Gurbani Counsels Controlling Vices / Bikaar …

The shadow of vices / Bikaar (also spelt ‘Vikaar‘) — lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride; and their countless variations — stalks behind Righteousness or Virtues up to last moment until these Bikaar are absorbed into the Realization of the Creator within. Then and only then the negative impact and dominance of Bikaar ends once and for all.

• ਝੜ ਝਖੜ ਓਹਾੜ ਲਹਰੀ ਵਹਨਿ ਲਖੇਸਰੀ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਿਉ ਆਲਾਇ ਬੇੜੇ ਡੁਬਣਿ ਨਾਹਿ ਭਉ ॥੪॥ : In this ocean of worldly life, millions of waves of vices/Bikaar surge like the torrential rains, storms and floods. If I call upon the Satgur (i.e. true Wisdom-ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) for help, then I will not have any fear of drowning my boat of life in this world-ocean of vices/Bikaar. ||4|| (sggs 1410).
• ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਜੀਅ ਮਹਿ ਚੋਟ ॥: Lust and anger (i.e. all evil passions) are the wounds of the Jeev (or mind, because they inspire us do evil) (sggs 152).

Bikaar reside within everyone

The Gurbani calls ‘Haumai‘ (false ego-sense) a chronic disease. Also called ‘Mail-ਮੈਲ-filth‘, the progeny of this false ego-sense (Haumai) is the ‘five’ (i.e. Bikaar with their numerous variations) which blind our mind to Virtues, Wisdom and its Original Nature (Jot Saroop), thus alienating one from God (Hukam). Haumai and the five drives/instincts are responsible for the corruption of morals and the development of criminal behavior (‘Apraadh‘).

If left unchecked, negative impact of dominance/addiction/slavery of vices/Bikaar can undo our efforts. However, lust is the most subtle and wicked. It captivates minds of the weak and plague them with its addiction. The Gurbani teaches us:

• ਹੇ ਕਾਮੰ ਨਰਕ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੰ ਬਹੁ ਜੋਨੀ ਭ੍ਰਮਾਵਣਹ ॥ ਚਿਤ ਹਰਣੰ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਲੋਕ ਗੰਮ੍ਯ੍ਯੰ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸੀਲ ਬਿਦਾਰਣਹ ॥ ਅਲਪ ਸੁਖ ਅਵਿਤ ਚੰਚਲ ਊਚ ਨੀਚ ਸਮਾਵਣਹ ॥ : O lust (i.e. Bikaar), you push the indulgent into hell (hellish existence, you make them wander into countless (mind’s behavioral) forms or sufferings. You captivate minds; your reach is in all the three worlds; you destroy spiritual focus, penance and virtuous conduct. You give only superficial happiness but this is enough to make mortals weak and unstable. You afflict both the elite and the poor. (sggs 1358).
• ਜਪੁ ਤਪੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਮਤਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਅਰਾਧਿਆ ॥ ਉਛਲਿਆ ਕਾਮੁ ਕਾਲ ਮਤਿ ਲਾਗੀ ਤਉ ਆਨਿ ਸਕਤਿ ਗਲਿ ਬਾਂਧਿਆ ॥੨॥ ਤਰੁਣ ਤੇਜੁ ਪਰ ਤ੍ਰਿਅ ਮੁਖੁ ਜੋਹਹਿ ਸਰੁ ਅਪਸਰੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ॥ ਉਨਮਤ ਕਾਮਿ ਮਹਾ ਬਿਖੁ ਭੂਲੈ ਪਾਪੁ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਨਿਆ ॥ Having renounced spiritual focus, penance, self-restrained, and the Wisdom of good deeds, you do not adore the divine Naam. With lust exploding within you, your intellect is dying and you embrace a multitude of women to satiate your lust. ॥2॥ Blinded by the strength of your youthfulness, you stare at women all around you unable to discern right from wrong. Drowning in lust you eat filth, you go astray, unable to distinguish between vice and virtue. (sggs 93).

Haumai (egotism), vices/Bikaar or our senses in themselves are not bad. We all have them! In reality, naturally. Therefore, nobody can totally remove his/her false ego-sense (Haumai) and its faults. 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 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).

• ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਵਿਚੇ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਭੂਲੇ ਪਤਿ ਗਵਾਈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੋ ਨਾਇ ਰਾਚੈ ਸਾਚੈ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੪॥ : (Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature…) put the tendency to act in Haumai Maya within beings. Those who act as Manmukhs (Un-enlightened mindsets) go astray from Hukam and lose honor (i.e. lose spiritual life). One who becomes the Gurmukh (i.e. Enlightened state of the mind developed by Internalizing the Enlightening Message embedded in the Guru’s Shabad), lives by Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) and remains linked with the Creator/Hukam. ||4|| (sggs 1044).
• ਤੁਧੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਖੇਲੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ਵਿਚਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਪਾਈਆ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਪੰਚ ਚੋਰ ਹਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ॥ : This world is a game created by Hukam (i.e. System-Rule-Law of Nature) in which human beings are afflicted with ego (Haumai). In this one body-temple there are five thieves (i.e. Bikaar: lust-desires, anger, greed, attachment, pride) who are always doing evil (these five thieves have taken over the mind-elephant). (sggs 1096).
• ਇਹੁ ਜਗੁ ਆਪਿ ਉਪਾਇਓਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਚੋਜ ਵਿਡਾਨੁ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਧਾਤੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਾਈਅਨੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਝੂਠੁ ਗੁਮਾਨੁ ॥ : The Creator created this world by staging astonishing wonders. He infused it with five elements, which are the basis for worldly attachment, falsehood, and pride. (sggs 786).

Whatever the Creator has created is for the benefit of the entire humanity. However, how we use all this is up to each one of us.

• ਬਹੁ ਸਾਦਹੁ ਦੂਖੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ॥ ਭੋਗਹੁ ਰੋਗ ਸੁ ਅੰਤਿ ਵਿਗੋਵੈ ॥ : Indulgence in too many worldly pleasures bring sorrow. The worldly pleasures lead to disease, and one ultimately gets ruined. (sggs 1034).
• ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਜਨਹੁ ਇਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਦੁਖ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੨॥ : Haumai (false ego-sense) is a chronic disease, but its remedy is also within it. (This disease of egotism will get cured only) if one favors oneself – if one acts according to the enlightening Wisdom of the Guru’s Shabad. Nanak says, Listen O people: in this way, suffering due to the disease of Haumai departs.” ||2|| (sggs 466).

Having said tat, then, what does Gurbani mean when it repeatedly counsels us ‘ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ’ (kill, eradicate, subdue … Haumai), senses and vices/Bikaar?

If natural, than what’s bad or negative about Haumai/Bikaar?

In a nutshell, what we are asked by the Gurbani is to annihilate their negative aspect or negative impact when they become dominant or Masters of our mind, which kills our True Nature. It feels real because we attach our false ego-sense to some perceived parameters in some form, such as power, status, beauty, youth, strength, wealth, education, knowledge, possessions, Jaat Paat (casteism) etc. Prior to the movement of the false ego-sense (Haumai) and its related faults in the mind, the Gurbani says our mind’s ORIGINAL NATURE is Jot Saroop.

What’s BAD or NEGATIVE about Haumai/Bikaar is when they become DOMINANT (ਹਾਵੀ) — when they captivate and dominate one’s mind or when they become the mind’s hobbies or nature. In other words, they become bad when they control one’s life or when one becomes slave of them. Then they cause serious damage to one’s spiritual life, health, relationships, society, and so on!

Hence, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) counsels its Sikhs (learners, seekers-ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ) to control them.

