Monday, December 31, 2012

news


Weekender: Moni Hanspal, account manager, 39

'As Sikhs, we're not meant to eat meat, but we'll be bending the rules to eat turkey this Christmas, and the kids will get presents'
Weekender: Moni Hanspal
Moni Hanspal: 'We tend to celebrate everything. Why not?' Click on picture for a fuller frame
Most people think I'm a lot younger than I am. I must have inherited a good gene from my parents, which is making me look young, even though I don't feel it. Having three kids under seven reminds me of my age.
My advice for managing three young children is to take every day as it comes. I have to balance a busy job working for an airline with three young children, although really the honours go to my wife, who stays at home and holds the fort. I took a week off to look after the kids at half-term, and they were longing to go back to school – I think I bored them.
We'll definitely be celebrating Christmas. It would be hard not to – like going to a Middle Eastern country during Eid, and sitting and twiddling your thumbs while everyone else is celebrating. As Sikhs, we're not meant to eat meat, but we'll bend the rules to eat turkey, and the kids will get presents. To be honest, we tend to celebrate everything. Why not? Our kids go to such a multicultural school, and celebrating Jewish new year, Eid or Diwali is a great way to educate them.
What child isn't excited about Christmas? It has almost become a commercial entity now – everyone uses it to sell something. As parents, you either go with it or you're going to be in your kids' bad books. We'd be struck off our children's Christmas card lists for a long time if we didn't get them something.

Fremont sangat sends $16,000 for Haiti quake hit

Fremont sangat sends $16,000 for Haiti quake hit
Satnam Singh Khalsa
In order to reach out to the victims of haiti earthquake, the Sikhs from all over the world, in keeping with the message of universal welfare preached by their religion, are trying to gather resources to help in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Gurdwara Sahib, Fremont in California took a lead in this connection and organized a fund raising led by Malkiat Singh Dhaliwal. About $16,000 were collected which were sent to the Clinton-Bush committee set up by US President Barack Obama. The amount was sent via Fremont CA Mayor Bob Wasserman.
 3 February 2010

Friday, December 28, 2012

Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The Smallest Saroop Of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Ji

 

Guru Grand Sahib Jii...

Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's Saroop going from Soho Road Gurdwara.

Sikhi

KESh Sikhi Di pehchaan ae....

GrandSon kede passo Ek Singh Disda ae????

Shaheed

Bhai Fauja Singh - Shaheedi Saroop

Dasam Bani Gutka

Dasam Bani Gutka

Kesh








Kesh,Singh Di Pehchaan

 Kesh Di Beadbi ...Sikhi Di Beadbi Hai.....Sikhi Di Pehchaan Kesh Ne .....Kesh Kataun Walea Nu Apne Naam De Agge Singh Lagaan da koi Adikaar ni......  
 

wahe guru ji ka khalsa wahe guru ji ki fateh khalsa

Guru ki sangat.....

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sikhi


RALLY AGAINST SGPC TASK FORCE INCIDENT





AMRITSAR SAHIB (KP) - In the last week of July, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) showed its true face when several gursikhs belonging to Akhand Kirtani Jatha and other organizations had gathered to have a discourse with Avtar Makkar, president of SGPC when suddenly they were attacked by the SGPC Task Force which resulted in beadbi of their Kesh (hair) and removing of turbans which is regarded as the most shameful act in the Sikh community.

In response to the disgraceful act of the SGPC members, Akhand Kirtani Jatha organized a peaceful protest and demanded the guilty to be called at Akal Takht Sahib and punished for their misdeeds. The Jatha also demanded public apology from Makkar. The 11 member executive committee of AKJ presented their demands and requests in a form of a letter to the Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahib. At the time, three victims of the abuse by the SGPC Task Force Mukhtiar Singh Patiala, Jagjit Singh and Tejwant Singh were also present and informed the Jathedar of the events that took place. To discuss the matter the Jathedar had called for a meeting on August 22nd which was attended by SGPC staff and several members of the AKJ.

Many members of AKJ including Bhai Bakhsheesh Singh, Bhai Paramjit Singh, Bhai Nirmalbir Singh, Bhai Avtar Singh, Bhai Maninderpal Singh, Bhai Arjan Singh, Bhai R.P. Singh and Bhai S.P.Singh blamed Makkar for he events that took place in Patiala and requested the Jathedar to summon Makkar at Akal Takht Sahib and have him publicly apologize to the sangat. They stated that SGPC Task Force was also responsible for it since they insulted the Sikhi saroop (Sikh identity) which has hurt the sentiments of many members of the Sikh community.

The True face of SGPC Task Force

SGPC Task Force members dragging Bhai Mukhtiar Singh of Patiala by his sacred hair.  Bhai Mukhtiar Singh came to talk to  Avtar Makkar regarding the disrespect of Guru Ganth Sahib Ji attacked by  SGPC 'task force'. <br />
SGPC Task Force members dragging Bhai Mukhtiar Singh of Patiala by his sacred hair.
Bhai Mukhtiar Singh came to talk to Avtar Makkar regarding the disrespect of Guru Ganth Sahib Ji attacked by SGPC 'task force'.


Bhai Mukhtiar Singh being escorted by the police after assaulted by SGPC 'task force'.
Bhai Mukhtiar Singh being escorted by the police after assaulted by SGPC 'task force'.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Sikhi Swaroop

Sri Guru Granth Sahib on 'Rahat'

ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਤਾ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਰਹਤJini jaataa tis kee ih Rahat
This is the 'Rahat' of him who Knows... (sggs 294).
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According to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), what is the 'Rahat' of the one who "Knows" (Brahm, Truth, Mool-ਮੂਲ, Source, Reality, Highest Spiritual Realization...)?
Essentially, the term 'Rahat' indicates the Way of the Divine Lifstyle - walking in the Way of the Lord, or Truth (ਸਚ); remaining firmly committed to the Divine Hukam, the Way of the Soul ("ਆਤਮ ਕੀ ਰਹਤ"), the Naam, or the true Giaan of the Gurbani [ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਅਸਲੀ ਅਰਥਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ ਵਾਲਾ ਜੀਵਨ, ਗੁਰਮਤ (ਆਤਮ ਗਿਆਨ, ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ) ਵਾਲਾ ਜੀਵਨ, ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ, ਅਮਲੀ ਜੀਵਨ, ਹੁਕਮੀ ਜੀਵਨ...].
Thus, in a nutshell, for a Sikh, the entire Gurbani is the 'True Rahat' ("ਸਚੀ ਰਹਤ" or "ਸਾਚੀ ਰਹਤ": the True Teaching of the Gurbani-Gurmat, Gur-Giaan, Aatam-Giaan, Bibek-Budhi [ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਅਸਲੀ ਅਰਥਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ ਵਾਲਾ ਜੀਵਨ, ਗੁਰਮਤ (ਆਤਮ ਗਿਆਨ, ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ) ਵਾਲਾ ਜੀਵਨ, ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ, ਅਮਲੀ ਜੀਵਨ, ਹੁਕਮੀ ਜੀਵਨ...]!
Now, specifically, what is that Divine Lifestyle recommended in the Universal Teaching of the SGGS? The recommendation of the SGGS is to absolutely live the Gurmukh Lifestyle of Divine Knowledge and discriminating intellect (the true Saintly Life of "Giaanu Bibek Budhi", Divine Life, ਗਿਆਨੁ ਅਤੇ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਵਾਲਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੀਵਨ...).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਮਾਨੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਮਾਇਦਾ ॥੯॥: Gurmukhi hoi su hukamu pachhaanai maanai hukamu samaaidaa (sggs 1037).
  • ਸੰਤ ਚੁਗਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਈ ॥: Sant chugahi nit gurmukhi hoee (sggs 128).
  • ਚਾਲਹਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ॥: Chaalahi gurmukhi hukami rajaaee (sggs 227).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਹੋਇ ॥: Gurmukhi giaanu bibek budhi hoi (sggs 317).
The Gurmukh Lifestyle ('Rahat') is the opposite of ALL other lifestyles in this world. This is to say that the 'Rahat' as prescribed in the Gurbani is different than all others in the world. How so?
First, the 'Rahat' prescribed by the SGGS is the 'Rahat' of the "Mahaa Purakh" (of the Parmeshar, of the Lord, ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਦੀ ਰਹਤ -"ਇਹ ਬਾਣੀ ਮਹਾ ਪੁਰਖ ਕੀ"), while all other Rahat are man-made (ਬੰਦੇ ਦੀ ਅਪਣੀ ਮਰਜੀ, self-will...).
  • ਇਹ ਬਾਣੀ ਮਹਾ ਪੁਰਖ ਕੀ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੪੦॥: Ih baanee mahaa purakh kee nij ghari vaasaa hoi ||40|| (sggs 935).
  • ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਮਤੀ ਕਚੁ ਪਿਚੁ ਅੰਧਿਆ ਅੰਧੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥: Hor kachee matee kachu pichu andhiaa andhu beechaaru (sggs 1242).
  • ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਕੈ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਜਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਤੀਤੈ ਸੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥: Permesar ke duaarai ji hoyi biteetai su Nanak aakh sunavai (sggs 373).
Second, the Gurbani (SGGS) says that the 'Rahat' taught or talked by the preachers, etc., is disappointing - their own way of life is unpleasing (i.e., their own lifestyle stinks)!
  • ਕਹਤਿਅਹ ਕਹਤੀ ਸੁਣੀ ਰਹਤ ਕੋ ਖੁਸੀ ਨ ਆਯਉ ॥: Kahtiah kahatee sunee rahat ko khusee n aaioo (1396).
Last, but not least, as repeatedly indicated in the Gurbani, indulging in Karamkaand (rituals...) and embellishing the gross body (which is Maya) in stubborn-mindedness with symbols ("ਮਨ ਕਾ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਢੀਠਾ"...), etc., is nothing but pouring more fuel on the inferno of the false ego-sense (Haumai).
  • ਬਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਤੀਰਥ ਸਹਿਤ ਗੰਗਾ ॥ ਜਲੁ ਹੇਵਤ ਭੂਖ ਅਰੁ ਨੰਗਾ ॥ ਪੂਜਾਚਾਰ ਕਰਤ ਮੇਲੰਗਾ ॥ ਚਕ੍ਰ ਕਰਮ ਤਿਲਕ ਖਾਟੰਗਾ ॥ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਭੇਟੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਸੰਗਾ ॥੧॥ ਹਠਿ ਨਿਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਅਤਿ ਰਹਤ ਬਿਟੰਗਾ ॥ ਹਉ ਰੋਗੁ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਚੁਕੈ ਨ ਭੰਗਾ ॥ ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਅਤਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਜਰੰਗਾ ॥ ਸੋ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਸੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਚੰਗਾ ॥੨॥੩॥੩੬॥: Barat nem teerath sahit gangaa... (sggs 1305).
The Gurbani warns us that none of such mental trickery or mental circus of ours will help diminish the lack of 'True Rahat' (i.e., lack of Spiritual Life, Gurmukh Lifestyle - ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ, ਅਮਲੀ ਜੀਵਨ) from within us.
Now, what is that Gurmukh Lifestyle recommended in the Gurbani? As the Gurbani indicates: the Gurmukh is linked to his Mool within (ਮੂਲ, Source, Origin Truth...), and ever remains so; he is contented in all situations (Sach Santokhee); he is the follower of the Truth; his mind is linked to Antar-Aatmaa; his Akal (ਅਕਲ , wisdom, intellect, reason, etc.) follows the Gurbani; he restrains his mind instead of following his mind; his state is that of "ਇਕ ਮਨਿ ਇਕ ਚਿਤਿ " - Ik Mani Ik Chiti; he is detached in the midst of Maya - ਮਾਇਆ ਵਿਚ ਉਦਾਸੀ; he is established in Viveka-budhi - ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰਮਤ ਦੀ ਪੂਰੀ ਸੋਝੀ ਹੈ; he knows all the "Way of the soul" ("ਜਾਨੈ ਆਤਮ ਕੀ ਰਹਤ", ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ, ਅਮਲੀ ਜੀਵਨ, ਹੁਕਮੀ ਜੀਵਨ); he is Jeevan Mukat (living Liberated or Enlightened); he is Aatam or Brahm Giaanee...
  • ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਵਸੀਅਲੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਰਹੈ ॥: Ihu manu nihachalu hiradai vaseeale gurmukhi moolu pachhaani rahai (sggs 945).
  • ਗੁਣ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਿਰਤਾਰਥੁ ਸੋਭਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਈ ॥: Gun giaanu padaarathu hari hari kirataarathu sobhaa gurmukhi hoee (sggs 445).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕੋਈ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥: Gurmuki koee sachu kamaavai (sggs 1344).
  • ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕੋ ਹੋਈ ॥: Jeevan muktu gurmukhi ko hoee (sggs 232).
The Gurbani elaborates on the 'Rahat' of such Realized person ("ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਤਾ" - the Gurmukhs...) as follows:
  • 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 ॥ ਜੋ ਜੋ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਈ ਸੁਖੁ ਮਾਨੈ ॥ ਕਰਨ ਕਰਾਵਨਹਾਰੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਸੇ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਸਭ ਮੋਹੀ ॥੪॥: Sant janaa kaa pekhanu sabhu brahm... (sggs 294).
  • ਜਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਆਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਚੀਤਿ ॥ ਭਗਤੁ ਭਗਤੁ ਸੁਨੀਐ ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਇ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਏਕੋ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਚੁ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਰਹਤ ॥ ਸਚੁ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਸਤਿ ਮੁਖਿ ਕਹਤ ॥ ਸਾਚੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਾਚਾ ਆਕਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਚੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਾਚਾ ਪਾਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਤਾ ॥੮॥੧੫॥: Jaa kai mani gur kee parteet... (sggs 283).
  • 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 ॥ ਅਨਦ ਰੂਪ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥ ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਤ੍ਰੁ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਏਕ ਸਮਾਨੈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ॥੨॥ ਦੁਖ ਦੂਰਿ ਕਰਨ ਜੀਅ ਕੇ ਦਾਤਾਰਾ ॥ ਸੂਰਬੀਰ ਬਚਨ ਕੇ ਬਲੀ ॥ ਕਉਲਾ ਬਪੁਰੀ ਸੰਤੀ ਛਲੀ ॥੩॥ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਸੰਗੁ ਬਾਛਹਿ ਸੁਰਦੇਵ ॥ ਅਮੋਘ ਦਰਸੁ ਸਫਲ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਸੇਵ ॥ ਕਰ ਜੋੜਿ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਰੇ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਸੰਤਹ ਟਹਲ ਦੀਜੈ ਗੁਣਤਾਸਿ ॥੪॥੩੭॥੮੮॥: Aath pahar nikati kari jaanai... (sggs 392).
Prescribed in these verses is the 'True Rahat' ("ਸਚੀ ਰਹਤ", "ਸਾਚੀ ਰਹਤ") of the Gurbani. The Gurbani asserts that with such 'True Rahat' , one links back to his Mool (ਮੂਲ, Source, Origin, Truth, Reality...), and attains the real Sukh (" ਸੁਖੁ" - Eternal Happiness, Joy, Bliss...).
  • ਸਾਚੀ ਰਹਤ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਈ ॥: Saachee rahat saachaa mani soee (sggs 831).
  • ਸਚੀ ਰਹਤ ਸਚਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ॥੭॥: Sachee rahat sachaa sukhu paae ||7|| (sggs 1343).
The Gurbani indicates that such 'True Rahat' can only be lived or practiced by a person established in the Dasam Duaar or the Tenth Gate within (Duaar also seen spelt as Duar , Dwar , Dvar , etc.).
  • ਦਸਵੈ ਦੁਆਰਿ ਰਹਤ ਕਰੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇ ॥੩॥: dasavai duaari rahat kare tribhavan sojhee paai (sggs 490).
  • ਦਸਮ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਅਗਮ ਅਪਾਰਾ ਪਰਮ ਪੁਰਖ ਕੀ ਘਾਟੀ ॥: Dasam Duaaraa agam apaaraa param purakh kee ghaatee (sggs 974).
  • ਨਉ ਦਰ ਮੁਕਤੇ ਦਸਵੈ ਆਸਨੁ ॥: Naou dar mukate dasavai aasan (sggs 1040).
  • ਦਸਵੈ ਦੁਆਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ਆਇਆ ॥: Dasavai duaari pragatu hoi aaiaa (sggs 1096).
Simply put: Dasam Duaar is the Abode, Place, or Seat ("ਆਸਨੁ") of the Mool within (ਮੂਲ-Source...). Hidden within ("ਗੁਪਤੁ"), It links us with the Niraakaar (the Formless, Parmeshar...), while the external, physical nine gates of the gross body-frame link us with Maya (i.e., Sansaar, Jagat, or the world).
  • ਨਉ ਦਰਵਾਜੇ ਕਾਇਆ ਕੋਟੁ ਹੈ ਦਸਵੈ ਗੁਪਤੁ ਰਖੀਜੈ ॥: Naou darvaaje kaaiaa kotu hai dasavai guptu rakheejai (954).
