Nanak, there is Only One Amrit – ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ

The Way of life the Gurus gave us was very practical and easy. But we have been greatly mislead and confused by the self-serving clergy clique (Pujaaree) pretending to be enlightened. The false propaganda, distortion of the Gurbani of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) and the clergy clique selling sweet water outside has finished our thirst for the AMRIT the Guru Shabad talks about!

  • ਘਰ ਹੀ ਮਹਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਭਰਪੂਰੁ ਹੈ ਮਨਮੁਖਾ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਜਿਉ ਕਸਤੂਰੀ ਮਿਰਗੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਭ੍ਰਮਦਾ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ॥ : The Amrit of Naam is overflowing within every human being, but the Manmukh (Unenlightened being) does not realize it. Just as a deer does not recognize its own musk-scent (which is located within its own body), and wanders around deluded to find it outside. (sggs 644).

According to the Gurmat, Giyan-Wisdom of the SGGS, there is ONLY ONE AMRIT!

  • ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਦੂਜਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਮਨੈ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ : Nanak, there is ONLY ONE AMRIT (i.e. the Naam-Amrit for the mind to drink in); there is NO OTHER AMRIT at all. O Nanak! (This Naam) Amrit is within the mind (of everybody, but, it is), realized by ‘Gur Parsaadi’ (i.e. the Grace of the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom…). (sggs 1238).

Having said that, this ONE AMRIT mentioned in the Shabad above is:

  • Naam (‘ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ’),
  • Shabad (‘ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਬਦੁ’),
  • Shabad-Vichaar (‘ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਮੀਠਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ’),
  • Giyan-Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad (‘ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ’),
  • Virtues (‘ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ’),
  • Bliss (Anand – ‘ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਆ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਆਨੰਦ’), and so on.

Since the ONE AMRIT revealed in the Guru Shabad (SGGS) is Niraakaaree‘ (colorless, Formless etc.). Hence, it’s NOT for the tongue or the mouth to drink.

This ONE AMRIT mentioned in the SGGS is for the mind to drink through constant Shabad-Vichaar/churning the Gurbani, and then living it to the end of life.

Thus, as asserted in the SGGS, it’s the mind that has to become Amritdhaaree (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਧਾਰੀ)! In other words, it’s the mind that needs to become the Sikh.

  • ਝਿਮਿ ਝਿਮਿ ਵਰਸੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਧਾਰਾ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਪੀਵੈ ਸੁਨਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥ : (Those who have found or realized their Mool within) the uniform stream of Amrit rains (within them). The mind drinks it in hearing and reflecting on the Shabad (i.e., Shabad Vichaar is the stream of Amrit). (sggs 102).
  • ਪਰਿਓ ਕਾਲੁ ਸਭੈ ਜਗ ਊਪਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਲਿਖੇ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਭਏ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਿਹ ਜਾਨੀ ॥੪॥੩॥ : (Bhagat Kabeer explains that) the whole world is caught in the embrace of death. It also includes gnostics (Giyani) with delusional minds. Kabeer says, those persons have become Khalsae, who became free from the fear of death by engaging in the loving Bhagti of the Creator (here the word ‘Khaalse-ਖਾਲਸੇ’ = freedom from any form of fear and bondage; being directly linked with the Creator/Hukam/Guru Shabad; being ‘Sachiaaraa‘). ||4||3|| (sggs 655).

Through the Guidance of the Gurbani in SGGS, this post will attempt reflecting on the following in this context:

  • ONLY ONE AMRIT-ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ
  • ONLY ONE AMRIT?
  • Location of this ONE AMRIT
  • How can this ONE AMRIT be drawn up?
  • Qualifying to realize this ONE AMRIT?
  • Becoming Wise (ਗਿਆਨਵਾਨ)/Virtuous
  • What is Amrit Velaa (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ )?
  • Freedom to chose between poison and Amrit?

Only one Amrit – ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ

Amrit‘ is a Sanskrit word that literally means ‘without death’, ‘no death’, ‘immortal’, etc.

The SGGS asserts that Amrit is ONLY ONE which confers intuitively balanced or stable Spiritual Life (no death of spiritual or divine life or ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ), Cosmic Awareness, Universal Awareness, Naam Awareness, Shabad-Surti, Mool or Jot Saroop Abidance, Dvine Wisdom / Virtues, the Gurmkh-hood (Enlightened/God-Oriented/ Guru Shabad-Oriented mindset) etc.

