Knowledge is Taken, not Given

There is an old saying — you can lead a horse to the water, but you can’t make it drink!

Similarly, one cannot make or force people to take spiritual Giyan/Knowledge/Wisdom. All one can do is make them think, inspire, emulate, reform etc.

  • ਬਿਨੁ ਖਾਏ ਬੂਝੈ ਨਹੀ ਭੂਖ ॥ : Without eating, hunger is not satisfied. (sggs 1149).
  • ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥ : Sikhi is contemplation on Guru’s teaching (Instructions, Wisdom, Counsel, Guide, Upadesh, Giyan, Bibek) and acting on it. Being blessed by the Grace of the Guru’s teaching one then crosses the ocean of worldly temptations and their corrupting influences (Bhav Saagar). (sggs 465).

Simply put, nobody can pour it into my head or anybody else’s head. One has to take it or realize it for oneself!

Furthermore, by taking Giyan/Knowledge/Wisdom, one has to change himself/herself and not someone else!

  • ਜਿਨ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੋਪਿਆ ਆਪਣਾ ਸੇ ਲੈਦੇ ਢਹਾ ਫਿਰਾਹੀ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਕੀ ਭੁਖ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਨਿਤ ਭੁਖਾ ਭੁਖ ਕੂਕਾਹੀ ॥ : Those who do not accept their Guru (God-connecting Giyan-Wisdom of the Shabad) wander around, moaning and groaning. Their Hunger (for Maya, baser cravings…) never departs, and they always keep crying for more. (sggs 308).

The purpose of the Shabad Guru is inspire its Sikhs (lifelong learners, students) to internalize the enlightening spiritual Message contained in the Shabad:

  • ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਦਿਉਹਾੜੀ ਸਦ ਵਾਰ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਸ ਤੇ ਦੇਵਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਕਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਗੀ ਵਾਰ ॥੧॥ : I am a sacrifice to the Divine Giyan-Wisdom forever for it renders ordinary mortals into immortals without delay (Enlightened beings-Gurmukh). (sggs 462).
  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਬਚਨ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਰੇ ॥ ਨਿਰਗੁਣ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਮਹਾ ਬਿਖਾਦੀ ਦੁਸਟ ਅਪਵਾਦੀ ਤੇ ਪੁਨੀਤ ਸੰਗਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਜਨਮ ਭਵੰਤੇ ਨਰਕਿ ਪੜੰਤੇ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਕੁਲ ਉਧਾਰੇ ॥੨॥ : O Satguru (ਸਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ-true Wisdom), countless people with no Virtues have crossed over the worldly ocean of vices by following your divine words (Shabad). ||1||Pause|| Even the most argumentative, vicious and indecent people have become (mentally) immaculate by Internalizing Your Shabad. ||1|| (O Satguru), you have redeemed the entire lineages of those who had been wandering and suffering like hell through myriad of (mental) births. ||2|| (sggs 406).

But, one must be sincerely willing to take the Giyan-Wisdom-Knowledge! According to the Gurbani in SGGS, Giyan-Wisdom is the subject of the mind (Budh) – REALIZATION WITHIN. It can NOT be pushed or shoved into one’s head by force! Furthermore, there is NO concept of transfer of blessing in the Sikhi of Guru Nanak. Instead the principle of Guru Nanak’s Sikhi or Gurmat is:

  • ਆਪਣ ਹਥੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕਾਜੁ ਸਵਾਰੀਐ ॥੨੦॥ : (So long there is breathPraan) accomplish the task (of God Realization) yourself ( i.e. with self-efforts, hard work: Shabad-Vichaar …). ||20|| (sggs 474).
  • 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).

Aptly, the Gurbani in SGGS teaches about both Naam JAP as well as Giyan JAP! JAP (‘॥ ਜਪੁ ॥’) as envisaged by the SGGS is the Process of Internalizing the Enlightening spiritual Message of the Guru Shabad (i.e. BECOMING the Gurbani) etc.