And the mind will not link back to its Mool (ਮੂਲ-Source...) until it delinks itself from the Trikutee ("ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ" - Maya's knot...).
  • ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ ਛੂਟੈ ਦਸਵਾ ਦਰੁ ਖੂਲ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਤਾ ਮਨੁ ਖੀਵਾ ਭਾਈ ॥੩॥: Trikutee chhootai dasavaa daru khoolhai taa mani kheevaa bhaaee ||3|| (sggs 1123).
Therefore, as the Gurbani indicates, to boast or claim living the 'Rahat' while the mind is tied to the Trikutee ("ਤ੍ਰਿਕੁਟੀ" - Maya's knot...) and free to escape through the bodily nine gates is nothing but Bakabaad ("ਬਕਬਾਦੁ" - speaking nonsense, etc.) of the Mayaic or the Manmukh mind (self-willed, Saakat, Asant - resistang or opposer of the Hukam whose thoughts-speech-actions counter the Hukam, ਹੁਕਮ ਦਾ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ...).
  • ਮਨਮੁਖ ਕਥਨੀ ਹੈ ਪਰੁ ਰਹਤ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥: Manmukh kathanee hai paru rahat n hoee (sggs 831).
  • ਕਹਤਿਅਹ ਕਹਤੀ ਸੁਣੀ ਰਹਤ ਕੋ ਖੁਸੀ ਨ ਆਯਉ ॥: Kahtiah kahatee sunee rahat ko khusee n aaioo (1396).
  • ਕਾਂਇ ਰੇ ਬਕਬਾਦੁ ਲਾਇਓ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਓ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਛਪਾਇਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Kaanyi re bakabaadu laaio. Jini hari paaio tinahi chhapaaio ||1||Rahaaou|| (sggs 718).
The Gurbani offers us very simple formula for constantly remaining in the 'True Rahat': It asks us to adopt the 'Rahat' of remaining firmly committed to the Hukam (ਹੁਕਮ, Bhaanaa, Divine Will, ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਦੀ ਆਗਿਆ...) in our daily life. Because, as the Gurbani tells us, there is nothing outside the Divine Hukam (i.e., there is nothing beyond or exempt from the Hukam-ਹੁਕਮ...).
So, the Gurbani urges us to practice a 'Rahat' of absolute obedience to the Divine Hukam as do the water, fire, wind, earth, and the sky - they ever remain or function in accordance with the Divine Command / Hukam or ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਦੀ ਰਜਾ ("ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ")!
  • ਅਪੁ ਤੇਜੁ ਬਾਇ ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮੀ ਆਕਾਸਾ ॥ ਐਸੀ ਰਹਤ ਰਹਉ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਸਾ ॥: Apu teju baai prithamee aakaasaa. Aisee rahat rahaou hari paasaa (sggs 327).
  • ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਮਹੀਅਲਿ ਏਕੋ ਸੋਈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਏ ॥: Jali thali maheeali eko soee gurmukhi hukamu pachhaanaye (sggs 440).
  • ਙਿਆਨੀ ਰਹਤ ਆਗਿਆ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੁ ਜਾ ਕੈ ॥: Giaanee rahat aagiaa drirru jaa kai (sggs 251).
  • ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥: Hukamai andari sabh ko baahri hukam n koi (sggs 1).
  • ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਾਜਿ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਖੈ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ॥: Hukamu saaji hukamai vichi rakhai hukamai andari vekhai (sggs 1243).
In this way, for a Sikh, the entire Gurbani is the 'Rahat' - Divine Hukam (ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ; ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਦੀ ਮਰਜੀ; ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਦੀ ਆਗਿਆ; ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਦੀ ਰਜਾ, etc.; as oppose to self-will, Manmukhataa, etc.: ਬੰਦੇ ਦੀ ਅਪਣੀ ਮਰਜੀ, ਮਨਮੁਖਤਾ...).
  • ਹਉ ਆਪਹੁ ਬੋਲਿ ਨ ਜਾਣਦਾ ਮੈ ਕਹਿਆ ਸਭੁ ਹੁਕਮਾਉ ਜੀਉ ॥: Haou aapahu boli n jaanadaa mai kahiaa sbhau hukamaaou jeeou (sggs 763).
  • ਧੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਆਈ ॥ ਤਿਨਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਚਿੰਤ ਮਿਟਾਈ ॥: Dhur ki Bani aaee. Tin saglee chint mitaaee (sggs 628).
  • ਸੰਤਨ ਕੀ ਸੁਣਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਸਾਖੀ ॥ ਸੋ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਜੋ ਪੇਖਹਿ ਆਖੀ ॥: Santan kee sun saachee saakhee. So bolahi jo pekhahi aakhee (sggs 894).
  • ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਕੈ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਜਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਤੀਤੈ ਸੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥: Permesar ke duaarai ji hoyi biteetai su Nanak aakh sunavai (sggs 373).
  • ਜੈਸੀ ਮੈ ਆਵੈ ਖਸਮ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਤੈਸੜਾ ਕਰੀ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਵੇ ਲਾਲੋ ॥: Jaisee mai aavai khasam kee Bani taisadaa karee giyaan ve Lalo (sggs 722).
  • ਲੋਗੁ ਜਾਨੈ ਇਹੁ ਗੀਤੁ ਹੈ ਇਹੁ ਤਉ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥: Logu jaanai ihu geetu hai ihu taou brahm beechaar (sggs 335).
And, as the Gurbani asserts, only by Realizing the Hukam (ਹੁਕਮ) one can link back to his Mool (Source, Origin...).
  • ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਕੈ ਤਉ ਖਸਮੈ ਮਿਲਣਾ ॥੧॥: Nanak hukamu pachhani kai taou khasamai milanaa ||1|| (sggs 139).
Hence, mere nomenclature does not denote a Sikh or 'Rahat'. Only he who dissolves in the Gurmat (Divine Knowledge or Aatam-Giaan of the Gurbani...) as a doll made of salt dissolve itself in the water, and sees the world as the Gurbani does is the true Sikh.
To Understand the Hukam (ਹੁਕਮ), we are urged to thoroughly Realize the Aatam-Giaan (Divine Knowledge, Gurmat, Hukam...) of the Gurbani by engaging in the earnest Shabad-Vichaar, and then constantly living it (i.e., making the Prachand Giaan of the Gurbani, or the Gurmat the Way of life - 'Rahat', the Gurmukh Lifestyle)!
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਈਐ ਹਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥ Gurmukhi sabad kamaaeeai Har vasia mani aai (sggs 67).
  • ਬੂਝਹੁ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥: Boojhahu giaanee Sabadu beechaari (sggs 840).
  • ਪੜਿਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦੁ ਬੁਝਿਐ ਪਾਵਣਾ ॥: Parriai naahee bhedu bujhiai paavanaa (sggs 148).
  • ਬਿਨੁ ਬੂਝੇ ਪਸੂ ਭਏ ਬੇਤਾਲੇ ॥੬॥: Binu boojhe pasoo bhaye betaale ||6|| (sggs 224).
  • ਫਰੀਦਾ ਅਮਲ ਜਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਦੁਨੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਆਏ ਕੰਮਿ ॥੧੦੦॥: Freedaa amal ji keetai dunee vichi Dargah aaye Kammi ||100|| (sggs 1383).
  • ਕਰਣੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਘਟੇ ਘਟਿ ॥: Karanee baajhahu ghate ghati (sggs 25).
The Gurbani tells us that so long there is the false-ego sense (Haumai) in the mind, the Mool (ਮੂਲ, Origin, Source, Truth…) cannot be Realized regardless of what we do with the gross body-frame. Why? Because, as the Gurbani says, this body-frame is all Maya, and Parmeshar is neither impressed nor pleased by our outward displays (of Maya).
  • ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਤ ਭੇਖੀ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥: Haumai karat bhekhee nahee jaaniaa (sggs 226).
  • ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਨ ਕਾਹੂ ਭੀਨ ॥: Baahari bhekh n kaahoo bheen (sggs 269).
  • ਭੇਖ ਵਰਨ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਖੇਹ ॥: Bhekh varan deesahi sabhi kheh (sggs 352).
  • ਮੈ ਅਵਰੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਪੂਜਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਵਸਿ ਰਹੇ ॥ ਭੇਖੁ ਭਵਨੀ ਹਠੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਗਹਿ ਰਹੇ ॥੧॥: Mai avaru giaan n dhiaanu poojaa Hari Naamu antari vasi rahe. Bhekhu bhavanee hathu n jaanaa Nanakaa sachu gahi rahe ||1|| (sggs 843).
To reach the highest Spiritual Realization, or to link back to our Mool within (ਮੂਲ, Origin, Source, Truth…), the Gurbani asks us to become the Gurmukhs and adorn ourselves with the True Shabad (Shabad-Giaan, Aatm-Giaan of the Gur-Shbad-ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਦੀ ਰਹਤ, the Lord's Rahat...) and kill the false ego-sense (Haumai).
  • ਸਚਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੀਗਾਰੇ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਾਰਜ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥: Sachi sabadi seegaare haoumai maare kaaraj savaare (sggs 245).
  • ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੪॥: Jan Nanak haumai maari samaaiaa ||4|| (sggs 1376).
Those who have become the Gurmukhs and truly follow the Gur-Shabad's 'True Rahat' are said to be very "rare" ("ਬਿਰਲੇ") in this world. The rest of us - engrossed in Maya - just make "Parpanch" ("Parpanch-ਪਰਪੰਚ": worldly entanglements, schemes, contrivance, deception, artifice, ostentation, hypocrisy, ਅਡੰਬਰ, ਪਾਖੰਡ, ਛਲ...).
  • ਭਾਉ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਲਿਪਤ ਨ ਰੰਚ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਰਲੇ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ਜੋ ਨ ਰਚਹਿ ਪਰਪੰਚ ॥੫॥: Bhaaou bhagati bhagvaan sangi Maya lipat n ranch. Nanak birale paaeeahi jo n rachahi parpanch (sggs 297).
  • ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ਪਰਪੰਚੁ ਕਰਿ ਭਰਮਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੧੦॥: Binu gur sabadY mukati n hoee parpachu kari bharmaaee hae (sggs 1024).
The Gurbani urges us to become one of those "rare" ones who don't make "Parpanch" ("ਜੋ ਨ ਰਚਹਿ ਪਰਪੰਚ"), but, as Gurmukh, engage in Searching ("ਖੋਜ") and Understanding ("ਬੂਝਿ") the Gurbani. For the Lord in the Gurbani is indicated to be beyond all our schemes (contrivance, device...) and cleverness, who knows everything about Jeeva's (individual beings') Spiritual Lifestyle (ਆਤਮਕ ਰਹਿਣੀ)! That is, Parmeshar being the Inner-Knower (ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ), cannot be tricked!
  • ਉਪਾਵ ਸਿਆਨਪ ਸਗਲ ਤੇ ਰਹਤ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਕਛੁ ਜਾਨੈ ਆਤਮ ਕੀ ਰਹਤ ॥: Oupaav siaanap sagal te rahat. Sabhu kichhu jaanai aatam kee rahat (sggs 269).
  • ਏਨਾ ਅਖਰਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥: Enaa akharaa mahi jo gurmukhi boojhai tisu siri lekhu n hoee ||2|| (sggs 432).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੋਈ ਬੂਝੈ ਗੁਣ ਕਹਿ ਗੁਣੀ ਸਮਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥: Gurmukhi hovai soee boojhai gun kahi gunee samaavaniaa ||1|| (sggs 110).
  • ਖੋਜ ਬੂਝਿ ਜਉ ਕਰੈ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥ ਤਉ ਭਵਜਲ ਤਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਵੈ ਬਾਰਾ ॥੪੦॥: Khoj boojhi jaou kare beechaaraa. Taou bhavjal tarat n laavai baaraa ||40|| (sggs 342).

