Gurbani Defines True Yoga and Yogi

It would be an understatement to say there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings that exist with regard to the purpose and meaning of Yoga.

The word ‘Yoga’ (or ‘Yog’) comes from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj‘, meaning ‘Join’ (Jurhanaa-ਜੁੜਨਾ).

‘Yogi‘ is a person who is endeavoring to ‘Unite’.

Thus, ‘Yoga’ simply means the joining of the ego-self (Haumai) to the Higher Self within — Joining of the mind to its Jot Saroop or Original Nature within, recognizing one’s true Self (‘ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ’), becoming one with the Creator / Hukam (Hukami Bandaa) within etc.

In other words, Yoga means uniting of the time-bound consciousness with the Timeless Consciousness within (Mool...) — experience or realization of Unity (God or Universal Energy); or existing as an Indivisible Whole (Saabat Soorat), and so on.

The Yoga and Yogi of the Gurbani

Some of our so-called religious leaders are busy trying to prove that ‘Yoga is an integral part of Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak. In ‘Sidh Gosht’, Guru Nanak analyzed the basic principles of Yoga and Sikhi and urged Yogis to align themselves with Divine Naam. Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak does not accept Union with the Creator through ritualistic ‘Kundalini’ nonsense of Yogis. The Guru’s edict is:

• ਨਿਵਲੀ ਕਰਮ ਭੁਅੰਗਮ ਭਾਠੀ ਰੇਚਕ ਪੂਰਕ ਕੁੰਭ ਕਰੈ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਿਛੁ ਸੋਝੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਭਰਮੇ ਭੂਲਾ ਬੂਡਿ ਮਰੈ ॥ ਅੰਧਾ ਭਰਿਆ ਭਰਿ ਭਰਿ ਧੋਵੈ ਅੰਤਰ ਕੀ ਮਲੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਲਹੈ ॥ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨਾ ਫੋਕਟ ਸਭਿ ਕਰਮਾ ਜਿਉ ਬਾਜੀਗਰੁ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲੈ ॥੧॥ : One may perform Yogic exercises for cleaning of intestines, pulling breath from Kundalini coiled in the lower stomach upwards to the tenth gate/Dasam Duaar (the supreme spiritual state of mind), or such exercises as inhaling, holding and exhaling breaths, but without following the Satguru (the Creator-Realizing Counsel or Message that is contained within the Shabad), he doesn’t attain any spiritual understanding; lost in doubts he spiritually deteriorates and drowns in the world-ocean (Bhav Saagar). Such a spiritually ignorant person, gets smeared and keeps getting smeared (i.e. keeps committing vices) and then takes ritual baths for purification; but defilement of the mind is never removed this way. Without the Naam, vain are all deeds, like those of the conjurer/juggler who deceives men through illusion. ||1|| (sggs 1343).

Yogis of Yog Matt thought Yoga as the means to unite with God. They used to inflict various kinds of pain on the body. Guru Nanak rejected that practice of Yogis.

• ਤਨੁ ਨ ਤਪਾਇ ਤਨੂਰ ਜਿਉ ਬਾਲਣੁ ਹਡ ਨ ਬਾਲਿ ॥ ਸਿਰਿ ਪੈਰੀ ਕਿਆ ਫੇੜਿਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਪਿਰੀ ਨਿਹਾਲਿ ॥੧੨੦॥ : (O Farid! Having failed in your search for the Creator) do not belittle (destroy, torture…) your body. What has your head, feet etc done to you that you think of causing them such pain? (While remaining in the state of exaltation) see your Creator within. ||120|| (sggs 1384).
• ਜਾਪ ਤਾਪ ਗਿਆਨ ਸਭਿ ਧਿਆਨ ॥ ਖਟ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਵਖਿਆਨ ॥ ਜੋਗ ਅਭਿਆਸ ਕਰਮ ਧ੍ਰਮ ਕਿਰਿਆ ॥ ਸਗਲ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਬਨ ਮਧੇ ਫਿਰਿਆ ॥ ਅਨਿਕ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਕੀਏ ਬਹੁ ਜਤਨਾ ॥ ਪੁੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਹੋਮੇ ਬਹੁ ਰਤਨਾ ॥ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਕਟਾਇ ਹੋਮੈ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਤੀ ॥ ਵਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਕਰੈ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਤੀ ॥ ਨਹੀ ਤੁਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੀਐ ਇਕ ਬਾਰ ॥੧॥ : Ritual recitations/chanting, penances, knowledge and all sorts of meditation; the six schools of philosophy and sermons on the scriptures; the practice of Yoga and righteous conduct; renunciation of everything and wanders around in the wilderness; performance of all sorts of efforts (to unite with God); donations to charities and offerings of jewels to fire (Havan); cutting the body apart and making the pieces into ceremonial fire offerings; keeping fasts and making vows of all sorts – none of these are equal to the contemplation of the Divine Naam (Divine Wisdom / Virtues), Nanak, if, as Gurmukh (Enlightened mindset), one realizes the Divine Naam, even once. ||1|| (sggs 265).

