Sanjog and Vijog Regulate the World-Play

The main theme (ਵਿਸ਼ਾ) of the Guru Nanak’s Gurmat school is to teach the truth about living in conformance with Divine Hukam (the Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature with which the Kudrat functions, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). “Hukam-ਹੁਕਮ” (or “Raja-ਰਜਾ”) is an Arabic word and its nearest Punjabi word is “Bhana-ਭਾਣਾ”.

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 – daily lifestyle, routines, habits, mindsets etc. If we make wrong choices, naturally we will get results accordingly. Guru Nanak, who came to give the world a Unique Sidhaant, had given this command in the second stanza of ‘Japu’ Bani himself:

• 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).

Two words – Sanjog (ਸੰਜੋਗ) And Vijog (ਵਿਜੋਗ) – repeatedly appear in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS). Literally:
Sanjog (ਸੰਜੋਗ) = union, meeting, ਮਿਲਾਪ, ਮਿਲਣ etc.
Vijog (ਵਿਜੋਗ) = separation, ਵਿਛੋੜਾ, ਜੁਦਾਈ etc.

Since “Everything is within the Divine Hukam”, then common sense would dictate that both “Sanjog” and “vijog” are also within Hukam.

• ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਧੁਰਹੁ ਹੀ ਹੂਆ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਧਾਤੁ ਕਰਿ ਪੁਤਲਾ ਕੀਆ ॥ ਸਾਹੈ ਕੈ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਅੜੈ ਜੀ ਦੇਹੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੀਉ ਆਇ ਪਇਆ ॥੧॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਅਗਨਿ ਭਖੈ ਭੜਹਾਰੇ ॥ ਊਰਧ ਮੁਖ ਮਹਾ ਗੁਬਾਰੇ ॥ ਸਾਸਿ ਸਾਸਿ ਸਮਾਲੇ ਸੋਈ ਓਥੈ ਖਸਮਿ ਛਡਾਇ ਲਇਆ ॥੨॥ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਗਰਭੈ ਨਿਕਲਿ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਖਸਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਦੁਨੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ਭਵਾਈਐ ਜੋਨੀ ਰਹਣੁ ਨ ਕਿਤਹੀ ਥਾਇ ਭਇਆ ॥੩॥ : Sanjog Vijog – Union and separation – happens according to the Creator’s Hukam (Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). The body (ਪੁਤਲਾ = ਸਰੀਰ) is made from combination of the five elements (air, water, fire, earth, ether). Then per the Divine Hukam, conscience comes into the body. ||1|| In the heat and darkness of (the mother’s stomach) in anterior position, the child develops according to the Hukam. ||2|| When (ਜੀਵ-Jeev or individual) comes out from within the mother’s womb (takes birth), forgetting the Hukam, (ਜੀਵ-Jeeva) attaches conscience to the world (i.e. Maya, attachment to worldly attractions..). (Due to forgetfulness of the Hukam, the Jeev’s mind) wanders around and thus suffers, repeatedly. ||3|| (sggs 1007).
• ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਉ ਕੈਸਾ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਜਾਣੁ ॥ ਚੀਰੀ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਨਾ ਫਿਰੈ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸੋ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥ : How can we speak of Him? Only He knows Himself. His Hukam cannot be challenged; He is the Supreme Master. (sggs 1239).

Above is a burning example of the Law of Nature – birth of a child is in Hukam (i.e. according to the biology of birth – man and woman coming into sexual Union). The fetus may change positions throughout the pregnancy, but the best position for the fetus before delivery is anterior position – head down. This principle of birth and death in Hukam is the foundational belief of Guru Nanak’s Sikhi as encapsulated in the following verses of the Gurbani (SGGS):

• ਜੈਸੇ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਬਾਲੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥: As there is no child without (sexual union of) a mother and father. (sggs 872).
• ਮਾ ਕੀ ਰਕਤੁ ਪਿਤਾ ਬਿਦੁ ਧਾਰਾ ॥ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਆਪਾਰਾ ॥ : The infinite Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, Cosmic Law, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ) fashions human body with beautiful features from father’s semen and mother’s egg. (sggs 1022).
• ਜੰਮਣੁ ਮਰਣਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ॥ : It is Hukam (i.e. Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ), which causes birth and death – birth and death occur according to Hukam (i.e. according to the biology of birth and death). (sggs 472).

