What is Maya?

Awakening from ignorance begins with an inquiring mind. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) provides answers to spiritual inquiries such as: (1) What’s Maya? (2) How does Maya subjugate we mortals? (3) How can we mortals transcend the corrupting influence of Maya or temporal life?

The Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS affirms that this play and spectacle of creation is the Maya of the Creator. That said, we all are under Maya’s grip (spell, grasp, hook, net (Jaal), claws, hands, trap or talons) of Maya.

• ਧੁਰ ਕੀ ਭੇਜੀ ਆਈ ਆਮਰਿ ॥ ਨਉ ਖੰਡ ਜੀਤੇ ਸਭਿ ਥਾਨ ਥਨੰਤਰ ॥ ਤਟਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨ ਛੋਡੈ ਜੋਗ ਸੰਨਿਆਸ ॥ ਪੜਿ ਥਾਕੇ ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਬੇਦ ਅਭਿਆਸ ॥੨॥ : (This Maya) has come (to the world), sent as a servant (helper, Sevak-ਸੇਵਕ) by God. But now she has overwhelmed the nine continents, all places and interspaces. She (Maya) has not spared people living at (so called) holy banks and pilgrimage places, nor any yogis and ascetics. (sggs 371).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਮਮਤਾ ਕਰਤੈ ਲਾਈ ॥ ਏਹੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਕਰਿ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਉਪਾਈ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਬੂਝਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਸਦਾ ਰਹਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥੨॥ : The Creator Himself has attached the love for Maya to this mind. With this Hukam, the Creator has created the universe. O brother, understand this matter through the Grace of the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom. Remain forever in the refuge of the Creator (i.e., live in conformance with the Divine Hukam). ||2||(sggs 1261).
• ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਿਸੁ ਉਦਰੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ : Says Kabeer, whoever has a belly to fill, is under the spell of Maya. (sggs 1160).
• ਜੈਸੀ ਅਗਨਿ ਉਦਰ ਮਹਿ ਤੈਸੀ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ : As is the fire inside the womb, so is the Maya outside — corrupting influences of the worldly temptations. (sggs 921).

Gurbani further affirms that everything is within the Divine Hukam. In the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), ‘Hukam’ means the Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature with which the Kudrat functions (ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). Put simply, it is the Divine Law of consequences – we humans are free to choose, but we are not free from the consequences of our choices.

• ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥ : Everything is within Hukam, none is exempt from Hukam. Nanak, if one Realizes he/she is to obey Hukam, then one does not talk in ego — one does not boast of being outside/beyond/exempt of Hukam, or does not talk arrogantly and do things in own will or Manmukhta…). ॥2॥ (sggs 1).

What’s Maya ?

This word ‘Maya’ (ਮਾਇਆ) occurs frequently in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS). In order to impart the Wisdom, all 35 contributors of the SGGS have used terms that were already within the use and within the psyche of people of the time.

However, they have used these terms as examples (ਹਵਾਲਾ), but explicitly with new meanings and understanding to fit the new spiritual paradigms of Sikhi or Gurmat.

That said, CONTRARY to the Santana tradition, Maya in SGGS does not mean illusion or the unreality of the physical world. In fact according to the Unique Sikhi or Gurmat of Baaba Nanak, world is real as it is the Creation of the Creator:

• ਸਚੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਖੰਡ ਸਚੇ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡ ॥ ਸਚੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਲੋਅ ਸਚੇ ਆਕਾਰ ॥ ਸਚੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਕਰਣੇ ਸਰਬ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥ ਸਚਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਅਮਰੁ ਸਚਾ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥ : True are Your universes and true their parts. True are Your habitats and true are creatures of different forms and shapes. True are Your actions/works and true are all of your deliberations and decisions. True is Your authority and true Your is justice. (sggs 463).
• ਇਹੁ ਜਗੁ ਸਚੈ ਕੀ ਹੈ ਕੋਠੜੀ ਸਚੇ ਕਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਵਾਸੁ ॥ i: This world is the abode of God, who resides in it. (sggs 463).
• ਧਰਤਿ ਉਪਾਇ ਧਰੀ ਧਰਮ ਸਾਲਾ ॥ : The Earth was created to practice Dharma. (sggs 1033).

Then what is Maya? According to the SGGS, (1) whatever makes one forget one’s True Nature ( i.e. Jot Saroop) or Mool, Divine Virtues (‘Hari Visrai‘); (2) whatever gives rise to emotional attachment (‘Moh Upjai‘); and (3) whatever gives rise to duality (‘Bhaau Doojaa‘, two-ness, double mindedness, other strangeness…) becomes Maya for that person.

For example, consider the dual nature of wealth, which is essential for a trouble-free life but – if it controls/dominates/enslaves one’s mind – it can also be a source of anxiety, restlessness, temptations, allurements, corrupting influences etc. The Gurbani illustrates the predicament of humans with both excess and lack of wealth, highlighting the need for a balanced and a liberated state of mind.

In a nutshell, Maya is Bhav Saagar of worldly temptations and their corrupting influences. In other words, Maya is anything and everything which makes a person forget the Creator (Hukam) by creating attachment to the corrupting influences of the worldly temptations and allurements.

