Core of Gurmat Spirituality – ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ

According to the Gurbani (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS), what does ‘Sachaiar‘ (pronounced as ‘Sachiaar‘) means? According to the ideology of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS, only those who make Gurmat (the Creator-Realizing Counsel or Message that is contained within the Shabad) the basis of their lives can be true ‘Sachiaar‘ or ‘Sachiarey‘. They are the ones who are considered ‘sitting near the Satguru‘:

• ਸਚਿਆਰ ਸਿਖ ਬਹਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਾਸਿ ਘਾਲਨਿ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਨ ਲਭਨੀ ਕਿਤੈ ਥਾਇ ਭਾਲੇ ॥ : Those Sikhs (learners, students of the Guru Shabad) who have become ‘Sachiaar‘ remain connected with the Giyan-Wisdom of the Guru Shabad in daily life, but false ones are found NOT to follow Message of the Guru Shabad. (sggs 305).
• ਸਚਿਆਰੀ ਸਚੁ ਸੰਚਿਆ ਸਾਚਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਮੋਲੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਿਰਮਾਇਲੁ ਊਜਲੋ ਪਤਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਸਚੁ ਬੋਲੁ ॥ : The ‘Sachaarree’ (true ones) amass the everlasting and priceless Naam-Wealth (Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues). They remember the pure Divine Naam, because of which they receive true honor and true becomes their speech. (sggs 937).

The Gurbani enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) teaches a Way of life. To understand and benefit (Laahaa) from this Way of life one has to walk it. Because, it is not a Way of intellectual drills for it is of no avail if confined to only an intellectual exercises instead of using it for practical spiritual life. For this reason, it is necessary to follow the Way of life (also called Sikhi or Gurmat) given in the SGGS for the welfare of the entire humanity. That said, Guru Nanak wants us to WALK THE PATH, NOT JUST KNOW THE PATH!

• ਨਾਨਕ ਗਇਆ ਜਾਪੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੩੪॥ : Says Nanak — (I) have walked on the Spiritual Path and have Realized / Understood; now you walk on this Spiritual Path and Realize / Understand yourself (i.e. it is only upon walking the Path and Realizing one discovers if one succeeded or failed). ॥34॥ (sggs 7).

Spirituality is to control what happens within me, NOT to control what happens within somebody else. To the contrary, man-made religions are to control what happens outside. A stark difference in spirituality and organized religions indeed! That said, the spirituality of the Gurmat (Wisdom of the Guru Shabad) is of the SELF, for the SELF, and by the SELF. Hence there is NO concept of transfer of blessings in the spirituality of the Gurbani in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS).

In a nutshell, the Message/narrative/aspiration of the Gurbani in SGGS applies to ME – my own mind or my own Conscience (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ), NOT for other people out there or situations out there. Since the Gurbani is written in the ‘first person’ narrative (spiritual experience of the 35 composers), it must be read and understood as such by the person seeking to understand it. That’s the intended target of Message within the Gurbani.

In the very onset of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), Guru Nanak teaches the entire humanity to become ‘Sachaaraa-ਸਚਿਆਰਾ’ or ‘Sachiaarey‘ – an Enlightened person with divine Qualities/Virtues, Truthfulness or God-realization…).

• ਸਚਿਆਰ ਸਿਖ ਬਹਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਾਸਿ ਘਾਲਨਿ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਨ ਲਭਨੀ ਕਿਤੈ ਥਾਇ ਭਾਲੇ ॥ : Those Sikhs (learners, students of the Guru Shabad) who have become ‘Sachiaar‘ remain connected with the Giyan-Wisdom of the Guru Shabad in daily life, but false ones are found NOT to follow Message of the Guru Shabad. (sggs 305).
• ਜਿਨ ਕੇ ਚਿਤ ਕਠੋਰ ਹਹਿ ਸੇ ਬਹਹਿ ਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਾਸਿ ॥ ਓਥੈ ਸਚੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਕੂੜਿਆਰਾ ਚਿਤ ਉਦਾਸਿ ॥ ਓਇ ਵਲੁ ਛਲੁ ਕਰਿ ਝਤਿ ਕਢਦੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਜਾਇ ਬਹਹਿ ਕੂੜਿਆਰਾ ਪਾਸਿ ॥ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਚੇ ਕੂੜੁ ਨ ਗਡਈ ਮਨਿ ਵੇਖਹੁ ਕੋ ਨਿਰਜਾਸਿ ॥ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਕੂੜਿਆਰੀ ਜਾਇ ਰਲੇ ਸਚਿਆਰ ਸਿਖ ਬੈਠੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਾਸਿ ॥ ੨੬॥ : Those who are stony hearted (i.e. unkind, full of Bikaar: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride etc.) cannot sit near Satiguru (True Wisdom-ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) because the truth is spoken there. Liars or false do not digest the Truth, consequently they always feel depressed there. They waste their time by deception and then get up and go to the liars or false. Check it out and see in your mind — falsehood does not mix in Truth. Liars or false mingle with liars or false and true Sikhs (‘Sachiaar‘) sit with Satiguru (ਸੱਚ ਦਾ ਗਿਆਨ – true Wisdom). ||26|| (sggs 314).
• ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਤੀ ਜਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਰਤੇ ਰੰਗੁ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਪਵਿਤੁ ਪਾਵਨ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਹਰਿ ਕੈ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੮॥ : The Guru’s Bani (Gurbani’s enlightening Message) can only be comprehended through the Bani itself by those who have internalized the enlightening Message contained within the Guru Shabad (SGGS). They are of clean conduct and pure consciousness (free of vices/Bikaar) for they live by Naam (divine Wisdom / Virtues). ||8|| (sggs 1346).

