burning within (rise in jealousy, anger, egotism, ਖਿੱਝ-ਸੜਨ… ). (One) Without (such) claim remains carefree. That person who does not assert (such) claim, considers even lnder (an idiom, meaning a wealthy) and a poor alike! ||169|| (sggs 1373).

The Gurbani’s truth, Way and Rabb is totally different then the Pujaaree’s nonsense and falsehood (ਝੂਠ).

Want to see a real miracle in life?

If you do, then the Gurbani says have your mind abide in the spiritual Message embedded in the Shabad (Wisdom / Virtues).

Because, to have the mind abiding in the Naam is the most wondrous miracle per the SGGS!That is, if one is successful changing his own mind through the Naam, consider that as a wonderful miracle! Because, it’s the mind that needs to become a Sikh.

  • ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਏਹਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਏਹਾ ਕਰਮਾਤਿ ॥੨॥: O Nanak! By becoming the Gurmukh, the Divine Naam (Truth, Wisdom, Virtues…) abides in the mind; this is ‘Sidhi and Karaamaat’. ||2|| (sggs 650).
  • ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾ ਕਰਮਾਤਿ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਤੁਠੈ ਜੋ ਮਿਲੈ ॥੧॥: O Nanak! That is the Karaamaat when (the mind) becomes pleased (with the Hukam or Law of Nature, Shabad, Upadesh, Naam, Wisdom, Virtues… ||1|| (sggs 475).
  • ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖਾਣੁ ਸਭੁ ਬਾਦਿ ਹੈ ਧਿਗੁ ਸਿਧੀ ਧਿਗੁ ਕਰਮਾਤਿ ॥: Without the Naam, all dress and eating are worthless; (without the Naam) accursed are all ‘Sidhee and Karaamaat’ (sggs 650).
  • ਸਚਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਣਿਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਸਚੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ॥: Your Hukam (System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਨਿਯਮ…) is Permanently in Existence (i.e. Hukam cannot be changed or violated); this is the Guru’s Realization. The Recognition or Realization (that the Creator / Hukam is Permanently in Existence) comes through the Gurmat (Giaan or Wisdom of the SGGG) removing Haumai (false ego-sense, ਖ਼ੁਦੀ). (sggs 144).

To make the point as to how worthless are all Karaamaat or occult powers, consider this example:

A holy man was standing at the river-shore; waiting for the boat to go across the river. Meanwhile, a Yogi approached him and asked:

‘Why are you standing here, Sir?’

The man humbly replied: ‘I am waiting for the boat to take me across the river’.

The Yogi sarcastically laughed at him and said: ‘Don’t you know how to walk on the water?’

‘No, Sir’, said the Man.

‘You don’t even know how to walk on the water, what kind of holy man are you?’, inquired the Yogi.

Before the man said anything, the Yogi jumped into the river and started walking on the water. To make a big show of his inflated ego, he traversed the river in every direction.

Meantime the boat showed up. Before embarking on the boat, the man asked Yogi as to how long it took him to master this supernatural feat.

‘Twenty years’, pompously replied the Yogi.

Hearing this, the man asked: ‘Dear Yogi, tell me how much the boat costs to go cross the river’.

‘Five pennies’, replied the Yogi.

‘That means you earned only five pennies in twenty years!’ Saying this the man left!

In nutshell, the Gurbani tells us that the best miracle would be to change or upgrade one’s own mind (thinking, Soch) – uproot it from Mayaic consciousness and root it back to its Mool within (Source, Jot Saroop, True Nature, Wisdom, Virtues, Bibek, Truth…).