• ਭਲੀ ਸਰੀ ਜਿ ਉਬਰੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਮੁਈ ਘਰਾਹੁ ॥ ਦੂਤ ਲਗੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਵੇਸਾਹੁ ॥ : My worthy Spiritual Life has been saved on account of ego (Haumai) being subdued within my mind. Having placed my trust in my Creator-Connecting Shabd Guru, my vices/Bikaar have been turned (from being masters of my mind) to servants. (sggs 18).
• ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਸਦ ਮੀਠੀ ਲਾਗੀ ਪਾਪ ਵਿਕਾਰ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਗਇਆ ਭਉ ਭਾਗਾ ਸਹਜੇ ਸਹਜਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥ : The Guru’s teachings are forever delightful and they annihilate all Paap and Bikaar. My False ego-sense (Haumai) and fear has fled, and now I forever remain in Sahaj (Natural state of being, state of Divine Wisdom…). (sggs 773).
• ਸਾਧੋ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ਤਿਆਗਉ ॥ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਦੁਰਜਨ ਕੀ ਤਾ ਤੇ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਭਾਗਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: O ‘Saadho‘ (i.e. those who call themselves Saadh / seekers but in reality are fraud)! Shed the egotistical pride of your mind. Abstain from lust and anger (i.e. all Bikaar) which is like being in the company of evil persons. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 219).
• ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਤਜੋ ॥ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਦੁਹੁ ਤੇ ਰਹਿਓ ॥ : Abandon from your mind lust, anger, greed and emotional attachment, and thus escape the suffering from both, birth and death (of the mind). (sggs 241).

Guru Nanak, the progenitor Sikh Guru, explaining the characteristics of a recluse to Yogi Machhinder, says:

• ਸੁਣਿ ਮਾਛਿੰਦ੍ਰਾ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਬੋਲੈ ॥ ਵਸਗਤਿ ਪੰਚ ਕਰੇ ਨਹ ਡੋਲੈ ॥ ਐਸੀ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਜੋਗ ਕਉ ਪਾਲੇ ॥ : Nanak says, Listen O Yogi Machhinder. (A true yogi is) the one who CONTROLS his five basic Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment, and pride), and never wavers. This is the way to practice Yoga. (sggs 877).

Gurbani does not talk about erasing what God has created

In Gurbani, the Gurus do not talk about ending/erasing what God has done.

• ਨਿੰਦਉ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਾਹੂ ਬਾਤੈ ਏਹੁ ਖਸਮ ਕਾ ਕੀਆ ॥ : I do not slander for any reason, because this is created by God. (sggs 611).

It becomes clear from the gurbani’s decree that the five vices/Bikaar are CONTROLLED by the power of Naam Simran (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). The Guru Sahib did not mention the end of them.

• ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਦੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏ ਤਿਨਾ ਪੰਚੇ ਵਸਗਤਿ ਆਏ ਰਾਮ ॥ : O my mind, those who meditate on God’s Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) are able to CONTROL their five vices/Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride. (sggs 539).
• ਮੇਰਾ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਹੈ ਰਾਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਦੀਨ ਦਇਆਲਿ ਕਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਵਸਿ ਕੀਨੇ ਪੰਚ ਦੂਤਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : My mind is attuned to my beloved God (obey Hukam). (Because my mind is attuned to the God/Hukam), the merciful God has placed the five demons (lust, anger, greed, attachment, and pride) under my CONTROL. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 670).
• ਪੰਚ ਜਨਾ ਗੁਰਿ ਵਸਗਤਿ ਆਣੇ ਤਉ ਉਨਮਨਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਲਗਾਨੀ ॥

In a nutshell, the Gurbani (SGGS) NEVER talks about their total death, because that’s just not possible or practical. The Gurbani (SGGS) being a practical spirituality, therefore, instead, the Gurbani teaches removing their dominance or control on our mind and thus not become a slave of them.

