Dear Randip Ji,
Here are my two cents on the purpose of human life as per Sabd Guru/AGGS;
According to Sabd Guru the purpose of human life is to earn profitable merchandise (ਖੇਪ) of Naam in this world through an ethically lived life by subjugating the five lower instincts and development of virtues. Such profits can indeed help in emancipation or union of individual conciousness with Universal Consciouness. Guru Arjan in Sri Raag ponders on the subject:
ਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਗੁਪਤ ਕਾ ਕਾਗਦੁ ਫਾਰਿਆ ਜਮਦੂਤਾ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਚਲੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਿਖ ਦੇਇ ਮਨ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਹਰਿ ਲਦੇ ਖੇਪ ਸਵਲੀ ॥
Cẖiṯar gupaṯ kā kāgaḏ fāri­ā jamḏūṯā kacẖẖū na cẖalī.Nānak sikẖ ḏė¬ė man parīṯam har laḏė kẖėp savlī.
The accounts of the individual kept by mythological Chitr and Gupt, or the recording scribes of the conscious and the subconscious are torn up, and the Messenger of Death cannot do anything. Nanak gives this advice: O beloved mind, load the profitable cargo of the Akal Purkh's Name.-----Guru Arjan, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 79-18
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The following references clearly dentes the purpose of human life;
ਮਨਹੁ ਜਿ ਅੰਧੇ ਕੂਪ ਕਹਿਆ ਬਿਰਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਅੰਧੈ ਊਂਧੈ ਕਵਲਿ ਦਿਸਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਖਰੇ ਕਰੂਪ ॥ ਇਕਿ ਕਹਿ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਕਹਿਆ ਬੁਝਹਿ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਸੁਘੜ ਸਰੂਪ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਨਾਦ ਨ ਬੇਦ ਨ ਗੀਅ ਰਸੁ ਰਸ ਕਸ ਨ ਜਾਣੰਤਿ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਸੁਧਿ ਨ ਬੁਧਿ ਨ ਅਕਲਿ ਸਰ ਅਖਰ ਕਾ ਭੇਉ ਨ ਲਹੰਤਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੇ ਨਰ ਅਸਲਿ ਖਰ ਜਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰੰਤਿ ॥
Manhu jė anḏẖe kūp kahi▫ā biraḏ na jāṇanĥī. Man anḏẖai ūʼnḏẖai kaval ḏisniĥ kẖare karūp. Ik kahi jāṇėh kahi▫ā bujẖėh ṯe nar sugẖaṛ sarūp. Iknā nāḏ na beḏ na gī▫a ras ras kas na jāṇanṯ. Iknā suḏẖ na buḏẖ na akal sar akẖar kā bẖe▫o na lāhanṯ. Nānak se nar asal kẖar jė bin guṇ garab karanṯ.
Those mortals whose minds are like deep dark pits do not understand the purpose of life, even when it is explained to them. Their minds are blind, and their heart-lotuses are upside-down; they look totally ugly. Some know how to speak, and understand what they are told. They are wise and beautiful. Some do not understand about the Sound-current of the Naad or the Vedas, music, virtue or vice. Some are not blessed with understanding, intelligence, or sublime intellect; they do not grasp the mystery of God's Word. O Nanak, they are donkeys; they are very proud of themselves, but they have no virtues at all. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sarang, AGGS, Page, 1246
Guru Nanak repeats again the above message in Raag Vaaran To Vadheek:
ਮਨਹੁ ਜਿ ਅੰਧੇ ਘੂਪ ਕਹਿਆ ਬਿਰਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਅੰਧੈ ਊਂਧੈ ਕਵਲ ਦਿਸਨਿ ਖਰੇ ਕਰੂਪ ॥ ਇਕਿ ਕਹਿ ਜਾਣਨਿ ਕਹਿਆ ਬੁਝਨਿ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਸੁਘੜ ਸਰੂਪ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਨਾਦੁ ਨ ਬੇਦੁ ਨ ਗੀਅ ਰਸੁ ਰਸੁ ਕਸੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੰਤਿ ॥ਇਕਨਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਨ ਬੁਧਿ ਨ ਅਕਲਿ ਸਰ ਅਖਰ ਕਾ ਭੇਉ ਨ ਲਹੰਤਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਅਸਲਿ ਖਰ ਜਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰੰਤ ॥
Manhu jė anḏẖe gẖūp kahi▫ā biraḏ na jāṇnī. Man anḏẖai ūʼnḏẖai kaval ḏisan kẖare karūp. Ik kahi jāṇan kahi▫ā bujẖan ṯe nar sugẖaṛ sarūp. Iknā nāḏ na beḏ na gī▫a ras ras kas na jāṇanṯ. Iknā siḏẖ na buḏẖ na akal sar akẖar kā bẖe▫o na lāhanṯ. Nānak ṯe nar asal kẖar jė bin guṇ garab karanṯ.
