Shabad Consciousness VS Body Consciousness

By thorough and proper understanding plus implementation of the Gurbani’s Giaan (Gur-Wisdom), the Gurbani asks us to burn away all other intellect (all Mayaic Budhi, ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਸਿਆਣਪਾਂ…) through the Gur-Shabad-Vichaar. In other words, the Gurbani wants us to retain only the Tatt Budhi or Tatt Giaan (“ਤਤੁ ਬੁਧਿ”,”ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ”-Bibek Budhi of the Gurbani; Essence of the Wisdom of the Gurbani…).

• ਸਭ ਬੁਧੀ ਜਾਲੀਅਹਿ ਇਕੁ ਰਹੈ ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ: All (Mayaic) intellect (ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਹੀ ਸਿਆਣਪਾਂ) are unavailing (useless, futile…); only the Essence of Spiritual Wisdom lasts (remains…). ||4|| (sggs 1413).

Why? Because Sikhi is Giaan Maarag — the Way of the Shabad-Vichaar (Spiritual Wisdom, Divine Knowledge, Aatam-Giaan, etc.), not the way of making money as the Pujaaree-Group (ਪੁਜਾਰੀ ਲਾਣਾ) has done. The Way of the Shabad-Vichaar is beyond body-consciousness (ਬਾਹਰਲੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਦਾ ਮੋਹ…), dogmas, Karamkaand (rituals), traditions, religions, race, social divisions…

• ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਹੁ ਸਚਾ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਆਉ ॥: O GurSikhs! Listen to the Upadesh (Giaan or Spiritual Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad). This alone is the true purpose of life (sggs 963).
• ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥ : Sikhi is contemplation on Guru’s teaching (Instructions, Wisdom, Counsel, Guide, Upadesh, Giyan, Bibek) and acting on it. Being blessed by the Grace of the Guru’s teaching one then crosses the ocean of worldly temptations and their corrupting influences (Bhav Saagar). (sggs 465).
• ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥: True learning induces in the mind service to humanity. (sggs 356).
• ਸਿਖਿਆ ਦੀਖਿਆ ਭੋਜਨ ਭਾਉ ॥: Sikhiaa deekhiaa bhojan Bhaaou (sggs 221).

In other words, Sikhi is the Way of the Shabad-Consciousness ( Shabad-Surt: “ਸਬਦ” ਨਾਲ “ਸੁਰਤਿ” ਦਾ ਜੋੜ …). In fact, according to the Gurbani’s own definition of Sikhi, the Sikhi is in constant learning through the Shabad-Vichaar. That is, a Sikh is always a learner throughout his whole life – unceasingly developing own self through the Gurmat (ਉਪਦੇਸ, Teaching, or Aatam-Giaan of the Gur-Shabad). Thus, real Sikhi is to understand the true meanings of the Gurbani, and than constantly live it in daily life (ਅਮਲ, implementation).

Simply put: The Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) affirms: (1) Giaan (Wisdom) is the Guru, (2) it’s the consciousness (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ) or the mind (Soch-ਸੋਚ) that needs to become a Sikh (ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ, or a learner, or a student) of the Giaan or Wisdom of the Shabad-Guroo.

• ਜੈਸੇ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਕਮਲੁ ਨਿਰਾਲਮੁ ਮੁਰਗਾਈ ਨੈ ਸਾਣੇ ॥ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਭਵ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਤਰੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੇ ॥: The way to successful spirituality is to be detached from the world WHILE LIVING IN IT; just like the detachment of the Lotus from the stagnant water and the swan from the river water. O Nanak! The Journey of spirituality (i.e. to go across Bhav Saagar) is thus transversed in detachment by keeping the Message of the Shabad within our Consciousness in order to Realize / live the Virtues of God. (sggs 938).
• ਸਬਦ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਰਾਤਉ ਸੁਖ ਸਾਰੁ ॥: Sabad surti sukhu oopajai… (sggs 62).
• ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥: The SHABAD is my GURU, and my consciousness (Surat) is the disciple (of this SHABAD GURU). (sggs 943).

