Worry Burner — The Gurmat Remedy

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Gurmat — the Way of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) — is the Guiding Light, and a moral compass that leads us to goodness, Enlightenment, worry-free and stress‑free life, joy or blissful life, peaceful life, contented life, Unburdened life, and so on.

Worry (ਚਿੰਤਾ-Chintaa) and pyre have one thing in common — they both burn the body. But the difference is that a pyre burns the dead body, while the worry burns the living body! Arising due to a response to some vague threat or stress, worry is a feeling of anxiety, insecurity, frustration, doubt, nervousness, sad or sorrowful thought, foreboding and neuroses. Worry provokes the dark shadow of fear. When disturbed, this fear causes anger, leading to resentment and envy.

Worry, like a pyre, burns a person alive

Worry can burn a person alive is a metaphorical expression that reflects the intense feelings of worry and related anxiety, stress etc.

Being opposite of Naam-Simran (life of abidance in Divine Giyan / Virtues / Hukam), a worry inflicted person cannot abide in Naam. In fact since both abiding in Naam and worry are incompatible, they cannot coexist.

  • ਮਨੁ ਮੈਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਿਰਮਲਾ ਕਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਜਾਇ ॥ : The Truth is Pure; (so long the man’s) mind is impure (with Haumai, Bikaar, etc.); he cannot realize (the Truth). (sggs 755).

Worry is the “filthy” habit of the deluded or corrupt mind, thus demoniac, Whereas Naam-Simran is “purity” hence divine. Concurrently, worry is considered by the SGGS and the medical professionals to be the source of man’s overall unhappiness, Dukh, anxiety, stress, pains, mental ailments, sorrows etc.

Therefore, the Gurbani’s counsel to the entire humanity is to live a worry-free life. Furthermore, the Gurbani (SGGS) goes to the extent saying that one consumed by the plethora of worry cannot find peace even in his/her dreams!

  • ਸਤਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਮੁਹ ਫੇਰਹਿ ਮਥੇ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਲੇ ॥ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਦੁਖ ਕਮਾਵਦੇ ਨਿਤ ਜੋਹੇ ਜਮ ਜਾਲੇ ॥ ਸੁਪਨੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਨ ਦੇਖਨੀ ਬਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਪਰਜਾਲੇ ॥੩॥ : Those who turn a blind eye to the true Wisdom (ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ), their mind or brain remains corrupt. They always do the same deeds, the result of which is sorrow (Dukh).They always live in the trap of Bikaar (lust, anger, greed etc.). Even in their dreams, people find no Happiness (Sukh); they are consumed by the fire of intense worry (sggs 30). (sggs 30).
  • ਊਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਬੈਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥ ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾਂ ਐਸੇ ਬੁਝੀਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਾਖਾ ਏਕੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥ ਸਗਲ ਘਟਾ ਕਾ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਸੋਇ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ਜਾਗਿ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ॥ ਜਹਾ ਕਹਾਂ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਤੂੰ ਵਰਤੰਤਾ ॥੨॥ ਘਰਿ ਸੁਖਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਿ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ॥੩॥੨॥ :  When a human being understands as such (that there is only ONE Rabb or Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature or ਨਿਯਮ) then he remains Happy all the time, (also) then he does not feel any kind of fear. ||1|| The only caretaker (sentry etc.) of us beings is the ONE ‘Suaamee‘ (i.e. ONE Rabb or Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature or ਨਿਯਮ) — the inner knower of all beings. ||1||Pause|| (When a person understands) then that human being sleeps without worry and wakes up without worry. ||2|| (That person understands that ONE) ‘Prabhu’ is present everywhere. That person lives happily within and without. The Guru has instilled this Mantar (Giyan, Upadesh, Wisdom etc. in my mind). ||3||2|| (sggs 1136).
  • ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਵਰਤੈ ਏਕੁ ਅਨੰਤਾ ॥ ਤਾ ਤੂੰ ਸੁਖਿ ਸੋਉ ਹੋਇ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ॥ : The one infinite Creator pervades all beings. Therefore live a happy life without worry. (sggs 176).
  • ਮਨਮੁਖ ਭਰਮੈ ਸਹਸਾ ਹੋਵੈ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਨੀਦ ਨ ਸੋਵੈ ॥ : Deluded by doubts, a Manmukh (UN-enlightened person) remains wandering aimlessly. Filled with worry, that person cannot even sleep peacefully. (sggs 646).