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Sikhi

INACTION IN ACTION

He who beholds inaction in action, spotlessly pure
is the Dharma of such a Vaishnav (sggs 549).
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So long one is living, action (or work) is inevitable; because life expresses itself in action. Therefore, avoiding actions in life is not possible. Body may get tired and rest (sleep etc.), but the mind never gets tired. Even when the body rests and sleeps, the mind still keeps acting or working (dreams etc.). Also, depending upon man's thought-condition (Vaasnaas or mind set), the quality of actions varies from person to person.
  • ਬੈਸਨੋ ਸੋ ਜਿਸੁ ਊਪਰਿ ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ॥ ਬਿਸਨ ਕੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਹੋਇ ਭਿੰਨ ॥ ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਿਹਕਰਮ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਬੈਸਨੋ ਕਾ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਧਰਮ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਫਲ ਕੀ ਇਛਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਾਛੈ ॥ ਕੇਵਲ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਚੈ ॥ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥ ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਹੋਵਤ ਕਿਰਪਾਲ ॥ ਆਪਿ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੈ ਅਵਰਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਵੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਓਹੁ ਬੈਸਨੋ ਪਰਮ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥: Baisno so jis oopar suparsann...: The true Vaishnav (the word "Vaishnav" literally means the one who worships Vishnu - the Supreme, All-pervading God - out of pure love, expecting nothing from Him in return) is the one with whom God is thoroughly pleased. He dwells apart from Maya. He who beholds inaction in action, spotlessly pure is the Dharma of such a Vaishnav. He has no desire for the fruits of his action. He is absorbed in the Bhagti (devotion) and Kirtan. Within his mind and body, he meditates (Naam-Simran) on God. He is kind to all. He holds fast to the Lord's Name (Naam) himself, and inspires others to chant it. Says Nanak: such a Vaishnav obtains the Supreme Status (sggs 274).
Furthermore, on the surface, the statement "inaction in action" sounds paradoxical as well. That is, how can there be inaction in action or action in inaction? What does it really mean then? Another point: in the foregoing Shabad, although the Guru Sahib seems to be addressing a Vaishnav, but the underlying gist of the Message, Instructions or Teachings is for everybody, including the Sikhs as well!
Human activities lead either outwardly to sensory (worldly) consciousness (Manmukhtaa) or inwardly to Soul Consciousness (Gurmukhtaa). Thus the person in worldly consciousness performs his actions to gratify his senses, and consequently reaps a little fleeting pleasure mixed with much restlessness and sorrows. Whereas the Gurmukh (spiritual being) or the Mahaatamaan (Great Soul) employs his time and energy in meditation (Naam-Simran), introspection, and spiritual service (Nishakaam Sevaa) to others, and thus reaps permanent Peace and Soul Happiness. "Inaction in action" emphasizes inward Soul aloofness from the activities of the body-consciousness (Haume). It also signifies that while a Gurmukh or a Mahaatamaans is aloof, acting in God-consciousness, he is not working robotically like a machine, but is carefully proceeding with the business at hand (in subjective aloofness and objective enthusiasm) even while he inwardly "has no desire for the fruits of his action."
  • ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਿਹਕਰਮ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਬੈਸਨੋ ਕਾ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਧਰਮ ॥ ਕਾਹੂ ਫਲ ਕੀ ਇਛਾ ਨਹੀ ਬਾਛੈ ॥ ਕੇਵਲ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਚੈ ॥ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥: Karam karat hovai nihkaram...: The true Vaishnav, the devotee of Vishnu, is the one with whom God is thoroughly pleased. He dwells apart from Maya. He who beholds inaction in action, spotlessly pure is the Dharma of such a Vaishnav. He has no desire for the fruits of his action. He is absorbed in the Bhagti (devotion) and Kirtan. Within his mind and body, he meditates (Naam-Simran) on God (sggs 274).
Our True Self — "Joti-Svaroopa" — ever remains Undisturbed, Unconditioned, Pure, Changeless etc. — which is not doing anything at all. For example, the True Gurmukhs or the Mahaatamaans are always active. But since they are constantly established in their True Self within, they behold inaction in their action. However, the opposite is true in the case of the majority of us (the 99.9%+ category). Our body-mind-intellect apparatus or personality (Haume or ego consciousness) is acting all the time — always in the state of flux. For example, even if we are sitting still in a Gurdawaaraa or in a Satsang somewhere else, thoughts continue to rise in our mind and churn us (work on us). In other words, even to sit still for a short while, we have to make conscious effort (work or action). Thus, although superficially we may be in the state of inaction but we are still acting on different levels. But the True Gurmukh or the Mahaatamaans remain in the transcendental position, although engaged in activities. This is action in inaction. This is the difference between the Mahaatamaans and the majority of us — they see inaction in their action and the action in our inaction!
A true Gurmukh or a Mahaatmaan, being established in His True Self, always acts selflessly, without expectation or attachment to the results of their actions. They are devoid of Haume or false ego-sense. Thus, all their actions are Shubh (good, pure, auspicious, righteous, truthful etc.). Shubh actions bring no reaction and thus are non-binding to Sansaar or the cycle of repeated suffering. "Mohammad" or "Akarama" simply means without reaction to work or Karma (Nihkarma); without desire for personal sense gratification; or without "desire for the fruits of his action". They are unaffected by the pairs of opposites (Doojaa-Bhaav or duality); their wisdom stands unclouded by the latent tendencies (Vaasnaas); they are as free as the space; they are living liberated (Jeevanmukta) from the cage of the false ego-sense or Haume; and remain detached whether in action or inaction. They perform good actions (performed in an Enlightened Consciousness), without attachment or seeking rewards. As the above Shabad puts it, such person "has no desire for the fruits of his action."
  • ਸਾਧ ਨਾਮ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਕਰਮ ॥: Saadh naam niramal taa ke karam: He is called a Holy person; whose actions are immaculate and pure (sggs 296).
  • ਦੇਹ ਸਿਵਾ ਬਰ ਮੋਹਿ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਭ ਕਰਮਨ ਤੇ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਨ ਟਰੋਂ ॥: Deh Sivaa bar mohi ihai subh karaman te kabahoon na taron: O God, grant me this that I may not hesitate from performing Shubh (good) actions (Guru Gobind Singh Jee, Chandi Charitar).
  • ਸੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਿ ਜਿਤੁ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਮਹਿ ਏਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਜਾਗੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: So kish kar jit mail na laagai. Har kirtan mahi eh manu jaagai ||1|| ||Rahaaou||: Make only those efforts by which the "filth" (fith of Bikaars: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and their countless variations) may not stick to your mind; and your mind remains awake (alert or aware of the pull of Bikaars) through the Lord's Kirtan (ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ) ||1|| ||Pause|| (sggs 199).
  • ਅਕਰਮ ਹਰੀ ॥: God is free from Karma (Guru Gobind Singh Jee, Tavprasaad).
  • ਕਰਣੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਤਰੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥: Karanee baajhahu tarai na koi: Without the good actions, no one crosses over (sggs 952).
However, the majority of us act in Haume or false ego-sense (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, enviousness, stubborn mindedness, selfishness, expectations, and so on). Hence every action we perform becomes Ashubh, thus binding (Kaarmic) or reactionary. Simply put, a person who performs all actions for God only, not for the gratification of his false ego-sense or Haume, satisfies the Divine Plan (Hukam).
  • ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਹਕਰਮੀ ਨ ਹੋਵੈ ॥: Houmai karai nihakaramee na hovai: Those who act in ego do not go beyond Karma (sggs 128).
The life is a series of different situations and related challenges and experiences, demanding appropriate response from individuals. When the response to a given experience is righteous, the challenge is met and the problem is removed. Consequently, there will be no accounting for that action since there is no reaction to righteous Karma. But if the response to a given situation is unrighteous or selfish, there will be accounting of that Karma; because the challenge is not met and the problem remains. The edict of the SGGS is to respond to situations and related challenges righteously (truthfully), which will set us free from the Karmic reactions, resulting in seeing inaction in our action.
Everyone of us in this human form is given the invitation to end the vicious cycle of repeated suffering. The answer to suffering-free life lies in living a Karma-free life. However, as the life is nothing but a series of actions, how can one possibly live a Karma-free life? The Gurbani shows us the simple and sure way. By the inner surrender of the falsehood unto the True Self, and thereby engaging in Shubh or God-centered activities, one becomes free from the effects of Karmic reactions. To put it otherwise, for one who acts for the Satguru or God, there is no accounting of Karma. In other words, by becoming the Gurmukh by submitting to God's Will or Hukam, by becoming Shabad-Conscious, introspection, spiritual service (Nishakaam Sevaa) to others, by keeping the Holy Company, etc., one ceases to create new Karmic actions.
  • ਸੋ ਨਿਹਕਰਮੀ ਜੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੇ ॥: So nihakaramee jo sabad beechaare: Those who reflect upon the Shabad are beyond karma (sggs 128).
  • ਚੂਕਾ ਭਾਰਾ ਕਰਮ ਕਾ ਹੋਏ ਨਿਹਕਰਮਾ ॥ ਸਾਗਰ ਤੇ ਕੰਢੈ ਚੜੇ ਗੁਰਿ ਕੀਨੇ ਧਰਮਾ ॥: Chookaa bhaaraa karam kaa hoi nihakarma. Saagar te kandhai charre gur keene dharamaa: With God's bleesing, I have crossed the world-ocean, and reached the other shore; the load of my Karma has been removed, and I am now Karma-free (sggs1002).
  • ਜਿਸੁ ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਭ ਸੁਕਰਣੀ ਜੀਉ ॥: Jis saadhoo sangat tis sabh sukaranee jeeou: Sublime are all the actions of those who join the Saadh-Sangat (sggs 217).
Thus, clearly, "inaction" does not mean to be an idler, a free-loader, or a do-nothing-person in life. In fact, it's the opposite that's true. The indication here is towards spiritualizing our actions. When our actions are Shubh (devoid of false ego-sense or Haume), then everything becomes Shubh. In other words the Dharma is sustained by not just good Karma, but by renouncing one's false ego-sense or Haume (the sense of "I-ness" or doership) in doing that Karma.
  • ਤੀਰਥ ਬਰਤ ਅਰੁ ਦਾਨ ਕਰਿ ਮਨ ਮੈ ਧਰੈ ਗੁਮਾਨੁ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਹਫਲ ਜਾਤ ਤਿਹ ਜਿਉ ਕੁੰਚਰ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥: Teerath barat ar daan kar mann mai dhari gumaan. Nanak nihphal jaat tih jiyu kunchar isnaan: Those who make pilgrimages to sacred shrines, observe ritualistic fasts and make donations to charity while still taking pride in their minds - O Nanak, their actions are useless, like the elephant, who takes a bath, and then rolls in the dust (sggs 1428).
Apparently, the law of Karma kicks in or become effective when the false ego-sense or Haume arises. Although actions and thoughts are unavoidable in life, however, we can spiritualize them or make them "right". An action becomes Spiritualized only if the mind has got a correct vision and purpose of life coupled with a sense of eternal servitorship to God. Which makes one immune to all sorts of reactionary elements of Karma, thus one enjoys only transcendental happiness in the discharge of such service. In other words, any work done with focus on God (without the rise of the ego or Haume) becomes Shubh Karma and all such actions performed by one are factually inaction. Then one realizes that all actions performed are actually performed by the Supreme Being Himself. Such person is spiritually intelligent, situated in True Wisdom. Because such a person is verily one with the Supreme Truth and even when this person is not performing any actions, he should be understood to be performing all actions and the knower of all actions.
  • ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਇ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੀਐ ॥: Gur kee kaar kamaai mahal pashaaneeai: By doing the Guru's Kaar (work, service, Will, Rajaa, Gurmat or His Teaching), one realizes (All-pervading God's) Presence (sggs 420).
  • ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਕੀ ਟਹਲ ਸਫਲ ਇਹ ਕਾਂਇਆ ॥: Gobind kee tahal safal ih kaanyaa: Working for God, the body becomes fruitful (sggs 202).
  • ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਧਰਤੀ ਬੀਜੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕਰੋ ਸਲਿਲ ਆਪਾਉ ਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਣੀ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਕਿਰਸਾਣੁ ਹਰਿ ਰਿਦੈ ਜੰਮਾਇ ਲੈ ਇਉ ਪਾਵਸਿ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੀ ॥੧॥: Ih tann dhartee beeg karmaa karo salil aapaau saaringpaanee. Mann kirsaan Hari ridai janmaai lai iyu paavasi pad nirvaanee ||1||: Make this body the field, and make your daily Karma (actions) the seed. Water (ਸਿੰਚਨ) it with God's Name. Let your mind be the farmer; Sprout (God) in your Heart, and you will attain the state of Nirvaanaa (ਉਹ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਵਸਥਾ ਜਿਥੇ ਕੋਈ ਵਾਸ਼ਨਾ ਪੋਹ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਕਦੀ) ||1|| (sggs 23).
Not only the bad Karma (actions or work), but also the good Karma performed in Haume- or false ego-consciousness are binding. The only difference is that one binds with the iron chain and the other with the golden chain, per se! Nonetheless, both bind us to the Sansaar. There is the third kind of Karma: good actions performed in an Enlightened Consciousness. These Karma are non-binding, for such good Karma (Karanee or Kaar) performed in an Enlightened Consciousness or the right spirit are free of any reaction of the Haume or false ego-sense. Only the True Gurmukhs or Mahaatmaans perform such good Karma in an Enlightened Consciousness at all costs with conviction and selfless dedication despite all hurdles that come in the way. This is why the SGGS repeatedly urges us to become the Gurmukh!
  • ਕਉਣ ਕਰਮ ਕਉਣ ਨਿਹਕਰਮਾ ਕਉਣੁ ਸੁ ਕਹੈ ਕਹਾਏ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥ ... ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਰਮ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਿਹਕਰਮਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਸੁਭਾਏ ਜੀਉ ॥੬॥: Kaounu su muktaa kaounu su jugataa...: Who is subject to Karma, and who is beyond Karma? The Gurmukh performs Karma (ਮਾਇਆ-ਰਹਿਤ), and the Gurmukh is beyond Karma (i.e., he does not get involve in Mayaic efforts...). Whatever the Gurmukh does, is done in good faith (ਆਤਮ-ਗਿਆਨ ਵਿਚ ਟਿਕ ਕੇ). ||6|| (sggs 131).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਰਣੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਰਾਏ ॥: Guramukh karanee kaar karaaye: By becoming the Gurmukh, (he) does good deeds, and inspires others to do so (sggs 942).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਇ ॥: Gurmukh saachee kaar kamaai: By becoming the Gurmukh, one practices Truth in action (sggs 942).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਾਰ ਕਰਹੁ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥: Guramukh kaar karahu liv laai: By becoming the Gurmukh, act in God Consciousness (sggs 1174).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਜਲਾਏ ਦੋਈ ॥: Gurmukh ahankaar jalaaye doee: By becoming the Gurmukh, burn away egotism and duality (sggs 230).