In nutshell, the Gurbani speaks at the level of the Aatmaa (ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਦਰ ਦੀਆਂ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ – ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਵਿਚਾਰ…), therefore, one becomes Sikh at the level of Aatmaa, NOT at the level of the body-consciousness (i.e., Maya). Hence, as tirelessly emphasized by the Gurbani, Sikhi is the inner game of the Shabad-Surt (Naam-consciousness, Aatam Giaan, Brahm-Giaan, Gurmukh-hood …). That is, Sikhi is the Internal Way of life – Inner Path. Therefore, the game of Sikhi has to be played in the Sahaj Maarag, within (Natural State of Being, Giaan Avastaa – ਗਿਆਨ ਅਵਸਤਾ, ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ, “ਇਕ ਮਨਿ ਇਕ ਚਿਤਿ”…). Thus, there is more to the Gurbani and the Sikhi than what many of us have been told or led to believe by the Pujaaree-Group (ਪੁਜਾਰੀ ਲਾਣਾ) who plays the game of money instead of the game of Shabad-Vichaar!

Shabad-Surti demands constant abidance in Sach (“ਸਚੁ-Sachu“, Truth…). Hence, to love or live the Sikhi is to love the One Truth (“ਸਾਚੁ-Saachu”); otherwise, its all fraud! According to the Gurbani, such Gurmukh Sikh is very “rare”, rest are all mere traders (“ਬਿਉਹਾਰੀ” – ਵਪਾਰੀ, ਸੌਦੇ-ਬਾਜ, ਮਤਲਬੀ, Karamkaandee, Maya’s traders, play the game of money…).

• ਸਚੁ ਤਾ ਪਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ ਸਿਖ ਸਚੀ ਲੇਇ ॥ ਦਇਆ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੀਅ ਕੀ ਕਿਛੁ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਕਰੇਇ ॥ : The Creator is Realized when the authentic Counsel (spiritual Wisdom-Giaan, Advice, Direction etc) is received by the mind. Realize Compassion for one’s self, provide for the needs of the Conscience. (mind, self). (sggs 468).
• ਕੋਟਿ ਮਧੇ ਕੋ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਹੋਰਿ ਸਗਲੇ ਬਿਉਹਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Koti madhe ko viralaa sevaku hori sagale biouhaaree ||1||Rahaaou|| (sggs 495).

Opposite of the Shabad-Surti is body-consciousness. The Gurbani Teaches us that this body-consciousness or “I-am-the body” idea is erroneous – mistaken identity. This error arises out of the body-attachment (ਬਾਹਰਲੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਦਾ ਮੋਹ, ਦੇਹ-ਅੱਧਿਆਸ, love or hunger of Maya, Haumai or false ego-sense, doubts or Bharam, etc.).

Body-consciousness is Maya-consciousness. Because, according to the Gurbani, the gross body is nothing but Maya (“ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਪੁਤਲਾ”)! Thus, the love or attachment of the body-frame is indicative of hunger of Maya (ਮਾਇਆ ਦੀ ਭੁੱਖ), desires (“ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ”), Haumai (false ego-sense), Bharam (doubts), Bikaar (lust, anger, greed, etc.), illusion, delusion, falsehood…

• ਇਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਪੁਤਲਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਦੁਸਟੀ ਪਾਈ ॥: This body is the puppet of Maya. The evil of egotism is within it (sggs 31).
• ਏਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਸਭ ਮੂਲੁ ਹੈ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ॥: Ih sareer sabh mool hai Maya… (sggs 1065).
• ਹਉਮੈ ਸਭੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥: Haumai sabhu sareeru hai haumai opati hoi (sggs 560).

The Gurbani says whatever is seen (external body-ਬਾਹਰਲਾ ਸਰੀਰ…) is fleeting. But in ignorance we still cling to it!

• ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਸੋ ਚਾਲਨਹਾਰੁ ॥ ਲਪਟਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਤਹ ਅੰਧ ਅੰਧਾਰੁ ॥: Jo deesai so chalanhaaru… (sggs 268).
• ਅਨਿਕ ਭਾਤਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਹੇਤ ॥ ਸਰਪਰ ਹੋਵਤ ਜਾਨੁ ਅਨੇਤ ॥: Anik bhaati Maya ke het… (sggs 268).

And the Gurbani reminds us that whosoever lives in body-consciousness or clings to this wayfarer or fleeting body (“ਬਟਾਊ “) will have nothing to show for in the end!

• ਬਟਾਊ ਸਿਉ ਜੋ ਲਾਵੈ ਨੇਹ ॥ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਹਾਥਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਕੇਹ ॥: Bataaoo siou jo laavai neh (sggs 268).
• ਊਠਿ ਸਿਧਾਇਓ ਛੂਟਰਿ ਮਾਟੀ ਦੇਖੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਿਥਨ ਮੋਹਾਸਾ ਹੇ ॥੧੦॥: Oothi sidhaaio chhootari maatee… (sggs 1073).