• ਏਹ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮੋਹੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਭਾਉ ਦੂਜਾ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ : This is Maya, by which (1) ‘Hari’ (Mool…) is forgotten; (2) (worldly) attachment is born, and (3) the love of duality is set (sggs 921).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਦੁਖਿ ਸੁਖਿ ਏਹੁ ਜੀਉ ਬਧੁ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਭਰਮੁ ਨ ਚੂਕਈ ਨਾ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੬॥ : What is called Maya? What does Maya do (through beings under its spell)? (The answer is that, under its spell) these beings are bound by pleasure and pain (i.e., the dualistic principle of Sukh and Dukh, etc); and they do their deeds in ‘Haumai’ (false ego-sense). Without the (Realization of the) Shabad, neither the doubt is dispelled nor Haumai is eliminated from within. ||6||(sggs 67).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੁਬਾਰੁ ॥ : Attachment to Maya (love for materialism) is the darkness of ignorance (in the journey of spiritual life). (sggs 1262).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਹੂਣੀਆ ਸੁੰਦਰਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਧ੍ਰੋਹੁ ॥ : O Nanak! without the Divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues), one is deceived by captivating Maya — the worldly temptations and their corrupting influences. (sggs 707).

In short, Maya gives the impression of being something it is not. Literally, this is exactly what the word ‘Maya’ means — ‘that which is not’. In Sanskrit ‘Ma’ means ‘not’, ‘ya’ means ‘that’. Consequently, beings live in delusion or doubts (‘Bharam‘), false ego-sense (‘Haumai‘), darkness of ignorance, vices/Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride…).

In the Gurbani, the material world called ‘Supan-ਸੁਪਨ’ (lit. dream), ‘Jhooth-ਝੂਠ’ (lit. false etc.), ‘Koorh-ਕੂੜੁ’ (lit. falsehood etc.), ‘Bharam-ਭਰਮੁ’ (lit. doubt, confusion etc.), ‘Chalanhaar-ਚਲਣਹਾਰੁ’ (lit. fleeting etc.), ‘Mithiya-ਮਿਥਿਆ’ (lit. delusory etc.), Mrig-Trishanaa etc.

By calling this world ‘Mithiya-ਮਿਥਿਆ’ etc, the Gurbani does NOT mean this world is non-existent. If this world was nonexistent then it would not have been experienced by us. Then is it real? Yes, it is real since we experience it. However it is called ‘Mithiya-ਮਿਥਿਆ’ etc. in a sense that it is subject to change every moment — we think it to be permanent, it is not; we think it to be nonperishable, it is not; we think it to be changeless, it is not; and so on.

It is the wild unrealistic imagination of the deluded mind which never ends and never exists! Thus, it continually baffles humanity, and poses the greatest roadblock in the path to Spiritual Enlightenment or Realization of the ONE Universal Creator within by making the mirage-like attractions of the enchanting world appear as permanent, everlasting etc.

• ਮਾਈ ਮਾਇਆ ਛਲੁ ॥ : O my intellect (conscience, mind)! Maya is deceitful. (sggs 717).
• ਬਾਬਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਰਚਨਾ ਧੋਹੁ ॥ : O my Mind! Deceitful (fleeting etc.) is the worldly splendor. (sggs 15).

Further, according to Guru Nanak, Haumai (false ego-sense) is also Maya. Uncontrolled Haumai and its faults (i.e. vices/Bikaar) are responsible for the killing of one’s Original Nature (Jot Saroop), corruption of morals, the development of criminal behavior (‘Apraadh‘), suffering, bloody international conflicts etc. Thus, it is also called the invisible fire which fueled by vices/Bikaar constantly consumed the world.

Haumai (false ego-sense) is also innate to human life. It is Haumai and its faults (drives/instincts) (Kaam, Kroadh, Loabh, Moh, and Ahankar) that influence the psychology of the human mind – mental functions and human behavior or instinctual aspects of our mental lives. Unconrolled drives/instincts give rise to the erotic and destructive components of mental activities.

• ਹਉਮੈ ਸਭੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥: Haumai helps the evolution of life as Haumai is innate to all beings. (sggs 560).
• ਮਾਣਸੁ ਭਰਿਆ ਆਣਿਆ ਮਾਣਸੁ ਭਰਿਆ ਆਇ ॥ : Human is born with Haumai and remains self-centered. (sggs 554).
• ਚਿਰੰਕਾਲ ਇਹ ਦੇਹ ਸੰਜਰੀਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : It took a very long time for the human body to evolve through many evolutionary stages of life. Now is your time to meet the Creator of the universe. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 176).
• ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਏਈ ਬੰਧਨਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਪਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਿਥਹੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਕਿਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਇਹ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਪਇਐ ਕਿਰਤਿ ਫਿਰਾਹਿ ॥ : It is the nature of Haumai that it governs the actions of beings. It is the influence of Haumai that one’s mind is born and dies every moment. Where does Haumai come from and how can it be controlled? Haumai is that Hukam (Cosmic Law, System-Rule-Law of Nature) that controls evolution of life. (sggs 466).

In reality, nobody can totally remove his/her egotism (Haumai). It defines our relationship with ourselves and our world, essentially providing meaning to the self to insure survival, success, protection, procreation, new discoveries etc. In fact it is responsible for all the progress/development of human society. That said, the Gurbani (SGGS) does not and cannot ask us to totally remove Haumai. Why? Because the decree of the Gurbani is that the Creator has created this world from five basic elements (ਪੰਜ-ਤੱਤੀ). including Haumai (egotism) and Maya.

What has been the surest means of life’s survival and progress has now, according to the SGGS, become ‘the great disease-ਵਡਾ ਰੋਗੁ’ of man (when it alloed to dominate our mind).

• ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ : Haumai (false ego-sense) is a chronic disease, but its remedy is also within it. (sggs 466).

Further, according to Guru Nanak, ‘Bharam‘ (doubt, delusion, wandering in doubt, ਭਰਮ ਭੁਲੇਖੇ etc.) is also Maya. 

• ਬਾਬਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇ ॥ : O my mind, it is Maya (worldly temptations and their corrupting influences) that deceives mortals in ‘Bharam’ (delusion, doubt etc.). (sggs 60).

Furthermore, according to Baba Nanak, Maya is also invisible ‘fire’ (‘Agan-ਅਗਨ’ – worldly temptations and their corrupting influences), burning the entire world, and so on.

