HOW CAN HIS OWN CREATION BECOME CHAINS?
Guru Nanak walked on the stage of the world when people were being exploited in the name of Devi /Devtas and religious mandatory rituals to gain some thing here or hereafter (sadly today in some Sikh-groups the same exploitation has been started). Besides, there were other sectarian ideologies that would impress the people to take advantage of them; those ideologies were advocated by those who were known as “detached Saints” and “Yogis”. Interestingly Guru Nanak addressed all of these groups and asked the public to get rid of fear of any kind by becoming worthy of Him through mediating on the Creator only. Boldly Guru suggests that the Lord is not pleased with these things but with sincere love a soul should harbor for Him while living right in His created world. In His created world there is so much tempting and luring stuff, people need to be counseled about how to keep love for the Lord intact, Guru does that too perfectly. Abandoning of His created world was done already by Sanyaasis and Yogis, and it was against Guru Nanak’s belief; so how to stay above the influence of Maya that takes over the soul and hinders it to fall for its origin?
One needs a True Guru who has experienced the Lord, Sree Guru Granth Sahib is the Guru of Sikhs, they should live by Guru’s Teachings by pondering over Guru-Shabad. In the following Vaakas, Guru Nanak says that only who faithfully follow Guru can know the Lord. Next Guru Vaak says that all pain and sorrows disappear as one gets absorbed in Guru shabad, please read on. All this is a serious commitment not a mere talk.
ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਇਕਤੁਕੀ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੇ ਸੋ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ ਦੂਖੁ ਮਿਟੈ ਸਚੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥੧॥
Āsā mėhlā 1 ikṯukī. Gur seve so ṯẖākur jānai. Ḏūkẖ mitai sacẖ sabaḏ pacẖẖānai. ||1|| (SGGS 416)
Asa 1st Guru. Ek Tuki. He, who serves (follows strictly Guru)the Guru, knows the Lord. By recognising the true Name his pain vanishes( WHoThrough guru Teachings recognizes the Lord, gets rid of pain etc)
ਜੇਹੜਾਮਨੁੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਦੱਸੇ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ (ਹਰਥਾਂ ਵਿਆਪਕ) ਜਾਣ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀਰਾਹੀਂ (ਹਰ ਥਾਂ) ਪਛਾਣ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤੇ (ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਮੋਹ ਦਾ) ਦੁੱਖ ਮਿਟਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੧।
Now the question is how this miracle can happen? It is almost like standing in the rain and trying to stay wet without umbrella or other accessory. All Guru Followers are trying to act as per Guru Shabad, they take Hukamnama every day, teach themselves what Guru wants from them and bow in respect to be obedient but still their percentage of failure to realize the Lord is alarming. Why it is so, what goes wrong in the lives of even sincere Guru Followers? Read what Guru ji is saying
ਰਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਖੀ ਸਖੈਨੀ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਨੈਨੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Rām japahu merī sakẖī sakẖainī. Saṯgur sev ḏekẖhu parabẖ nainī. ||1|| rahā▫o.
Meditate on the Lord, O my Mate and friend. By serving the True Guru, thou shalt see the Lord with thine eyes. Pause.
ਹੇਮੇਰੀ ਸਹੇਲੀਹੋ! (ਹੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਤਸੰਗੀਓ!) ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਦੱਸੀ ਹੋਈ (ਇਹ) ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰ ਕੇ (ਭਾਵ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਭਜਨ ਕਰ ਕੇ) ਤੁਸੀ (ਹਰ ਥਾਂ) ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕਰੋਗੇ।੧।ਰਹਾਉ।
Constant paath are being done, meditation is done, Ram-simran is done, and new wave of prabhat-feri is done by chanting the praise of the Lord through Gurbani Simran early in the morning. Why still fall after fall is what we experience. Seeing the Lord, appears to be just a dream but Guru ji says one can see Him with eyes. Now read the next Guru Vaak, carefully and try to understand what Guru ji is trying to say by keeping in mind that never ever Guru advises us to abandon His created creation. That is the concept of Gurmat, let me quote Guru vaak in this context too “ਹਸੰਦਿਆਖੇਲੰਦਿਆ ਪੈਨੰਦਿਆ ਖਾਵੰਦਿਆ ਵਿਚੇ ਹੋਵੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ॥੨11 (SGGS522)
Hasanḏi▫ā kẖelanḏi▫ā painanḏi▫ā kẖāvanḏi▫ā vicẖe hovai mukaṯ. ||2||
While laughing, playing, dressing and eating, he is liberated. ||2||
ਮਃ 5
Alright, now read the following Guru Vaak
ਬੰਧਨ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਬੰਧਨ ਸੁਤ ਕੰਨਿਆ ਅਰੁ ਨਾਰਿ ॥੨॥
Banḏẖan māṯ piṯā sansār. Banḏẖan suṯ kanniā ar nār. ||2||
Entanglements are mother, father and the world. Entanglement are sons, daughters and wife.
(ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ) ਸੰਸਾਰ ਵਿਚ ਮਾਂ, ਪਿਉ, ਪੁੱਤਰ, ਧੀ ਅਤੇ ਵਹੁਟੀ (ਮੋਹ ਦੇ) ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਕਾਰਣ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।੨।
Have a deep breath and think about it. Is Guru indicating to abandon family? If not why he is saying that family could be an entanglement? Doesn’t he want us to have family life? Yes he does. To understand what actually Guru is saying, try to comprehend the application of an example I am giving here. Imagine we are sitting in a car and ready to go, our father walks to us and advises us “Drive carefully, cars can kill too” Our father is not saying to get rid of the car or abandon it to find another safe transportation, he is simply asking us to be careful and make sure it should not lead to a tragedy in heckles driving”. That is what Guru says here. If the family peruses one to go astray, inspires to lose virtues one is trying to acquire, demands to lose truth for false things, it is the chain in soul’s progression. Same thing is applicable to all other stuff. I would like to quote Tenth Nanak here who literally lived this concept to inspire his followers to follow him. When all children and mother along with a lot of true Guru Followers were lost, Guru moved on his mission without letting this tragedy a hindrance to progress on a path to guide the followers to be self defendant and to be ready to praise the Lord in all circumstances. Here what I mean is that Guru didn’t let the separation of members of family along with true followers, be a chain. Following Lord’s Ordinance in all circumstances was his priority. Always his concentration remained on Him while obeying His Ordinance without any regret or sorrow; this was an exemplary living to inspire followers. Life has a purpose that is to live in His love by obeying His Ordinance, good and bad things occur as a part of it, why any thing should detour the mind away from the Lord? When we do, what do we establish any way?
In the next Guru Vak, Guru talks about things we believe will bring us close to the Lord, actually they also end up becoming chains in progression towards the Lord because Guru already states that Lord’s language is love, to see him, Guru Teachings must be followed and as a result of it, one should live in His love. Why to be slave of these religious ceremonies then? Look at them; they are performed to satisfy “ME” or other spectators. All such rituals are entanglements which do not let the soul to be faithful in love of the Lord. When one is fallen in love with other one, how one can stay in love with the Lord? One can say that it is possible but actually it is not true. It could be any thing but true love. If falling in love with the Lord doesn’t create stillness in our mind, it is not love. It is a division of the heart, when Guru asks to love the Lord only, he is meant by single mindedly, the division triggers duality and doubt. Others for who we really fall are right here close to us, Lord is not even visible to given eyes. You see what is weighing more in the game of love? The ones we see around weigh more than the Lord in this game of love. If any one is aware of the enlightened ones confessions, can understand this truth why they say all the time “where ever I see, I see the Lord” It is not an ordinary state of mind. Another reason, Guru calls dual love a chain in this context because due to duality, even if we want to love Lord still we fail to love. So it is a commitment, a serious one. It is the weight we should give to the love of the Lord that is important.
ਬੰਧਨ ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਹਉ ਕੀਆ ॥ ਬੰਧਨ ਪੁਤੁ ਕਲਤੁ ਮਨਿ ਬੀਆ ॥੩॥
Banḏẖan karam ḏẖaram ha▫o kī▫ā. Banḏẖan puṯ kalaṯ man bī▫ā. ||3||
Entanglements are the religious ceremonies, performed through pride. Entanglement are the sons, wife and another's love in the mind.
(ਸਿਮਰਨਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ) ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਰਸਮਾਂ ਬੰਧਨ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ, (ਮਨੁੱਖ ਮਾਣ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਸਭਕੁਝ) 'ਮੈਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ, ਮੈਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ'। ਜੇ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ (ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰ)ਦੂਜਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਪੁੱਤਰ ਵਹੁਟੀ (ਦਾ ਰਿਸ਼ਤਾ ਭੀ) ਬੰਧਨਾਂ (ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ)ਹੈ।੩।
Now Guru ji has started defining the entanglements. Take example of a farmer and a king. Both are entangled in their professions due to some thing, that is the lack of longing for the Lord. Any work without practicing Lord’s love, the ego of deeds punishes the soul by taking it away from the Lord. This idea becomes clear in the next Guru Vaak where Guru ji stresses on what is missing.
