How Should We Worship And Adore Him?

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Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh

The prayer of a man of God is never fruitless.
birthi kade na havoi jan ki ardas
Guru Arjan - Bilawal.

What God’s servant desires of his Master, is complied forthwith.
jo jo kahai thakur pahi sevak tat kal hoi avai
Guru Arjan - Asa.

Prayer is a personal talk with God, and it is a talk that may be of diverse kinds:

• for physical or material needs, or for spiritual uplift
• to seek God’s help in our hours of trial and tribulation, in sickness and pain;
• to thank Him for His gifts and boons, and to seek their continuance;
• believing that our abiding gain lies in resigning ourselves to His Will and to implore Him to grant that we may submit to His pleasure;
• for the good and comfort of others.

The following conditions are the prerequisites of a fruitful prayer: firm faith
in God’s existence, in His power to grant the prayer, and in the soundness,
propriety and efficacy of our prayer; love and reverence for God during prayer;
and a pure, receptive heart


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From Gateway to Sikhism we can find the Sikh idea of prayer and listen to Ardaas (Prayer) the way we would hear it in Gurdwara.

Listen: Ardaas

Prayer is a means of ridding the mind of its ills and desires and filling it with pure thoughts and noble aspirations. The prayer requires an effort of heart-searching, an effort to become more pure and noble. The mind must be emptied of all worldly thoughts so that peace may enter it

The Sikh Ardaas demands a complete surrender to Divine Will. Resignation to the Will of God will ultimately benefit the individual. Only then can God take up his problems and sort them out. The Lord will never fail him who throws himself on His Mercy. Moreover, this submission eliminates the ego- the wall which stands between man and his Creator.

The reading of the Guru Granth Sahib is itself a prayer. We seek the Guru's command. He gives us wise counsel, but is for us to obey. Merely worshipping the scripture without carrying its teaching into daily life is the very negation of prayer. True prayer is the practical living up to of the word of the Guru and a continuing effort, for spiritual development

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English translation - not exact

All victory belongs to the One God in all! May we rise to answer the Guru’s call!
May Pritham Bhagautee, the primal power give us help and strength in our darkest hour.
Let us meditate on the lives of the Ten Gurus who walked the path of Infinite Truth.
Guru Nanak, the first of Ten to be God’s true friend,
Angad, who served him until the end,
Amar Das, who taught by his humble example,
Ram Das, who gave us the Golden Temple,
Arjun who died a martyr’s death,
Hargobind, a warrior, until his last breath,
Siri Har Rai, who cared for the weak and the small,
Siri Har Krishan, whose noble death healed them all.
Teg Bahadur, whose nine treasures bring infinite worth,
Guru Gobind Singh, protector of the faith upon this earth.
Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji embodies each one,
Through its divine presence, their work is done.
Let the living Guru bring us infinite peace,
And the blessed experience of our soul’s release.
Khalsa Ji Sahib, Bolo Ji, Sat Nam, Siri Waheguru!

May we remember the courage of Guru Gobind Singh’s four sons,
And join in praise of the five beloved ones,
Think of Mai Bhago and the forty liberated ones.
Praise be to the five holy thrones where the Guru knelt,
And all the places where His presence is felt.
Khalsa Ji Sahib, Bolo Ji, Sat Nam, Siri Waheguru!

Bless those who meditate upon His Name,
Let us give our praise to the same,
To all the masters, warriors, saints, and sages,
To all those who sacrificed throughout the ages.
Khalsa Ji Sahib, Bolo Ji, Sat Nam, Siri Waheguru!

Remember those who were cut up limb by limb,
Who offered their very lives to Him,
And each woman who uttered no cry of complaint,
As she quietly sacrificed her own small saint,
Keeping all their hair to the very last breath,
They gave life to Sikh Dharma with the power of their death.
Khalsa Ji Sahib, Bolo Ji, Sat Nam, Siri Waheguru!

Now let the whole Khalsa remember the Name,
Let the whole Khalsa give praise to the same.
Waheguru! Waheguru! Waheguru!

May all bodies of the Khalsa be under His protection,
May we always surrender to His grace and perfection.

Let the Lord’s glory prevail in the heavens and on earth,
As we reflect His glory with our dignity and worth.

With Deg and Teg may we achieve victory,
May God’s Holy Sword make us forever free.

May the pure ones prevail throughout time and space,
May the Khalsa light the way for the whole human race.

May the realm of justice come to all parts,
May love reside in all of our hearts.

