"SPEAK THE UNSPOKEN SPEECH"

"Akath" is ordinarily translated as "unspoken", etc., and "Kathaa" is ordinarily translated as "speech", etc.

The choice of the words "unspoken", "speech", etc. is unfortunate, but there are difficulties in translating; for in the English language there are no exact equivalent to certain words.

In nutshell, "Akath Kathaa" is that which can only be Reflected upon within (Vichaar) - ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਵਿਚਾਰੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ. In that sense, it can not be spoken - ਦੱਸੀ ਨਹੀ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀ. Here the Gurbani is directing our attention to the Divine Principle within all of us, which can only be Realized without physical instruments of tongue, ears, hands, feet, etc.

Baabaa Nanak says "speak the Unspoken Speech". That is, express the inexpressible or utter the unutterable — "Akath Kathaa ", "Akath Kahaanee ", and so on. The word "speech" or "speak" looks like doing (physical action). He says, "speak the Unspoken Speech" or "speak without a tongue" - Vichaar, within. This is how one can speak the unspeakable, and this is how one can speak without a tongue - through Vichaar, within (without physical receptors).

Sounds paradoxical. In fact this material existence is by its very nature paradoxical. It (including human life) consists of contradictions. For example, if there is life, there is death. If there is love, there is hate. If there is happiness, there is misery (Dukha), so on and so forth.

Human language is also limited, hence paradoxical. Therefore, many religious and spiritual assertions appears to be paradoxical. They may be in any scripture of the world religions, we will find them paradoxical. This is why people continually go on debating, arguing, and fighting about the Lord. They go on hating and killing others in the name of their God and religion!

It's our Haume (false ego-sense) that sees contradictions. In other words, contradictions exist only in the limitations of our psycho-physical personality. There are no contradictions and paradoxes in the Soul-Nature or the "Joti-Svaroopa". Since our Haume is of the opposite of the Soul-Nature or the "Joti-Svaroopa", it sees contradictions and paradoxes in everything in the existence. In fact, come to think of it, this life or the existence is beautiful because there are contradictions and paradoxes!

Baabaa Nanak seems to be asking us to do that which cannot be done (through physical action). In other words, he seems to be urging us to do that which can only be experienced within (i.e., our Mool), which can only be realized within, or that which happens only within, naturally and spontaneously (Sahaj). And that experience can only be enjoyed by the experiencer. That is, neither he can speak about it nor express it, nor communicate it to others. It cannot be made to an order or given as a gift to others. The taste of this happening is called "Goonge Kee Mathiyaaee" (mute's candy) in the SGGS. One established in this Supreme Consciousness watches the Ocean of Pure Awareness and his little bodily wave as one and the same thing. Radiating luminous rays of Grace, Wisdom, Peace and Joy, the world appears as Bismaad (pronounced Bismaad) to him and he experiences "Bisam, Bisam" (wonder-struck and amazed), etc. But how?.

• ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੀਐ ਜੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥: Aakath kathaa veechaareeai je satigur maahi samaai: (One can) Contemplate (Vichaar) he Unspoken Speech, if (one) merges in absorption in the Satigur (ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਦੇ ਉਪਦੇਸ-ਸਚ ਦੇ ਗਿਆਨ-ਵਿਚ ਲੀਨ ਹੋ ਜਾਣਾਂ). (sggs 62).
• ਬਿਸਮ ਬਿਸਮ ਬਿਸਮ ਹੀ ਭਈ ਹੈ ਲਾਲ ਗੁਲਾਲ ਰੰਗਾਰੈ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਤਨ ਰਸੁ ਆਈ ਹੈ ਜਿਉ ਚਾਖਿ ਗੂੰਗਾ ਮੁਸਕਾਰੈ ॥੨॥੧॥੨੦॥: Bisam bisam bisam hee bhayee hai laal gulaal rangaare. Kahu Nanak santan ras aaee hai jiou chaakhi goongaa muskaare ||2||1||20||: dyed in the deep crimson color of my Beloved, I am wonder-struck, wonder-struck , wonder-struck and amazed. Says Nanak, the saints savor this sublime Essence (but they cannot describe It), like the mute, who tastes the sweet candy, but only smiles (but cannot describe the taste) ||2||1||20|| (sggs 1302).
• ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਇ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਊਤਮ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਸਹਜ ਕਥਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਅਤਿ ਮੀਠੀ ਕਥੀ ਅਕਥ ਕਹਾਣੀ ॥: Har gun gaai param pad paaiaa prabh kee ootam baanee. Sahaj kathaa prabh kee ati meethee kathee akath kahaanee: Singing the Glorious Praises (ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ) of the Lord (in the body-temple, saints) have obtained the Supreme Status. God's Praise (ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ) is so very sweet, it is to speak the Unspoken Speech. It produces Sahaj (ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ) (sggs 781).
• ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਅਗਮ ਅਗਾਧਿ ਕਥਾ ॥ ਸੁਨੀਐ ਅਵਰ ਅਵਰ ਬਿਧਿ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਬਕਨ ਕਥਨ ਰਹਤਾ ॥: Parabh kee agam agaadh kathaa. Suneeai avar avar bidh bujheeai bakan kathan rahtaa: God's sermon is profound and unfathomable. It is heard to be one thing, but it is understood to be something else; because it is beyond mundane description and explanation (sggs 498).

