Gurbani Asks Burn Mind’s Bikaar

The shadow of vices / Bikaar (also spelt ‘Vikaar‘) — lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride; and their countless variations — stalks behind Righteousness or Virtues up to last moment until these Bikaar are absorbed into the Realization of the Creator within. Then and only then the negative impact and dominance of Bikaar ends once and for all.

  • ਝੜ ਝਖੜ ਓਹਾੜ ਲਹਰੀ ਵਹਨਿ ਲਖੇਸਰੀ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਿਉ ਆਲਾਇ ਬੇੜੇ ਡੁਬਣਿ ਨਾਹਿ ਭਉ ॥੪॥ : In this ocean of worldly life, millions of waves of vices or; Bikaar surge like the torrential rains, storms and floods. If you call upon the Satigur (i.e. true Wisdom-ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) for help, then you will not have any fear of drowning your boat of life in this world-ocean of vices or Bikaar. ||4|| (sggs 1410).
  • ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਜੀਅ ਮਹਿ ਚੋਟ ॥: Lust and anger (i.e. all evil passions) are the wounds of the Jeev (or mind, because they inspire us do evil) (sggs 152).

Bikaar reside within everyone

The Gurbani calls ‘Haumai‘ (false ego-sense) a chronic disease. Also called ‘Mail-ਮੈਲ-filth, the progeny of this false ego-sense (Haumai) is the ‘five’ (i.e. Bikaar with their numerous variations) which blind our mind to Virtues, Wisdom and its Original Nature (Jot Saroop), thus alienating one from God (Hukam). Haumai and the five drives/instincts are responsible for the corruption of morals and the development of criminal behavior (‘Apraadh‘).

If left unchecked, all vices/Bikaar can undo our efforts. However, lust is the most subtle and wicked. It captivates minds of the weak and plague them with its addiction. The Gurbani teaches us:

  • ਹੇ ਕਾਮੰ ਨਰਕ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੰ ਬਹੁ ਜੋਨੀ ਭ੍ਰਮਾਵਣਹ ॥ ਚਿਤ ਹਰਣੰ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਲੋਕ ਗੰਮ੍ਯ੍ਯੰ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸੀਲ ਬਿਦਾਰਣਹ ॥ ਅਲਪ ਸੁਖ ਅਵਿਤ ਚੰਚਲ ਊਚ ਨੀਚ ਸਮਾਵਣਹ ॥ : O lust (i.e. Bikaar), you push the indulgent into hell (hellish existence, you make them wander into countless (mind’s behavioral) forms or sufferings. You captivate minds; your reach is in all the three worlds; you destroy spiritual focus, penance and virtuous conduct. You give only superficial happiness but this is enough to make mortals weak and unstable. You afflict both the elite and the poor. (sggs 1358).
  • ਜਪੁ ਤਪੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਮਤਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਅਰਾਧਿਆ ॥ ਉਛਲਿਆ ਕਾਮੁ ਕਾਲ ਮਤਿ ਲਾਗੀ ਤਉ ਆਨਿ ਸਕਤਿ ਗਲਿ ਬਾਂਧਿਆ ॥੨॥ ਤਰੁਣ ਤੇਜੁ ਪਰ ਤ੍ਰਿਅ ਮੁਖੁ ਜੋਹਹਿ ਸਰੁ ਅਪਸਰੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ॥ ਉਨਮਤ ਕਾਮਿ ਮਹਾ ਬਿਖੁ ਭੂਲੈ ਪਾਪੁ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਨਿਆ ॥ Having renounced spiritual focus, penance, self-restrained, and the Wisdom of good deeds, you do not adore the divine Naam. With lust exploding within you, your intellect is dying and you embrace a multitude of women to satiate your lust. ॥2॥ Blinded by the strength of your youthfulness, you stare at women all around you unable to discern right from wrong. Drowning in lust you eat filth, you go astray, unable to distinguish between vice and virtue. (sggs 93).

