Rehat of the Entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Pujaaree‘ (priest/clergy class) is a Soch (thinking), which encompasses NOT ONLY Brahmins, but the Pujaaree classes of every organized or man-made religion including their concocted belief system, traditions, rules/codes etc. (Rehat/Maraiyada…)! Amongst the classes strongly condemned by Guru Nanak and other Gurus is the priestly class (Pujaaree).

With that said, Guru Nanak and other Gurus were not to start an another religion, another Pujaaree clique, an another Rehat/Maraiyada, and so on.

For a Sikh (a learner or student of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS), the Way of life is to internalize the Unique spiritual Message contained in the Shabad (SGGS) and traverse Spiritual Life accordingly.

In the Unique Sikhi of Guru Nanak, hence, the Gurmat ‘Rehat’ is the Way of living Divine Life based on the Enlightening Spiritual Message of the Guru Shabad (Gurmukh mindset, Enlightened or Guru Shabad-Oriented). Sikhi of Guru Nanak is Unbiased because it is rooted in the Giyan-Marag – Way of Wisdom, Bikek, discerning intellect. The Gurbani in the SGGS uses the term ‘Giyani Rehat’. The SGGS also uses the term ‘Sant Rehat’ meaning the Creator’s ‘Rehat‘, rooted in the divine Hukam: Universal System-Rule-Law-Order of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). The SGGS teaches its Sikh to Internalize it:

  • ਙਿਆਨੀ ਰਹਤ ਆਗਿਆ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੁ ਜਾ ਕੈ ॥ : ‘REHAT‘ of a spiritually Enlightened person is to remain firmly committed to the Divine Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). (sggs 251).
  • ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਕੀਆ ਮੀਠਾ ਮਾਨੈ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੰਤਨ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੇ ਸਭ ਕੀ ਪਗ ਛਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਸੰਤ ਰਹਤ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਉਆ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਕਥਨੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਵਰਤਣਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ॥ … : (O Mind) realize the (Hukam) Within always. Submit to the Will of the Creator. Divine Naam nourish seekers of realization. They become (Naam) and remain in humility. ॥1॥ O my Mind! Internalize the ‘REHAT’ (discipline, code, rule, law, order, Hukam) of the Creator. It’s value (to my spirituality) is beyond narration. ||1||Pause|| Divine Naam (Virtues/Giyan-Wisdom…) is my sole daily sustenance. (sggs 392).

Furthermore, the ‘Rehat’ prescribed in the SGGS is the ‘Rehat‘ of the ‘Mahaa Purakh‘ (the Satguru => Sachaa Giyan-Wisdom, Bibek, Virtues), while all other Rehat are made up by man for his/her own benefit (ਬੰਦੇ ਦੀ ਬਣਾਈ ਹੋਈ), which have been critiqued, debunks and rejected by Guru Nanak in no uncertain terms.

  • ਇਹ ਬਾਣੀ ਮਹਾ ਪੁਰਖ ਕੀ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੪੦॥ : This Bani is of the true Guru and through it, one abides in his own True Self within. ||40|| (sggs 935).
  • ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਮਤੀ ਕਚੁ ਪਿਚੁ ਅੰਧਿਆ ਅੰਧੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ : False, immature and shallow is other intellect. Blind is the reflection of the spiritually blind or ignorant. (sggs 1242).

Put simply: ‘Rehat’ of a GurSikh = Living daily life rooted conforming with the Hukam.

That being said, for a Sikh, the Unique Spirituality of the Guru Shabad (SGGS) is the ‘True Rehat’ (‘ਸਚੀ ਰਹਤ’) or a True Way of traversing Spiritual Life while living in the midst of the happening of the world. In other words, the entire Gurbani in SGGS in itself is the Gurmat ‘Rehat’. Aptly the SGGS asks its Sikhs (lifelong learners, students) to BECOME THE GURBANI!

  • ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਕਾ ਪੇਖਨੁ ਸਭੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਸਭਿ ਧਰਮ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਸੁਨਹਿ ਸੁਭ ਬਚਨ ॥ ਸਰਬ ਬਿਆਪੀ ਰਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਚਨ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਤਾ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਰਹਤ ॥ ਸਤਿ ਬਚਨ ਸਾਧੂ ਸਭਿ ਕਹਤ ॥ ਜੋ ਜੋ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਈ ਸੁਖੁ ਮਾਨੈ ॥ ਕਰਨ ਕਰਾਵਨਹਾਰੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਸੇ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਸਭ ਮੋਹੀ ॥੪॥ : Seekers (of Truth) behold Creator everywhere. All thoughts that arise in the mind of seekers are Virtuous. Seekers listen to words of goodness. They always remain connected to the All-pervading Creator. This is the ‘REHAT‘ (i.e. Way of Life) of the seeker who has Realized the Creator Within. One who follows this ‘Rehat’ always utters true words. (One who follows this ‘Rehat’) happily accepts whatever life brings. (One who follows this ‘Rehat’) understands the Divine Doer (i.e. Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature). (One who has Realized God) believes the same One Creator Within (Nirgun or invisible form) and Without (Sargun or visible form). Nanak, all are fascinated seeing the manifestations of the Creator in diverse ways. ||4|| (sggs 294).

It is the ‘Rehat‘ of a person who has Realized (‘Jini Jaataa-ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਤਾ’) the One Creator / Hukam Within.

  • ਜਾ ਕੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਏਕੋ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਚੁ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਰਹਤ ॥ : Within whose mind is the One (Universal Energy…); true is his doing and true his ‘REHAT‘ – Way of life. (sggs 283).
  • 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 (Giaan or Wisdom of the SGGG) removing Haumai (false ego-sense, ਖ਼ੁਦੀ). (sggs 144).

Now, specifically, what is that Divine Life recommended in the SGGS?

It is to develop the Gurmukh mindset (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented State of the mind) and live accordingly. In other words, it is the State Of the mind based on Internalization of the Enlightening Spiritual Message of the Guru Shabad.

  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਹੋਇ ॥ : The Gurmukh is blessed with spiritual Wisdom and discerning intellect (sggs 317).
  • ਨਾਨਕ ਅਉਗੁਣ ਜੇਤੜੇ ਤੇਤੇ ਗਲੀ ਜੰਜੀਰ ॥ ਜੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੋਨਿ ਤ ਕਟੀਅਨਿ ਸੇ ਭਾਈ ਸੇ ਵੀਰ ॥ : O Nanak! As many as are the demerits (Bikaar…), so many are the chains (bonds, Bandhan…) around (one’s) neck. If (one) possesses the Divine Virtues, then the chains are cut away; (hence Virtues) are (one’s) true brothers and mates. (sggs 595).

The Gurmukh Mindset is the opposite of the Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree mindset.

This is to say that the ‘Rehat’ of the Unique Sikhi Of Baabaa Nanak or SGGS is different than all other so called Rehat (ਅਖੌਤੀ ਰਹਤ) in the world.

How so?

‘Rehat’ of the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS is for the human mind to Internalize and live!

On the other hand, all other so called Rehat (ਅਖੌਤੀ ਰਹਤ) concocted by the Pujaaree (clergy) of all organized religions are primarily for embellishing the gross body-frame with symbols (Chin), garbs etc. which have been decisively critiqued, debunked and rejected by Baabaa Nanak!

  • ਰਹਤ ਅਵਰ ਕਛੁ ਅਵਰ ਕਮਾਵਤ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਨਹੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਮੁਖਹੁ ਗੰਢ ਲਾਵਤ ॥ ਜਾਨਨਹਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਪਰਬੀਨ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਨ ਕਾਹੂ ਭੀਨ ॥ : The outward signs of religion are different and practical life is different; (i.e., Gurbani’s REHAT is quite different than what’s being practiced; the outward display of Dharma is quite different than living actual spiritual life; the man professes one thing and practices quite another, etc.). There is no divine love in (his) mind, but with his mouth he talks big. The Inner Knower (Rabb) is Wise. (Rabb is never) impressed (pleased) with anyone’s outward appearance. (sggs 269).

Aptly, Baabaa Nanak warns us about how religions and their respective Pujaaee (clergy) systems/groups have concocted antagonistic adherents, religious codes, (Rehat), rituals, Shara or Shariat etc. Baabaa Nanak further warns us that NONE of these can help anybody find liberation from vices/Bikaar.

  • ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਹੈ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਪਾਇ ਤ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਸਰੈ ਸਰੀਅਤਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਬੂਝੇ ਕੈਸੇ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਪਾਰੁ ॥ : (Creator-Universal Energy) is pervasive in KUDRAT (Nature), it cannot be valued. Even if one tries to find the value, it could not be described. How can a person, who only continues reflecting on Shara or Shariat (i.e. Rehat, religious codes, rituals etc.), find liberation (from the vices and Bikaar without Realizing the Creator Within)? (sggs 84).

Bhagat Kabeer Jee also warned humanity about these man-made Rehat several centuries ago. His warning was and is still applicable today to all organized religions, including Pujaaree-Vaad in Sikhi!

  • ਬੇਦ ਕੀ ਪੁਤ੍ਰੀ ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਸਾਂਕਲ ਜੇਵਰੀ ਲੈ ਹੈ ਆਈ ॥੧॥ ਆਪਨ ਨਗਰੁ ਆਪ ਤੇ ਬਾਧਿਆ ॥ ਮੋਹ ਕੈ ਫਾਧਿ ਕਾਲ ਸਰੁ ਸਾਂਧਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਕਟੀ ਨ ਕਟੈ ਤੂਟਿ ਨਹ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਸਾ ਸਾਪਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਜਗ ਕਉ ਖਾਈ ॥੨॥ ਹਮ ਦੇਖਤ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਲੂਟਿਆ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਮੈ ਰਾਮ ਕਹਿ ਛੂਟਿਆ ॥੩॥੩੦॥ : O brother! The Simritee is the daughter of the Vedas. It has brought a chain and a rope (of rituals or Karamkaand, Jaat Paat, dogmas, religious paraphernalia, separate god from man, reincarnation or transmigration, hell heaven etc.). ||1|| It has imprisoned the followers (to obliterate their intelligence). It has tightened the noose of emotional attachment and shot the arrow of (fear of) death. ||1||Pause|| Its strength is such that neither can it be cut off nor does it depart by itself. It is the serpent, eating the world (i.e. as a serpent eats her children, similarly, she is eating her followers). ||2|| I bear witness to this serpent plundering the world. Says Kabeer, I have escaped it only by remembering the Naam (Giyan-Wisdom…). ||3||30|| (sggs 329).

Also, the SGGS says that the ‘Rehat’ talked about by the preachers, scholars, clergy or Pujaaree etc. is disappointing. Because they look pious and Mahatama outside but fraud inside! The Gurbani says boasting or claiming living the ‘Rehat’ while the mind is tied to nothing but Pakhand or Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree thinking.

  • ਮਨਮੁਖ ਕਥਨੀ ਹੈ ਪਰੁ ਰਹਤ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ : The Manmukh talks about REHAT, but does not practice it. (sggs 831).
  • ਕਹਤਿਅਹ ਕਹਤੀ ਸੁਣੀ ਰਹਤ ਕੋ ਖੁਸੀ ਨ ਆਯਉ ॥ : I have heard people say and preach, but seeing their way of life (i.e. REHAT), I am not at all pleased. (1396).
  • ਨਗਰੀ ਏਕੈ ਨਉ ਦਰਵਾਜੇ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਬਰਜਿ ਰਹਾਈ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ ਛੂਟੈ ਦਸਵਾ ਦਰੁ ਖੂਲ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਤਾ ਮਨੁ ਖੀਵਾ ਭਾਈ ॥੩॥ : One who controls his wandering mind within the body of nine doors, that person frees him/herself from the ‘Trikuti‘ (triple-qualitied Mayaworldly temptations and their corrupting influences on the mind); His/her ‘Tenth door‘ (i.e. the Supreme Spiritual State) opens and the mind gets elated (the State of Godly Realization). ||3||. (sggs 1123).

Last, but not least, as repeatedly taught in the Gurbani (SGGS), indulging in Karamkaand (rituals…) and embellishing the fleeting gross body with the the religious paraphernalia in stubborn-mindedness (‘ਮਨ ਕਾ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਢੀਠਾ’…) is nothing but pouring more fuel on the inferno of the false ego-sense (Haumai).