Thus, there is a vast contrast between the spiritual positions of Yogis (Sidhas) and that of Guru Nanak (i.e. Gurmat). The spiritual position of Yogis or (Yogmat) is simply that physical self is of paramount importance (i.e. physical renunciation of the family, society, world; physical nature of Asanas and breath control etc.).

• ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਭਗਵੀ ਕਪੜੀ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਮੈਲੇ ਵੇਸਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਘਰਿ ਬੈਠਿਆ ਜੋਗੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ॥੬੪॥ : Yoga or Union with God cannot be attained by just wearing saffron robes (like a yogi) or by wearing dirty clothes (like a beggar). Nanak, we can attain Union with God (Yog) within (while leading family life) by following the Message of the Satgur (Shabad Guru). ||64|| (sggs 1421).
• ਆਸਨੁ ਪਵਨ ਦੂਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਬਵਰੇ ॥ ਛੋਡਿ ਕਪਟੁ ਨਿਤ ਹਰਿ ਭਜੁ ਬਵਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O crazy (Yogi), abandon all these Yogis postures and breathing exercises. Renounce this Pakhand (pretense) and realize the Creator within. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 857).
• ਸਿਧਾ ਕੇ ਆਸਣ ਜੇ ਸਿਖੈ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਵਸਿ ਕਰਿ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੨॥ : Even if a person learns all the postures (84-Asanas) practiced by a skilled Yogis and starts controlling lust (desires), still the filth of the mind isn’t removed and the filth of false ego-sense (Haumai) isn’t eliminated. ||2|| (sggs 558).
• ਜੋਗ ਸਿਧ ਆਸਣ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਏ ਭੀ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥ ਵਡੀ ਆਰਜਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜਨਮੈ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਗਹਿਆ ॥੬॥ : One may practice all the 84-postures of Yoga and acquires the supernatural powers of Sidhas, but he gets tired even practicing these rituals. One might even prolong one’s life by these methods, but still one suffers repeatedly (at the level of the mind) and never realize the Creator. (sggs 642).

Guru Nanak Counsels Yogis and rest of us that what’s matter in spirituality is NOT the ‘Physical’ per se, but the CONSCIENCE (the MIND) — the Conscience must remain imbued in the Creator Realization.

That said, what’s paramount in Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak is the State of the CONSCIENCE (the MIND) Not the physical location etc.

First off, the Gurmat Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) rejects symbolism and rituals (Karamkaand, formalities etc.).

• ਖਟੁ ਸਾਸਤ ਬਿਚਰਤ ਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨਾ ॥ ਪੂਜਾ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਤੀਰਥ ਇਸਨਾਨਾ ॥ ਨਿਵਲੀ ਕਰਮ ਆਸਨ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਇਨ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥ : People recite from memory the wisdom of the six schools of philosophy (i.e. Vedanta, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimansa, Nyaya and Vaisheshta — NOTE: SGGS has rejected ALL these six); they perform worship service, wear ceremonial religious marks on their foreheads, and take ritual cleansing baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage. They perform the cleansing practice and adopt the eighty-four Yogic postures; but still they find no spiritual peace in any of these BUT STILL THEY FIND NO SPIRITUAL PEACE IN ANY OF THESE. ||2|| (sggs 98).
• ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਉਤਾਰਿ ਦਿਗੰਬਰੁ ਹੋਗੁ ॥ ਜਟਾਧਾਰਿ ਕਿਆ ਕਮਾਵੈ ਜੋਗੁ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਨਹੀ ਦਸਵੈ ਦੁਆਰ ॥ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਆਵੈ ਮੂੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਵਾਰੋ ਵਾਰ ॥੧॥ : If a person becomes a naked sage by removing clothes (Digambar: literally means ‘sky-clad’, referring to their traditional monastic practice of neither possessing nor wearing any clothes. Digmbar is also one of the two principal sects of Jainism), or keeps long matted hair, even then he cannot realize God. Similarly, by holding the breath in the tenth gate (mythical Sukhmana Channel of Yoga), one’s mind does not become pure, and that foolish person, engrossed in illusions, suffers repeatedly (at the level of the mind). ||1|| (sggs 1169).
• ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਨ ਪਹਿਰੈ ॥ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਕਹਰੈ ॥ ਮੋਨਿ ਵਿਗੂਤਾ ॥ ਕਿਉ ਜਾਗੈ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਸੂਤਾ ॥ ਪਗ ਉਪੇਤਾਣਾ ॥ ਅਪਣਾ ਕੀਆ ਕਮਾਣਾ ॥ ਅਲੁ ਮਲੁ ਖਾਈ ਸਿਰਿ ਛਾਈ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਮੂਰਖਿ ਅੰਧੈ ਪਤਿ ਗਵਾਈ ॥ ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਕਿਛੁ ਥਾਇ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥ : One who does not wear any clothes, suffers constantly by subjecting his body to extremes of weather. One who remains absorbed in silence is also gone astray (from the right path). How can he be Awakened from the slumber of ignorance without the Gur-Wisdom? One who goes barefoot, suffers from his own actions by hurting his feet. One who eats filthy leftovers and throws ashes on his head, the mentally-blind foolish (ignorant) person has lost his honor. Without the Naam (Giyan–Wisdom / Virtues), none (Pakhand / Karamkaand) is of avail. (sggs 467).