As indicated in the SGGS, this "speak the Unspoken Speech" is the Realization of the Indescribable: remaining dead while yet alive (i.e., Jeevanmukta), attaining Nirvana (pronounced as Nirvaana or Nirwaana).

• ਅਕਥ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੀ ਕੋ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝਏ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮਾਏ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਏ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਸੋਝੀ ਸੂਝਏ ॥: Akath kahaanee padu nirabaanee ko viralaa gurmukhi boojhe: The Unspoken Speech - the state of Nirvana - how rare is the one who by becoming the Gurmukhi (who follows Gurmat, Shabad-Giaan...) Understands this.. The one (who become Gurmukhi) merges in the Shabad, eradicates self-conceit, and Understands the All-Pervading Awareness (sggs 844).
• ਜੀਵਤ ਮੁਕਤ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰਬਾਨ ॥: Jeevat mukat sadaa nirabaan: Those who are Jeevanmukta, liberated while yet alive — are forever in the state of Nirvana (sggs 1167).
• ਅਖੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਵੇਖਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਕੰਨਾ ਸੁਨਣਾ ॥: Akhee baajhahu vekhanaa vinu kanaa sunanaa: (The Formless, Divine Principle..., within) can be seen or heard without the (external) eyes and ears. (sggs 139).

Thus, Nirvana or to "speak the Unspoken Speech" is beyond and unbound by earthly words, expressions, and descriptions: non-dual Oneness (Ik) is on the other side of speech. It's essentially the state of inner purity, boundlessness, formlessness, no-Haume (i.e., cessation of all illusions and mirages created by ego), full Awakening within, Naam-consciousness, Shabad-Surti, living liberated (Jeevanmukta), God-realization, Union with the Universal Mind, Heightened Awareness, Pure Consciousness, Transcendental Bliss, identification with Truth; complete extinction of passions, Self-realization, Enlightenment, full contentment, full detachment, even-mindedness, childlike innocence, and so on. It is also synonymous to awakening, within, of Gurmukh, Kundilini, Satguru, Sant, Saadh, Sajjan, Sahib, Mahaan Purakh, Chauthaa Pad, Naam-Amrit, Anahad Baanee, Anhata Shabad, Panch Shabad, Anahad Dhuni, Anahad Naad, Gur Charan, Gur Moorati, Amrit Dhaaraa, Sahaj Avasthaa, Anand, Brahm Giaan, Gobind Gajjiyaa, Baygumpuraa, Gaganpuraa, Sookh Mahal, Bismaad, Agam Roop, Ratan Kothree, Baikunth Nagar, Param Pad, Pooran Pad (the state of Perfection) Param Purakh Kee Ghaatee, Sunn Samaadhi, Sahaj Samaadhi, Nirvikalapa Samaadhi, Joti Saroop, Dasam Duaar (Tenth Gate), Jeevan Padvee, Divine Darshan, Kanchan Kaya or Kaaiaa, and so on.

