Ailments of the mind and Gurmat

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According to the Mahan Kosh, “Rog” means illness, a disease arising from the disorder of the body’s metabolism. According to the Punjabi Pedia of Punjabi University of Patiala, “Rog” means chronic illness, not being physically healthy, illness, disease; bad habit. Apparently, language scholars have taken “Rog” to mean only physical illnesses.

First off, the Gurbani enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) addresses the human mind. That said, it mainly addressees diseases of the mind – Mansik Rog, spiritual Rog (Aatmak Rog-ਆਤਮਕ ਰੋਗ). This is the intent of the Gurbani (SGGS) it is intended for.

Diseases of the Mind

If the mind is diseased, it affects the physical body as well. That said, especially, the SHABAD physician (Satguru Vaid) explains the treatment of only ailments of the mind, provided the Message contained within the Shabad (SGGS) is realized through the process of understanding, accepting, believing, habitualizing, inculcating, and finally BECOMING. Therefore, in Guru Nanak’s Sikhi, Gurbani is NOT meant for ritual chanting or ritual recitation. It is meant to be internalized and lived (applied) in daily life, Here and Now.

The Gurbani teaches us that (1) all vices/Bikaar dwell in the mind and (2) identification of a true Sikh (ਸਿੱਖ ਦੀ ਪਹਚਾਣ) of Guru Nanak is that he/she burns away negative impact of these vices/Bikaar from the mind. In a nutshell, a Sikh who traverses across (Bhav Sagar – worldly mire) is one who has first mastered oneself, liberating his/her existence from his/her base, bestial nature/mindset. In other words, regardless of one’s external ‘Adammbar-ਅਡੰਬਰ’ (i.e. external religious displays, pomp, pretense or Pakhand/ਛੋਛੇਬਾਜੀ), religious garbs etc.), one remains a phony Sikh until his/her mind has not turned away from his/her vices/Bikaar, base, bestial nature/mindset!

  • 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).
  • ਕਬੀਰ ਐਸਾ ਕੋਈ ਨ ਜਨਮਿਓ ਅਪਨੈ ਘਰਿ ਲਾਵੈ ਆਗਿ ॥ ਪਾਂਚਉ ਲਰਿਕਾ ਜਾਰਿ ਕੈ ਰਹੈ ਰਾਮ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਗਿ ॥੪੨॥ : Kabeer, rarely such person is born who burns/annihilates his/her self-ego; and by burning/annihilating the Five vices/Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride) remains linked to the Omnipresent Creator within. ||42|| (sggs 1366).
  • ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਿਖੁ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਹਾਟੈ ॥: The Sikh of the Guru recoils (withdraws, ਹਟ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ…) from Bikaars (sggs 286).

All Vices/Bikaars are healed by living a life in conformance with Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam. For example, ignorance is cured with by Giyan-Wisdom, fear by fearlessness, cowardice by courage, enmity by amity or friendship, greed by contentment, false-ego sense by humility, desires by satisfaction, falsehood by truth, UN-enlightenment by enlightenment, worry or anxiety by solace, pride by humility or modesty, attachment by detachment, anger by calmness, doubt or superstition by reality, demonic mindset by Divine mindset. and so on.

Now, according to the Shabad Guru (SGGS), who is a wise/competent physician to treat the mental diseases that afflict human mind? The Gurbani’s answers is:

  • ਵੈਦਾ ਵੈਦੁ ਸੁਵੈਦੁ ਤੂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਰੋਗੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ ਐਸਾ ਦਾਰੂ ਲੋੜਿ ਲਹੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਵੰਞੈ ਰੋਗਾ ਘਾਣਿ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਰੋਗ ਉਠਿਅਹਿ ਤਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਵਸੈ ਆਇ ॥ ਰੋਗੁ ਗਵਾਇਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਤ ਨਾਨਕ ਵੈਦੁ ਸਦਾਇ ॥੨॥ : O physician! You would be considered a competent physician only if you first diagnose/recognize the spiritual disease (pertaining to mind-ਆਤਮਕ ਰੋਗ). Then you ought to find a medicine which would cure the multitude of spiritual maladies (i.e. a true Guru understands what afflicts the human mind and gives advice accordingly). The right medicine is that which could cure diseases and bring comfort/wellness to dwell in the body (i.e. i.e. the guru advises how to overcome afflictions and be at peace). Nanak, only when you get rid of your own affliction (false ego-sense, vices/Bikaar…), only then can you be called a true physician (spiritual healer). ||2|| (sggs 1279)
  • ਰੋਗੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਦੋਵੈ ਬੁਝੈ ਤਾ ਵੈਦੁ ਸੁਜਾਣੁ ॥ ਵਾਟ ਨ ਕਰਈ ਮਾਮਲਾ ਜਾਣੈ ਮਿਹਮਾਣੁ ॥ : If a person recognizes his/her own disease (i.e. judges own vices/faults etc) and way to treat the disease, is truly a wise physician. Such wise physician does not get involved in any unnecessary things in life, knowing that he is only a guest in this world. (sggs 148).
  • ਸੋ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਕਥੀਅਲੇ ਸੋ ਵੈਦੁ ਜਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਰੋਗੀ ॥ : One is said to be a Guru who understands what the disciple needs and guides accordingly; similarly, such person is called a Sikh who understand his/her ailment; and such a person is called physician who knows the patient’s illness and how to treat it. (sggs 503).