Combined powers of both Sanjog and Vijog (union and separation: ਜੀਵਨ, ਮਿਲਾਪ, ਮਿਲਣ, ਵਿਛੋੜਾ, ਜੁਦਾਈ, ਮੌਤ, ਮਰਣ etc.) make the world go – this duo sets the “foundations of the Universe”. By “Sanjog“, beings of families and others come together here in the world. By the Divine Hukam, they separate and depart from here in their own turn. As the consequences of our choices – daily lifestyle, routines, habits, mindsets etc – happiness and sorrow are met her in life. If this belief becomes reality, the wall of falsehood within breaks down (“ਕੰਧੁ ਛੇਦਾਵੈ”,”ਕੰਧੁ ਛੀਜੈ”,”ਪੜੈ ਨ ਕੰਧੁ”, “ਭ੍ਰਮ ਭੀਤਿ”, “ਪਾਲਿ”…), and the Truth (Creator) is realized within.

• ਕੂੜੈ ਕੀ ਪਾਲਿ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਨਿਕਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥ : (When) the wall of falsehood is torn down from within, Truth comes to dwell in the mind. (sggs 591).
• ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਉਪਾਇਓਨੁ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟੀ ਕਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਾਜੀਅਨੁ ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਜੋਤੀ ਹੂੰ ਸਭੁ ਚਾਨਣਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣਾਇਆ ॥ : Creating Sanjog Vijog (union and separation), the Creator (as the Divine Hukam) laid the foundations of the Universe. By the Divine Hukam the Creator fashioned the Universe, and infused His Divine Light into it. From the Divine Light, all light (life) originates. This is the word, which the true Guru has proclaimed. (sggs 509).
• ਹੁਕਮੇ ਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਆਇਆ ਚਲਣੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸੰਜੋਗਿ ਜੀਉ ॥ : We arrive into this world through the Divine Hukam, we depart via the same Divine Hukam. (sggs 760).
• ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਦੁਇ ਕਾਰ ਚਲਾਵਹਿ ਲੇਖੇ ਆਵਹਿ ਭਾਗ ॥ : (These two powers of the Creator, that is) “Sanjog Vijog” (union and separation) make the world go. (Based on the consequences of our choices – daily lifestyle, routines, habits, mindsets etc – we come to receive our lot in life, Here and Now. (sggs 6).

The Gurmat/Sikhi of Guru Nanak teaches the entire humanity that the Almighty Creator who created the Creation resides within it (as Hukam). That said, the Gurbani reveals that Nature (Kudrat) is capable of breaking or destroying (‘ਭੰਨਣ’), making or Creating (‘ਘੜਣ’), birth and death, and so on.

• ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਵਖਤੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ਸੁ ਬੰਦਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ ….. ਸਿਦਕੁ ਕਰਿ ਸਿਜਦਾ ਮਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਮਖਸੂਦੁ ॥ ਜਿਹ ਧਿਰਿ ਦੇਖਾ ਤਿਹ ਧਿਰਿ ਮਉਜੂਦੁ ॥੧॥ : The Creator resides within the Creation that He Created. To recognize such in a timely manner is to recognize Humanity ….. O my mind, make this the objective in life; that I see the Creator within everything and everyone. ||1|| (sggs 83).
• ਭੰਨਣ ਘੜਣ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਹੈ ਓਪਤਿ ਸਭ ਪਰਲੈ ॥: (Creator is) capable of breaking, making, creating and annihilating (cataclysm etc.) all. (sggs 1102).
• ਘਲੇ ਆਣੇ ਆਪਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਦੂਜਾ ਮਤੈ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਢਾਹਿ ਉਸਾਰੇ ਸਾਜਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਸਭ ਸੋਇ ॥ : The Creator (as Hukam) sends out (birth), and recalls (death) the mortal beings; no one else gives the Creator advice. The all-knowing Creator, demolishes, creates, and embellishes. (sggs 729).

Just think about this – if there is “Sanjog” of ONLY the birth of beings and no “Vijog” (death), then chaos will arise in the affairs of the world. Life will become worse than hellish existence. Therefore, death is necessary. In other words, “Sanjog” and “Vijog” are a very important part of the world-game of Nature (kudrat).

“Sanjog” of becoming the Gurmukh (enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented mindset), a life-style with high ideals, or the love for God, becomes the cause of liberation from repeated suffering while traversing the journey of life. As human relationships are connecting with each other, as they are leaving this world, the Guru Shabad explains this process of “Sanjog” and “Vijog“:

• ਕਾਇਆ ਹੰਸਿ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਹੀ ਕੀਆ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਭੋਗੇ ਭੋਗੁ ਦੁਖ ਸਬਾਇਆ ॥ ਸੁਖਹੁ ਉਠੇ ਰੋਗ ਪਾਪ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਹਰਖਹੁ ਸੋਗੁ ਵਿਜੋਗੁ ਉਪਾਇ ਖਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਮੂਰਖ ਗਣਤ ਗਣਾਇ ਝਗੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬੇੜੁ ਝਗੜੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਆ ॥ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਗੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਚਲਾਇਆ ॥੪॥ : It is Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature: ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ) that puts consciousness in the body. It is also Hukam that takes away conscience from the body. Forsaking the Creator as Hukam), the fool enjoys the false pleasures, which is the root cause of all pains. From false pleasures, arise diseases and transgressions. Such pleasures – achieved by transgressions –  cause sorrows and destroy joy. Fools account for their misdeeds and instigate conflicts. The Satgur (True Wisdom) is capable to put and end to the conflict. Whatever the Creator (as Hukam) does, comes to pass. It cannot be changed by anyone’s efforts. (sggs 139).
• ਸੰਜੋਗੀ ਮੇਲਾਵੜਾ ਇਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਭੋਗ ॥ ਵਿਜੋਗੀ ਮਿਲਿ ਵਿਛੁੜੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਭੀ ਸੰਜੋਗ ॥੪॥੧॥ : Through “Sanjog” human body is obtained, but we remained busy enjoying the false worldly pleasure. (Since everything is within Hukam) this is also by “Sanjog” that we go through repeated suffering for our wrong choices of false worldly pleasures in life. (sggs 989).
• ਜੁੜਿ ਜੁੜਿ ਵਿਛੁੜੇ ਵਿਛੁੜਿ ਜੁੜੇ ॥ ਜੀਵਿ ਜੀਵਿ ਮੁਏ ਮੁਏ ਜੀਵੇ ॥ ਕੇਤਿਆ ਕੇ ਬਾਪ ਕੇਤਿਆ ਕੇ ਬੇਟੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਗੁਰ ਚੇਲੇ ਹੂਏ ॥  : After being united, the beings separate (at the time of death), and this order continues. Beings are born to live and then die; and this order continues. (sggs 1238).
• ਸੂਰਜੁ ਚੜੈ ਵਿਜੋਗਿ ਸਭਸੈ ਘਟੈ ਆਰਜਾ ॥ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਤਾ ਭੋਗਿ ਕੋਈ ਹਾਰੈ ਕੋ ਜਿਣੈ ॥ : The sun rises (and sets, thus with the passing of days) the life span of every living being is decreasing. Whose body and mind is imbued with pleasures; someone loses the game of life, and someone (rare) conquers (overcomes sense slavery). (sggs 1244).

The truth of the dichotomy between the birth and the death; between the life and the end of life; between the body and the mind etc is pointed out repeatedly in the Gurbani and the need to develop the discerning or discrimination intellect (Bibek Budhi) by internalizing this truth through the earnest Shabad-Vichaar (Reflections on the Guru Shabad – SGGS).

If we firmly believe (ਤਸੱਲੀ, ਯਕੀਨ) and accept the Gurbani’s teachings, it will lead us from the hollow superstitions/illusion to the inner illumination of our conscience (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ), from unreal to the Real; from the darkness of ignorance to Light (Giyan-Wisdom, Jot Saroop, Mool); from spiritual death to spiritual life; and from false to the Truth. Then the Divine Hukam (ਭਾਂਣਾਂ, ਰਜ਼ਾ) would taste sweet for this conviction destroys the curtain of false ego-sense (Haumai) from within. Otherwise, one stays in the state of Manmukh-hood (Unenlightened mindset).

• ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪਣੇ ਧੀਆ ਪੂਤ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ॥ ਨਾਰੀ ਦੇਖਿ ਵਿਗਾਸੀਅਹਿ ਨਾਲੇ ਹਰਖੁ ਸੁ ਸੋਗੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਰੰਗਾਵਲੇ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਭੋਗੁ ॥੩॥ : A Manmukh (Unenlightened person) thinks his children as his own. He does not understand that these relations are formed by “Sanjog” according to Divine Hukam. He is elated upon seeing his wife. But does not realize that these relations bring happiness as well as sorrow. Imbued to the Guru’s Shabad, the Gurmukh (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-oriented) remain in bliss, and always enjoy the essence of Naam. (sggs 63).

In the state of Gurmukh-Hood (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-oriented mindset), ephemeral quality of life and this world begins to sink into our consciousness, enabling us to smile at death! Bhagat Kabir says:

• ਜਿਹ ਮਰਨੈ ਸਭੁ ਜਗਤੁ ਤਰਾਸਿਆ ॥ ਸੋ ਮਰਨਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਅਬ ਕੈਸੇ ਮਰਉ ਮਰਨਿ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਮਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਤੇ ਜਿਨ ਰਾਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: That death, which has terrified the entire world – the reality of that death is revealed unto me by the Gur-Shabad (i.e., Gur-Giann, Wisdom, Upadesh…). ||1|| Now, I will not die (i.e., Aatmak Maut – ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ). My mind has already accepted death (i.e., to die in the Shabad: ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਾਲੀ ਮੌਤ). Those who do not know Raam (-Naam: Wisdom, Virtues, Truth…), die over and over again (i.e., death of spiritual life – ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ). ||1||Pause|| (sggs327).
• ਕਬੀਰ ਮਾਨਸ ਜਨਮੁ ਦੁਲੰਭੁ ਹੈ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਬਾਰੈ ਬਾਰ ॥ ਜਿਉ ਬਨ ਫਲ ਪਾਕੇ ਭੁਇ ਗਿਰਹਿ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਲਾਗਹਿ ਡਾਰ ॥੩੦॥ : Kabir human life is priceless (‘Dulambhu‘ – rare, unique, precious etc., because) it does not occur a second time. Just like a fruit that drops to the ground when it ripens, it does NOT ever go back to the branch again. ||30|| (sggs 1366).
• ਕਬੀਰ ਨਉਬਤਿ ਆਪਨੀ ਦਿਨ ਦਸ ਲੇਹੁ ਬਜਾਇ ॥ ਨਦੀ ਨਾਵ ਸੰਜੋਗ ਜਿਉ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਮਿਲਹੈ ਆਇ ॥੮੦॥: Kabir, you may beat your drum for ten days or so because the worldly fame and pleasures last only for a while (i.e. it’s temporary). Life is like people meeting on a boat on a river (when the boat reaches the destination, they all separate and leave), but they don’t meet again (i.e. human birth is not obtained again, therefore we should not waste this human birth). ||80|| (sggs 1368).

The Sanjog of compliance with the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) means Union with the Creator within, Union with the virtuous/pure conduct, and Union with the source of Anand (Bliss, Joy). This union (Sanjog) is blessed.

• ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਸਉਣ ਧੰਨੁ ਮੂਰਤ ਚਸੇ ਪਲ ਘੜੀਆ ਧੰਨਿ ਸੁ ਓਇ ਸੰਜੋਗਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਸੁਭੋਗ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਸਗਲ ਆਚਾਰ ॥ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਬਿਉਹਾਰ ॥੩॥ : For me (follower of the Sikhi of Guru Nanak), Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) is my auspicious omen and good fortune. For me, Divine Naam is the sublime spiritual food which satisfies me. For me, Divine Naam is all the good deeds. For me, Divine Naam is the most immaculate occupation. ||3|| (sggs 1145).
• ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਬੇਦ ਅਰੁ ਨਾਦ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਪੂਰੇ ਕਾਜ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਪੂਜਾ ਦੇਵ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵ ॥੧॥ : For me (follower of the Sikhi of Guru Nanak), compliance with Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) replaces Vedas and Naad (music from the musical instrument of Yogis, musical strain etc). For me, Naam accomplishes my tasks of Creator Realization. For me, Naam is my Pooja (worship) of deities. for me, to follow the Guru’s teachings is to practice Naam. ||1|| (sggs 1145).
• ਧੰਨੁ ਮੂਰਤ ਚਸੇ ਪਲ ਘੜੀਆ ਧੰਨਿ ਸੁ ਓਇ ਸੰਜੋਗਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥ : Blessed are those moments, minutes, hours, and blessed are all the occasions of uniting with the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom. ||1|| (sggs 99).

That said, the entire course of the world, our actions, our choices, everything is under the Law of Consequences, the Divine Hukam. A person who lives in conformance/harmony with the Divine Hukam does not get affected by any kind of fear, worry or anxiety etc.

• ਤਉ ਕੜੀਐ ਜੇ ਹੋਵੈ ਬਾਹਰਿ ॥ ਤਉ ਕੜੀਐ ਜੇ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਨਰਹਰਿ ॥ ਤਉ ਕੜੀਐ ਜੇ ਦੂਜਾ ਭਾਏ ॥ ਕਿਆ ਕੜੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਏ ॥੧॥ : I may worry or be upset only if anything happens outside the Divine Hukam – nothing happens outside the Hukam. I may agonize, if I forget the Divine Hukam. I should worry, if I fall in love with duality. When the Creator (as Hukam) is pervading everywhere (including myself), then why should I worry? ||1||(sggs 1140).

Some Related Posts:

• Core of Gurmat Spirituality – Becoming Sachiaar – ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ
• Develop Divine Virtues
• Hukam
• Birth is the Proof of Impending Death
• Death is not to be Feared
• Gurbani Says First Accept Death!
• Ailments of the mind and Gurmat
• Gurbani Rejects Afterlife Reincarnation or Transmigration
• Dying in Shabad
• Gurmat Concept of Death
• Living Dead!
• Guru Nanak’s concept of ‘God’
• Mr. God or Madam God!
• Omnipresent God
• Realize God’s Presence Within
• Sukh Saagar
• Sach Khand
• Sikhi: a Way of Life
• It’s the Mind that Needs to Become a Sikh
• There can be no Dhian without Giyan
• Realize Enlightening Message Embedded within Shabad
• True Guru in Sikhi!
• Gurbani Defines Naam
• Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi