Gurmat Bhagti

In the English translations of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) available on internet, the term ‘Bhagti‘ is seen translated as devotion, devotional service, or devotional worship of a particular entity etc. Such interpretations are based on Vedas, Puranas, Sanatan-Brahmanical-Yogic slants, fake Sakhis (stories) or other texts written by the anti-Nanak or Anti-Sikhi groups etc.

That’s NOT the Gurbani’s understanding or meaning of ‘Bhagti‘!

The Pre-1469 stale spirituality of the self-serving clergy is the spirituality of AFTERLIFE — after physical death.

Baabaa Nanak’s UNIQUE and REVOLUTIONARY spirituality or Sikhi is not meant to regurgitate pre-1469 beliefs that have been instilled over the past several centuries in the psyche of people by their promoters who spin and manufacture them.

All 35 contributors of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) have used terms that were already within the use and within the psyche of people of their time.

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

Gurmat Bhagti

NOT according to the self serving Pujaaree (clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.) and the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) etc., but according to the Gurbani, ‘Bhagti’ in the Sikhi Way of life:

• Is based on the Giaan-Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS).
• For Sikhs (seekers or learners of the SGGS), Shabad = the Guru = Giaan Guru.
• Bhagti in Sikhi is to become imbued in love of the ONE Creator / Hukam by living the Message of the SHABAD Guru — realize or Awaken the Wisdom of the SGGS and Godly Virtues within, and then dutifully live daily life of Wisdom / Virtues (Enlightenment or Gurmukh Mindset)!

The Shabad Guru Guides us as follows:

• ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਮਤਿ ਤੂੰ ਲੇਹਿ ਇਆਨੇ ॥ ਭਗਤਿ ਬਿਨਾ ਬਹੁ ਡੂਬੇ ਸਿਆਨੇ ॥: O you ignorant, take the Gurmat (internalize the Message embedded in the Gur-Shabad); without this Bhagti, even very wise (self-willed) persons have succumb to vices/Bikaar (worldly temptations and their corrupting influences – Bhav Saagar…). (sggs 288).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਮਤਿ ਆਵੈ ਸੋ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਨਾ ॥ ਇਹ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੋ ਜੀਅਹੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਰਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: One who Internalizes the Enlightening Message of the Satgur’s Shabad, remains absorbed in it (i.e. Wisdom / Virtues). Divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) always remains enshrined in a person’s mind who understands and follows the Gurbani (SGGS) from the core of his being. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 797).
• ਸਚੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦ ਪਿਆਰਿ ॥: True Bhagti consists of love for the Gur-Shabad (i.e., life of the Shabad-Giaan, Wisdom, Upadesh, Virtues…). (sggs 158).
• ਪਰਿਓ ਕਾਲੁ ਸਭੈ ਜਗ ਊਪਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਲਿਖੇ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਭਏ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਿਹ ਜਾਨੀ ॥ : The superstitious scholars write that the whole world is under superstitions and fear of death. O Kabeer! Those beings who Understood ‘Prem Bhagti’ become ‘Khaalse‘ (‘ਖਾਲਸੇ’ ==> ‘liberated‘ from superstitions and fear of death or became ‘pure’ beings free from superstitions, Inner Purity). (sggs 655).

In other words, Bhagti is to live by ones inherent Original Nature (Jot Saroop, divine Wisdom / Virtues…) — live by the divine Hukam (System-Law-Rule-Order of Nature) as do air, water, fire…

• ਪਉਣੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੋ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਭਗਤੀ ॥ ਏਨਾ ਨੋ ਭਉ ਅਗਲਾ ਪੂਰੀ ਬਣਤ ਬਣਤੀ ॥: Water, air and fire, by the Hukam (System-Rule-Law-Command of Nature), perform Bhagti. These elements remain in the divine fear of God (i.e. function under His Hukam-ਨਿਯਮ), hence what a perfect system managing the universe is created! (sggs 948).
• ਪਉਣੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੋ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏ ਨਿਤ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਵੈ ਰਾਮ ॥: O my mind, even the wind, water, and the fire sing praises of the supreme God every day — function in accordance with their inherent Godly Qualities or Nature – ਗੁਣ, ਨਿਯਮ. (sggs 540).

In the foregoing verses, the Gurbani claims air, water, and fire are also engaged in persistent Bhagti!

How so?

Have you ever seen air, water, and fire counting beads of Maalaa or rosary? Have you seen them sitting cross-legged in Smadh or meditation posture in some secluded basement of a Deraa? Have you seen them singing with Tabla, harmonium, and other musical instruments or in musical Ragas?

No?

Then the question is: How are they doing Bhagti?

Simply put: they follow their inherent nature, Godly qualities (ਗੁਣ, ਨਿਯਮ) and carry on their duties, responsibilities…

Having said that, according to the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS, there can be NO Bhagti without living one’s inherent or Original Nature, Wisdom / Virtues, duties, responsibilities…

• ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥: I Cleanse my mind Within (of vices) with Godly Virtues. Bhagti (spirituality) does not materialize without Internalizing these Virtues. (sggs 4).

Also, the Gurbani asserts a freeloader (who does not work to earn his living (ਵੇਲੜ, ਮੰਗ ਖਾਣਾਂ, self-serving Deraavaad Baabaa, twisted clergy or Pujaaree groups etc.) cannot perform Bhagti or be a Bhagat!

In other words, there can be no Bhagti without ‘Kirati-ਕਿਰਤਿ’ — honest work, labor, ਮਿਹਨਤ, living a life of Wisdom / Virtues.

• 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).

To put it in simple Punjabi: ਸਿਖ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਗੁਰਮਤ ਲੈਕੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਿਚ ਰੱਬੀ ਗੁਣਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕਮਾਉਣਾਂ ਹੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਹੈ । ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਮਾਰਗ = ਭਗਤੀ ਮਾਰਗ = ਗਿਆਨ ਮਾਰਗ

Hence, unequivocally, the Way of the Sikhi is the Way (Maarag) of Inner Searching and Understanding (i.e., Giaan Maarag – ਗਿਆਨ ਮਾਰਗ).

• ਖੋਜਤ ਖੋਜਤ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਪਾਇਓ ਸਾਧੂ ਸੇਵ ਕਰੀਜੈ ॥: After searching long and hard, I have learned that the Way to realize God is that we should continue to live by the Guru’s Giaan-Wisdom (inculcated through Shabad-Vichaar). (sggs 1269).

Thorough understanding of the Gurbani helps the mind become ‘One’ with its Mool within, which is the purpose of life — Ik Mann Ik Chitt, divine Union (‘ਵੀਆਹੁ’), ‘Saabat Soorati – ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ’, Gurmukh-hood etc.

• ਪੜਿਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦੁ ਬੁਝਿਐ ਪਾਵਣਾ ॥ ਖਟੁ ਦਰਸਨ ਕੈ ਭੇਖਿ ਕਿਸੈ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਵਣਾ ॥ ਸਚਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਅਲਖੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਹਾਵਣਾ ॥ : Not by just reading (scriptures), but it is through spiritual Wisdom one Understands this fact (that God is infinite). No one can merge in the eternal God by merely adopting the garbs mentioned in the six Shastras (the Hindu holy books). The eternal God is unfathomable, but revealed through the Guru’s Shabad, He (i.e. Creation, Hukam) looks beautiful. (sggs 148).

To say it otherwise, Bhagti is a divine Lifestyle — the Enlightened or Gurmukh Lifestyle of Wisdom / Virtues, Dharma, Inner Revolution, and so on. According to the Gurbani, ONLY such Bhagti is fruitful.

• ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਫਲ ਦਾਤੀ ॥: Bhagti of God is very rewarding. (spiritually). (sggs 628).

Hence according to the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS, Gurmat-Bhagti is not just chanting ‘Waheguru Waheguru’ etc., or singing of the Gurbani or devotional songs (Kirtan); or sitting in some peculiar posture (‘ਬਗੁਲ ਸਮਾਧਿ’) with half closed eyes staring the sky or the nose, or counting beads (ਮਾਲਾ ਫੇਰਨੀ) with the Maya infatuated mind (ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਮਾਇਆ ਦੀ ਭੁੱਖ), and so on.