Conversely, a physician is incompetent if he does not properly understand the disease, and has not gotten rid of his own affliction (false ego-sense/vices/Bikaar…). Such incompetent physician cannot diagnose the disease and prescribe proper medicine. Therefore, he cannot be called a true physician.

  • ਵੈਦ ਨ ਭੋਲੇ ਦਾਰੂ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਦਰਦੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਰਹੈ ਸਰੀਰ ॥ ਐਸਾ ਦਾਰੂ ਲਗੈ ਨ ਬੀਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O naive physician, (if you don’t properly understand the disease…) don’t administer/prescribe that medicine, even after taking which the pain persists and the body remains afflicted. O brother (naive physician) the medicine – given without diagnosing the cause of ailment – is not effective at all. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1256).
  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਵੈਦੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥ : Other than the Satigur (true Wisdom, ਸਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ), there is no physician. (sggs 1016).
  • ਮੇਰਾ ਬੈਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਵਿੰਦਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਉਖਧੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਦੇਵੈ ਕਾਟੈ ਜਮ ਕੀ ਫੰਧਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : My spiritual healer is the Guru (Shabad), the embodiment of God. He administers the medicine of God’s Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) which cuts away one’s noose of spiritual death. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 618).

The Shabad Guru has considered FALSE EGO-SENSE (HAUMAI) to be the most painful and crushing of all spiritual diseases. The SGGS in the following Shabads talks about it:

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਕਠਿਨ ਤਨਿ ਪੀਰਾ ॥: A human body inflicted with the mental disease of false ego-sense (Haumai) endures great pain. (sggs 1172).
  • ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗ ਬੁਰੇ ॥: Nanak, the diseases (born or begotten) of ego are wicked (sggs 1153).
  • 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).

Sickness and fraudulent faith healers

Since the Gurbani (SGGS) addresses the human mind, it’s of no surprise that there is little mention of physical diseases in the Gurbani. For example, according to the the Gurbani – the more sensory pleasures, the more ailments. The medical doctors/physicians/specialists/hospitals treat diseases of the physical body (Sareerak Rog-ਸਰੀਰਕ ਰੋਗ).

  • ਗੀਤ ਸਾਦ ਚਾਖੇ ਸੁਣੇ ਬਾਦ ਸਾਦ ਤਨਿ ਰੋਗੁ ॥ : I have heard the songs of the world and tasted the objects of sense-pleasures but found these enjoyments useless, and causing ailments to the body. (sggs 1010)
  • ਅਧਿਕ ਸੁਆਦ ਰੋਗ ਅਧਿਕਾਈ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਹਜੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨॥ : The more indulgence in worldly pleasures, the more diseases; no one has ever attained “Sahaj” (equanimity, natural state of being etc) without the Guru. ||2|| (sggs 1255).
  • ਮਿਠਾ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਖਾਇਆ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਤਿਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਰੋਗੁ ॥ : Whatever one eats deeming as sweet (worldly/sense pleasures), it becomes the cause of disease in the body. (sggs 641).
  • ਖਸਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਕੀਏ ਰਸ ਭੋਗ ॥ ਤਾਂ ਤਨਿ ਉਠਿ ਖਲੋਏ ਰੋਗ ॥ : Forgetting the Creator, man enjoys sensory pleasures, then all kinds of ailments arise in his body. (sggs 1256).

Seeing the preachers of other religions in Punjab making millions by fraudulent “faith healing” scams, the band of Parcharaks or dera sadh babas devoid of Gurmat (teaching of Gurbani-SGGS) have also come up with faith healing of their own! Not all, but those who are ignorant of the basic Gurmat principles, misquote verses from the Gurbani (SGGS) to justify their concocted narratives (ਗੱਪ ਕਹਾਣੀਆਂ).

These crooks do this to enlarge the flock of their boot licking, mentally blind and flatterer followers. Because it’s relatively easy to manipulate and loot such ignorant, greedy and fearful flock.

These fraudulent “faith healers” promise to cure all sicknesses under the sun by offering miracle cures for cancer, kidney stones, blindness, joint pain, backache, possession by the evil spirits, and so on. They also promise promotions, male offspring, overseas visas, and so on in return for common Sikhs offering them money to perform ritual ardas, akhand paths, and other ceremonies at deras , Gurdwaras etc.