ਬੰਧਨ ਕਿਰਖੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਕਿਰਸਾਨ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਡੰਨੁ ਸਹੈ ਰਾਜਾ ਮੰਗੈ ਦਾਨ ॥੪॥
Banḏẖan kirkẖī karahi kirsān. Ha▫umai dann sahai rājā mangai ḏān. ||4||
Entanglement is the cultivation done by the cultivators. For his ego man suffers punishment, and the King demands penalty from him.( Actually means King also suffers at the hands of ego)
ਕਿਸਾਨ (ਆਜੀਵਕਾ ਵਾਸਤੇ) ਖੇਤੀ-ਵਾਹੀ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ (ਕਰਨੀ ਭੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾਇਹ ਖੇਤੀ-ਵਾਹੀ) ਬੰਧਨ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਰਾਜਾ (ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ ਪਾਸੋਂ) ਮਾਮਲਾ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ। (ਪਰ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੇ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਰਾਜਾ ਹੀ) ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀ ਸਜ਼ਾ ਭੁਗਤਦਾ ਹੈ।੪।
The stress Guru ji gives is on “unvichari” which means something done without contemplating on the Lord, so farming, ruling and trading if done without contemplating on the Lord is a sheer entanglement which will bind the soul with Maya-love and the union with the Lord will be pushed far away. It is a mounting love in duality. It is the trap soul enjoys but never realizes the precious time of loving Lord flawlessly has been robbed off.
ਬੰਧਨ ਸਉਦਾ ਅਣਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਤਿਪਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹ ਪਸਾਰੀ ॥੫॥
Banḏẖan sa▫uḏā aṇvīcẖārī. Ŧipaṯ nāhī mā▫i▫ā moh pasārī. ||5||
Entanglement is trade without God's meditation. The mortal is not satisfied with the extension of worldly love. ( In simple words as one doesn’t remember the Lord, Maya influences take over the soul and there is no end to desires)
(ਵਪਾਰੀ)ਵਪਾਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਇਹ ਵਪਾਰ ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਹੈ, (ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ) ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਮੋਹ ਦੇ ਖਿਲਾਰੇ ਵਿਚ (ਇਤਨਾ ਫਸਦਾ ਹੈਕਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਵਲੋਂ) ਰੱਜਦਾ ਨਹੀਂ।੫।
The source of all things to get in our hands is the wealth, the Rich bankers procure it even they know that it will perish or left behind as they depart from here, it is a lure of it that accelerates within, this change the course and purpose of the life. Thinking is changed. One engrossed in wealth thinks, “If it goes so what, when it is in my hands, if I want anything, I can obtain it, my next generation doesn’t need to struggle”. Though in History there are examples to prove this notion wrong but that is the feed it gives to the soul to keep playing this wealth gathering game, and that is the trap. That is the story of the mind that demands more and more of it. Who just perform the duty for living and remain contented, their mind’s longing for it diminishes and longing for the Lord increases. Guru says without the devotion of the Lord, what is the use of gathering of wealth if the soul is not accepted by the Creator? We think otherwise “if we get this we will establish that and so on” unfortunately the given time we have keeps lapsing.
ਬੰਧਨ ਸਾਹ ਸੰਚਹਿ ਧਨੁ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਪਵਈ ਥਾਇ ॥੬॥
Banḏẖan sāh saʼncẖėh ḏẖan jā▫e. Bin har bẖagaṯ na pav▫ī thā▫e. ||6||
Entanglement is the perishable wealth, which the bankers amass. Without God's meditation, the mortal becomes not acceptable(by the Lord).
ਸ਼ਾਹ-ਸੌਦਾਗਰ (ਸੌਦਾਗਰੀ ਕਰ ਕੇ) ਧਨ ਇਕੱਠਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਧਨ (ਆਖ਼ਰ) ਸਾਥ ਛੱਡ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ (ਪਰ ਨਾਮਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਧਨ) ਬੰਧਨ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ (ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦਾਕੋਈ ਉੱਦਮ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀਆਂ ਨਜ਼ਰਾਂ ਵਿਚ) ਪਰਵਾਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ।੬।
Now Guru ji addresses the debating scriptures, that can also be entanglement because ego is fed through arguing on them. During debate instead of searching the truth, debater wastes much time in proving “What I said is the final truth” In that situation, ego plays a vital role. Guru ji warns about this practice of arguments too. In worldly love one is prone to fall for vices and sins. Think about the time that can be used in love of our Lord, and try to realize how that is passed in other pursuits; we never even realize how big loss we are having.