• ਇਕਿ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਰਾਗ ਪਰੀਆ ਰਾਗਿ ਨ ਭੀਜਈ ॥: Some sing according to traditional Raag, but the Lord is not pleased by these Raag (sggs 1285).
• ਗਾਵਹਿ ਗੀਤ ਨ ਚੀਨਹਿ ਆਪੁ ॥: You sing the songs, but you do not understand your own self (i.e., your Mool). (sggs 903).
• ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਪੂਰਹਿ ਤਾਲ ॥: For the sake of bread, they perform melodiously (sggs 465).
• ਜਬ ਕੀ ਮਾਲਾ ਲਈ ਨਿਪੂਤੇ ਤਬ ਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਨ ਭਇਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Ever since this worthless son (i.e., mind, ਔਂਤਰਾ ਮਨ…) has taken the Maalaa (rosary), since than there has been no Sukha (Joy, ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤੀ, Gain, etc.)! ||1||Pause|| (sggs 856).

In a nutshell, according to the Wisdom of the SGGS, ‘Bhagti’ in Sikhi is to die in the Shabad. As a result, one gets connected to his Mool within, becoming a living liberated (Jeevan Mukt).

• ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਭਗਤਿ ਪਾਏ ਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥: One who dies in the Shabad, obtains Bhagti ||3|| (sggs 159).
• ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਨੁ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰੈ ॥: This is Bhagti, (by which) ‘Janu’ (Gurmukh, Daas, Bhagat…) remains dead while yet alive (sggs 364).

However, for Bhagti to be fruitful, the Gurbani says that the conditioned mind must bathe in the pool of the spiritual Knowledge (Giaan, Virtues…)! Gurbani is the mirror of the mind:

Therefore, the real aim of Bhagti in Sikhi is to debug the conditioned mind and eradicate it’s ‘filth‘ or negativity (Bikaars, Durmat, crookedness, Haumai or false ego-sense, duality, ignorance, doubt…), and Realize the One Creator within by taking true Understanding of the Gurbani’s Wisdom; and then persistently living it in daily life (Enlightened or Gurmukh Lifestyle).

• ਮਨਿ ਮੈਲੈ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥: With a filthy mind (filth of Haumai…), Bhagti cannot be performed, and the Naam cannot be obtained (sggs 39).
• ਮਨ ਮਾਰੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥: Without killing the mind, Bhagati does not happen ||2|| (sggs 329).

In essence, as the Gurbani indicates, Bhagti is essentially to become absorbed in the Naam (Wisdom / Virtues).

• ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤੀ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੩॥: O Nanak! Bhagti is to get absorbed in Naam (Wisdom / Virtues). ||3|| (sggs 289).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਭਗਤੀ ਜਾਗੇ ॥: United with Bhagti, the mind of the Gurmukh remains Awakened. (sggs 415).

And the Naam — as the Gurbani asserts — is no other than the Giaan-Padaarath of the entire SGGS.

• ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਦੇਇ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇ ॥: The Gur-Giaan (Spiritual Wisdom…) is the Naam Padaarath. (Hence, the Guru) makes the Hari Naam firm (resolved, stable, strong, properly understood, ਪੱਕਾ, ਦ੍ਰਿੜ, etc., in the mind of the sincere seeker of Truth – ਜਗ੍ਯਾਸੂ…). (sggs 759).
• ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮ ॥: The Divine Wisdom is Amrit Naam (which bestows Spiritual Life). (sggs 1146).

Thus, the Gurbani emphasizes on Realizing and abiding in Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) rather than Pujaaree concocted dogmas, religious paraphernalia, empty rituals (Karamkaand), Pakhand, religious robes etc.

Having said that, we are asked by the SGGS to BECOME THE GURBANI.

The Gurbani asserts that such true Bhagti can only be performed when one becomes permeated in Naam.

• ਸਾਚੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਤਾ ਥੀਐ ਜਾ ਹਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: True Bhagti is performed only when God comes to abide in the mind. ||1||Rahaou|| (sggs 35).

The Gurbani indicates that such person who has Realized this true Bhagti is very ‘rare‘. Because, it’s an uphill climb with challenges that need courage to surmount them.

• ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਜਨੁ ਕੋਈ ॥੧॥: A rare ‘Janu’ (Gurmukh, Bhagt, Daas…) obtains the ‘Gurmati Bhagti’ (understanding of the Gur-Shabad, Naam, Hukam…) ||1|| (sggs 879).
• ਭਗਤਿ ਬਿਨਾ ਸਹਸਾ ਨਹ ਚੂਕੈ ਗੁਰੁ ਇਹੁ ਭੇਦੁ ਬਤਾਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: The Guru reveals this secret that doubt is not dispelled without Bhagti. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 830).