Second, the Gurbani is not written ONLY for Yogis, Brahmins, Pundits, Jain, Qazi, Mullah etc.

As a matter of fact, the Gurbani is meant for the entire humanity, including Sikhs (students or learners-ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ- of the SGGS) as well!

Those who call themselves Sikhs are expected to live it in daily life and solve the riddle!

That being said — regardless of one’s religion, family of birth, nationality, color of skin, social status, location etc. — anybody can choose to live Sikhi Way of life!

After reading the Gurbani (SGGS), if a Sikh acts or think (Soch) same as a corrupt Brahmin, a Muslim, a Christian, a Yogi, a Qazi or a Mullah etc. then what’s the difference!

In short, the Gurus and Bhagats did not come to regurgitate the pre-1469 practices prevalent in people’s psyche, India’s religious traditions and teachings before them!

In short, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) rejects the physical renunciation (ਉਦਾਸੀ).

• ਬਾਰਹ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਵਲ ਖਪਿ ਜਾਵਹਿ ਚਹੁ ਛਿਅ ਮਹਿ ਸੰਨਿਆਸੀ ॥ : (Missing the Shabad – Naam, Hukam, Wisdom…) the yogis of twelve sects and the sannyaasee of ten sects wander about and ruined (ਖਪਦੇ ਫਿਰਦੇ). (sggs 1332).

The Sikhi’s or Gurbani’s (SGGS) definition of renunciation is Shabad Based — Internalization of the Shabad (Message, Advice, Guide, Direction, Upadesh, spiritual Wisdom of the SGGS) while staying in the midst of the happenings of the world.

• ਸੋ ਜੋਗੀ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਕਮਲੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ਥੀਆ ॥ : The God-realized Being accepts the Shabad as Guru; become Enlightened by the Message within the Shabad. (sggs 940).

In a nutshell, instead of renouncing the world, the Gurbani urges all of us to engage in it, but with a detached attitude through Internalization of the Gur-Shabad (Enlightenment or the Gurmukh Mindset).

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੋਗੀ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੈ ॥੬੯॥ : The spirituality of the Shabad Internalizes (the state of Gurmukh-Hood) the Way towards the Creator-Realization (within the Consciousness). Nanak Realized the One Creator through the Spirituality of the Shabad (the state of Gurmukh-Hood). ॥69॥(sggs 946).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਜੋਗੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਹੋਵੈ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਬੀਚਾਰੇ ॥੬੮॥ : Nanak, My Evaluation in my Inner Contemplation is that without divine Virtues Realization of the Creator (Yog) does not happen. ॥68॥ (sggs 946).
• ਸੋ ਜੋਗੀ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਸੋ ਪਾਏ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੋਗੀ ਕੀ ਨਗਰੀ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਵਸੈ ਭੇਖੀ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਐਸਾ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਘਟਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥ : One who is blessed with Naam by becoming the Gurmukh (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented beings) is a true Yogi and he alone knows the way of Yoga, Union with God within. All the divine Virtues abide in the mind of that (Gurmukh) Yogi; Yoga or the Union with God does not happen just by waring religious garbs. Nanak, rare is such (Gurmukh) Yogi who realizes God within. ||2|| (sggs 556).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੋਗੁ ਕਮਾਵੈ ਅਉਧੂ ਜਤੁ ਸਤੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥੨੦॥ : (O yogi),the one who has become Gurmukh (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented beings) practices Yoga, celibacy and truthful living only by Reflecting on the Shabad. ||20|| (sggs 908).