ਬੰਧਨ ਬੇਦੁ ਬਾਦੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰ ॥ ਬੰਧਨਿ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਮੋਹ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੭॥
Banḏẖan beḏ bāḏ ahaʼnkār. Banḏẖan binsai moh vikār. ||7||
Entanglement are Vedas, religious discussions and pride. By the entanglements of worldly love and sins, the man perishes.
(ਸਿਮਰਨਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ) ਵੇਦ-ਪਾਠ ਤੇ ਵੇਦ-ਰਚਨਾ ਭੀ ਅਹੰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਹੈ। ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਹੈ।ਮੋਹ ਦੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਵਿਚ ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਵਿਚ (ਫਸ ਕੇ) ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀਹੈ।੭।
In the end of Guru Shabad, the refuge of the Lord is declared as the only source of getting rid of all kinds of entanglements. True Guru makes the soul aware about all this and advises to be careful lest they should hinder spiritual progression for union with the Lord. Guru infuses a new thinking to build a new approach towards His creation in such a way that it should not entangle us in them; instead it should be helpful. How it can be helpful when often it entangles us? As one pursues virtues, one gets opportunity to practice them right in His creation to inspire others to follow a virtuous path. It is only possible if one is aware of the fact that these things can become chains to stop our union with the Lord if one gives in to temptations they generate. Let me put in other words, just think it is a test to pass given by the Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ਬੰਧੁ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥੮॥੧੦॥
Nānak rām nām sarṇā▫ī. Saṯgur rākẖe banḏẖ na pā▫ī. ||8||10||
Nanak has sought the protection of the Lord's Name. He, whom the True Guru saves, suffers no entanglement.
ਹੇਨਾਨਕ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ (ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੀ ਹਰੇਕ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਤ-ਕਾਰ ਵਿਚ) ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੇ ਨਾਮਦਾ ਆਸਰਾ ਲੈਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਨੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੋਹ ਦੇ ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਰੱਖ ਲਿਆ (ਸਮਝੋ)ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ ਬੰਧਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਪੈਂਦਾ।੮।੧੦।
Just think that Lord has provided all His creation to pass our given life interestingly, however, make sure, as we have a given time, none of His given gifts should tempt us to turn our backs towards the Gift Giver.
ਮਤੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਭੂਲਾ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਤੇਰਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਉ ॥੨॥ (SGGS14)
Maṯ ḏekẖ bẖūlā vīsrai ṯerā cẖiṯ na āvai nā▫o. ||2||
May it not be that on beholding then I may go amiss, forget Thee and remember not Thy Name.
Please read the following Pauri(Stanza) By Guru Nanak(Asa Dee Vaar), it literally defines Guru’s complete concept of Gurmat after one understands Mool Matra in Sree Guru Granth Sahib
ਪਉੜੀ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਪੁ ਰਖਿਓਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਸਦਾ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਆ ॥ ਉਤਮੁ ਏਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਚੇ ਸਿਉ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਜਗਜੀਵਨੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੬॥
Pa▫oṛī. Bin saṯgur kinai na pā▫i▫o bin saṯgur kinai na pā▫i▫ā. Saṯgur vicẖ āp rakẖi▫on kar pargat ākẖ suṇā▫i▫ā. Saṯgur mili▫ai saḏā mukaṯ hai jin vicẖahu moh cẖukā▫i▫ā. Uṯam ehu bīcẖār hai jin sacẖe si▫o cẖiṯ lā▫i▫ā. Jagjīvan ḏāṯā pā▫i▫ā. ||6||
Pauri. Without the True Guru none has obtained the Lord; without the True Guru, none has obtained the Lord. In the True Guru, the Lord has placed Himself, and I openly declare and proclaim it. Salvation is obtained for aye, by meeting the True Guru, who has banished worldly attachment from within him. The excellent idea (theme) is this that one attaches one's mind to the True Lord. Like this, one attains the Beneficent Lord, the Life of the world.
Without True Guru the Lord is not realized as the Lord Himself glows within Guru, who meet Guru( not just physical meeting but who strictly live as instructed by Guru), one is liberated as all kind of entanglements vanish including love for the self that detours the soul from the path of the Lord.. The Master of the world is obtained through True Guru by getting absorbed in the Lord.
