Investigate the Mind – Gurbani’s Advice to All

The injunction of the Gurbani enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS)is that whatever one does, that is done by the mind (‘ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕੀਆ ਸੋ ਮਨ ਕੀਆ’). Therefore, the Gurbani counsels the entire humanity to (Spiritually) search the mind. But, what is searching (‘Khoj-ਖੋਜ’) the mind? In a nutshell, all the following is the endeavor of searching the mind:

• Examining/investigating/inquiring/checking/exploring the mind,
• Debugging the mind,
• Reading one’s mind,
• Looking within oneself,
• Reflecting on one’s virtues and demerits,
• Reflectiong on the losses caused by one’s arrogant (Haumai) side of life,
• Taking stock of one’s vices/Bikaar,
• Trying to mold/focus one’s life according to the teachings of the Guru Shabad (SGGS), etc.

Since the Gurbani’s Message is timeless and of Universal Oneness, the entire humanity can apply the Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani for debugging one’s mind to improve individual life and the whole of human society.

• ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਕੋਈ ਖੋਜਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਤਨ ਛੂਟੇ ਮਨੁ ਕਹਾ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੪॥ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜੈਦੇਉ ਨਾਮਾਂ ॥ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੈ ਪ੍ਰੇਮਿ ਇਨ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਜਾਨਾਂ ॥੫॥ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਨਹੀ ਆਵਨ ਜਾਨਾ ॥ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਭਰਮੁ ਗਇਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਸਾਚੁ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥੬॥ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖਿਆ ਕਾਈ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੇ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਬੂਝਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੭॥ ਇਸ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਕੋਈ ਜਾਨੈ ਭੇਉ ॥ ਇਹ ਮਨਿ ਲੀਣ ਭਏ ਸੁਖਦੇਉ ॥੮॥ ਜੀਉ ਏਕੁ ਅਰੁ ਸਗਲ ਸਰੀਰਾ ॥ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਰਵਿ ਰਹੇ ਕਬੀਰਾ ॥੯॥੧॥੩੬॥ : O brother, someone should search own mind (to explore), where the mind goes when it leaves the body. ||4|| By the Grace of the Guru‘s Giyan-Wisdom, Bhagat Jai Dev and Naam Dev, understood this secret through loving Bhagti. ||5|| There is NO ‘coming’ and ‘going’ for this mind (birth and death). A person whose doubt has been dispelled has realized God. ||6|| This mind (soul) has no form or feature. It happens in Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ) and it merges back into Hukam. ||7|| A person who realizes the mystery of the mind, that person become ONE with the peace giving God by merging within this mind itself. ||8|| There is only ONE PRIME BEING which pervades all bodies. It is this ONE PRIME BEING upon whom Kabeer contemplates. ||9||1||36|| (sggs 330).
• ਬੰਦੇ ਖੋਜੁ ਦਿਲ ਹਰ ਰੋਜ ਨਾ ਫਿਰੁ ਪਰੇਸਾਨੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਇਹ ਜੁ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸਿਹਰੁ ਮੇਲਾ ਦਸਤਗੀਰੀ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O mortal, search your heart/mind everyday, then you would not wander around perplexed (confused, worried, distressed, anxiety-ridden etc.). This world is like a magic show; there nothing to be gained in it (through being perplexed etc.). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 727).
• ਮਨ ਕੀ ਪਤ੍ਰੀ ਵਾਚਣੀ ਸੁਖੀ ਹੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥: The greatest happiness comes from reading the horoscope of the mind (i.e., reading your own mind’s state or condition). (sggs 1093).
• ਸੋ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਿ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰੇ ॥ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਕੋਈ ਖੋਜਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਖੋਜਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਮੂਲੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਤੈ ਜਗਤੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਮਮਤਾ ਲਾਇ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੋੁਲਾਇਆ ॥੨॥ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਪਿੰਡ ਪਰਾਣਾ ॥ ਮਨ ਕੈ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਬੁਝਿ ਸਮਾਣਾ ॥੩॥ ਕਰਮੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਗੁਰੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੈ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਜਾਗੈ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਰੈ ॥੪॥ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਸੁਭਾਉ ਸਦਾ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ॥ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਵਸੈ ਅਤੀਤੁ ਅਨਰਾਗੀ ॥੫॥ ਕਹਤ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਭੇਉ ॥ ਆਦਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਦੇਉ ॥੬॥੫॥ : He alone is a silent sage, who kills his mind’s duality (or ‘Dubidhaa’…). Killing his duality, he contemplates God. ||1|| O brother, someone should search/explore own mind. By exploring one’s own mind, one realizes the precious Divine Naam within (abides in Giyan/Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). ||1||Pause||. The Creator has created the world with attachment to the world-play as the foundation. Due to this Attaching, the worldly people are strayed in doubt. ||2|| (Because of mind’s feeling of ‘I, me, mine’), the entire cycle of mind’s spiritual birth and death is formed. By understanding Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ) through the mind’s clear thinking, we gets united with God Within. ||3|| It is the conscience within that enables the grace of the Guru‘s Giyan-Wisdom. (with the Grace of the Guru‘s Giyan-Wisdom), the mind to Wake up from the slumber (of Maya) and its duality vanishes. ||3|| The Innate Nature (i.e. Jot Saroop) of the mind is to remain forever detached. God resides within all beings but always remains detached (and this is what needs to be emulated by anyone who wishes to unite with God within). ||4|| Nanak says that who understands this mystery of the human mind becomes the embodiment of Primal, Unstained God. ||6||5|| (sggs 1128).