• ਮਾਇਆ ਅਗਨਿ ਜਲੈ ਸੰਸਾਰੇ ॥: The world is burning in the fire of Maya (hunger or love of Maya…). (sggs 1049).

In a nutshell, Maya is a ocean (Bhav Saagar) of bad thoughts (ਵਿਚਾਰ) which makes us forget Godly Virtues (ਗੁਣ) — Truth (ਸਤ), honesty (ਇਮਾਨਦਾਰੀ), contentment (ਸੰਤੋਖ), mercy (ਦਯਾ), patience (ਧੀਰਜ), etc.

However, the self-serving Pujaaree clique bombards us that ONLY money (or currency etc.) is Maya! Not true at all! The Gurbani (SGGS) rejects that nonsensical definition of Maya.No household can live without money! Money is essential to meet basic and essential needs of life to survive.

In fact, according to the Gurbani, a freeloader (who does not work to earn his living, ਵੇਲੜ, ਮੰਗ ਖਾਣਾਂ…) cannot even engage in Bhagti or be a Bhagat! In other words, there can be no Gurmat Bhagti without ‘Kirat’ (ਕਿਰਤਿ) — honest work, labor, ਮਿਹਨਤ, etc.

• ਮਾਇਆ ਕੀ ਕਿਰਤਿ ਛੋਡਿ ਗਵਾਈ ਭਗਤੀ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ : (A freeloader – ਵੇਲੜ, ਮੰਗ ਖਾਣਾਂ – who) renounces to work or earn his livelihood while living in the midst of Maya, he cannot know what Bhagti is! (sggs 381).

As a matter of truth, anything or any bad thought (ਅਉਗੁਣ) that takes a person away from Godly Virtues, Wisdom, the Creator etc., is Maya (‘Hari Visrai‘). Such bad thought could be of money, power, education, spouse, children, business, wealth, property, pride of something, titles, social status, Jaat-Paat, selfishness, crookedness, jealousy, stubbornness, and so on.

Maya is also called ‘triple-qualitied’ (‘ਤੀਨਿ ਗੁਣਾ’, ‘ਤ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਗੁਣਾ’, ‘ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ’…). Maya’s material nature (including all matter) is composed of three modes or ingredients called ‘Gunas‘ in Sanskrit. In English ‘Guna‘ can be called ‘quality’. These three qualities, Gunas, thought-conditions, or disposition are Saatav, Raajas, Taamas (Sat, Raj, Tam or Sato, Rajo, Tamo). In English, these three modes can be called goodness, passion and ignorance etc., respectively. These three qualities of Maya are like intertwined strands of the winding cord or rope of nature. These three qualities are inherent in the creation. Through these three qualities, Maya holds in bondage all embodied beings.

• ਇਨਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਬਸਿ ਕੀਨੇ ॥ ਆਪਨ ਮੋਹ ਘਟੇ ਘਟਿ ਦੀਨੇ ॥ : This Maya has subjugated beings through the three qualities. Maya has infused its own attachment (love) in each and every heart. (sggs 251).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਅਉਗੁਣ ਜੇਤੜੇ ਤੇਤੇ ਗਲੀ ਜੰਜੀਰ ॥ ਜੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੋਨਿ ਤ ਕਟੀਅਨਿ ਸੇ ਭਾਈ ਸੇ ਵੀਰ ॥ : O Nanak! As many as are the demerits (Bikaar…), so many are the chains (bonds, Bandhan…) around (one’s) neck. If (one) possesses the Divine Virtues, then the chains are cut away; (hence Virtues) are (one’s) true brothers and mates. (sggs 595).
• ਦੇਵੀ ਦੇਵਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਹੈ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ : The basic reason for the creation of imaginary gods and goddesses is Maya. (sggs 129).
• ਮਤਾ ਕਰਉ ਸੋ ਪਕਨਿ ਨ ਦੇਈ ॥ ਸੀਲ ਸੰਜਮ ਕੈ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਖਲੋਈ ॥ ਵੇਸ ਕਰੇ ਬਹੁ ਰੂਪ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ॥ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਬਸਨਿ ਨ ਦੇਈ ਵਖਿ ਵਖਿ ਭਰਮਾਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਘਰ ਕੀ ਨਾਇਕਿ ਘਰ ਵਾਸੁ ਨ ਦੇਵੈ ॥ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਉ ਉਰਝਾਇ ਪਰੇਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Whatever I plan, Maya does not allow it to come to pass. She (i.e. Maya) blocks me from the way of goodness and self-discipline. (To deceive me) She wears many disguises and assumes many forms. She does not allow my mind to dwell in my own self and forces my mind to wander around in different directions. ||1|| She has become the mistress of my mind and she does not allow me to live in peace. The more I try to get out of Maya’s grip, the more it entangles me. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 371).

In addition to ‘triple-qualitied’, Maya is also called ‘poison’ (‘ਬਿਖਿਆ’…), ‘serpent’ (‘ਨਾਗਨੀ…’), ‘ਕਾਮਣਿਆਰਿ-Kaamaniaar’ and ‘ਧਰਕਟੀ ਨਾਰਿ-Dharkatee Naar’, ‘Saair Ki Putri-ਸਾਇਰ ਕੀ ਪੁਤ੍ਰੀ’, ‘Sakti’ etc.