  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਬਦੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਹਰਿ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ : The Shabad is Amrit; the Hari Baanee is Amrit (sggs 119).
  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਮੀਠਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ : The Shabad-Vichaar (Reflection on the Gur-Shabad) is the sweet Amrit (sggs 424).
  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਗਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਸਾਦੁ ਆਇਆ ॥ : The Amrit Naam is always sweet; it is tasted through the Gur-Shabad (sggs 559).
  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨੀਰੁ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਮਨ ਮਜਨੁ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਸੰਗਿ ਗਹੇ ॥ : The man, who bathes in the ambrosial water of the Divine knowledge takes with him the merit of bathing at the sixty-eight holies (sggs 1328).
  • ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਕੀਆ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦ ਮਹਿ ਦੀਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : The perfect Guru has made all perfect (i.e., purposeful life). He planted the Amrit Naam (Wisdom, Virtues…) in my Heart (i.e., Mind). (sggs 1184).
  • ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਪੀਤੈ ਤਿਖ ਜਾਇ ॥ : The Gur-Shabad (Upadesh, Wisdom, ਸਿਖਿਆ) is the Amrit; by drinking it, (Maya‘s) thirst is quenched (sggs 35).

In the same breath, the SGGS declares ‘There is no second’ (‘ਦੂਜਾ-Doojaa’). In other words, to consider a ‘second’ Amrit would be duality ‘Doojaa Bhaav‘. The SGGS extensively explains duality (Maya) — the principle of two-ness, plurality, subject-object relationship, and so on.

This ONE AMRIT mentioned in the Gurbani of the SGGS changes us from within — inside out.

  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਆ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਦੂਆ ਤੀਆ ॥ : (The Gurmukh who) drinks the Amrit (Naam) given by the Satguru, does not know any other second or third (sggs 1034).
  • ਏਕੁ ਬਗੀਚਾ ਪੇਡ ਘਨ ਕਰਿਆ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਹਾ ਮਹਿ ਫਲਿਆ ॥੧॥ : (This world) is like a Garden in which there are many Trees (i.e. diverse Jeev or people). Among them (within whom) the life-giving Amrit Naam (is being watered), they bear the Fruit (of Spiritual Wisdom). ||1|| (sggs 385).

The SGGS teaches us that the rain of Amrit (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੀ ਵਰਖਾ) is Experienced within the Dasam Duaar (mind) when one abides in his/her Mool, within.

  • ਉਲਟਿਓ ਕਮਲੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਧਾਰ ਗਗਨਿ ਦਸ ਦੁਆਰਿ ॥ : Through the Reflection on Brahm (Mool), the heart-lotus reverses (i.e., turned away from Maya). Also, in the Sky of the Tenth Gate (mind), Amrit trickles down. (sggs 153).

Only one Amrit?

The Gurbani asserts there is only One Creator, therefore, there is only Amrit!

‘One’ is the fundamental principle of Sikhi. It has to be like this as there is One Creator (ੴ ) — no second (or ‘Doojaa‘).

  • ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਦੁਹੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਹੈ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ : O Nanak, the True Lord is the One and only (i.e. non-dual); (however) Sansaar (the place of repeated suffering) is in duality (sggs 950).

The Gurbani teaches that the Naam-Amrit alone is sweet, and that this is ‘the only immaculate Truth in the world‘.

  • ਏਕੋੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਹੈ ਮੀਠਾ ਜਗਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਸਚੁ ਸੋਈ ॥ : The Naam-Amrit alone is sweet and that is the only immaculate Truth in the world (sggs 1259).
  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਮਿਲਿ ਪੀਵਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ : The Treasure of the Naam (Giyan, Wisdom, Virtues, Truth…) is the the Amrit. O brothers! Meet together and drink this (Amrit of Naam-Wisdom). (sggs 318).
  • ਆਵਹੁ ਸਿਖ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਪਿਆਰਿਹੋ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਸਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਬਾਣੀ ਤ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇਰੀ ਬਾਣੀਆ ਸਿਰਿ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਤਿਨਾ ਸਮਾਣੀ ॥ ਪੀਵਹੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਦਾ ਰਹਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਜਪਿਹੁ ਸਾਰਿਗਪਾਣੀ ॥ : Come, dear Sikhs (learners) of the Satguru (Giyan-Wisdom), reflect on the Bani which unites with the Creator (Sach). Just reflect on the Bani of the Guru and you will realize that this Bani is sublime of all. This Bani uttered by the Guru gets enshrined in the mind of those who make themselves eligible for divine Grace (by reflecting, understanding and emulating it). Partake in this Amrit (Bani, Naam: Wisdom / Virtues), remain imbued with divine Love – remember and live Naam in life, ਅਮਲ and realize the Creator. (sggs 920).
  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਾਏ ਰਾਮ ॥ : O my mind, God’s Naam (divine Wisdom / Virtues) is Amrit which is obtained by realizing the Enlightening Message embedded in the Guru’s Shabad. (sggs 538).

However, our false ego-sense or Haumai does not and cannot recognize Unity. Because, by its very nature, the egotism or Haumai ridden mind dwells in duality (two-ness, Doojaa Bhaav, Maya). So it has to create or see duality where there is none. The Gurbani reminds us that with Haumai or egotism the duality only increases.

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਫੈਲੁ ॥: Afflicted by egotism, duality only increases (sggs 893).

On account of duality, the SGGS says people don’t understand what the Amrit is. The SGGS also asserts that only the Gurmukh knows the real Amrit.

  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਦਾ ਵਰਸਦਾ ਬੂਝਨਿ ਬੂਝਣਹਾਰ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਬੁਝਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਰਖਿਆ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਿ ॥ : Amrit rains down continually; (but only those) understand this who are capaable of understanding (ਇਸ ਭੇਤ ਨੂੰ). Those who have become the Gurmukh, understand this (ਇਸ ਭੇਤ ਨੂੰ), (they) keep the Lord’s Amrit enshrined within their Hearts (sggs 1281).

But these truths of the Gurbani should be known only to those who diligently read the SGGS themselves and thus have some understanding of the Gurbani. Otherwise, only Manmat (ਮਨਮਤ-Unenlightend mind’s dictates) are considered as Gurmat by everyone as falsely propagated by the Pujaaree-Vaad in Sikhi!

Location of this ‘One Amrit’

In a nutshell, we are taught by the SGGS that this ONE AMRIT is within — continually raining down provided the mind is imbued in the Enlightening spiritual Giyan-Wisdom contained in the Shabad!

  • ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਮਨੈ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ : O Nanak! (This Naam) Amrit is within the mind (of everybody, but it is), obtained by ‘Gur Parsaadi’ (Grace of the Giyan-Wisdom of the Guru). (sggs 1238).

Aptly, we are time and again reminded by the SGGS that within each of us is the well filled with the Amrit. Consider the following verses (and many more in the SGGS). They are very straightforward and self-explanatory.

  • ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਦੇਹੀ ਮਹਿ ਇਸ ਕਾ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੁ ॥ : God’s Amrit Naam is like the nine treasures of the world (NOTE: Gurbani Re-defines the Pujaaree’s nine treasures here). It dwells in the human body itself. (sggs 293).
  • ਅੰਤਰਿ ਖੂਹਟਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਭਰਿਆ ਸਬਦੇ ਕਾਢਿ ਪੀਐ ਪਨਿਹਾਰੀ ॥ : Deep Within this body is the well overflowing with the Amrit; the Water-carrier (one engaged in Naam-Jap or understanding the Gur-Shabad) draws and drinks it through the Shabad (sggs 570).

However, this pool, stream or well of Amrit (Naam, Wisdom, Virtues…) that is located within is surrounded by pools of Poison (i.e. vices/Bikaar. The Wisdom of the SGGS helps our mind connect with this pool or spring of Amrit within, Here and Now.

  • ਆਸਿ ਪਾਸਿ ਬਿਖੂਆ ਕੇ ਕੁੰਟਾ ਬੀਚਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O my brother, there are springs full of poison (attachment or hunger for Maya, worldly temptations, vices) around and in the midst you have Amrit (i.e. Naam) flowing within. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 385).

How can this One Amrit be drawn up?

