Although most of us are in search of the Truth (ਸੱਚ), however the name and meaning of Truth differ for different people and differ for the same being at different times!
World-religions and believers at least claim that God is:
- Omnipotent — with unlimited power.
- Omnipresent — whose presence is widespread, everywhere.
- Indestructible.
- Invisible.
The only thing that meets these common parameters is ENERGY.
- ਏਕ ਕਵਾਵੈ ਤੇ ਸਭਿ ਹੋਆ ॥੧॥ : From ONE Source of Energy (Singularity) everything was created. ॥1॥ (sggs 1003).
- ਕੀਤਾ ਪਸਾਉ ਏਕੋ ਕਵਾਉ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਹੋਏ ਲਖ ਦਰੀਆਉ ॥ : The Universe exploded from ONE Source of Energy (Singularity), with a Bang (the swift release of a store of energy) and started to expand. Thereafter innumerable things appeared. (sggs 3).
- ਆਪੇ ਸਚੁ ਕੀਆ ਕਰ ਜੋੜਿ ॥ ਅੰਡਜ ਫੋੜਿ ਜੋੜਿ ਵਿਛੋੜਿ ॥ : The Creator is eternal; He created this universe through His Hukam (System-Rule-Law-Command of Nature). By breaking (BANG!) the cosmic egg-like universe, He created different continents and keeps these separate in their positions. (sggs 839).
This ONE Universal Energy is NON judgmental, without animosity, without fear, and so on.
The most all-encompassing Sikh or Gurbani term for God is ‘Kartaa Purakh’, the Creator of the universe, both visible and invisible.
We are all part of This ONE Universal Energy, described in every culture and civilization. Furthermore, many dimensions of this Universal Energy which people experience or sense they call gods and goddesses.
That said, we humans are always and only Energy beings – our energy being manifested in physical, mental and spiritual forms within us. Particularly we humans are at our best when these three energy forms (physical, mental and spiritual) are synchronized within us. But, in reality, due to a variety of reasons we are rarely in synch with these three energy forms (physical, mental and spiritual) of ourselves and our existence.
Gurbani asserts if one wishes to discover the secrets of This One Universal Energy, it is necessary to visualize and experience it Within.
Since Gurbani talks about ONE (‘Eko Hai Bhaaee Eko Hai‘), going beyond duality is at the root of the Message of Gurbani.
The self-serving Pujaaree’s concocted or created concept of God is: God is sitting ‘up there’ or ‘out there’ in so called heavens or Sachkhand; God is separate from man or Creation; God has human like characteristics (emotions, wants, needs etc.); God needs humanity to worship Him; God can be pleased or displeased, quick to get angry on people; can only be met afterlife or after death etc.
However, in Sikhi, there is NO such nonsensical or illogical concept of God sitting ‘up there’ or ‘out there’ separate from man or Creation etc. It is so because in Sikhi Creator and Creation are one and the same. Here is the Gurmat’s edict (ਫੈਸਲਾ):
- ਏਕ ਰੂਪ ਸਗਲੋ ਪਾਸਾਰਾ ॥ : One form extended into everything. (sggs 803).
- ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਵਸਿਆ ॥ ਤੇਰਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (O Creator), I Am in veneration of You existing within Your Creation (Kudrat). Your limits are beyond fathom. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 469).
- ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਵਖਤੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ਸੁ ਬੰਦਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ : The Creator resides within the Creation that He Created. To recognize such in a timely manner is to recognize Humanity. (sggs 83).
- ਆਪੀਨੑੈ ਆਪੁ ਸਾਜਿਓ ਆਪੀਨੑੈ ਰਚਿਓ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਦੁਯੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਸਾਜੀਐ ਕਰਿ ਆਸਣੁ ਡਿਠੋ ਚਾਉ ॥ : (O Creator!) You are self-created, then You setup Your Existence – You exist within Your Creation; Creation is manifestation of You. (O Creator! After self-creating) secondly You Created Kudrat (System-Rule-Law of Nature) and You reside within it and delight. (sggs 463).
Gurbani’s universal Message of ONENESS thus brings the Entire humanity into spirituality!
* A note on gender: As we will see in the pages that lie ahead, finding a pronoun for God isn’t easy. For the ease of writing and reading, this site uses ‘he’. As God or Rabb is infinite invisible domain, calling God or Rabb He or She is just a human convention. But surely God transcends all gender. Even if I had rotated three different pronouns — he, she, and it — but that would not have gotten any nearer to the truth, and it would have made for very clumsy reading.
The Gurus and Bhagat have used terms that were already within the use and within the psyche of people of the time. However, they have used these terms as examples (ਹਵਾਲਾ), but explicitly with new meanings and understanding to fit the new and unique spiritual paradigms of Sikhi or Gurmat (Giyan-Wisdom, Upadesh, Sikhiaa, or Way of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS); NOT to regurgitate the stale that existed then!
We humans generally personify God as convenient way of making Him* more like our fancies, imaginations, desires, selfishness, greed, mindset etc.
In addition, different cultures have different ideas or concepts of God!
Furthermore, on account of diversified activities or qualities of the ONE Creative Universal Energy, people call God by many names (e.g. Rabb, Parmaatam, Truth, Allah, Kudrat, Hukam, Akaal, Gobind, Hari, Raam, Paarbrahm, Parmeshar etc.).
Also, people call or explain it differently because that’s what they have been told from their childhood.
For example, God of Muslims is different for they were told so by their paid clergy (Pujaaree). Similarly, God of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists etc. is different for they were told so by their respective paid clergy.
Similarly, the Sikh Pujaaree (clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.) and the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) talks about their God separate from man sitting somewhere up there in ‘Sach Khand’ / ‘Sachkhand‘!
According to Gurbani, God has no proper name. All his names are ‘Kirtam-ਕਿਰਤਮ’ names — description of his perceived Virtues (adjectives) by his Bhagat or children. Thus the foolish claim or debate that God has ‘one’ proper name (e.g. Waheguru) is rejected by Gurbani. All Names from different traditions (i.e. Hindu, Muslim, Yogi, Bhagati etc.) created by humans have been accepted by the Gurus and included in Gurbani.
- ਕਿਰਤਮ ਨਾਮ ਕਥੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਜਿਹਬਾ ॥ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਪਰਾ ਪੂਰਬਲਾ ॥ : (O Creator!) All names uttered by the tongue are all Your descriptive names (which your children have created or made-up describing Your diversified activities or Virtues in Kudrat). Your first or primary Virtue is ‘Sat-ਸਤਿ’ — permanently in existence. (sggs 1083).
Also, according to Gurbani (SGGS), God is Unfathomable. Therefore, the entirety of the One Creator is beyond our Realization.
- ਤੂ ਦਰੀਆਉ ਦਾਨਾ ਬੀਨਾ ਮੈ ਮਛੁਲੀ ਕੈਸੇ ਅੰਤੁ ਲਹਾ ॥ : I am merely a fish in the Unfathomable Ocean that is You, how can I ever fathom You in entirety? (sggs 25).