  • ਪਿੰਗੁਲ ਪਰਬਤ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਰੇ ਖਲ ਚਤੁਰ ਬਕੀਤਾ ॥ ਅੰਧੁਲੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਸੂਝਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਭੇਟਿ ਪੁਨੀਤਾ ॥੧॥: (With the Gur-Giaan, Widom, Bibek, Virtues, Truth…), people with crippled minds (minds that are unwise, unvirtuous, Bikaaree, etc.) cross the mountains (i.e., become Wise, Bibeki, Virtuous, realize the purpose of life, etc.), and people with the blind minds (foolish, egoistic, etc.) become Wise. Meeting with the Gur (-Giaan, Wisdom, Bibek, Virtues…) a mentally blind man gets the ontological vision or clear perception of the Universe. ||1|| (sggs 809).
  • ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਕਾ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਵੇਚਹਿ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਖੇਤੀ ਜਿਨ ਕੀ ਉਜੜੈ ਖਲਵਾੜੇ ਕਿਆ ਥਾਉ ॥ ਸਚੈ ਸਰਮੈ ਬਾਹਰੇ ਅਗੈ ਲਹਹਿ ਨ ਦਾਦਿ ॥ ਅਕਲਿ ਏਹ ਨ ਆਖੀਐ ਅਕਲਿ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਬਾਦਿ ॥ ਅਕਲੀ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸੇਵੀਐ ਅਕਲੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਅਕਲੀ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਕੈ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਅਕਲੀ ਕੀਚੈ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖੈ ਰਾਹੁ ਏਹੁ ਹੋਰਿ ਗਲਾਂ ਸੈਤਾਨੁ ॥੧॥: Accursed is the life who (on account of their selfishness and greed) read and reflect on Naam to sell it in the form of Mantras or magic. They are like those whose crop is continuously destroyed, (as a result) they have nothing to thrash! Without proper self-effort (to know ownself etc.) their future life is wasted. Intellect is not which is wasted in futile arguments. Use intellect in the service of God; the right use of intellect brings respect. Learn by intelligent reading and use intelligence in practice of charity (to help the needy). Says Nanak, this is the right way of life while other things (failure to apply discerning intellect) lead to wickedness. ||1|| (sggs 1245).

Ending note

The SGGS teaches us every event in the universe happens according to Unchangeable ‘Hukam‘ (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ…). Nothing ever happens in violation of this Hukam. Nature (Kudrat) does not break its own laws.

However, the following verse is always MISQOTED and ERRARANIOUSLY interpreted to justify all miracle or Karaamaati stories (Sakhi-ਸਾਖੀ, ਗੱਪ ਕਹਾਣੀਆਂ) manufactured by the self serving Pujaaree — clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.) and the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) etc.:

  • ਮਿਰਤਕ ਕਉ ਜੀਵਾਲਨਹਾਰ ॥ : Mirtak Kaou Jeevaalanhaar. (sggs 282).

This verse has been literally MIS-interpreted as: ‘HE infuses life back into dead’.

Such ERRARANIOUS interpretation goes against the basic principles of the Unique spirituality of Baabaa Nanak. Raising a person from dead is a miracle event because it violates the laws of Nature (Hukam), hence critiqued, rejected and debunked in SGGS.

Such ERRARANIOUS interpretations have no spiritual value, no guidance or UPADESH how to be good human being (i.e., SACHIAARAA), no Message in changing SIKH PSYCHE or the society. Clearly, the reason Sikh scholars MIS-interpreted Gurbani so literally is that either these scholars had little understanding of the basic principles of Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak, or they had some anti-Nanak or anti-Gurmat agenda.

According to the Gurbani, the real ‘ਮਿਰਤਕ-Mirtak‘ or dead is that person who is SPIRITUALLY DEAD:

  • ਅਤਿ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਕੁਲੀਨ ਚਤੁਰ ਮੁਖਿ ਙਿਆਨੀ ਧਨਵੰਤ ॥ ਮਿਰਤਕ ਕਹੀਅਹਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ॥੧॥ : A person may be very handsome, of high birth, clever, talking wise, and wealthy. (But) O Nanak! That person is called a walking corpse (spiritually dead-Aatmik Maut) if he has no Love within for Bhagvant (divine Virtues, Wisdom, Truth – spiritual Awakening…) ||1|| (sggs 253).
  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜਿਨੀ ਨ ਸੇਵਿਓ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕੀਤੋ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਮਿਰਤਕੁ ਹੈ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥: (Those beings) who have not served the ‘Satiguru‘ (through the Shabad-Vichaar), no Wisdom has Awakened within them, (they may appear as alive but they) are as dead in the world (spiritually dead-ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ). (sggs 88).