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵਾ ਮਹਾ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੇ ॥ : Satigur sevaa mahaa nirabaane: Serving the Satigur, obtain the Supreme state of Nirvana (sggs 385).
• ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਇਆ ਪਰਮ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਲਾਹਾ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੁ ਜੀਉ ॥: Har har man bhaaiaa param sukh paaiaa har laahaa padu nirabaan jeeo: One whose mind loves the Divine Name, obtains Supreme Peace. He reaps the profit of the Name, the state of Nirvana (sggs 444).
• ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਲੇ ਰਹਉ ਨਿਰਾਲਾ ॥: Akath kathaa le raho niraalaa: Speaking the Unspoken Speech, I remain unattached (sggs 943).
• ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਨਿ ਭਇਆ ਪਰਗਾਸਾ ਪਾਇਆ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੀ ॥: Kahu Nanak mani bhaiaa pirigaasaa paaiaa pada nirabaanee: Says Nanak, the Divine Light has dawned within my mind; I have obtained the state of Nirvana (sggs 206).
• ਹਉਮੈ ਜਾਇ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥: Houmai jaai param padu paaeeai: When egotism departs, then the supreme state is obtained (sggs 226).
• ਹਰਿ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਕਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖਿਆ ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਸਭ ਭੂਖ ਲਹੰਤੀ ॥: Har akath kathaa kaa jin ras chaakhiaa tis jan sabh bhookh lahantee: One who tastes the sublime essence of the Unspoken Speech of the Lord - all his hunger is satisfied (sggs 977).

This leads to the following question: "How can this state of Nirvana or the state of Jeevanmukti (living liberated-dead while still alive) be experienced, within"? In other words, how can this state of "speak the Unspoken Speech" be experienced or awakened (Pargat) within, naturally (Sahaj)? Does the SGGS give us Guidance in this regard? Yes, in fact that's what the SGGS is all about.

• ਆਵਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਪਿਆਰਿਹੋ ਅਕਥ ਕੀ ਕਰਹ ਕਹਾਣੀ ॥ ਕਰਹ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਅਕਥ ਕੇਰੀ ਕਿਤੁ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਸਭੁ ਸਉਪਿ ਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਮੰਨਿਹੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇਰਾ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਸਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਕਥਿਹੁ ਅਕਥ ਕਹਾਣੀ ॥੯॥ ਏ ਮਨ ਚੰਚਲਾ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਕਿਨੈ ਤੂ ਸੁਣਿ ਮੰਨ ਮੇਰਿਆ ॥ ਏਹ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਣੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਏਤੁ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਤ ਮੋਹਣੀ ਤਿਨੈ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਠਗਉਲੀ ਪਾਈਆ ॥ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੁ ਕੀਤਾ ਤਿਸੈ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਮੋਹੁ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਨ ਚੰਚਲ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧੦॥ ਏ ਮਨ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਚੁ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥ ਏਹੁ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਤੂ ਜਿ ਦੇਖਦਾ ਚਲੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਤੇਰੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥ ਸਾਥਿ ਤੇਰੈ ਚਲੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਾਲਿ ਕਿਉ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਈਐ ॥ ਐਸਾ ਕੰਮੁ ਮੂਲੇ ਨ ਕੀਚੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਅੰਤਿ ਪਛੋਤਾਈਐ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਸੁਣਿ ਤੂ ਹੋਵੈ ਤੇਰੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਨ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਚੁ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥੧੧॥: Aavahu sant piaariho akath kee karah kahaanee. Karah kahaanee akath keree kit duaarai paaeeai ...: O dear saints! Come and let's (together) inquire into the "Akath" (Inexpressible, Joti, That which cannot be seen-which is beyond Maya, senses, etc.). Let's inquire into this "Akath Kahaanee" as to by what means we can attain (This "Kahaanee" of the "Akath" - ਆਤਮਕ ਆਨੰਦ ਮਾਣਨ ਦਾ ਸਹੀ ਰਸਤਾ, true way of Realizing spiritual Bliss, ਪਰਾਪਤੀ...). (This is how to attain - ਪਰਾਪਤੀ - this "Kahaanee" of the "Akath" - ਆਤਮਕ ਆਨੰਦ ਮਾਣਨ ਦਾ ਸਹੀ ਰਸਤਾ ਇਹ ਹੈ) Surrender all body, mind, wealth to the Gur (i.e., stop worrying about body, wealth, etc., - worldly worries, Mayaic or ਸੰਸਾਰਿਕ ਫਿਕਰ, etc. - and surrender selfhood, Haumai, egotism, ਆਪਾ-ਭਾਵ...); obey the Hukam, and (like this-by obeing the Divine Hukam and freeing ourselves from the external noise of the body, mind , wealth, etc.- we can) attain (this "Kahaanee" of the "Akath"). Obey the Guroo's (ਪ੍ਰਮੇਸਰ) Hukam, (then, that is, by obeying the Divine Hukam - ਭਾਣਾ - ) the True Bani is Sung (i.e., otherwise "ਸਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ" cannot be sung). O Nanak! Listen, O Saints, (if you want to narrate, then only) narrate the "Akath Kahhanee " (i.e., otherwise keep quiet or don't speak nonsense...). ||9|| O (my) fickle mind, through cleverness (worldly cleverness, tricks - ਚਲਾਕੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ), no one has attained ("Akath Kahaanee", ਆਤਮਕ ਆਨੰਦ, spiritual Bliss...). Listen, O my mind! Through cleverness (worldly cleverness, tricks - ਚਲਾਕੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ), no one has attained (ਕੋਈ ਪਰਾਪਤੀ ਨਹੀ). This Maya is fascinating; because of it, people wander in doubt (ਭਰਮ ਜਾਲ ਵਿਚ ਕੁਰਾਹੇ ਪੈਕੇ); this charming Maya was created by Him who has spread this illusion. (Therefore, O my mind! Instead of being sacrifice to Maya, be) sacrifice to Him who has made attachment (worldy love...) so sweet. Says Nanak, O (my) fickle mind! No one has attained (ਕੋਈ ਪਰਾਪਤੀ ਨਹੀ). ||10|| O beloved mind! Remain imbued in the Truth ("ਸਚੁ") forever (within if you want to attain-ਪਰਾਪਤੀ). This family which you see will not go along with you. (Since) it will not go along with you, (then) why do you focus your consciousness (mind) on it? Don't do anything that you will regret in the end. Listen to the Teachings (ਗਿਆਨ, ਸਿਖਿਆ...) of the Satiguroo - these will go along with you. (Therefore) Says Nanak, O beloved mind! Remain imbued (within) in the Truth forever. ||11|| (sggs 918).