That being said, NOT according to ‘fool-o-sophy’ but according to the Gurbani in SGGS (i.e. Gurmat), ONLY those persons can be ‘Sachiaaraa’ or ‘Sachiarey‘ who walk the Way of TRUTH by practicing the teachings of SGGS.

• ਧਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਚਿਆਰੀਆ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਿਜੈ ॥੨੦॥ : Blessed and praiseworthy is the birth of those ‘Schiaars’ (true beings); the Enlightened ones. ||20|| (sggs 312).
• ਜਿਸ ਦੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਹੈ ਸੋ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਚੁ ਅਲਾਏ ॥ : One who has realized the Creator within, that person lives by the true Naam and speaks the truth. (sggs 140).

In a nutshell, to become ‘Sachiaaraa‘ is to ‘Hukam Rajaaee chalanaa‘ (‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ)! Again, in the onset of the SGGS, Guru Nanak Guides:

• 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).

This declaration of ‘Hukam Rajaaee chalanaa‘ (‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ‘) is the Core of Guru Nanak Spirituality. Hence it’s the Central concept of Sikhi and the summary of entire SGGS. In other words, the SGGS is the elaboration of this Central Point of Sikhi — ‘Hukam Rajaaee chalanaa‘ (‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ‘).

That being said, the thought of ‘Hukam‘ (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ…) is very essential part of the Gurmat (Giyan, Wisdom, Upadesh or Way of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS). It’s to become ‘SACHIAARAA‘ – God-Realized! To abide in Hukam is to live in harmony with the Hukam.

This concept of Hukam is the fundamental of Sikhi and it redefines the whole spectrum of Spirituality — Spirituality of Anand, true Contentment, divine Virtues, discerning intellect or Bibek, knowing oneself, fearlessness, personal responsibility etc. Put simply, it is the Divine Law of consequences – we humans are free to choose, but we are not free from the consequences of our choices.

In short, it’s a Spirituality of HERE AND NOW. It thus establishes the UNIQUENESS of Sikhi. That being said, in essence, Realization of Hukam is the Realization of the Creator.

• ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਆਕਾਰ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਹਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਜੀਅ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਉਤਮੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਇਕਿ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਸਦਾ ਭਵਾਈਅਹਿ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥ : Creation is by the ONE who is the embodiment of Hukam (ਹੁਕਮੀ-Hukami), even if the Hukam cannot be stated (in its entirety). Life is created by the embodiment of the Hukam (ਹੁਕਮੀ-Hukami), as is its glory. The consequences – joys and sorrows – of my deeds are within the Creator’s Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). (Depending on our choices or deeds in life) the embodiment of the Hukam (ਹੁਕਮੀ-Hukami) blesses some with Realization within; while multitude remain astray in constant search without (i.e. outside). 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).

This universe is the grant ‘Darbaar‘ or Court of ‘Kudrat‘ (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ…) — the common (Saanjhaa-ਸਾਂਝਾ), Universal ‘Darbaar‘ of all beings.

We all are in this Universal ‘Darbaar‘ of the Hukam. We all are born in it; we all die in it. We have to establish a deep bond and get along with this ‘Darbaar‘ — Realization of the Creator / Hukam / Omnipresent Energy.

• ਵਡਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ਸਚਾ ਤੁਧੁ ਤਖਤੁ ॥ : (O divine!) Your Darbaar or Court is great (i.e., Limitless). Your ‘Takhat(u)‘ or throne is True (Note: ‘Takhat(u)‘ mentioned in the SGGS is NOT a building; it is the divine Hukam. Aptly, the word ‘Takhat(u)‘ used here is in ‘Singular’ sense, Not ‘Plural’ sense). (sggs 964).

Some other aspects of the Divine ‘Hukam‘ as described in the Gurbani include:

• ਤੇਰਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਅਪਾਰ ਹੈ ਕੋਈ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਏ ॥ : The Divine Hukam is Infinite; no one can find its limit. (sggs 396).
• ਤਿਸ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਮੇਟਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕੋਈ ॥ : No one can undo the Divine Hukam. (sggs 118).
• ਸਭੁ ਹੁਕਮੋ ਵਰਤੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ : The Hukam pervades everywhere, and all are contained in Hukam. (sggs 1188).
• ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਆ ਬੁਝਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੫॥ : O Nanak! The Satigur has given this Understanding that One Naam is the Hukam. ||5|| (sggs 72).