According to the Gurbani — while living in the midst of happenings of the world or Maya — prerequisite necessary for abiding in the Gurmukh State of the Mind (Enlightenment) is being affectionately detachment (Bairaag) through Bhagti, self-control, Naam Abidance (Wisdom, Virtues).

• ਸਭ ਕੈ ਮਧਿ ਸਗਲ ਤੇ ਉਦਾਸ ॥ : Remain in the midst of all, and yet detached from all (sggs 296).
• ਖਿਮਾ ਗਹੀ ਬ੍ਰਤੁ ਸੀਲ ਸੰਤੋਖੰ ॥ ਰੋਗੁ ਨ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਨਾ ਜਮ ਦੋਖੰ ॥ ਮੁਕਤ ਭਏ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਰੇਖੰ ॥੧॥ ਜੋਗੀ ਕਉ ਕੈਸਾ ਡਰੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਰੂਖਿ ਬਿਰਖਿ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (O Pakhandee or Thugg yogi, a person who staying in household) makes forgiveness his daily practice; makes good conduct (humility, modesty, abstinence etc.) and contentment his daily practice (is the True Yogi). (Such a genuine yogi – household) cannot be afflicted by the disease (of Haumai or false ego-sense etc.), nor the suffering of Bikaar (lust, anger, greed etc.). Such yogis become (living-) liberated, because they become one with the Formless Prabh (Mool, Source…). What is the Yogi afraid of? The same One God is everywhere – in the trees and plants (forest), within the household and outside as well. ||1||Pause||  (sggs 223).

Thus, its the skill in thoughts, words and action that leads to the state of Perfection (Pooran Pada), which is full of Bliss (Anand) and free from the experience of repeated suffering (Dukha) Here and Now.

One may ask, ‘how is it possible to live in the midst of the world without desires (Kaam)?’.

For this, it is essential to understand why one gets overwhelmed with desires in the first place.

Barrage of desires arise in the mind on account of foolishness and vices/Bikaar.

• ਅਧਿਆਤਮ ਕਰਮ ਕਰੇ ਤਾ ਸਾਚਾ ॥ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਭੇਦੁ ਕਿਆ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਾਚਾ ॥੧॥ ਐਸਾ ਜੋਗੀ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਾਚੁ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : One who does deeds for spiritual uplift is a true yogi. Without becoming Perfect in spiritual endeavors, a false (yogi) cannot know the secret of liberation from from vices or Bikaar. ||1|| Such (man) may be entitled to the title of yogi (who understands the right way of life). Annihilating five Bikaar, he realize God within. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 223).
• ਆਸਾ ਬੰਧੀ ਮੂਰਖ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਲਪਟਿਓ ਅਸਨੇਹ ॥ : The body of a foolish person (i.e., every sense organ) remains hooked on to desires. (The foolish person) remains trapped in the bonds of lust, anger and attachment (i.e., Bikaar). (sggs 178).

The mind can find godly contentment, fulfillment or satisfaction only in itself, within.

When the limitations imposed by the body-mind-intellect personality are overcome, the mind becomes one with its Jot Saroop within. And vices/Bikaar and resulting Mayaic desires thin out when dispassion (Bairaag) grows.

Clearly, it’s an uphill climb to be a true Yogi as RE-DEFINED in the SGGS. The Gurbani indicates whosoever knows the ‘ਜੁਗਤਿ’ (Way of life etc.) to live properly is a true Yogi (i.e. Gurmukh Mindset).