First, this is the state of the mind, "here" and "now", not at some "other time" or "other place". Neither it is after death phenomena; for it's not a post-mortem state! To put it otherwise, it is not futuristic and otherworldly experience. Nirvana is to live the life, NOW, as the result of full Spiritual Awakening and Awareness. So it is a state of the mind in which one is released from the illusion (ਭਰਮ ਜਾਲ) of Maya, and the false ego-sense (Haume) and its faults: desire, fear, Kaam, Krodh, Lobh, and so on.

• ਹਉ ਮੈ ਕਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਤੂ ਨਾਹੀ ਤੂ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਹਉ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬੂਝਣਾ ਏਹ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥: Boojhahu giaanee boojhanaa eh akath kathaa mann maahi: When one acts in egotism, then You are not there Lord (i.e., ਮੇਰੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਪਰਗਟ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ-not Awakened within). Wherever You are (i.e., ਮੇਰੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਪਰਗਟ-Awakened within), there is no ego. O Giaanee (or Giyani, Wise), understand this " Unspoken Speech" is your mind (sggs 1093).

As indicated in the SGGS, for this sublime state to happen naturally within, "here" and "now", we need to become Gurmukhs (Spiritual Beings who live the Gurmat...). Indeed, to be in the Presence of such a Being situated in the elevated state of spiritual realization (Pure Awareness) is to experience the best that the life has to offer. The very presence of such an Enlightened Being — his calmness; his serenity; his overflowing Bliss (Anand), compassion, and his enlightened vibes — others towards a new, Divine Life.