  • ਪਹਿਨੇ ਪੰਜੇ ਕਪੜੇ ਪੁਰਸਾਵਾਂ ਵੇਸੁ । ਮੁਛਾ ਦਾੜ੍ਹੀ ਸੋਹਣੀ ਬਹੁ ਦੁਰਬਲ ਵੇਸੁ । ਸੈ ਹਥਿਆਰੀ ਸੂਰਮਾ ਪੰਚੀਂ ਪਰਵੇਸੁ । ਮਾਹਰੁ ਦੜ ਦੀਬਾਣ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਾਣੇ ਸਭੁ ਦੇਸੁ । ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨ ਗਣਿ ਪੁਰਖਤੁ ਵਿਣੁ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਕਿ ਕਰੇਸੁ । ਵਿਣ ਗੁਣ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਦਾਇਦੇ ਕਉਣ ਕਰੈ ਅਦੇਸੁ ॥੧੧॥ : (The Fraudsters appropriate the appearance of the Gurus to fool the gullible) adorn oneself with five-piece dresses and retain beards and hair and a slim body. He retain a multitude of weaponry and he may be counted among prominent knights. He may be an adept courtier and widely known throughout the country. But like effeminate men are useless to a women, likewise these sans merits are rendered obsolete next to the true Guru. (Bhai Gurdas Vaar 36:11).

For a Sikh, the ‘True Rehat’ (‘ਸਚੀ ਰਹਤ’ – True Way of living) is prescribed in the Unique Spirituality of the Gurbani in SGGS.

  • ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਸਭੁ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਸਾਚੀ ਰਹਤ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਈ ॥ : Wisdom and contemplation all come from the Guru. That person’s ‘REHAT‘ (Way of living) becomes True, and the Truth comes to dwell in his mind. (sggs 831).
  • ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਜਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥ ਸਚੀ ਰਹਤ ਸਚਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ॥੭॥ : One becomes living liberated, by listening to the Shabad (i.e., by understanding and then living Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad). Through such ‘REHAT‘ (Way of life), he is blessed with true peace. ||7|| (sggs 1343).

The Gurbani asserts that such ‘True Rehat’ can only be lived or practiced by a person whose mind is established in the Dasam Duaar (Tenth Gate: Elevated State of Conscience, Jot Saroop) within.

  • ਸੇਇ ਮੁਕਤ ਜਿ ਮਨੁ ਜਿਣਹਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਧਾਤੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਆਇ ॥ ਦਸਵੈ ਦੁਆਰਿ ਰਹਤ ਕਰੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇ ॥੩॥ : Those alone are are liberated (from the bondage of Maya), who conquer their mind; Maya does not stick to them again. Who abides in the Tenth Gate (i.e., beyond the bad influence of the senses), obtains understanding of the Tribhavan (Universal Energy). ||3|| (sggs 490).

Also, the Gurbani urges us to practice a ‘Rehat’ of absolute obedience to the Hukam as do the water, fire, wind, earth, etc.

  • ਅਪੁ ਤੇਜੁ ਬਾਇ ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮੀ ਆਕਾਸਾ ॥ ਐਸੀ ਰਹਤ ਰਹਉ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਸਾ ॥ : Water, fire, wind, earth and ether (they all follow the Law of Nature) – adopt such ‘REHAT‘ (Way of life) and you shall be close to Hari (God, Wisdom, Virtues…). (sggs 327).
  • ਪਉਣੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੋ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਭਗਤੀ ॥ : Water, air and fire, by the Hukam, perform Bhagti. (sggs 948).

To Understand the Hukam we are urged to thoroughly Realize the Giyan-Wisdom of the Gurbani by engaging in the earnest Shabad-Vichaar, and then constantly living it (i.e. making the Wisdom of the Gurbani the Way of life – ‘Rehat’, the Gurmukh Mindset)!

  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਪੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਣਿ ਮੰਨੇ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ : By becoming the Gurmukh, understand by focusing on the Shabad. (With one-pointed consciousness, he) hears and complies the ‘Hari Naam‘ (Truth, Wisdom, Virtues…); and gets absorbed in the ‘Hari Naam’. (sggs 313).

Hence, mere nomenclature does not denote a Sikh, Sikhi or ‘Rehat’.

As a doll made of salt dissolves itself in the water, only he who dissolves himself in the Gurmat BY BECOMING the GURBANI sees the world as the Gurbani sees it.

  • ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਇਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਬੋਲੈ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥੨॥੧੧॥ : The Divine Naam (Giaan-Wisdom, Virtues…) of the One Creator are the Basis for Spirituality for a Worldly Mindset; Nanak thus Utters the Discourse of the Creator (Brahm Beechaar). (sggs 1138).

The Gurbani tells us that so long the false-ego sense (Haumai) persists, the presence of the Creator within cannot be Realized regardless of what we do with the gross body-frame. Because God can neither be impressed nor pleased by our outward displays of religiosity.

  • ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਭਜਨ ਕੀ ਮਤਿ ਹੈ ਹੋਰਾ ॥ ਵਰਮੀ ਮਾਰੀ ਸਾਪੁ ਨ ਮਰਈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਸੁਨਈ ਡੋਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : The intellect to unite with ‘Gobind‘ (Mool, Truth…) is different. If one does not listen to the Naam (then his external religious Karamkaand is akin to beating the snake-hole instead of the snake, but, by just) beating the snake-hole, the snake is not killed. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 381).

The Gurbani urges us to become one of those ‘rare‘ ones who don’t make ‘Parpanch‘ (‘ਜੋ ਨ ਰਚਹਿ ਪਰਪੰਚ’), but instead engages in searching (‘ਖੋਜ’) and Realizing (‘ਬੂਝਿ’) the Gurbani and ownself. Because the Divine Life is beyond all our worldly calculations, schemes and cleverness. Thus cannot be tricked! The Gurbani is meant to be churned, understood, Realized, and applied to daily life.

  • ਉਪਾਵ ਸਿਆਨਪ ਸਗਲ ਤੇ ਰਹਤ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਕਛੁ ਜਾਨੈ ਆਤਮ ਕੀ ਰਹਤ ॥ : (The Divine) is beyond all effort and cleverness. (The Divine) fully knows the ‘REHAT‘ or way of the human soul (ਆਤਮਕ ਰਹਿਣੀ). (sggs 269).

Since the Gurbani addresses the human mind (ਸੋਚ-thinking), it asks that the mind be reformed (‘ਆਪੁ ਸਵਾਰਹਿ’) to recognize its True Nature (Jot Saroop…). Towards that end, we are given the spiritual Giyan-Wisdom for mending the mind (thinking-ਸੋਚ), and thus changing living style in the process. However, this will only happen if the Gurmat is thoroughly understood through Shabad-Vichaar and then applied it to our daily life. Hence, the SGGS asserts:

  • ਆਪੁ ਸਵਾਰਹਿ ਮੈ ਮਿਲਹਿ ਮੈ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਫਰੀਦਾ ਜੇ ਤੂ ਮੇਰਾ ਹੋਇ ਰਹਹਿ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੯੫॥ : If you REFORM yourself then you will Realize Me (i.e. God), and when you Realize Me (i.e. God), you will rejoice in Spiritual Bliss. O Farid, (reforming yourself) if you become Mine then the entire world would become yours. ||95|| (sggs 1382).

Sikhi is a Way of Life based on the Gurmat (Giyan-Wisdom of the SGGS). However, as evident, Sikhi we see out there today is not the Unique Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak. Instead, it’s a Sikhi of the Pujaaree-Vaad. As Baabaa Nanak asserts, brandishing religious paraphernalia on one’s ephemeral body-frame is not a Sikhi of the SGGS.

  • ਭੇਖੁ ਭਵਨੀ ਹਠੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਗਹਿ ਰਹੇ ॥੧॥ : I know nothing about religious robespilgrimages or stubbornness; O Nanak, I only hold tight to the Truth ||1|| (sggs 843).

Gurbani in SGGS teaches us very practical spirituality and its own very simple and practical ‘Rehat‘ for its Sikhs (learners, students)!

It’s so simple and practical that, for example, the Gurbani in SGGS is crystal clear even about routine stuff such as extravagant eating, drinking, dressing, riding, and sleeping in life that takes one away from the Creator:

  • ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O brother, consuming such food which leads to vices/Bikaar in the mind and causes pain in the body should be avoided so that one’s life is not spiritually ruined or wasted. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 16).
  • ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਪੈਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O brother, wearing such clothes which leads to vices/Bikaar in the mind and causes pain in the body should be avoided so that one’s life is not spiritually ruined or wasted. ||1||Pause||
  • ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਚੜਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਚੜਿਐ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O brother, such ride which leads to vices/Bikaar in the mind and causes pain in the body should be avoided so that one’s life is not spiritually ruined or wasted. ||1||Pause||
  • ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਸਉਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਸੁਤੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥੪॥੭॥ : O brother, sleeping such a way which leads to vices/Bikaar in the mind and causes pain in the body should be avoided so that one’s life is not spiritually ruined or wasted. ||4||7|| (sggs 16).