  • ਐਸਾ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ॥ ਹੋਵਹੁ ਚਾਕਰ ਸਾਚੇ ਕੇਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਰਵੈ ॥ ਬਾਂਧਨਿ ਬਾਂਧਿਆ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਭਵੈ ॥੨॥ : O my mind! Internalize such divine Giyan-Wisdom so that you can Realize the Creator within (i.e. traverse spiritual Life of Wisdom / Virtues). ||1||Pause|| Everyone talks as if he knows everything about divine Giyan-Wisdom and contemplation. But the reality is that almost the entire world is wandering around tied in the bonds of Maya (i.e. one cannot link with God by mere talks). ||2|| (sggs 728).
  • ਗਿਆਨੁ ਭਇਆ ਤਹ ਕਰਮਹ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੩॥ : When the spiritual Wisdom wells up within, then the (love of Mayaic efforts or) deeds end. ||3|| (sggs 1167).

We humans tend to be arrogant about who or what we are. As a result we are dismissive of what does not fit within our own paradigm. We behave hostile to whatever may even remotely threaten our false ego-sense (Haumai) and props.

  • ਮਨੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ਹੋਇ ਹਉਮੈ ਤਜੇ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥ : The mind which dies internalizes the enlightening spiritual Message contained in the Shabad, casts away false ego-sense (Haumai) and vices/Bikaar‘. (sggs 162).

Leave alone the interest or inclination, most of us not have the capacity or burning desire to Awaken/Realize the spiritual Giyan-WISDOM WITHIN.

We want ready made answers. As a consequent of such mindset, falsehoods are planted and spread, and we put ourselves in a position to be plundered, cheated and exploited.

  • ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਨਾਹੀ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਬਾਬਾ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖੈ ਏਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥੨॥੧੧॥ : Without the Perfect Guru (Giyan-Wisdom), there is no progress (reformation, revival, salvation etc.). Baabaa Nanak says this after due discernment. ||2||11|| (sggs 886).

History tells that much of what we learn is often incorrect, biased, myths, if not down right false. In many cases these falsehoods or myths lead to exploitation, intolerance, fanaticism, destruction, hostility to what is different, discrimination between one individual and the other being, rituals (Karamkaand, formalities, …), empty promises, ceremonies, superstitions, prayers with the lips, supposed or fabricated anecdotes, counterfeit gods, mystery-mongering, pilgrimages etc. Nowhere is this phenomenon observed more greatly than in organized religion and the self-serving paid clergy.

Sikhi is a WAY of life. And, the Way of the Gurbani is the Way of UNDERSTANING, RREALIZATION within – constant LEARNING or uninterrupted fresh or new supply of Knowledge in life (‘ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਨੀਤ ਨਵਾ’) for life never stops teaching!

Man is endowed with intellect (Budh). Using it man can comprehend his present state of limitations, bondage, mental traps, imperfections, demerits, incompleteness etc. He is naturally inclined to Free himself from them and Realize Completeness within (Saabat Soorat-‘ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ’).

  • ਸੇਖ ਸਬੂਰੀ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਕਿਆ ਹਜ ਕਾਬੇ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਦਿਲ ਸਾਬਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਾਂ ਖੁਦਾਇ ॥੧੮੫॥ : O Sheikh, if you do not have Godly contentment within you, then why do you go to Kaaba (in Macca) for pilgrimage? O Kabir, one whose Heart (mind) is not Complete (fully contented, doubt free, ‘ਸਾਬਤ’ etc.), how can he Realize God? ||185|| (sggs 1374).

The Message of the Gurbani in SGGS ENCOURAGES QUESTIONING and guides the questioner to to find his/her own answers.

Spiritually speaking, although the Gurbani is very tasteful (ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦਾ ਰਸ), but everybody cannot taste it. Because it’s tasteful only to those who chose to Take it, internalize it, accept it, understand it, Realize it WITHIN and apply its Wisdom to daily life, Here and Now.

That being said, to Take Spiritual Giyan/Knowledge/Wisdom or not is a personal choice!

As a consequent, Sikhi (learning of the Way of the SGGS) is not a matter of giving, it is a matter of Taking, Understanding, Internalizing, Realizing and living it in daily life (Amal-ਅਮਲ)!

  • ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪਰਵਾਹ ਛੁਟਕੰਤ ਸਦ ਦ੍ਵਾਰਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਗ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਨ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਮਲ ਸਰ ਸੰਤ ਸਿਖ ਨਾਈਐ ॥ : The Stream of Amrit (-Giyan 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-Giyan (spiritual Knowledge). (sggs 1401).