Haumai (false ego-sense) or Bikaar in themselves are not bad. We all have them!

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਵਿਚੇ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਭੂਲੇ ਪਤਿ ਗਵਾਈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੋ ਨਾਇ ਰਾਚੈ ਸਾਚੈ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੪॥ : (Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature…) put the tendency to act in Haumai Maya within beings. Those who act as Manmukhs (Un-enlightened mindsets) go astray from Hukam and lose honor (i.e. lose spiritual life). One who becomes the Gurmukh (i.e. Enlightened state of the mind developed by Internalizing the Enlightening Message embedded in the Guru’s Shabad), lives by Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) and remains linked with the Creator/Hukam. ||4|| (sggs 1044).
  • ਤੁਧੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਖੇਲੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ਵਿਚਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਪਾਈਆ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਪੰਚ ਚੋਰ ਹਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ॥ : This world is a game created by Hukam (i.e. System-Rule-Law of Nature) in which human beings are afflicted with ego (Haumai). In this one body-temple there are five thieves (i.e. Bikaar: lust-desires, anger, greed, attachment, pride) who are always doing evil (these five thieves have taken over the mind-elephant). (sggs 1096).

If we all have them than what’s bad or negative about Bikaar?

What’s BAD or NEGATIVE about them is when they become DOMINANT (ਹਾਵੀ) — when they captivate and dominate one’s mind or when they become the mind’s hobbies or nature. In other words, they become bad when they control one’s life or when one becomes slave of them. Then they cause serious damage!

Hence, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) asks its Sikhs (learners, seekers-ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ) to control them.

  • ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਸਦ ਮੀਠੀ ਲਾਗੀ ਪਾਪ ਵਿਕਾਰ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਗਇਆ ਭਉ ਭਾਗਾ ਸਹਜੇ ਸਹਜਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥ : The Guru’s teachings are forever delightful and they annihilate all Paap and Bikaar. My False ego-sense (Haumai) and fear has fled, and now I forever remain in Sahaj (Natural state of being, state of Divine Wisdom…). (sggs 773).
  • ਸਾਧੋ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ਤਿਆਗਉ ॥ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਦੁਰਜਨ ਕੀ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਭਾਗਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: O ‘Saadho‘ (i.e. those who call themselves Saadh / seekers but in reality are fraud)! Shed the egotistical pride of your mind. Abstain from lust and anger (i.e. all Bikaar) which is like being in the company of evil persons. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 219).
  • ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਤਜੋ ॥ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਦੁਹੁ ਤੇ ਰਹਿਓ ॥ : Abandon from your mind lust, anger, greed and emotional attachment, and thus escape the suffering from both, birth and death (of the mind). (sggs 241).

In a nutshell, the Gurbani (SGGS) NEVER talks about their total death, because that’s just not possible or practical. The Gurbani (SGGS) teaches very practical spirituality! Therefore, instead, the Gurbani teaches removing their negative dominance or control on our mind.

  • ਪੰਚ ਦੂਤ ਤੁਧੁ ਵਸਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ॥ : (O Mind!) overpower – subdue, control – the ‘FIVE’ (Kaam, Krodh, Lobh , Moh, Ahankaar) Doot (of Jamm) then you will avoid spiritual death. (sggs 917).
  • ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਨਿਵਾਰੈ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁ ਸਮਝ ਪਰੀ ॥ : Becoming the Shabad Enlightens one into resolving worldly attachment and consequent anger, frustration and ego. (sggs 939).

Virtues (ਗੁਣ) also reside within everyone

The Gurmat or Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) also tells us that Bikaar, as well as Virtues (ਗੁਣ) reside within everyone. Neither Bikaar nor Virtues can be yanked out of the human mind. Instead, we can learn from the Shabad Guru how to control them and use them in life.