ਮੂਲ - MOOL

ਮੂਲ - MOOL
------------------
ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਸੇ ਪਸੂਆ ਸੇ ਢੋਰ ਜੀਉ ॥:
Moolu na boojhahi aapanaa se pasooaa se dhor jeeou
:
Those who do not understand their own Mool (Source, Origin, Jot...);
they are beasts and they are cattle
(i.e., great fools of animal intellect-ਡੰਗਰ ਬੁਧੀ ਵਾਲੇ ਮਹਾਂ ਮੂਰਖ)! (sggs 751).
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The Gurbani tells us that the very purpose of this human birth is to Recognize or Understand our True Nature (ਅਪਣੇ ਅਸਲੀ ਸਰੂਪ ਨੂੰ ਪਛਾਣ ਲੈਣਾਂ), and thus become One with our Mool ( ਮੂਲ : Source, Origin, Jot, Reality, ਅਸਲਾ...) within. Once we become One with our Mool within (i.e., become Saabat-Soorat: ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ...), then we become One with everything else.
  • ਯਾ ਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਏਕਹਿ ਕਉ ਆਇਆ ॥: Yaa Yug mahi ekahi kaou aaiaa. (sggs 251).
  • ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਹੁ ਸਚਾ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਆਉ ॥: Oupadesu sunahu tum gursikhahu sachaa ihai suaaou: O Gur-Sikhs! Listen to the Teachings (of the Gur-Shabad: Gurmat, Aatam Giaan, Spiritual Wisdom...). This alone is the true purpose of life (sggs 963).
The Gurbani tells us that without being united (linked, One...) with our Mool within, the mind will not be satisfied (truly contented-ਸਤ ਸੰਤੋਖੀ, annihilated, subdued, conquered...).
If not connected to its Mool, the mind will certainly remain connected to Maya (the sense of duality, Doojaa-Bhaav, Dubidhaa, two-ness, the principle of plurality...).
  • ਮਮਾ ਮੂਲ ਗਹਿਆ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ॥: Mamaa mool gahiaa manu maanai: MAMAA: Clinging to the Mool, the mind is satisfied (ਮੰਨੇ, ਸਮਝੇ, comply...). (sggs 342).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਲਾਗੇ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਈ ॥: Moolu chhodi laage doojai bhaaee: Abandoning the Mool, (Mayaic Jeev) become attached to the love of duality. (sggs 232).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਸਾਚਿ ਨ ਰੀਝਹਿ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੩॥: Moolu n boojhahi saach n reejhehi doojai bharam Bhulaaee Hae ||3||: (The false ones) do not understand their Mool, they are not pleased (satisfied or gratified) with the Truth, and so they wander in duality and doubt. ||3|| (sggs 1024).
Furthermore, the Gurbani reveals to us that the True Nature of our mind is Joti-Svaroopa (embodiment or the True Image of the Divine Light). The Gurbani asks us to recognize this Truth, here and now.
  • ਇਉ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਅਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੫॥: Ieu kahai Nanaku man toon joti saroop hai aapanaa mool pashaan: Thus says Nanak: O my mind, you are the embodiment or the True Image of the Divine Light (i.e., God) - recognize your Origin-Mool ||5|| (sggs 441).
Otherwise, the Gurbani says:
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਸੇ ਪਸੂਆ ਸੇ ਢੋਰ ਜੀਉ ॥: Moolu na boojhahi aapanaa se pasooaa se dhor jeeou: Those who do not understand their own Mool (Source, Origin, Jot...); they are beasts and they are cattle (i.e., great fools of animal intellect-ਡੰਗਰ ਬੁਧੀ ਵਾਲੇ ਮਹਾਂ ਮੂਰਖ)! (sggs 751).
Question: If Joti-Svaroop (embodiment or the True Image of the Divine Light...) is man's Real Nature, what did shatter his this Eternal State? In other words, what did go wrong?
Simply put: it is the rise of Mayaic Budhi or false ego-sense (Haumai) that creates havoc in the forest of the body - the birth of man's all troubles. On account of Doojaa Bhaav (duality), doubts (Bharam), false intellect (ਝੂਠੀ ਮਤ), etc., our psychological or mental conditioning veils our Mool from us. As a result, one thinks himself "other" than the Mool. That is, one thinks himself separate from the Mool.
This is the notion of two-ness (ਦੁਬਿਧਾ-Dubidhaa...). Thus, duality is nothing but our love (Bhaav) of two-ness (Doojaa...). To put it otherwise, by associating with duality one looses Divine Understanding (Aatam Giaan...). This loosening of Divine Understanding gives rise to forgetfulness, ignorance, or obliviousness of the Mool so much talked about in the Gurbani. As a result, we miss out the opportunity (ਆਪਣੇ ਅਸਲ-ਮਨੋਰਥ ਵਲੋਂ ਖੁੰਝ ਜਾਣਾਂ) to Realize our Mool within. It is Maya with her dualistic principle of delusion or the law of opposites that deludes us from our very birth.
  • ਨਉ ਘਰ ਦੇਖਿ ਜੁ ਕਾਮਨਿ ਭੂਲੀ ਬਸਤੁ ਅਨੂਪ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥: Naou ghar dekhi ju kaamani bhoolee basatu anoop paaee: Seeing the nine openings of the body, the soul-bride (ਜੀਵ-ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀ, Jeev) is led astray, and does not attain the Incomparable Substance (peerless, unequal, unique, or Real Thing within - Mool, ਜੋਤ-ਰੂਪ...). (sggs 339).
As a result - although our Mool within is our Mooring - but we have lost that Mooring, and consequently have gone astray due to our doubts (Bharam), egotism (Haumai), love or hunger for Maya (ਮਾਇਆ ਦੀ ਭੁੱਖ, Bikaar-lust, anger, greed, etc.), and so on. In other words, it's one's Manmukh or Saakat (Mayaic...) lifestyle that is responsible for losing connection with the Mool.
  • ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੂਲਹੁ ਭੁਲਿਆ ਵਿਚਿ ਲਬੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ॥: Manmukh moolahu bhuliaa vichi labu lobhu ahankaar: The Manmukh (self-willed...) forget the Mool; for they are caught in greed, avarice, and pride (i.e., Bikaar). (sggs 316).
  • ਸਾਕਤ ਨਿਰਗੁਣਿਆਰਿਆ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥: Saakat nirgunaariaa apnaa moolu pashaanu: O devoid of all virtues - ਗੁਣ-ਹੀਨ, Saakat - recognize your own Mool (Source, Origin...)! (sggs 63).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈ ਗਏ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਚਲੇ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੧੯॥: Gurmukhi laahaa lai gaye manmukh chale moolu gavaai jeeou. ||19|| (sggs 74).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੁਝੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਵਸਤੁ ਰਹੀ ਘਰ ਬਾਰਿ: Mool n boojhai aapanaa vasatu rahee ghar baari: (Who does) not understand the Mool, his Real Wealth (ਅਸਲ ਸਰਮਾਇਆ) remains undiscovered (ਅਣਪਛਾਤਾ) within his Heart. (sggs 56).
  • ਨਾਮੁ ਬਿਸਾਰਿ ਲੋਭਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਖੋਇਓ ਸਿਰਿ ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਕਾ ਡੰਡੁ ਪਰੇ ॥੧੦॥: Naamu bisaar lobhi Moolu khoeiou siri Dharam Raai kaa dandu Pare ||10||: Forgetting the Naam, and caught by greed, (the mortal) loses his Mool; the club of the Dharma Raai (Divine Hukam...) will fall on his head. ||10|| (sggs 1014).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝੈ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਸੂਝੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਬਿਆਪੀ ਅਹੰ ਮਨੀ ॥੧॥: Moolu n boojhai aapu a soojhai bharami biaapee aham Manee ||1||: Engrossed in doubt and egotism, (The mortal does) not know the Mool; he does not understand his ownself. ||1|| (sggs 1186).
The Gurbani says we can still regain our link with our Original Mooring (Mool) while still living in the midst of the happenings of the world (Maya). But, that requires making our Mann (ਮਨ), Chit (ਚਿਤ), and Hukam (ਹੁਕਮ, Shabad, Naam...) as One.
  • ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀਆ ਤੀਨੇ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਲਿਆਵੈ ॥ ਆਨਦ ਮੂਲ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥: Triteeaa teene sam kari liaavai. Aanad mool param padu paavai: Triteeaa (Third...), one who maintains his equilibrium (Aatmac Adolataa-ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ) amidst the three modes (of Maya - making Mann, Chit, and Hukam as One...), attains the Mool, (the Source of ) Aanand (Bliss), and the Param Pada (the Supreme State of becoming One with the Shabad within, ਉੱਚੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਵਸਥਾ...). (sggs 343).
  • ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮਾਵਏ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ਜੀਉ ॥: Gur sabadi samaavaye avaru n jaanai koi jeeou: (One who is) merged (become One, Leen-ਲੀਨ) in the Gur-Shabad, does not know any other. (sggs 923).
  • ਜੇ ਇਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਉਗਵੈ ਰੁਤੀ ਹੂ ਰੁਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥: Je iku hoi t ougavai ruti hoo ruti hoi (sggs 468).
For one to link with his Mool, the Gurbani says that he needs to become the Gurmukh (Spiritual Being, Aatam or Brahm Giaanee...). Because, the Gurbani indicates that only by becoming the Gurmukh one can come out of the egg of doubt (Bharam-ਭਰਮ) and eliminate the egotism (Haumai), and become established in Sahaj Avasthaa (Natural State of Being, ਗਿਆਨ ਅਵਸਥਾ, ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ, ਜਾਗਰਤ ਅਵਸਤਾ...), become one with the Satgur within...
  • ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਵਸੀਅਲੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਰਹੈ ॥: Ihu manu nihachalu hiradai vaseeale gurmukhi moolu pachhaani rahai: By becoming the Gurmukh, when one Realizes his Mool (Source, Origin, Jot...), then his mind (that has become stable-ਅਡੋਲ) abides in the Heart within (sggs 945).
  • ਕਿਉ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਆਤਮੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਿਉ ਸਸਿ ਘਰਿ ਸੂਰੁ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਖੋਵੈ ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥੬੪॥:Kiou moolu pachhaanai aatamu jaanai kiou sasi ghari sooru samaavai. Gurmukhi haoumai vichahu khovai taou Nanak sahaji samaavai: How can the Mool be Realized? How can the Soul be Known? How can the sun enter into the Home of the moon? By becoming the Gurmukh, egotism from within is eliminated; then, O Nanak! Naturally (with Sahaj, the sun - i.e., the mind, ਮਨ...) enters (into the Home of the moon - i.e., Consciousness, ਚਿਤ...). ||64|| (sggs 945).
  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜਾਗਤਾ ਹੈ ਦੇਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Satiguru jaagataa hai deou ||1|| Rahaaou||: The Satiguru is the Living Lord (ਜੀਉਂਦਾ ਜਾਗਦਾ ਦੇਵਤਾ). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 479).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬਖਸਿ ਜਮਾਈਅਨੁ ਮਨਮੁਖੀ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥: Gurmukhi bakhasi jamaaeeanu manmukhee moolu gavaaiaa (sggs 304).
  • ਆਪਨ ਆਪੁ ਆਪ ਮੋ ਦਰਸੈ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਆਤਮਾ ਪਰਸੈ ॥ ਇਕ ਛਾਡਿ ਕੈ ਅਨਤ ਨ ਧਾਵੈ ॥ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਪਰਮ ਤਤੁ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧੭੮॥: Aapan Aapu Aap Mo Darsai. Antari Guroo Aatmaa Parsai. Ik Chhaadi Kai Anat Na Dhaavai. Tab Hee param Tatu Ko Paavai ||178|| (Dasam Granth, 1247).
A Manmukh is opposite of the Gurmukh. That is, the Gurmukh's mind has entered into his Mool (Jot, Source, Origin...) within by removing the division or duality (Maya) through the Shabad-Vichaar (Gurmat - Aatam Giaan, Spiritual Wisdom...). However, the Manmukhs mind remains divided, thus separated from his Mool.
But still many of these Manmukhs or Saakats (in the disguise of so called Sants-"ਸੰਤ ਸਮੂਹ", etc.) pretend or boast to know their Mool. However, the reality is that they cannot even see beyond Maya (ਮਾਇਆ ਤੋਂ ਅੱਗੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੇ)!
  • ਇਕਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੁਝਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਅਣਹੋਦਾ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਾਇਦੇ ॥: Eiki Moolu n bujhanih aapanaa anahodaa aapu ganaaide: Some do not understand their Mool, and without cause (without understanding their Mool), they display their self-conceit (ਆਪਣੇ ਆਪ ਨੂੰ ਵੱਡਾ ਜਤਲਾਂਣਾਂ, they act or pretend what they are not...). (sggs 468).
  • ਗਲੀ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀਆ ਲੋਟੇ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬਗ ॥ ਓਇ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਸੰਤ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ ॥੧॥: Galee jinhaa jap maaleeaa lote hathi nibag. Oi Hari ke sant n aakheeahi Baanaaras ke thug: They have rosaries around their necks, and they carry glittering jugs in their hands. They are not called God's Saints — they are thugs of Benares (sggs 476).
  • ਸੂਰ ਸੁਰਾਰਦਨ ਸੁਧ ਸੁਧਾਦਿਕ ਸੰਤ ਸਮੂਹ ਅਨੇਕ ਮਤੀ ਕੇ ॥...ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਕੀ ਭਾਇ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਹੂ ਤੇ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਬਿਨੁ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਕੇ ॥੧॥੨੧॥: Soor suraaradan sudh sudhaadik sant smooh anek mati ke || Sree bhagavaan kee bhaai kripaa te ek ratee binu ek ratee ke: (Dasam Granth, 21).
  • ਜੋ ਸੋਵੈ ਸੋ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਵੈ ॥ ਜੋ ਜਾਗੈ ਹਰਿ ਹ੍ਰਿਦੈ ਬਸਾਵੈ ॥ ਸੱਤਿ ਬੋਲਿ ਯਾ ਕੀ ਹਮ ਮਾਨੀ ॥ ਜੋਗ ਗਿਆਨ ਜਾਗੈ ਤੇ ਜਾਨੀ ॥੨੧੦॥: Jo sovai so moolu gavaavai. Jo jaagai hari hridai basaavai. satti boli yaa kee ham maanee.Jog giaan jaagai te jaanee. (Dasam Granth, 1251).
The Gurbani indicates that when the Surat (ਸੁਰਤ, consciousness, recollection...) gets absorbed in its Mool or Original Source from which it was born, then the Kaal (fear of death, Mayaic thoughts, imaginations, ਫੁਰਨੇ...) does not come near it (i.e., becomes Free from repeated suffering).
  • ਜਹ ਕੀ ਉਪਜੀ ਤਹ ਰਚੀ ਪੀਵਤ ਮਰਦਨ ਲਾਗ ॥: Jah kee oupajee tah rachee peevat maradn laag. (sggs 337).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣਨਿ ਤਿਨ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਸਹਜੇ ਹੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ ॥: Moolu pashhaanani tin nij ghari vaasaa sahaje hee sukh hoee: (Those who) understand their own Mool dwell within the Home of their Inner Being (Nij Ghar) in Peace and Sahaj (Natural State of Being, ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ, ਗਿਆਨ ਅਵਸਤਾ...). (sggs 1334).
The Gurbani also urges us to talk to those who already have Realized their Mool within (i.e., the Gurmukhs).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਜਾਣਿ ਗਲਾ ਕਰੇ ਹਾਣਿ ਲਾਏ ਹਾਣੁ ॥: Moolu jaani galaa kare haani laae haanu: (One who assays his own-self...) Speaks with those (ਆਪਣੇ ਸੁਭਾਉ ਵਾਲੇ, who have similar inclinations...) who know the Mool. (sggs 148).
The Gurbani is meant to be read, its true meanings understood through Shabad-Vichaar, and its instructions (Giaan, Wisdom...) then applied to one's day-to-day living. Merely keeping the Gurbani wrapped in fancy fabric and worshipping it like an idol will not do the trick. This is the Gurbani's edict.
Most importantly, therefore, after reading, the Gurbani must be thoroughly Understood, and then lived. In other words, mere robotic, mechanical, or ritualistic reading (for the sake of Mayaic hunger...) of the Gurbani without living it and without understanding the Mool with the help of its Divine Knowledge would be unavailing.
  • ਮੂਰਖ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਪੜ੍ਹਹਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥: Moorakh dhubidhaa parrhahi Mool n pashhaanahi birathaa janamu gavaaiaa: The fools in duality read, but they do not understand the Mool; they waste their lives uselessly. (sggs 1133).
  • ਆਇਓ ਸੁਨਨ ਪੜਨ ਕਉ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਲਗਹਿ ਅਨ ਲਾਲਚਿ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਰਾਣੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Aaio sunan parran kaou baanee. Naamu visaar lagahi an laalach birathaa janam paraanee. ||1|| Rahaaou ||: (The mortal in this world) came to hear and study the Banee (for acquiring Naam, Gurmat, Aatam Giaan, or Spiritual Wisdom through persistent search and Shabad-Vichaar, ਪਰਮਾਤਮ ਦੀ ਸਿਫਤ-ਸਾਲਾਹ - this is the real life-purpose, ਅਸਲ ਜਨਮ-ਮਨੋਰਥ). But, forgetting the Naam, (instead) he has become attached to other temptations (ਹੋਰ ਲਾਲਚ). His life is worthless! ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1219).