By doing so they pretend (ਢੋਂਗ, Pakhand) as they can circumvent Hukam, which is UNCIRCUMVENTABLE – inevitable, unavoidable, inescapable, unpreventable etc.

Why did Guru Nanak, who came to teach the importance of always remaining in harmony with Divine Hukam, interfere in God’s work? Think about it! The following is his Shabad – the core of Gurmat spirituality:

  • ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥ : How then can I become God-Realized being within (‘Sachiaaraa‘)? How can I remove the obstacle of my non-realized state within? O Nanak! (The way to realize Creator within is to) remain within the confines of His Hukam (the Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ…), as (Creator and His Hukam) is contained with us. ||1|| (sggs 1).

These devoid of Gurmat type Parcharaks and the dera-vaad sadh babas base their deceitful “faith healing” business on the following verse of the Gurbani that is found on page 274 of the SGGS – “ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਅਉਖਦੁ ਨਾਮੁ” (Sarab Rog Kaa Aoukhad Naam)!

They use literal interpretation of this verse to sell their bogus “faith healing” phenomenon, which is not the intent of the Gurbani – it was not intended for avoiding the UNAVOIDABLE Hukam. These empty of Gurmat type have corrupted the divine spirituality of Guru Nanak and brought it down to a self-serving business transaction.

But, to find out exactly what diseases (Rog) this verse (“ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਅਉਖਦੁ ਨਾਮੁ”) is referring to, we have to look at the verse preceding it: “ਪਸੁ ਪ੍ਰੇਤ ਮੁਘਦ ਪਾਥਰ ਕਉ ਤਾਰੈ” – Pasu Preyt Mughad Pathar Kaou Tarai.

This preceding verse talks about diseases of the mind, all of which sink one’s spirituality. All the diseases mentioned in this preceding verse are animalistic mindsets (ਪਸੁ-Pasu), Demonic mindsets (ਪ੍ਰੇਤ-Preyt), Unenlightened mindsets (ਮੁਘਦ-Mughad) and ego hardened mindsets (ਪਾਥਰ-Pathar). All these diseases of the mind sink our spirituality. All of these defective mindsets need saving (ਤਾਰੈ-Tarai).

  • ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਅਉਖਦੁ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ : Divine Naam (life of abidance in Divine Giyan / Virtues / Hukam) is the remedy to cure all ills (of defective mindsets)– animalistic mindsets (ਪਸੁ-Pasu), Demonic mindsets (ਪ੍ਰੇਤ-Preyt), Unenlightened mindsets (ਮੁਘਦ-Mughad) and ego hardened mindsets (ਪਾਥਰ-Pathar). (sggs 274).

These empty type Preachers of all religions who claim to run clinics of faith healing, they themselves run to hospitals and expensive specialists when they fall sick. Because, they know they can NOT cure cancer, diabetes, infection, heart disease etc with a Naam (ਨਾਮੁ) – by chanting “Virtue, Virtue; Giyan Giyan or Hukam Hukam” or some other words.

According to Gurbani (SGGS), Simran of Divine Naam essentially is living life in conformance with the Divine Giyan / Virtues / Hukam.

This is due to NOT understanding Hukam

Guru Sahib explains as follows the state of a person who has lost understanding/recognition of Divine Hukam.

  • ਡੀਗਨ ਡੋਲਾ ਤਊ ਲਉ ਜਉ ਮਨ ਕੇ ਭਰਮਾ ॥ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਕਾਟੇ ਗੁਰਿ ਆਪਣੈ ਪਾਏ ਬਿਸਰਾਮਾ ॥੧॥ ਓਇ ਬਿਖਾਦੀ ਦੋਖੀਆ ਤੇ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਹੂਟੇ ॥ ਹਮ ਛੂਟੇ ਅਬ ਉਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਤੇ ਓਇ ਹਮ ਤੇ ਛੂਟੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਮੇਰਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਜਾਨਤਾ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਬੰਧਾ ॥ ਗੁਰਿ ਕਾਟੀ ਅਗਿਆਨਤਾ ਤਬ ਛੁਟਕੇ ਫੰਧਾ ॥੨॥ ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਤਾ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਲਉ ਦੁਖੀਆ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥੩॥ : As long as there are doubts in the mind, one keeps falling in vices/Bikaar and wandering (in the love for Maya). But when my Guru (teaching of Gur-Shabad of SGGS) removed these doubts, my mind has attained equipoise ||1|| By the Guru’s grace (of the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom) all those quarrelsome adversaries (such as lust and anger etc) have left me. I have now escaped from them, and they have run away from me. ||1||Pause|| As long as I believed in discrimination, I was held in bondage (of Maya). When the Guru dispelled my ignorance, my bonds (of Maya) were removed. ||2|| As long as man does not understand the Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ…), he remains miserable (Dukhi-ਦੁਖੀ). Meeting the Gur (–Giyan, Wisdom, Bibek) when he recognizes the Hukam since then he becomes happy. ||3|| (sggs 400).