Those who are totally blind in their minds do not have the integrity to keep their word. With their blind minds, and their upside-down heart-lotus, they look totally ugly. Some know how to speak and understand what they are told. Those people are wise and good-looking. Some do not know the Sound-current of the Naad, spiritual wisdom or the joy of song. They do not even understand good and bad. Some have no idea of perfection, wisdom or understanding; they know nothing about the mystery of the Word. O Nanak, those people are really donkeys; they have no virtue or merit, but still, they are very proud.-----Guru Nanak,Sloke Vaaran To Vadheek, AGGS, Page, 1411
Guru Arjan in Raag Gond has the following message:
ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਨਮਸਕਾਰਿ ॥ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਇਸੁ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਮਾਰਿ ॥ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੀਐ ਸਗਲ ਕੀ ਰੀਨਾ ॥ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਰਮਈਆ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚੀਨਾ ॥ ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਰਮਹੁ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਗਬਿੰਦੁ ॥ ਤਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਜਿੰਦੁ ॥ ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਉ ॥ ਜੀਅ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਕੋ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਆਉ ॥ ਤਜਿ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਜਾਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਸਾਧ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਮਨੁ ਰੰਗਿ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਤੂੰ ਕੀਆ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ ਆਗੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਵੈ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਾਲੁ ॥ ਰਸਨਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੇਰੇ ਦੀਨ ਦਇਆਲਾ ॥ ਸਾਧੂ ਕੀ ਮਨੁ ਮੰਗੈ ਰਵਾਲਾ॥ ਹੋਹੁ ਦਇਆਲ ਦੇਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਵੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
Gur ke cẖaran kamal namaskār. Kām kroḏẖ is ṯan ṯe mār. Ho▫e rahī▫ai sagal kī rīnā. Gẖat gẖat rama▫ī▫ā sabẖ mėh cẖīnā. In biḏẖ ramhu gopāl gobinḏ. Ŧan ḏẖan parabẖ kā parabẖ kī jinḏ. Āṯẖ pahar har ke guṇ gā▫o. Jī▫a parān ko ihai su▫ā▫o. Ŧaj abẖimān jān parabẖ sang. Sāḏẖ parsāḏ har si▫o man rang. Jin ṯūʼn kī▫ā ṯis ka▫o jān. Āgai ḏargėh pāvai mān. Man ṯan nirmal ho▫e nihāl. Rasnā nām japaṯ gopāl. Kar kirpā mere ḏīn ḏa▫i▫ālā. Sāḏẖū kī man mangai ravālā. Hohu ḏa▫i▫āl ḏeh parabẖ ḏān. Nānak jap jīvai parabẖ nām.
Bow in humility to the lotus feet of the Guru. Eliminate sexual desire and anger from the body. Be the dust of all, and see the Akal Purkh in each and every heart. In this way, dwell upon the Creator of the World, the Master of the Universe. My body, wealth, conscience belongs to God. Twenty-four hours a day, sing the Glorious Praises of the Akal Purkh. This is the purpose of human life. Renounce your egotistical pride, and know that God is with you. By the Grace of the Holy, let your mind be imbued with the God's Love. Know the One, who created you, and in the world hereafter you shall be honored in Its Court. Your mind and body will be immaculate and blissful; chant the Name of the Master of the Universe with your tongue. O, merciful to the meek my Akal Purkh, grant me your mercy. My mind begs for the dust of the feet of the Holy. Bless me with the gift of your Mercy, so that Nanak may live, chanting Your Name.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gond, AGGS, Page, 866
Guru Arjan carries this theme further in Sri Raag and Raag Gauri;
ਮਨ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਜੀਉ ਮਿਤ੍ਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਲਦੇ ਖੇਪ ਸਵਲੀ ॥ਮਨ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਜੀਉ ਮਿਤ੍ਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਦਰੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਮਲੀ ॥
Man pi¬āri¬ā jī¬o miṯrā har laḏė kẖėp savlī. Man pi¬āri¬ā jī¬o miṯrā har ḏar nihcẖal malī.
O, dear beloved mind, my friend, load the profitable cargo of the Akal Purkh's Name, and enter through Its eternal Door. -----Guru Arjan, Sri Raag, AGGS, Page, 79-15 & 18
ਜਾ ਕਉ ਆਏ ਸੋਈ ਬਿਹਾਝਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਮਨਹਿ ਬਸੇਰਾ ॥
Jā ka¬o ā¬ė so¬ī bihājẖahu har gur ṯė maneh basėrā.
Purchase only that for which you have come into the world. Then through the help of the Guru, the Akal Purkh shall dwell within your mind.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri Poorbi, AGGS, Page, 13-17
ਸਚੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੀ ॥ਦਰਗਹ ਨਿਬਹੈ ਖੇਪ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ॥ਏਕਾ ਟੇਕ ਰਖਹੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਆਵਹਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Sacẖ vāpār karahu vāpārī, Ḏargeh nibhai kẖėp ṯumārī, Ėkā tėk rakẖahu man māhi, Nānak bahur na āvahi jāhi.
Deal in the true trade, O trader, and your merchandise shall be safe in the Court of the Akal Purkh. Keep Its Support in your mind. O Nanak, you shall not have to come and go again.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 293-6
ਜਿਸੁ ਵਖਰ ਕਉ ਲੈਨਿ ਤੂ ਆਇਆ ॥ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੰਤਨ ਘਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਤਜਿ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਲੇਹੁ ਮਨ ਮੋਲਿ ॥ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਮਹਿ ਤੋਲਿ ॥ਲਾਦਿ ਖੇਪ ਸੰਤਹ ਸੰਗਿ ਚਾਲੁ ॥ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਜੰਜਾਲ ॥ਧੰਨਿ ਧੰਨਿ ਕਹੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥ਮੁਖ ਊਜਲ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਸੋਇ ॥ਇਹੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਵਾਪਾਰੈ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੈ ॥
Jis vakẖar ka¬o lain ṯū ā¬i¬ā. Rām nām sanṯan gẖar pā¬i¬ā.Ŧaj abẖimān lėho man mol, Rām nām hirḏė meh ṯol. Lāḏ kẖėp sanṯeh sang cẖāl. Avar ṯi¬āg bikẖi¬ā janjāl. Ḏẖan ḏẖan kahai sabẖ ko¬ė. Mukẖ ūjal har ḏargeh so¬ė. Ih vāpār virlā vāpārai. Nānak ṯā kai saḏ balihārai.