• ਮੁੰਦ੍ਰਾ ਮੋਨਿ ਦਇਆ ਕਰਿ ਝੋਲੀ ਪਤ੍ਰ ਕਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਰੇ ॥ ਖਿੰਥਾ ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਸੀਅਉ ਅਪਨਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਉ ਆਧਾਰੁ ਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਐਸਾ ਜੋਗੁ ਕਮਾਵਹੁ ਜੋਗੀ ॥ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭੋਗੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਬੁਧਿ ਬਿਭੂਤਿ ਚਢਾਵਉ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਸਿੰਗੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਈ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਬੈਰਾਗੁ ਫਿਰਉ ਤਨਿ ਨਗਰੀ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਕਿੰਗੁਰੀ ਬਜਾਈ ॥੨॥ ਪੰਚ ਤਤੁ ਲੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਰਾਲਮ ਤਾੜੀ ॥ ਕਹਤੁ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਰਿ ਬਾੜੀ ॥੩॥੭॥ : O yogi! Let mind’s silence (i.e. absence of thoughts of vices/Bikaar) be ear-rings and compassion as your sack; let reflection on divine Virtues be your begging bowl. O yogi, let the body saved from vices be your patched coat, and make God’s Naam (Virtues / Wisdom) as your support. ||1|| O Yogi! Practice such a Yoga, that while living as a house-holder, if you become the Gurmukh (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented) then this would be your Japa, Tapa, and Sanjam. ||1||Pause|| Apply the ashes of Wisdom to your body; let your consciousness attuned to God be your horn. Become detached from the yearning for worldly desires, wander through your body (evaluate yourself) and play the harp of your mind. ||2|| O yogi, keep this in your mind that body comes into being with the combination of five elements, so that you may experience a unique trance. Kabeer says, listen O seekers, make Dharma and compassion the fence – to keep vices away and remain in focus. ||3||7|| (sggs 970).

In short, the Gurbani asserts a true Yogi is the one who lives his daily life of ‘Hari Gun’ or Virtues —  Truth (ਸਤ), honesty (ਇਮਾਨਦਾਰੀ), contentment (ਸੰਤੋਖ), mercy (ਦਯਾ), patience (ਧੀਰਜ), Sahaj (ਸਹਜ-Natural State of Being), Wisdom (ਗਿਆਨ), humility (ਮਨ ਨਿਮਾਣਾ, ਬੁਧਿ ਗਰੀਬੀ), sweet speech (ਮਿਠ ਬੋਲੜਾ) etc.

• ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ : I Cleanse my mind Within (of vices) with Godly Virtues. There can be NO Bhagti (spirituality or divinity) sans the Realization of Divine Virtues. (sggs 4).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੇ ਸੋ ਜੋਗੀ ਹੋਇ ॥ : Yogi is that person who serves the Satiguru (True Wisdom or ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ – he lives his daily life in accordance with the Guru-Giyan or Wisdom). (sggs 223).

What is not Yoga?

Now, once we know through the Gurbani what the real Yoga is, it becomes relatively easy to digest as to what is NOT Yoga and Yogi!

In the Light of the Wisdom of the SGGS, one thing becomes crystal clear — one cannot realize Yoga though stubbornness of the mind, religious garbs and symbols, rituals, renouncing family, wandering around, Pakhand etc.!

• ਜੋਗੀ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਗਵਾਈ ਹੰਢੈ ਪਾਖੰਡਿ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥ : (O Pakhandee or hypocrite) Yogi, you have lost the Way; you wander around confused. Through hypocrisy, Yoga is not attained (sggs 909).
• ਹਠਿ ਨਿਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਨ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਾਵਹਿ ਭੇਵਾ ॥: None can satisfy (his mind) through the stubborn (rituals etc.) (sggs 906).
• ਏਹੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਹੋਵੈ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਿ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਪਰਭਵਣੁ ਕਰਹਿ ॥ : This is not Yoga, O Yogi, to abandon your family and wander around (sggs 909).
• ਬਿੰਦੁ ਨ ਰਾਖਹਿ ਜਤੀ ਕਹਾਵਹਿ ॥ ਮਾਈ ਮਾਗਤ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਲੋਭਾਵਹਿ ॥ : (O Yogi!) You do not control your lust, but you claim to be a celibate. Begging Maya, you are trapped in this triple-qualitied Maya (i.e. abandoning their families and women, people go live in jungles. But they have no control over their lust. When begging for food and clothing from households, they call women ‘Maataa Ji’ – Mother – but inside their lust knows no bounds). (sggs 903).

Simply put, renouncing ‘Sansaar‘ or the world is not Yoga!

Here is an eye opening discourse that took place between Yogis and Guru Nanak. Full of anger and hostility towards Guru Nanak, Yogis questioned him for spoiling what they viewed a pure spirituality:

• ਖਾਧੀ ਖੁਣਸਿ ਜੁਗੀਸਰਾਂ ਗੋਸਟਿ ਕਰਨਿ ਸਭੇ ਉਠਿ ਆਈ । ਪੁਛੇ ਜੋਗੀ ਭੰਗਰ ਨਾਥੁ ਤੁਹਿ ਦੁਧ ਵਿਚਿ ਕਿਉਂ ਕਾਂਜੀ ਪਾਈ । ਫਿਟਿਆ ਚਾਟਾ ਦੁਧ ਦਾ ਰਿੜਕਿਆ ਮਖਣੁ ਹਥਿ ਨ ਆਈ । ਭੇਖੁ ਉਤਾਰਿ ਉਦਾਸਿ ਦਾ ਵਤਿ ਕਿਉ ਸੰਸਾਰੀ ਰੀਤਿ ਚਲਾਈ । : All the yogis getting irritated grouped together and came forward to have a debate. Yogi Bhangar Nath asked (metaphorically) why have you put vinegar in milk? The spoiled milk cannot be churned into butter. How have you put off yogic garb (i.e. how have you renounced the renunciation) and attired yourself in a household way. (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 1, Pauri 40).