• ਪੰਚ ਦੂਤ ਤੁਧੁ ਵਸਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ॥ : (O my mind, with the counsel of the Guru Shabad) overpower – CONTROL – the ‘FIVE’ (Kaam, Krodh, Lobh , Moh, Ahankaar) Doot (of Jum) then you will avoid spiritual death. (sggs 917).
• ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਨਿਵਾਰੈ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁ ਸਮਝ ਪਰੀ ॥ : Understanding of the Shabad Enlightens one to control/overcome lust, anger and vanity. (sggs 939).
• ਪੰਚ ਜਨਾ ਗੁਰਿ ਵਸਗਤਿ ਆਣੇ ਤਉ ਉਨਮਨਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਲਗਾਨੀ ॥ : When the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom helped one to control the five demons (lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego), then his spiritually exalted mind gets attached to God’s Naam Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). (sggs 1200).
• ਜਾਗਤੁ ਰਹੈ ਨ ਅਲੀਆ ਭਾਖੈ ॥ ਪਾਚਉ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਬਸਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਖੈ ॥ : (The Gurmukh: enlightened/Guru-Shabad-Oriented) always remains spiritually Awake and never utter lies or useless utterances. He keeps the five sensory organs under his control. (sggs 974).

Divine Virtues (ਗੁਣ) also reside within everyone

The Gurmat or Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) also tells us that Bikaar, as well as Virtues (ਗੁਣ) reside within everyone. Neither Bikaar nor Virtues can be yanked out of the human mind. Instead, we can learn from the Shabad Guru how to control them and use them in life.

• ਇਸੁ ਦੇਹੀ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਪੰਚ ਚੋਰ ਵਸਹਿ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਾ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਲੂਟਹਿ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਨਹੀ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸੁਣੈ ਪੂਕਾਰਾ ॥: Within this body dwell the five thieves (i.e lust, anger, greed, attachment and egotistical pride. They plunder the Amrit (of Naam from within the body), but the Manmukhs (UN-enlightened, oblivious of Naam…) persons do not realize it; (but once they suffer the consequences and are plundered) there is no one to listen to their calls for help. (sggs 600).
• ਅਵਗੁਣੀ ਭਰਪੂਰ ਹੈ ਗੁਣ ਭੀ ਵਸਹਿ ਨਾਲਿ ॥: (The mortal) is overflowing with demerits, but the Divine Virtue dwells within him as well. (sggs 936).

Removing dominance or slavery of vices/Bikaar…

However removing the dominance/control/slavery of vices/Bikaar, senses will require sincere efforts — the Guru’s Wisdom (Soap-ਸਾਬਨ) will have to be rubbed on the mind then the ‘filth- Mail-ਮੈਲ’) of the mind will come off. As thread follows needle, similarly our Conscious (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ) needs to follow the Message embedded in the Guru’s Shabd.

• ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥ ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥ ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥: Water cleanses my stained physical self (external body). Soap cleanses my stained garments. (Beyond the stained physical self or the garments) my intellect is stained by vices. The cleansing of which (i.e. intellect) is by imbuing in Naam (Wisdom / Virtues). (sggs 4).

In other words, this ‘filth-Mail-ਮੈਲ’) will not leave our Conscience by itself. Also it will not be removed by chanting ‘Rabb Rabb‘, ‘Raam Raam‘, ‘Waheguru Waguru’, counting beads or mere seeing and bowing down in front of SGGS as told by the self-serving Pujaaree (clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.) and the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ, ਪਖੰਡੀ–Pakhnadee) etc.

• ਹਰਿ ਆਰਾਧਿ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਰੇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਰੇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਿਓ ਰਾਮਦਾਸੁ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: (O brother!) I have not learnt how to remember Rabb. I only repeat ‘Hari Hari’ ‘Guru Guru‘ with empty mouth (ਖਾਲੀ ਮੂੰਹੋਂ, Pakhand, to show off etc. ). By this show alone (ਵਿਖਾਵੇ ਕਰ ਕੇ) people have named me Ramdas, the Bhagat of Rabb! (sggs 612).

In short, mere talk, mental trickery, empty and imaginary rituals (Karamkaand), religious bathing, external show of religiosity etc. will not do the trick!

However, although Haumai (false ego-sense) along with all its faults is a chronic mental disease, it is curable. The Gurbani asserts its medicine (‘ਦਾਰੂ’, cure) is also within — if one practices ‘Gur Kaa Shabad‘ in daily life and lives daily life in accordance with the Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad!

• ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ : Haumai (false ego-sense) is a chronic disease, but its remedy is also within it. (This disease of egotism will get cured only) if one favors oneself – if one acts according to the enlightening Wisdom of the Guru’s Shabad. (sggs 466).