  • ਇਸੁ ਦੇਹੀ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਪੰਚ ਚੋਰ ਵਸਹਿ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਾ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਲੂਟਹਿ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਨਹੀ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸੁਣੈ ਪੂਕਾਰਾ ॥: Within this body dwell the five thieves: lust, anger, greed, attachment, and pride. They plunder the Amrit (-Naam, Virtues, Wisdom, etc., from within the body), but the Manmukhs do not realize it; (but once they are plundered, and so suffer, then…) no one hears their cry shout (i.e., then no one can help them). (sggs 600).
  • ਅਵਗੁਣੀ ਭਰਪੂਰ ਹੈ ਗੁਣ ਭੀ ਵਸਹਿ ਨਾਲਿ ॥: (The mortal) is overflowing with demerits, but the Divine Virtue dwells within him as well. (sggs 936).

Removing negative dominance of Bikaar

However removing the negative dominance of Bikaar will require sincere efforts — the Guru’s Wisdom (Soap-ਸਾਬਨ) will have to be rubbed on the mind then the ‘filth- Mail-ਮੈਲ’) of the mind will come off. As thread follows needle, similarly our Conscious (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ) needs to follow the Message embedded in the Guru’s Shabd.

  • ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥ ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥ ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥: Water cleanses my stained physical self (external body). Soap cleanses my stained garments. (Beyond the stained physical self or the garments) my intellect is stained by vices. The cleansing of which (i.e. intellect) is by imbuing in Naam (Wisdom / Virtues). (sggs 4).

In other words, this ‘filth-Mail-ਮੈਲ’) will not leave our Conscience by itself. Also it will not be removed by chanting ‘Rabb Rabb‘, Raam Raam‘, ‘Waheguru Waguru’, counting beads or mere seeing and bowing down in front of SGGS as told by the self-serving Pujaaree (clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.) and the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ, ਪਖੰਡੀ–Pakhnadee) etc.

  • ਹਰਿ ਆਰਾਧਿ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਰੇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਰੇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਿਓ ਰਾਮਦਾਸੁ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: (O brother!) I have not learnt how to remember Rabb. I only repeat ‘Hari Hari’ ‘Guru Guru‘ with empty mouth (ਖਾਲੀ ਮੂੰਹੋਂ, Pakhand, to show off etc. ). By this show alone (ਵਿਖਾਵੇ ਕਰ ਕੇ) people have named me Ramdas, the Bhagat of Rabb! (sggs 612).

In short, mere talk, mental trickery, useless rituals (Karamkaand), religious bathing, external show of religiosity etc. will not do the trick!

However, although Haumai (false ego-sense) along with the negativity of all its faults is a chronic mental disease, it is curable. The Gurbani asserts its medicine (‘ਦਾਰੂ’, cure) is also within — if one practices ‘Gur Kaa Shabad‘ in daily life and lives daily life in accordance with the Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad!

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥: Ego is a chronic disease, but it contains its own cure as well. (This disease of one’s egotism will get cured within only) if (one) favors (himself) — if one practices ‘Gur Kaa Shabad‘ in daily life or if one lives daily life in accordance with the Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad. (sggs 466).

Gurbani says help yourself to free the mind of Bikaar

What’s in our power is to free the mind from the bad impact of Bikaar (ਬੁਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ). In other words, what’s in power is to keep them in check, under control. In other words, we should know where and how to use our godly Energy positively.

  • ਏਤੇ ਕੂਕਰ ਹਉ ਬੇਗਾਨਾ ਭਉਕਾ ਇਸੁ ਤਨ ਤਾਈ ॥ ਭਗਤਿ ਹੀਣੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਤਾ ਖਸਮੈ ਨਾਉ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੪॥੧॥ : (O God) there are many stray dogs around here (i.e. dogs of Bikaar: lust, anger, greed etc.) and I am like a stranger amongst them, I bark (i.e. as much as I praise You living with Naam) to shield myself from these (i.e. I am Praising God for own sake — I am not doing God any favors by doing so). But, if Nanak bereft of Bhagti (i.e. devoid of divine Virtues), then I cannot blame You, O God, because I have not put forth any efforts. ||4||1|| (sggs 795).