As flowers of the Mahooaa tree is used to produce molasses to ferment the wine, similarly, the SGGS urges us to produce the Molasses of Giyan-Wisdom from the tree of Dhiyan of the Gur-Shabad (Upadesh, Naam, Giyan-Wisdom, counsel, guide, teaching…):

  • ਗੁੜੁ ਕਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਧਾਵੈ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਣੀ ਕਸੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ ਭਾਠੀ ਭਵਨੁ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕਾ ਪੋਚਾ ਇਤੁ ਰਸਿ ਅਮਿਉ ਚੁਆਈਐ ॥੧॥ : Make Giyan (Wisdom) your Molasses, and meditation (Consciousness or Surat attuned to the Naam) your flowers (of Mahooaa or Basia-latifolia tree, which are used to ferment wine); let high conduct (good deeds, practice, etc.) be the fermenting bark. Make this body the furnace (used to make wine – ਸ਼ਰਾਬ ਕੱਢਣ ਦੀ ਭੱਠੀ), and your love (Prema-Bhagti) the plaster (ਠੰਡਾ ਪੋਚਾ ਜੋ ਅਰਕ ਵਾਲੀ ਨਾਲੀ ਉਤੇ ਫੇਰਨਾ ਹੈ). In this way the Amrit (which bestows Eternal Life-ਅਟੱਲ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ) is distilled. ||1|| (sggs 360).

Since the Naam/Shabad is said to be located within, the ONE AMRIT also has to be located within as well for Naam/Shabad is the ONE AMRIT and the ONE AMRIT is the Naam/Shabad/Bani!

  • ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਮਿਲਿ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ॥੭॥ : Within is the Treasure of the Shabad; (but) it is obtained by eradicating self-conceit (ਪਰੰਤੂ ਆਪਾ-ਭਾਵ ਤਿਆਗ ਕੇ ਮਿਲਦਾ ਹੈ) ||7|| (sggs 228).

Qualifying to realize this One Amrit

As Conseled by the Gurbani (SGGS), anybody can qualify to quaff it by becoming the Gurmukh (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented minset).

  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਵਰਸੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋਈ ਜਨੁ ਪਾਏ ॥ : When one is established in Sahaj (Sahaj-Avasthaa, natural state of being, ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ..), the Amrit rains down (within him). How rare are those who by becoming the Gurmukhs obtain it (sggs 119).

In a nutshell a Gurmukh is an Enlightened / Guru Shabad-Oriented mindset.

The more one gets established in his/her True Nature (Jot Saroop) Within, the more one drinks in the ONE AMRIT (the Gurmukh Lifestyle) Within. This is the Gurbani’s edict:

  • ਜਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਸਾਹਬੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੇਉ ॥ : By becoming the Gurmukh, the more the “Sahib” (Mool, source, Jot, True Nature…) abides within (my) mind, the more (I) drink in the Amrit (sggs 20).
  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਣੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਤੇਰੀ ॥ : O Divine! Your Bani (Giyan or Wisdom) is Amrit (sggs 103).

To the contrary, if we keep entertaining Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree lifestyle (Unenlightened), our condition will be that of a deer who is known for searching musk (Kastooree) in the bushes instead of within. In reality, the musk is stored within the deer’s body, but due to ignorance, the deer keeps searching it outside in the bushes!

  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਵਰਖੈ ਅਨਹਦ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ : (when the divine Giyan-Wisdom gets absorbed in the mind) then I feel as if the rain of Amrit is falling within, and the incessant divine music is ringing within. (sggs 105).

Hence, according to the SGGS, the process needs to begin from the interior — inside out.

Becoming Wise/Virtuous!

We sing / listen / read the following Words first thing in the morning, everyday (Aasaa Dee Vaar) that the mind which is agreeable or pleased with the GIYAN-Wisdom of the SGGS continually drinks the Amrit:

  • ਗੁਰ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭਿੰਨੀ ਦੇਹੁਰੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਬੁਰਕੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥ ਜਿਨਾ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਈਆ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਛਕਿ ਛਕੇ ॥ : A Guru oriented person (ਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਲਾ) is drenched with Amrit (i.e. Naam, Wisdom, Virtues – he has Internalized the Message of the Shabad), which he imparts to others. Those human beings who find the Gurbani agreeable to their mind (i.e. Who have BECOME THE GURBANI and live accordingly), their minds continually drink this Amrit – they continually live daily life by Naam, Wisdom, Virtues. (sggs 449).