Therefore, understanding of Divine Hukam for spiritual life is essential:

  • ਜਿਨਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ਹਰੀ ਕੇਰਾ ਸੋਈ ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਵਏ ॥ : One who recognizes God’s command, receives all “Sukh-ਸੁਖ” – happiness. (sggs 440).

Need to understand Hukam and Haumai

The main theme (ਵਿਸ਼ਾ) of the Guru Nanak’s Gurmat school is to teach the truth about living in conformance with Divine Hukam. Guru Nanak, who came to give the world a Unique Sidhaant, had given this command in the second stanza of ‘Japu’ Bani itself:

  • ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥ : Everything is within Hukam, none is exempt from Hukam. Nanak, if one Realizes he/she is to obey Hukam, then one does not talk in ego – one does not boast of being outside/beyond/exempt of Hukam, or does not talk arrogantly and do things in own will or Manmukhta…). ॥2॥ (sggs 1).

By living in Divine Hukam, impact of false ego-sense (Haumai) dies. And as soon as egotism dies, the understanding of realizing the Creator within comes.

  • ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਹੋਵੈ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਤਾ ਖਸਮੈ ਕਾ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਾਇਸੀ ॥ : By complying with Hukam, one becomes fit to realize God’s Presence within. (sggs 471).
  • ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਬਜਰ ਕਪਾਟ ਖੁਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਮੋਲਕੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ : Subduing egotism, the person who has opened the tough door shutters of ignorance, realizes Naam within with the grace of the Guru’s Divine Giyan-Wisdom. (sggs 124).
  • ਖੁਲ੍ਹ੍ਹੜੇ ਕਪਾਟ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਭੇਟਤੇ ॥੧॥ : Nanak, upon learning from the Satigur, door shutters to the mind open (i..e. ignorance is removed, then the person understands that God is pervading everywhere). ||1|| (sggs 80).
  • ਹਉਮੈ ਜਾਈ ਤਾ ਕੰਤ ਸਮਾਈ ॥ : When false ego-sense goes away, then one realizes the Creator. (sggs 750).

Guru Nanak pointed out that human activity from birth to death is under the control of Haumai unless one lives life in conformance with the Divine Hukam (the Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature with which the Kudrat functions, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). Put simply, Hukam is the Divine Law of consequences – we humans are free to choose, but we are not free from the consequences of our choices (“ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ-Hukmai Andar Sabh ko“).

That said, illnesses come to we humans under the Hukam of our choices – daily lifestyle, routines, habits, mindsets etc. If we make wrong choices, naturally we will get inflicted with illnesses. None can circumvent the Divine Hukam by just chanting a word (e.g. waheguru etc), a Shabad or a verse from the Gurbani. Because Hukam or Naam is NOT chanting of a word, a particular verse, a Shabad or a Bani from the SGGS.

Therefore, the Gurbani (SGGS) teaches us to understand the Divine Hukam pertaining to every aspect of out life – our choices, lifestyle, routines etc. After understanding, believing, and accepting and living in conformance with the Divine Hukam using our discriminating intellect (Bibek Budh) to live a Divine life (State of the Gurmukhs – Hukamee Banday, Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented MINDSETS).

  • ਸਚਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਣਿਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਸਚੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ॥ : Your Hukam (System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਨਿਯਮ…) is Permanently in Existence (i.e. Hukam cannot be changed or violated); this is the Gurmukh’s Realization. The Recognition or Realization (that the Creator / Hukam is Permanently in Existence) comes through the Gurmat (Giyan or Wisdom of the SGGG) removing Haumai (false ego-sense, ਖ਼ੁਦੀ). (sggs 144).
  • ਜਿਸੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੋਈ ਬਿਧਿ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥੧॥ : He alone knows the ‘Bidhi-ਬਿਧਿ’ (method, technique, ਜੁਗਤ, ਢੰਗ, ਤਰੀਕਾ) who blends with the Gur-Wisdom (Giyan-ਗਿਆਨ). With Gurmat (Guru‘s Giyan, Wisdom…), one understands Hukam (one recognizes that System-Rule-Law of Nature goes on as it goes on, no one can change it). (sggs 904).
  • ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੇ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੭॥ : Undertaking the deed of controlling my false ego-sense (Haumai) and Enlightening myself with the spiritual Message within the SHABAD (Shabad Vichaar) is service (Sevaa) of the Guru (ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ – Gur Ki Sevaa). ॥7॥. (sggs 223).
  • ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੀਐ ਸਚੇ ਜੇਹੜਾ ਸੋਇ ॥੮॥੨॥੧੦॥ : Nanak, we should live beyond Haumai (false ego-sense); one who does so becomes like the Creator. ||8||2||10|| (sggs 1015).