As a healthy balanced is achieved, our confidence rises, and the divine Virtues (ਗੁਣ) Awaken that are lying dormant within.

Toward this end, the Gurmat Giaan-Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) urges us to burn the bad effects of Bikaar from the mind (ਬੁਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ) by living daily life in accordance with the Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad.

The Gurbani says true Identification of a Sikh (ਸਿੱਖ ਦੀ ਪਹਚਾਣ) is that he/she burns away bad impact of Bikaar from the mind, including Haumai (false ego-sense). In other words, according to SGGS, the target of a Sikh in life is to drive away bad impact of the Bikaar, negativity etc.

  • ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਿਖੁ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਹਾਟੈ ॥: The Sikh of the Guru recoils (withdraws, ਹਟ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ…) from Bikaars (sggs 286).
  • ਪੰਚ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਬਸੇ ਰਾਚੇ ਮਾਇਆ ਸੰਗਿ ॥: The five Bikaar (i.e., lust-desires, anger, greed etc.) dwell in the mind of one who is engrossed in Maya (sggs 297).
  • ਮਨੁ ਭੂਲੋ ਬਹੁ ਚਿਤੈ ਵਿਕਾਰੁ ॥: The misled mind thinks much of perversion (lust, anger, greed, etc.). (sggs 222).

Implication of this edict of the Gurbani (ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦਾ ਫੈਸਲਾ) is that, regardless of one’s external ‘Adammbar-ਅਡੰਬਰ’ (i.e. external religious displays, pomp, ostentation, pretense etc.), one remains a phony Sikh until his mind has not turned away from Bikaar!

  • ਰਾਜਾ ਬਾਲਕੁ ਨਗਰੀ ਕਾਚੀ ਦੁਸਟਾ ਨਾਲਿ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥ : Our body is like a weak or vulnerable township whose king, the MIND, is spiritually ignorant, and the mind is in love with its wicked enemies — vices/Bikaar: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride; and their countless variations. (sggs 1171).
  • ਦੇਸੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਪਰਦੇਸਹਿ ਧਾਇਆ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਚੰਡਾਲ ਨਾਲੇ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ॥੪॥: Leaving your country, you wander in foreign lands. (But your Mayaic mind) brings the five pariahs (i.e., Bikaar: lust-desires, anger, greed, etc.) with it. ||4|| (sggs 1348).

In fact, the SGGS asserts that what is called Jum or Jamm (ਜਮ), in reality, is none other than Bikaar.

  • ਅਵਰਿ ਪੰਚ ਹਮ ਏਕ ਜਨਾ ਕਿਉ ਰਾਖਉ ਘਰ ਬਾਰੁ ਮਨਾ ॥ ਮਾਰਹਿ ਲੂਟਹਿ ਨੀਤ ਨੀਤ ਕਿਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਕਰੀ ਪੁਕਾਰ ਜਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮਾ ਉਚਰੁ ਮਨਾ ॥ ਆਗੈ ਜਮ ਦਲੁ ਬਿਖਮੁ ਘਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: O my mind! They are five (lust, anger, greed, etc.). I am but all alone. How can I protect my hearth and home (within, i.e., Virtues, Wisdom, good thoughts…). They daily kill and plunder (my Virtues, Wisdom, good thoughts…). Unto whom can I complain? (O my mind!) Utter the Naam of Raam; (because, stood) before you is (this) awful terrible, and numerous band of JUM (i.e. lust-desires, anger, greed, etc.). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 155).

Burn Bikaar in the fire of Giaan-Wisdom

So, the Gurbani’s Counsel is to Burn all Bikaar in the fire of the Wisdom!

  • ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਛੋਡੀਐ ਦੀਜੈ ਅਗਨਿ ਜਲਾਇ ॥: Let go lust, anger and greed, and burn them in the fire (sggs 519).
  • ਅਨਿਕ ਅਡੰਬਰ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਬਿਰਥੇ ਤਾ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਘਟਾਵਉ ॥: There are numerous ‘Addambar’ of Maya. They are useless. (So) withhold (your) love from these (sggs 529).