Gurbani says help yourself to free the mind from the dominance of vices or Bikaar

What’s in our power is to free the mind from the negative impact of Bikaar (ਬੁਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ). In other words, what’s in power is to overpower them — keep them in check, under control. In other words, we should know where and how to use our godly Energy positively.

• ਏਤੇ ਕੂਕਰ ਹਉ ਬੇਗਾਨਾ ਭਉਕਾ ਇਸੁ ਤਨ ਤਾਈ ॥ ਭਗਤਿ ਹੀਣੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਤਾ ਖਸਮੈ ਨਾਉ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੪॥੧॥ : (O God) there are many stray dogs around here (i.e. dogs of Bikaar: lust, anger, greed etc.) and I am like a stranger amongst them, I bark (i.e. as much as I praise You living with Naam) to shield myself from these (i.e. I am Praising God for own sake — I am not doing God any favors by doing so). But, if Nanak bereft of Bhagti (i.e. devoid of divine Virtues), then I cannot blame You, O God, because I have not put forth any efforts. ||4||1|| (sggs 795).

As a healthy balanced is achieved, our confidence rises, and the divine Virtues (ਗੁਣ) Awaken that are lying dormant within.

Toward this end, the Gurmat Giaan-Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) urges us to burn the dominance/slavery of Haumai and its faults of vices/Bikaar from the mind (ਬੁਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵ) by living daily life in accordance with the Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad. The Gurbani says true Identification of a Sikh (ਸਿੱਖ ਦੀ ਪਹਚਾਣ).

• ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਿਖੁ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਹਾਟੈ ॥: The Sikh of the Guru recoils (withdraws, ਹਟ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ…) from Bikaars (sggs 286).
• ਪੰਚ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਬਸੇ ਰਾਚੇ ਮਾਇਆ ਸੰਗਿ ॥: The five Bikaar (i.e., lust-desires, anger, greed etc.) dwell in the mind of one who is engrossed in Maya (sggs 297).
• ਮਨੁ ਭੂਲੋ ਬਹੁ ਚਿਤੈ ਵਿਕਾਰੁ ॥: The misled mind thinks much of perversion (lust, anger, greed, etc.). (sggs 222).

Implication of this edict of the Gurbani (ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦਾ ਫੈਸਲਾ) is that, regardless of one’s external ‘Adammbar-ਅਡੰਬਰ’ (i.e. external religious displays, pomp, ostentation, pretense etc.), one remains a phony Sikh until his mind has not turned away from Bikaar!

• ਰਾਜਾ ਬਾਲਕੁ ਨਗਰੀ ਕਾਚੀ ਦੁਸਟਾ ਨਾਲਿ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥ : 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. (sggs 1171).
• ਦੇਸੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਪਰਦੇਸਹਿ ਧਾਇਆ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਚੰਡਾਲ ਨਾਲੇ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ॥੪॥: Leaving your country, you wander in foreign lands. (But your Mayaic mind) brings the five pariahs (i.e., Bikaar: lust-desires, anger, greed, etc.) with it. ||4|| (sggs 1348).

In fact, the SGGS asserts that what is called Jum or Jamm (ਜਮ), in reality, is none other than vices/Bikaar.

• ਅਵਰਿ ਪੰਚ ਹਮ ਏਕ ਜਨਾ ਕਿਉ ਰਾਖਉ ਘਰ ਬਾਰੁ ਮਨਾ ॥ ਮਾਰਹਿ ਲੂਟਹਿ ਨੀਤ ਨੀਤ ਕਿਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਕਰੀ ਪੁਕਾਰ ਜਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮਾ ਉਚਰੁ ਮਨਾ ॥ ਆਗੈ ਜਮ ਦਲੁ ਬਿਖਮੁ ਘਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: O my mind! They are five (lust, anger, greed, etc.). I am but all alone. How can I protect my hearth and home (within, i.e., Virtues, Wisdom, good thoughts…). They daily kill and plunder (my Virtues, Wisdom, good thoughts…). Unto whom can I complain? (O my mind!) Utter the Naam of Raam; (because, stood) before you is (this) awful terrible, and numerous band of JUM (i.e. lust-desires, anger, greed, etc.). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 155).