• ਧੁਨਿ ਮਹਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅਕਥ ਕਹਾਨੀ ॥: Dhun mahi dhiaan dhiaan mahi jaaniaa gurmukh akath kehaanee: Meditation is in the Dhuni (of Naam, Shabad-Surti, Unstruck Transcendental Vibratory Sound-current, etc.), and His knowing (Realization, experience, etc.) is in such meditation. Become the Gurmukh, and speak this Unspoken Speech (sggs 879).
• ਸਬਦਿ ਰਪੈ ਘਰੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੀ ਪਦੁ ਨੀਤਿ ॥: Sabadi rapai gharu paaeeai nirabaanee padu neet: Attuned to Shabad, we enter our Home within, and obtain the Eternal State of Nirvana (sggs 58).
• ਅਕਥੁ ਕਥਉ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥: Akath katho gurmat veechaar: I speak the Unspoken Speech of the Lord, contemplating the Guru's Teachings (sggs 353).
• ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਧਰਤੀ ਬੀਜੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕਰੋ ਸਲਿਲ ਆਪਾਉ ਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਣੀ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਕਿਰਸਾਣੁ ਹਰਿ ਰਿਦੈ ਜੰਮਾਇ ਲੈ ਇਉ ਪਾਵਸਿ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੀ ॥੧॥: Ih tann dhartee beeg karmaa karo salil aapaau saaringpaanee. Mann kirsaan Hari ridai janmaai lai iyu paavasi pad nirvaanee ||1||: Make this body the field, and make your daily Karma (actions) the seed. Water (ਸਿੰਚਨ) it with God's Name. Let your mind be the farmer; Sprout (God) in your Heart, and you will attain the state of Nirvaanaa (ਉਹ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਵਸਥਾ ਜਿਥੇ ਕੋਈ ਵਾਸਨਾ ਪੋਹ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਕਦੀ) ||1|| (sggs 23).
• ਗੁਰੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਚੁਕਾਏ ਅਕਥੁ ਕਹਾਏ ਸਚ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਮਾਣਾ ॥: Gur bharam chukaaye akath kahaaeae sach mahi saach samaanaa: The Guru dispels doubt, and makes us speak the Unspoken Speech; the true ones are absorbed into Truth (sggs 688).
• ਅਦਿਸਟੁ ਅਗੋਚਰੁ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਅਕਥੁ ਕਥਾਇਆ ਥਾ ॥: Adisat agochar paarabraham mil saadhoo akath kathaaiaa thaa (sggs 1002).

But, who is the Gurmukh? How does one become the Gurmukh? This subject has extensively been covered in the SGGS. Here is a glimse into it:

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਜੀਤਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚੁ ਰਖਿਆ ਉਰ ਧਾਰਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤਾ ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਬਿਦਾਰਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਹਾਰਿ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ਸੋੁ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥੭੧॥: Gurmukh manu jeetaa houmai maar ...: The Gurmukh conquers his mind by killing his Haume (false ego-sense). The Gurmukh enshrines Truth in his heart. By killing the fear of death, the Gurmukh conquers the world (materiality, etc.). The Gurmukh does not come to the Court of the Lord by losing (the game of the life: he goes as the victor). God Himself unites the Gurmukh in His Union; only the Gurmukh understands this. O Nanak, the Gurmukh realizes (God through His) Shabad ||71|| (sggs 946).

In nutshell, this is the definition of a Gurmukh, a truly spiritual being: he sees without eyes; he hears without ears; he walks without feet; he works without hands; he speaks without a tongue; and he speaks the Unspoken Speech! To be a Gurmukh is like standing in a fire without getting burnt! But as time and again indicated in the SGGS, the majority of us remain in the Manmukh state (Haume, duality, ignorance, materiality, falsehood, etc.):

• ਅਖੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਵੇਖਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਕੰਨਾ ਸੁਨਣਾ ॥ ਪੈਰਾ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਚਲਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਹਥਾ ਕਰਣਾ ॥ ਜੀਭੈ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਇਉ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰਣਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਕੈ ਤਉ ਖਸਮੈ ਮਿਲਣਾ ॥੧॥: Akhee baajhahu vekhanaa vinu kanaa sunanaa. Pairaa baajhahu chalanaa vinu hathaa karanaa. Jeebhai baajhahu bolanaa iou jeevat maranaa. Nanak hukamu pachhaan kai taou khasamai milanaa ||1|| (sggs 139).

The Gurbani tells us that a Manmukh (opposite of the Gurmukhi) - because of his false intellect (ਝੂਠੀ ਮਤ, ਹੋਛੀ ਅਕਲ...) - cannot "speak the Unspoken Speech".

• ਮਨਮੁਖ ਬੁਧਿ ਕਾਚੀ ਮਨੂਆ ਡੋਲੈ ਅਕਥੁ ਨ ਕਥੈ ਕਹਾਨੀ ॥: Manmukh budhi kaachee manooaa dolai akathu n kathai kahaanee: The intellect of a Manmukh (who follows his own mind, self willed...) is false; his (Mayaic) mind wavers and wobbles, and he cannot speak the Unspoken Speech (sggs 1233).

— T. Singh
www.gurbani.org