Since Bikaar are not gross objects they cannot be burnt in the gross fire that we know of!

Then, what kind of fire is it that the Gurbani is talking about here?

It is the subtle fire of the divine Wisdom (Brahm-Giaan…), which can roast the seed of Bikaar, doubts, ignorance etc.

  • ਕਬੀਰ ਜਮ ਕਾ ਠੇਂਗਾ ਬੁਰਾ ਹੈ ਓਹੁ ਨਹੀ ਸਹਿਆ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਜੁ ਸਾਧੂ ਮੋੁਹਿ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਲੀਆ ਅੰਚਲਿ ਲਾਇ ॥੭੮॥ : Kabeer, the blow (beating-ਸੱਟ, ਚੋਟ) of vices/Bikaar is terrible and cannot be endured. I met the Guru (Shabad) who connected me to his teachings (Giyan-Wisdom, Consel, Upadesh). ||78|| (sggs 1368).
  • ਦਿਸਟਿ ਬਿਕਾਰੀ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਭਾਗੀ ਐਸਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥੨॥: Such is the (blessing of) Brahm Giaan (Divine Wisdom) that corrupt vision and corrupt thinking (wickedness, foolishness, block-headedness, ignorance…) run away. ||2|| (sggs 1339).
  • ਭਰਮ ਅੰਧੇਰ ਬਿਨਾਸ ਗਿਆਨ ਗੁਰ ਅੰਜਨਾ ॥: The Divine Wisdom (is such) collyrium that destroys the darkness of doubts (from the mind). (sggs 456).

In fact the Gurbani (SGGS) asserts that the mind can ONLY be cleansed with the Wisdom of the Guru’s Shabad:

  • ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਹੋਰੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਕੋ ਨਾਹੀ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਰਣਾਇ ॥ : There is no other way to purify this mind except by taking shelter of the ‘Satgur‘ (True Wisdom-ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ). (sggs 558).

The Gurbani tells us that this can be accomplished with proper Understanding (ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ) Realized by churning the Gurbani or Shabad-Vichaar and then constantly bathing the mind in that Brahm-Giaan or Wisdom in our daily life. A person of Brahm-Giaan is called Brahm-Giaanee.

If Bikaar don’t get burnt in the fire of Prachand Giaan (ardent or fiery Wisdom), they will come back or not leave in the first place!

  • ਇਹੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਬਿਕਾਰੁ ਸੰਸੇ ਮਹਿ ਤਰਿਓ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ॥: This world is engrossed in Bikaar and doubts. Only the Brahm Giaanee (the one who possesses spiritual Knowledge) swims across (this world full of Bikaar and doubt). (sggs 13).
  • ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਨਿ ਸੁਖ ਫਲ ਪਾਇਨਿ ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਆਰਾਧਹਿ ॥ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਰਣਿ ਤੇਰੈ ਭਰਵਾਸੈ ਪੰਚ ਦੁਸਟ ਲੈ ਸਾਧਹਿ ॥੩॥ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਤੇਰੀ ॥ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥: Constantly remembering the Naam (i.e. constantly applying the Naam — Wisdom — to my daily life, I) ever enjoy Bliss. In the shelter and with the support of the Naam (i.e. Wisdom — ਗਿਆਨਵਾਨ ਹੋਕੇ), I have brought the ‘five’ villains (i.e. Bikaar: lust-desires, anger, greed etc.) under my control. ||3|| I knew nothing about Wisdom, remembering (Naam), Karma, and did not know the value of your (blessing). O Nanak! I found the Greatest Satiguru‘ (i.e. True Wisdom – ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) which saved my honor in this ‘Kal‘ (i.e. the corrupt state of my mind). ||4||10||57|| (sggs 750).

This Divine Wisdom is called the ‘Kharrag‘ (‘ਖੜਗੁ’: sword) of the ‘Satiguru‘ (i.e., Sword of Wisdom) in the Gurbani.

  • ਗਿਆਨ ਖੜਗੁ ਲੈ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਲੂਝੈ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਸਮਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੩॥: I fight to overcome the desires of my mind with the double-edged Sword (Kharag) of Wisdom (of the Satguru). ||3|| (sggs 1022).
  • ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡੁ ਬਲਿਆ ਘਟਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਘਰ ਮੰਦਰ ਸੋਹਾਇਆ ॥: In the Heart or mind (of that person who loves Naam: Wisdom…) the bright light of the Wisdom shines brightly, all his senses become the possessors of beautiful spiritual life. (sggs 775).

According to the Gurbani, it is this sword of the Divine Wisdom which can cut asunder the mind’s ignorance, Bikaar, doubt…

  • ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇਆ ॥: O Nanak! Ego has been burnt away through the Shabad (sggs 1189).
  • ਜਿਉ ਮੰਦਰ ਕਉ ਥਾਮੈ ਥੰਮਨੁ ॥ ਤਿਉ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਹਿ ਅਸਥੰਮਨੁ ॥: As a pillar supports a building, similarly, the Gur-Shabad is the mind’s support. (sggs 282).

The idea is to change the mind’s Bikaaree nature (i.e. corrupt thinking, Durmat, wickedness, block-headedness, foolishness, ignorance…).

But the question is: How can we acquire this subtle fire of Brahm-Giaan (Wisdom)? The Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS is here for our mind’s rescue, provided we are willing and interested to be rescued!

  • ਦੀਵਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੇਲੁ ॥ ਉਨਿ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਓਹੁ ਸੋਖਿਆ ਚੂਕਾ ਜਮ ਸਿਉ ਮੇਲੁ ॥੧॥:God’s Naam alone is the Lamp which provides the Spiritual Enlightenment in my life and I have put the oil of worldly suffering in this Lamp. The light of God’s Naam has dried up the oil of suffering and I have escaped meeting with the (concocted or mythical) Jum (i.e. Bikaar or vices). ||1|| (sggs 358).

The Gurbani addresses the human mind that needs to change its bad habits, bad thinking and bad actions, HERE and NOW, not after death.

  • ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਅਰੁ ਲੋਭ ਮੋਹ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜਾਇ ਅਹੰਮੇਵ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾਗਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥੧॥ : Nanak, (pray) — O Gurudev-Prabhu! I seek your refuge, please bestow Your Grace (Wisdom / Virtues), so that my lust, anger, greed, attachment and Haumai are banished. (sggs 269).

As medicine is for the alive people not for dead, similarly, the Wisdom of the SGGS is for the minds of the living people, not for animals, stones, or dead people. It’s the mind that has been shut up and confined, as a chick in an eggshell of doubt, Karamkaand, ignorance, Bikaar or demerits, religious paraphernalia, and so on.

  • ਦੁਖ ਮਹੁਰਾ ਮਾਰਣ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਸਿਲਾ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਪੀਸਣੁ ਹਥਿ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਨਿਤ ਨਿਤ ਲੇਹੁ ਨ ਛੀਜੈ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਅੰਤ ਕਾਲਿ ਜਮੁ ਮਾਰੈ ਠੇਹ ॥੧॥ ਐਸਾ ਦਾਰੂ ਖਾਹਿ ਗਵਾਰ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤੇਰੇ ਜਾਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Sufferings that have become poison due to Vikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed etc.), the divine Naam (Giaan-Wsdom) is the antidote. Grind it up in the mortar of contentment, make the Daan (i.e. giving of Giaan-Wisdom etc. to help others or needy) a grindstone in your hand. Take this (medicine) everyday, and your body will not pine and waste away (i.e. diminute). Otherwise you will have to bear the brunt of Vikaar. ||1|| O foolish (mind)! Take such medicine, by which (the bad impact of) Vikaar leave you alone (i.e. stay at bay). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1257).