The nature, habits, thinking etc. of Sansaar or a Sansaaree (a worldly person) is contrary to that of the Bhagti or the Bhagat. Accordingly, the Gurbani reminds us that there can never be a ‘Jorr’ (connection, link, bond, union, alliance, association…) between a Sansaaree (worldly person) and a Bhagat (who is engaged in the Gurmat-Bhagti – Gurmukh)!

• ਭਗਤਾ ਤੈ ਸੈਸਾਰੀਆ ਜੋੜੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਆਇਆ ॥: There can never be true alliance or connection (of nature, thinking, habits etc.) between the Bhagats (Gurmukh, Daas, Jan etc.) and the worldly people. (sggs 145).

In a nutshell, devoid of this Bhagti, one lives an animalistic life at the level of his mind:

• ਏਕ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਕੈ ਨਾਹਿ ਮਨਿ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਸੂਕਰ ਸੁਆਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਨੋ ਤਾਹਿ ਤਨੁ ॥੪੪॥ : That person in whose mind is NO Bhagti for the One Creator; Nanak, deem that person is living the life like a hog and a dog; even if in a human body. ॥ 44 ॥ (sggs 1428).
• ਗੁਰ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਹੀਣਸ੍ਯ੍ਯ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੰਤ ਜਨਮ ਭ੍ਰਸਟਣਹ ॥ ਕੂਕਰਹ ਸੂਕਰਹ ਗਰਧਭਹ ਕਾਕਹ ਸਰਪਨਹ ਤੁਲਿ ਖਲਹ ॥੩੩॥: That mortal who lacks the Gur-mantra (Guru’s counsel, advice, Wisdom, Upadesh, ਸਲਾਹ), cursed and fallen (depraved, polluted…) is his life. That wicked person is a dog, a pig, a jackass, a crow, a snake (in this very life, here and now, not after death). ||33|| (1356).

In a nutshell, Bhagti as envisaged in the SGGS is based on the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS. It is becoming ENLIGHTENED – Gurmukh Mindset.

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਸਦ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ॥: O mortal, always engage in ‘Gurmukhi Bhagti‘. (sggs 880).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੇ ਰਾਤਾ ॥: The Gurmukh night and day remains imbued with the Shabad. (sggs 125).
• ਜਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਰੇ ਸਾਈ ਭਗਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ॥: Whatever the Gurmukh does, is Bhagti (sggs 1422).

Giaan Bhagti

Gurmat Bhagti is also called ‘Giaan Bhagti‘ (‘ਗਿਆਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ’).

‘Giaan‘ = Spiritual Wisdom etc.

‘Giaan’ Bhagti (‘ਗਿਆਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ’) = Spiritual Wisdom Bhagti.

All other wealth leaves but this wealth of ‘Giaan’ Bhagti is one’s own, which ever stays with the mind.

• ਨਿਜ ਧਨੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਨੀ ਤਾਸੁ ਸੁਮਤਿ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗਾ ॥ : The Guru Given Giaan Bhagti is my personal Wealth. (Now my) mind remains attuned to God. (sggs 336).

‘Nirantar Bhagti‘

Gurmat Bhagti is also called ‘Nirantar Bhagti‘ (‘ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ’).

‘Nirantar’ (ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ) means Persistent, continuous, uninterrupted, unbroken, unceasing, always etc. (ਇਕ-ਰਸ, ਲਗਾਤਾਰ, ਸਦਾ ਹੀ, ਹਰ ਵੇਲੇ, ‘ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ’, ‘ਸਾਸ ਸਾਸ ਸਾਸ’, ‘ਏਕ ਲਿਵ ਤਾਰਾ’…).

• ਦੁਖੀ ਦੁਹਾਗਨਿ ਦੁਇ ਪਖ ਹੀਨੀ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਾਹ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਕੀਨੀ ॥: That Jeev remains miserable like a discarded bribe, who is NOT engaged in persistent or ‘Nirantari Bhagti-ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ’). (sggs 793).