Therefore God’s name in Gurmat is meant for understanding, not for robotic or mechanical chanting etc. In short, it is meant for BECOMING (God-like Virtues) — BECOMING NAAM ( i.e.
Virtues / Wisdom), Realizing Naam within, inculcating Naam Within, or Internalizing Naam within.
Hence ‘NAAM JAPANAA‘ in the Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak is living daily life with Wisdom / Virtues — practical Spirituality.
- ਏਤੁ ਰਾਹਿ ਪਤਿ ਪਵੜੀਆ ਚੜੀਐ ਹੋਇ ਇਕੀਸ ॥ : The way to realizing the Creator requires the elevation of one’s Conscience (Surt) / spirituality rung by rung. (sggs 7).
Pujaaree’s concocted fake God is distinct from man and everything else
Every human is born with an innate urge to know something higher. This higher entity is called ‘God’. Until Baabaa Nanak came to this world in history, both Semitic and Indian religions described God (or Gods) as an anthropomorphic entity. This clergy-manufactured God was (and still is) sitting in faraway heavens as a majestic human figure micromanaging human affairs down on the earth!
Also, for their own benefit, this clergy concocted FAKE God is presented by priestly class (Pujaaree) to be a fearsome, revengeful, angry, bribe taking etc. Gurbani in the SGGS, on the other hand, explains that God is benevolent, compassionate, he is the helper of all, the benefactor, loving, and so on. The God shown through Gurbani is always with everyone and He does not discriminate against anyone. The decree of Gurbani is:
- ਦੀਨ ਦਇਆਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲ ਸੁਖ ਸਾਗਰ ਸਰਬ ਘਟਾ ਭਰਪੂਰੀ ਰੇ ॥ ਪੇਖਤ ਸੁਨਤ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਸੰਗੇ ਮੈ ਮੂਰਖ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਦੂਰੀ ਰੇ ॥੨॥ : The compassionate God is merciful, the ‘Sukh Saagar‘, and resides Within everybody. He sees, listen, and is always with me but I have been a fool to think that He is far away. ||2|| (sggs 612).
Five centuries ago, Baabaa Nanak began his preaching by alerting people against this clergy-manufactured God or Gods. As a logical alternative, he preached his Unique and Revolutionary Spirituality describing God as a virtual reality that has manifested itself in all creations, everywhere and in everything. This God of Virtues is realized by becoming Enlightened with the Blessing of the Giyan-Eternal Spiritual Wisdom.
- ਅਨਿਕ ਭਾਂਤਿ ਹੋਇ ਪਸਰਿਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕੰਕਾਰੁ ॥ : Nanak, the One ‘Ekankaar’ (God) has manifested in the creation in the so many ways. (sggs 296).
That being said, the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS reminds the entire humanity that God or Rabb as Universal Energy is NOT external, separate, distant or isolated FROM MAN!
Hence, the Gurmat’s God is real and useful for the entire humanity!
To the contrary, however, the Pujaaree’s (i.e. paid clerics or clergy etc.) manufactured or counterfeit God is external, separate, distant or isolated from man.
Hence, since the Pujaaree’s concocted God is neither real nor useful, Gurbani in the SGGS rejects it:
- ਭੈਰਉ ਭੂਤ ਸੀਤਲਾ ਧਾਵੈ ॥ ਖਰ ਬਾਹਨੁ ਉਹੁ ਛਾਰੁ ਉਡਾਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਹਉ ਤਉ ਏਕੁ ਰਮਈਆ ਲੈਹਉ ॥ ਆਨ ਦੇਵ ਬਦਲਾਵਨਿ ਦੈਹਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਸਿਵ ਸਿਵ ਕਰਤੇ ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥ ਬਰਦ ਚਢੇ ਡਉਰੂ ਢਮਕਾਵੈ ॥੨॥ ਮਹਾ ਮਾਈ ਕੀ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰੈ ॥ ਨਰ ਸੈ ਨਾਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਅਉਤਰੈ ॥੩॥ ਤੂ ਕਹੀਅਤ ਹੀ ਆਦਿ ਭਵਾਨੀ ॥ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕੀ ਬਰੀਆ ਕਹਾ ਛਪਾਨੀ ॥੪॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਗਹੁ ਮੀਤਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਣਵੈ ਨਾਮਾ ਇਉ ਕਹੈ ਗੀਤਾ ॥੫॥੨॥੬॥ : (First, see Rahaou verse for the core Message of the Shabad – I have given up all clergy created Gods because) accepting Bhairon as one’s Spiritual object makes one demonic or Bhoot like Bhairon; while accepting the donkey riding Seetla leads one to kick up dust aplenty! ॥1॥ I accept only the One supreme Creator as my Spiritual object; I have given up all clergy-created Gods in exchange. ||1||Rahaou-Pause|| (I have given up all clergy created Gods because) chanting and meditating on Shiv as one’s Spiritual object (the most that one can achieve is this) one take on the bull-riding and drum-beating as Shiv! ॥2॥ (I have given up all clergy created Gods because) worshiping the great female Goddess Parvati causes her worshippers to reincarnate as females (because the worshiper can only become the form of his worshipping object).॥3॥ (I have given up all clergy created Gods, because O Pandit) you also claim that Durga is the original provider of salvation, but when it comes to your own salvation, why haven’t you obtained it (meaning, salvation is not even with Bhavani)? ॥4॥ So, Nam Dev says (O Pandat!) realize the Omnipresent Creator by basing Your spirituality on the spiritual Giyan-Wisdom of the Satguru and taking the Divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues); (your religious book) Gita also says the same. ॥5॥ (sggs 874).
Guidance from the abobe Shabad of Bhagat Nam dev is as follows: Bhagat Naam Dev ji has refused to worship Bhairun Jati, Sheetala Devi, Shiva, Durga/Parbati/Mahan Mai/Adi Bhavani etc. Bhagat Nam Dev has not kept any demigods/goddesses for worship, he has given up all of them in exchange for the Omnipresent Creator.
Interestingly, there are as many gods as many organized religions and their Pujaare systems (paid clergy…) — every religion (ਮਜ਼ਹਬ-Mazhab) has its own separate God, sitting somewhere up there!
Thus a separate God from man is a blunder created by the self-serving Pujaaree systems of all organized religions — paid clergy, the crafty or doubt-ridden man, the foolish so called religious scholars, the illiterate band of Deraa-Vaad, and so on!
Having immature understanding about the deeper meanings and Message of the SGGS, the majority of us remain confused, illusioned, doubt ridden, and spiritually false.
- ਲੋਗਾ ਭਰਮਿ ਨ ਭੂਲਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਸ੍ਰਬ ਠਾਂਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O people, have no doubt. The Creation (Khalak) is within the Creator (Khaalik), and the Creator is within the Creation, completely pervading all places. ||1||Pause||(sggs 1350).
As a result, although we quote Shabads from the SGGS but we use definition from others, from texts outside of the SGGS (i.e. ‘Kachee Bani-ਕਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ’) etc.
- ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਬਿਨਾ ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਬਾਣੀ ਤ ਕਚੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਕਹਦੇ ਕਚੇ ਸੁਣਦੇ ਕਚੇ ਕਚੀ ਆਖਿ ਵਖਾਣੀ ॥ : The Bani uttered by anybody other than the Satguru is ‘Kachee‘ (half baked; useless; lies, false, devoid of divine Wisdom etc.). Yes, without being uttered or approved by the Satguru, all other Bani is ‘Kachee‘. False are the reciters (of ‘Kachee Bani), false are the listeners (of ‘Kachee Bani); false are those who discourse on ‘Kachee‘ Bani. (sggs 920).
- ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਰੀਸੈ ਹੋਰਿ ਕਚੁ ਪਿਚੁ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਸੇ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਕੂੜੇ ਝੜਿ ਪੜੀਐ ॥
ਓਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਹੋਰੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਰੁ ਹੈ ਬਿਖੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਨੋ ਝਖਿ ਮਰਦੇ ਕੜੀਐ ॥ : Emulating the Satguru, some false ones utter indefensible and false words, but because of their falsehood they fall from grace (i.e. they cannot emulate Satgur and their falsehood stands exposed). (sggs 304).
The Guru Sahib and Bhagats rejected all folly rituals and stale belief propagated by the various Pujaaree systems preceded at the time.
In the SGGS, there is abundant Giyan-Wisdom of divine qualities, guidance for life, but the majority did not get it! As a result, instead of the Gurus, people follow the self-serving Pujaaree and cheats hidden behind the religious robes and paraphernalia (‘ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ’-Baanaaras Kay Thugg)!
Confused, some search God in graves, some search God in tombs and cremation grounds, some wander at the Deraas of freeloaders in search of God etc. because people read Gurbani but without deeper understanding.
Thinking God will also be with a large or protruding belly, floating beard, and velvety clothes sitting in a basement or on a couch in a luxurious room.
- ਦਰੋਗੁ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਖੁਸੀ ਹੋਇ ਬੇਖਬਰ ਬਾਦੁ ਬਕਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਕੁ ਸਚੁ ਖਾਲਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਮਿਆਨੇ ਸਿਆਮ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੨॥ : Ignorant people read and read (scriptures without understanding) and feel happy (in their bloated false ego-sense), and they speak nonsense. (But they do not know that) the True ‘Khaalak’ (Creator, Universal Energy… also) dwells in its creation; (neither Khaalak is sitting on a separate seventh heaven etc.) nor Khaalak is an idol of Krishna of legends. ||2|| (sggs 727).
- ਸਾਚੁ ਕਤੇਬ ਬਖਾਨੈ ਅਲਹੁ ਨਾਰਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਪਢੇ ਗੁਨੇ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਬਉਰੇ ਜਉ ਦਿਲ ਮਹਿ ਖਬਰਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥ : (O Qazi) your holy scriptures say that Allah is True (Truth, eternal, ਸਦਾ ਕਾਇਮ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲਾ etc.), and that he is neither male nor female (but you still consider the woman low). You gain nothing by reading and studying, O mad (Qazi), if you don’t gain this Understanding (ਸੂਝ) in your heart / mind (that the same God is within all). ||2|| (sggs 483).
The Gurmat’s God is NOT distinct from man and everything else – the creator is within the Entire creation
The Gurmat teaches us that the ONE Creator or Hukam is NOT SEPARATE, isolated or distant from man!
Not only gender-neutral, the Gurmat teaches us God to be All-pervading, evenly —’Sabh Gobind Hai Sabh Gobind Hai‘!
The Gurmat’s Rabb is This UNIVERSAL ENERGY — Hukam (i.e. System-Rule-Law of Nature), the infinite source of energy and creativity that is manifested in all of the Existence, Nature or Kudrat.
- 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).
- ਬ੍ਰਹਮੋ ਪਸਾਰਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਪਸਰਿਆ ਸਭੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟੀ ਆਇਆ ॥ : This expanse is of the One Brahm (One Universal Energy, Hukam…); One Brahm is spread through it everywhere. (Contemplating the Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad), all I see is the One Brahm everywhere I look. (sggs 982).
- ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਦੀਸੈ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਸਾਰੁ ॥ : By becoming the Gurmukh, (this whole universe) seems to be the expanse of Brahm (i.e. One Universal Energy, Hukam…). (sggs 1270).
- ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਾ ਤਿਨਿ ਭੇਦੁ ਜਾਤਾ ॥੫॥੯॥ : Says Nanak – one who has recognized the Hukam, that person has understood the mystery of ‘Prabh Saahib‘ (i.e. Universal Energy…). ॥5॥9॥ (sggs 885).
Guru Arjan Ji explains to us that Rabb is without form-shape-color-mark, detached, and beyond the influence of the three qualities of Maya. Again, the only thing that meets these common parameters is ENERGY!
- ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਨ ਰੰਗੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਿੰਨ ॥ : The Creator has no form, no shape, no color and is free from the three qualities of Maya (i.e. Rajo, Tamo, Sato). (sggs 283).
- ਆਪ ਹੀ ਧਾਰਨ ਧਾਰੇ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਹੈ ਦੇਖਾਰੇ ਬਰਨੁ ਚਿਹਨੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਮੁਖ ਨ ਮਸਾਰੇ ॥ : (O Rabb, Hukam, Universal Energy…!) the entire Creation is standing on Your support (i.e. Creation is not standing on the support of any other incarnationist who calls himself God). You can be seen in your own Kudrat. None of your color and mark or sign can be told by the word of mouth. (sggs 1386).
God as the Universal Energy is also said to be: Unborn (‘ਅਜੂਨੀ’), Undying (‘ਅਕਾਲ’), Unchanging (‘ਨਿਹਚਲੁ’), Manifest and Unmanifest (‘ਨਿਰਗੁਣੁ-ਸਰਗੁਣੁ’), Immeasurable (‘ਅਤੋਲੁ’), Invisible (‘ਅਲਖੁ’), Intangible, Infinite (‘ਅਪਾਰਾ’), Inscrutable (‘ਅਭੇਵਾ’), Inaccessible (‘ਅਗਮ’) etc.
Sikhi or Gurmat of Baabaa Nanak categorically rejects the incarnation of God in human or any living form. The Opening Verse of SGGS describes God as Ajuni, meaning God does not come into anthropomorphic forms (does not incarnate, beyond death and birth):
- ਸੋ ਮੁਖੁ ਜਲਉ ਜਿਤੁ ਕਹਹਿ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਜੋਨੀ ॥੩॥ : May that mouth burn, which says that God incarnates. ||3|| (sggs 1136).
- ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕਾ ਕਰਿ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ : Satguru (God) is Niranjan (beyond Maya – without material content). Do not believe that It is in the form of man. (sggs 895).