Bloated Haumai or egotism has many faults such as lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride; and their numerous variations like self-conceit, jealousy, stubborn mindedness, worrying, slandering, engaging in empty rituals (Karamkaand), hypocritical display of religious robes (ਭੇਖ-Bhekh), ritual bathing and pilgrimage etc. The mind submerged in material consciousness (Bhav Saagar) identifies with the gross body-frame as the real Self. In a futile bid to satisfy the never-ending “hunger and thirst” of the defiled senses, it goes through the cycle of repeated suffering.

  • ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹੁ ਜੀਉ ਮਛੁਲੀ ਝੀਵਰੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਕਾਲੁ ॥ ਮਨੂਆ ਅੰਧੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਈ ਪੜੈ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ਜਾਲੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਚਿਤੁ ਅਚੇਤੁ ਹੈ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਬਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ : Think of mortal Conscience (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ) as a fish, and think of desires and their corrupting influences (vices/Bikaar, mental traps…) like the fisherman, because they bring mortal’s spiritual death. Blinded by greed, the mind doesn’t think about remembering the Cosmic Law (Hukam/ਨਿਯਮ) and is caught unexpectedly in the mental trap leading to spiritual death. Nanak, the mind engrossed in worldly desires, departs from here bound in anxiety. (sggs 955).
  • ਮਨਮੁਖ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਸੂਤੇ ॥ ਅਪਣਾ ਘਰੁ ਨ ਸਮਾਲਹਿ ਅੰਤਿ ਵਿਗੂਤੇ ॥ ਪਰ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਜਾਲੈ ਦੁਖੇ ਦੁਖਿ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਹੇ ॥੧੫॥ : Because of Haumai Maya, Manmukhs (UN-enlightened beings) remain unaware of the virtuous living. They do not protect themselves from the onslaught of Haumai Maya and are (spiritually) ruined in the end. They slander others, and burns in the fire of great worry; consequently they dwell in pain and suffering. ||15|| (sggs 1049).

Overcome by fasle-ego-aense and forgetting to live in harmony with the Divine Hukam (Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature with which the Kudrat functions-ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ), we mortals contemplate on other worldly stuff that brings a plethora of worry with it.

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਬਉਰਾਨਾ ॥ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਨਾ ॥ ਬਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਚਿਤਵੈ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥ ਧੰਧਾ ਕਰਤਿਆ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਵਿਹਾਨਾ ॥੧॥ : Egotism has driven the entire world insane. Love of duality makes it wanders deluded by doubt. (Consequently) one worries too much and does not recognize one’s true self. Occupied with the worldly affairs, their entire life is passing away. ||1|| (sggs 159).

Gurbani identifies worry as a ‘disease’ – ‘ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗੁ-Chinta Rog‘

Worry is a great enemy of one’s ability to live a healthy life — physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally, morally and spiritually. It not only impedes our ability to be creative or think clearly, but it also leads to chronic ailments, emotional stress, agitation, chaos, turbulent, depression, hypertension, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, bitterness, tension, insomnia, uneasiness, panic symptoms, alcohol and drug abuse, premature aging and early death. These are some of the illnesses that are so widespread in the world today.

  • ਜਾ ਕਉ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਦੇਹੀ ਵਿਆਪੈ ਰੋਗੁ ॥ ਗ੍ਰਿਸਤਿ ਕੁਟੰਬਿ ਪਲੇਟਿਆ ਕਦੇ ਹਰਖੁ ਕਦੇ ਸੋਗੁ ॥ ਗਉਣੁ ਕਰੇ ਚਹੁ ਕੁੰਟ ਕਾ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਚਿਤਿ ਆਵੈ ਓਸੁ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਸੀਤਲੁ ਹੋਇ ॥੩॥ : When one is plagued by acute and excessive worry and the body is inflicted with disease. And when one is wrapped up in emotional attachments of household and family, sometimes feeling joy, and then other times sorrow. And when one wanders around in all four directions, and cannot sit or sleep even for a moment. (The above happen when one forgets the Creator) If one contemplate the Creator his/her conscience, then his/her body and mind become at peace. ||3|| (sggs 70).