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ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਸੇ ਪਸੂਆ ਸੇ ਢੋਰ ਜੀਉ ॥:
Moolu na boojhahi aapanaa se pasooaa se dhor jeeou
:
Those who do not understand their own Mool (Source, Origin, Jot...);
they are beasts and they are cattle
(i.e., great fools of animal intellect-ਡੰਗਰ ਬੁਧੀ ਵਾਲੇ ਮਹਾਂ ਮੂਰਖ)! (sggs 751).
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The Gurbani tells us that the very purpose of this human birth is to Recognize or Understand our True Nature (ਅਪਣੇ ਅਸਲੀ ਸਰੂਪ ਨੂੰ ਪਛਾਣ ਲੈਣਾਂ), and thus become One with our Mool ( ਮੂਲ : Source, Origin, Jot, Reality, ਅਸਲਾ...) within. Once we become One with our Mool within (i.e., become Saabat-Soorat: ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ...), then we become One with everything else.
  • ਯਾ ਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਏਕਹਿ ਕਉ ਆਇਆ ॥: Yaa Yug mahi ekahi kaou aaiaa. (sggs 251).
  • ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਹੁ ਸਚਾ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਆਉ ॥: Oupadesu sunahu tum gursikhahu sachaa ihai suaaou: O Gur-Sikhs! Listen to the Teachings (of the Gur-Shabad: Gurmat, Aatam Giaan, Spiritual Wisdom...). This alone is the true purpose of life (sggs 963).
The Gurbani tells us that without being united (linked, One...) with our Mool within, the mind will not be satisfied (truly contented-ਸਤ ਸੰਤੋਖੀ, annihilated, subdued, conquered...).
If not connected to its Mool, the mind will certainly remain connected to Maya (the sense of duality, Doojaa-Bhaav, Dubidhaa, two-ness, the principle of plurality...).
  • ਮਮਾ ਮੂਲ ਗਹਿਆ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ॥: Mamaa mool gahiaa manu maanai: MAMAA: Clinging to the Mool, the mind is satisfied (ਮੰਨੇ, ਸਮਝੇ, comply...). (sggs 342).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਲਾਗੇ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਈ ॥: Moolu chhodi laage doojai bhaaee: Abandoning the Mool, (Mayaic Jeev) become attached to the love of duality. (sggs 232).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਸਾਚਿ ਨ ਰੀਝਹਿ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੩॥: Moolu n boojhahi saach n reejhehi doojai bharam Bhulaaee Hae ||3||: (The false ones) do not understand their Mool, they are not pleased (satisfied or gratified) with the Truth, and so they wander in duality and doubt. ||3|| (sggs 1024).
Furthermore, the Gurbani reveals to us that the True Nature of our mind is Joti-Svaroopa (embodiment or the True Image of the Divine Light). The Gurbani asks us to recognize this Truth, here and now.
  • ਇਉ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਅਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੫॥: Ieu kahai Nanaku man toon joti saroop hai aapanaa mool pashaan: Thus says Nanak: O my mind, you are the embodiment or the True Image of the Divine Light (i.e., God) - recognize your Origin-Mool ||5|| (sggs 441).
Otherwise, the Gurbani says:
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਸੇ ਪਸੂਆ ਸੇ ਢੋਰ ਜੀਉ ॥: Moolu na boojhahi aapanaa se pasooaa se dhor jeeou: Those who do not understand their own Mool (Source, Origin, Jot...); they are beasts and they are cattle (i.e., great fools of animal intellect-ਡੰਗਰ ਬੁਧੀ ਵਾਲੇ ਮਹਾਂ ਮੂਰਖ)! (sggs 751).
Question: If Joti-Svaroop (embodiment or the True Image of the Divine Light...) is man's Real Nature, what did shatter his this Eternal State? In other words, what did go wrong?
Simply put: it is the rise of Mayaic Budhi or false ego-sense (Haumai) that creates havoc in the forest of the body - the birth of man's all troubles. On account of Doojaa Bhaav (duality), doubts (Bharam), false intellect (ਝੂਠੀ ਮਤ), etc., our psychological or mental conditioning veils our Mool from us. As a result, one thinks himself "other" than the Mool. That is, one thinks himself separate from the Mool.
This is the notion of two-ness (ਦੁਬਿਧਾ-Dubidhaa...). Thus, duality is nothing but our love (Bhaav) of two-ness (Doojaa...). To put it otherwise, by associating with duality one looses Divine Understanding (Aatam Giaan...). This loosening of Divine Understanding gives rise to forgetfulness, ignorance, or obliviousness of the Mool so much talked about in the Gurbani. As a result, we miss out the opportunity (ਆਪਣੇ ਅਸਲ-ਮਨੋਰਥ ਵਲੋਂ ਖੁੰਝ ਜਾਣਾਂ) to Realize our Mool within. It is Maya with her dualistic principle of delusion or the law of opposites that deludes us from our very birth.
  • ਨਉ ਘਰ ਦੇਖਿ ਜੁ ਕਾਮਨਿ ਭੂਲੀ ਬਸਤੁ ਅਨੂਪ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥: Naou ghar dekhi ju kaamani bhoolee basatu anoop paaee: Seeing the nine openings of the body, the soul-bride (ਜੀਵ-ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀ, Jeev) is led astray, and does not attain the Incomparable Substance (peerless, unequal, unique, or Real Thing within - Mool, ਜੋਤ-ਰੂਪ...). (sggs 339).
As a result - although our Mool within is our Mooring - but we have lost that Mooring, and consequently have gone astray due to our doubts (Bharam), egotism (Haumai), love or hunger for Maya (ਮਾਇਆ ਦੀ ਭੁੱਖ, Bikaar-lust, anger, greed, etc.), and so on. In other words, it's one's Manmukh or Saakat (Mayaic...) lifestyle that is responsible for losing connection with the Mool.
  • ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੂਲਹੁ ਭੁਲਿਆ ਵਿਚਿ ਲਬੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ॥: Manmukh moolahu bhuliaa vichi labu lobhu ahankaar: The Manmukh (self-willed...) forget the Mool; for they are caught in greed, avarice, and pride (i.e., Bikaar). (sggs 316).
  • ਸਾਕਤ ਨਿਰਗੁਣਿਆਰਿਆ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥: Saakat nirgunaariaa apnaa moolu pashaanu: O devoid of all virtues - ਗੁਣ-ਹੀਨ, Saakat - recognize your own Mool (Source, Origin...)! (sggs 63).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈ ਗਏ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਚਲੇ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੧੯॥: Gurmukhi laahaa lai gaye manmukh chale moolu gavaai jeeou. ||19|| (sggs 74).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੁਝੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਵਸਤੁ ਰਹੀ ਘਰ ਬਾਰਿ: Mool n boojhai aapanaa vasatu rahee ghar baari: (Who does) not understand the Mool, his Real Wealth (ਅਸਲ ਸਰਮਾਇਆ) remains undiscovered (ਅਣਪਛਾਤਾ) within his Heart. (sggs 56).
  • ਨਾਮੁ ਬਿਸਾਰਿ ਲੋਭਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਖੋਇਓ ਸਿਰਿ ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਕਾ ਡੰਡੁ ਪਰੇ ॥੧੦॥: Naamu bisaar lobhi Moolu khoeiou siri Dharam Raai kaa dandu Pare ||10||: Forgetting the Naam, and caught by greed, (the mortal) loses his Mool; the club of the Dharma Raai (Divine Hukam...) will fall on his head. ||10|| (sggs 1014).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝੈ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਸੂਝੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਬਿਆਪੀ ਅਹੰ ਮਨੀ ॥੧॥: Moolu n boojhai aapu a soojhai bharami biaapee aham Manee ||1||: Engrossed in doubt and egotism, (The mortal does) not know the Mool; he does not understand his ownself. ||1|| (sggs 1186).
The Gurbani says we can still regain our link with our Original Mooring (Mool) while still living in the midst of the happenings of the world (Maya). But, that requires making our Mann (ਮਨ), Chit (ਚਿਤ), and Hukam (ਹੁਕਮ, Shabad, Naam...) as One.
  • ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀਆ ਤੀਨੇ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਲਿਆਵੈ ॥ ਆਨਦ ਮੂਲ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥: Triteeaa teene sam kari liaavai. Aanad mool param padu paavai: Triteeaa (Third...), one who maintains his equilibrium (Aatmac Adolataa-ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ) amidst the three modes (of Maya - making Mann, Chit, and Hukam as One...), attains the Mool, (the Source of ) Aanand (Bliss), and the Param Pada (the Supreme State of becoming One with the Shabad within, ਉੱਚੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਵਸਥਾ...). (sggs 343).
  • ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮਾਵਏ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ਜੀਉ ॥: Gur sabadi samaavaye avaru n jaanai koi jeeou: (One who is) merged (become One, Leen-ਲੀਨ) in the Gur-Shabad, does not know any other. (sggs 923).
  • ਜੇ ਇਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਉਗਵੈ ਰੁਤੀ ਹੂ ਰੁਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥: Je iku hoi t ougavai ruti hoo ruti hoi (sggs 468).
For one to link with his Mool, the Gurbani says that he needs to become the Gurmukh (Spiritual Being, Aatam or Brahm Giaanee...). Because, the Gurbani indicates that only by becoming the Gurmukh one can come out of the egg of doubt (Bharam-ਭਰਮ) and eliminate the egotism (Haumai), and become established in Sahaj Avasthaa (Natural State of Being, ਗਿਆਨ ਅਵਸਥਾ, ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ, ਜਾਗਰਤ ਅਵਸਤਾ...), become one with the Satgur within...
  • ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਵਸੀਅਲੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਰਹੈ ॥: Ihu manu nihachalu hiradai vaseeale gurmukhi moolu pachhaani rahai: By becoming the Gurmukh, when one Realizes his Mool (Source, Origin, Jot...), then his mind (that has become stable-ਅਡੋਲ) abides in the Heart within (sggs 945).
  • ਕਿਉ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਆਤਮੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਿਉ ਸਸਿ ਘਰਿ ਸੂਰੁ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਖੋਵੈ ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥੬੪॥:Kiou moolu pachhaanai aatamu jaanai kiou sasi ghari sooru samaavai. Gurmukhi haoumai vichahu khovai taou Nanak sahaji samaavai: How can the Mool be Realized? How can the Soul be Known? How can the sun enter into the Home of the moon? By becoming the Gurmukh, egotism from within is eliminated; then, O Nanak! Naturally (with Sahaj, the sun - i.e., the mind, ਮਨ...) enters (into the Home of the moon - i.e., Consciousness, ਚਿਤ...). ||64|| (sggs 945).
  • ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜਾਗਤਾ ਹੈ ਦੇਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Satiguru jaagataa hai deou ||1|| Rahaaou||: The Satiguru is the Living Lord (ਜੀਉਂਦਾ ਜਾਗਦਾ ਦੇਵਤਾ). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 479).
  • ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬਖਸਿ ਜਮਾਈਅਨੁ ਮਨਮੁਖੀ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥: Gurmukhi bakhasi jamaaeeanu manmukhee moolu gavaaiaa (sggs 304).
  • ਆਪਨ ਆਪੁ ਆਪ ਮੋ ਦਰਸੈ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਆਤਮਾ ਪਰਸੈ ॥ ਇਕ ਛਾਡਿ ਕੈ ਅਨਤ ਨ ਧਾਵੈ ॥ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਪਰਮ ਤਤੁ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧੭੮॥: Aapan Aapu Aap Mo Darsai. Antari Guroo Aatmaa Parsai. Ik Chhaadi Kai Anat Na Dhaavai. Tab Hee param Tatu Ko Paavai ||178|| (Dasam Granth, 1247).
A Manmukh is opposite of the Gurmukh. That is, the Gurmukh's mind has entered into his Mool (Jot, Source, Origin...) within by removing the division or duality (Maya) through the Shabad-Vichaar (Gurmat - Aatam Giaan, Spiritual Wisdom...). However, the Manmukhs mind remains divided, thus separated from his Mool.
But still many of these Manmukhs or Saakats (in the disguise of so called Sants-"ਸੰਤ ਸਮੂਹ", etc.) pretend or boast to know their Mool. However, the reality is that they cannot even see beyond Maya (ਮਾਇਆ ਤੋਂ ਅੱਗੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੇ)!
  • ਇਕਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੁਝਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਅਣਹੋਦਾ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਾਇਦੇ ॥: Eiki Moolu n bujhanih aapanaa anahodaa aapu ganaaide: Some do not understand their Mool, and without cause (without understanding their Mool), they display their self-conceit (ਆਪਣੇ ਆਪ ਨੂੰ ਵੱਡਾ ਜਤਲਾਂਣਾਂ, they act or pretend what they are not...). (sggs 468).
  • ਗਲੀ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀਆ ਲੋਟੇ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬਗ ॥ ਓਇ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਸੰਤ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ ॥੧॥: Galee jinhaa jap maaleeaa lote hathi nibag. Oi Hari ke sant n aakheeahi Baanaaras ke thug: They have rosaries around their necks, and they carry glittering jugs in their hands. They are not called God's Saints — they are thugs of Benares (sggs 476).
  • ਸੂਰ ਸੁਰਾਰਦਨ ਸੁਧ ਸੁਧਾਦਿਕ ਸੰਤ ਸਮੂਹ ਅਨੇਕ ਮਤੀ ਕੇ ॥...ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਕੀ ਭਾਇ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਹੂ ਤੇ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਬਿਨੁ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਕੇ ॥੧॥੨੧॥: Soor suraaradan sudh sudhaadik sant smooh anek mati ke || Sree bhagavaan kee bhaai kripaa te ek ratee binu ek ratee ke: (Dasam Granth, 21).
  • ਜੋ ਸੋਵੈ ਸੋ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਵੈ ॥ ਜੋ ਜਾਗੈ ਹਰਿ ਹ੍ਰਿਦੈ ਬਸਾਵੈ ॥ ਸੱਤਿ ਬੋਲਿ ਯਾ ਕੀ ਹਮ ਮਾਨੀ ॥ ਜੋਗ ਗਿਆਨ ਜਾਗੈ ਤੇ ਜਾਨੀ ॥੨੧੦॥: Jo sovai so moolu gavaavai. Jo jaagai hari hridai basaavai. satti boli yaa kee ham maanee.Jog giaan jaagai te jaanee. (Dasam Granth, 1251).
The Gurbani indicates that when the Surat (ਸੁਰਤ, consciousness, recollection...) gets absorbed in its Mool or Original Source from which it was born, then the Kaal (fear of death, Mayaic thoughts, imaginations, ਫੁਰਨੇ...) does not come near it (i.e., becomes Free from repeated suffering).
  • ਜਹ ਕੀ ਉਪਜੀ ਤਹ ਰਚੀ ਪੀਵਤ ਮਰਦਨ ਲਾਗ ॥: Jah kee oupajee tah rachee peevat maradn laag. (sggs 337).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣਨਿ ਤਿਨ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਸਹਜੇ ਹੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ ॥: Moolu pashhaanani tin nij ghari vaasaa sahaje hee sukh hoee: (Those who) understand their own Mool dwell within the Home of their Inner Being (Nij Ghar) in Peace and Sahaj (Natural State of Being, ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ, ਗਿਆਨ ਅਵਸਤਾ...). (sggs 1334).
The Gurbani also urges us to talk to those who already have Realized their Mool within (i.e., the Gurmukhs).
  • ਮੂਲੁ ਜਾਣਿ ਗਲਾ ਕਰੇ ਹਾਣਿ ਲਾਏ ਹਾਣੁ ॥: Moolu jaani galaa kare haani laae haanu: (One who assays his own-self...) Speaks with those (ਆਪਣੇ ਸੁਭਾਉ ਵਾਲੇ, who have similar inclinations...) who know the Mool. (sggs 148).
The Gurbani is meant to be read, its true meanings understood through Shabad-Vichaar, and its instructions (Giaan, Wisdom...) then applied to one's day-to-day living. Merely keeping the Gurbani wrapped in fancy fabric and worshipping it like an idol will not do the trick. This is the Gurbani's edict.
Most importantly, therefore, after reading, the Gurbani must be thoroughly Understood, and then lived. In other words, mere robotic, mechanical, or ritualistic reading (for the sake of Mayaic hunger...) of the Gurbani without living it and without understanding the Mool with the help of its Divine Knowledge would be unavailing.
  • ਮੂਰਖ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਪੜ੍ਹਹਿ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥: Moorakh dhubidhaa parrhahi Mool n pashhaanahi birathaa janamu gavaaiaa: The fools in duality read, but they do not understand the Mool; they waste their lives uselessly. (sggs 1133).
  • ਆਇਓ ਸੁਨਨ ਪੜਨ ਕਉ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਲਗਹਿ ਅਨ ਲਾਲਚਿ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਰਾਣੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Aaio sunan parran kaou baanee. Naamu visaar lagahi an laalach birathaa janam paraanee. ||1|| Rahaaou ||: (The mortal in this world) came to hear and study the Banee (for acquiring Naam, Gurmat, Aatam Giaan, or Spiritual Wisdom through persistent search and Shabad-Vichaar, ਪਰਮਾਤਮ ਦੀ ਸਿਫਤ-ਸਾਲਾਹ - this is the real life-purpose, ਅਸਲ ਜਨਮ-ਮਨੋਰਥ). But, forgetting the Naam, (instead) he has become attached to other temptations (ਹੋਰ ਲਾਲਚ). His life is worthless! ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1219).