Guru Nanak Replied asking Yogis why is it that you condemn family life as lesser value and then you come to the householders for your livelihood, subsistence, and everything else…:

• ਨਾਨਕ ਆਖੇ ਭੰਗਰ ਨਾਥ ਤੇਰੀ ਮਾਉ ਕੁਚਜੀ ਆਹੀ । ਭਾਂਡਾ ਧੋਇ ਨ ਜਾਤਿਓਨਿ ਭਾਇ ਕੁਚਜੇ ਫੁਲੁ ਸੜਾਈ । ਹੋਇ ਅਤੀਤੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਸਤਿ ਤਜਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਉਨਹੁ ਕੇ ਘਰਿ ਮੰਗਣਿ ਜਾਈ । ਬਿਨੁ ਦਿਤੇ ਕਛੁ ਹਥਿ ਨ ਆਈ ॥੪੦॥ : Said Nanak, O Bhangar Nath, your mind/intellect (Budh-ਮੱਤ) is behaving destructively. Because, by renouncing family (householder life, world, etc.) you think you have cleansed your mind, but in fact you have destroyed the humanity. You (O Bhangar Nath) claim that your spirituality is pure because you have renounced the house hold life, but you go again to the houses of householders for begging food (i.e. O Bhangar Nath, by giving up family life you have given up the foundation of spiritual life). If they don’t give you, you have nothing (i.e. if you don’t contribute to humanity of which the building block is family, nothing of spiritual value will come your way). ||40 || (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 1, Pauri 40).

In truth, one’s mind under the negative impact of Haumai (false ego-sense) is the ‘Sansaar‘ (world or Bhav Saagar).

The Wisdom of the SGGS counsels us that the deluded mind and its created ‘Sansaar‘ or world can only be destroyed by the Wisdom, not by its renunciation!

• ਪੂੰਅਰ ਤਾਪ ਗੇਰੀ ਕੇ ਬਸਤ੍ਰਾ ॥ ਅਪਦਾ ਕਾ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਤੇ ਨਸਤਾ ॥ ਦੇਸੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਪਰਦੇਸਹਿ ਧਾਇਆ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਚੰਡਾਲ ਨਾਲੇ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ॥੪॥ : You worship fire (ਧੂਣੀਆਂ ਤਪਾਂਣਾਂ) and wear saffron colored robes. Smitten by calamity (distress, trouble…), you run away from your home. Leaving your country, you wander in foreign lands. (But your Mayaic mind) brings the five pariahs (i.e., Bikaar: lust, anger, greed, etc.) with it. ||4|| (sggs 1348).

In a nutshell, anything or any activity that keeps one away from the uninterrupted Gurmukh Mindset is rejected in the SGGS.

In other words, if one’s spiritual efforts turn into a mere show of empty rituals or Pakhand (hypocrisy) and makes one freeloader (ਵੇਲੜ, ਮੰਗ ਖਾਣੇ, ‘ਮਖਟੂ’- lazy bums…) etc., is disapproved in the SGGS.

• ਨਾ ਓਇ ਜੋਗੀ ਨਾ ਓਇ ਜੰਗਮ ਨਾ ਓਇ ਕਾਜੀ ਮੁੰਲਾ ॥ ਦਯਿ ਵਿਗੋਏ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਵਿਗੁਤੇ ਫਿਟਾ ਵਤੈ ਗਲਾ ॥ : They are not Yogis, and they are not Jangams, and they are not Qazis or Mullahs. Lost (separated…) from the Merciful (Lord), they wander around in sad plight, and their entire band is disdainful (sggs 149-150).

In fact, the SGGS claims that such useless Yogi or Yoga are responsible for the destruction of the human society along with their counterparts (e.g., Brahmins, Qazi…).