Burn vices or Bikaar in the fire of Giyan-Wisdom

So, the Gurbani’s Counsel is to Burn the slavery / dominance of vices or Bikaar in the fire of the Wisdom!

• ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਛੋਡੀਐ ਦੀਜੈ ਅਗਨਿ ਜਲਾਇ ॥: Let go lust, anger and greed, and burn them in the fire. (sggs 519).
• ਅਨਿਕ ਅਡੰਬਰ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਬਿਰਥੇ ਤਾ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਘਟਾਵਉ ॥: There are numerous ‘Addambar’ of Maya. They are useless. (So) withhold (your) love from these. (sggs 529).

Since Bikaar are not gross objects they cannot be burnt in the gross fire that we know of!

Then, what kind of fire is it that the Gurbani is talking about here? Burning them in fire is a metaphorical expression essentially means to overpower/control them.

It is the subtle fire of the divine Wisdom (Brahm-Giyan…), which can roast the seed of dominance or slavery of vices, Bikaar, senses, and so on.

• ਕਬੀਰ ਜਮ ਕਾ ਠੇਂਗਾ ਬੁਰਾ ਹੈ ਓਹੁ ਨਹੀ ਸਹਿਆ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਜੁ ਸਾਧੂ ਮੋੁਹਿ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਲੀਆ ਅੰਚਲਿ ਲਾਇ ॥੭੮॥ : Kabeer, the blow (beating-ਸੱਟ, ਚੋਟ) of vices/Bikaar is terrible and cannot be endured. I met the Guru (Shabad) who connected me to his teachings (Giyan-Wisdom, Consel, Upadesh). ||78|| (sggs 1368).
• ਦਿਸਟਿ ਬਿਕਾਰੀ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਭਾਗੀ ਐਸਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥੨॥: Such is the (blessing of) Brahm Giaan (Divine Wisdom) that corrupt vision and corrupt thinking (wickedness, foolishness, block-headedness, ignorance…) run away. ||2|| (sggs 1339).
• ਭਰਮ ਅੰਧੇਰ ਬਿਨਾਸ ਗਿਆਨ ਗੁਰ ਅੰਜਨਾ ॥: The Divine Wisdom (is such) collyrium that destroys the darkness of doubts (from the mind). (sggs 456).

In fact the Gurbani (SGGS) asserts that the mind can ONLY be cleansed with the Wisdom of the Guru’s Shabad. This Divine Wisdom is called the ‘Kharrag‘ (‘ਖੜਗੁ’: sword) of the ‘Satiguru‘ (i.e., Sword of Creator-connecting Counsel/Wisdom of the Shabad) in the Gurbani.

• ਗਿਆਨ ਖੜਗੁ ਲੈ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਲੂਝੈ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਸਮਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੩॥: I fight to overcome the desires of my mind with the double-edged Sword (Kharag) of Wisdom (of the Satguru). ||3|| (sggs 1022).
• ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡੁ ਬਲਿਆ ਘਟਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਘਰ ਮੰਦਰ ਸੋਹਾਇਆ ॥: In the Heart or mind (of that person who loves Naam: Wisdom…) the bright light of the Wisdom shines brightly, all his senses become the possessors of beautiful spiritual life. (sggs 775).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇਆ ॥: O Nanak! Ego has been burnt away through the Shabad (sggs 1189).
• ਜਿਉ ਮੰਦਰ ਕਉ ਥਾਮੈ ਥੰਮਨੁ ॥ ਤਿਉ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਹਿ ਅਸਥੰਮਨੁ ॥: As a pillar supports a building, similarly, the Gur-Shabad is the mind’s support. (sggs 282).
• ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਹੋਰੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਕੋ ਨਾਹੀ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਰਣਾਇ ॥ : There is no other way to purify this mind except by taking shelter of the ‘Satgur‘ (True Wisdom-ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ). (sggs 558).