Since false-ego sense (Haumai) and Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan / Virtues / Hukam) are in opposition to each other, they cannot coexist in one place. That is, egotism and Giyan-Wisdom cannot coexist; egotism and Divine Virtues cannot coexists; egotism and Divine Hukam cannot coexist.

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਲਿ ਵਿਰੋਧੁ ਹੈ ਦੁਇ ਨ ਵਸਹਿ ਇਕ ਠਾਇ ॥ : False-ego-sense (Haumai) is opposed to the divine Naam; both cannot coexist in the mind. (sggs 560).

Gurbani asserts those who understand Hukam and abide in it, become “Jeevan Mukt” — liberated (mukt) from outer domination while living the reality of life (Jeevan), Here and Now.

  • ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਆਤਮ ਹਿਤਾਵੈ ॥ ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਸੋਊ ਕਹਾਵੈ ॥ : He, who abides by God’s Hukam, is a liberated person while still alive. (sggs 275).
  • ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਸੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਜਾਇ ॥ : He alone is called liberated-in-life, from within whom Haumai (false ego-sense) is eradicated. (sggs 1009).

Chronic disease of Haumai (ego) is unique to humans 

However, the disease of ego (Haumai), which is different from animals/birds etc, is unique to humans. That said, Haumai (false ego-sense) is innate to human life. Only the Guru (SHABAD) is free from this disease.

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕਉ ਦੀਨਾ ॥ ਕਾਮ ਰੋਗਿ ਮੈਗਲੁ ਬਸਿ ਲੀਨਾ ॥ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਰੋਗਿ ਪਚਿ ਮੁਏ ਪਤੰਗਾ ॥ ਨਾਦ ਰੋਗਿ ਖਪਿ ਗਏ ਕੁਰੰਗਾ ॥੧॥ ਜੋ ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਸੋ ਸੋ ਰੋਗੀ ॥ ਰੋਗ ਰਹਿਤ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜੋਗੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਰੋਗਿ ਮੀਨੁ ਗ੍ਰਸਿਆਨੋ ॥ ਬਾਸਨ ਰੋਗਿ ਭਵਰੁ ਬਿਨਸਾਨੋ ॥ ਹੇਤ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰਾ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਬਿਧਿ ਰੋਗ ਮਹਿ ਬਧੇ ਬਿਕਾਰਾ ॥੨॥ : Mankind is afflicted with the (mental) disease of false ego-sense (Haumai). The disease of Kaam (lust…) overwhelms the elephant. The moth is consumed by the sight of a light or flame. The deer is lured to its death due to his affliction of the sound of the bell, ||1|| Whosoever is seen (in this world) is afflicted with disease. Only my Satiguru (Shabad, ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ), the true Yogi, is free of afflictions. ||1||Pause|| The fish gets caught (in the hook) due to its tongue’s affliction of tasting. The bumble bee perishes due to its affliction of smelling flowers. The entire world is caught in the malady of attachment. and bound in the three modes of Maya, their vices or Bikaar keep multiplying. ||2||(sggs 1140).
  • ਕਿਤੁ ਕਿਤੁ ਬਿਧਿ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਪੁਰਖਾ ਕਿਤੁ ਕਿਤੁ ਦੁਖਿ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਪੁਰਖਾ ਨਾਮਿ ਵਿਸਰਿਐ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਈ ॥ : (Yogi asked Baabaa Nanak) O respected one, how is world/life created and how could its suffering be eliminated? (Baabaa Nanak answers) O respected one, it is Haumai (false ego-sense) which is innate to world/life that causes alienation from Divine Naam (Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam abidance) – the cause of suffering. (sggs 946).
  • ਮ੍ਰਿਗ ਮੀਨ ਭ੍ਰਿੰਗ ਪਤੰਗ ਕੁੰਚਰ ਏਕ ਦੋਖ ਬਿਨਾਸ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਦੋਖ ਅਸਾਧ ਜਾ ਮਹਿ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕੇਤਕ ਆਸ ॥੧॥: The deer, the fish, the bumble bee, the moth and the elephant are destroyed, each for a single defect [ardent desire to hear sound (deer); fish: desire of tongue or taste (fish); desire for smell (bumble bee); desire for seeing (moth); desire of lust (elephant)]. So the (mortal) who is filled with the five incurable defects (i.e., lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride) – what hope is there for him? ||1|| (sggs 468).