In short, realizing Amrit (‘ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਛਕਿ’) is to become Wise (ਗਿਆਨਵਾਨ) by taking the Gurbani’s Wisdom (the Gurmukh mindset).

According to the Gurbani, this Giyan-Amrit (Wisdom-Amrit) (1) has to enter within Conscience and (2) it must thoroughly be digested (ਹਾਜਮ / ਪਚਾ ਲੈਣਾਂ), and live it in daily life. Because, the Wisdom of the Gurbani is ONLY meant to be understood and applied.

  • ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਭੁੰਚੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਏਹ ਵਸਤੁ ਤਜੀ ਨਹ ਜਾਈ ਨਿਤ ਨਿਤ ਰਖੁ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਤਮ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਚਰਨ ਲਗਿ ਤਰੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਸਾਰੋ ॥੧॥ : (Plate or container of) the human Conscious or mind that has internalized three realizations; (1) the Creator, (2) contentment and (3) thoughtful reflection (into spiritual Life); is the one that realizes spiritual life through the realization of the Amrit Naam (Wisdom/Virtues…) that is the basis of All of spirituality. The mind which consumes or adopts and internalizes Naam is the one that attains its spiritual Goal. This Thing (i.e. spirituality of realization) requires that the divine Naam (Wisdom/Virtues…) be never discarded, therefore be kept permanently inculcated within. Nanak, life within a vices-filled world is traversed by submitting to the Creator who pervades the entire Cosmos. ॥1॥ (sggs 1429).

In short, according to the SGGS to drink Amrit is to engage in Shabad Vichaar and live daily life in accordance with the Giyan-Wisdom of the SGGS!

  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਵਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥੧॥ : O Nanak! (However, those who have) become the Gurmukh drink the Amrit by reflecting on the Shabad (i.e., Shabad-Vichaar). (sggs 646).

What is Amrit Velaa (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ )?

The self-styled and self-serving Pujaaree — clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.) and the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) etc. — has created tremendous confusion about the Amrit Velaa (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ)..

According to the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS, ‘Amrit Velaa‘ is NOT referred to a particular or certain time of the day or night!

In fact, according to the SGGS, every moment of our daily life becomes Amrit Velaa when our mind is engaged in drinking the Giyan-Amrit (Wisdom) through constant Shabad-Vichaar or churning the Gurbani.

  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ : (The spiritual objective is to make my) life Amrit by being imbued with the Naam (or Shabad) and contemplating glorious Virtues of the One Creator. (sggs 2).

Since one can take the Amrit-Naam or Giyan-Amrit (Wisdom) from the Satiguru, the Satiguru is said to be the SROVAR (‘ਸਰੁ-Saru’, pond…) of the Amrit. It’s the filthy mind that needs to bathe in this Srovar of the GIYAN-Wisdom.

  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਚੁਕਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : The Satiuru is the True pool of Amrit, bathing in it, the mind is washed clean of its filth (i.e., Bikaar-internal negatives…). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 113).
  • ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਕਹੈ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ਪਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥੫॥ : (Guru’s) Bani is the Guru (of Sikhs: Guru Shabad) and the Guru is the Bani. The Amrit ( Naam) is contained in the whole of the Bani. What the Guru says (i.e., the guidance we get through the Guru’s Wisdom) we should apply in our daily life, then the Guru’s Jot or Wisdom will stay inside us and certainly liberate us (i.e. we will become embodiment of Wisdom…). (sggs 982).
  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਜਨਮੇ ਗਵਨੁ ਮਿਟਾਇਆ ॥ : Being born into the Spirituality on account of the Satgur ends the cycle of spiritual death (‘Gavan’). (sggs 939).
  • ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪਾਨ ਕਰਹੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ॥ : Drink in the Amrit Naam (Wisdom, Virtues, Truth…) in the Company of the Guru (Gur-Giyan, Bibek, Wisdom…). (sggs 299).

Freedom to chose between poison and Amrit!