Furthermore, Gurbani teaches the Creator (Hukam) pervades in sky, earth, every drop of water, every grain of sand, in every bit of atmosphere, in every leaf, and the life throb in every being in the Existence or Kudrat.
- ਕਰਤੇ ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਮੁਸਤਾਕੁ ॥ : O Kartaar (Rabb, Universal Energy…)! Only by seeing Your Kudrat (System-Rule-Law of Nature…) I am in love with you (longing for…). (sggs 724).
- ਮਨ ਤੁਆਨਾ ਤੂ ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਆਇਆ ॥ : (O Khuda, Rabb, God…!) You are omnipotent/powerful, I have come (into the world) through Your Kudrat (System-Rule-Law of Nature……). (sggs 1291).
God is as we are
That being said, since God as Universal Energy is NOT separate from us, God is as we are!
For example, if a person is ignorant, identified by Haumai or false ego-sense, vengeful, deceptive, capricious, greedy, quick to anger, slave of Maya, lustful, delusional, jealous, Pakhandee (hypocrite), Karamkaandi (rituals etc.), fool or ignorant, judgmental, slave of senses, crafty, fearful, cruel, Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree etc. then that person will see God at the level of material reality – the world of objects etc.
On the other hand, for example, if a person is spiritual achiever (i.e. Gurmukh, Daas, Bhagat, Jan…), Awake and Aware, enlightened, pious, fearless, calm, detached, peaceful, understanding, wise, blissful, truthful, joyful, forgiving, Bibeki, merciful, virtuous, inclusive, nonjudgmental, accepting, tolerant, Mool or Source abiding, content, intuitive, graceful etc. then that person will see God differently – as Universal Energy, Source, virtual reality, beyond time and space, Hukam, etc.
In short, we as ‘Jiva‘ (individial beings) are at the quantum level, which is the doorway to God or Rabb (Source, Universal Energy, Hukam, virtual reality, ਨਿਯਮ…). Gurbani clarifies as follows:
- ਭਈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ ॥ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਮਿਲਣ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਰੀਆ ॥ ਅਵਰਿ ਕਾਜ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਕਾਮ ॥ ਮਿਲੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਭਜੁ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ॥੧॥ : (O Human being!) You have been blessed with a human body. This is your only opportunity to unite with the Creator. Other worldly deeds (e.g. Karamkaand, rituals, formalities, concocted concepts etc.) are of no use to you in realizing God. Therefore join the holy congregation (i.e. Satsangee Jan, seekers) and lovingly remember the divine Naam (Virtues / Wisdom). ||1|| (sggs 12).
In other words, God or Rabb’s reality doesn’t stand apart from our perceptions but is woven into them (‘Oti Poti-ਓਤਿ ਪੋਤਿ’)!
- ਓਤਿ ਪੋਤਿ ਜਗੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਪਰੋਈ ॥ : (God or Universal Energy) is woven into the creation like warp and woof in a fabric. (sggs 841).
To say it otherwise, we participate in God all the time without acknowledging it! If we ask Gurbani:
Question: ‘Who am I?’
Answer from Gurbani: Mool, Source, Jot Saroop.
- ਇਉ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਅਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੫॥ : This is what Nanak says: O mind, you are the ‘Jot Saroop’ – embodiment of Energy! Recognize your Mool (i.e. Root, Origin…) ||5|| (sggs 441).
It means from God’s side, the merging takes place in a split second. The mind was part (‘Ansh‘) of the Source or Mool all along, only without knowing it! Gurbani confirms it:
- ਏਕੁ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਮੂੜ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਮਨਾ ॥ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ਇਕ ਖਿਨਾਂ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O ignorant mind! Contemplate the ONE (Source, Mool, Hukam, Universal Energy, virtual reality…). (With the blessing of contemplation, you) will cross over (Bhav Saagar) in A MOMENT. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1169).
Human mind is hardwired to realize Gurmat’s God within, Here and Now
- ਕਾਹੇ ਰੇ ਬਨ ਖੋਜਨ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਸਦਾ ਅਲੇਪਾ ਤੋਹੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਪੁਹਪ ਮਧਿ ਜਿਉ ਬਾਸੁ ਬਸਤੁ ਹੈ ਮੁਕਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਜੈਸੇ ਛਾਈ ॥ ਤੈਸੇ ਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਬਸੇ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਘਟ ਹੀ ਖੋਜਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਇਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਬਤਾਈ ॥ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਆਪਾ ਚੀਨੈ ਮਿਟੈ ਨ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਕੀ ਕਾਈ ॥੨॥੧॥ : (O mind!) Why search the Creator outside in the wilderness? Always detached (from the influence of Maya), the Creator resides in all and within you. ||1||Pause|| Just as fragrance resides within a flower and a reflection/image within a mirror, similarly, the Creator resides within us; O seeker, search Him within you. ||1|| The Guru has imparted this understanding — realize the presence of the same One Creator both within you and outside in everything. ‘Jan’ Nanak says, without KNOWING one’s ownself, the moss of doubt from the mind does not go away. ||2||1|| (sggs 684).
Once we understand this Universal Message of the Gurmat, we will treat Creation with love, care, respect and humanely.
Also, since we humans are part of the same ONE Rabb, the SGGS has revealed and established this Universal Truth that whether female or male, in no way is the status of one of them is less than the other.
Distinctions, differences, divisions, or duality exist only so long the tainted mind’s conditioning persists. Gurbani teaches us that as the deluded mind stabilizes in its True Nature (Jot Saroop), it again transcends all labels of duality.
- ਪੁਰਖ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਰਿ ਨਾਰਿ ਮਹਿ ਪੁਰਖਾ ਬੂਝਹੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ॥ ਧੁਨਿ ਮਹਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅਕਥ ਕਹਾਨੀ ॥੩॥ : (O the contemplator of Giyan-Wisdom) understand this — women are born from male semen and it is in a woman’s womb that a man lives during pregnancy. It is by becoming the Gurmukh (Enlightened, Guru-Oriented), one focuses his/her mind on living life accordingly and realizes the Indescribable (Universal Hukam, Kudrat, Creator…). ||3|| (sggs 879).
- ਕਵਨ ਮੂਲ ਤੇ ਮਾਨੁਖੁ ਕਰਿਆ ਇਹੁ ਪਰਤਾਪੁ ਤੁਹਾਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (O Creator / Hukam!) It is Your power that you made human being from a drop of father’s semen and the mother’s egg. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1220).
- ਨਾਰੀ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਕਰਾਵੈ ਪੁਰਖਨ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਨਾਰੀ ॥ : It is God’s doing (Hukam: Universal system-rule-law of nature) that a man is born of a woman, and a woman comes into existence through a man (i.e. through man’s semen). (sggs 1252).
- ਹੁਕਮੇ ਉਪਜੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥ : What is created according to the Hukam (System-Rule-Law-Order of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤ ਦਾ ਅਟੱਲ ਨਿਯਮ…) is ultimately absorbed according to the order Hukam. (sggs 277).
