Unique Gurmat Bhagti

The aim of Gurbani in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) is to encourage man to come out of idleness, freeloading lifestyle (ਵਿਹਲੜ), greediness/hunger for Maya, all kinds of Pakhand, superstition, doubt, illusion, delusion, false notions, fear, confusion, perplexity etc. We are instructed by the SGGS is to become ‘SACHIAARAA‘, to lead a Virtuous and constructive Shabad based householder’s life.

Gurmat Bhagti is NOT for freeloaders and idlers etc

First off, there is no place in Sikhi of Guru Nanak for Bhagti in idleness, freeloading (ਵਿਹਲੜ ਲਾਣਾਂ), greed and so on. Gurbani does not accept greedy, idlers or freeloaders etc because such useless lifestyle is absolutely UNCONDUSIVE for Gurmat Bhagti. In the outset of the SGGS, with an example of Yogis etc., Guru Nanak teaches ALL of us to stop living a life of idleness, freeloading:

• ਭੂਖੇ ਭਗਿਤ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ॥ ਯਹ ਮਾਲਾ ਅਪਨੀ ਲੀਜੈ ॥ : Greed/hunger for Maya prevents my Bhagti towards the Creator within. (O my mind!) Eliminate this pretentious Bhagti influenced by greed/hunger for Maya — such as telling beads. (sggs 656).
• ਮੁੰਦਾ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸਰਮੁ ਪਤੁ ਝੋਲੀ ਧਿਆਨ ਕੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਿਭੂਤਿ ॥ : (O Yogi) make Godly contentment your earrings, hard work your begging bowl, and contemplation (on Naam: Wisdom/Virtues) ashes that cover your body. (sggs 6).
• ਇਕਿ ਵਣ ਖੰਡਿ ਬੈਸਹਿ ਜਾਇ ਸਦੁ ਨ ਦੇਵਹੀ ॥ … : ਸੋਹਨਿ ਖਸਮ ਦੁਆਰਿ ਜਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਹੀ ॥੧੫॥ : The hypocrites (Pakhandee) go to the forests and remain silent, but do not believe in divine Naam (divine Wisdom, Virtues…). … Only those beings who live internalizing the Enlightening Message of the Guru Shabad realize the Creator within. ||15|| (sggs 1284-1285).

In the English translations of the SGGS available on internet, the term ‘Bhagti‘ is seen translated as devotion, worship etc. of a particular entity, and so on. 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.

That’s NOT the Gurbani’s understanding or meaning of ‘Bhagti‘ at all.

The Pre-1469 stale spirituality of the self-serving clergy (Pujaaree) — the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) and their trained Granthis, Bhais, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees, Jathedars etc — is the spirituality of AFTERLIFE, after physical death.

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

All the composers of Bani (ਬਾਣੀਕਾਰ) who are included in the SGGS have used language, vocabulary, beliefs, phrases, terms, metaphors and traditions that were already within the use and within the psyche of people of the time. The verses written in different poetic forms and various languages in the SGGS highlight this aspect well.

For example, when speaking to a farmer Guru Nanak used the language of farmers. When in discussion with Pandit, Yogi, Qazi etc. he used their spiritual language of the time. It was easy for the people to relate and understand his Unique spiritual Message.

However, the use of this vocabulary does NOT at all mean that the writers (ਬਾਣੀਕਾਰ) of the Bani in the SGGS have accepted the meaning of the vocabulary in the form in which it was prevalent at the time. GURUS and BHAGATS have used these terms as examples (ਹਵਾਲਾ), but explicitly with new meanings and understanding to fit the new spiritual paradigms of Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak.

Gurmat Bhagti is to become ‘Sachiaaraa‘

NOT according to the self-styled and self serving Pujaaree (clergy), but according to the Gurbani in the the SGGS, ‘Bhagti’ in the Sikhi Way of life is based on the divine Giyan-Wisdom of the SGGS — internalizing the Enlightening spiritual Message embedded in the Guru Shabad and then live life of a ‘SACHIAARAA‘ (a person with divine Virtues).

• 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 embraces the Enlightening Upadesh/Wisdom of the Satgur’s Shabad, immerses into it. One who understands and lives the Bani (SGGS), invites the  Naam (Wisdom/Virtues) to reside within. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 797).
• ਸਚੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦ ਪਿਆਰਿ ॥ : True Bhagti consists of love for the Gur-Shabad (i.e., life of the Shabad-Giyan, Wisdom, Upadesh, Virtues…). (sggs 158).
• 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).

Put plainly, Gurmat Bhagti is to internalize the Enlightening Message of the GURU SHABAD and BECOME ‘SACHIAARAA‘ (a person with divine Virtues). 

In other words, Gurmat Bhagti is to live by ones inherent, Original Nature (Jot Saroop, divine Wisdom / Virtues…) SACHIAARAA live in harmony with the divine Hukam (Universal System-Law-Rule-Order of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ) 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 Smadhi or meditation posture in some secluded basement of a Deraa? Have you seen them singing with Tabla, harmonium, other musical instruments or in musical Ragas?