This merchandise, for which you have come, the Akal Purkh's Name, is obtained in the home of the holy persons. Renounce your egotistical pride, and with your mind, purchase It's Name, measure it out within your heart. Load up this merchandise, give up other corrupt entanglements. Blessed, blessed, everyone will call you, and your face shall be radiant in Its Court. In this trade, only a few are trading and Nanak is forever a sacrifice to them.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 283
ਕਿਨਹੀ ਬਨਜਿਆ ਕਾਂਸੀ ਤਾਂਬਾ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਲਉਗ ਸੁਪਾਰੀ ॥ਸੰਤਹੁ ਬਨਜਿਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਕਾ ਐਸੀ ਖੇਪ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੇ ਬਿਆਪਾਰੀ ॥ਹੀਰਾ ਹਾਥਿ ਚੜਿਆ ਨਿਰਮੋਲਕੁ ਛੂਟਿ ਗਈ ਸੰਸਾਰੀ ॥ਸਾਚੇ ਲਾਏ ਤਉ ਸਚ ਲਾਗੇ ਸਾਚੇ ਕੇ ਬਿਉਹਾਰੀ ॥ ਸਾਚੀ ਬਸਤੁ ਕੇ ਭਾਰ ਚਲਾਏ ਪਹੁਚੇ ਜਾਇ ਭੰਡਾਰੀ ॥ਆਪਹਿ ਰਤਨ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਨਿਕ ਆਪੈ ਹੈ ਪਾਸਾਰੀ ॥ਆਪੈ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਆਪ ਚਲਾਵੈ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਹੈ ਬਿਆਪਾਰੀ ॥ਮਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਬੈਲੁ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਪੈਡਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਗੋਨਿ ਭਰਿ ਡਾਰੀ ॥ਕਹਤੁ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਨਿਬਹੀ ਖੇਪ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥
Kinhī banji¬ā kāʼnsī ṯāʼnbā kinhī la¬ug supārī. Sanṯahu banji¬ā nām gobiḏ kā aisī kẖėp hamārī. Har kė nām kė bi¬āpārī. Hīrā hāth cẖaṛi¬ā nirmolak cẖẖūt ga¬ī sansārī. Sācẖė lā¬ė ṯa¬o sacẖ lāgė sācẖė kė bi¬uhārī. Sācẖī basaṯ kė bẖār cẖalā¬ė pahucẖė jā¬ė bẖandārī. Āpeh raṯan javāhar mānik āpai hai pāsārī. Āpai ḏah ḏis āp cẖalāvai nihcẖal hai bi¬āpārī. Man kar bail suraṯ kar paidā gi¬ān gon bẖar dārī. Kahaṯ Kabīr sunhu rė sanṯahu nibhī kẖėp hamārī.
Some deal in bronze and copper, some in cloves and betel nuts. The holy persons deal in the Name of the Creator of the Universe. Such is my merchandise as well. I am a trader in Its Name. The priceless diamond has come into my hands. I have left the world behind. When the True Akal Purkh attached me, then I was attached to Truth. I am a trader of the True Master. I have loaded the commodity of Truth. It has reached the Treasurer. Akal Purkh It self is the pearl, the jewel and the ruby and spreads out in the ten directions. The Merchant is Eternal and Unchanging. My mind is the bull, and meditation is the road; I have filled my packs with the spiritual wisdom, and loaded them on the bull. Says Kabir, listen, O holy people: my merchandise has reached its destination!-----Kabir, Raag Kedara, AGGS, Page, 1123
ਨਿਬਹੀ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਸਚੁ ਖੇਪ ॥ਲਾਭੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਇ ਨਿਧਿ ਧਨੁ ਬਿਖੈ ਮਾਹਿ ਅਲੇਪ ॥
Nibhī nām kī sacẖ kẖėp. Lābẖ har guṇ gā¬ė niḏẖ ḏẖan bikẖai māhi alėp.
Only the true merchandise the Name of the Creator, stays with you. Sing the Glorious Praise the Akal Purkh, the treasurer of wealth, and earn your profit. In this way, in the midst of corruption, one can remain untouched.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Sarag, AGGS, Page, 1226-13
ਵਖਰੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਲਦਿ ਖੇਪ ਚਲਾਵਹੁ ॥ਲੈ ਲਾਹਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਘਰਿ ਆਵਹੁ ॥ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਹੁ ਸਿਖ ਵਣਜਾਰੇ ॥ਪੂੰਜੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਲੇਖਾ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਮ੍ਹਾਰੇ ॥
vakẖar nām laḏ kẖėp cẖalāvahu. Lai lāhā gurmukẖ gẖar āvhu. Saṯgur sāhu sikẖ vaṇjārė. Pūnjī nām lėkẖā sācẖ samĥārė.