So the Gurbani asks us to transcend the body-consciousness. In fact, according to the Gurbani, one may subject his body to all sorts of efforts (measures, practices, ਉੱਦਮ), but Maya will not vanish from the mind.

• ਇਸੁ ਦੇਹੀ ਕਉ ਬਹੁ ਸਾਧਨਾ ਕਰੈ ॥ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਟਰੈ ॥ ਜਲਿ ਧੋਵੈ ਬਹੁ ਦੇਹ ਅਨੀਤਿ ॥ ਸੁਧ ਕਹਾ ਹੋਇ ਕਾਚੀ ਭੀਤਿ ॥: (You) may subject body to all sorts of ‘Saadhanaa’ (practices, disciplines, etc.), but the mind will never be rid of its ‘Bikhiaa’ (Maya). (One) may wash this perishable body with plenty of water, (still) this wall of mud (i.e. gross body) cannot be washed clean. (sggs 265).
• ਦੇਹ ਨ ਗੇਹ ਨ ਨੇਹ ਨ ਨੀਤਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਤ ਕਹਾ ਲਉ ਗਾਰਹੁ ॥: Deh n geh n neetaa maya… (ssggs 1388).

How can we trascend Maya? The Gurbani says by abiding in the Shabad-Consciousness (the Gurmukh-Lifestyle, “ਸਬਦ” ਨਾਲ “ਸੁਰਤਿ” ਜੋੜ ਕੇ…)!

• ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਮਾਰਣੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥੨॥ : Nanak, the antidote of Maya is the Shabad, which is realized by internalizing its Message – becoming the Gurmukh (Enlightened mind). ||2|| (sggs 853).
• ਕਰਹਿ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਵਿਥਾਰ ਘਨੇਰੇ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਬਦ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਰਮਿ ਪਇਆ ॥: Karahi bikaar vithaar ghanere surti sabad binu bharami paiaa… (sggs 906).

It is the Brahm-Giaan (Wisdom, Divine Knowledge…) of the Gurbani that eradicates the ignorance and annihilates the corruption of the body-consciousness.

• ਕੁਬੁਧਿ ਮਿਟੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥: Corrupt intellect or destructive mindset is eliminated by Reflecting on the Gur-Shabad (Shabad-Vichaar). (sggs 944).

In other words, the Gurbani urges us to go beyond Maya or body-consciousness (“ਬਸੈ ਥਾਨਿ ਊਚੈ”) by inculcating the external or outgoing mind (“ਮਨ ਸਮਝਾਵਨ”) with the Wisdom or Bibek-Budh of the Gurbani obtained through its constant churning (Shabad-Vichaar). Because, according to the Gurbani, the mind can only be restrained or propped by Spiritual Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad (“ਗਿਆਨ ਕਾ ਬਧਾ ਮਨੁ ਰਹੈ”; “ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਹਿ ਅਸਥੰਮਨ”).

• ਮਨ ਸਮਝਾਵਨ ਕਾਰਨੇ ਕਛੂਅਕ ਪੜੀਐ ਗਿਆਨ ॥੫॥: To instruct the mind one ought to study Knowledge to some extent. ||5|| (sggs 340).
• ਜਿਉ ਮੰਦਰ ਕਉ ਥਾਮੈ ਥੰਮਨੁ ॥ ਤਿਉ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਹਿ ਅਸਥੰਮਨੁ ॥: As a pillar supports a building, similarly, the Gur-Shabad is the mind’s support. (sggs 282).
• ਗਿਆਨ ਕਾ ਬਧਾ ਮਨੁ ਰਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੫॥: Giaan ka badhaa manu rahai… (sggs 469).
• ਸਾਧ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਬਸੈ ਥਾਨਿ ਊਚੈ ॥: Saadh kai sangi basai thaani oochai (sggs 271).

Aparently, the Gurbani was never meant or intended to be merely wrapped up in the designers wrapping and worship as an idol. However, by doing exactly that, the Pujaaree-Group (ਪੁਜਾਰੀ ਲਾਣਾ) apparently has watered down the profound Teaching of the Gurbani for making money (Golak!), similar to watering down of the Teaching of the Vedas by their respective Pujaaree-Group!