In short, call by whatever name you like, Gurbani asserts God, Rabb or Hukam isn’t a particular person sitting somewhere on a lofty island or planet. Instead, God is a process and Human mind is hardwired to realize That!
Billions years ago, the very first biological species appeared. Since then, human evolution is the lengthy process of change — a long journey! It took billions of years for modern humans to evolve (Homo sapiens, means ‘wise man’ in Latin)!
- ਚਿਰੰਕਾਲ ਇਹ ਦੇਹ ਸੰਜਰੀਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : After so very long (journey-evolution) you got this (human-) body. (sggs 176).
- ਸਾਚੇ ਤੇ ਪਵਨਾ ਭਇਆ ਪਵਨੈ ਤੇ ਜਲੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਜਲ ਤੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣੁ ਸਾਜਿਆ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੋਇ ॥ : From Hukam (System-Rule-Law of Nature…) came (the subtle element of) air, and from air came water. The whole world was created from water, and the Universal Energy or ‘Jot‘ is contained in all beings (of this world). (sggs 19).
In short, from the Hukam become the subtle element of wind, from wind came water into existence, from water the whole world was created, and the light of Rabb or Universal Energy is absorbed in every atom and being of this created world.
- ਹੁਕਮੇ ਦੀਸੈ ਜਗਤੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥ : (A person who has become Gurmukh) sees that the whole world is born in Hukam. (sggs 1037).
- ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ ॥ ਦਿਵਸੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਦਾਈ ਦਾਇਆ ਖੇਲੈ ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤੁ ॥: Air is as essential for the body as is the Guru (Shabad for my mind and spiritual life), water is like the father and earth is like the great mother of the entire world (which provides all types of resources and food) — show consideration to it. Days and nights are like male and female nurses in whose lap the entire world is playing the role assigned to each one in the worldly play. (sggs 8).
- ਪਉਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਉਦਰ ਸੰਜੋਗੀ ਧਰਤੀ ਮਾਤਾ ॥ : Pavan(u) Guru Paanee Pit Jaataa… (sggs 1021).
Gurmat’s God is gender-neutral
In essence, as the Universal Energy, Gurbani teaches neither God or Rabb is a male (man) sitting somewhere on a throne in the sky nor a female (woman) floating on a lotus flower!
- ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨ ਪੰਖਣੂ ਸਾਚਉ ਚਤੁਰੁ ਸਰੂਪੁ ॥ : (Rabb, Universal Energy, Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature) is eternal, a mass of intellect (female, male, bird etc. are present in Him) but He is not a special woman, not a special man, not a special bird. He is an embodiment of Intellect. (sggs 1010).
- ਨਾਨਕ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਸਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥ : Nanak, it is only the One Creator who has been there without going through the womb of a woman. (sggs 473).
- ਨਾ ਇਹੁ ਮਾਨਸੁ ਨਾ ਇਹੁ ਦੇਉ ॥: (Rabb, Universal Energy, Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature is neither man nor deity. (sggs 871).
- ਕਿਸੁ ਤੂੰ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਜੋਰੂ ਕਉਣ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥੨॥ : (O Rabb, Universal Energy, Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature!) You are not the husband of a special woman, no woman is your wife, you are present in all beings. ||2|| (sggs 350).
- ਨਾਰੀ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਸਭ ਨਾਰੀ ਸਭੁ ਏਕੋ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਮੁਰਾਰੇ ॥ : All women and men, all the men and women, there is only one omnipresent God everywhere. (sggs 983)
- ਧਰਣਿ ਗਗਨ ਨਹ ਦੇਖਉ ਦੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਰੀ ਪੁਰਖ ਸਬਾਈ ਲੋਇ ॥੩॥ : In the entire universe, I see none other than the One Creator. In all woman and man, His light shines. ||3|| (sggs 223).
The Wisdom of the SGGS teaches us that since the Universal Energy is within all of us, we all are part of Rabb, here and NOW.
Hence, in short, after centuries of talking and listening about God through blind faith and self-serving Pujaaree Systems, the Wisdom of the SGGS helps us understand Rabb DIRECTLY!
- ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ : The light flowing in everyone is from the same Supreme Light (i.e. the One Creator). The Light that aluminates all is from the same (One Creator). (sggs 663).
Anything subjective must involve the brain. Accordingly all forms, shapes or names appear in our worldly or Mayaic consciousness as appearances.
On account of the movement of thoughts or words on the surface of the Pool of Jot Saroop or the the Original Nature, beings overwhelmed by the enchanting Maya create divisions out of the Totality (‘Saabat‘).
- ਆਖਣੁ ਸੁਨਣਾ ਪਉਣ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਤਾ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ : (So long) the mind is in love with Maya, listening to spiritual discourse is like the sough of the wind (in one ear and out the other). (sggs 24).
- ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਮਨ ਮਾਰੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥ : Every human being speaks with the motivation of the mind (meaning, for whatever we think or do the motivation is from the mind itself). Without killing the mind, Bhagati does not happen ||2|| (sggs 329).
This worldly or Mayaic mind has its own vocabulary or language. In fact, in the form of words, language is the mind! When the Life-Force‘ Praan) has left the body or is not in the body, there is also no mind or speech or words!
- ਜਹਾ ਬੋਲ ਤਹ ਅਛਰ ਆਵਾ ॥ ਜਹ ਅਬੋਲ ਤਹ ਮਨੁ ਨ ਰਹਾਵਾ ॥ ਬੋਲ ਅਬੋਲ ਮਧਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਈ ॥ ਜਸ ਓਹੁ ਹੈ ਤਸ ਲਖੈ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥੨॥ : The phenomenon that can be described, the letters are used (only) there. That state which is beyond description (i.e. when there is immersion in Rabb, Naam, Hukam:System-Rule-Law of Nature etc.) there (the narrator) mind (itself) does not remain. Where letters can be used (i. e. the state which can be described) and the state which cannot be described (i.e. the state of immersion in Rabb, Naam, Hukam etc.) — in these (both states) Rabb (Universal Energy) Itself is. No one can describe (exactly-ਹੂਬਹੂ) as It is. ||2|| (sggs 344).
Since the mind’s Mool is free of Maya’s spell, it is said to be Niranjan or Nirlep — unconditioned by the bondage of name, Maya etc.).
In addition, it is also said to be Formless-Spaceless-Timeless, which sees the Whole (Saabat) in the part and the part as totally related to the Whole (Saabat). Gurbani points to the state of Mool-abidance that we are urged to realize within by becoming the Gurmukh. Before the rise of the phantom of the mind (Haumai…), that’s what the mind was! However, the mind separated from its Mool perceives duality: male or female, Dukh or Sukh, suffering or Joy, and so on.
In a nutshell, according to the SGGS, the mind’s Mool is neither male nor female.
- ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੀਸੈ ਏਕੋ ਸੋਈ ॥ ਨਾਰਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਜਨਮਾ ਨਾ ਕੋ ਦੁਖੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਦਾ ॥੪॥ : (Before creation or before the rise of the mind or Mayaic consciousness) there was only ONE (Universal Energy, Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature…), and no one else was visible. Neither there was female, nor male, nor body, nor birth nor did any one suffer pain or pleasure ||4|| (sggs 1035). Then there was no woman, there was no man, there was no caste, no one was born in any caste, and no one was there to experience pain or pleasure. ||4|| (sggs 1035).
Simply put: When the mind is completely stabilized in its Mool as Original Nature — beyond the pluralistic principle of Maya or duality (i.e. the pair of opposites: male or female etc.) — it is one with Rabb or Hukam.
- ਜਹ ਅਛਲ ਅਛੇਦ ਅਭੇਦ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਊਹਾ ਕਿਸਹਿ ਬਿਆਪਤ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ : When (the mind is contained) in the (Mool, which is) Undeceivable, Impregnable, Impenetrable; then how Maya can pervade him there? (sggs 291).
- ਏਹੁ ਮਨੂਆ ਸੁੰਨ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਲਗਾਵੈ ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਈ ॥੧੬॥ : (For those within whom the Gur Shabad abides) this mind creates such concentration (ਇਕਾਗ੍ਰਤਾ) where the thoughts of Maya do not arise, their (mind) is absorbed in its Jot Saroop (i.e. Mool). (sggs 910).
Neither male nor female? This sounds pretty strange, paradoxical, and even incongruous to our conditioned mind which opposes the Hukam, follows unauthenticated Bani (i.e. ‘ਕਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ-Kachee Bani‘) and thus creates divisions (duality) where there is none.
Simply put: The Gurmat Wisdom wants us to clearly understand that, as its Mool or Jot Saroop, one is neither a male nor a female. To call oneself a male or a female is simply a bodily or Mayaic expression — identification with the gross body-frame.
- ਜਾ ਕੈ ਜੀਅ ਜੈਸੀ ਬੁਧਿ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਾਨੈਗਾ ਸੋਈ ॥੪੫॥ : Says Kabeer! According to the intellect (Budhi, ਅਕਲ…) within the mind, so does one come to understand. ||45|| (sggs 343).
Hence, Gurbani’s Instructions for our mind separated from its Mool for the sake of enjoying or engaging in sensuous activity is to become firmly re-stabilized in its Mool again, here and now — not after death of the physical body.
- ਸੁੰਨ ਮੰਡਲ ਇਕੁ ਜੋਗੀ ਬੈਸੇ ॥ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕੋਊ ਕੈਸੇ ॥ : When there was no creation, ONE God was present (not in human sense). This One God is neither Male nor female, (since this ONE God is not a prson) then how can anyone describe Him in that sense. (sggs 685).
- ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਕਾ ਬਡਾ ਤਮਾਸਾ ॥ … ਆਪੇ ਨਰੁ ਆਪੇ ਫੁਨਿ ਨਾਰੀ ਆਪੇ ਸਾਰਿ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਪਾਸਾ ॥ ਕੀਆ ਖੇਲੁ ਬਡ ਮੇਲੁ ਤਮਾਸਾ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਭ ਰਚਨਾ ॥ : This most wonderful show (creation, play, sport…) of the ‘Wahu Wahu‘ (Universal Energy, Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature) is happening. … (In accordance with the the Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature) male and female are born and sustained. Therefore consider the Creator in conjunction with the Creator’s own creation, He is the Greatest Creator and the most Amazing is His creations. (sggs 1403).
- ਆਪੇ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਨਾਰੀ ॥ : (O Creator) You yourself are (in every) male and You Yourself (are in every) female. (sggs 1020).
- ਤੂੰ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਿਤਾ ਤੂੰਹੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਾਤਾ ॥ : (O Creator) You are my Father, You are my Mother. (sggs 103).
According to Gurbani, to realize the Gurmat’s Rabb within, one has to get rid of his/her doubts or ignorance:
- ਭ੍ਰਮ ਛੂਟੇ ਤੇ ਏਕੰਕਾਰ ॥੩॥ : When all doubts are gotten rid of, then what remains is the ONE — the Creative Universal Energy or Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature). (sggs 736).
- ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਏਕਸ ਸਿਉ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਏਕਸ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਭ ਧੰਧੁ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਮਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O my mind, focus your Conscious on the One (Creator). Without (focusing the mind on) One, the whole (of the worldly love or entanglements) becomes a commercial transaction (ਧੰਧਾ), and Maya’s attachment (or hunger) is also totally Mithiya. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 44).
Baabaa Nanak’s Revolutionary and Unique Message is to become yourself as God is
Babaa Nanak urges Sikhs to forget the rubbish of exclusive ownership of each organized religions as to only their God is greater or superior to others etc.
Instead, Baabaa Nanak asks all Sikhs to become the divine entity or God yourselves through understanding or realization of the divine Wisdom and Virtues!
What a revolutionary and unique Message indeed!
- ਹਰਿ ਜਨੁ ਐਸਾ ਚਾਹੀਐ ਜੈਸਾ ਹਰਿ ਹੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੧੪੯॥ : ‘Hari Janu’ (Bhagat, Daas, Gurmukh….) should be such (that while dealing with the world, he should keep his nature so steadfast) that there should be no difference between it and God. ||149||. (sggs 1372).
- ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਸੋ ਹਰਿ ਜੇਹਾ ॥ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹੁ ਮਾਣਸ ਦੇਹਾ ॥ : When one wholeheartedly serves his Creator, that person becomes Creator-like — his virtues start mirroring those of the Creator. Seeing his human body, don’t think of him different from his Creator. (sggs 1076).
In Short, in the Gurmat or Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak:
- The CREATOR (Haakam, Hukmi, God) is Within.
- If the Creator is Within, then His HUKAM for us is also Within.
- If the Creator is Within, then His GRACE is also Within.
- If the Creator is Within, then the JUDGE is also Within.
- If the Creator is Within, then the JUDGEMENT is also Within.
- If the Creator is Within, then the REALIZATION is also Within.
- If the Creator is Within, then the NAAM (Wisdom / Virtues…) is also Within.
- If the Creator is Within, then the DARBAAR (Court) is also Within.
- If the Creator is Within, then the Divine KINGDOM is also Within (‘Begam Puraa-ਬੇਗਮ ਪੁਰਾ’).
Related Posts:
- Opening Verse of the SGGS
- Gurbani Rejects any Geographical Location or Building as SACH KHAND
- Hukam is the Core of Sikhi
- Sargun Nirgun – Visible and Invisible
- Gurbani Defines Form of God
- Realize God’s Presence Within
- Omnipresent God
- Bridge that Links Human Mind to God Within!
- Who is Greater?
- Ram of the Gurmat
Thank you brother for your reply and the quote. Welcome to the Gurbani Blog!
ਹੁਕਮੇ ਉਪਜੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥ (sggs 277).