• ਬਿਖਿਆ ਕਾ ਸਭੁ ਧੰਧੁ ਪਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਕੀਨੋ ਨਾਮ ਅਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : All worldly business is nothing but the expanse of the poison-Maya. Only a rare person, (instead of poison-Maya) has made God’s Name as his support in life. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1145).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਹੋਈ ਨਾਗਨੀ ਜਗਤਿ ਰਹੀ ਲਪਟਾਇ ॥ ਇਸ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਜੋ ਕਰੇ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਕਉ ਫਿਰਿ ਖਾਇ ॥ : Maya is a serpent, clinging to the world. Whoever serves her, she ultimately devours (that person). (sggs 510).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਧਰਕਟੀ ਨਾਰਿ ॥ ਭੂੰਡੀ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਕਾਮਣਿਆਰਿ ॥ : Attachment with Maya is like being in love with a promiscuous woman. Maya is like an unwise woman who casts spells.
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਤਿ ਪਤਿ ਨਾਮੇ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥ ਸਾਇਰ ਕੀ ਪੁਤ੍ਰੀ ਬਿਦਾਰਿ ਗਵਾਈ ॥ : For the one who has become the Gurmukh (enlightened/Guru-Shabad-Oriented), the Divine Naam is his/her social status (‘Jaati Pati’) honor and glory. The Gurmukh kills/eradicates Maya’s influence through the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). (sggs 230).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥ ਮਤਿ ਮਲੀਣ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਭਈ ਜਪਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੁਰਾਰਾ ॥ ਸਿਵਿ ਸਕਤਿ ਮਿਟਾਈਆ ਚੂਕਾ ਅੰਧਿਆਰਾ ॥ : Receiving Giyan-Wisdom from the Satigur and reflecting on Hari Essence (Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam), the polluted intellect becomes enlightened through realizing the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). This way the influence of Maya and the darkness of ignorance is erased. (sggs 163).

Symptoms of Maya dominated

Gurbani teaches us that a person becomes arrogant when inflicted/dominated by Maya. He/she has no fear or respect of the Divine Hukam.  Maya becomes his everything. The arrogance of Maya turns a person’s head so that he/she begins to despise the common man, and so on.

• ਮਾਥੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰੂਰਿ ॥ ਬੋਲੈ ਕਉੜਾ ਜਿਹਬਾ ਕੀ ਫੂੜਿ ॥ ਸਦਾ ਭੂਖੀ ਪਿਰੁ ਜਾਨੈ ਦੂਰਿ ॥੧॥ ਐਸੀ ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀ ਇਕ ਰਾਮਿ ਉਪਾਈ ॥ ਨਿ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਖਾਇਆ ਹਮ ਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Maya inflicted person always looks angry with a frown on his/her forehead. He she always speaks bitter and rude words. He/she is always hungry (greedy); and deems God far away. |1| God has created such a woman (i.e. Maya); who has devoured the entire world; but O my brother, the Guru has saved me from this woman called Maya ||Pause|| (sggs 394).
• ਨਿਰਧਨ ਆਦਰੁ ਕੋਈ ਨ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਲਾਖ ਜਤਨ ਕਰੈ ਓਹੁ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਧਰੇਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਜਉ ਨਿਰਧਨੁ ਸਰਧਨ ਕੈ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਆਗੇ ਬੈਠਾ ਪੀਠਿ ਫਿਰਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਜਉ ਸਰਧਨੁ ਨਿਰਧਨ ਕੈ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਦੀਆ ਆਦਰੁ ਲੀਆ ਬੁਲਾਇ ॥੨॥ ਨਿਰਧਨੁ ਸਰਧਨੁ ਦੋਨਉ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਕਲਾ ਨ ਮੇਟੀ ਜਾਈ ॥੩॥ ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਨਿਰਧਨੁ ਹੈ ਸੋਈ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੪॥੮॥ : No one (i.e. Maya inflicted) respects a poor person. The poor person may make thousands of efforts, but no one (i.e. Maya inflicted) pays any attention to him. ||1||Pause|| When a poor person goes to a rich person, (the Maya inflicted) wealthy person turns his back on him. ||1|| But when a wealthy person goes to the house of a poor person, the poor person welcomes him with great respect. ||2|| In reality, being the children of the same ONE Universal God, both are brothers. No one can change God’s wondrous play wherein one person is poor and the other is rich. ||3|| Kabir says, only that person is really poor, whose heart is devoid of God’s Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). ||4||8|| (sggs 1159).
• ਜਿਉ ਕੂਕਰੁ ਹਰਕਾਇਆ ਧਾਵੈ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਲੋਭੀ ਜੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਈ ਭਖੁ ਅਭਖੁ ਸਭ ਖਾਇ ॥ ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਮਦਿ ਬਿਆਪਿਆ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਪਾਇ ॥੨॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਾਲੁ ਪਸਾਰਿਆ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਚੋਗ ਬਣਾਇ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਪੰਖੀ ਫਾਸਿਆ ਨਿਕਸੁ ਨ ਪਾਏ ਮਾਇ ॥ : Like the mad dog running around in all directions, the greedy person, unaware, grabs or misappropriates everything that comes in his way (ਸਭ ਕੁੱਝ ਹੜਪ ਜਾਂਣ ਦੀ ਵਿਰਤੀ). Engrossed in the intoxication of lust and anger, people wander through cycle of spiritual birth and death. Maya has spread out her net and in it has placed the bait (sense-gratifications, vices/Bikaars etc.). O my intellect, the bird of desire (Maya inflicted Mind, ਜੀਵ-ਪੰਖੀ) is caught, and cannot find any escape. (sggs 50).

How does Maya subjugate mortals?

The Guru’s Shabad on page 128 of the SGGS teaches the entire humanity that Maya manifests itself in numerous ways or brings the living entity under its affliction/torment/influence/impact/control/domination in many ways. First let us reflect on the ‘Rahaou-ਰਹਾਉ‘ verse of this Shabad:

• ਮਾਇਆ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਬਹੁ ਪਰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਜੀਵਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਓਟ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Maya afflicts (torments/influences/impacts etc) living beings in many ways. However, O Creator, the seekers of truth remain unaffected by Maya who seek your protection (by living in conformance with the Divine Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 128).

