Gursikhs Solve the Riddle

As indicated by the following verses, one who has truly become the Gursikh (i.e. a student or learner of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS), Internalizes the spiritual Message of the Shabad. He constantly bathes in the immaculate pool of the Guru’s Giaan-Wisdom. To put it otherwise, the SGGS asserts the true Sikhs are those who live Sikhi by learning it through the Shbad-Vichaar:

• ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪਰਵਾਹ ਛੁਟਕੰਤ ਸਦ ਦ੍ਵਾਰਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਗ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਨ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਮਲ ਸਰ ਸੰਤ ਸਿਖ ਨਾਈਐ ॥: The Stream of Amrit (-Giaan or spiritual Knowledge) flows constantly from the Door (of the Gur-Shabad). The Sikh seekers (Satsangee of the Gur-Shabad) bathe in the immaculate pool or Srovar of the Gur-Giaan (spiritual Knowledge). (sggs 1401).

Thus, one becomes a true GurSikh only when he has understood and applied the Gurbani, or when his mind abides in the Gur-Giaan (Wisdom of the Guru), or when he has solved the riddle posed to him by the the Satguru.

In nutshell it’s the mind (‘ਜੀਅਹੁ ਰਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਲੇ’) that has to become a Sikh – NOT the gross body-frame (ਅੰਦਰੋਂ ਮਨ ਕਰਕੇ, ਸਰੀਰ ਕਰਕੇ ਨਹੀ)! The SGGS defines a Sikh as follows:

• ਜੇ ਕੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਨਮੁਖੁ ਹੋਵੈ ॥ ਹੋਵੈ ਤ ਸਨਮੁਖੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਕੋਈ ਜੀਅਹੁ ਰਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਲੇ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਧਿਆਏ ਅੰਤਰ ਆਤਮੈ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥ ਆਪੁ ਛਡਿ ਸਦਾ ਰਹੈ ਪਰਣੈ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਏ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਸਨਮੁਖੁ ਹੋਏ ॥੨੧॥: If any ‘Sikh’ (learner-ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ of the SGGS) wants to turn to the Guru (Shabad). That Sikh must be with the Guru (Shabad) from the mind (Surat-Conscience), only then he/she can Internalize the spiritual Message of the Guru (Shabad). He/she should contemplate on the Guru’s spiritual Instructions (Guru’s Charan) and submit to the Guru’s Instructions keeping them in mind (Surat-Conscience) – and acting on them. Renouncing self-conceit, he/she always depends on the Guru (Shabad), and does not consider anyone else except the Guru as spiritual Guide. Nanak says, listen, O seekers: such a ‘Sikh‘ has his/her mind always connected to the Guru (Shabad – Giaan-Wisdom). ||21|| (sggs 919).
• ਸੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਸਖਾ ਬੰਧਪੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਜਿ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਵੈ ॥: O Mind! He alone is a Sikh, a friend, and a relative, who walks in the Way of the Guru’s Bhaanaa (Gurmat, Shabad, Upadesh, Giaan-Wisdom…). (sggs 601).
• ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਕ ਸੇਵੇ ਸਿਖੁ ਸੋੁ ਖੋਜਿ ਲਹੈ ॥੧॥: The Gur-Upadesh (i.e., Gur-Giaan or Wisdom) are the Gems and Jewels; a Sikh who serves (through the Shabad-Vichaar) searches and finds them. ||1|| (sggs 1328).
• ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣੀਜੈ ॥: O MY MIND! Listen to the Gur-Counsel (Wisdom, Giaan…). (sggs 1334).
• ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥: The Shabad (i.e. Giaan or Wisdom is my) Guru. (Not the body, but) abidance of the Consciousness (i.e. my mind or Soch-ਸੋਚ) is the disciple (of this Shabad-Guru). (sggs 943).
• ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ : Sikhi is contemplation on Guru’s teaching (Upadesh, Giaan, Bibek or Wisdom) and acting on it. (sggs 465).
• ਊਤਮ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਬਦ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥੩॥: The ultimate action is Reflections on the Shabad – Shabad Vichaar ||3|| (sggs 158).