Load the merchandise of the Naam, and set sail with your cargo. Earn your profit, as Guru Willed, and you shall return to your own home. The True Guru is the Banker, and the Sikhs are the traders. Their merchandise is the Naam, and meditation on the True Master is their account.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 430-17
ਪਰਦੇਸੁ ਝਾਗਿ ਸਉਦੇ ਕਉ ਆਇਆ ॥ਵਸਤੁ ਅਨੂਪ ਸੁਣੀ ਲਾਭਾਇਆ ॥ਗੁਣ ਰਾਸਿ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਪਲੈ ਆਨੀ ॥ਦੇਖਿ ਰਤਨੁ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲਪਟਾਨੀ ॥ਸਾਹ ਵਾਪਾਰੀ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਆਏ ॥ਵਖਰੁ ਕਾਢਹੁ ਸਉਦਾ ਕਰਾਏ ॥ਸਾਹਿ ਪਠਾਇਆ ਸਾਹੈ ਪਾਸਿ ॥ ਅਮੋਲ ਰਤਨ ਅਮੋਲਾ ਰਾਸਿ ॥ਵਿਸਟੁ ਸੁਭਾਈ ਪਾਇਆ ਮੀਤ ॥ਸਉਦਾ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਨਿਹਚਲ ਚੀਤ ॥ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਤਸਕਰ ਪਉਣ ਨ ਪਾਨੀ ॥ਸਹਜਿ ਵਿਹਾਝੀ ਸਹਜਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਨੀ ॥ਸਤ ਕੈ ਖਟਿਐ ਦੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ਸਹੀ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਘਰਿ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ॥ਮਿਲਿਆ ਲਾਹਾ ਭਏ ਅਨੰਦ ॥ਧੰਨੁ ਸਾਹ ਪੂਰੇ ਬਖਸਿੰਦ ॥ਇਹੁ ਸਉਦਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਿਨੈ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ਸਹਲੀ ਖੇਪ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ॥
Parḏės jẖāg sa¬uḏė ka¬o ā¬i¬ā. vasaṯ anūp suṇī lābẖā¬i¬ā. Guṇ rās baneh palai ānī. Ḏėkẖ raṯan ih man laptānī. Sāh vāpārī ḏu¬ārai ā¬ė. vakẖar kādẖahu sa¬uḏā karā¬ė. Sāhi paṯẖā¬i¬ā sāhai pās. Amol raṯan amolā rās. visat subẖā¬ī pā¬i¬ā mīṯ. Sa¬uḏā mili¬ā nihcẖal cẖīṯ. Bẖa¬o nahī ṯaskar pa¬uṇ na pānī. Sahj vihājī sahj lai jānī. Saṯ kai kẖati¬ai ḏukẖ nahī pā¬i¬ā. Sahī salāmaṯ gẖar lai ā¬i¬ā. Mili¬ā lāhā bẖa¬ė anand. Ḏẖan sāh pūrė bakẖsinḏ. Ih sa¬uḏā gurmukẖ kinai virlai pā¬i¬ā. Sahlī kẖėp Nānak lai ā¬i¬ā.
Having wandered through foreign lands, I have come here to do business. I heard of the incomparable and profitable merchandise. I have gathered it in my pockets as my capital of virtue. I have brought it here with me. Beholding the jewel, this mind is fascinated. I have come to the door of the Trader. Please display the merchandise, so that the business may be transacted. The Trader has sent me to the Banker. The jewel is priceless, and the capital is precious. O my gentle brother, mediator and friend, I have obtained the merchandise. My consciousness is now steady and stable. I have no fear of thieves, of wind or water. I have easily made my purchase, and I easily take it away. I have earned Truth, and I shall have no pain. I have brought this merchandise home, safe and sound. I have earned the profit, and I am happy. Blessed is the Banker, the Perfect Bestower. How rare is the Guru willed who obtains this merchandise; Nanak has brought this profitable merchandise home.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 372
ਖੇਪ ਨਿਬਾਹੀ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਲਾਭ ਘਰਿ ਆਏ ਪਤਿਵੰਤ ॥ਖਰਾ ਦਿਲਾਸਾ ਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਆ ਆਇ ਮਿਲੇ ਭਗਵੰਤ ॥
Kẖėp nibāhī bahuṯ lābẖ gẖar ā¬ė paṯivanṯ. Kẖarā ḏilāsā gur ḏī¬ā ā¬ė milė bẖagvanṯ.
My merchandise has arrived safely, and I have made a great profit; I have returned home with honor. The Guru has given me great consolation, and the God has come to meet me.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 261-9
ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ ਦਇਆ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਧਾਰੀ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਬਹੀ ਖੇਪ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥
Kar parsāḏ ḏa¬i¬ā parabẖ ḏẖārī. Nānak nibhī kẖėp hamārī.
By Its Grace, God has bestowed Its Mercy. O, Nanak, my merchandise has arrived save and sound.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 295-15
Conclusion:
Recitation of the True Naam can be done by anyone irrespective of his caste, color, gender or any other attribute. It involves the development of thinking of the right thought leading to right action. Thought is created in the mind and is itself an energy pattern. When this energy is harnessed by an individual in reflecting and deliberating on the true Naam, enlightenment follows. Divine knowledge leads to progress in spirituality. An individual thus taps into an unsuspected inner resource. One becomes aware of one’s own conception of a Power greater than himself. Most of us think that this awareness is the essence of spiritual experience. Some call it "God-consciousness." This may lead to a complete removal of spiritual ignorance. It is like earning the True profitable merchandise capable of union with Akal Purkh.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਖੇਪ ਨਿਬਾਹੀ ਸੰਤਹੁ ॥ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਲਾਹਾ ਦਾਸ ਕਉ ਦੀਆ ਸਗਲੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਉਲਾਹੀ ਸੰਤਹੁ ॥
Saṯgur kẖėp nibāhī sanṯahu. Har nām lāhā ḏās ka¬o ḏī¬ā saglī ṯarisan ulāhī sanṯahu.