Why trace the mind? Because, the Gurbani says that only a “Maramee” can understand the mind [“Maramee-ਮਰਮੀ” = Khojee (“ਖੋਜੀ”), who engages in Spiritual Inquiry, who knows the purport or import or mystery or the secret meaning, ਭੇਦੀ, ਮਰਮ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਨਣ ਵਾਲਾ…]:

• ਮਰਮੀ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਜਾਨੈ ॥: One who is “Maramee” (who understands this mystery) understands the mind. (sggs 342).
• ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਆਪਾ ਚੀਨੈ ਮਿਟੈ ਨ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਕੀ ਕਾਈ ॥੨॥੧॥: ‘Jan’ Nanak says, without KNOWING one’s ownself, the moss of doubt from the mind does not go away. ||2||1|| (sggs 684).

Man has to daily face his instinctive mind. From the time man wakes up in the morning till he goes to bed in the night, he remains connected to his mind and remains under the control of it. In addition, this deluded or wandering mind is said to be ignorant or immature for it’s in love with enemies (i.e., lust anger, greed, etc.) and hates his friends (Virtues like Truth, mercy, compassion, wisdom, Dharma, etc.). Hence, the Gurbani urges us to investigate and understand this fickle mind.

• ਮਮਾ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਕਾਜੁ ਹੈ ਮਨ ਸਾਧੇ ਸਿਧਿ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਕਹੈ ਕਬੀਰਾ ਮਨ ਸਾ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੩੨॥: MAMMA: (The mortal’s real purpose or business of life) is with his own mind; (and that purpose or business) is to discipline or control his mind; by doing so, Spiritual Understanding (Soojh or Samajh of the Formless or Niraakaar…) is obtained (and thus life’s real purpose is realized). Kabeer says (that the real work of a person) is with the mind alone. (For he) has not met anything like the mind! ||32|| (sggs 342).
• ਰਾਜਾ ਬਾਲਕੁ ਨਗਰੀ ਕਾਚੀ ਦੁਸਟਾ ਨਾਲਿ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥ ਦੁਇ ਮਾਈ ਦੁਇ ਬਾਪਾ ਪੜੀਅਹਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਕਰਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੋ ॥  ੧॥ : Our body is like a weak or vulnerable township whose king, the MIND, is spiritually ignorant, and the mind is in love with its wicked enemies — vices/Bikaar: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride; and their countless variations. The mind has two mothers and two fathers — two mothers are: good intellect and ignorance or Maya; two fathers are: Divine Consciousness and deluded consciousness or egoism —  O Pandit, reflect on this ||1||. (sggs 1171).