Now, let us reflect on the rest of the verses of the foregoing Guru’s Shabad:

• ਬਿਆਪਤ ਹਰਖ ਸੋਗ ਬਿਸਥਾਰ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਸੁਰਗ ਨਰਕ ਅਵਤਾਰ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਧਨ ਨਿਰਧਨ ਪੇਖਿ ਸੋਭਾ ॥ ਮੂਲੁ ਬਿਆਧੀ ਬਿਆਪਸਿ ਲੋਭਾ ॥੧॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਬਹੁ ਪਰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਜੀਵਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਓਟ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਅਹੰਬੁਧਿ ਕਾ ਮਾਤਾ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਲਤ੍ਰ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਤਾ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਹਸਤਿ ਘੋੜੇ ਅਰੁ ਬਸਤਾ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਰੂਪ ਜੋਬਨ ਮਦ ਮਸਤਾ ॥੨॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਭੂਮਿ ਰੰਕ ਅਰੁ ਰੰਗਾ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਗੀਤ ਨਾਦ ਸੁਣਿ ਸੰਗਾ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਸੇਜ ਮਹਲ ਸੀਗਾਰ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਦੂਤ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਅੰਧਿਆਰ ॥੩॥ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਕਰਮ ਕਰੈ ਹਉ ਫਾਸਾ ॥ ਬਿਆਪਤਿ ਗਿਰਸਤ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਉਦਾਸਾ ॥ ਆਚਾਰ ਬਿਉਹਾਰ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਇਹ ਜਾਤਿ ॥ ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗ ਰਾਤ ॥੪॥ ਸੰਤਨ ਕੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਕਾਟੇ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ॥ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਾ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਮਾਇ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨਿ ਧੂਰਿ ਸੰਤ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਮਾਈ ॥੫॥੧੯॥੮੮॥ : Maya afflicts some through pain and others through pleasure. It afflicts people through desire of living in heaven and fear of hell. It afflicts the rich seeing wealth, the poor and those being glorified. ||1|| (Please see meaning of Rahaou verse above) ||1||Pause|| It afflicts the one who is intoxicated with self-conceit. It afflicts the one who is imbued with the love for children and spouse. It afflicts some through the possessions such as elephants, horses and beautiful clothes (as status symbols). It afflicts the one intoxicated with beauty and youth. ||2|| It afflicts landlords, paupers and rich revelers. It afflicts those who are listening to songs and music in parties. It afflicts people through beautiful beds, palaces and decorations. it effects some through the darkness of ignorance and the five vices/Bkaar. ||3|| It afflicts the one performing rituals (Karankaand) binding them in ego. Maya afflicts the householder as well as the recluse. It torments people through pride in character, lifestyle and social status. It afflicts when there is lack of love for God. ||4|| The sovereign Universal God cuts away the bonds of Maya for the seekers of truth. So, it cannot torment them at all. Nanak says, One who has humbly followed the teachings of the Guru, Maya cannot draw near that person ||5||19||88|| (sggs 128).
• ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਜਗੁ ਦੁਖੀਆ ਫਿਰੈ ਮਨਮੁਖਾ ਨੋ ਗਈ ਖਾਇ ॥ ਸਬਦੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਸਬਦੇ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੪॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਭੂਲੇ ਸਿਧ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥ ਤੀਨੇ ਲੋਅ ਵਿਆਪਤ ਹੈ ਅਧਿਕ ਰਹੀ ਲਪਟਾਇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਾ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥੫॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਦੁਖਿ ਸੁਖਿ ਏਹੁ ਜੀਉ ਬਧੁ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਭਰਮੁ ਨ ਚੂਕਈ ਨਾ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੬॥: Without the Shabad (Upadesh, Divine Giyan-Wisdom), the world wanders lost in pain (due to the love of Maya). Manmukhs (UN-enlightened) are consumed (by craving for Maya). Only through the Guru‘s Shabad can the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) be remembered, only through the Guru’s Shabad can one be absorbed in God Realization. ||4|| (Let alone ordinary people, even those so called Sidhas/Yogi) wander astray (ਕੁਰਾਹੇ ਪਏ) under the influence of Maya, their (mind) is not absorbed in the divine love. The three worlds (i.e. entire creation) are permeated by Maya; it greatly clings to all beings. Without the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom, liberation (from Maya) is not attained, and the double-mindedness (duality) caused by the influence of Maya does not go away ||5|| What is called Maya? What does Maya do (through beings under its spell)? (The answer is that, under its spell) these beings are bound by pleasure and pain (i.e. the dualistic principle of Sukh and Dukh, etc); and they do their deeds in ‘Haumai’ (false ego-sense). Without the (Realization of the) Shabad, neither the doubt is dispelled nor (domination of) Haumai is eliminated from within. ||6|| (sggs 67).

To Awaken the Wisdom in us (Brahm-Giyan), the Gurbani compares the world appearance to a mirage, which appears to be real to a deluded mind (mirage, ‘that which is not’…). This mirage (‘ਮ੍ਰਿਗ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ’…) analogy appears time and again in the Gurbani.