The True Guru has approved my cargo, and has blessed the slave with the profit of the Creator's Name; all my thirst is quenched, O holy people.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 916-7
Cordially,
Virinder
Here are my two cents on the purpose of human life as per Sabd Guru/AGGS;
PURPOSE OF HUMAN LIFE
ABSTRACT
According to Sabd Guru the purpose of human life is to earn profitable merchandise (ਖੇਪ) of Naam in this world through an ethically lived life by subjugating the five lower instincts and development of virtues. Such profits can indeed help in emancipation or union of individual conciousness with Universal Consciouness. Guru Arjan in Sri Raag ponders on the subject:
ਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਗੁਪਤ ਕਾ ਕਾਗਦੁ ਫਾਰਿਆ ਜਮਦੂਤਾ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਚਲੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਿਖ ਦੇਇ ਮਨ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਹਰਿ ਲਦੇ ਖੇਪ ਸਵਲੀ ॥
Cẖiṯar gupaṯ kā kāgaḏ fāri­ā jamḏūṯā kacẖẖū na cẖalī.Nānak sikẖ ḏė¬ė man parīṯam har laḏė kẖėp savlī.
The accounts of the individual kept by mythological Chitr and Gupt, or the recording scribes of the conscious and the subconscious are torn up, and the Messenger of Death cannot do anything. Nanak gives this advice: O beloved mind, load the profitable cargo of the Akal Purkh's Name.-----Guru Arjan, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 79-18
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The following references clearly dentes the purpose of human life;
ਮਨਹੁ ਜਿ ਅੰਧੇ ਕੂਪ ਕਹਿਆ ਬਿਰਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਅੰਧੈ ਊਂਧੈ ਕਵਲਿ ਦਿਸਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਖਰੇ ਕਰੂਪ ॥ ਇਕਿ ਕਹਿ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਕਹਿਆ ਬੁਝਹਿ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਸੁਘੜ ਸਰੂਪ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਨਾਦ ਨ ਬੇਦ ਨ ਗੀਅ ਰਸੁ ਰਸ ਕਸ ਨ ਜਾਣੰਤਿ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਸੁਧਿ ਨ ਬੁਧਿ ਨ ਅਕਲਿ ਸਰ ਅਖਰ ਕਾ ਭੇਉ ਨ ਲਹੰਤਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੇ ਨਰ ਅਸਲਿ ਖਰ ਜਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰੰਤਿ ॥
Manhu jė anḏẖe kūp kahi▫ā biraḏ na jāṇanĥī. Man anḏẖai ūʼnḏẖai kaval ḏisniĥ kẖare karūp. Ik kahi jāṇėh kahi▫ā bujẖėh ṯe nar sugẖaṛ sarūp. Iknā nāḏ na beḏ na gī▫a ras ras kas na jāṇanṯ. Iknā suḏẖ na buḏẖ na akal sar akẖar kā bẖe▫o na lāhanṯ. Nānak se nar asal kẖar jė bin guṇ garab karanṯ.
Those mortals whose minds are like deep dark pits do not understand the purpose of life, even when it is explained to them. Their minds are blind, and their heart-lotuses are upside-down; they look totally ugly. Some know how to speak, and understand what they are told. They are wise and beautiful. Some do not understand about the Sound-current of the Naad or the Vedas, music, virtue or vice. Some are not blessed with understanding, intelligence, or sublime intellect; they do not grasp the mystery of God's Word. O Nanak, they are donkeys; they are very proud of themselves, but they have no virtues at all. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sarang, AGGS, Page, 1246
Guru Nanak repeats again the above message in Raag Vaaran To Vadheek:
ਮਨਹੁ ਜਿ ਅੰਧੇ ਘੂਪ ਕਹਿਆ ਬਿਰਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਅੰਧੈ ਊਂਧੈ ਕਵਲ ਦਿਸਨਿ ਖਰੇ ਕਰੂਪ ॥ ਇਕਿ ਕਹਿ ਜਾਣਨਿ ਕਹਿਆ ਬੁਝਨਿ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਸੁਘੜ ਸਰੂਪ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਨਾਦੁ ਨ ਬੇਦੁ ਨ ਗੀਅ ਰਸੁ ਰਸੁ ਕਸੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੰਤਿ ॥ਇਕਨਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਨ ਬੁਧਿ ਨ ਅਕਲਿ ਸਰ ਅਖਰ ਕਾ ਭੇਉ ਨ ਲਹੰਤਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਅਸਲਿ ਖਰ ਜਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰੰਤ ॥
Manhu jė anḏẖe gẖūp kahi▫ā biraḏ na jāṇnī. Man anḏẖai ūʼnḏẖai kaval ḏisan kẖare karūp. Ik kahi jāṇan kahi▫ā bujẖan ṯe nar sugẖaṛ sarūp. Iknā nāḏ na beḏ na gī▫a ras ras kas na jāṇanṯ. Iknā siḏẖ na buḏẖ na akal sar akẖar kā bẖe▫o na lāhanṯ. Nānak ṯe nar asal kẖar jė bin guṇ garab karanṯ.
Those who are totally blind in their minds do not have the integrity to keep their word. With their blind minds, and their upside-down heart-lotus, they look totally ugly. Some know how to speak and understand what they are told. Those people are wise and good-looking. Some do not know the Sound-current of the Naad, spiritual wisdom or the joy of song. They do not even understand good and bad. Some have no idea of perfection, wisdom or understanding; they know nothing about the mystery of the Word. O Nanak, those people are really donkeys; they have no virtue or merit, but still, they are very proud.-----Guru Nanak,Sloke Vaaran To Vadheek, AGGS, Page, 1411
Guru Arjan in Raag Gond has the following message:
ਜੀਅ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਕੋ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਆਉ ॥
Jī▫a parān ko ihai su▫ā▫o.
This is the purpose of human life.
ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਨਮਸਕਾਰਿ ॥ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਇਸੁ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਮਾਰਿ ॥ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੀਐ ਸਗਲ ਕੀ ਰੀਨਾ ॥ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਰਮਈਆ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚੀਨਾ ॥ ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਰਮਹੁ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਗਬਿੰਦੁ ॥ ਤਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਜਿੰਦੁ ॥ ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਉ ॥ ਜੀਅ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਕੋ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਆਉ ॥ ਤਜਿ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਜਾਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਸਾਧ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਮਨੁ ਰੰਗਿ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਤੂੰ ਕੀਆ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ ਆਗੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਵੈ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਾਲੁ ॥ ਰਸਨਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੇਰੇ ਦੀਨ ਦਇਆਲਾ ॥ ਸਾਧੂ ਕੀ ਮਨੁ ਮੰਗੈ ਰਵਾਲਾ॥ ਹੋਹੁ ਦਇਆਲ ਦੇਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਵੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
Gur ke cẖaran kamal namaskār. Kām kroḏẖ is ṯan ṯe mār. Ho▫e rahī▫ai sagal kī rīnā. Gẖat gẖat rama▫ī▫ā sabẖ mėh cẖīnā. In biḏẖ ramhu gopāl gobinḏ. Ŧan ḏẖan parabẖ kā parabẖ kī jinḏ. Āṯẖ pahar har ke guṇ gā▫o. Jī▫a parān ko ihai su▫ā▫o. Ŧaj abẖimān jān parabẖ sang. Sāḏẖ parsāḏ har si▫o man rang. Jin ṯūʼn kī▫ā ṯis ka▫o jān. Āgai ḏargėh pāvai mān. Man ṯan nirmal ho▫e nihāl. Rasnā nām japaṯ gopāl. Kar kirpā mere ḏīn ḏa▫i▫ālā. Sāḏẖū kī man mangai ravālā. Hohu ḏa▫i▫āl ḏeh parabẖ ḏān. Nānak jap jīvai parabẖ nām.
Bow in humility to the lotus feet of the Guru. Eliminate sexual desire and anger from the body. Be the dust of all, and see the Akal Purkh in each and every heart. In this way, dwell upon the Creator of the World, the Master of the Universe. My body, wealth, conscience belongs to God. Twenty-four hours a day, sing the Glorious Praises of the Akal Purkh. This is the purpose of human life. Renounce your egotistical pride, and know that God is with you. By the Grace of the Holy, let your mind be imbued with the God's Love. Know the One, who created you, and in the world hereafter you shall be honored in Its Court. Your mind and body will be immaculate and blissful; chant the Name of the Master of the Universe with your tongue. O, merciful to the meek my Akal Purkh, grant me your mercy. My mind begs for the dust of the feet of the Holy. Bless me with the gift of your Mercy, so that Nanak may live, chanting Your Name.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gond, AGGS, Page, 866
Guru Arjan carries this theme further in Sri Raag and Raag Gauri;
ਮਨ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਜੀਉ ਮਿਤ੍ਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਲਦੇ ਖੇਪ ਸਵਲੀ ॥ਮਨ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਜੀਉ ਮਿਤ੍ਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਦਰੁ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਮਲੀ ॥
Man pi¬āri¬ā jī¬o miṯrā har laḏė kẖėp savlī. Man pi¬āri¬ā jī¬o miṯrā har ḏar nihcẖal malī.
O, dear beloved mind, my friend, load the profitable cargo of the Akal Purkh's Name, and enter through Its eternal Door. -----Guru Arjan, Sri Raag, AGGS, Page, 79-15 & 18
ਜਾ ਕਉ ਆਏ ਸੋਈ ਬਿਹਾਝਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਮਨਹਿ ਬਸੇਰਾ ॥
Jā ka¬o ā¬ė so¬ī bihājẖahu har gur ṯė maneh basėrā.
Purchase only that for which you have come into the world. Then through the help of the Guru, the Akal Purkh shall dwell within your mind.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri Poorbi, AGGS, Page, 13-17
ਸਚੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੀ ॥ਦਰਗਹ ਨਿਬਹੈ ਖੇਪ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ॥ਏਕਾ ਟੇਕ ਰਖਹੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਆਵਹਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
Sacẖ vāpār karahu vāpārī, Ḏargeh nibhai kẖėp ṯumārī, Ėkā tėk rakẖahu man māhi, Nānak bahur na āvahi jāhi.
Deal in the true trade, O trader, and your merchandise shall be safe in the Court of the Akal Purkh. Keep Its Support in your mind. O Nanak, you shall not have to come and go again.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 293-6
ਜਿਸੁ ਵਖਰ ਕਉ ਲੈਨਿ ਤੂ ਆਇਆ ॥ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੰਤਨ ਘਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਤਜਿ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਲੇਹੁ ਮਨ ਮੋਲਿ ॥ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਮਹਿ ਤੋਲਿ ॥ਲਾਦਿ ਖੇਪ ਸੰਤਹ ਸੰਗਿ ਚਾਲੁ ॥ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਜੰਜਾਲ ॥ਧੰਨਿ ਧੰਨਿ ਕਹੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥ਮੁਖ ਊਜਲ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਸੋਇ ॥ਇਹੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਵਾਪਾਰੈ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੈ ॥
Jis vakẖar ka¬o lain ṯū ā¬i¬ā. Rām nām sanṯan gẖar pā¬i¬ā.Ŧaj abẖimān lėho man mol, Rām nām hirḏė meh ṯol. Lāḏ kẖėp sanṯeh sang cẖāl. Avar ṯi¬āg bikẖi¬ā janjāl. Ḏẖan ḏẖan kahai sabẖ ko¬ė. Mukẖ ūjal har ḏargeh so¬ė. Ih vāpār virlā vāpārai. Nānak ṯā kai saḏ balihārai.