The SGGS teaches Sikhs to solve the Riddle. Thus, one becomes a Gursikh only when he has learnt, understood and applied the Gurbani’s Wisdom and has solved the riddle posed to him by the the Satguru. In a nutshell, it’s the mind (‘ਜੀਅਹੁ ਰਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਲੇ‘) that has to become a Sikh – NOT the external body-frame!

  • 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 become truly faithful turn to the Guru (Shabad); then that Sikh must follow the Gur (i.e. Giyan-Wisdom. That Sikh should contemplate on the Guru’s spiritual Giyan-Wisdom and enshrine it in the mind. Renouncing self-conceit, he/she always contemplate 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 (ShabadGiyan-Wisdom). ||21|| (sggs 919).

Hence, Wisdom or Sikhi cannot be thrusted upon somebody by force (ਧੱਕੇ ਨਾਲ).

If it could be thrusted upon somebody, Guru Nanak would have thrusted it upon his two sons Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das; Guru Amardas Ji would have thrusted it upon his son Mohan; and Guru Ramdas Jee would have thrusted it upon his son Prithy Chand etc.

  • ਸਚੁ ਜਿ ਗੁਰਿ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ਕਿਉ ਏਦੂ ਬੋਲਹੁ ਹਟੀਐ ॥ ਪੁਤ੍ਰੀ ਕਉਲੁ ਨ ਪਾਲਿਓ ਕਰਿ ਪੀਰਹੁ ਕੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਮੁਰਟੀਐ ॥ ਦਿਲਿ ਖੋਟੈ ਆਕੀ ਫਿਰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਭਾਰੁ ਉਚਾਇਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਛਟੀਐ ॥ : Why should we distance ourselves from accepting the truth about the decision, which Guru Nanak had issued regarding his successor – that Lahna is the next Guru. But his sons (of Guru Nanak’s sons: Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das) did not obey his word to accept the new Guru and turned their backs – turned away from the new Guru. With evil hearts – evil thinking – they (Guru Nanak’s sons) remained rebels carrying the heavy load (of vices/Bikaar, false ego-sense…). (sggs 967).
  • ਮੋਹਣੁ ਕਮਲਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਚਉਬਾਰਾ ਮੋਹਰੀ ਮਨਾਇਆ॥ ਮੀਣਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਪਿਰਥੀਆ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਤੋਂਡਕ ਬਰਲੁ ਚਲਾਇਆ॥ : Mohan (son of Guru Amardas) got insane (ਝੱਲਾ, ਬੇ-ਅਕਲ…) and Mohart (the second son) lived in a lofty house and started getting served by the people. Prithy Chand (son of Guru Ramdas) came out as dissembling scoundrel and using his oblique nature spread his mental sickness all round. (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 26 Paurhee 33).

Aptly, the Gurbani asserts you cannot give Giyan/Knowledge/Wisdom to somebody as a mundane giftr, or as a ready-made package, or make it to an order, or blow it into somebody’s ear, or spit it into somebody’s mouth! There is NO concept of transfer of blessing in SIKHI!

Furthermore, none else can Take it for anybody either. It’s just as nobody can eat for anybody else if you are hungry, you must eat yourself! If you want to get married, then you need to Take ‘Phere‘ yourself; you cannot substitute somebody else for you!

  • ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਭਾਗਹੀਨ ਮਤਿ ਫੀਕੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਨਤ ਆਵੈ ਮਨਿ ਰੋਹੈ ॥ : Those unfortunate persons, misguided by bad advice, are of shallow intellect; upon hearing Naam (Giyan-Wisdom, Virtues…) they feel enraged in their minds. (sggs 493).

However, the Gurbani warns us that this sought after Spiritual Wisdom is not to be realized by mere words or talks. Because through mere talk, all we can obtain is falsehood (‘ਕੂੜੋ’) not Spiritual Wisdom. Also, through mere useless talk, our hunger for Maya (‘ਭੁਖ’) will not diminish.

  • ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਗਲੀਈ ਢੂਢੀਐ ਕਥਨਾ ਕਰੜਾ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾ ਪਾਈਐ ਹੋਰ ਹਿਕਮਤਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥੨॥ : Divine Giyan-Wisdom cannot be obtained through mere talking, to explain how to obtain it is extremely difficult like chewing iron. Other tricks and dictates (of the mind) are useless. ||2|| (sggs 465).
  • ਗਾਲ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਅਲ ਪਲਾਲੀਆ ਕੰਮਿ ਨ ਆਵਹਿ ਮਿਤ ॥੧॥ : O my friend, all other useless talks and babbling serve no purpose. ||1|| (sggs 320).
  • ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲੀ ਕੂੜੀਈ ਕੂੜੋ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥ : Nanak, false talking begets only falsehood. ||2|| (sggs 141).

In short, Giyan/Knowledge/Wisdom is the subject of willingly Taking (ਲੈਣਾਂ) it – Internalizing it.

You may explain it to somebody, but you cannot force somebody to Take it if that person is unwilling or uninterested to receive it. In other words, you have the choice of either Taking it or not Taking it. In other words, you have the choice to either follow Guru Nanak, or follow Auranzeb or Babar etc.!

  • ਆਪਣਾ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ਹੋਰਨਿ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਕਾਰਜਿ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਈ ॥੩॥ : (One) resolves his own affair himself (i.e. the ultimate Purpose of life of God Realization); anyone else cannot do this work (for him). Only a rare Guru’s follower (Gurmukh-Hood Mindset) understands that his Realization of God requires the virtues like Godly Contentment, Compassion and Dharma. ||3|| (sggs 351).

For example, a teacher teaches the entire class. However, students who listen to the teacher with full attention, willingness and interest excel, and those who don’t fail or do bad in exam.

Similarly, somebody can explain the spiritual Giyan/Knowledge/Wisdom of the Gurbani, but whether to Take it or leave it is up to an individual. The Gurbani says its the nature of some people that upon hearing the Divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues), they feel like they have been stung by a scorpion!

  • ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਨਤ ਜਨੁ ਬਿਛੂਅ ਡਸਾਨਾ ॥੨॥ : If he (i.e., Saakat separated from Truth) hears Divine Naam (i.e., Divine Knowledge, Giyan…), he feels like he has been stung by a scorpion ||2||. (sggs 892).

The Gurbani teaches us that Truth (Sach) can enter within only if the mind-vessel is fist emptied of its existing garbage falsehood.

  • ਕੂੜੈ ਕੀ ਪਾਲਿ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਨਿਕਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥ : (When) the wall of falsehood is torn down from within, Truth comes to dwell in the mind. (sggs 591).

Although the Gurbani’s spiritual Knowledge is available to everybody, but if the learner (i.e. a Sikh) is not interested in Taking it, there is nothing SGGS can do – one may hear it from one ear and let it out from the other!

  • ਕਬੀਰ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੈ ਜਉ ਸਿਖਾ ਮਹਿ ਚੂਕ ॥ ਅੰਧੇ ਏਕ ਨ ਲਾਗਈ ਜਿਉ ਬਾਂਸੁ ਬਜਾਈਐ ਫੂਕ ॥੧੫੮॥ : The Satiguru can’t do anything, when there is a lapse (deception, etc.) in Sikhs (learners). (The Satguru’s Knowledge, Giyan…) can’t affect the blind (i.e., mentally blind – ignorant); it is as useless as blowing into bamboo. ||158|| (sggs 1372).

The SGGS asserts that Taking the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom is Bhagti.

  • 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).

Sikhi is in constant learning through sincere Shabad-Vichaar and churning the Gurbani.

  • ਊਤਮ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਬਦ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥੩॥ : The ultimate action is Reflections on the Shabad – Shabad Vichaar ||3|| (sggs 158).
  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜਿਨੀ ਨ ਸੇਵਿਓ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕੀਤੋ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਮਿਰਤਕੁ ਹੈ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥ : (Those beings) who have not served the ‘Satiguru‘ (through the Shabad-Vichaar), no Wisdom has Awakened within them, (they may appear as alive but they) are as dead in the world (spiritually dead-ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ). (sggs 88).