During a discussion with the Siddhas, Guru Nanak explained this ‘Mind’ to the Siddhas as follows:

• ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮੈਗਲੁ ਕਹਾ ਬਸੀਅਲੇ ਕਹਾ ਬਸੈ ਇਹੁ ਪਵਨਾ ॥ ਕਹਾ ਬਸੈ ਸੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਅਉਧੂ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਚੂਕੈ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਭਵਨਾ ॥: (Sidhs/Yogis asked Guru Nanak) where does this intoxicated elephant-like mind dwells, and where does this breath reside? Where does that Guru’s Shabad reside through which the mind’s wanderings cease? (sggs 945).
• ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਤਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਲੇ ਤਾ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਆਪੈ ਆਪੁ ਖਾਇ ਤਾ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਵਰਜਿ ਰਹਾਏ ॥ : (Guru Nanak answers) if conscience within the self enables realization of the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom, then by following the Guru’s teachings, one’s mind becomes stable within the self. When the individual conquers his false ego-sense (Haumai), he becomes immaculate, and his wandering mind is restrained. (sggs 945).
• ਕਿਉ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਆਤਮੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਿਉ ਸਸਿ ਘਰਿ ਸੂਰੁ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥ : (Sidhs/Yogis asked Guru Nanak) how can one recognize God, the source of the world and how can one know his own self? How can the ignorant mind be enlightened? (sggs 945).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਖੋਵੈ ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥੬੪॥ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਵਸੀਅਲੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਰਹੈ ॥ ਨਾਭਿ ਪਵਨੁ ਘਰਿ ਆਸਣਿ ਬੈਸੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਜਤ ਤਤੁ ਲਹੈ ॥ ਸੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਆਛੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਜੋਤਿ ਸੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਹੈ ॥ … : (Guru Nanak answers) when one eradicates his false ego-sense (Haumai) by becoming the Gurmukh (enlightened/Guru-Shabad-Oriented), then he merges in ‘Sahaj’ Avastha (Natural State of being, equanimity, Giyan-Wisdom Avastha)? ||64|| Internalization of the spiritual Message of the Shabad (the Gurmukh-Hood State of Mind) enables its Essence to be Rooted (Mool) within the mind permanently. The breathing process starts from the navel, one who searches, finds the Essence within by becoming the Gurmukh. The Essence of the Shabad is Realized Within (‘Nij Ghar‘) forever/eternally (Tribhavan = Tri + Bhavan = past, present, future; forever, eternally etc.); one realizes the Supreme Light (‘Jot’) through obedience to the Divine Shabad. … (sggs 945).

There are many more questions and answers that took plsce during the discourse between the Sidhas/Yogis and Guru Nanak. In a nutshell, ਿt is clear from this discourse that this mind is also of the form of God (ਅੰਸ). This mind, separated from God (from its Jot Saroop),  is wandering under the influence of Maya. The stability of the mind is connected only with its Union with God. Guru Nanak further enlightens us in his following Shabad:

• ਮਨੁ ਮੈਗਲੁ ਸਾਕਤੁ ਦੇਵਾਨਾ ॥ ਬਨ ਖੰਡਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਹੈਰਾਨਾ ॥ ਇਤ ਉਤ ਜਾਹਿ ਕਾਲ ਕੇ ਚਾਪੇ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਜਿ ਲਹੈ ਘਰੁ ਆਪੇ ॥੧॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੈ ਮਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਠਉਰਾ ॥ ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਉਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : The mind of the Saakat is like a crazy elephant. Distracted by the love for Maya, it keeps wandering in the world like an untamed elephant wandering in the forest. Hounded by the fear of death, it wanders here and there. Who becomes the Gurmukh (enlightened/Guru-Shabad-Oriented) seeks and realizes (his Mool within) himself. ||1|| The mind finds no stillness without focusing on the Guru’s Shabad (Message or Upadesh). Therefore, remember the immaculate God’s Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) and renounce all other bitter worldly relishes which inflates false ego-sense (Haumai). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 415).