• ਜਬ ਹਮ ਹੋਤੇ ਤਬ ਤੂ ਨਾਹੀ ਅਬ ਤੂਹੀ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥ ਅਨਲ ਅਗਮ ਜੈਸੇ ਲਹਰਿ ਮਇ ਓਦਧਿ ਜਲ ਕੇਵਲ ਜਲ ਮਾਂਹੀ ॥੧॥ ਮਾਧਵੇ ਕਿਆ ਕਹੀਐ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਐਸਾ ॥ ਜੈਸਾ ਮਾਨੀਐ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਤੈਸਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਨਰਪਤਿ ਏਕੁ ਸਿੰਘਾਸਨਿ ਸੋਇਆ ਸੁਪਨੇ ਭਇਆ ਭਿਖਾਰੀ ॥ ਅਛਤ ਰਾਜ ਬਿਛੁਰਤ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੋ ਗਤਿ ਭਈ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥੨॥ ਰਾਜ ਭੁਇਅੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਗ ਜੈਸੇ ਹਹਿ ਅਬ ਕਛੁ ਮਰਮੁ ਜਨਾਇਆ ॥ ਅਨਿਕ ਕਟਕ ਜੈਸੇ ਭੂਲਿ ਪਰੇ ਅਬ ਕਹਤੇ ਕਹਨੁ ਨ ਆਇਆ ॥੩॥ ਸਰਬੇ ਏਕੁ ਅਨੇਕੈ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸਭ ਘਟ ਭੋੁਗਵੈ ਸੋਈ ॥ ਕਹਿ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਹਾਥ ਪੈ ਨੇਰੈ ਸਹਜੇ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ ॥੪॥੧॥ : As long as false ego-sense remains inside us beings, then You (the Creator within Creation) do not exist, but when You exist then our ‘I’ (Haumai or egotism) does not exist. (With the disappearance of this ‘I’– Haumai, egotism – it is understood that) as the storm fills the ocean with waves, but in reality those (waves of the ocean) are just water in water (so You pervades in all beings). ||1|| O Creator, what can we say of such elaborate phenomena; on account of our doubt, what we believe does not even exist in reality. ||1||Pause|| It is like a king, who falls asleep upon his throne, and dreams he has become a beggar. (Although) his kingdom is intact but he suffered in sorrow while attached to the illusion of his dream; such is our condition. ||2| As is the story of the rope mistaken for a snake (in darkness), mystery has now been illuminated o me. Like the many bracelets (made of gold), which were mistakenly thought (of separate or of different material); now, (I) do not say that. ||3|| The one Creator pervades all and permeates all over Creation. Ravidas has realized that his Creator is more closer to him than his own hand; whatever is happening is happening in Creator’s Hukam (System-Rule-Law-Order of Nature). ||4||1|| (sggs 657-658).
• ਮ੍ਰਿਗ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਜਿਉ ਜਗ ਰਚਨਾ ਯਹ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਬਿਚਾਰਿ ॥ : Reflect in your mind and see for yourself that this world play is like the thirst of the deer – mistaken for water, who runs towards the mirage in the desert (humans tempted by the world-play also run after it). (sggs 536).

Without abidance in the Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam, our minds become Maya’s ‘Muhtaaj-ਮੁਹਤਾਜੁ’ (slave, necessitous, needy, ਅਧੀਨ, ਖੁਸ਼ਾਮਦੀ…).

• ਅੰਤਰ ਆਤਮੈ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਮੁਹਤਾਜੁ ਭਇਆ ॥੭॥ : I do not realize God residing within for I have become subservient to Maya – materiality etc. ||7|| (sggs 435).
• ਮਦਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੈ ਭਇਓ ਬਾਵਰੋ ਸੂਝਤ ਨਹ ਕਛੁ ਗਿਆਨਾ ॥ : (Mind) intoxicated with Maya, does not understand even a bit of Giyan (Knowledge, Wisdom, ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ…). (sggs 632).

Leaders, religious preachers, Deredar sadh babas, Siddhas, etc, who teach other, have not been able to free themselves from the attachment of Maya. That is why they are trapped in the trap of Maya and are spiritually ruined.

• ਪੰਡਿਤ ਜੋਤਕੀ ਸਭਿ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਕੂਕਦੇ ਕਿਸੁ ਪਹਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਪੁਕਾਰਾ ਰਾਮ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਮਲੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਵਾਪਾਰਾ ਰਾਮ ॥ : The pundits and astrologers study extensively and scream about different philosophies but I wonder who are they trying to impress? The dirt of attachment to Maya clings to their minds and their deeds are also a business of amassing worldly wealth only.
• ਅੰਧਾ ਆਗੂ ਜੇ ਥੀਐ ਕਿਉ ਪਾਧਰੁ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਆਪਿ ਮੁਸੈ ਮਤਿ ਹੋਛੀਐ ਕਿਉ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥ ਕਿਉ ਰਾਹਿ ਜਾਵੈ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਅੰਧ ਕੀ ਮਤਿ ਅੰਧਲੀ ॥ : If a blind man (mentally blind, ignorant…) is made the leader, how will he know the Way (right Way of life). Due to his inadequate understanding (lack of Wisdom etc.), he himself is being plundered (by Maya, evil inclinations etc.); how will (those who follow such a blind or Mayadhaaree leader) know the Way? How can he follow the righteous path and realize God? (sggs 767).

Gurbani’s Counsel to transcend Maya’s corrupting influences

Transcending is going beyond. In spiritual sense, it is Becoming — Awakened, Realized within. The Guru’s Counsel is: One who has eradicated self-centeredness and has begun to shape his life according to the teachings of the Shabad Guru, Maya cannot inflict him/her.

• ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਮਾਰਣੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥੨॥ : Nanak, the antidote of Maya is the Shabad, which is realized by internalizing its Message – becoming the Gurmukh (enlightened / Guru-Shabad-Oriented). ||2|| (sggs 853).
• ਸੁਣਿ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਗਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਕਾਈ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਭੇਟਤ ਉਧਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O seekers of truth, listen to this immaculate philosophy: The sublime spiritual state is not attained without lovingly remembering God’s Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam); one is saved from the clutches of Maya only by meeting and following the Guru’s teachings. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 891).
• ਮੁਈ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਈ ਹਉ ਖਰਾ ਸੁਖਾਲਾ ॥ : Maya (i.e. the corrupting influence of the world) has no more the slightest corrupting influence on my (mind) and that has made my (mind) truly peaceful (happy, at ease etc.). (sggs 476).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਮਮਤਾ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਭਾਗੀ ਉਪਜਿਓ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥ : Attachment to Maya has run away from my body, since immaculate Wisdom has welled up (i.e. Awakened within). (sggs 1186).