Now let’s interpret ਮਿਰਤਕ ਕਉ ਜੀਵਾਲਨਹਾਰ ॥ : Mirtak Kaou Jeevaalanhaar in the light of the Gurbani:

  • ਮਿਰਤਕ ਕਉ ਜੀਵਾਲਨਹਾਰ ॥ : A spiritually dead person becomes Awakened through (understanding, internalizing  godly Virtues / Wisdom, living in harmony with Hukam…). (sggs 283).

Some Related Posts:

16 comments

  1. I understood very well that our touch stone is SGGS.

    Based on that, here are my two cents. In your previous reply you said:

    some persons, who quote Bhai Gurdas Vaar 1
    which, by literal meanings , appear to say that Guru Nanak, performed miracles in Mecca( by rotating Mecca …

    My take on it is that Bhai Gurdas Ji is making important point: With his logical arguments (ਦਲੀਲਾਂ), Baabaa Nanak ‘rotated’ or CHANGED the thinking (Soch-ਸੋਚ ਨੂੰ ਘੁਮਾ/ਬਦਲ ਦਿੱਤਾ) of the fanatic and hostile clergy there…

  2. Thank you dear T Singh ji for your response. I understood very well that our touch stone is SGGS. My question still remains –
    Do VAARS OF BHAI GURDAS JI have any importance in Sikhi as those are often quoted by our learned and reputed Sikh Scholars ?

  3. Thank you brother HARDIP H SINGH Ji for taking the time to reply. Welcome to the Gurbani Blog!

    In spiritual thought, we will always find an exoteric (literal, ਅਖਰੀ ਅਰਥ) and an esoteric (inner, ਅਖਰਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਪਰੇ ਦੇ ਅਰਥ) meaning of statement. The question is: do we understand their esoteric meaning and mystic suggestions, or are we merely satisfied with their exoteric (literal or superficial) meaning?

    In general, meanings or interpretation of scriptural statements seen or heard are based on exoteric or literal meaning.

    Under the influence of Maya’s three qualities (Rajo, Tamo and Sato), everybody is at a different level of expansion-development-progress-blooming of intellect or Budhi (ਬੁਧੀ ਦਾ ਵਿਕਾਸ-Budhi Daa Vikaas).

    That said, depending on one’s level of intellect, everybody will have different understanding, different interpretation etc.

    I was challenged by some persons, who quote Bhai Gurdas Vaar

    Ask these ‘some persons’ who quote Bhai Gurdas Vaar: Have you diligently studied and understood Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) before reading Bhai Gurdas Vaar or other text. If they have then they can use the ‘touchstone’ of the SGGS to see what make sense and what does not. I can speak for myself. Let alone other texts, I’m still trying to understand and learn the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS).

    Also, once we start reading the SGGS with understanding (ਸਮਝ ਕੇ – not ritualistically) then one thing that would immediately stand out that what we have heard in our life is one thing, but what the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS tells us is something else!

    Many among the clergy and so called learned and scholars, for various reasons, try to paint Baabaa Nanak as some kind of magician.

    Based on reading the Gurbani, my take is Baabaa Nanak was a revolutionary spiritual warrior. He travelled extensively and — with his logical arguments —’rotated’ or CHANGED thinking (Soch-ਸੋਚ) of fanatic and hostile clergy (for example at Mecca as eluded to by Bhai Guedas Ji), tyrant rulers, Thuggs and so on.

    Similarly all other Gurus were also revolutionary spiritual warriors. In fact there is the Bani of 35 in the SGGS. They were all revolutionary spiritual warriors (ਜੋਧੇ) s well.

  4. I feel enriched with knowledge about Kramaats is Sikhi.Thank you.
    I was challenged by some persons, who quote Bhai Gurdas Vaar 1
    which, by literal meanings , appear to say that Guru Nanak, performed miracles in Mecca( by rotating Mecca) and in Bhagdad(by taking son of Pir Dasatgir to skies in the blink of eye and even brought back Parshad in a bowl). I will appreciate if you can throw some meaningful light on vaars by Bhai Gurdas on Guru Nanak.

  5. My thoughts are that if you believe in the miracles of one religion, whether or not you use that to determine the authenticity of that doctrine, you must accept them all.

    If miracles were possible then we would have a lot more than a pile of accounts of the said miracles. Also it is worth noting if miracles were real, they would be encapsulated by what we call the natural world.