The Gurbani is a powerful antidote to unawareness (Manmukhataa, Un-enlightenment, state of sleep paralysis…). The Gurbani urges us to examine the mind by becoming the Gurmukh, adopts it, and practices it…).

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਮਨੁ ਖੋਜਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥: One who becomes Gurmukh (enlightened/Guru-Shabad-Oriented) examines his own mind, and instructs others. (sggs 1059).

Thus – as the the Gurbani tells us – the Gur-Shabad is the subject of searching (ਖੋਜ), understanding (ਬੂਝ, Samajh, ਸਮਝ, ਸੂਝ, etc.), and practice in daily life through constant Shabad-Vichaar.

• ਖੋਜ ਬੂਝਿ ਜਉ ਕਰੈ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥ ਤਉ ਭਵਜਲ ਤਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਵੈ ਬਾਰਾ ॥੪੦॥ : When I understand by Searching (‘Khoj‘) and engage in Vichaar (Reflection on the Divine Virtues, Wisdom…), then I cross over the ‘Bhavjal’ (Bhav Saagar) in no time. ||40|| (sggs 342).
• ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਖੋਜੇ ਤਾ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਰਾਖੈ ਠਾਕਿ ਰਹਾਏ ॥ : Only when one reflects upon the self (reflects on all his shortcomings) then one realizes Naam (abides in Giyan/Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam); and thus restraining the wandering mind, he keeps it in check.(sggs 110).
• ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਆਰਸੀ ਕੋਈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਖੈ ॥ ਮੋਰਚਾ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਸੋਖੈ ॥ : This mind is like a mirror, hardly any by becoming the Gurmukh (enlightened/Guru-Shabad-Oriented) sees himself in it. The rust (of ego or Haume, Maya…) does not stick to (the mind of that person who becomes the Gurmukh beause he) burns his ego (and with ego burnt, he can see himself through this mind-mirror). (sggs 115).

Hence, ‘Khoj’ leads to ‘Samajh’ and ‘Boojh’. Which, in turn, leads to the stage of “ਬੁਧਿ ਬਦਲੀ – Budhi Badalee” – transmutation of the conditioned mind (Mayaic Budhi (Haumai or false ego-sense, worldly intelligence or  wisdom, etc.).

• ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ਬੂਝੈ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥੩॥: Who merges in the Gur-Shabad, comes to Understand the Lord. ||3|| (sggs 160).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਬੂਝੈ ਗੁਣ ਕਹਿ ਗੁਣੀ ਸਮਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥ : The one who has become the Gurmukh (Enlightened/Guru-Shabad-Oriented mindset) understands this. By emulating the Virtues of God in life, he remains attuned to God (the Treasure of Virtues). (sggs 110).
• ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਬੁਧਿ ਹਰਿ ਲਈ ਮੇਰੀ ਬੁਧਿ ਬਦਲੀ ਸਿਧਿ ਪਾਈ ॥੨॥੨੧॥੭੨॥: Says Kabeer! (Wisdom) has taken away my (worldly) intelligence (ਅਕਲ). With this altered intelligence, now I have obtained Sidhi (Spiritual Perfection…). ||2||21||72|| (sggs 339).

In nutshell, the Gurbani’s Soojh-Boojh or Bibek-Budhi tells us that the mind, in its True Nature, is Joti-Svaroopa. In other words, when we unbrokenly dwell in that knowledge (“ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ”), we are not the instinctive mind that we know of – we are other than  that. Staying aloof and remaining untouched with the Divine within, we continue to delve in Bikaar (lust, anger, greed, etc.).