G Singh
Guru Nanak walked on the stage of the world when people were being exploited in the name of Devi /Devtas and religious mandatory rituals to gain some thing here or hereafter (sadly today in some Sikh-groups the same exploitation has been started). Besides, there were other sectarian ideologies that would impress the people to take advantage of them; those ideologies were advocated by those who were known as “detached Saints” and “Yogis”. Interestingly Guru Nanak addressed all of these groups and asked the public to get rid of fear of any kind by becoming worthy of Him through mediating on the Creator only. Boldly Guru suggests that the Lord is not pleased with these things but with sincere love a soul should harbor for Him while living right in His created world. In His created world there is so much tempting and luring stuff, people need to be counseled about how to keep love for the Lord intact, Guru does that too perfectly. Abandoning of His created world was done already by Sanyaasis and Yogis, and it was against Guru Nanak’s belief; so how to stay above the influence of Maya that takes over the soul and hinders it to fall for its origin?
One needs a True Guru who has experienced the Lord, Sree Guru Granth Sahib is the Guru of Sikhs, they should live by Guru’s Teachings by pondering over Guru-Shabad. In the following Vaakas, Guru Nanak says that only who faithfully follow Guru can know the Lord. Next Guru Vaak says that all pain and sorrows disappear as one gets absorbed in Guru shabad, please read on. All this is a serious commitment not a mere talk.
ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਇਕਤੁਕੀ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੇ ਸੋ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ ਦੂਖੁ ਮਿਟੈ ਸਚੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥੧॥
Āsā mėhlā 1 ikṯukī. Gur seve so ṯẖākur jānai. Ḏūkẖ mitai sacẖ sabaḏ pacẖẖānai. ||1|| (SGGS 416)
Asa 1st Guru. Ek Tuki. He, who serves (follows strictly Guru)the Guru, knows the Lord. By recognising the true Name his pain vanishes( WHoThrough guru Teachings recognizes the Lord, gets rid of pain etc)
ਜੇਹੜਾਮਨੁੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਦੱਸੇ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ (ਹਰਥਾਂ ਵਿਆਪਕ) ਜਾਣ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀਰਾਹੀਂ (ਹਰ ਥਾਂ) ਪਛਾਣ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤੇ (ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਮੋਹ ਦਾ) ਦੁੱਖ ਮਿਟਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੧।
Now the question is how this miracle can happen? It is almost like standing in the rain and trying to stay wet without umbrella or other accessory. All Guru Followers are trying to act as per Guru Shabad, they take Hukamnama every day, teach themselves what Guru wants from them and bow in respect to be obedient but still their percentage of failure to realize the Lord is alarming. Why it is so, what goes wrong in the lives of even sincere Guru Followers? Read what Guru ji is saying
ਰਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਖੀ ਸਖੈਨੀ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਨੈਨੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Rām japahu merī sakẖī sakẖainī. Saṯgur sev ḏekẖhu parabẖ nainī. ||1|| rahā▫o.
Meditate on the Lord, O my Mate and friend. By serving the True Guru, thou shalt see the Lord with thine eyes. Pause.
ਹੇਮੇਰੀ ਸਹੇਲੀਹੋ! (ਹੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਤਸੰਗੀਓ!) ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਦੱਸੀ ਹੋਈ (ਇਹ) ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰ ਕੇ (ਭਾਵ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਭਜਨ ਕਰ ਕੇ) ਤੁਸੀ (ਹਰ ਥਾਂ) ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕਰੋਗੇ।੧।ਰਹਾਉ।
Constant paath are being done, meditation is done, Ram-simran is done, and new wave of prabhat-feri is done by chanting the praise of the Lord through Gurbani Simran early in the morning. Why still fall after fall is what we experience. Seeing the Lord, appears to be just a dream but Guru ji says one can see Him with eyes. Now read the next Guru Vaak, carefully and try to understand what Guru ji is trying to say by keeping in mind that never ever Guru advises us to abandon His created creation. That is the concept of Gurmat, let me quote Guru vaak in this context too “ਹਸੰਦਿਆਖੇਲੰਦਿਆ ਪੈਨੰਦਿਆ ਖਾਵੰਦਿਆ ਵਿਚੇ ਹੋਵੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ॥੨11 (SGGS522)
Hasanḏi▫ā kẖelanḏi▫ā painanḏi▫ā kẖāvanḏi▫ā vicẖe hovai mukaṯ. ||2||
While laughing, playing, dressing and eating, he is liberated. ||2||
ਮਃ 5
Alright, now read the following Guru Vaak
ਬੰਧਨ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਬੰਧਨ ਸੁਤ ਕੰਨਿਆ ਅਰੁ ਨਾਰਿ ॥੨॥
Banḏẖan māṯ piṯā sansār. Banḏẖan suṯ kanniā ar nār. ||2||
Entanglements are mother, father and the world. Entanglement are sons, daughters and wife.
(ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ) ਸੰਸਾਰ ਵਿਚ ਮਾਂ, ਪਿਉ, ਪੁੱਤਰ, ਧੀ ਅਤੇ ਵਹੁਟੀ (ਮੋਹ ਦੇ) ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਕਾਰਣ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।੨।
Have a deep breath and think about it. Is Guru indicating to abandon family? If not why he is saying that family could be an entanglement? Doesn’t he want us to have family life? Yes he does. To understand what actually Guru is saying, try to comprehend the application of an example I am giving here. Imagine we are sitting in a car and ready to go, our father walks to us and advises us “Drive carefully, cars can kill too” Our father is not saying to get rid of the car or abandon it to find another safe transportation, he is simply asking us to be careful and make sure it should not lead to a tragedy in heckles driving”. That is what Guru says here. If the family peruses one to go astray, inspires to lose virtues one is trying to acquire, demands to lose truth for false things, it is the chain in soul’s progression. Same thing is applicable to all other stuff. I would like to quote Tenth Nanak here who literally lived this concept to inspire his followers to follow him. When all children and mother along with a lot of true Guru Followers were lost, Guru moved on his mission without letting this tragedy a hindrance to progress on a path to guide the followers to be self defendant and to be ready to praise the Lord in all circumstances. Here what I mean is that Guru didn’t let the separation of members of family along with true followers, be a chain. Following Lord’s Ordinance in all circumstances was his priority. Always his concentration remained on Him while obeying His Ordinance without any regret or sorrow; this was an exemplary living to inspire followers. Life has a purpose that is to live in His love by obeying His Ordinance, good and bad things occur as a part of it, why any thing should detour the mind away from the Lord? When we do, what do we establish any way?
In the next Guru Vak, Guru talks about things we believe will bring us close to the Lord, actually they also end up becoming chains in progression towards the Lord because Guru already states that Lord’s language is love, to see him, Guru Teachings must be followed and as a result of it, one should live in His love. Why to be slave of these religious ceremonies then? Look at them; they are performed to satisfy “ME” or other spectators. All such rituals are entanglements which do not let the soul to be faithful in love of the Lord. When one is fallen in love with other one, how one can stay in love with the Lord? One can say that it is possible but actually it is not true. It could be any thing but true love. If falling in love with the Lord doesn’t create stillness in our mind, it is not love. It is a division of the heart, when Guru asks to love the Lord only, he is meant by single mindedly, the division triggers duality and doubt. Others for who we really fall are right here close to us, Lord is not even visible to given eyes. You see what is weighing more in the game of love? The ones we see around weigh more than the Lord in this game of love. If any one is aware of the enlightened ones confessions, can understand this truth why they say all the time “where ever I see, I see the Lord” It is not an ordinary state of mind. Another reason, Guru calls dual love a chain in this context because due to duality, even if we want to love Lord still we fail to love. So it is a commitment, a serious one. It is the weight we should give to the love of the Lord that is important.
ਬੰਧਨ ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਹਉ ਕੀਆ ॥ ਬੰਧਨ ਪੁਤੁ ਕਲਤੁ ਮਨਿ ਬੀਆ ॥੩॥
Banḏẖan karam ḏẖaram ha▫o kī▫ā. Banḏẖan puṯ kalaṯ man bī▫ā. ||3||
Entanglements are the religious ceremonies, performed through pride. Entanglement are the sons, wife and another's love in the mind.
(ਸਿਮਰਨਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ) ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਰਸਮਾਂ ਬੰਧਨ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ, (ਮਨੁੱਖ ਮਾਣ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਸਭਕੁਝ) 'ਮੈਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ, ਮੈਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ'। ਜੇ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ (ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰ)ਦੂਜਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਪੁੱਤਰ ਵਹੁਟੀ (ਦਾ ਰਿਸ਼ਤਾ ਭੀ) ਬੰਧਨਾਂ (ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ)ਹੈ।੩।
Now Guru ji has started defining the entanglements. Take example of a farmer and a king. Both are entangled in their professions due to some thing, that is the lack of longing for the Lord. Any work without practicing Lord’s love, the ego of deeds punishes the soul by taking it away from the Lord. This idea becomes clear in the next Guru Vaak where Guru ji stresses on what is missing.