The Gurmat teaches us that ‘Kartaar‘ (Universal Creative Energy, the Creator, Hukam…) has attached two fruits to this world-tree — poison (Bikh-Maya…) and Amrit (-Naam: Wisdom / Virtues…).

  • ਬਿਖੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਕਰਤਾਰਿ ਉਪਾਏ ॥ ਸੰਸਾਰ ਬਿਰਖ ਕਉ ਦੁਇ ਫਲ ਲਾਏ ॥ : Poison (-Maya, which brings spiritual death) and Amrit (-Naam, which gives spiritual life) are created by the Kartaar. These two fruits have been attached to the world-tree. (sggs 1172).

Hence, both poison and Amrit are within all of us, Here and Now.

For example, if one has demerits within, he also has Virtues within. If one has vices/Bikaar within (i.e., lust anger, greed, etc.), he also has good impressions within. If one has baser desires within, he also has Qualities like contentment (ਸੰਤੋਖ), Truth (ਸਤ), honesty (ਇਮਾਨਦਾਰੀ), mercy (ਦਯਾ), patience (ਧੀਰਜ), Sahaj (ਸਹਜ-Natural State of Being), Wisdom (ਗਿਆਨ), humility (ਮਨ ਨਿਮਾਣਾ, ਬੁਧਿ ਗਰੀਬੀ), sweet speech (ਮਿਠ ਬੋਲੜਾ), and so on.

As a matter of fact, poison will kill the spiritual or divine life (ਮਨੁਖਾ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਬਰਬਾਦੀ); and it will destroy family, society, country, and the world.

  • ਜਾਤੀ ਦੈ ਕਿਆ ਹਥਿ ਸਚੁ ਪਰਖੀਐ ॥ ਮਹੁਰਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਹਥਿ ਮਰੀਐ ਚਖੀਐ ॥ : What merits is in the caste? It is the Truth that is to be assayed. If someone consumes poison he/she will die (i.e. Pride in caste is like deadly poison, whosoever consumes it, surely he/she will face the spiritual death). (sggs 142).

On the other hand, Amrit bestows upon us the Gurmukh or Divine Life (Enlightenment, Aatmak Jeevan – ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ), stable life, virtuous and truthful life, and so on.

Choice is ours! We are given the freedom to chose.

It’s up to an individual if he/she we wants to accept, approve or drink/practice poison (ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ) or Amrit (ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ) in life!

The Wisdom of the SGGS wants one’s entire life to become Amrit (ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ, Gurmukh or Divine Life)!

  • ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਤਤੁ ਵਖਾਨੈ ॥ :  By walking on the Gurmat (Wisdom of the SGGS, whose mind becomes pure, he utters the Amrit Naam. (sggs 1334).

Ending Note

In a nutshell, the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS teaches us that it’s the mind that has to become Amritdhaaree by drinking the Amrit of the Naam (Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues…) — Surat or consciousness has to constantly drink and live daily life by the Giyan-Amrit or Wisdom (‘ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ’, sggs 397).

In short, the ONE AMRIT the SGGS talks about can ONLY be tasted/experienced/realized by turning Within and BECOMGING THE GURBANI — by dying in the Shabad. The story of that Spiritual State (where Amrit rains Within) cannot be told in words. It is like eating of sweets by a dumb person, who can enjoy the sweets but cannot tell anyone!

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15 comments

  1. Thank you GK for your reply, and welcome to the Gurbani Blog!

    The Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) speaks for itself.

    Also, the SGGS speaks at the level of the mind.

    Furthermore, the SGGS speaks the truth, and speaks with utmost clarity.

    It is what it is — practical spirituality with Universal Message, free of Karamkaand and dogmas!

    But these truths of the Gurbani should be known only to those who read the SGGS themselves and thus have some understanding of the Gurbani. Otherwise, only Manmat (ਮਨਮਤ-mind’s will or dictates) are considered as Gurmat by everyone!

    Your question indicates either you did not read the post carefully, or you did not read it with an open mind, or because of some pre-concieved ideas you are having difficult time accepting the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS.

    To find and understand the Gurbani’s answer to your question, here are my suggestions to you: (1) Please re-read the post carefully and with open mind, (2) if doubts still linger in your mind, then start reading the SGGS yourself with understanding, and with open mind.