• ਕਾਦੀ ਕੂੜੁ ਬੋਲਿ ਮਲੁ ਖਾਇ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਜੀਆ ਘਾਇ ॥ ਜੋਗੀ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਅੰਧੁ ॥ ਤੀਨੇ ਓਜਾੜੇ ਕਾ ਬੰਧੁ ॥੨॥ : The clergy of the Muslim faith was corrupt, the Brahmin was murderous and the Yogi Un-Enlightened. These three (clergy) had become the root cause for the spiritual wreckage and desolation that mankind had
  come to endure. (sggs 662).

Yoga today is a system of exercise that has physical benefits when done correctly, but it is foolish to think of this physical activity as a means of Divine Union. If the body is healthy, doing yoga or any other exercises is not a bad thing. Particularly In the West (also in rest of the world) the majority associate Yoga with gymnastic like feats, indulging in sex and intoxication (Smoking Sulphaa, Gaanjaa, and so on), mere physical postures (Aasan), mental and breathing exercises, showing half-naked women in seemingly impossible poses on covers of magazines and books or in media etc.

In short, the Gurbani rejects any and all sorts of Pakhandbaajee associated with Yoga practices.

Mere talks will not do the trick

We are also repeatedly reminded by the SGGS that Yoga as described in the Gurmat cannot be realized through mere talking about it; reading books about it; debating about it, pretending about it etc.

• ਕਹਤ ਸੁਨਤ ਕਛੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਹੋਊ ॥ : By just hearing and telling stories, no one attains Yoga, or Union with God (sggs 251).
• ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਹਾਰਿਓ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਤੀ ਛੋਡਹਿ ਕਤਹੂੰ ਨਾਹੀ ॥ ਏਕ ਬਾਤ ਸੁਨਿ ਤਾਕੀ ਓਟਾ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਮਿਟਿ ਜਾਹੀ ॥੨॥ : (O God) I have grown weary, trying different ways to get rid of (my vices or Bikaar) but they do not loosen their grip on me. I have heard that these vices can be rooted out by taking refuge in the Company of the Guru. ||2|| (sggs 206).
• ਮੇਰੇ ਸਾਹਿਬਾ ਹਉ ਆਪੇ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਣੀ ॥ ਅਖਰ ਲਿਖੇ ਸੇਈ ਗਾਵਾ ਅਵਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਬਾਣੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O my God, I myself have been deluded (by the love for Maya). Impressions (of deeds done in my life so far) are engraved in my mind, (under their influence) I keep doing the same deeds again and again. I do not try to improve my lot (i.e. I don’t know how to do any such thing that will end the Maya’s attachment from within me). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1171).

That said, becoming a true Yogi is like chewing steel-balls with the teeth of wax! As such, the Gurbani says those who realize the true Yoga are very ‘rare’ in this world.

• ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਖਿੰਥਾ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਡੰਡੈ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਭਸਮ ਚੜਾਈਐ ॥ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਮੁੰਦੀ ਮੂੰਡਿ ਮੁਡਾਇਐ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਸਿੰਙੀ ਵਾਈਐ ॥ ਅੰਜਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਿ ਰਹੀਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਇਵ ਪਾਈਐ ॥੧॥ ਗਲੀ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੋਗੀ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਮੜੀ ਮਸਾਣੀ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਤਾੜੀ ਲਾਈਐ ॥ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਦੇਸਿ ਦਿਸੰਤਰਿ ਭਵਿਐ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਈਐ ॥ : Union (with the Jot Saroop within) is not realized by putting on a patched coat; nor by (walking with) the staff (in hand); nor by smearing the body with ashes; nor by wearing the ear-rings, nor by the shaven head, nor by blowing of the horn. The Way to realize Union is by remaining unblemished in the midst of the worldly filth (Maya). ||1|| Union (with divine Presence Within) is not realized by mere talking. One who looks upon all with a single eye (even vision), and knows them to be one and the same — he alone is known as a Yogi. ||1|| Pause|| Union (with the True Self within) is not realized by wandering to the tombs of the dead; nor by sitting in trances; nor by wandering through native and foreign lands or bathing at places of pilgrimage. (sggs 730).
• ਆਸਣ ਸਿਧ ਸਿਖਹਿ ਬਹੁਤੇਰੇ ਮਨਿ ਮਾਗਹਿ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਚੇਟਕ ਚੇਟਕਈਆ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਮਨਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਪਈਆ ॥੫॥ : Sidhas lean many postures (Yogic Asanas) but their minds still yearn for worldly stuff, miraculous powers and showmanship of jugglers. Satisfaction, Godly contentment and tranquility do not come to their minds. But they can experience satisfaction by meeting the Guru (i.e. by internalizing the Message of the Shabad) and by always remembering the divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues). (sggs 835).