ਬੰਧਨ ਕਿਰਖੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਕਿਰਸਾਨ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਡੰਨੁ ਸਹੈ ਰਾਜਾ ਮੰਗੈ ਦਾਨ ॥੪॥
Banḏẖan kirkẖī karahi kirsān. Ha▫umai dann sahai rājā mangai ḏān. ||4||
Entanglement is the cultivation done by the cultivators. For his ego man suffers punishment, and the King demands penalty from him.( Actually means King also suffers at the hands of ego)
ਕਿਸਾਨ (ਆਜੀਵਕਾ ਵਾਸਤੇ) ਖੇਤੀ-ਵਾਹੀ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ (ਕਰਨੀ ਭੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾਇਹ ਖੇਤੀ-ਵਾਹੀ) ਬੰਧਨ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਰਾਜਾ (ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ ਪਾਸੋਂ) ਮਾਮਲਾ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ। (ਪਰ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੇ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਰਾਜਾ ਹੀ) ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀ ਸਜ਼ਾ ਭੁਗਤਦਾ ਹੈ।੪।
The stress Guru ji gives is on “unvichari” which means something done without contemplating on the Lord, so farming, ruling and trading if done without contemplating on the Lord is a sheer entanglement which will bind the soul with Maya-love and the union with the Lord will be pushed far away. It is a mounting love in duality. It is the trap soul enjoys but never realizes the precious time of loving Lord flawlessly has been robbed off.
ਬੰਧਨ ਸਉਦਾ ਅਣਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਤਿਪਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹ ਪਸਾਰੀ ॥੫॥
Banḏẖan sa▫uḏā aṇvīcẖārī. Ŧipaṯ nāhī mā▫i▫ā moh pasārī. ||5||
Entanglement is trade without God's meditation. The mortal is not satisfied with the extension of worldly love. ( In simple words as one doesn’t remember the Lord, Maya influences take over the soul and there is no end to desires)
(ਵਪਾਰੀ)ਵਪਾਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਇਹ ਵਪਾਰ ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਹੈ, (ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ) ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਮੋਹ ਦੇ ਖਿਲਾਰੇ ਵਿਚ (ਇਤਨਾ ਫਸਦਾ ਹੈਕਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਵਲੋਂ) ਰੱਜਦਾ ਨਹੀਂ।੫।
The source of all things to get in our hands is the wealth, the Rich bankers procure it even they know that it will perish or left behind as they depart from here, it is a lure of it that accelerates within, this change the course and purpose of the life. Thinking is changed. One engrossed in wealth thinks, “If it goes so what, when it is in my hands, if I want anything, I can obtain it, my next generation doesn’t need to struggle”. Though in History there are examples to prove this notion wrong but that is the feed it gives to the soul to keep playing this wealth gathering game, and that is the trap. That is the story of the mind that demands more and more of it. Who just perform the duty for living and remain contented, their mind’s longing for it diminishes and longing for the Lord increases. Guru says without the devotion of the Lord, what is the use of gathering of wealth if the soul is not accepted by the Creator? We think otherwise “if we get this we will establish that and so on” unfortunately the given time we have keeps lapsing.
ਬੰਧਨ ਸਾਹ ਸੰਚਹਿ ਧਨੁ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਪਵਈ ਥਾਇ ॥੬॥
Banḏẖan sāh saʼncẖėh ḏẖan jā▫e. Bin har bẖagaṯ na pav▫ī thā▫e. ||6||
Entanglement is the perishable wealth, which the bankers amass. Without God's meditation, the mortal becomes not acceptable(by the Lord).
ਸ਼ਾਹ-ਸੌਦਾਗਰ (ਸੌਦਾਗਰੀ ਕਰ ਕੇ) ਧਨ ਇਕੱਠਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਧਨ (ਆਖ਼ਰ) ਸਾਥ ਛੱਡ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ (ਪਰ ਨਾਮਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਧਨ) ਬੰਧਨ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ (ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦਾਕੋਈ ਉੱਦਮ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀਆਂ ਨਜ਼ਰਾਂ ਵਿਚ) ਪਰਵਾਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ।੬।
Now Guru ji addresses the debating scriptures, that can also be entanglement because ego is fed through arguing on them. During debate instead of searching the truth, debater wastes much time in proving “What I said is the final truth” In that situation, ego plays a vital role. Guru ji warns about this practice of arguments too. In worldly love one is prone to fall for vices and sins. Think about the time that can be used in love of our Lord, and try to realize how that is passed in other pursuits; we never even realize how big loss we are having.