ਕਵਨ ਮੂਲ ਤੇ ਮਾਨੁਖੁ ਕਰਿਆ ਇਹੁ ਪਰਤਾਪੁ ਤੁਹਾਰਾ ।
Veer ji, this is a request for clarification from Mr. Prakash Singh Bagga for his insightful observation.
He Quotes:
One can look for few quotes what and how Mun is being directed
Mere Mun SatiGuR Sew Sukh Hoe
Simar Munaa Simar Munaa Ram Naamu Chitaare
Mun Mere GuRu Pooraa Salahi
Mun Mere Gahu Hari Naam Ka Olaa
Mun Jaapahu Ram Gopal
Mun Te Prah Ki saran Bicharo
Mun Mere Karte Nu Salah
Mun Hari Ji Tere Naal Hae
Mun Mereya Tu Sada Such Samali
Mun Mere Hari Ke charan Raawijae
I am trying to understand who is the “subject” that is imploring “Mere Mun” or “Mum Mere” in each of these statements.
Thank you brother Manjeet Singh JI for your reply.
Yes, the SGGS talks about ONE — there is NO second.
– ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕੋ ਪਸਰਿਆ ਦੂਜਾ ਕਹ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਾਰ ॥੧॥ Nanak eko pasiriaa doojaa kah dristaar (sggs 292).
Humble request (as we also have requested on your other comments), per our Comment Policy please keep your comment (1) to the point thus (2) short. Unnecessarily long comments written like an article get truncated.
We value your comments. So please keep them to the point (no longer than two short paragraphs). Thanks.
The One Universal Energy, is the ultimate “Source” of Creation, without a source, nothing can be created, so nothing cannot create anything, only something can create something from a source, the source is within the Creator, so a creator creates the matter (Universe ) from its own self. …..
In a very simple way from Gurbanee one can know as
ਸੇ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਜੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ
Manmukh are those who do not recognise THE WORD (SABADu)
So here it is utmost important to understand the reference THE WORD(SABADu)
Prakash.S.Bagga
Thank you Vir Jio for sharing your Vichaar.
Based on the Gurbani, you are absolutely correct Ji:
• ਮਾਇਆ ਲਾਲਚਿ ਅਟਿਆ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵਹਿ ਮੂਲਿ ॥ (sggs 641).
Based on the Gurbani, you are absolutely correct Ji. More here on Gurmukh and Manmukh
You are right that even Mun is under the influence of Maya. And Gurbanee messages are directed for this Mun so that Mun can get rid of from the influence of Maya to realise its true
form as Jot.i
Mun is the Sole controller of the entire thought process in Human being and therefore
its treatment thru Gurbanee messages is vital to be become true Gurmukh.
Quotes in context of Munmukh to Murmukh are very relevent.
We generally say that Munmukh and Gurmukh are not deined in Gurbanee but I find these are very clearly defined but we overlook the criteria of Gurbanee as being envisaged in
Gurbanee.
Thanks and regards
Prakash.S.Bagga
Thank you Vir Jio for sharing your Vichaar.
• ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਨੁ ਭਰਮਾਵਹਿ ॥ (sggs 116).
• ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਵਿਆਪੇ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਮਨੂਆ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ (sggs 652).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਮਾਰਣੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥੨॥
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਸਬਦਿ ਕਸਵਟੀ ਲਾਇ ॥ (sggs 87).
• ਭਾਈ ਰੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਇ ॥ (sggs 33).
• ਕੋਟਿ ਮਧੇ ਕਿਨੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਹਿਓ ॥੩॥ (sggs 241).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਨਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ (sggs 1415).
Respeced T Singh Ji,
To day I came across a Quote from Gurbanee as
ਆਪੇ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਨਾਰੀ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਪਾਸਾ ਆਪੇ ਸਾਰੀ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਪਿੜ ਬਾਧੀ ਜਗੁ ਖੇਲੈ ਆਪੇ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਪਾਈ
I would request you for your views for the meaning . The Quote is at pp 1020 in SGGS ji
With warm regards
Prakash.S.Bagga
Thank you Veer Jeo,
From above messages it becomes clear that even Mun is under the influence of Maya.This
is also true.
Thru these messages the status of Mun has been enunciated so that ones Mun can realise
about what is actually required to be done. Thus having stated the state of Mun under the infuence of Maya there are hundreds of messages directed to Mun .for What Mun is required to acquire.
In fact ,Basically every person is Mun Mukh and and Gurbanee messages are a great technique to bring about the change in a person from being MunMukh to GurMukh
Although this happens thru the grace of SatiGuRu only.Till one has met ones SatiGuRu the person is going to remain MunMukh no matter How Much Wordly Knowledge one may possess
One can look for few quotes what and how Mun is being direted
Mere Mun SatiGuR Sew Sukh Hoe
Simar Munaa Simar Munaa Ram Naamu Chitaare
Mun Mere GuRu Pooraa Salahi
Mun Mere Gahu Hari Naam Ka Olaa
Mun Jaapahu Ram Gopal
Mun Te Prah Ki saran Bicharo
Mun Mere Karte Nu Salah
Mun Hari Ji Tere Naal Hae
Mun Mereya Tu Sada Such Samali
Mun Mere Hari Ke charan Raawijae
Like above there are several messages exclusively directing to Mun.
and therefore ultimate one is
Mun Tu Jot saroop Hae Apna Mool Pachaan.
Prakash.S.Bagga
Thank you Vir Jio. The Gurbani:
• ਮਾਇਆ ਮੁਈ ਨ ਮਨੁ ਮੁਆ ਸਰੁ ਲਹਰੀ ਮੈ ਮਤੁ ॥ (sggs 992).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਇਸੁ ਮਨਹਿ ਨਚਾਏ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਕਪਟੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੪॥ (sggs 122).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਡੋਲੈ ਬਹੁ ਬਿਧੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਪਟਿਓ ਤਿਹ ਸੰਗ ॥ (sggs 258).
• ਮਨੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਨੁ ਧਾਇਆ ਮਨੁ ਪੰਖੀ ਆਕਾਸਿ ॥ (sggs 1330).
• ਏਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿਆ ਅਉਧੂ ਨਿਕਸੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥੨੪॥ (sggs 908).
• ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੀ ਭੁਖ ਜਾਇ ॥ (sggs 1413).
Respected T SINGH Ji,
I like your way of expressing the views which are very much convincing.There is no second thought on this.We like to share views sometimes to strenthen our own perception.
I think Gurbanee does not talk of Mind which is definitely a product of Maya.
Gurbanee all talks about Mun..which is indepepedent of Mind.
I can put this way that Mind is Hardware for invisible Mun.
So all the messages are basically directed towards Mun only.That is why the Jot Saroop of Mun is being considered the same as Jot saroop of the Creator.
Simran ultimately is a state where our Jot of Mun is in constant unison with Jot of the Creator
and this state is to be realised in living state only.
For this we may look at a Quote from Gurbanee as
“Prabh Kijae Kirpa Nidhan hum Hari gun Gawaenge
JoTee JoTi milaye Joti Rul Jawaenge”
For your views pl.