• ਕਬੀਰ ਮਨੁ ਪੰਖੀ ਭਇਓ ਉਡਿ ਉਡਿ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਜੈਸੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੋ ਤੈਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਖਾਇ ॥੮੬॥ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਖੋਜਤੇ ਪਾਇਓ ਸੋਈ ਠਉਰੁ ॥ ਸੋਈ ਫਿਰਿ ਕੈ ਤੂ ਭਇਆ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਤਾ ਅਉਰੁ ॥੮੭॥: O Kabeer! The mind becomes like a bird (as bird flies in different directions in search for food, etc., similarly) the mind soars and flies in ten directions (i.e., wanders around chasing mirage, desires, sense objects, Maya, etc.). According to the company (a man) keeps, gets the similar reward (i.e., acquires similar thinking or Soch, qualities…) ||86|| O Kabeer! (Through living a life with Wisdom, divine Virtues…, I) have realized That Place within (i.e., Nij Ghar, Jot Saroop…) which I was searching. What I called ‘someone else’ before (i.e., whom I used to consider separate from me before, now I) have realized I’m That. ||87|| (sggs 1369).

When not with its Mool, the same mind (wandering mind) is the thoughts-stuff. And this force of the thoughts-stuff continuously flows, which means the imaginations or words (thoughts or ਫੁਰਨੇ, “ਖਿਆਲੀ”) continuously rise as the agitated or restless waves on the surface of the ocean (“ਲਹਰੀ”, “ਤਰੰਗ”…).

• ਮਾਇਆ ਮਮਤਾ ਪਵਹਿ ਖਿਆਲੀ ॥: Maya-attachment drops (Jeeva) in thoughts (imaginations, fancies…). (sggs 993).
• ਜਿਚਰੁ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲਹਰੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰ ॥: As long as this mind is tossing around (in waves of Maya etc., that person remains) caught in too much ego and pride (sggs 1247).

Clearly, the Gurbani is not the subject of mere reading as in Akhand-Paath, Nit-Nem, etc.; or mere words (ਨਿਰੀਆਂ ਗੱਲਾਂ), or mere counting beads (ਮਾਲਾ ਫੇਰਨੀ), and so on. In other words, mere reading and memorizing, mere words or talks, mere counting beads, etc., wouldn’t accomplish the Gurbani’s aim unless adopted and practiced.

• 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).
• ਆਖਣੁ ਸੁਨਣਾ ਪਉਣ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਤਾ ਮਾਇਆ ॥: (So long) the mind is in love with Maya, listening to spiritual discourse is like the sough of the wind (in one ear and out the other). (sggs 24).
• ਖੋਜੀ ਉਪਜੈ ਬਾਦੀ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਹਉ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਗੁਰ ਕਰਤਾਰਾ ॥: The searcher (Seeker-ਖੋਜਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ) grows (in Spiritual or Divine Life – ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ), and the arguer (Mayaic debater, quarrelsome, ਝਗੜਾਲੂ, etc.) annihilates (or ruins his Spiritual or Divine Life). O Gur Kartaaraa (Divine Wisdom…)! I am a sacrifice to you (sggs 1255)

Now, in nutshell, what’s the purpose of reading scriptures (Paath — ਪਾਠ ਕਰਨਾ)?

According to the Gurbani — not according to the illiterate and corrupt Pujaajee — the ONLY purpose of reading the scriptures (Paath — ਪਾਠ ਕਰਨਾ) is Awaken Bibebk Budhi within (discerning intellect, logic, commonsense, Wisdom-ਸਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ, Virtues-ਗੁਣ, etc.). Such Bibek-Budhi bestows upon us Joy, Peace, Bliss (Anand), abidance, thinking free of Bikaar, (i.e., lust, anger, greed, etc.), and so on.