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29 comments

  1. Sat Sri Akaal.
    yes Brother T. Singh is a true Mahatma, a beloved Sadhu to all of us Sikhs that look for the only true of SGGS.
    my thought only.
    (Is evident, Sikhi we see out there today is not a Sikhi of the SGGS);.this is the only True.like or no this is Gurbani, from SGGS. no my words.
    Let’s stop pretending. we are Sikhs if we don’t live our life as a true brothers and Sisters in the San Sangat of Waheguru ji.
    and start feeding Ourself with the food that Give Life to our Jiva-Atman.
    with respect your humble servant.
    Sabbar Singh Khalsa.

  2. Beautiful post!
    The 5 kakkar are a uniform for the khalsa fauj, an army discipline. We have been misled by greedy ppl to think this is necessary for spiritual progress.
    Whether you are in the fauj or not, the inner, true rehat is what will be counted at time of death. Gurbani makes this clear, we would be fools to still continue believing simple wearing of a uniform is equal to Rahit. Rahit is in every moment within our mind. This is why we have outwardly religious people that are greedy, lustful, consumed with anger – Rahit is missing.

  3. Thank you Prince Ji!

    Let’s ask Baabaa Nanak:
    • ਦਇਆ ਕਪਾਹ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੂਤੁ ਜਤੁ ਗੰਢੀ ਸਤੁ ਵਟੁ ॥… (Please see the post for meaning).
    • ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਪਤਿ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਚੁ ਸੂਤੁ ॥ … (Please see the post for meaning).

  4. most revered T Singh jio,
    A post full of janana.
    If rahat is the interior frame work totally saturated with the idea of Dhun Atmic vibrations,,does 5K’s helps in restoring that interior frame ?
    or is it a mask only which is prerequisite for achieving Naam , please clear.
    regards,
    prince

  5. Thank you Bhai Sahib Jio!

    As the title of this post suggests, this posts tries to understand the instructions of the SGGS (the Guru), through the SGGS ONLY.
    You said:

    BANI(Shabad) & BANA (clothes) are both equally important.

    But when I consult the SGGS, the SGGS says totally the opposite to be true!
    • ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਨ ਕਾਹੂ ਭੀਨ ॥ (sggs 269).
    • ਭੇਖੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨ ਲਭਈ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਚੀ ਸਿਖੰ ॥ (sggs 1099).
    • ਬਹੁ ਭੇਖ ਕੀਆ ਦੇਹੀ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੀਆ ॥ (sggs 467).
    • ਅਧਿਕ ਤਿਆਸ ਭੇਖ ਬਹੁ ਕਰੈ ॥ (sggs 352).
    • ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਤ ਭੇਖੀ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥੧॥ (sggs 226).

    And the SGGS repeats this Instruction (Teaching, Upadesh) again and again. For example:
    • ਭੇਖ ਵਰਨ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਖੇਹ ॥ (sggs 352).
    • ਭੇਖੁ ਭਵਨੀ ਹਠੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਗਹਿ ਰਹੇ ॥੧॥ (sggs 843).
    • ਮਾਥੇ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਹਥਿ ਮਾਲਾ ਬਾਨਾਂ ॥ ਲੋਗਨ ਰਾਮੁ ਖਿਲਉਨਾ ਜਾਨਾਂ ॥੧॥ (sggs1158).
    • ਭੇਖ ਵਰਨ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਖੇਹ ॥ (sggs 352).
    • ਭੇਖ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥ (sggs 738).
    • ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੋਨੀ ਥਾਕੇ ਭੇਖੀ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥ (sggs 440).
    • ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਕਰਹਿ ਘਨੇਰੇ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਉਤਰੀ ਘੇਰੇ ॥ (sggs 372).
    • ਭੇਖ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਗਨਿ ਨਹੀ ਬੁਝੈ ॥ ਕੋਟਿ ਉਪਾਵ ਦਰਗਹ ਨਹੀ ਸਿਝੈ ॥ (sggs 266).