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

PREREQUISITE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE - "VIN GUN KEETE BHAGTI N HOI"

PREREQUISITE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE -
"VIN GUN KEETE BHAGTI N HOI"


ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥: Vinu gun keete bhagti n hoi: (sggs 4).
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The majority of us are Manmukhs (self-willed...). Essentially a Manmukh is an egoist being who lacks Divine understanding (Aatam-Giaan). As a result, he does not know who he is! Due to ignorance and doubts, he is unaware of his Mool (ਮੂਲ-Source, Origin...) which is ever present within. In this ignorance of his True Nature, many wrong notions, ideas, concepts, and precepts arise about himself and God as he identities with his body-mind-intellect personality (body-consciousness). As a consequent of such bewilderment caused by confusions and doubts, he takes himself as "mortal'', "different from his Real Self'', "helpless", "miserable", and "limited''. Thus, owing to this fundamentally wrong self-identity, man creates separation (veil of false egoism) between himself and the Reality where there is none!
  • ਸੇ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਜੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ॥: Se manmukh jo Sabadu n pachhaanahi (sggs 1054).
  • ਅੰਤਰਿ ਅਲਖੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ਵਿਚਿ ਪੜਦਾ ਹਉਮੈ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਸਭੋ ਜਗੁ ਸੋਇਆ ਇਹੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਿਉ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥: Antari alakh n jaaee lakhiaa vichi paridaa haumai paaiaa. Maya mohi sabho jagi soiaa ihu bharami kahahu kiou jaaee ||1|| (sggs 205).
  • ਮਨਮੁਖੀ ਦੁਹਾਗਣਿ ਨਾਹਿ ਭੇਉ ॥: Manmukhee duhaagan naahi bheou (sggs 1170).
Thus, as declared in the Gurbani, there are very "rare" ones in this world who get to experience the Mool within. The SGGS (Sri Guru Granth Sahib) reveals this truth to us as follows:
  • ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੋਟਨ ਮੈ ਕੋਊ ਭਜਨੁ ਰਾਮ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥੩॥: Jan Nanak kotan mai kou bhajanu raam ko paavai ||2||3|| (sggs 219).
  • ਕੋਟਨ ਮੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੋਊ ਨਾਰਾਇਨੁ ਜਿਹ ਚੀਤਿ ॥੨੪॥: Kotan mai Nanak ko-oo naarainu jih cheeti ||24|| (sggs 1427).
One may ask, "Why is it so difficult to Realize the Absolute Truth?" What are we lacking? What is it that keep us from Realizing the Mool within? What must we do to experience It? The Gurbani provides us with an authoritative answer and direction as follows:
  • ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥: Vinu gun keete bhagti n hoi (sggs 4).
What it essentially means is that in order to become a fit spiritual student (Sikh) for Spiritual Realization, one has to become a divine-individual (the Gurmukh) fully endowed with some special Divine Qualities. In turn, these divine qualities will assist him in Bagati (understanding of the Gurbani's Giaan or Gurmat). Dinine Virtues and the Divine Knowledge (Aatam-Giaan) go hand in hand. These observations are helpful:
  • Discrimination of Real and unreal
  • Dispassion or detachment from the unreal
  • Mental control
  • Physical control
  • Self-control and discipline
  • Endurance or forbearance
  • Faith
  • Equanimity
  • Intense longing for Self-realization
Discrimination Of The Real And Unreal: Discriminating Intellect is known as Bibek-Budhi. Without it, man is unable to discriminate between the Eternal (Permanent) and the ephemeral (impermanent). This subtle sense of discrimination helps one to know the difference between Sat & Asat (Truth and falsehood). Thus, a person with discrimination knows that the Absolute Reality alone is Eternal (Sat) and that everything else in this material world being in the framework of time and space is temporary (Asat). The Gurbani says that withoutBibek-Budhi, this precious human life is a total waste:
  • ਦੁਲਭ ਜਨਮੁ ਪੁੰਨ ਫਲ ਪਾਇਓ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਾਤ ਅਬਿਬੇਕੈ ॥: Dulabh janamu punn phal paaio birathaa jaat abibekai (sggs 658).
  • ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧੀ ਸੁਖਿ ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਣੀ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸਾ ॥: Bibek budhi sukhi raini vihainee gurmati naami pragaasaa (sggs 772).
  • ਸੋ ਧਨਵੰਤਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਬੁਧਿ ਬਿਬੇਕ ॥: So dhanvantaa jisu budhi bibek (sggs 1150).
  • ਬੂਝੈ ਬੂਝਨਹਾਰੁ ਬਿਬੇਕ ॥: Boojhai bujhanhaaru bibek (sggs 285).
  • ਅੰਤਰਿ ਲੋਭ ਹਲਕੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਭਾਰੀ ਬਿਨੁ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਭਰਮਾਇ ॥੧॥: Antar lobh halaku dukhu bhareei binu bibek bharmaai ||1|| (sggs 1132).
  • ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਿਲਿ ਬੁਧਿ ਬਿਬੇਕ ॥੩॥: Sadhsangati mili budhi bibek ||3|| (sggs 377).
Dispassion Or Detachment From The Unreal: Dispassion or detachment (Bairaag or Bairagya ) is the absence of sensual attachment to accepting things for one's own sense gratification. In other words, detachment towards that which are temporary in life (unreal) and attachment to Mool (Real) only constitute Bairaag. Such detachment must be consequent to developing the quality of discrimination; otherwise detachment will result because of frustration in life and not out of conviction! Detachment does not mean that one should become inactive or idle. It simply means not to get attached to Maya. One who has developed the most intense Bairaag is never influenced adversely by the inherent charm of the mundane objects. He is fully aware that attachment to the enchanting worldly objects are full of suffering and would deviate a seeker of Truth from the Spiritual Path. Accordingly, he looks upon sense objects with an eye of detachment.
In short, Bairaag is a complete attachment to Spirit, and complete detachment from matter. Therefore, in order to develop intense Bairaag, one's activities must be God-centered. The Divine himself is a Bairaagee. He is in everything yet he is out of everything. He is so near yet he is faraway. In order to merge with such Bairaagee one has to become Bairaagee himself while incarnated.
  • ਮਨਿ ਬੈਰਾਗੁ ਭਇਆ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਣੈ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ॥: Mani bairaagi bhaiaa darsanu dekhnai kaa chaaou (sggs 50).
  • ਬਿਨੁ ਬੈਰਾਗ ਨ ਛੂਟਸਿ ਮਾਇਆ ॥੧॥: Bini bairaag n shootasi maya ||1|| (sggs 329).
  • ਮਨਿ ਬਿਰਾਗੈਗੀ ॥ ਖੋਜਤੀ ਦਰਸਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Mani bairagegee. Khojatee darasaar ||1||Rahaaou|| (sggs 1230).
  • ਪੂਰਬ ਕਰਮ ਅੰਕੁਰ ਜਬ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੇ ਭੇਟਿਓ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਰਸਿਕ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ॥: Poorab karma ankur jab pragte bhaitio purakhu rasik bairaagee (sggs 204).
Mental Control: Mind is the controller of the senses and sense organs (Indrees or Indriyas). Therefore, mind is the generating place of carnal desires (Vaasnaas) and related fears. Insulated by these desires, man remains in material bondage and separated from his Mool. One of the widely quoted verses of the Gurbani says "Man jeetai jag jeet" meaning that, one who has conquers his mind conquers the material world (sggs 6).