ਬੰਧਨ ਬੇਦੁ ਬਾਦੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰ ॥ ਬੰਧਨਿ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਮੋਹ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੭॥
Banḏẖan beḏ bāḏ ahaʼnkār. Banḏẖan binsai moh vikār. ||7||
Entanglement are Vedas, religious discussions and pride. By the entanglements of worldly love and sins, the man perishes.
(ਸਿਮਰਨਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ) ਵੇਦ-ਪਾਠ ਤੇ ਵੇਦ-ਰਚਨਾ ਭੀ ਅਹੰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਹੈ। ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਹੈ।ਮੋਹ ਦੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਵਿਚ ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਵਿਚ (ਫਸ ਕੇ) ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀਹੈ।੭।
In the end of Guru Shabad, the refuge of the Lord is declared as the only source of getting rid of all kinds of entanglements. True Guru makes the soul aware about all this and advises to be careful lest they should hinder spiritual progression for union with the Lord. Guru infuses a new thinking to build a new approach towards His creation in such a way that it should not entangle us in them; instead it should be helpful. How it can be helpful when often it entangles us? As one pursues virtues, one gets opportunity to practice them right in His creation to inspire others to follow a virtuous path. It is only possible if one is aware of the fact that these things can become chains to stop our union with the Lord if one gives in to temptations they generate. Let me put in other words, just think it is a test to pass given by the Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ਬੰਧੁ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥੮॥੧੦॥
Nānak rām nām sarṇā▫ī. Saṯgur rākẖe banḏẖ na pā▫ī. ||8||10||
Nanak has sought the protection of the Lord's Name. He, whom the True Guru saves, suffers no entanglement.
ਹੇਨਾਨਕ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ (ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੀ ਹਰੇਕ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਤ-ਕਾਰ ਵਿਚ) ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੇ ਨਾਮਦਾ ਆਸਰਾ ਲੈਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਨੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੋਹ ਦੇ ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਰੱਖ ਲਿਆ (ਸਮਝੋ)ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ ਬੰਧਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਪੈਂਦਾ।੮।੧੦।
Just think that Lord has provided all His creation to pass our given life interestingly, however, make sure, as we have a given time, none of His given gifts should tempt us to turn our backs towards the Gift Giver.
ਮਤੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਭੂਲਾ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਤੇਰਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਉ ॥੨॥ (SGGS14)
Maṯ ḏekẖ bẖūlā vīsrai ṯerā cẖiṯ na āvai nā▫o. ||2||
May it not be that on beholding then I may go amiss, forget Thee and remember not Thy Name.
Please read the following Pauri(Stanza) By Guru Nanak(Asa Dee Vaar), it literally defines Guru’s complete concept of Gurmat after one understands Mool Matra in Sree Guru Granth Sahib
ਪਉੜੀ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਪੁ ਰਖਿਓਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਸਦਾ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਆ ॥ ਉਤਮੁ ਏਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਚੇ ਸਿਉ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਜਗਜੀਵਨੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੬॥
Pa▫oṛī. Bin saṯgur kinai na pā▫i▫o bin saṯgur kinai na pā▫i▫ā. Saṯgur vicẖ āp rakẖi▫on kar pargat ākẖ suṇā▫i▫ā. Saṯgur mili▫ai saḏā mukaṯ hai jin vicẖahu moh cẖukā▫i▫ā. Uṯam ehu bīcẖār hai jin sacẖe si▫o cẖiṯ lā▫i▫ā. Jagjīvan ḏāṯā pā▫i▫ā. ||6||
Pauri. Without the True Guru none has obtained the Lord; without the True Guru, none has obtained the Lord. In the True Guru, the Lord has placed Himself, and I openly declare and proclaim it. Salvation is obtained for aye, by meeting the True Guru, who has banished worldly attachment from within him. The excellent idea (theme) is this that one attaches one's mind to the True Lord. Like this, one attains the Beneficent Lord, the Life of the world.
Without True Guru the Lord is not realized as the Lord Himself glows within Guru, who meet Guru( not just physical meeting but who strictly live as instructed by Guru), one is liberated as all kind of entanglements vanish including love for the self that detours the soul from the path of the Lord.. The Master of the world is obtained through True Guru by getting absorbed in the Lord.
G Singh