  6. Why inner Rahat & Outer Rahat (5 kakaars) are both equally important ?
    A farmer grows precious Fruits & Vegetables in his farms or fields but forest animals spoiled the crops because farmer provide no protection i.e. boundary wall or barbed wire . After that farmer understood the need or necessity of outer boundary . Five kakaars are outer boundary to protect you from outer world . Sh. Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib First gives outer boundary (5 kakaars) to Khalsa & then gives (Secondaly) amrit to Khalsa.

    BANI(Shabad) & BANA (clothes) are both equally important.

  7. Dear Sister Jaswinder Kaur Ji,
    Welcome to the Gurbani Blog. Thank you for your kind words.
    I am not a giaani … I am just an ordinary being who is trying to see the world the way Gur-Shabad (SGGS) does!
    Thank you for taking the time to comment.

  8. most revered,
    A post full of janana.
    If rahat is the interior frame work totally saturated with the idea of Dhun Atmic vibrations,,does 5K’s helps in restoring that interior frame ?
    or is it a mask only which is prerequisite for achieving Naam , please clear.
    regards,
    prince

  9. Dear Brother Dharmendra Ji, thank you for taking time to comment on this post. Also, thank you for your kind words and prayers.

  10. I am lifted by your great sincerity and focus.

    I salute the divinity within you.
    May your own voyage be safe and speedy.

    P.

  11. meri teri hova (reading say) Jini jaataa tis kee ih Rahat : This is the ‘Rahat’ of him who Knows Sachu karanee sachu taa kee Rahat…Sant Rahat sunahu mere bhaaee Dasavai duaari rahat kare tribhavan sojhee paai Apu teju baai prithamee aakaasaa. Aisee rahat rahaou hari paasaa vaheguru ji ki khalsa vaheguru ji ki faith.

  12. Satkar jog gurmukh T.Singh jio.
    Eh jo vi sach da vichar ho reha hai oh hukam sadka(Insha Akaal, Akaal Purakh de hukam di marzi) hi hai ji. Tu samrath vada meri mat thori ram. Eh sab bhane vich hi ho reha hai ji aapni koi aukaat nahi te marzi nahi ji.

    reagrds
    Das Gurpreet Singh

  13. Dear Brother Gurpreet Singh Ji,

    “Par je appan is Rehat de vich mann-marzi di MARYADA da jaag(khatta) rala laine haan tan eh rehat rupi doodh(milk) phat janda hai. Appa maryada de piche na lag ke Rehat nu sambhalan hai ji.”

    Your words are so true! Thank you Veer Ji for your feedback. The Gurbani also reminds:
    •ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਐਸਾ ਖੀਰੁ ਬਿਲੋਈਐ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਮਨੂਆ ਅਸਥਿਰੁ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਓਈਐ ॥੧॥ (sggs 332).
    •ਦੂਧੁ ਕਰਮ ਫੁਨਿ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਮਾਇਣੁ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਰਾਸ ਜਮਾਵਹੁ ॥੧॥ (sggs 728).
    •ਸੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਿਤੁ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ (sggs 199).
    Otherwise, as you indicated, the Gurbani says, it will be like:
    •ਬਿਨੁ ਬਾਸਨ ਖੀਰੁ ਬਿਲੋਵੈ ॥੨॥ (sggs 1194).
    •ਪੋਖਰੁ ਨੀਰੁ ਵਿਰੋਲੀਐ ਮਾਖਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਰੀਸੈ ॥੭॥ (sggs 229).
    Thank you again Veer Ji for your valuable Vichaar.

  14. Satkar jog gurmukh T.Singh jio
    Sat bachan ji and thanks for such a detailed article (shabad-vichar) on Rehat.
    Is shabad-vichar de vich jo rehat gurmat gyan di roushani vich samajhayi gayi hai aapa oh rehat de dharani hona hai. Par je appan is Rehat de vich mann-marzi di MARYADA da jaag(khatta) rala laine haan tan eh rehat rupi doodh(milk) phat janda hai. Appa maryada de piche na lag ke Rehat nu sambhalan hai ji.

    regards
    Das Gurpreet Singh

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