Aptly, the Gurbani (SGGS) identifies worry as a ‘disease’ (ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗੁ-Chinta Rog) — psychological or mental ailment.

  • ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗੁ ਗਈ ਹਉ ਪੀੜਾ ਆਪਿ ਕਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲਾ ਜੀਉ ॥ : (Becoming imbued in Naam: abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). The ‘disease of worry’ (‘ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗੁ’) and the suffering of false-ego-sense are cured; now the Divine Naam protects me (from worry, egotism etc.) (sggs 99).
  • ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਮਹਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਓ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗੁ ਬਿਦਾਰਿਓ ॥੧॥ : I have enjoyed the supreme bliss by internalizing/realizing the Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) and have dispelled the ‘disease of worry’ (‘ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗੁ’) from my mind. ||1|| (sggs 529).

If the mind is diseased, it affects the physical physical body as well. Subtle diseases of the mind are many (e.g worry, anxiety, stress, vices/Bikaar  etc), all of which sink one’s spirituality and morality.

  • ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕਉ ਦੀਨਾ ॥ … ਹੇਤ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰਾ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਬਿਧਿ ਰੋਗ ਮਹਿ ਬਧੇ ਬਿਕਾਰਾ ॥੨॥ : Mankind is afflicted with the (mental) disease of false ego-sense (Haumai). The disease of Kaam (lust…) overwhelms the elephant. … The entire world is caught in the malady of attachment. and bound in the three modes of Maya, their vices or Bikaar keep multiplying. ||2||(sggs 1140).
  • ਖਸਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਕੀਏ ਰਸ ਭੋਗ ॥ ਤਾਂ ਤਨਿ ਉਠਿ ਖਲੋਏ ਰੋਗ ॥ : Forgetting the Creator, man enjoys sensory pleasures, then all kinds of ailments arise in his body. (sggs 1256).

Worry generally arises from two situations: (1) situations that are inevitable and (2) situations that are remediable. As the name implies, the inevitable situations are those which cannot be avoided, evaded, escaped or resisted as death etc. Hence there is no sense worrying about worries originating from inevitable situations because there is nothing we can do about them, except keep smiling. Similarly, we need not worry about the worries springing from situations that are remediable because such situations can be remedied by right actions and right efforts.

Now let us pause for a moment and think — do we really need to worry about anything? No wise man will do. But we still worry; for we are inept, dull and wretched.

In fact, for most of us, to worry over almost everything has become not only habit but also pastime or a fashion. For example, if someone is worry-free he is looked down in today’s society as an irresponsible or careless person. On the other hand, if a person foolishly worries over every little thing, he/she is considered responsible, sincere and respectable person! What a travesty of Truth!

Excessive wealth or its absence, as well as dependence on others, can also become the root of worry

More the material wealth or possessions more one worries. On the other hand, one who has little, wanders around in anxiety searching for more. Thus, both “haves” and “have-nots” worry and suffer. Only the one liberated from both conditions is said to be truly at peace.

  • ਵਡੇ ਵਡੇ ਜੋ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਲੋਗ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਕਉ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗ ॥੧॥ : Those who seem to be great and powerful, are afflicted by the disease of worry. ||1|| (sggs 188).
  • ਗੈਵਰ ਹੈਵਰ ਕੰਚਨ ਸੁਤ ਨਾਰੀ ॥ ਬਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਪਿੜ ਚਾਲੈ ਹਾਰੀ ॥ : One who is emotionally attached to the family and worldly Battle of Life is Waged Moment to Moment, remains in worry about them, they lose the battle of life and depart. (sggs 222).
  • ਅੰਤਰਿ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਨੈਣੀ ਸੁਖੀ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਭੁਖ ॥ : One who harbors anxiety within but seems to be happy, his material hunger never gets fulfilled. (sggs 319).
  • ਜਿਸੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਚਿੰਤਾ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਥੋਰੀ ਸੁ ਫਿਰੈ ਭ੍ਰਮੰਤਾ ॥ ਦੁਹੂ ਬਿਵਸਥਾ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਮੁਕਤਾ ਸੋਈ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ਭਾਲੀਐ ॥੧॥ : That (person’s) house in which there is plenty (of wealth), suffers anxiety (worry of losing, wanting more etc.). That (person’s) house in which there is little, wanders around in pursuit of it. A person who is liberated from both states (abundance and shortage) alone is seen to be in peace/comfort (ਸੁਖੀ, ਸੌਖਾ…). ||1|| (sggs 1019).

