Bipreet is the practice of offensive, repugnant, perverse, contrary, adverse, destructive, corrupt, impure, bad, cruel, negative or evil ways. Therefore, Bipareet-Budhi or Bipareet-Mati is simply the cruel- or evil-mindedness (Durmati, Ulatee Mati, Ulatee Preet, Ulatee Chaal etc.). Most of us are in love with duality (Doojaa Bhaav) or Maya's dualistic principle. According to the Gurbani's affirmations, our love of Maya is the cause of our worldly sorrows. It corrupts and wastes away one's life. Those fluttering around in "Bipareet" nature are burnt, like moths in a flame.
duqIAw Bwau ibprIiq AnIiq dwsw nh Bwvey jIau: Duteeaa bhaaou bipareet aneet daasaa nah bhaavaye jeeou: The love of duality, this evil practice, this bad habit, is not liked by the Lord's slaves (sggs 80).
kmlw BRm BIiq kmlw BRm BIiq hy qIKx md ibprIiq hy AvD AkwrQ jwq: Kamalaa bhram bheet kamalaa bhram bheet hay teekhan mada bipareet hay avadh akaarath jaat: Maya is the wall of doubt - Maya is the wall of doubt. It is such a powerful and destructive intoxicant; it corrupts and wastes away one's life (sggs 461).
As a result of one's love for Maya, he acts in life as the "Saakat" (Mayadhaaree, Manmukh, faithless cynic, self-centered, Haume or material being, foolish, evil-minded etc.). According to the Gurbani's affirmation, those in "Bipreet-Budhi", cannot stand the truthful ways of saintly people (Gurmukhs) so they bad mouth them. But, to the contrary, they befriend, adore and respect the "Saakats"! Such are their corrupt ("Bipareet") ways. Thus, instead of engaging in Naam-Simran (meditation, Japa), they engage in "Bipareet" doings.
sMq kI inMdw swkq kI pUjw AYsI idRV@I ibprIiq: Sant kee nindaa saakat kee poojaa aisee drirrhee bipareet: You slander the Saints, and you worship the Saakat; such are the corrupt ways you have adopted (sggs 673).
swkq mUV mwieAw ky biDk ivic mwieAw iPrih iPrMdy: Saakath moorr Maya ke badhik vich Maya firahi firande: The foolish Saakat are held captive by Maya; in Maya, they continue wandering, wandering around (sggs 800).
Another example provided
in the Gurbani of those who have adopted the practice of "Bipareet"
are rulers, kings (leaders, dictators, politicians etc.). The present day rulers
or leaders of all sorts lack godly qualities (Dharma), thus are corrupt
and evil. Bound in the chains of Maya; they are actively engaged in "gathering
in the poisonous wealth". In illusion, they think they and their power will
be with them forever. Not true! When rulers or leaders become heedless, people
become confused and weakened. As a result, there can be no true spiritual and
material growth and prosperity, and social justice for the people, particularly
for the weak For justice, peace and harmony to prevail, the rulers (leaders, politicians,
ministers, kings etc.) must have a healthy approach towards their subjects and
govern according to principles of Dharma. Unfortunately, this is very rare
indeed in today’s world where power and wealth seem to be the prime motivation
for the ruling elite. They are generally corrupt, suffering from falsehood, although
probably not all. Even in democratic systems, people are left with the choice
to elect the lesser evil!
Another example given in the Gurbani as to how we can remain Free of "Bipareet" is that of the earth, tree, boat, sky, sun, wind etc. The Gurbani enlightens us about how we can imbibe wisdom from these by observing them. From the earth we can imbibe the quality of remaining unperturbed in all circumstances. Seeing the Earth's endurance man should not deviate from his course of truthful living; conscious of the fact of being subject to Providence. The sharp tool cuts down the tree, but it does not feel anger in its mind. It serves the purpose of the cutter, and does not blame him at all. Man boards the boat, and then sits down in it. Not only the fatigue of his body is relieved, but it also carries him to the other shore. Further, it does not let the ocean even wet him. The sky stretches evenly over all. It knows nothing of friend and enemy; all beings are alike to it. Even though covered by a body, man should identify with the Self ("Joti-Svaroopa"), which is all- pervading, by observing the sky (space). The sun rises, and dispels the darkness. Touching both the pure and the impure, it harbors no hatred to any. Similarly, man should adopts the mentality "no one is my enemy". The wind gently blows upon all places alike. Wherever anything is, it touches it there, and does not hesitate a bit. Good or bad, whoever comes close to the fire - his cold is taken away. It knows nothing of its own or others'; it is constant in the same quality. Similarly, though moving among all sorts of objects, man should not get particularly attached to them anymore than air, which flows freely. All these examples highlights the evanescence of the worldly life and the need to strive for liberation (Mukti) from bondage by self-effort of self-observation and self-purification.
The Gurbani also provides us with the affirmation as to how one can Free himself from the pain (Dukha) of the "Bipareet" ways. In other words, how one can go about uprooting it? We human beings seem so "Bipareet", negative or selfish. Spiritual practices such as Naam-Simran, selfless service (Sevaa), being in the association of Saadh-Sangat (Holy Company of the Gurmukhs) etc. are essential to purify the mind.
— T. Singh
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