The Gurbani teaches us that this can be accomplished with proper Understanding (ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ) Realized by churning the Gurbani or Shabad-Vichaar and then constantly bathing the mind in that Brahm-Giyan or Wisdom in our daily life. A person of Brahm-Giyan is called Brahm-Giyanee.

If Bikaar don’t get burnt in the fire of Prachand Giyan (ardent or fiery Wisdom), they will keep dominating or controlling our mind!

• ਇਹੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਬਿਕਾਰੁ ਸੰਸੇ ਮਹਿ ਤਰਿਓ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ॥: This world is engrossed in Bikaar and doubts. Only the Brahm Giyanee (the one who possesses spiritual Knowledge) swims across (this world full of Bikaar and doubt). (sggs 13).
• ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਨਿ ਸੁਖ ਫਲ ਪਾਇਨਿ ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਆਰਾਧਹਿ ॥ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਰਣਿ ਤੇਰੈ ਭਰਵਾਸੈ ਪੰਚ ਦੁਸਟ ਲੈ ਸਾਧਹਿ ॥੩॥ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਤੇਰੀ ॥ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥: Constantly remembering the Naam (i.e. constantly abiding in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam in my daily life, I) ever enjoy Bliss. In the shelter and with the support of the Naam, I have brought the ‘five’ vices/Bikaar under my control. ||3|| I know nothing about spiritual Wisdom, meditation, good deeds, and did not know Your value. The Creator-Realizing Counsel that is contained within the Shabad is Supreme, Nanak, this Counsel (of the Shabad) safeguards my spiritual life. ||4||10||57|| (sggs 750).

The idea is to change the mind’s Bikaaree nature (i.e. corrupt thinking, Durmat, wickedness, block-headedness, foolishness, ignorance…).

But the question is: How can we acquire this subtle fire of Brahm-Giyan (Wisdom)? The Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS is here for our mind’s freedom, provided we are willing and interested to be freed, HERE and NOW, not after death.!

• ਦੀਵਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੇਲੁ ॥ ਉਨਿ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਓਹੁ ਸੋਖਿਆ ਚੂਕਾ ਜਮ ਸਿਉ ਮੇਲੁ ॥੧॥:God’s Naam alone is the Lamp which provides the Spiritual Enlightenment in my life and I have put the oil of worldly suffering in this Lamp. The light of God’s Naam has dried up the oil of suffering and I have escaped meeting with the (concocted or mythical) Jum (i.e. Bikaar or vices). ||1|| (sggs 358).
• ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਅਰੁ ਲੋਭ ਮੋਹ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜਾਇ ਅਹੰਮੇਵ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾਗਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥੧॥ : Nanak, (pray) — O Gurudev-Prabhu! I seek your refuge, please bestow Your Grace (Wisdom / Virtues), so that my lust, anger, greed, attachment and Haumai are banished. (sggs 269).
• ਦੁਖ ਮਹੁਰਾ ਮਾਰਣ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਸਿਲਾ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਪੀਸਣੁ ਹਥਿ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਨਿਤ ਨਿਤ ਲੇਹੁ ਨ ਛੀਜੈ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਅੰਤ ਕਾਲਿ ਜਮੁ ਮਾਰੈ ਠੇਹ ॥੧॥ ਐਸਾ ਦਾਰੂ ਖਾਹਿ ਗਵਾਰ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤੇਰੇ ਜਾਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Sufferings that have become poison due to Vikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed etc.), the divine Naam (Giaan-Wsdom) is the antidote. Grind it up in the mortar of contentment, make the Daan (i.e. giving of Giaan-Wisdom etc. to help others or needy) a grindstone in your hand. Take this (medicine) everyday, and your body will not pine and waste away (i.e. diminute). Otherwise you will have to bear the brunt of Vikaar. ||1|| O foolish (mind)! Take such medicine, by which (the bad impact of) Vikaar leave you alone (i.e. stay at bay). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1257).

When all Bikaar are overpowered with the Divine Virtues and living life by the Unique and Revolutionary Wisdom of the Gurmat, this is what happens:

• ਸਜਣ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਲਿ ਮੈ ਚਲਦਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਲੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਤਿਥੈ ਖੜੇ ਦਿਸੰਨਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: (Virtues – ਗੁਣ) alone are my friends, who (always) travel along with me; and where the accounts are called for (i.e., wherever I’m in trouble, my Virtues) appear standing with me. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 729).

Ending Note – No other human can control your vices/  Bikaar…

The Gurbani in SGGS instructs us that no other human (i.e. so called sadh babas etc.) has the power/capacity/potency to burn your Haumai, vices/Bikaar or senses for you. You have to help yourself to achieve that for you with your own efforts.

• ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕੀ ਟੇਕ ਬ੍ਰਿਥੀ ਸਭ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ ਦੇਵਨ ਕਉ ਏਕੈ ਭਗਵਾਨੁ ॥ : (O human) realize that dependence on other people (to give you Wisdom/Virtues as a readymade package, or to get rid of your own vices/Bikaar etc.) is in vain. Because the ONE Creator (Within) alone is potent to give. (sggs 281).
• ਇਸੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਮਹਿ ਕੋਈ ਜਾਗਤੁ ਰਹੈ ॥ ਸਾਬਤੁ ਵਸਤੁ ਓਹੁ ਅਪਨੀ ਲਹੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਸਗਲ ਸਹੇਲੀ ਅਪਨੈ ਰਸ ਮਾਤੀ ॥ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਕੀ ਖਬਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਤੀ ॥ ਮੁਸਨਹਾਰ ਪੰਚ ਬਟਵਾਰੇ ॥ ਸੂਨੇ ਨਗਰਿ ਪਰੇ ਠਗਹਾਰੇ ॥੨॥ ਉਨ ਤੇ ਰਾਖੈ ਬਾਪੁ ਨ ਮਾਈ ॥ ਉਨ ਤੇ ਰਾਖੈ ਮੀਤੁ ਨ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਦਰਬਿ ਸਿਆਣਪ ਨਾ ਓਇ ਰਹਤੇ ॥ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਓਇ ਦੁਸਟ ਵਸਿ ਹੋਤੇ ॥੩॥ : A rare person remains Awake (Aware, Alert, Conscious) in his/her own house (i.e. mind –Nij Ghar) of the onslaught of Maya (vices/Bikaar, worldly attractions and their corrupting influences – Bhav Saagar). That person keeps his/her spiritual life Intact, (Whole, Undivided, Complete – Saabat…). ||1||Pause|| All sensory organs of the body are busy in enjoying their own pleasures (i.e. sense-objects). They do not care to guard their own home (against vices/Bikaar). The five (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride) are the plunderers and robbers. (These five thugs) descend upon the unguarded mind. ||2|| Neither our mother nor father can save us from these. Neither our friend nor brother can protect us from them. They cannot be restrained by wealth or cleverness. These evils/villains can be brought under control only through the Company/Guidance of the Guru (realization of the enlightening Giyan-Wisdom contained within Shabad). ||3|| (sggs 182).

Some related posts:

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• Slave of the Senses
• Investigate the Mind – Gurbani’s Advice to All
• False Ego-Sense Kills Mind’s Original Nature
• Haumai Maya
• Bhangaar – Mental Filth
• Hummas Dhummas
• One Dog and Two Bitches
• Within Body are Five Lions and Ten Wolves!
• Jum Doot, Dharma Raj, and Chitr Gupt
• Gurbani Defines Ghost – Bhoot Pret
• Realize Enlightening Message Embedded within Shabad
• Become the Gurbani
• Allow Gurbani to go through Conscience-ਸੁਰਤ
• Understanding Guru Nanak
• Gurbani is not Meant to Regurgitate Pre-1469 Beliefs
• Ailments of the mind and Gurmat
• True Guru in Sikhi!
• Sikhi: a Way of Life
• Crowds follow the path of Falsehood, Pakhand…
• Sheepish Mentality – People See, People do
• Gurmat and Shabad Vichaar
• Core of Gurmat Spirituality – Becoming Sachiaar – ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ
• Gurbani Defines Naam