Having expectations or dependency on others, and assuming help/support from others and not getting it, is also the root of a painful type of worry when expectations remain fulfilled.

  • ਤਜਿ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਅਰੁ ਚਿੰਤ ਬਿਰਾਨੀ ਸਾਧਹ ਸਰਨ ਪਏ ॥ ਜਪਿ ਜਪਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਰੋ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਰੋਗ ਖਏ ॥੧॥ : Renouncing negativity of egotism and dependence on others, those who come to the refuge of the Guru (Giyan-Wisdom, Guidance…); and, O Creator, by always remaining united with your Naam (life of abidance in Divine Giyan / Virtues / Hukam), all their afflictions get destroyed. ||1|| (sggs 829).

The Shabad Guru (SGGS) teaches us that regardless if one is householder or otherwise, worry and related anxiety affect all of us at some point in our lives. Additionally, it touches on many different aspects of our lives. As a result, we end up spending tremendous amount of time and energy worrying which produces no results.

Most things we worry about don’t even happen; but we still torment ourselves with disturbing thoughts and worry about them! Thus, worry is an unproductive and wastefully extravagant pastime of the instinctive/deluded mind. It’s similar to a negative spiral; the more time and energy we spend worrying, the deeper we get into it. It feeds on itself. Resulting in weak mind and body.

  • ਨਹ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤ ਭ੍ਰਾਤਹ ਨਹ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਕਛੁ ਲੋਕ ਕਹ ॥ ਨਹ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਬਨਿਤਾ ਸੁਤ ਮੀਤਹ ਪ੍ਰਵਿਰਤਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਸਨਬੰਧਨਹ ॥ : Do not worry about sustenance of your mother, father and siblings, also do not worry a bit about what other people say. Do not worry about spouse, children, friends, and all those people who are related to us because of our embracing of creation. (sggs 1355).

Treatment of Worry – The Gurmat’s Eternal Remedy

The Shabad Guru’s (SGGS) counsel to avoid/treat worries is unique. In a nutshell, in the Sikhi of Guru Nanak, the progenitor Guru of Sikhi, living by Naam (conforming to Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) is the gist/essence of Sikhi Way of life — Eternal Remedy. It cures all ills of the defective mindset, beastly mindset (ਪਸੁ-Pasu), Demonic mindset (ਪ੍ਰੇਤ-Preyt), UN-enlightened mindset (ਮੁਘਦ-Mughad) ego hardened mindset (ਪਾਥਰ-Pathar), Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree mindset, and so on.

  • ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਅਉਖਦੁ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਕਲਿਆਣ ਰੂਪ ਮੰਗਲ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਮ ॥ : Conformance to the Divine Naam (life of abidance in Divine Giyan / Virtues / Hukam) is the eternal remedy that heals and keeps away all ills of the mind. Remembering and living by the Divine Naam in life fills the mind with joy and spiritual/moral prosperity. (sggs 274).
  • ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਗਈ ਬਿਲਾਇ ॥ : When I internalize/realize the Treasure of the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam), my worry goes away. (sggs 1317).

The Gurmat Injunctions helps the seeker of truth externalize the negative thoughts and anxiety that often loop in our minds — moving them from our head. It offers assurance, removing our doubts or fears providing Counsel that instills confidence and reduce anxiety/worry/stress.