With warm regards
Prakash.s.Bagga
Thank you Vir Jio for sharing your Vichaar.
I read your comments on other posts a well, in which you also talk about Wave/Waves. For example, as you stated here, in one of the comments on other posts you said something similar:
The Gurbani tells us that our mind is Joti-svaroopa.
The Gurbani also indicates our Mool to be Joti.
BUT HERE IS THE DIFFERENCE.
The mind creates waves, because it is attached to Maya. In other words, for waves to be created, there has to be the Maya-medium (Bharam, illusion, duality…). HENCE APPEARANCE OF THE FORM.
HOWEVER, THE JOTI OF OUR MOOL IS DISCONNECTED FROM MAYA. HENCE NO FORM, OR RESTLESSNES…
Brother, if this does not convince you, then I am afraid my limited-self will never be able to.
Thank you Respected T Singh ji for your nice response
.There is no doubt about what You have stated and we have been knowing all this since long. I would like to put certain points for furtherence of this vichaar.
I feel that the quotes mentioned by your goodself in support of Prabh being mentioned as Formless basically refer to the physical forms of the creations which are under the influence of Maya and are perishable.
But No where Gurbanee teaches that Creator as envisaged in Gurbanee is Formless.On the other hand from Gurbanee we come to know about the Form of Creator as A WAVE /WAVES
Gurbanee very clearly makes the reference to CREATOR as TARANGEE.
Now can we say that Creator is not being refered as TARANG (A WAVE/WAVES) and if Creator is stated to be A WAVE FORM then How this WAVE FORM can be FORMLESS?
I think probably this concept of Creator as Wave Form in Gurbanee has been totally overlooked and this seems to me the fundamental reason for deviation in knowing the
Creator in Gurbanee.
I hope your goodself to look into this aspect of Creator in Gurbanee and I would look forward to your views in this very important context.
With warm regards
Prakash.s.Bagga
Thank you so much Vir Jio for sharing your Vichaar.
Like we humans ourselves, our languages are also limited. However, the Guroos and the Bhagats had to use these limited human languages to translate the “Baanee” (or Bani) they directly received from the Parmeshar (“ਧੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਆਈ”).
The very elementary Teaching of the Gurbani is that the Original Source (Reality, Jot, Prabh…) is without “Roop” (form), “Rekh” (shape), or “Rang” (color)…
All forms are a five-elemental play, or Maya. And, anything under the purview of Maya is subjected to the “Jaraa Rog” – old age, death…
But, as the Gurbani tells us, the Prabh (“ਪ੍ਰਭ”) is “Niranjan” (beyond Maya) as well as Undying (beyond time or birth and death-“Akaal”); thus, beyond the five-elemental play. Because, in the absemce of Maya’s influence, no physical form is to be seen, and there can be no “Jaraa Rog” as well.
Thus the Prabh is mentioned to be Formless!
• ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਨ ਪੰਚ ਤਤ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਅਬਿਨਾਸ ॥੨॥ (sggs 816).
• ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਨ ਰੰਗੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਿੰਨ ॥ (sggs 283).
• ਮੁਕਤ ਭਏ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਰੇਖੰ ॥੧॥ (sggs 223).
• ਤਿਸੁ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖਿਆ ਵਰਨੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (sggs 120).
If we miss this basic Principle of the Gurbani, then we have further strengthen the already formiddable wall of doubt (Bharam-ਭਰਮ) within.
Also, if the Prabh or Parmeshar is assumed to have a form, then we have assumed He is subjected Maya and, thus, “Jaraa Rog” – old age, death…
The Gurbani throughout the 1430 pages tells us that’s not the case: He is Undying, and not subjected to Maya.
Because our human languages are subjected to the influence of Maya, the Gurbani (which was presented to us translated in our human language) tells us to churn the Gur-Shabad (i.e. Shabad-Vichaar…) as we churn the milk to separate the Butter (Brahm-Giaan) and Chhaachh (Maya)!!
• ਕਬੀਰ ਮਾਇਆ ਡੋਲਨੀ ਪਵਨੁ ਝਕੋਲਨਹਾਰੁ ॥ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਮਾਖਨੁ ਖਾਇਆ ਛਾਛਿ ਪੀਐ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥੧੮॥ (sggs 1365).
• ਕਬੀਰ ਮਾਇਆ ਡੋਲਨੀ ਪਵਨੁ ਵਹੈ ਹਿਵ ਧਾਰ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਬਿਲੋਇਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਖਾਇਆ ਅਵਰ ਬਿਲੋਵਨਹਾਰ ॥੧੯॥ (sggs 1365).
• ਘ੍ਰਿਤ ਕਾਰਨ ਦਧਿ ਮਥੈ ਸਇਆਨ ॥ ਜੀਵਤ ਮੁਕਤ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਰਬਾਨ ॥ (sggs 1167).
In fact, the Gurbani clearly tells us that the “ਅਖਰ” (the Unperishable or Undying…) is not to be found in these letters (ਅੱਖਰ)!
Accordingly, the Gurbani tells us to engage in searching (“ਸੋਧਿ ਕੈ”-investigating, refinging, “ਖੋਜ”…) these letters (ਅੱਖਰ)!!!!!!
• ਬਾਵਨ ਅਖਰ ਸੋਧਿ ਕੈ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਨੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥੧੭੩॥: Baavan akhar sodi kai hari charanee chitu laai ||173 (sggs 1373).
• ਏ ਅਖਰ ਖਿਰਿ ਜਾਹਿਗੇ ਓਇ ਅਖਰ ਇਨ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ (sggs 340).
Wah GuRoo Ji Ka Khalsa ,wah GuRoo ji Ki Fateh,
Once it is stated that Mother is addressed as Masculine,where is the gender free consideration.
While I fully agree to your point of the Word MATA as being Masculine in the Quote.
Now one can look a Quote as
“MATA MATi PITA SANTOKH,”
In above context the word MATA is as Feminine Gender
Thus it becomes clear that the word MATA is Masculine as well as Feminine gender depending on context of its application.
Prakash.s.Bagga
Waheguru ji ka khalsa,Waheguru ji ki fateh!!
Veer jeo,you have taken up the most relevant topic.Living in this mayac world we are not entitled to enjoy multiple relationships with any one individual, like father is just father, mother is mother and likewise all other relationships,but the inner soul enjoys multiple relationships with the MOOL, Gurbani confirms it-“TU MERA PITA TU HAE MERA MATA,TU MERA BANDHAP TU MERE BHRATA” Pl note here mother is addressed as Masculine., free of gender distinction.Regards
Balwant Singh Seera
I think that the FORM of Creator is different from the Wordly Visible Forms.
The context of Neither MALE or FEMALE is related to this aspect of Wordly Visible Forms.
Otherwise in its own specific Invisible Form ,the CREATOR is stated to be PURAKHu which is the reference for MALE as well as FEMALE character of the Creator.
Prakash.s.Bagga
Prakash.S.Bagga