In the above verse, the word ‘Nirantari-ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ’ is the adjective of ‘Bhagti-ਭਗਤਿ’.

Nij Bhagti

Gurmat Bhagti is also called ‘Nij Bhagti‘ (‘ਨਿਜ ਭਗਤੀ’).

The term ‘Nij’ (ਨਿਜ) = own, personal, ਆਪਣੀ, ਆਪਣੇ ਆਪ ਦੀ, ਮੰਨ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੀ, beneficial to one’s mind etc.

Thus, ‘Nij bhagtee’ (‘ਨਿਜ ਭਗਤੀ’) = One’s own Bhagti, to know one’s ownself, to abide in one’s Mool or Jot Saroop within etc. — ਆਪਣੀ ਭਗਤੀ, ਆਪਣਾ ਜਾਪ ਆਪੇ ਜਪਣਾ (ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਦੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਨਹੀ ਕਰਨੀ.

In other words, the Unique Bhagti or spirituality of the SGGS is the Bhagti of the SELF, for the SELF, by the SELF.

• ਨਿਜ ਭਗਤੀ ਸੀਲਵੰਤੀ ਨਾਰਿ ॥ ਰੂਪਿ ਅਨੂਪ ਪੂਰੀ ਆਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਵਸੈ ਸੋ ਗ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਸੋਭਾਵੰਤਾ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਈ ਕਿਨੈ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਜੰਤਾ ॥੧॥: Nij Bhagti (that serves the mind) is akin to a sweet (natured-ਮਿੱਠੇ ਸੁਭਾਵ ਵਾਲੀ…) woman; whose beauty is incomparable, and whose character is perfect (complete). The House (of the Heart) in which (she i.e. ‘Nij Bhagti‘) dwells is such a praiseworthy House (Beautiful, ਸੋਭਾ ਵਾਲਾ). But only a rare one by becoming the Gurmukh (Enlightened mindset) attains this Nij Bhagti. ||1|| (sggs 370).
• ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਚੰਚਲ ਮਤਿ ਤਿਆਗੀ ॥ ਕੇਵਲ ਰਾਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਜ ਭਾਗੀ ॥੩॥੧॥੧੯॥: Says Kabeer! I have abandoned my restless intellect. (Now) only the Raam’s (i.e. Mool within) own Bhagti is my lot (i.e. has only God in mind) ||3||1||19|| (sggs 327).
• ਜੋ ਜਨੁ ਭਗਤੁ ਦਾਸੁ ਨਿਜੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਸੁਣਿ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਤਿਸੁ ਸੋਇ ॥: The human being who becomes a Bhagat of his own Prabh (i.e., Mool) within, I attain spiritual life by listening to him. (sggs 1223).
• ਗੁਰੁ ਅਮਰਦਾਸੁ ਨਿਜ ਭਗਤੁ ਹੈ ਦੇਖਿ ਦਰਸੁ ਪਾਵਉ ਮੁਕਤਿ ॥੪॥੧੩॥: Guru Amardas ji himself is a follower of the Giaan Guru. (To become living) liberated, one should follow the Giaan Guru in his life. ||4||13|| (sggs 1394).
• ਆਪੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਚੇਲਾ ਹੈ ਆਪੇ ਆਪੇ ਦਸੇ ਘਾਟੁ ॥: (God Himself) is the Guru, (God) Himself is the Sikh, and (God) Himself shows the life’s destination. (sggs 517).

‘Niraalee’ and ‘Nirmal Bhagti’

Gurmat Bhagti is also called ‘Niraalee‘ (ਨਿਰਾਲੀ) and ‘Niraalee Bhagti‘ (‘ਨਿਰਮਲ ਭਗਤਿ’).

‘Nirmal’ (ਨਿਰਮਲ) = Pure, untainted, unpolluted, undefiled etc.

‘Niraalee’ (ਨਿਰਾਲੀ) = Unique, distinct etc.

Hence, the Gurmat Bhagti is Pure and UNIQUE!

• ਨਿਰਮਲ ਭਗਤਿ ਹੈ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਧੋਵਹਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥: Bhagti that purifies (mind…) is ‘Niraalee’ (UNIQUE). (Through this UNIQUE Bhagti) wash the mind, and the body (i.e. senses: eyes, ears, etc.) with Shabad-Vichaar (sggs 1059).