  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਆਇਓ ਸਰਣਿ ਤੁਹਾਰੀ ॥ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੂਖੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਭਾ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਲਾਹਿ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O SatGuru (true Giyan-Wisdom), I have come to Your refuge, please remove my anxiety; bless me with Naam (life of abidance in Divine Giyan / Virtues / Hukam) which is the celestial peace and glory for me. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 913).
  • ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਚਿੰਤ ਬਿਰਾਨੀ ਛਾਡੀ ॥ : Upon joining the seekers of truth, I gave up worrying about help/expectations from others. (sggs 671).
  • ਚਿੰਤ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ਸੋਚ ਅਸੋਚਾ ਸੋਗੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਥਾਕਾ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗ ਮਿਟੇ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਜਮ ਤੇ ਭਏ ਬਿਬਾਕਾ ॥੩॥ : (Being imbued with the Divine Naam) I am freed from all anxieties and worries; my grief, greed and emotional attachments are gone. By the Grace of the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom, I am cured of the disease of egotism and I am freed from Jum. ||3|| (sggs 671).
  • ਜਾ ਕੈ ਅਚਿੰਤੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਕਤਹੂੰ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੨॥: Person in whose mind the Presence of the Creator, who is free of anxiety, is realized, nothing will ever worry him. ||2|| (sggs 186).
  • ਨਾਨਕ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਹੇਇ ॥ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਇਅਨੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਭਿ ਰੋਜੀ ਦੇਇ ॥ : Nanak, don’t worry about what is beyond our reach and leave it to the Cosmic Law/Hukam/ਨਿਯਮ. (for example) numerous creatures or life have been created in water, they get their food according to the Cosmic Law. (sggs 955).
  • ਚਿੰਤਾ ਭਿ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਾਇਸੀ ਅਚਿੰਤੁ ਭਿ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਇ ॥ : He Himself makes the mortals worry, and He Himself takes the worry away (sggs 1376).
  • ਚਿੰਤਾ ਧਾਵਤ ਰਹਿ ਗਏ ਤਾਂ ਮਨਿ ਭਇਆ ਅਨੰਦੁ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੀ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਸਾ ਧਨ ਸੁਤੀ ਨਿਚਿੰਦ ॥ : The ‘Anand‘ welled up in the mind of only those who stopped wandering in the anxiety for Maya. This can be understood only by the Grace of the  Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom, and any person who understands this, rejoices in a worry free life. (sggs 1415).
  • ਚਿੰਤਾ ਜਾਲਿ ਤਨੁ ਜਾਲਿਆ ਬੈਰਾਗੀਅੜੇ ॥ ਜੇ ਮਨੁ ਮਿਰਤਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਵਣਾਹੰਬੈ ॥ ॥੫॥ : O ascetic/renunciate! If a man’s mind becomes free of worldly desire, he has burned away attachment to the body by burning away worry. ||5||  (sggs 1104).
  • ਗਤਿ ਅਵਗਤਿ ਕੀ ਚਿੰਤ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਫੁਰਮਾਈ ॥੩॥ : One does not have to worry about emancipation or denial of emancipation when one lives the SatGuru’s true Giyan-Wisdom. (sggs 1328).

The preceding Shabads of eternal assurance can revive in a seeker of truth the fount of enthusiasm, self-confidence, faith, self-discipline, self-control, spontaneity, inner perfection, equanimity, moral and spiritual strength with which one can meet the life’s challenges head-on.

According to the Puranas composed by the Brahmin-Vaad, ‘CHINTAMANI-ਚਿੰਤਾਮਨਿ‘ is a gem (jewel) which gives desired results. But the Gurbani (SGGS) rejects this myth concocted by the crafty Brahmin-Vaad. That said, in the Gurbani, ‘CHINTAMANI‘ is said to be the Creator (Akal). If the Guru’s teachings (SGGS) are lived in life, then the Creator’s Presence, the destroyer of all worries — CHINTAMANI — is realized within.

  • ਚਿੰਤਾਮਣਿ ਕਰੁਣਾ ਮਏ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : The Creator is compassionate and fulfiller of wishes — ‘CHINTAMANI-ਚਿੰਤਾਮਨਿ‘. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 212).
  • ਨਾਨਕ ਕਹਤ ਚੇਤ ਚਿੰਤਾਮਨਿ ਤੈ ਭੀ ਉਤਰਹਿ ਪਾਰਾ ॥੩॥੪॥ : Nanak says, remain conscious of the Creator who is the fulfiller of wishes — ‘CHINTAMANI‘ — with this you are also ferried across this dreadful worldly ocean (Bhav Sagar) of vices/Bikaar. ||3||4|| (sggs 632).
  • ਜਬ ਹੀ ਸਰਨਿ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਆਇਓ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਗਲ ਬਿਨਾਸੀ ॥ ਤਬ ਨਾਨਕ ਚੇਤਿਓ ਚਿੰਤਾਮਨਿ ਕਾਟੀ ਜਮ ਕੀ ਫਾਸੀ ॥੩॥੭॥ : When a person comes to the Guru’s refuge (i.e. Giyan-Wisdom) all his evil intellect vanishes. Nanak, then he/she remains conscious of the Creator who is the fulfiller of wishes — ‘CHINTAMANI‘ — with this his/her noose of JUM gets snapped. ||3||7||(sggs 533).