Riddle posed by the Gurbani

What is this riddle (puzzle, enigma, conundrum, ‘ਮੁਦਾਵਣੀ’, ‘ਬੁਝਾਰਤ’, ਪਹੇਲੀ, ਸਮਝੌਤੀ…)? The Gurbani explains:

• ਥਾਲੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਤੈ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਹਰਿ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤੀਐ ਪਾਈਐ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਅਲਭੁ ਹੈ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਲਭੈ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਏਹ ਮੁਦਾਵਣੀ ਕਿਉ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਕਢੀਐ ਸਦਾ ਰਖੀਐ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਿ ॥ ਏਹ ਮੁਦਾਵਣੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਈ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾ ਲਧੀ ਭਾਲਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਸੁ ਬੁਝਾਏ ਸੁ ਬੁਝਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥੧॥ : In the human Conscience (You O Paarbrahm!) have placed the sublime food of Amrit (-Naam: Wisdom / Virtues). eating which the mind is satiated and one finds the way to freedom from (from Maya’s hunger, vices or Bikaar etc.). O seekers, this subtle food is difficult to obtain; it is obtained only by Reflecting on the Guru’s Shabad. Why should we cast this riddle out of our minds? We should keep it ever enshrined in our minds. The Satguru has put this riddle. (By Internalizing the Shabad), the GurSikhs have found its solution. Nanak, he alone solves this riddle, who puts in efforts to understand and realizes God through the Guru’s Instructions. ||1|| (sggs 645).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਭੁਸਰੀਆ ਪਕਾਈਆ ਪਾਈਆ ਥਾਲੈ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਨੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਨਾਇਆ ਰਜਿ ਰਜਿ ਸੇਈ ਖਾਹਿ ॥੩॥: O Nanak! (Paarbrahm) has placed cooked or ripened (Giaan, spiritual Knowledge…) in the Plate (of the letters of the SGGS, ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਅੱਖਰਾ ਰੂਪ ਥਾਲ…). They, who obtained the Wisdom of the Guru, (their minds) eat it to their fill and satiation. (sggs 696).

ACCORDING TO GURBANI, Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) is realized ONLY by those who practice true contentment:

• ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਕਰਿ ਭਾਉ ਤੋਸਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੇਇ ॥: Those who practice true contentment and love, obtain the supplies of the Naam (sggs 422).
• ਰਤਨ ਜਵੇਹਰ ਨਾਮ ॥ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਗਿਆਨ ॥: Divine Naam is the Jewel and Ruby (i.e. very precious). The Wisdom of the true contentment (is obtained through it). (sggs 893).
• ਸਚ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਨ ਪਾਵੈ ॥: Without the Truth, true contentment is not obtained (sggs 1040).
• ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦੀਆ ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀ ਪਾਨਾਂ ਹੇ ॥੭॥: Satu santokhu deea guti poorae Naamu amritu pee paanan hae (sggs 1975).

Hence, Paarbrahm has placed the sublime Food (ਭੋਜਨ) of Amrit-Naam In the human Conscience. Our challenge is to understand the true meanings of the Gurbani As Is (understanding ‘ਸਬਦ ਭੇਦੁ’), and then live it in daily life (i.e. Gurmukh Mindset).

• ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਾ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਗਿਆਨ ॥: Spiritual Wisdom (ਉੱਚੀ ਸਮਝ, etc.) is the food of the Brahm Giaanee – the knower of Truth. (sggs 273).
• ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਭੁੰਚੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥: In the human (Conscience), three things remain — the truth, Contentment and thoughtful Reflection or Insight (into spiritual Life); in which has manifested the Amrit Naam (Giaan-Wisdom, Virtues…), the support of all. The benefit (Laahaa) is to he who consumes (‘ਖਾਵੈ-Khaavia), and he who digests it (‘ਭੁੰਚੈ Bhunchai‘. (sggs 1429).

Solving the riddle

‘ਸਬਦ ਭੇਦੁ’ (Shabad-Bhaed) or the true meanings of the Gurbani are not straightforward. However, the Gurbani tells us that a GurSikh can understand (ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ) them and Realize the Message of the Shabad through searching (ਖੋਜ) and Reflecting (Vichaar-ਵਿਚਾਰ…). Thus, the one who has become the GurSikh, he has also become Enlightened (Gurmukh Mindset), free of vices or Bikaar.

• ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਸਬਦ ਭੇਦੁ ਨਹੀ ਆਇਆ ਤਬ ਲਗੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਸੰਤਾਏ ॥੩॥: As long as (the mortal) does not come to Realize the Message embedded within the Shabad, the fear of death continues to torture him. ||3|| (sggs 1126).
• ਏਨਾ ਅਖਰਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥: (Only that person is the learned: scholar-ਵਿਦਵਾਨ) who by becoming the Gurmukh and through his education understands (his Mool, Giaan or Wisdom etc.). Debt (of Bikaar: lust, anger, greed etc.) does not accumulate on the head of that person (i.e. that person does not transgress and does not deviate from the path of life). ||2|| (sggs 432).
• ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਿਖੁ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਹਾਟੈ ॥: The Sikh of the Guru recoils (withdraws, ਹਟ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ…) from Bikaars (sggs 286).