Therefore, it’s the restless and rambling ego-mind that is born and dies every moment while transacting with the outside world of objects, emotions and thoughts – sometimes with dominant dog mentality; sometimes with dominant pig mentality; sometimes with dominant donkey mentality; sometimes with dominant crow mentality; sometimes with dominant snake mentality; sometimes with dominant elephant mentality; sometimes with dominant deer mentality; sometimes with dominant camel mentality; sometimes with dominant monkey mentality; sometimes with dominant frog mentality; and so on. The Gurbani further clarifies:

  • ਗੁਰ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਹੀਣਸ੍ਯ੍ਯ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੰਤ ਜਨਮ ਭ੍ਰਸਟਣਹ ॥ ਕੂਕਰਹ ਸੂਕਰਹ ਗਰਧਭਹ ਕਾਕਹ ਸਰਪਨਹ ਤੁਲਿ ਖਲਹ ॥੩੩॥: That mortal who lacks the Gur-mantra (Guru’s counsel, advice, Wisdom, Upadesh, ਸਲਾਹ), cursed and fallen (depraved, polluted…) is his life. That wicked person is a dog, a pig, a jackass, a crow, a snake (in this very life, here and now, not after death). ||33|| (1356).

Haumai’s faults, drives or instincts are Kaam, Kroadh, Loabh, Moh, and Ahankar (lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride). These “five” vices/Bikaar have numerous variations – fear, envy, falsehood, selfishness, enmity, stubborn mindedness, worry, jealousy, slander, and so on. Together they influence the psychology of human mind – mental functions, human behavior or instinctual aspects of our mental lives. These drives/instincts give rise to the erotic and destructive components of mental activities. If one’s behavior is controlled by these, that is an indication of being slave of Haumai.

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਜਗਤੁ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਬਿਕਾਰ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਤ ਨਦਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਅੰਧ ਅੰਧਿਆਰ ॥ : Haumai (egotism) causes humans to forget (i.e. Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam), they are led by evil intellect and indulge in poisonous vices/Bikaar. Without the Satiguru the Manmukh (Unenlightened) blindly acts in ignorance, but if one meets the Satguru (and follows Guru’s teaching), then he is blessed by God’s grace. (sggs 312).
  • ਹਉਮੈ ਸਭੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥: Haumai helps the evolution of life as Haumai is innate to all beings. (sggs 560).
  • ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਏਈ ਬੰਧਨਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਪਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਿਥਹੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਕਿਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਇਹ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਪਇਐ ਕਿਰਤਿ ਫਿਰਾਹਿ ॥ : It is the nature of Haumai that it governs the actions of beings. It is the influence of Haumai that one’s mind is born and dies every moment. Where does Haumai come from and how can it be controlled? Haumai is that Hukam (Cosmic Law, System-Rule-Law of Nature) that controls evolution of life. (sggs 466).
  • ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਇਆ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਗਇਆ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਕੇ ਦੀ ਜੰਮਿਆ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਮੁਆ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਦਿਤਾ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਲਇਆ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਖਟਿਆ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਗਇਆ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ਕੂੜਿਆਰੁ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਾਪ ਪੁੰਨ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਨਰਕਿ ਸੁਰਗਿ ਅਵਤਾਰੁ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਹਸੈ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਰੋਵੈ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਭਰੀਐ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਧੋਵੈ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਾਤੀ ਜਿਨਸੀ ਖੋਵੈ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਿਆਣਾ ॥ ਮੋਖ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕੀ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ॥ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਹਉ ਵਿਚਿ ਛਾਇਆ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਬੂਝੈ ਤਾ ਦਰੁ ਸੁਝੈ ॥ ਗਿਆਨ ਵਿਹੂਣਾ ਕਥਿ ਕਥਿ ਲੂਝੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਲੇਖੁ ॥ ਜੇਹਾ ਵੇਖਹਿ ਤੇਹਾ ਵੇਖੁ ॥੧॥ : In Haumai (egotism: state of mind in which one considers separate from God/Mool/Jot Saroop) one comes into this world and in Haumai one departs from this world. In Haumai one is born and in Haumai one dies. In Haumai one gives and in Haumai one takes. In Haumai one earns and in Haumai one looses. In Haumai one becomes truthful or false. In Haumai one reflects on good or bad deeds (Paap Punn). In Haumai one experiences hell and heaven (comforts and pain etc.). In Haumai one feels happy and in Haumai one wails. In Haumai one’s mind is filled with the dirt of vices and in Haumai one tries to get rid of this dirt. In Haumai one looses social status and family reputation. In Haumai sometimes one acts as a fool and in Haumai sometime one acts as a wise person. In Haumai one does not understand the meaning of liberation or salvation. Haumai is Maya – corrupting influence of worldly temptations. The whole world of life is created with innate Haumai. When one understands Haumai then one comes to know the way of realizing God. Without spiritual Wisdom one keeps babbling and arguing in Haumai. Nanak, it is Hukam that controls the working of the Cosmos. As we see (consider…), similar becomes our mental form or traits. ||1|| (sggs 466).
  • ਜਬ ਹਮ ਹੋਤੇ ਤਬ ਤੂ ਨਾਹੀ ਅਬ ਤੂਹੀ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥ ਅਨਲ ਅਗਮ ਜੈਸੇ ਲਹਰਿ ਮਇ ਓਦਧਿ ਜਲ ਕੇਵਲ ਜਲ ਮਾਂਹੀ ॥੧॥ ਮਾਧਵੇ ਕਿਆ ਕਹੀਐ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਐਸਾ ॥ ਜੈਸਾ ਮਾਨੀਐ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਤੈਸਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਨਰਪਤਿ ਏਕੁ ਸਿੰਘਾਸਨਿ ਸੋਇਆ ਸੁਪਨੇ ਭਇਆ ਭਿਖਾਰੀ ॥ ਅਛਤ ਰਾਜ ਬਿਛੁਰਤ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੋ ਗਤਿ ਭਈ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥੨॥ ਰਾਜ ਭੁਇਅੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਗ ਜੈਸੇ ਹਹਿ ਅਬ ਕਛੁ ਮਰਮੁ ਜਨਾਇਆ ॥ ਅਨਿਕ ਕਟਕ ਜੈਸੇ ਭੂਲਿ ਪਰੇ ਅਬ ਕਹਤੇ ਕਹਨੁ ਨ ਆਇਆ ॥੩॥ ਸਰਬੇ ਏਕੁ ਅਨੇਕੈ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸਭ ਘਟ ਭੋੁਗਵੈ ਸੋਈ ॥ ਕਹਿ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਹਾਥ ਪੈ ਨੇਰੈ ਸਹਜੇ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ ॥੪॥੧॥ : As long as false ego-sense remains inside us beings, then You (the Creator within Creation) do not exist, but when You exist then our ‘I’ (Haumai or egotism) does not exist. (With the disappearance of this ‘I’– Haumai, egotism – it is understood that) as the storm fills the ocean with waves, but in reality those (waves of the ocean) are just water in water (so You pervades in all beings). ||1|| O Creator, what can we say of such elaborate phenomena; on account of our doubt, what we believe does not even exist in reality. ||1||Pause|| It is like a king, who falls asleep upon his throne, and dreams he has become a beggar. (Although) his kingdom is intact but he suffered in sorrow while attached to the illusion of his dream; such is our condition. ||2| As is the story of the rope mistaken for a snake (in darkness), mystery has now been illuminated o me. Like the many bracelets (made of gold), which were mistakenly thought (of separate or of different material); now, (I) do not say that. ||3|| The one Creator pervades all and permeates all over Creation. Ravidas has realized that his Creator is more closer to him than his own hand; whatever is happening is happening in Creator’s Hukam (System-Rule-Law-Order of Nature). ||4||1|| (sggs 657-658).