The Gurbani (SGGS) ushers us from Bhav Saagar into Sukh Saagar.

• ਸੁਖ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥: Hari Naam is the Sukh Saagar; it is obtained by becoming the Gurmukh. (sggs 29).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅਲਿਪਤੁ ਲੇਪੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਦਾ ਰਹੈ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥: A person who becomes the Gurmukh remains free from the shackles of Maya (i.e. remain unaffected by Maya) because he takes refuse in (Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature). (sggs 1344).

Human mind remains occupied by the mixture of the three modes of the material nature. According to the predominance of one of these three modes of material nature acquired by our mind, one’s temperament and can be considered as Saatavic, Raajasic, or Taamasic. Furthermore, depending on the predominance of the three thought-conditions (i.e. Taamas, Raajas, Saatav), one’s understanding can also be considered as Saatavic, Raajasic, or Taamasic.

Shabad, when read or heard, will form a unique image in the mind of the listener or reader depending on the predominance of these three thought-conditions. Unique because – depending on the predominance of the three thought-conditions – each individual (Jeev) has his or her own perspective on everything, which exist within the reality they have created for themselves. For example take the word ‘god‘, it will form a different image in each individual’s mind.

In other words, these are the three thought-conditions (i.e. Taamas, Raajas, Saatav), under which the human mind functions.

• ਤਿਹੀ ਗੁਣੀ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਸੁਤਾ ਸੁਤਿਆ ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਣੀ ॥ : The entire world is engrossed in three modes of Maya (i.e. three thought-conditions: Taamas, Raajas, Saatav), consequently worldly people pass their life sleeping in delusion. (sggs 920).
• ਤੀਨਿ ਨਦੀ ਤਹ ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਕਸਮਲ ਧੋਵਹਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੫॥ : (Those who give up living life by Virtues or Wisdom, and instead continue living in Mayaic consciousness) they remain (immersed or deceived) in ‘Trikuti‘ (i.e. ‘confluence of the three’ rivers of Maya’s three-qualities: Rajo, Tamo, Sato); they transgress day and night; (since they remain devoid of Virtuous life) they do not cleanse their act or thinking. ||5|| (sggs 344).

Aptly, the SGGS asks us to transcend or go beyond these three thought-conditions.

• ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚਉਥਾ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇ ॥ : The three qualitied Maya’s attachment is (prevalent in the world). A person who becomes the Gurmukh realizes the Fourth State (i.e. the state that transcends hunger for Maya). (sggs 30).
• ਤੀਨਿ ਬਿਆਪਹਿ ਜਗਤ ਕਉ ਤੁਰੀਆ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥ : The world is in the grip of the three (qualities of Maya); only a few realize the Turiyaa Avasthaa (i.e. Fourth State of Consciousness beyond hunger for Maya, Mool-Abidance etc.) (sggs 297).
• ਸਤਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ ਛੂਟੈ ਚਉਥੈ ਪਦਿ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥੨॥ : With the Satgur (True Wisdom- ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ), traps of the three qualities (of Maya) are cut away; and the Fourth State, the ‘Door’ of Liberation, is realized. ||2|| (sggs 33).
• ਰਜ ਗੁਣ ਤਮ ਗੁਣ ਸਤ ਗੁਣ ਕਹੀਐ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਭ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਚਉਥੇ ਪਦ ਕਉ ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਹੀ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨॥ : Some beings are in Rajo Gun, some are in Tamo Gun, some are in Sato Gun. (O man!) This is all your (individual) Maya. (Beyond these) the man who realizes the Fourth State (i.e. Turiya Avasthaa: Mool-Abidance); he alone realizes the highest spiritual state (ਉੱਚੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਵਸਥਾ). ||2|| (sggs 1123).

In addition to these three qualities (modes) of Maya, the SGGS also talks about a few more aspects of Maya. For example:

• Maya as the Suhaagan-daughter of the misers (i.e. Mayadhari person).
• Maya as the wife of the worldly people (i.e. Mamnmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree persons).
• Maya as the slave of the seekers of truth (Saadhoo, Bhagat, Daas, Jan, Gurmukh…).
• Maya as a very beautiful bride, and so on.

In this context, consider, the following Shabad:

• ਸੋਹਾਗਨਿ ਕਿਰਪਨ ਕੀ ਪੂਤੀ ॥ ਸੇਵਕ ਤਜਿ ਜਗਤ ਸਿਉ ਸੂਤੀ ॥ ਸਾਧੂ ਕੈ ਠਾਢੀ ਦਰਬਾਰਿ॥ ਸਰਨਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਿ ॥੨॥ ਸੋਹਾਗਨਿ ਹੈ ਅਤਿ ਸੁੰਦਰੀ ॥ ਪਗ ਨੇਵਰ ਛਨਕ ਛਨਹਰੀ ॥ ਜਉ ਲਗੁ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਤਊ ਲਗੁ ਸੰਗੇ ॥ ਨਾਹਿ ਤ ਚਲੀ ਬੇਗਿ ਉਠਿ ਨੰਗੇ ॥੩॥ : Maya, the ‘Suhaagan’-bride, is like the daughter of misers (i.e. misers keep amassing it, but do not use it). Except for the Divine’s Sevak or those who live by Hukam (Bhagat, Daas, Jan, Gurmukh…), she lhas taken control of the entire world – she has takes the materially oriented people under her control). Standing at the service of ‘Saadhoo‘ (Bhagat, Daas, Jan, Gurmukh…), Maya says, ‘I have come to your shelter; protect me!’ (i.e. ‘Saadhoo‘ beings keep Maya or temptations and allurements under their control). ||2|| Like a very beautiful bride, this Maya is very attractive. It appears as if her ankle-bells are tinkling (to entice people). As long as a person is alive, Maya (or temptation, allurements) remains attached to him. But after his death, it departs immediately. ||3|| (sggs 872).