This merchandise, for which you have come, the Akal Purkh's Name, is obtained in the home of the holy persons. Renounce your egotistical pride, and with your mind, purchase It's Name, measure it out within your heart. Load up this merchandise, give up other corrupt entanglements. Blessed, blessed, everyone will call you, and your face shall be radiant in Its Court. In this trade, only a few are trading and Nanak is forever a sacrifice to them.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 283
ਕਿਨਹੀ ਬਨਜਿਆ ਕਾਂਸੀ ਤਾਂਬਾ ਕਿਨਹੀ ਲਉਗ ਸੁਪਾਰੀ ॥ਸੰਤਹੁ ਬਨਜਿਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਕਾ ਐਸੀ ਖੇਪ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੇ ਬਿਆਪਾਰੀ ॥ਹੀਰਾ ਹਾਥਿ ਚੜਿਆ ਨਿਰਮੋਲਕੁ ਛੂਟਿ ਗਈ ਸੰਸਾਰੀ ॥ਸਾਚੇ ਲਾਏ ਤਉ ਸਚ ਲਾਗੇ ਸਾਚੇ ਕੇ ਬਿਉਹਾਰੀ ॥ ਸਾਚੀ ਬਸਤੁ ਕੇ ਭਾਰ ਚਲਾਏ ਪਹੁਚੇ ਜਾਇ ਭੰਡਾਰੀ ॥ਆਪਹਿ ਰਤਨ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਨਿਕ ਆਪੈ ਹੈ ਪਾਸਾਰੀ ॥ਆਪੈ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਆਪ ਚਲਾਵੈ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਹੈ ਬਿਆਪਾਰੀ ॥ਮਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਬੈਲੁ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਪੈਡਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਗੋਨਿ ਭਰਿ ਡਾਰੀ ॥ਕਹਤੁ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਨਿਬਹੀ ਖੇਪ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥
Kinhī banji¬ā kāʼnsī ṯāʼnbā kinhī la¬ug supārī. Sanṯahu banji¬ā nām gobiḏ kā aisī kẖėp hamārī. Har kė nām kė bi¬āpārī. Hīrā hāth cẖaṛi¬ā nirmolak cẖẖūt ga¬ī sansārī. Sācẖė lā¬ė ṯa¬o sacẖ lāgė sācẖė kė bi¬uhārī. Sācẖī basaṯ kė bẖār cẖalā¬ė pahucẖė jā¬ė bẖandārī. Āpeh raṯan javāhar mānik āpai hai pāsārī. Āpai ḏah ḏis āp cẖalāvai nihcẖal hai bi¬āpārī. Man kar bail suraṯ kar paidā gi¬ān gon bẖar dārī. Kahaṯ Kabīr sunhu rė sanṯahu nibhī kẖėp hamārī.
Some deal in bronze and copper, some in cloves and betel nuts. The holy persons deal in the Name of the Creator of the Universe. Such is my merchandise as well. I am a trader in Its Name. The priceless diamond has come into my hands. I have left the world behind. When the True Akal Purkh attached me, then I was attached to Truth. I am a trader of the True Master. I have loaded the commodity of Truth. It has reached the Treasurer. Akal Purkh It self is the pearl, the jewel and the ruby and spreads out in the ten directions. The Merchant is Eternal and Unchanging. My mind is the bull, and meditation is the road; I have filled my packs with the spiritual wisdom, and loaded them on the bull. Says Kabir, listen, O holy people: my merchandise has reached its destination!-----Kabir, Raag Kedara, AGGS, Page, 1123
ਨਿਬਹੀ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਸਚੁ ਖੇਪ ॥ਲਾਭੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਇ ਨਿਧਿ ਧਨੁ ਬਿਖੈ ਮਾਹਿ ਅਲੇਪ ॥
Nibhī nām kī sacẖ kẖėp. Lābẖ har guṇ gā¬ė niḏẖ ḏẖan bikẖai māhi alėp.
Only the true merchandise the Name of the Creator, stays with you. Sing the Glorious Praise the Akal Purkh, the treasurer of wealth, and earn your profit. In this way, in the midst of corruption, one can remain untouched.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Sarag, AGGS, Page, 1226-13
ਵਖਰੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਲਦਿ ਖੇਪ ਚਲਾਵਹੁ ॥ਲੈ ਲਾਹਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਘਰਿ ਆਵਹੁ ॥ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਹੁ ਸਿਖ ਵਣਜਾਰੇ ॥ਪੂੰਜੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਲੇਖਾ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਮ੍ਹਾਰੇ ॥
vakẖar nām laḏ kẖėp cẖalāvahu. Lai lāhā gurmukẖ gẖar āvhu. Saṯgur sāhu sikẖ vaṇjārė. Pūnjī nām lėkẖā sācẖ samĥārė.