Note the term ‘Naam‘ in the foregoing verse. These days crowds of lost Sikhs can be seen running towards the Deraas of self-styled and self-serving so-called embodied gurus, sadhs, sants and babas touching feet of these cheats (‘Baanaaras Ke Thug‘). Because of ignorance of the Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak we do not realize that Naam is present inside our own selves, and there is no need to hanker after any Deraadaar.

In short, to live the Divine Hukam is to live Virtuously — to live or follow the Divine Way of life using our senses or physical receptors.

• ਮਾਨੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਭੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਿਆਨ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਵੈ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੫੬॥ : (Spiritual success is the) Realization of the Divine Virtues and Internalization of His Hukam. Nanak, the spirituality of the Shabad provides the Honor (of Realization) within my Conscience. ॥56॥ (sggs 944).

Those who live in harmony with the Hukam are called Hukamee Banday (Enlightened, Gurmukh or Guru Shabad-oriented).

• 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 Guru’s Realization. The Recognition or Realization (that the Creator / Hukam is Permanently in Existence) comes through the Gurmat (Giyan–Wisdom of the SGGG) removing Haumai (false ego-sense, ਖ਼ੁਦੀ). (sggs 144).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਚੈ ਭਾਵਦੇ ਦਰਿ ਸਚੈ ਸਚਿਆਰ ॥ : Those who become the Gurmukh (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented) are pleasing to God and are judged to be ‘Sachiaar‘. (sggs 549).

Those who don’t live in harmony with the Hukam or oppose (ਵਿਰੋਧ) the Hukam are called Manmukhs-Saakat-Mayadhaaree mindsets – whose Akkal (intellect) follows the dictates of their fragmented mind (ਮੰਨ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ, etc.

• ਮਨਮੁਖ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਸਾਰਾ ॥ : The self-willed Manmukh do not know the value of the Divine Hukam. (sggs 1054).

In short, we reap what we sow. This is the Law of Nature (Hukam, Omnipresent Energy…). That being said, our actions (done at physical and mental level) are the creators of our destiny, which, in turn, get applied to us as Hukam. Hence, where we have the freedom to act and create our own destiny, there is also the freedom to obey or disobey the Hukam. Therefore, no one can be blamed for suffering resulting from not obeying the Hukam, it is our own choice.

• ਜੋ ਮੈ ਕੀਆ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ਦੋਸੁ ਨ ਦੀਜੈ ਅਵਰ ਜਨਾ ॥ ॥੨੧॥ : Whatever I did, I received its fruits; I don’t blame anyone else. ||20|| (sggs 433).

The Gurbani repeatedly reminds that  God is within all of us! Hence, whether we want to be happy or unhappy solely depends on us. No third-party is responsible for it.

• ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਤਾ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਲਉ ਦੁਖੀਆ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥੩॥ : As long as man does not understand the Hukam (System-Rule-Law of Nature…), he remains miserable (Dukhi-ਦੁਖੀ). Meeting the Gur (–Giyan, Wisdom, Bibek) when he recognizes the Hukam since then he becomes happy. (sggs 400).

In order to realize the Hukam, SGGS urges us to engage in Shabad Vichaar — churning the Gurbani — and living daily life accordingly:

• ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੮॥ : Through the Gur-Shabad, recognize the Hukam. ||8|| (sggs 223).
• ਪਲੈ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਚੇ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ॥ ਸਾਚੇ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਬਦੁ ਪਿਆਰਾ ॥ : The one who is God-realized becomes ‘Sachiaaraa‘. God is realized by the person who loves the Guru Shabad. (sggs 1035).

To follow the Way of life as revealed in the SGGS, the method is known as performing Dharma. Also, this earth is called ‘Dharamsal‘ or the place for practicing Dharma.

• ਰਾਤੀ ਰੁਤੀ ਥਿਤੀ ਵਾਰ ॥ ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਗਨੀ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖੀ ਧਰਮ ਸਾਲ ॥ : In the midst of nights, seasons, days, weeks; air, water, fire and nether regions; the earth is established as a setting for humans to practice Dharma (i.e. living Virtuous/Righteous Life) for their Spiritual growth. (sggs 7).
• ਧੌਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਾ ਪੂਤੁ ॥ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖਿਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਸੂਤਿ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬੁਝੈ ਹੋਵੈ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥ …: Pure Dharma is the offspring (of the divine Virtue of) Compassion. (The offspring of Compassion is) spiritual Contentment that anchors and binds (the five senses). One who understands this concept becomes ‘Sachiaar‘ (Enlightened, Truth or God-realized…). (sggs 3).

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