No?

Then the question is: How are they performing Bhagti? Simply put: they follow their inherent nature, Godly Qualities (ਗੁਣ, ਨਿਯਮ) and carry on their duties, responsibilities…

Having said that, according to the Gurbani of the SGGS, Bhakti is to adopt divine Virtues and live life accordingly.

• ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ : There can be NO Bhagti (spirituality or divinity) sans the Realization of Divine Virtues. (sggs 4).

Also, the Gurbani asserts a freeloader (who does not work to earn his living (ਵੇਲੜ, ਮੰਗ ਖਾਣਾਂ) 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).
• ਐਸੇ ਲੋਗਨ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਆ ਕਹੀਐ ॥ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀਏ ਭਗਤਿ ਤੇ ਬਾਹਜ ਤਿਨ ਤੇ ਸਦਾ ਡਰਾਨੇ ਰਹੀਐ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : There is no use trying to instill some sense in the minds of such people; whose mind has not been developed by Kudrat (i.e. they have excluded themselves from Bhagti), we should keep a distance from them (sggs 332).

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 of Inner Searching and Understanding (i.e., Giyan 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 Giyan-Wisdom (inculcated through Shabad-Vichaar). (sggs 1269).

Thorough understanding of the Gurbani helps the mind become ‘One’ with its Mool within, the purpose of life.

• 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 (Kirtan); or sitting in some peculiar posture (‘ਬਗੁਲ ਸਮਾਧਿ’) with half closed eyes staring the sky or the nose tip, 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 ॥ : They perform to the beat for the sake of bread – as a means of livelihood. (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 and BECOMING GURBANI.

• ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਭਗਤਿ ਪਾਏ ਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥ : Dying within the enlightening spiritual Message contained in the Shabad, one realizes 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 Giyan-Wisdom!

Gurbani addresses 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 the Gurbani’s Wisdom; and then persistently living it in daily life (Enlightened, Gurmukh or Guru Shabad-Oriented mindset).

• 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).
• 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).

In essence, Gurbani holds that 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 Giyan-Padaarath of the entire SGGS.

• ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਦੇਇ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇ ॥ : The Gur-Giyan (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 fears, superstitions, dogmas, religious paraphernalia, empty rituals (Karamkaand), Pakhand, religious robes etc.

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

Giyan-Wisdom Bhagti

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

‘Giyan‘ = Spiritual Wisdom etc.

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

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

• ਨਿਜ ਧਨੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਨੀ ਤਾਸੁ ਸੁਮਤਿ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗਾ ॥ : The Guru Given Giyan 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, lifelong, etc.

• 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, 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. 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 Giyan Guru. (To become living) liberated, one should follow the Giyan Guru in his life. ||4||13|| (sggs 1394).
• ਆਪੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਚੇਲਾ ਹੈ ਆਪੇ ਆਪੇ ਦਸੇ ਘਾਟੁ ॥ : (One Creator) Itself is the Guru, It Itself is the Sikh, and It Itself shows the destination or end purpose of life. (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).

Clearly, the word ‘Bhagat‘ used in the Gurbani enshrined within the SGGS is of great significance!

• ਭਗਤੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਸੋਈ ਜਿਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਣਾ ਭਾਵਏ ॥ : In fact, that person alone is a true Bhagat and a true Guru, who finds God‘s will (Hukam) sweet (i.e. who lives in harmony with the Divine Hukam). (sggs 923).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਭਾਣਾ ਮੰਨੇ ਸੋ ਭਗਤੁ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਣੁ ਮੰਨੇ ਕਚੁ ਨਿਕਚੁ ॥੧॥ : A person who obeys God’s will (Hukam) is a true Bhagat. Without obeying Divine will, a person is completely false. (sggs 950).
• ਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਭਗਤੁ ਦਰਿ ਤੁਲਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਏਕ ਜੀਹ ਕਿਆ ਬਖਾਨੈ ॥ : Nanak, (God’s) Bhagat is acceptable in God’s Court for that person is like God himself/herself; my tongue cannot describe a Bhagat’s glory? (sggs 1385).
• ਪੰਡਿਤ ਸੂਰ ਛਤ੍ਰਪਤਿ ਰਾਜਾ ਭਗਤ ਬਰਾਬਰਿ ਅਉਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ : No person can be equal to a Bhagat, whether he is a great scholar or a warrior or a Chhatrapati king. (sggs 858).

Some related posts:

• Hukam is the Core of Sikhi
• Realize Enlightening Message Embedded within Shabad
• Become Gurbani
• Gurbani Requires Mind to Focus on the Message
• Intellect Must Awaken to Wisdom
• Develop Partnership with Virtues
• Gurbani Defines Naam
• Naam Sevaa
• Sikhi: a New ‘Way’ of Life
• Gurmat and Shabad Vichaar
• The Gurmukh Never Grows Old!
• Core of Gurmat Spirituality – Kiv Sachiaaraa Hoeeai?
• Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi
• Gurbani is not Meant to Regurgitate Pre-1469 Belief System