In nutshell, according to the the Gurbani – the more Haumai, the more vices/Bikaar, the more mental health disorders.

  • ਹਉ ਹਉ ਕਰਤ ਬਧੇ ਬਿਕਾਰ ॥ : Acting in egotism increases vices/Bikaar (i.e more ego, the more vices/Bikaar). (sggs 1192).
  • ਫਰੀਦਾ ਬੁਰੇ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਗੁਸਾ ਮਨਿ ਨ ਹਢਾਇ ॥ ਦੇਹੀ ਰੋਗੁ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਪਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਇ ॥੭੮॥ : Farid, do good even to the one who harms you, and do not harbor anger in your mind. (By doing so), maladies arising from anger do not afflict the body and he/she achieves life’s objectives. ||78|| (sggs 1381-1382).
  • ਨਿੰਦਕ ਮਿਰਤਕ ਹੋਇ ਗਏ ਤੁਮੑ ਹੋਹੁ ਨਿਚਿੰਦ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : The slanderers become spiritually dead, so you should not worry about them. ||1||Pause||(sggs 818).
  • ਚਿੰਤਾ ਜਾਇ ਮਿਟੈ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ॥ : Worry departs, and ego is eliminated. (sggs 293).
  • ਸੁਣਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਗੰਢਣੁ ਗੰਢੀਐ ਲਿਖਿ ਪੜਿ ਬੁਝਹਿ ਭਾਰੁ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਅਗਲੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਵਿਕਾਰੁ ॥ : We may listen to all kinds of scriptures and connect these mythical stories with one another. we may read, write and interpret loads of such stories. But still, our desires (i.e lust) keep intensifying day and night, and we remain plagued by the disease of ego and vices/Bikaar. (sggs 20).

Negative aspect or negativity of false ego-sense (Haumai) is the massive disease/virus of the mind, which dims the effulgence of the ‘Jot Saroop’ (mind’s Original Nature). It feels real because we humans attach our ego to some perceived parameters in some form, such as power, status, beauty, youth, strength, wealth, education or knowledge, possessions, Jaat Paat (casteism) etc.

  • ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਭੂਲੇ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਦੁਰਜਨਾ ॥ : The unenlightened persons (Manmukhs) of corrupt thinking are deluded by doubt because of the mental disease of false ego-sense (Haumai) within their mind. (sggs 301).
  • ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਵਡਾ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥: Ego is a massive disease in the world (sggs 1278).

Gurmat teaches not to become slave of Haumai

Since Haumai is innate to humans, in reality, nobody can totally remove it and its faults. It defines our relationship with ourselves and our world, essentially providing meaning to the self to insure survival, success, protection, procreation etc. In fact it is responsible for all the progress/development of human society. It is Haumai that is responsible for human progress as well as suffering.

However, it is in human power to overcome the negative aspect of Haumai and suffering caused by it. Once the mind is unburdened of its ‘crushing load’, the mind regains its Original Status of ‘Jot Saroop’ again, and becomes light (‘ਹਰੂਏ ਹਰੂਏ’, ਹਲਕੇ, ਹੌਲੇ), calm, peaceful or equipoise. Consider the following Salok of Bhagat Kabir.

  • ਕਬੀਰ ਬੇੜਾ ਜਰਜਰਾ ਫੂਟੇ ਛੇਂਕ ਹਜਾਰ ॥ ਹਰੂਏ ਹਰੂਏ ਤਿਰਿ ਗਏ ਡੂਬੇ ਜਿਨ ਸਿਰ ਭਾਰ ॥੩੫॥ : Kabir, if the boat is worn out and cracked with thousands holes, that ship is bound to sink in the ocean — MEANING: Human body of weak-minded people is like a worn out ship exposed to numerous vices/Bikaar in the ocean (Bhav Sagar) of worldly attractions with their corrupting influences. Only those who do not carry load of vices/Bikaar (i.e. Gurmukhs / enlightened / Guru Shabad-Oriented) swim across this ocean of worldly life (become God Realized within – ‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ’), whereas those who carry the load of vices/Bikaar are drowned under the load in this ocean of worldliness (spiritually ruined, die wasting human life). ||35|| (sggs 1366).
  • ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਏਈ ਬੰਧਨਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਪਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਿਥਹੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਕਿਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਇਹ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਪਇਐ ਕਿਰਤਿ ਫਿਰਾਹਿ ॥ : It is the nature of Haumai that it governs the actions of beings. It is the influence of Haumai that one’s mind is born and dies every moment. Where does Haumai come from and how can it be controlled? Haumai is that Hukam (Cosmic Law, System-Rule-Law of Nature) that controls evolution of life. (sggs 466).

Mind’s Original Nature (‘Jot Saroop’) is killed (i.e. superimposed) by the NEGATIVE impact of false ego-sense (Haumai, Aapaa-Bhaav…) and its numerous faults. Haumai is like a curtain, veil or partition-wall between our deluded mind and its Jot Saroop. That’s all!

  • ਅੰਤਰਿ ਅਲਖੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ਵਿਚਿ ਪੜਦਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਸਭੋ ਜਗੁ ਸੋਇਆ ਇਹੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਿਉ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥: Within (the Jeeva – an individual being) dwells the Invisible Rabb, but (the Jeeva) cannot comprehend this because (within the Jeeva) lies the veil of false ego-sense (Haumai). In attachment to Maya, all the world is asleep. Tell me, how can this doubt (of the Jeeva) be dispelled? ||1|| (sggs 205).

Gurmukhs realize Hukam and burn Haumai

The one who lives in harmony with Divine Hukam are called Gurmukhs  in the Gurbani (SGGS) – Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented MINDSETS.

  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਏ ॥: Internalization of the spiritual Message of the Shabad (the Gurmukh-Hood State of Mind) burn Haumai (false ego-sense). (sggs 942).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਏ ॥: I Adopt the spirituality of the Shabad (the Gurmukh-Hood State of the MInd), the Contemplation and Enlightenment of its (i.e. Shabad’s) Essence eliminates my false ego-sense. (sggs 946).
  • ਸੋ ਭਗਤੁ ਜੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇਆ ਰਾਮ ॥ : That person alone is a ‘Bhagat’ of God who follows the Spirituality of the Guru’s Shabad (Upadesh, Message) and burns away his false ego-sense (i.e. Haumai) through the Guru’s Shabad (i.e. Gurmukh Mindset). (sggs 768).
  • ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਧਿਆਏ ॥ ਰੋਗ ਗਏ ਸਗਲੇ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਏ ॥੧॥ : One who contemplates on God’s Naam (i.e. Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam abidance) in his heart/mind, his afflictions vanish and he receive all Sukh. ||1|| (sggs 806).

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2 comments

  2. Unbelievable synchronicity (or perhaps just a coincidence) as I had JUST learned to meditate on the Ang “simaar simaar Kaate Sabh Rog”. I didn’t understand the word Rog fully and then I get your email the same day I learned.

    Great read

    Anyway, do you have a practical post you may recommend to overcome Haumai? Thank you very much

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