With the acceptance of the Creator’s authority (obeying the Divine Hukam) comes the internal transformation and the increased endurance. A strong mind signal’s a strong body. A strong mind is a controlled mind.

  • ਹਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਜੀਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਪੜਿ ਬੁਝਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਵਣਿਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪੜਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਲਾਹਹਿ ਦਰਿ ਸਚੈ ਸੋਭਾ ਪਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : I adore those who after reading and understanding (the holy Word), enshrine Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) in their mind. Those who become the Gurmukh (Enlightened, Guru-Shabad-Oriented) read and acknowledge/accept/obey/live Divine Naam and live a Creator/Hukam oriented glorious life (‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ’). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 127).
  • ਨਾ ਝੁਰੁ ਹੀਅੜੇ ਸਚੁ ਚਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੋ ਸਚੁ ॥੨॥ : Says Nanak, don’t worry O my mind; realize the Creator’s Presence within, who is truly eternal. ||2|| (sggs 1088).
  • ਧਿਆਈਐ ਅਪਨੋ ਸਦਾ ਹਰੀ ॥ ਸੋਚ ਅੰਦੇਸਾ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਕਹਾ ਕਰੀਐ ਜਾ ਮਹਿ ਏਕ ਘਰੀ ॥ : I should always focus upon my eternal Creator. Why think/worry when my stay in this world is only for a short time. (sggs 499).

Due to superimposition of the falsehood or negativity of the false-ego-sense unto one’s Jot Saroop, the Divine Qualities remain dormant within, a potential waiting to be awakened by the seeker of truth. Constant Shabad-Vichaar or churning the Gurbani can help us awaken our Divine Nature within. As our falsehood thins out, our mind will be able to reflect the Light of the Mool (Source); the state of complete tranquillity or the ultimate peace whose surface is disturbed by not even the ripple of a wave of desires and fear. In other words, once the superimposition (false-ego-sense or ignorance of the Mool) is removed, the Substratum (i.e. Mool, Source, Jot) alone remains! That said,  the Gurbani roars at us to get up, roll our sleeves, and win a total victory over worry!

  • ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਸੁਪਨੈ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੩॥ : Whose mind is imbued in the treasure of the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam), he/she suffers no worry, even in dreams. ||3|| (sggs 388).
  • ਹਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੇ ਮਿਟੀ ਮੇਰੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ॥੨॥ : Contemplating the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam), my worry has come to an end. ||2|| (sggs 189).
  • ਹਰਿ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਤੇ ਮਿਟੈ ਸਭ ਚਿੰਤਾ ॥ : Being imbued in the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam), worry departs. (sggs 201).
  • ਲਾਥੀ ਭੂਖ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਸਭ ਲਾਥੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਸਗਲ ਬਿਸਾਰੀ ॥ ਕਰੁ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਧਰਿਓ ਮਨੁ ਜੀਤੋ ਜਗੁ ਸਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ : My hunger yearning (for Maya) has totally departed, and all my worries are forgotten now. With the Awakening of Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom within; I have conquering my mind and I feel as if have conquered the whole world. ||1|| (sggs 215).

A person in Spiritual Consciousness is always transcendental to the modes of material nature (i.e. Maya). As the Divine Essence takes charge, one becomes free from worldly attractions/temptations and related corrupting influences and worries. He has no expectations for the result of the work entrusted to him/her, because that person is above false-ego-sense and its devastating faults. Therefore, he/she does not worry about the distress, hurdles or obstacles related to any undertaking. He does not care for success or failure; for he is equal in both distress and happiness, and insult and praise (equanimity). This is the state of ultimate goodness.

  • ਬਾਬਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥ ਸਭ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਗਣਤ ਮਿਟਾਈ ॥੪॥੭॥੫੭॥ : Baba Nanak says: The one who takes the Creator’s refuge (Becoming imbued in Naam: Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam); all his/her worries and counting (Mayaic Gintee Mintee-ਗਿਣਤੀ ਮਿਣਤੀ) are dispelled. ||4||7||57|| (sggs 623).
  • ਨਿਰਭਉ ਭਏ ਪਰਾਨ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਸਗਲ ਲਹੀ ॥ : (Since I sought the refuge of the Creator) I have become fearless, and all my worries have left me. (sggs 458).
  • ਮਰਣੈ ਕੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਨਹੀ ਜੀਵਣ ਕੀ ਨਹੀ ਆਸ ॥ : (When mind is attuned to the Divine) I have no worry about dying, and no craving for living long life (sggs 20).
  • ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਮਨਿ ਹੋਵਤ ਸੂਖ ॥ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਜਾਇ ਮਿਟੈ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਪਹੁਚਨਹਾਰੁ ॥ : Realizing/internalizing the Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam), the mind becomes peaceful. Worry departs, and false-ego-sense vanishes. No one can equal that humble devotee (Bhagat, Das, Gumukh, seeker of truth…). (sggs 293).
  • ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਇ ਅਨੰਤਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਏ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ॥੪॥ : By living Divine Virtues in life, now I have realized the Presence of God within, Nij Ghar. Nanak, by realizing God I have become worry-free. ||4|| (sggs 371).

That said, Naam is not Tant-Mant or empty chanting of some words (e.g. “Waheguru Waheguru” or “ram Ram” etc) to fulfill baser desires, or obtain spiritual solace etc. It is a battle with the self waged every moment. Without Naam, the battle to conquer the bestial mind cannot be won. In other words, without Naam the mind’s beastly nature (“ਕਰਤੂਤਿ ਪਸੂ ਕੀ ਮਾਨਸ ਜਾਤਿ”) cannot be overcome.

Difficulties are within our own mind

The Gurbani (SGGS) reminds us that both heaven and hell are created by the mind!

Once I understand and become Aware that the difficulties are within my own mind, I can begin the process of removing my inner weaknesses. Only the inner silence, stillness, peace (Sahaj) that I gain through living conforming to Naam (Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) will help.

Just as the weather changes, so do our inner realms. We all experience moments when heavier and darker clouds roll in — times when worry, anxiety, frustration, or anger threaten to disrupt our joy and tranquillity. When we are caught in these storms, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or to judge ourselves for not feeling spiritual or moral enough.

Since everything in this world is changeable, fleeting, unstable or impermanent, the Gurbani repeatedly reminds us it’s not worth worrying about fleeting objects of the world. But due to lack in Giyan-Wisdom, self-integration or self-unfoldment, we do not have much faith and self-confidence in the Creator who resides within the bosom of each and everyone being Here and Now. As explained in the Gurbani, we have superimposed the false ego (“I-ness“) on our true self (Jot Saroop) which is ever worry-free. When there is no baser desires, there is no worry.

In a nutshell, it’s all in the mind. That is to say, when mind abides in its Jot Saroop, one is worry-free. To the contrary, when mind abides in the false-ego-sense, one is worry-full. In other words, it is a choice — whether to worry or not.

  • ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਜੋ ਅਨਹੋਨੀ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਸੰਸਾਰ ਕੋ ਨਾਨਕ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ : Worry about an occurrence which is unusual (uncommon or different from that of other people). O Nanak! The way of the world is such (that everyone is transient here), no one is permanent (sggs 1429).
  • ਕਾਇਆ ਆਰਣੁ ਮਨੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਲੋਹਾ ਪੰਚ ਅਗਨਿ ਤਿਤੁ ਲਾਗਿ ਰਹੀ ॥ ਕੋਇਲੇ ਪਾਪ ਪੜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਊਪਰਿ ਮਨੁ ਜਲਿਆ ਸੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਚਿੰਤ ਭਈ ॥੩॥ : The body is a furnace, and the mind is the iron within it; the five fires of passion (lust, anger, etc.) are heating it. Sin is the charcoal placed upon it, which burns the mind; the tongs are anxiety and worry ||3|| (sggs 990).
  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਸੇਵਿਐ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਦੁਖੁ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਅਚਿੰਤੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥ : By following the True Giyan-Wisdom of the SatGuru, I find a lasting peace, and one’s suffering of birth and death goes away. Then, there is absolutely no anxiety, since the Worry-free Creator’s is realized in my mind. (sggs 587).
  • ਗੁਰੁ ਸੁੰਦਰੁ ਮੋਹਨੁ ਪਾਇ ਕਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਬਾਣੀ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ॥ ਮੇਰੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਸੁਧਿ ਬੁਧਿ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਗਈ ਮਨ ਆਸਾ ਚਿੰਤ ਵਿਸਾਰਿਆ ॥ : Upon internalizing the beautiful and fascinating Giyan-Wisdom of the Guru, I have conquered my mind with his loving Divine Bani. (sggs 776).

That said, a person creates his/her own worries. Therefore, it’s only he/she who can undo it. Nobody else can do it for you. Therefore, as repeatedly Counseled by the Gurbani (SGGS), we don’t have to live a life ruled by worries. If we can change our clothes, jobs, friends, spouses etc, then why we cannot change ourselves! Therefore, if one intends to be worry-free, the Gurbani’s advice is to surrender falsehood to the Divine Consciousness within. When so surrendered unconditionally, one takes life as it presents itself to him/her, without worrying about the good or bad omens etc. Furthermore, with the removal of falsehood from within, he/she feels full, contented and completely satisfied.

We humans are the crown-jewel of the creation. We are born with the Transcendental Qualities that are conducive to liberation from the worldly attractions /temptations and their corrupting influences. Then, what went wrong? LUST destroyed it!

  • ਅਵਰ ਜੋਨਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਪਨਿਹਾਰੀ ॥ ਇਸੁ ਧਰਤੀ ਮਹਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਿਕਦਾਰੀ ॥ ਸੁਇਨਾ ਰੂਪਾ ਤੁਝ ਪਹਿ ਦਾਮ ॥ ਸੀਲੁ ਬਿਗਾਰਿਓ ਤੇਰਾ ਕਾਮ ॥੪॥ : (O human beings) other living species are at your service. You have dominion over this earth. You have gold, silver, wealth (i.e. material possessions which other species do not have). But LUST (i.e. vices/Bikaar) has destroyed/spoiled/corrupted your good nature/conduct. ||4|| (sggs 374).

When the mind is anchored on abiding the Gurmat injunctions in daily life, we stop the unauthorized thoughts from entering our mental recesses. With this one-pointedness is how we reclaim our worry-free Nature. This is the daily medicine.

Worry is like a swing – it won’t get you anywhere!

Worry can be likened to a swing, which will give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere. Instead of living in the eternity of the present moment (NOW), we worry about the past and the future knowing well that worry can’t change the past but it can certainly ruin the NOW. With the present thus ruined, most of us end up worrying about the future.

Irrespective of whether we worry or not, in a few hours “today” will become “yesterday” and “tomorrow” will again become “today”. In other words, today is the tomorrow we all worried about yesterday! Clearly, the habit of worry is totally illogical.

The Gurbani’s timeless Counsel is that, with the mind distracted by acute worry, one cannot recognize his/her own True self” (Mool, Source, Origin, Jot Saroop). In other words, worry being the attachment to the bewitching and mirage-like worldliness, there can be no union between the falsehood and Truth.

Falsehood has to leave our mind for the Truth to rekindle. Worry is chaos, which does not let us perceive our True self. Therefore, we are urged by the Gurbani to make ourselves free of the tormenting disturbances caused by the worry and related anxiety.

Coping successfully with worry involves taking deliberate action with strong will to free oneself from the falsehood — it takes a conscious choice, a decision to change, and lots of hard work to remove the perpetual flow of baser desires and fear. If the habit of worry is left unchecked, after a time it becomes stubborn mindedness and responds less and less to any ordinary treatments.

  • ਨਾਨਕ ਚਿਤੁ ਅਚੇਤੁ ਹੈ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਬਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ : Nanak, one whose conscience is unconscious departs from this world bound by worry. (sggs 955).

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