But, the truth is that the majority of us do not even know what the riddle is, let alone its solution!

• ਕਹਾ ਬੁਝਾਰਤਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਡੋਰਾ ॥ ਨਿਸਿ ਕਹੀਐ ਤਉ ਸਮਝੈ ਭੋਰਾ ॥: How can a riddle be understood by the deaf? (With a sign if you) Say ‘night’, he thinks (you said) ‘day’ (i.e. even he is constantly told, but still does not understand at all). (sggs 267).
• ਅਬ ਪੂਛੇ ਕਿਆ ਕਹਾ ॥ ਲੈਨੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਰਸੁ ਨੀਕੋ ਬਾਵਰ ਬਿਖੁ ਸਿਉ ਗਹਿ ਰਹਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (O crazy man!) Now if you are asked, what can you say? O crazy man! You were to acquire the Amrit Naam, instead you are clinging to Maya, the poison for spiritual life. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1203).

Furthermore, as indicated in the following verses, because foolishness and greed, we don’t listen at all:

• ਸਭੇ ਗਲਾ ਜਾਤੀਆ ਸੁਣਿ ਕੈ ਚੁਪ ਕੀਆ ॥ ਕਦ ਹੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨ ਲਧੀਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੜਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਦੇਇ ਬੁਝਾਰਤ ਸਾਰਤਾ ਸੇ ਅਖੀ ਡਿਠੜਿਆ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਜਿ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਲੋਭੀਆ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਸੁਣੀ ਕਹਿਆ ॥੨॥: (O Creator) The human being engrossed in Maya, is fully aware of the righteous deeds but remains aloof from them. Bewitched by Maya, he does not acquire (spiritual) Conscience. ||1|| The riddles and hints are given (by the Gurbani, Gurmukhs…), and he sees them with his eyes. But (the Jeeva) is foolish and greedy, and he never listens to what he is told. ||2|| (sggs 217).
• 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).

In nutshell, the Gurbani (SGGS) is the subject of searching (ਖੋਜ-Khoj), Reflecting (ਵਿਚਾਰ-Vichaar), and understanding (ਬੂਝਿ-Boojh). The Gurbani tells us that we should always remember this riddle, and try to understand it the same time through searching, reflecting, and understanding the Gurbani. As propagated by the greedy Pujaaree system, mere reading of the SGGS or mere seeing bowing down to it will not do the trick!

• ਖੋਜ ਬੂਝਿ ਜਉ ਕਰੈ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥ ਤਉ ਭਵਜਲ ਤਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਵੈ ਬਾਰਾ ॥੪੦॥: When someone understand by Searching (‘Khoj‘), and engages in Vichaar (Reflection on the Divine Virtues, Wisdom…), then (he) crosses over the ‘Bhavjal’ (Bhav Saagar or dreadful ocean of Maya, etc.) in no time. ||40|| (sggs 342).

To understand exactly what the Gurbani says, or means, or intends is to solve the riddle. Once the Gurbani is understood (ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ), then the Gurbani wants us to constantly apply it in daily life (‘ਅਮਲ’, ‘ਕਰਣੀ’…).

• ਜਹ ਕਰਣੀ ਤਹ ਪੂਰੀ ਮਤਿ ॥ ਕਰਣੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਘਟੇ ਘਟਿ ॥੩॥: When one’s ‘Karanee’ (doing, performance, practice…) is right (according to the Gur-Giaan or Wisdom, then this would indicate) there is perfect understanding (ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ, ਅਕਲ). Without ‘Karanee’, (Understanding) remains deficient. ||3|| (sggs 25).(sggs 25).

As evident, Sikhi we see out there today is not the Sikhi of the SGGS. Instead, it’s a Sikhi of the self serving Pujaaree (clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.) and the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) etc.

Baabaa Nanak asserts brandishing religious paraphernalia on one’s ephemeral body-frame is not a Sikhi of the SGGS.

• ਭੇਖੁ ਭਵਨੀ ਹਠੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਗਹਿ ਰਹੇ ॥੧॥: I know nothing about religious robes, pilgrimages or stubbornness; O Nanak, I only hold tight to the Truth ||1|| (sggs 843).