  6. T Singh Ji, a long time ago a group of us had a blog which had a very strong presence on social media. We initially started off as volunteers of the Pujaaree groups you mention but over time awakened to the truth as we further delved into Gurbani. Singh Saab, I would touch your feet if I ever meet you because the awakening you are bringing into our Panth is long overdue.

    Dhanvaad.

  7. Science has created miracles by understanding the inherent nature of these elements.

    Thank you Bhai Sahib Sukhvinder Singh Ji for taking the time to leave a comment. We appreciate it! Also, thank you for the kind words.

  8. Veer ji,
    Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh! I have been going through all of your articles for nearly three four years but commenting it for the first time.All your articles are worth appreciating.They are based on facts not beliefs.In the religious industry the preachers and fanatics make u believe in beliefs.In this universe as per my opinion nothing (not a single thing)goes beyond the domain of cause and effect.So no miracle at all.Another thing one needs to have is logical thinking in order to lead a good/ better life but none can demarcate a line as far as logical reasoning is concerned. Logical reasoning changes case to case depending upon the situation. In our religious books u are lead to think logically so that u can lead a good balanced life.One has to understand the inherent nature of five elements the life or whole universe is made up of.For example ,take the case of fire. If one doesn’t understand how this element works,time is not far away when one will be engulfed by it.Science has created miracles by understanding the inherent nature of these elements. The whole space industry is based on understanding of gravitational pull of earth.The so called religious people of all religions have contributed little for the welfare of society, have been enjoying the benefits of scientific innovations to the fullest, still don’t feel shy of condemning the science.
    Let me close it with utmost regard !

  9. Bhai T Singh Ji…..your article is a very deep article…..I have read it once n to fully appreciate it’s value. I would have to read it a few times consciously to fully appreciate it’s value……. I agree with you on all the “rubbish” that Missionaries…Dera Babaes etc sell to the local Sangat…..does this mean that sakhees that I grew up with like Panja Sahib…. Sri HarKrishan Sahib ji n the ignorant man he enlightened with a stick….Baba Deep Singh’s n bhai taru martyrdom , Guru Gobind Singh Jim s force of 40 who fought 100000 enemy soldiers….amongst many others are false….where do I draw a line on what is possible n impossible based on my finite mind n understanding…. I have come to a stage in my life where I would accept other “Granths” in our Sikh Panth AS LONG as it does not contradict the teachings from my one and only ultimate source SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI.

  10. Naam is the Greatest Kramat/Miracle in Sikhi
    In the Gurbani super natural power or Karamat is attributed to Waheguru-realization (attaining the state of Naam). In this state one is one with Waheguru and has access to Divine powers (like “Bani Jor” – Jap Ji pauri 37).

    The state of Naam (experiencing spirituality on Waheguru realization) when attained is accompanied by the gift of “Karamat” (super natural power) as given in the following Tuks:-

    ਏਹ ਕਿਨੇਹੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਆਪਸ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 2, GGS. 474-75). What sort of gift is this, which we receive only by our own asking?

    According to the Gurbani, the experience gained on merging of self with Universal Self (Waheguru/Akalpurakh) is itself a miraculous (Karamat) act.

    ਨਾਮੈ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਈ ॥ (Raag Raamkali M. 1, GGS. 946-13). Through the Name, everything is revealed; through the Name, understanding is obtained.

    ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੋ ਭਉ ਭੰਜਨੁ ਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧੦॥ (Raag Maaroo M. 1, GGS. 1046-6). O Nanak, the Lord God is the Destroyer of fear; meeting the Guru, the Lord God is found. ||10||

    ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਦਾਸੀ ॥ (Bhatt Kalh, GGS. 1387-12). The Naam is the wealth of the nine treasures; prosperity and supernatural spiritual powers are His slaves.

    Everything is possible with Naam – connectivity with Waheguru in the driving seat. The difference in the Supreme ‘Soojee’ of a Saint (with exalted Divine awareness) and an ordinary person is so much that what appears as a ‘Hukam’ to a Saint the same appears as a miracle to others. The only miracle in Sikhi is “liv”- the extent of Liv is beyond description by ordinary people. (‘Manne ki gat kahi na jaaei’- Jap Ji Sahib).

Leave a Reply to amarjit singh

Your email address will not be published. * = required fields. Comment Policy.