• ਪਾਠੁ ਪੜਿਓ ਅਰੁ ਬੇਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿਓ ਨਿਵਲਿ ਭੁਅੰਗਮ ਸਾਧੇ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਜਨਾ ਸਿਉ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਛੁਟਕਿਓ ਅਧਿਕ ਅਹੰਬੁਧਿ ਬਾਧੇ ॥੧॥ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਮਿਲਣੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਮੈ ਕੀਏ ਕਰਮ ਅਨੇਕਾ ॥ ਹਾਰਿ ਪਰਿਓ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਕੈ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਦੀਜੈ ਬੁਧਿ ਬਿਬੇਕਾ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: (Some) read holy texts (Paath — ਪਾਠ ਕਰਨਾ), and contemplate the Veda. (Some) practice the inner cleansing techniques of Yoga, and control of the breath. (But, with these practices, one) cannot escape from the five (i.e., lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride…), and is all the more tied to ego-intellect. ||1|| My dear! I have performed many such rituals, but the Divine (Wisdom, Virtues…) is not realized by these methods (ਤਰੀਕੇ). (Realizing the worthlessness of ritualistic practices/methods) I gave up performing these and I have placed my at the sanctuary/care of Giyan-Guru and pray for the grant of BIBEK BUDHI (discerning intellect/mind). ||Pause|| (sggs 641).

In nutshell, the mind that does not understand the Divine Naam (Shabad, Divine Wisdom, Hukam, Virtues, Truth…) is captive to delusion, resulting in its cracked or divided state (duality). By understanding the Naam, it remains steady and permeated in its Mool (Source, Jot…) within. Through “Khoj-search” via Shabad-Vichaar, mind’s doubts are eradicated.

• ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਭਰਮ ਭਉ ਭਾਗੈ ॥: Through the Gur-Shabad, doubt and fear are dispelled. (sggs 1070).
• ਮਨ ਰੇ ਥਿਰੁ ਰਹੁ ਮਤੁ ਕਤ ਜਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਢੂਢਤ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਘਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਘਟ ਮਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O my mind! Remain steady within and do not wander around helter-skelter (searching for Amrit-Naam outside…). By searching around on the outside, you will only suffer great pain because the life-giving Amrit is found Within. ||Pause|| (sggs 598).
• ਲਾਖ ਕੋਟਿ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਕੇ ਬਿੰਜਨ ਤਾ ਮਹਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਨ ਬੂਝੀ ॥ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਕੋਟਿ ਉਜੀਆਰਾ ਬਸਤੁ ਅਗੋਚਰ ਸੂਝੀ ॥੩॥: Through corruption, one may obtain thousands and millions of enjoyments, but even so, his desires are not satisfied through them. Remembering the Naam (Divine Wisdom, spiritual knowledge…) millions of lights appear (Prachand Giyan or Wisdom), and the imperceptible (to the senses) is understood. ||3|| (sggs 497).
• ਮਨੁ ਮਾਣਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਪਰਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਜਾਣੀਅਹਿ ਕਲਜੁਗ ਵਿਚਿ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥: Who have assayed the mind-jewel through the Guru’s Shabad Vichaar; such Jan (Bhagat, Das, Gurmukh) are known to be rare in this worldly quagmire. (sggs 1093).

Some Related posts:

• Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi
• Debugging the Mind
• Camel-Mind
• Crazy Mind
• Crow-Mind
• Deer-Mind!
• Dog-Mind
• Elephant-Mind
• Frog-Mind
• Monkey-Mind
• Sandalwood Mind
• Gurbani Requires Mind to Focus on the Message
• Mind Clinging to Maya can’t be Trusted
• Mind Happens to Us, We don’t Happen to Mind
• Mind Knowingly Commits Demerits
• Mind Must Bathe in the Pool of Wisdom/Virtues
• Mind Must Remain in its Khorr – True Home
• Mind Reconciles Mind
• Mind That Gives up Hunger for Maya Realizes its Mool
• Gurbani Addresses the Human Mind
• Gurbani Asks Burn Mind’s Bikaar
• Two Minds
• O Wandering Mind! Come Home
• Oily Rag and the Human Mind
• What is Killing the Mind?
• What is Maya?
• What is Mind?
• Whatever is in the Mind Comes Forth
• Pride Rots the Mind
• Rebel Mind-King and its Formidable Fortress
• False Ego-Sense Kills Mind’s Original Nature
• Jot Saroop – Mind’s Original Nature