According to the Gurbani, the arduous ocean of this Maya can be swum across with the help of Naam (Wisdom/ Virtues…):

• ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਮਾਰਣੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ : Nanak, Naam (Wisdom, Virtue, Truth…) is an antidote to Maya, and it is realized by becoming the Gurmukh (enlightened / Guru Shabad-Oriented). ||1|| (sggs 513).
• ਜਲਤ ਅਨਿਕ ਤਰੰਗ ਮਾਇਆ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨ ਹਰਿ ਰਿਦ ਮੰਤ ॥: Maya’s Countless waves (allurements, temptations…) are burnt away when the Divine Wisdom is enshrined in the mind through the ‘Mant’ (the Gurbani’s Upadesh, Wisdom-Giyan). (sggs 508).

Hence, a Gurmukh Lifestyle (Enlightened or Guru Shabad-Oriented mindset) guided by the light of the ‘Shabad‘ is the ultimate medicine.

• ਮਾਇਆ ਲਹਰਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਨਿਵਾਰੀ ॥ : Deter the waves of Maya with Shabad (sggs 1049).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨ ਮਾਏ ॥੭॥ : O Nanak! (Who is united with Truth) Maya does not even come near that person. ||7|| (sggs 251).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਭੇਟਿਐ ਪੂਰੀ ਹੋਵੈ ਜੁਗਤਿ ॥ ਹਸੰਦਿਆ ਖੇਲੰਦਿਆ ਪੈਨੰਦਿਆ ਖਾਵੰਦਿਆ ਵਿਚੇ ਹੋਵੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ॥: O Nanak! Meeting the Satigur (ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) then one learns the perfect Way to live life. (Thus following that) he is liberated while laughing, playing, dressing and eating (i.e. one remains free from worldly temptations and their corrupting influence while living in the world). (sggs 522).

During ‘Sidh Gosat’ Bani, Sidhas asked Baba Nanak to discourse on the following:

• ਕਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਬਾਧਾ ਸਰਪਨਿ ਖਾਧਾ ॥ ਕਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਖੋਇਆ ਕਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਲਾਧਾ ॥ ਕਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਕਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਅੰਧਿਆਰਾ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ਸੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਮਾਰਾ ॥੧੪॥ : Why are we (still) attached (consumed) to the entanglement of the material world or Maya (that we have already renounced)? Why have we not found (Realization, that you have found in your Realization), how can rediscover it? How can we eliminate (the remnants of) attachment to the material world, and why is our chosen path unenlightened? We will accept you as our Guru if you can discourse the Essence / truth of the above-mentioned matters. ॥14॥ (sggs 939).

Baba Nanak discoursed these questions of Sidhas as follows:

• ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਬਾਧਾ ਸਰਪਨਿ ਖਾਧਾ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਇਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਧਾ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਅੰਧੇਰਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮੈ ਮੇਟਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੧੫॥ ਸੁੰਨ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਦੀਜੈ ਬੰਧੁ ॥ ਉਡੈ ਨ ਹੰਸਾ ਪੜੈ ਨ ਕੰਧੁ ॥ ਸਹਜ ਗੁਫਾ ਘਰੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਸਾਚਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਚੇ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਚਾ ॥੧੬॥ : Rejecting Gurmat (Durmat = opposite of Gurmat) causes attachment of / entanglement in the material world or Maya, (even after physical renouncement). Rejecting the Shabad (Manmukh-hood) is the cause of not finding (Realization), adopting the Shabad (Gurmukh-hood) is the Way to rediscover it. The Enlightenment within the Shabad (ਸਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) will eliminate (darkness of) attachment to material world. Nanak’s discourse is that (the Essence of Godly Realization) is to subsume the self (i.e. subsume Haumai mind within the Shabad). ॥15॥ (My Realization of) the Creator WITHIN provided support (in the path of Maya, for the self to be subsumed). The mind stops wandering (for Maya) and physical suffering is resolved. (Because) my mind is the Natural Abode (Sahaj – Natural State of Being) for the Realized Creator. Nanak, my God-realized sate (of subsuming the self – mind) is obtained by loving the Creator WITHIN. ॥16॥(sggs 939).

Related Posts:

• Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi
• Purpose of Human Birth
• Guru in Sikhi!
• Gurbani Counsels Controlling Vices / Bikaar …
• Haumai Maya
• Bhav Saagar
• Duality – There is no Second
• Liberation From Slavery of Outer Domination
• World is Consumed by Hidden Fire
• Mind Clinging to Maya can’t be Trusted
• Dance of the Mind Attached to Maya
• Realize Enlightening Message Embedded within Shabad
• Gur-Shabad is the antidote to poison of Maya-serpent
• How Do We Become Maya’s Slave
• Mind That Gives Up Hunger For Maya Realizes Its Mool
• Rope Mistaken for a Snake!
• Gurbani Says We are in a State of Sleep Paralysis
• Nature of Mayaic Delusion: Part 1
• The Nature of Mayaic Delusion: Part 2
• The Nature of Mayaic Delusion: Part 3
• Gurbani is not Meant to Repeat Pre-1469 Belief System
• The Path on which Panihaaree is Plundered
• Sikhi: a New ‘Way’ of Life