Therefore, in order to become fit for Bhakti or Bhagti one has to establish complete control over his mind. One who has implacably discarded the enjoyment of sense objects for the gratification of senses is said to have control over his mind. If, however, there is a slightest desire for sense gratification, the mind can not be said to have been controlled, even though one may think it is under control. To put it otherwise, the mind that does not get disturbed by the changes in the material world is said to have attained control. That is to say, the mind empty of mundane thoughts (ਫੁਰਨੇ) can easily join with its Mool, while mind full of mundane thoughts remain detached from the Mool. God-realization is said to be beyond the power of thoughts. Our logic fails here. No wonder the Gurbani has addressed mind thousands of times!
  • ਮਨਿ ਮੈਲੈ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥: Mani mailai bhagti n hovayee Naamu n paaiaa jaai (sggs 39).
Physical Control: Man controlled by the sense pleasures is spiritually blind. Physical control means control of the external senses. Human body is equipped with ten sense organs. Five of which are known as cognitive organs (taste, smell, seeing, word, and touch), and the remaining five are called conative organs (legs, hands, tongue, anus, and genital). As the mind is controlled, we also learn to control the external sense organs. Control at the physical level can be very helpful, because happenings at the external level can effect the atmosphere of the mind.
  • ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਰਿਦ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਧਾਰੈ ॥ ਪੰਚ ਜਨਾ ਸਿਉ ਸੰਗੁ ਨਿਵਾਰੈ ॥ ਦਸ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਖੈ ਵਾਸਿ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਆਤਮੈ ਹੋਇ ਪਰਗਾਸੁ ॥੧॥: Gur kaa sabadu rid antari dhaarai. Panch janaa siou sangu nivaarai. Das indree kari rakhai vasi. Takai aatamai hoi pargaasu ||1|| (sggs 236).
  • ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਜਿਤ ਪੰਚ ਦੋਖ ਤੇ ਰਹਤ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੋਟਿ ਮਧੇ ਕੋ ਐਸਾ ਅਪਰਸ ॥੧॥: Indree jit panch dokh te rahat Nanak koti madhe ko aisaa aparas||1|| (sggs 274).
  • ਉਰਝਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਰਸ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਿਓ ਬਿਖੈ ਠਗਉਰੀ ਖਾਵਤ ਹੇ ॥੧॥: Urjhi rahio indree ras prerio bikhai thagouree khavat hai ||1|| (sggs 821).
  • ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਦਸੇ ਦਸੇ ਫੁਨਿ ਧਾਵਤ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣੀਆ ਖਿਨੁ ਨ ਟਿਕਾਵੈਗੋ ॥: Indree dasai dasai phuni dhaavat trai guneeaa khinu n tikavaigo (sggs 1310).
Self-Control And Discipline: It includes purity of mind, contentment in all situations, interiorization of the mind, and sincere Bhagti. By practicing self-discipline, one learns not to accept everything that is harmful to Spiritual Progress (Aatam-Giaan...). Our senses are continually wander for sense gratification. Due to love of Maya, the mind also remains unstable. The idea is not to cater to these demands of the senses and mind. When we have gained some degree of control over mind and senses, self-control and discipline automatically takes place.
  • ਜਤੁ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਸਾਚੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ਸਾਚ ਸਬਦਿ ਰਸਿ ਲੀਣਾ ॥੧॥: Jatu satu sanjamu saachu drirraaiaa saach sabadi rasi leenaa ||1|| (sggs 907).
  • ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਨਗਰ ਮਹਿ ਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਜਤੁ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਸਰਣਿ ਮੁਰਾਰੀ ॥: Sati santokhu nagar mahi kaaree. Jatu satu sanjamu sarani muraaree (sggs 1037).
Endurance Or Forbearance: Forbearance represents man's capacity for tolerance or mental evenness, forgiveness, and humbleness or humility. This quality enables us to endure pleasure and pain, and other pairs of opposite presented by this material world of pluralities (duality or Doojaa-Bhaav). Therefore, the Gurbani urges us to bear good and bad, hot and cold, sufferings and joy, insult and praise, and so on, with mental evenness.
  • ਸੁਖੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੋਨੋ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਨੈ ਅਉਰੁ ਮਾਨੁ ਅਪਮਾਨਾ ॥ ਹਰਖ ਸੋਗ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਅਤੀਤਾ ਤਿਨਿ ਜਗਿ ਤਤੁ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਦੋਊ ਤਿਆਗੈ ਖੋਜੈ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਨਾ ॥ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹੁ ਖੇਲੁ ਕਠਨੁ ਹੈ ਕਿਨਹੂੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਨਾ ॥੨॥੧॥ : Sukhu dukhu dono sam kari jaanai aouru maanu apamaanaa. Harakh sog te rahai ateetaa tini jagi tatu pashaanaa. Usatat nindaa do-oo tiaagai khojai padu nirabaanaa. Jan Nanak ihu khel kathan hai kinahoon gurmukhi jaanaa ||2||1|| (sggs 219).
  • ਮਨ ਜਿਉ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵਉ ॥ ਨੀਚਹੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਅਤਿ ਨਾਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਹੋਇ ਗਰੀਬੁ ਬੁਲਾਵਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Man jiou apune prabh bhaavaou. Neechahu neech neech ati naanaa hoi greeb bulaavaou ||1||Rahaaou|| (sggs 529).
  • ਨਾ ਇਸੁ ਉਸਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਇਸੁ ਸੀਤੁ ॥: Naa isu ousanu nahee isu seetu (sggs 868).
Faith: Faith is firmly believing in the essence of the teachings of the Gurbani. Faith can help us to attempt at a clear and deeper understanding of the Gurbani.
  • ਜੋ ਜੋ ਸੁਨੈ ਪੇਖੈ ਲਾਇ ਸਰਧਾ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਦੁਖੁ ਭਾਗੈ ॥: Jo jo sunai pekhai laeai sardhaa taa kaa janam maran dukhu bhaagai (sggs 381).
  • ਜੋ ਜਨੁ ਸੁਣੈ ਸਰਧਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਸੇਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥੧॥: Jo janu sunai sardhaa bhagti setee kar kirpaa hari nisataare ||1|| (sggs 493).
  • ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇ ਸੇਵਕ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਅਤਿ ਨੀਕੇ ਮਨਿ ਸਰਧਾ ਕਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਧਾਰੇ ॥ ਮੇਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਸਰਧਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਜਨ ਕੀ ਪੈਜ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥੧॥: Parabh ke sevak bahutu ati neeke mani saradhaa kari hair dhaare. Mere prabhi saradhaa bhagti man bhavai jan kee paij sawaare ||1|| (sggs 982).
  • ਮਿਲਿ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਰਧਾ ਊਪਜੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖੁ ॥: Mili sangati saradha upajai gur sabadee hari rasu chaakhu (sggs 997).
  • ਜਾ ਕੈ ਰਿਦੈ ਬਿਸ੍ਵਾਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਇਆ ॥: Ja kai ridai visvaasu prabh aaiaa. Tatu giaan tisu mani pragataaiaa (sggs 285).
Equanimity: Equanimity is the single pointedness of the mind imbued in Shabad-Vichar, etc. The mind restrained from sense-experiences becomes established in a state of equanimity and purity, free from the memories of the past and worries of the future. Such a mind is said to be fit to fully concentrate upon the Supreme Reality. A person of equanimity can never deviate from the Spiritual Path; like the sky, he will not be tainted by distractions.
  • ਥਿਰੁ ਘਰਿ ਬੈਸਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: Thiru ghar ibaisahu hari jan piaare. Satiguri tumare kaaj savaare ||1||Rahaaou|| (sggs 201).
Intense Longing For Self-Realization: Self-realization or Self rediscovery means freedom or liberation from contaminated consciousness (false self or egoism or Haumai) and linking with the Mool (Source, Origin...) within. When man becomes free from the influence of the illusory material energy (Maya), he attains Liberation.

According to the Gurbani, the purpose of human life is to attain Freedom from the repeated suffering and the fear of death. Accordingly, this is a very fundamental qualification for contemplation (Bhagti, Shabad-Vichaar...). It is said that other divine qualities will follow if we have a burning yearning within for Self-realization.
  • ਉਪਜੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਉ ॥ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਇਹੀ ਸੁਆਉ ॥: Upajee preeti prem rasu chaaou. Man tan antari ihee suaaou (sggs 290).
With intense longing for Spiritual Realization comes the Awareness that we are Spirit Soul, for God has made us in His Pure Image (Joti-Svaroopa). Divine Grace is directly proportional to the intensity of one's love for the Mool. Accordingly, the Gurbani tells us to abandon our longing for the worldly objects, and, instead, develop intense yearning for our the Mool. An illustration of such longing is given in the Gurbani as follows:
  • ਗੋਂਡ ॥ ਮੋਹਿ ਲਾਗਤੀ ਤਾਲਾਬੇਲੀ ॥ ਬਛਰੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਗਾਇ ਅਕੇਲੀ ॥੧॥ ਪਾਨੀਆ ਬਿਨੁ ਮੀਨੁ ਤਲਫੈ ॥ ਐਸੇ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਬਾਪੁਰੋ ਨਾਮਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਗਾਇ ਕਾ ਬਾਛਾ ਛੂਟਲਾ ॥ ਥਨ ਚੋਖਤਾ ਮਾਖਨੁ ਘੂਟਲਾ ॥੨॥ ਨਾਮਦੇਉ ਨਾਰਾਇਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟਤ ਅਲਖੁ ਲਖਾਇਆ ॥੩॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਬਿਖੈ ਹੇਤ ਪਰ ਨਾਰੀ ॥ ਐਸੇ ਨਾਮੇ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਮੁਰਾਰੀ ॥੪॥ ਜੈਸੇ ਤਾਪਤੇ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਘਾਮਾ ॥ ਤੈਸੇ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਬਾਪੁਰੋ ਨਾਮਾ ॥੫॥੪॥: Mohe laagtee taalaabelee... (sggs 874).
Tool For Self-Analysis: The degree of our success in Spiritual endeavors will depend to the degree Ddivine Qualifications are awakened in us. Accordingly, they can be used as a tool for self-analysis. No other mundane qualification matters.These Divine Qualities help one to become God-centered person (the Gurmukh).

Divine Attributes are part of man's True Nature (Soul-consciousness). However, in most part they lie dormant in us. The Divine Virtues are ideal of a sincere seeker. By keeping them in mind, we can practice and guide our self-efforts to cleanse the mind of conditioning...

By constant practice one surely can gain the Realization of the Mool. On the other hand, by merely performing fruitive activities or superficial religious rituals, one surely faces the danger of gliding down again into the cycle of repeated suffering.

Attention, concentration, and contemplation leads one enters into the deeper meaning of the Gurbani. The more we reflect on the Gurbani, the more we realize its inner meanings.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Serve the world, serve yourself - Langar Chile

Serve the world, serve yourself - Langar Chile

November 28, 2012 by Guru Atma Kaur Source: sikhdharmaworldwide.org
It is a cold evening in Santiago de Chile. Like every Thursday for the last 9 years, a group of yoga students gather under one common goal.  To serve and bring food to some of the many homeless people that live on the streets in Santiago, Chile.


Almost ten years ago, two students of Yogi Bhajan inspired by his teachings started this program.   There were no thoughts about how they were going to do it, no fear about how much money it will cost; they just had the clear intention of it, and the heart to not let anything stop it.

They started with some hot tea, and cheese sandwiches. And week-by-week, these two young men found a way into these peoples heart. The gangsters stopped being aggressive, the old ladies started telling their stories, and the old
men started smiling.

This is how Langar Chile was born.
Now Langar Chile is an organized Nonprofit, has his own kitchen, volunteers from all walks of life, teams that cook vegetarian meals, teams that serve, teams that work from their computers. It is a source of inspiration for other Langars all over South America, with a professional website, a newsletter, and a video.

How can all this happen?

By the grace of the Guru, because after all this "growing up", the Langar Chile spirit remains the same - simple and full of joy.  It is all about getting together, cooking and serving food; nothing more complicated than that.

For the "Langareans" (those who feel part of the non profit), the food is just an excuse to talk to these people. Because after all this time they've opened up, they tell their stories, and they are all amazing.

The greatest challenge is not the money. Langar Chile has always been covered by the Guru, and we trust we will always be. The greatest challenge it to keep the right spirit. This is not a duty; it is something we do from the heart.


We keep going, because we feel people are counting on us, and they give us so much. We are the ones blessed by serving them, not the other way around. And it is real; it is a feeling we get every time we go, and it is not because we feel great about ourselves for doing this; it is because we can share with them. They are not better or worse; we are not here to save them, but to feed them and spend some time with them.

 Langar Chile in Numbers

  • Serving a vegetarian meal, every Thursday, since 2003
  • Non Profit Organization since 2009
  • 200 vegetarian meals, every week
  • 9.600 meals every year
  • 86.400 meals since the beginning in 2003
  • Around 50 active sevadars in all the different areas (cooking, serving, donating, coordinating activities, others?)
  • An estimate of 18.000 cooked vegetarian meals given in the 2010 earthquake affected areas
  • Support with "How to" workshops and some cooking materials to other Langar Programs in Chile, Osorno and Viña del Mar
  • Support to other Langar Programas in Latin America, though email.  (Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, Peru and Mexico.)

Langar Chile Contacts

Tips to start your own langar program:
  • Start from the practical aspects. Be real. This is not about philosophy, or ideas. It is only serving
  • Commit to it, commit to it, and commit to it
  • If you are serving in the streets, find out about permits, or other requirements you might need
  • Be simple, it is about cooking food and serving it
  • If people reject you, keep in mind that you are the one knocking on their door. It is their "home", and you should respect that
  • Be real with the people, an attitude of "I am here to help you" is deeply annoying
  • Come back to the spirit of service, not duty. Chant Ardas Bhaee till you go back to the heart. Days if necessary
  • Make one dish to avoid issues of somebody getting more of one dish, possible fights for it, it is cheaper, and easier to serve
  • If you are serving in a dangerous place, keep in mind security
  • Enjoy it, enjoy it, and enjoy it!