Guru Nanak’s conversation with Yogis

There is Guru Nanak’s Bani called ‘Sidh Gosat‘ on page 938 of the SGGS.

There are a total of 73 stanzas (or Pourhee) in this entire ‘Sidh Gosat‘.

However, there is ONLY one Rahaou (ਰਹਾਉ) in the entire ‘Sidh Gosati‘!

But, this one Rahaou (ਰਹਾਉ) gives us a principle or the central point of the entire ‘Sidh Gosati’ Bani — the true spiritual Journey is travelled or transversed while living within the family, society and the world and living / Becoming the Creator-connecting Shabad.

• ਕਿਆ ਭਵੀਐ ਸਚਿ ਸੂਚਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਸਾਚ ਸਬਦ ਬਿਨੁ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (Guru Nanak tells Yogis) It’s of NO use wandering around (in peculiar external appearances at places of pilgrimage, mountains, jungles etc.) — renunciation (of world, society, family etc.) is not the way to liberate from the trappings of life, world, material etc. There can be no liberation without the guidance of the God-connecting Shabad (divine Message of the God-Connected Guru). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 938).
• ਮੁੰਦਾ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸਰਮੁ ਪਤੁ ਝੋਲੀ ਧਿਆਨ ਕੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਿਭੂਤਿ ॥ ਖਿੰਥਾ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੁਆਰੀ ਕਾਇਆ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਡੰਡਾ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ॥ ਆਈ ਪੰਥੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਮਾਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥ : (O Yogi) make Godly contentment your earrings, hard work your begging bowl, and contemplation (on Naam: Wisdom/Virtues) ashes that cover your body. Such diligence enable a life time (ਖਿੰਥਾ ਕਾਲੁ) of liberation from vices (free from inflictions of vices or Bikaar– ਕੁਆਰੀ) and the spirituality (or Way – ਜੁਗਤਿ) of unflinching faith (ਡੰਡਾ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ) in (Divine Virtues). (Let Divine Virtues, universal brotherhood) as the highest spirituality for all of humanity (be your ‘Aaee Panthi‘ sect-ਆਈ ਪੰਥੀ), by controlling your mind you can Win (ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ) the command or dictates of our sensory world (ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ). (sggs 6).

Bhai Gurdas further elaborates:

• ਸਿਧ ਸਾਧਿਕ ਮਿਲਿ ਜਾਗਦੇ ਕਰਿ ਸਿਵਰਾਤੀ ਜਾਤੀ ਮੇਲਾ । ਮਹਾਦੇਉ ਅਉਧੂਤੁ ਹੈ ਕਵਲਾਸਣਿ ਆਸਣਿ ਰਸਕੇਲਾ । ਗੋਰਖੁ ਜੋਗੀ ਜਾਗਦਾ ਗੁਰਿ ਮਾਛਿੰਦ੍ਰ ਧਰੀ ਸੁ ਧਰੇਲਾ । ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜਾਗਿ ਜਗਾਇਦਾ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਿਲਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ । ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਤਾੜੀ ਲਾਈਅਨੁ ਅਨਹਦ ਸਬਦ ਪਿਰਮ ਰਸਖੇਲਾ । ਆਦਿ ਪੁਰਖ ਆਦੇਸ ਹੈ ਅਲਖ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਨੇਹੁ ਨ ਵੇਲਾ । ਚੇਲੇ ਤੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਤੇ ਚੇਲਾ ॥੧੭॥ : The Sidhs and other recluses meet and attempt to awaken themselves by performing austerities at the Sivratri fair. Mahadev is a recluse and is infatuated with Yogic poses, thinking they will awaken him. The ascetic Gorakh calls himself awake after meeting his Guru Machindar, the lustful one who eloped with a concubine. But only Satguru is the true Awakener and his Holy congregation others can become Awaken by engaging their minds in drinking the Giyan-Amrit. In Nij Ghar within, deep contemplation is practiced and the self enjoys immersion within the wisdom of the unspoken speech. The primal Being is deserving of all salutations for he is unmarked and forever existent. And so from the disciple to the Guru and from Guru to the disciple. (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 26, pauree 17).

Some related posts:

• Gurbani Defines Renunciation
• Gurmat Recommends Shabad Based Householder’s Life
• Being Detached: Affectionately
• Be in the World, but not of the World!
• Build a Fence of Dharma
• Gurbani Speaks of one Universal Dharma of Virtues
• The Gurmukh Never Grows Old!
• Gurbani Defines ‘Panth’
• Sikhi: a Way of Life
• Gurbani is not Meant to Regurgitate Pre-1469 Belief System