That being said, one who values Giyan-Wisdom for its own sake, stands to benefit in the long run. But, not everybody is likely to value it for its own sake. Then the question is: Who is most likely to engage in Vichaar or contemplation of Giyan? The SGGS answers this question as follows:

  • ਜਿਨਾ ਪੋਤੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਸੇ ਗਿਆਨ ਬੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਜਿਨਾ ਪੋਤੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਤਿਨ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜੋ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਤਿਨ ਕਉ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ॥੪॥੭॥੨੭॥ : Those who have the Treasure of Virtues within, contemplate Giyan-Wisdom. Those with the Treasure of Virtues within, annihilate Haumai (false ego sense). Nanak, (I am) awed by those who are attuned to the divine Naam (Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues). ||4||7||27|| (sggs 160).
  • ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕੈ ਪੋਤੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥ : Those who have the Treasure of Virtues within unite with the Guru (GiyanWisdom). (sggs 364).
  • ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਪੋਤੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਹੈ ਸੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਿਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਹਿ ਜਾਤੇ ॥੧੬॥ (sggs 648).
  • ਪੋਤੈ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਹੈ ਤਿਨ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਮੇਲਾਇ ॥ (sggs 30).
  • ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਪੋਤੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਹੈ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਵਾਤਿ ਸਿਪੀਤੀ ॥ (sggs 951).
  • ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕੈ ਪੋਤੈ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਹੈ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧੯॥ (sggs 1245).

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8 comments

  1. Thank you Bhai Sahib Amarjit Singh Khajuria Ji for taking the time to reply. Welcome to the Gurbani Blog Ji!

    Paid clergy is telling us one thing. However, the Gurmat tells us totally opposite of what we are told by the ingenuine paid clergy (a few in paid clergy may be genuine).

    For example, the Gurmat’s god/satguru/Guru is within us. This is the fundamental teaching of the Gurmat. If this basic Sidhaant is missed, then we miss out everything.
    – ਤੂ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਗੁਪਤੁ ਵਸਹਿ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਤੇਰਾ ਭਾਉ ਨ ਬੁਝਹਿ ਗਵਾਰੀ ॥: Tu Hirdai Gupat(u) Vasahi Din(u) Raatee Teraa Bhaou Na Boojhahi Gavaaree (sggs 607).
    – ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥: Gur Maerai Sang Sadaa Hai Naalae (sggs 394).
    – ਸਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਈ ॥: Sachaa Saahib(u) Mani Vasai Vasiaa Mani Soee (sggs 420).
    – ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਨਾ ਆਵੈ ਨਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੧੩॥: Satiguru Maeraa Sadaa Sadaa Naa Aavai Naa Jaai. Ohu Abinaasee Purakh)u) Hai Sabh Sabh Mahi Rahiaa Samaai ||13|| (sggs 759).
    – ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਘਰ ਮਹਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਨਾਹੀ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਟੋਲੈ ਸੋ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਹੀ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜਿਨੀ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੋ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥: Sabh Kishu Ghar Mahi Baahari Naahee… (sggs 102).

    According to the Gurbani (Not paid clergy), if everything is within (‘ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਘਰ ਮਹਿ’), then where the divine Nadar will come from? Obviously from Within!!!!!!!!

    god/satguru/Guru and Nadar is separate from man is the misguiding talking point of the Pujaaree.

    But, the unique and new spiritual paradigms of Sikhi or Gurmat Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) demands a diametrically opposite ‘Soch‘ (thinking, ਵਿਚਾਰਧਾਰਾ…) that strengthens the mind and protect it from degradation, plundering, exploitation etc.

    In short, as the Gurbani asserts, since god/satguru/Guru is within, the NADAR is also within, NOT separate from any of us.

    To Awaken this NADAR within will require SELF-EFFORTS (Shabad-Vichaar…).

    However, 99.9% don’t want to put self-efforts.

    Hence the Gurbani asserts that those who are willing to take the Gur-Giaan or Wisdom are very ‘rare’ in this world!
    – ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਾਏ ਜਨੁ ਕੋਇ ॥: Gur Tae Giaan Paae Jan(u) Koi (sggs 158).
    – ਸਾਚੇ ਕਾ ਗਾਹਕੁ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋ ਜਾਣੁ ॥: Saachae Kaa Gahak(u) Viralaa Ko Jaan(U) (sggs 664).

    Instead, we want everything readymade. As a consequent of this we put ourselves in a position to be cheated, exploited etc.
    – ਆਪਣ ਹਥੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕਾਜੁ ਸਵਾਰੀਐ ॥੨੦॥: Aapan Hathee Aapanaa Aapae Hee Kaaj(u) Savaareeai (sggs 474).
    – ਆਪਣਾ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ਹੋਰਨਿ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥: Aapnaa Kaaraj(u) Aapi Sawaarae Horani Kaaraj(u) Na Hoee (sggs 351).
    – ਆਪੇ ਬੀਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਖਾਹੁ ॥: Aapae Beeji Aaapae hee Khaahu (sggs 4).

    Prayer or Ardaas? Offer to Whom? Gurbani says “All-pervading” Universal Energy is within!
    – ਵਿਣੁ ਬੋਲਿਆ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਾਣਦਾ ਕਿਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਕੀਚੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਏਕੋ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਸਬਦਿ ਕਰੇ ਪਰਗਾਸ ॥੫੮॥: Vinu Boliaa Sabh(U) Kisu Jaanadaa… (sggs 1420).
    – ਕਿਆ ਮੁਹੁ ਲੈ ਕੀਚੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥ ਪਾਪੁ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਦੁਇ ਸਾਖੀ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੨॥: Kiaa Muh(u) Lai Keechai Ardaas… (sggs 351).

    Hence the Gurbani’s Ardaas (prayer) is a silent self-talk — self talking to the self within, in silence!
    In short, it is dedicating oneself — to Knowledge, to Virtues, and to live according to it ….

    The Gurbani needs to be understood from the Gurbani, NOT from the paid clergy!
    – ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਤੀ ਜਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਰਤੇ ਰੰਗੁ ਲਾਇ ॥: Gur Kee Baanee Gur tae Jaatee… (sggs 1346).

    Bhul-Chuk Maaf.

  2. Very nicely written Sir. I think to be eligible for Kirpa ,one must always prays to Waheguru for HIS blessings and may be one day Guru jee mehar kardain. Nothing is in our hands. Thanks once again Sir.

  3. Thank you sister Manjyot Kaur Ji for taking the time to reply.
    Gurmat’s Divine or Rabb is WITHIN.

    As such, the Divine Nadar/Kirpa etc. is also within. That said, one has to Kirpa on himself or herself to become Awake and Aware.

    – ਆਪਣ ਹਥੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕਾਜੁ ਸਵਾਰੀਐ ॥੨੦॥: Aapan Hathee Aapanaa Aapae Hee Kaaj(u) Savaareeai (sggs 474).
    – ਆਪਣਾ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ਹੋਰਨਿ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥: Aapnaa Kaaraj(u) Aapi Sawaarae Horani Kaaraj(u) Na Hoee (sggs 351).

    Fittingly, the Gurbani’ edict is: Help Yourself To Realize The Ultimate Purpose Of Life.

    Thank you for correcting the page number!

  4. Many thanks Brother T. Singh ji, for this extremely thought-provoking article. What do you consider to be the role of Nadar/Gurprasad/Kirpa in the process of a person taking spiritual knowledge? Without being initially blessed by a Divine stirring or spark (“His Glance of Grace”), one cannot have the desire to taste the sublime Nectar. Also, there are those who do strive earnestly to perceive the Divine Wisdom, but do not succeed in gaining the understanding they seek. “Tere darsan kao ketee billaae. Virlaa ko cheenas gur shabad milaae. Rahaao.”/So many cry out for Your Darshan, Lord. How rare are those who realize the Word of the Guru’s Shabad and merge with Him. (SGGS 1188). Please forgive my mistakes and thank you again for this wonderful essay; it’s always a real joy when a new article of yours appears.

  5. Thank you Bhai Sahib Kirpal Singh Ji for taking the time reply! Thanks for quoting the verse. There are many many more verses in this context, however we cannot quote all of them here from a space point of view.

  6. Divine Kirpa leads to Gurmat Tat (ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ – Essence of Reality)

    All the Gurus, Bhagats and Mahapurakhs whose compositions are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib enjoyed Divine Tat (ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ) – a sign of their closeness with the the Divine Source (Akalpurakh).

    Guru Nanak Sahib traces the Divine Sohji to love for Akalpurakh which makes a person fearless by inviting Gurmat:-

    ਨਿਰਭਉ ਜੋਗੀ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਜਾਗੈ ਸਚਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਵੈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 1, GGS. 223-17).
    The Yogis meditate on the Fearless, Immaculate Lord. Night and day, they remain awake and aware, embracing love for the True Lord…………….

    …..

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