When all Bikaar are overpowered with Virtues and living by the Unique and Revolutionary Wisdom of the Gurmat, this is what happens:

  • ਸਜਣ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਲਿ ਮੈ ਚਲਦਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਲੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਤਿਥੈ ਖੜੇ ਦਿਸੰਨਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: (Virtues – ਗੁਣ) alone are my friends, who (always) travel along with me; and where the accounts are called for (i.e., wherever I’m in trouble, my Virtues) appear standing with me. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 729).

Ending Note – No other human can burn your Bikaar!

The Gurbani in SGGS instructs us that no other human (i.e. so called Baabaa/Sant etc.) has the power/capacity/potency to burn your Bikaar for you. You have to help yourself to achieve that for you with your own efforts.

  • ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕੀ ਟੇਕ ਬ੍ਰਿਥੀ ਸਭ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ ਦੇਵਨ ਕਉ ਏਕੈ ਭਗਵਾਨੁ ॥ : (O human) realize that dependence on other people (to give you Wisdom/Virtues as a readymade package, or to get rid of your own vices/Bikaar etc.) is in vain. Because the ONE Creator (Within) alone is potent to give. (sggs 281).
  • ਇਸੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਮਹਿ ਕੋਈ ਜਾਗਤੁ ਰਹੈ ॥ ਸਾਬਤੁ ਵਸਤੁ ਓਹੁ ਅਪਨੀ ਲਹੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਸਗਲ ਸਹੇਲੀ ਅਪਨੈ ਰਸ ਮਾਤੀ ॥ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਕੀ ਖਬਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਤੀ ॥ ਮੁਸਨਹਾਰ ਪੰਚ ਬਟਵਾਰੇ ॥ ਸੂਨੇ ਨਗਰਿ ਪਰੇ ਠਗਹਾਰੇ ॥੨॥ ਉਨ ਤੇ ਰਾਖੈ ਬਾਪੁ ਨ ਮਾਈ ॥ ਉਨ ਤੇ ਰਾਖੈ ਮੀਤੁ ਨ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਦਰਬਿ ਸਿਆਣਪ ਨਾ ਓਇ ਰਹਤੇ ॥ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਓਇ ਦੁਸਟ ਵਸਿ ਹੋਤੇ ॥੩॥ : A rare person remains Awake (Aware, Alert, Conscious) of the onslaught of Maya (worldly attractions and their corrupting influences – Bhav Saagar). (Whosoever remains Awake within) keeps his spiritual life Intact, (Whole, Undivided – Saabat…). ||1||Pause|| All senses of the body are busy in enjoying their own pleasures (i.e. sense-objects). They do not care to guard their own body (against vices or Bikaar). The five (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride) are the plunderers and robbers (ਡਾਕੂ). These thugs descend upon the unguarded (body-) house. ||2|| Our mothers and fathers cannot save us from them. Friends and brothers cannot protect us from them. They cannot be restrained by wealth or cleverness. Only through the association of the Guru (realization of the Enlightening Message contained in Shabad), can these evils be brought under control. ||3|| (sggs 182).

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13 comments

  1. Veer Jee, tusin bahot changi vyakhya kiti hai jee. Bahut bahut dhanwad for such updates. Vaheguru Kirpa Kare.

  2. SABADu as the ultimate and the ONLYtool to kill all types of Vikaars.

    Thank you Bhai Sahib Ji!
    • ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਪੀਤੈ ਤਿਖ ਜਾਇ ॥ (sggs 35).

  3. This Vichaar is wonderful conclusion about the significance of SABADu as the ultimate and the ONLYtool to kill all types of Vikaars.

  4. This Vichhar is wonderful in concluding the significance of THE ONLY SABADu as an ultimate tool for killing all types of Vikaars.

  5. Very very educative article.There are two types of disciplines a gursikh has to observe-External and Internal.i.e.Baanna and Baanni.The internal discipline relates to following the life style as prescribed in gurbani and it helps in manitaining the exterrnal rahat of five Ks.

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