    Also read related post “Gurbani Says Well Filled With Amrit Is Within Your Body

  2. Veer Ji, I believe you have already been answered in a reply to your comment in a different post.

    Posts and the Gurbani (SGGS) are abundantly clear. The only difficulty seem to be, is when viewed with a preconditioned mind.

    As noted on our ‘About’ page, the focus of this website is to understand the Gurbani through the Gurbani (SGGS).

    Accordingly, here at this website, we made a conscious decision decades ago not to discuss history, politics, or any theme NOT SUPPORTED by the SGGS.

    Hence, the focus of this website has been and still is to Reflect (Vichaar) on themes mentioned in the SGGS ONLY! for example:

    The SGGS is says: ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਦੂਜਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ (sggs 1238).
    The SGGS also says: ਅੰਤਰਿ ਖੂਹਟਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਭਰਿਆ ਸਬਦੇ ਕਾਢਿ ਪੀਐ ਪਨਿਹਾਰੀ ॥ (sggs 570).

    Therefore, if you are looking for a discussion or information on a topic which is not in the SGGS, the please search that information elsewhere. Not here, sorry.

    My suggestion is to unburden yourself of preconceived ideas and replace it with the Wisdom (Giaan, Bibek) of the Gurbani.

    For that, if interested, you need to (1) read the SGGS yourself (NOT by rented or hired Pujaaree), (2) try understand what you read, (3) and then apply that understanding or Wisdom to your daily life.

  3. Sir, please forgive my ignorance but I wish to understand the purpose of Khande-di-Pahul. Therefore I pose the question that can the soul revel in the Amrit so correctly described in the discussion above without Khande-di-Pahul? I wish to keep an open-mind and develop an understanding of the Guru’s wisdom and do not seek to question Guru Sahib’s actions to this regard.

  4. Very nice post. You are doing a very good sewa for everyone. You can also visit a beautiful gurbani quotes site

  5. Great post. Need to reflect on it. Mr T Singh. Do you happen to have a dictionary or list of words and their translations to english? Please email me your response. Thank you

  6. Thank you J Ji for taking the time to reply.

    truth explained in this blog, which is seldom taught amongst ‘Sikhs’.

    the self-serving and corrupt Pujaaree system has tortured the Gurmat and Sikhi (the Way of life based on the Wisdom of the SGGS) with concocted Karamkaand and practices, promoting ignorance to confuse unsuspecting people. They are succeeding in their alliances with management to convert Gurdwara programs into Brahamanic practices just like (or worse) the situation that existed when Baabaa Nanak appeared on the world scene. When it comes to Truth and the spiritual Knowledge of the SGGS, most of them are a blank. Hence, they propagate “Naklee” (false, counterfeit…) God, “Naklee” Dharma, “Naklee” Giaan…

  7. Thank you T Singh Ji, for this essential truth explained in this blog, which is seldom taught amongst ‘Sikhs’.

  8. Thank you Bhai Kirpal Singh Ji for taking the time to reply.

    As Bhai Sahib Harbans Lal Ji correctly pointed out in his comment below: “Khande-di-Pahul should not be confused with Amrit.”

  9. ‘Amrit’ has a considerable importance in the Sikhi. The common usages are: Amrit Bani (including Amrit Keertan), Amrit-vela, and the Amrit-initiation ceremony. The latter two are linked to Amrit primarily because of the Gur-Bani component.

    In addition the term ‘Amrit’ has been used extensively in the Gurubani as an adjective to bring divinity into various aspects in our daily-ife. Hereunder are given some Gurbani Tuks to elaborate further the significance of ‘Amrit’:-

    What is Amrit?

    ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਮਿਲਿ ਪੀਵਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ (Raag Gauhree M. 5, GGS. 318).

  10. T. Singh ji, Amrit is an Important Sikh doctrine that is confused because of our not accepting the Guru’s order to exclusively depend only on SGGS as the exclusive source of the Sikh theology. Sikh history is not reliable as it was written by not impartial historians but by interested folklore. That seems to be the reason that Guru Gobind Singh made his final and most crucial declaration just before leaving his human body that Sikhs must look up to SGGS alone as the source of all theology and guidance. Being a true Sikh of the Guru, you followed Guru’s definition of Amrit. Only you can do that, and you did a good job. Khande-di-Pahul should not be confused with Amrit. Amrit is for every Sikh to imbibe and be spiritually immortal.

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