Load the merchandise of the Naam, and set sail with your cargo. Earn your profit, as Guru Willed, and you shall return to your own home. The True Guru is the Banker, and the Sikhs are the traders. Their merchandise is the Naam, and meditation on the True Master is their account.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 430-17
ਪਰਦੇਸੁ ਝਾਗਿ ਸਉਦੇ ਕਉ ਆਇਆ ॥ਵਸਤੁ ਅਨੂਪ ਸੁਣੀ ਲਾਭਾਇਆ ॥ਗੁਣ ਰਾਸਿ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਪਲੈ ਆਨੀ ॥ਦੇਖਿ ਰਤਨੁ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲਪਟਾਨੀ ॥ਸਾਹ ਵਾਪਾਰੀ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਆਏ ॥ਵਖਰੁ ਕਾਢਹੁ ਸਉਦਾ ਕਰਾਏ ॥ਸਾਹਿ ਪਠਾਇਆ ਸਾਹੈ ਪਾਸਿ ॥ ਅਮੋਲ ਰਤਨ ਅਮੋਲਾ ਰਾਸਿ ॥ਵਿਸਟੁ ਸੁਭਾਈ ਪਾਇਆ ਮੀਤ ॥ਸਉਦਾ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਨਿਹਚਲ ਚੀਤ ॥ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਤਸਕਰ ਪਉਣ ਨ ਪਾਨੀ ॥ਸਹਜਿ ਵਿਹਾਝੀ ਸਹਜਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਨੀ ॥ਸਤ ਕੈ ਖਟਿਐ ਦੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ਸਹੀ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਘਰਿ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ॥ਮਿਲਿਆ ਲਾਹਾ ਭਏ ਅਨੰਦ ॥ਧੰਨੁ ਸਾਹ ਪੂਰੇ ਬਖਸਿੰਦ ॥ਇਹੁ ਸਉਦਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਿਨੈ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ਸਹਲੀ ਖੇਪ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ॥
Parḏės jẖāg sa¬uḏė ka¬o ā¬i¬ā. vasaṯ anūp suṇī lābẖā¬i¬ā. Guṇ rās baneh palai ānī. Ḏėkẖ raṯan ih man laptānī. Sāh vāpārī ḏu¬ārai ā¬ė. vakẖar kādẖahu sa¬uḏā karā¬ė. Sāhi paṯẖā¬i¬ā sāhai pās. Amol raṯan amolā rās. visat subẖā¬ī pā¬i¬ā mīṯ. Sa¬uḏā mili¬ā nihcẖal cẖīṯ. Bẖa¬o nahī ṯaskar pa¬uṇ na pānī. Sahj vihājī sahj lai jānī. Saṯ kai kẖati¬ai ḏukẖ nahī pā¬i¬ā. Sahī salāmaṯ gẖar lai ā¬i¬ā. Mili¬ā lāhā bẖa¬ė anand. Ḏẖan sāh pūrė bakẖsinḏ. Ih sa¬uḏā gurmukẖ kinai virlai pā¬i¬ā. Sahlī kẖėp Nānak lai ā¬i¬ā.
Having wandered through foreign lands, I have come here to do business. I heard of the incomparable and profitable merchandise. I have gathered it in my pockets as my capital of virtue. I have brought it here with me. Beholding the jewel, this mind is fascinated. I have come to the door of the Trader. Please display the merchandise, so that the business may be transacted. The Trader has sent me to the Banker. The jewel is priceless, and the capital is precious. O my gentle brother, mediator and friend, I have obtained the merchandise. My consciousness is now steady and stable. I have no fear of thieves, of wind or water. I have easily made my purchase, and I easily take it away. I have earned Truth, and I shall have no pain. I have brought this merchandise home, safe and sound. I have earned the profit, and I am happy. Blessed is the Banker, the Perfect Bestower. How rare is the Guru willed who obtains this merchandise; Nanak has brought this profitable merchandise home.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 372
ਖੇਪ ਨਿਬਾਹੀ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਲਾਭ ਘਰਿ ਆਏ ਪਤਿਵੰਤ ॥ਖਰਾ ਦਿਲਾਸਾ ਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਆ ਆਇ ਮਿਲੇ ਭਗਵੰਤ ॥
Kẖėp nibāhī bahuṯ lābẖ gẖar ā¬ė paṯivanṯ. Kẖarā ḏilāsā gur ḏī¬ā ā¬ė milė bẖagvanṯ.
My merchandise has arrived safely, and I have made a great profit; I have returned home with honor. The Guru has given me great consolation, and the God has come to meet me.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 261-9
ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ ਦਇਆ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਧਾਰੀ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਬਹੀ ਖੇਪ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥
Kar parsāḏ ḏa¬i¬ā parabẖ ḏẖārī. Nānak nibhī kẖėp hamārī.
By Its Grace, God has bestowed Its Mercy. O, Nanak, my merchandise has arrived save and sound.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 295-15
Conclusion:
Recitation of the True Naam can be done by anyone irrespective of his caste, color, gender or any other attribute. It involves the development of thinking of the right thought leading to right action. Thought is created in the mind and is itself an energy pattern. When this energy is harnessed by an individual in reflecting and deliberating on the true Naam, enlightenment follows. Divine knowledge leads to progress in spirituality. An individual thus taps into an unsuspected inner resource. One becomes aware of one’s own conception of a Power greater than himself. Most of us think that this awareness is the essence of spiritual experience. Some call it "God-consciousness." This may lead to a complete removal of spiritual ignorance. It is like earning the True profitable merchandise capable of union with Akal Purkh.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਖੇਪ ਨਿਬਾਹੀ ਸੰਤਹੁ ॥ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਲਾਹਾ ਦਾਸ ਕਉ ਦੀਆ ਸਗਲੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਉਲਾਹੀ ਸੰਤਹੁ ॥
Saṯgur kẖėp nibāhī sanṯahu. Har nām lāhā ḏās ka¬o ḏī¬ā saglī ṯarisan ulāhī sanṯahu.
The True Guru has approved my cargo, and has blessed the slave with the profit of the Creator's Name; all my thirst is quenched, O holy people.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 916-7
Cordially,
Virinder