May we be humble, yet also wise,
May the light of the True One shine in our eyes.
Khalsa Ji Sahib, Bolo Ji, Sat Nam, Siri Waheguru!

Grant us the gift of Sikh Dharma,
To wash away the stain of karma,
Grant us the gift of Thy Holy Word and Name,
So that Thy breath and ours may be the same.

Grant us the gift of faith and confidence in Thee,
So that our lives may be forever free.
May we bathe in Harimandir Sahib’s holy waters,
To be reborn as the Guru’s sons and daughters.

As we sing our songs with a sacred voice,
In our homes everywhere, let us now rejoice.

May our flags fly freely across the land,
May our gurdwaras be blessed by His hand,
By His will, forever our takhts and forts shall stand.
Khalsa Ji Sahib, Bolo Ji, Sat Nam, Siri Waheguru!

May we strike lust, anger, greed, pride, and attachment from within,
May our true lives, at last, begin.

O Honor of those who are stained with shame,
O Home to those who live in pain,
O hope of the hopeless to live again,
O Guru, the shelter from sorrow’s rain,
We stand before Thee to offer our prayers,
So that Thy divine love will ease our cares.

(OPEN PRAYER)

Give us Thy divine light and clarity,
So that we may know what pleases Thee.

We have heard Thy Word, O True King,
Of Thy infinite praises, we sing!

Bless the Guru ka Langar and Guruprashad placed at Thy feet,
May these holy vibrations make us strong and sweet.

Forgive us our straying from the Path of Dharma,
Help us to choose our Destiny over our karma.

Let Thy Holy Name prevail in each soul,
So that all men and women of love may become whole.

Through Nanak, may Thy Name forever increase,
So that our spirits may finally gain their release,
And this earth and mankind be blessed with peace.

Nanak Nam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bala.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

So Ardaas has everything a prayer should be. And Ardaas purifies us and chastens the 5 evils and brings them under control. With Ardaas we choose Destiny over Karma.

 

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More thoughts
Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh

In retrospect, I find that on account of my lurking doubts, some of my
prayers remained unanswered, other received a delayed response, but I do
not remember any time when the above conditions were fulfilled and yet
the prayer remained unanswered. A prayer, offered with a firm faith and a
humble heart is so readily granted that it leaves us astounded.

Prayers may be of two kinds congregational and individual. The former
has been in vogue amongst the Sikhs since the times of the Gurus. Its uses
are countless. It has played a mighty role in sustaining the Sikhs. The daily
congregations, with psalm-singing, singing God’s praises, and the collective,
congregational prayer to Heaven, remembering the Gurus, the heroic sons of
Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh martyrs, both male and female, praying for
the preservation of sacred shrines, sacred places, choirs, Sikh banners, Sikh
resting places- the daily congregational prayer has been a splendid routine
for keeping alive the Sikh way of life. The history of the Panth thus daily
recapitulated, reviving old memories and traditions keeps alive the spark of
Sikh fellow-feeling, the Sikh sense of self-respect and the Sikh traditions of
self-sacrifice.

The second type of Ardas or prayer-that is, individual or personal prayer-
of a Sikh may be elaborate, as is the congregational or Sikh prayer, or it may
be short, couched in our own words, according to our individual needs and
feelings. In this case, no special form, prescribed words, special technique
or rhythm are needed. Only the mind must be shaped in a humble mould
answering to the spirit of the sacred verse:

I do not come into the picture, I am nowhere,
I have nothing that I can call mine own.

mai nahi kachh hao nahi
kichh ahe na mora
Sadhna - Bilawal.

Such a prayer poured forth by the soul flies Heavenward. The language of
the soul is not garbed in sonorous, high-pitched phrases. It is a language of
thoughts.

When we learn how to pray correctly, the response is instantaneous. We
have an ecstatic feeling. There is wonder, mixed with delight, at the actual
materialization or fulfillment of the prayer.

And so

ਸਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਨੁ ਮੋਹਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਆਪੇ ਲਏ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥
sachai sabadh man mohiaa prabh aapae leae milaae ||
God joins to Himself those whose minds are fascinated with the True Word of His Shabad.


ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਨਾਮੇ ਰਤਿਆ ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
anadhin naamae rathiaa jothee joth samaae ||
Night and day, they are attuned to the Naam, and their light is absorbed into the Light.


ਜੋਤੀ ਹੂ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਾਪਦਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਗੁਰ ਬੂਝ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥
jothee hoo prabh jaapadhaa bin sathagur boojh n paae ||
Through His Light, God is revealed. Without the True Guru, understanding is not obtained.


ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਪੂਰਬਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਆਇ ॥੨॥
jin ko poorab likhiaa sathagur bhaettiaa thin aae ||2||
The True Guru comes to meet those who have such pre-ordained destiny. ||2||


ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਸਭ ਡੁਮਣੀ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਖੁਆਇ ॥
vin naavai sabh ddumanee dhoojai bhaae khuaae ||
Without the Name, all are miserable. In the love of duality, they are ruined.


ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਜੀਵਦੀ ਦੁਖੀ ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਇ ॥
this bin gharree n jeevadhee dhukhee rain vihaae ||
Without Him, I cannot survive even for an instant, and my life-night passes in anguish.


ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਣਾ ਅੰਧੁਲਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ॥
bharam bhulaanaa andhhulaa fir fir aavai jaae ||
Wandering in doubt, the spiritually blind come and go in reincarnation, over and over again.


ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਣੀ ਆਪੇ ਲਏ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੩॥
nadhar karae prabh aapanee aapae leae milaae ||3||
When God Himself bestows His Glance of Grace, He blends us into Himself. ||3||

Listen: Ardaas

 

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The First Stage of Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh



Those who in the spirit of these sublime words of the Guru, deprecate a
prayer for personal advancement, fail to see that the supreme gift of Nam,
the crown and climax of all boons and gifts, and simultaneously to crave for
ordinary material comforts leads nowhere. Acting thus, we grow hypocritical.
It is no sin to pray for the common comforts of life-for instance, health,
honourable life, freedom from pain, worry and sickness, and a happy home
life. Saints, Gurus, Pirs have unreservedly sought these things of God, along
with the supreme crown of Nam:


Protect me with Thy Protecting Hand,
Fulfil the desire of my heart,
May my heart lie at Thy feet!
I am Thine, nourish and sustain me!
Frustrate the evil designs of perverse people!
Save me with Thine own Hand!
May all my kith and kin be happy!
May all who follow me be happy!
Support and sustain all my followers,
Stamp out the perverse foes.

hamri karo hath de rachha
puran hoi chit ki ichha
tav charnan man rahai hamarai
apna jan karo pratipara
hamre dusht sabhe turn ghavhu
ap hath dai mohi bachavhu
sukhi basai moro parvara
sevak sikh sabai Kartara
sevak sikh hamare tariahi
chun chun satr harnare mariahi

Guru Gobind Singh - Chaupai Sahib

Dhanna Bhagat prays:

Thou helpest Thy servants.
I ask for pulse, flour, and butter,
I ask for decent clothes and shoes,
I ask for a milch-cow, or a milch she-bufalo,
I seek a fine Arab mare,
And a good wife.
Dhanna prays for these things.

Gopal tera arta
Jo jan tumri bhagat karante
tin ke kaj savarta - rahao
dali sidha magao ghio
hamra khusi karai nit jio
pania chhadun nika
anaju magao sat sika
gau bhais magao laveri
ik tajani turi changeri
ghar ki gihani changi
janu Dhana levai mangi.

Guru Naanak
Ang 354

ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਪੰਚਪਦੇI ॥
aasaa mehalaa 1 panchapadhae ||
Aasaa, First Mehl, Panch-Padas:


ਦੁਧ ਬਿਨੁ ਧੇਨੁ ਪੰਖ ਬਿਨੁ ਪੰਖੀ ਜਲ ਬਿਨੁ ਉਤਭੁਜ ਕਾਮਿ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
dhudhh bin dhhaen pankh bin pankhee jal bin outhabhuj kaam naahee ||
A cow without milk; a bird without wings; a garden without water - totally useless!

ਕਿਆ ਸੁਲਤਾਨੁ ਸਲਾਮ ਵਿਹੂਣਾ ਅੰਧੀ ਕੋਠੀ ਤੇਰਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਾਹੀ ॥੧॥
kiaa sulathaan salaam vihoonaa andhhee kothee thaeraa naam naahee ||1||
What is an emperor, without respect? The chamber of the soul is so dark, without the Name of the Lord. ||1||

ਕੀ ਵਿਸਰਹਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥
kee visarehi dhukh bahuthaa laagai ||
How could I ever forget You? It would be so painful!


ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਤੂੰ ਵਿਸਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
dhukh laagai thoon visar naahee ||1|| rehaao ||
I would suffer such pain - no, I shall not forget You! ||1||Pause||


ਅਖੀ ਅੰਧੁ ਜੀਭ ਰਸੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੰਨੀ ਪਵਣੁ ਨ ਵਾਜੈ ॥
akhee andhh jeebh ras naahee kannee pavan n vaajai ||
The eyes grow blind, the tongue does not taste, and the ears do not hear any sound.


ਚਰਣੀ ਚਲੈ ਪਜੂਤਾ ਆਗੈ ਵਿਣੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਫਲ ਲਾਗੇ ॥੨॥
charanee chalai pajoothaa aagai vin saevaa fal laagae ||2||
He walks on his feet only when supported by someone else; without serving the Lord, such are the fruits of life. ||2||


ਅਖਰ ਬਿਰਖ ਬਾਗ ਭੁਇ ਚੋਖੀ ਸਿੰਚਿਤ ਭਾਉ ਕਰੇਹੀ ॥
akhar birakh baag bhue chokhee sinchith bhaao karaehee ||
The Word is the tree; the garden of the heart is the farm; tend it, and irrigate it with the Lord's Love.


ਸਭਨਾ ਫਲੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਏਕੋ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕੈਸੇ ਲੇਹੀ ॥੩॥
sabhanaa fal laagai naam eaeko bin karamaa kaisae laehee ||3||
All these trees bear the fruit of the Name of the One Lord; but without the karma of good actions, how can anyone obtain it? ||3||


ਜੇਤੇ ਜੀਅ ਤੇਤੇ ਸਭਿ ਤੇਰੇ ਵਿਣੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਫਲੁ ਕਿਸੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
jaethae jeea thaethae sabh thaerae vin saevaa fal kisai naahee ||
As many living beings are there are, they are all Yours. Without selfless service, no one obtains any reward.


ਦੁਖੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਭਾਣਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਜੀਉ ਰਹੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥੪॥
dhukh sukh bhaanaa thaeraa hovai vin naavai jeeo rehai naahee ||4||
Pain and pleasure come by Your Will; without the Name, the soul does not even exist. ||4||


ਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਮਰਣੁ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਹੋਰੁ ਕੈਸਾ ਜਾ ਜੀਵਾ ਤਾਂ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
math vich maran jeevan hor kaisaa jaa jeevaa thaan jugath naahee ||
To die in the Teachings is to live. Otherwise, what is life? That is not the way.


ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜੀਵਾਲੇ ਜੀਆ ਜਹ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਹ ਰਾਖੁ ਤੁਹੀ ॥੫॥੧੯॥
kehai naanak jeevaalae jeeaa jeh bhaavai theh raakh thuhee ||5||19||
Says Nanak, He grants life to the living beings; O Lord, please keep me according to Your Will. ||5||19||
​

 

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The Second Stage of Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh

As we progress spiritually, our aspirations, yearnings and prayers change. We obtain greater delight in spiritual advancement than in personal comfort. All worldly pleasures strike us as transient, fleeting, and worthless. There is a prompting from within to the effect:

What can I ask for? Nothing abides.

mai kia magao kichhu thiru na rahai

As a child growing into adulthood ceases to hanker after toys and juvenile pleasures and pastimes, and develops an interest in things of higher value, so a spiritually advanced soul feels discontented with unabiding, fleeting pleasures of the world. It feels an inner urge for abiding comfort and joy and a prayer gushes forth from it:

I have in many lives deluded myself,
Eating, drinking, sporting, making merry;
Now help me across the fearful sea,
I seek Thy shelter.

khat pit khelat hasat bharme janam anek
bhavjal to kadhhu prabhu Nanak teri tek

Guru Arjan - Gauri.

At this stage, we are impelled to search and experiment, and to seek guidance. We feel:

I know naught, I know not how to swim,
All-pervading Father, lend me Thy helping hand.

mai ajanu janu taribe na janao
bap bithula bah de

Nam Dev - Gaund.

There arises a yearning to fathom the invisible realms of the spirit, and Heaven’s help and inspiration descend to guide such a soul. Then begins a very difficult stage. We have to wrestle and struggle with our self. We have to shed our old convictions, old habits, old beliefs, and to assume new habits and new ways of life. At first, it is difficult to view the world from a new angle. On the one side, the lower self tends to pull us towards evil; the sweet memory of pleasures of the flesh attracts us many a time, we feel as if there can be no escape from the grip of alluring pleasures of the flesh. And on the other, the voice of the soul inspires and promises new hopes, new visions, new glimpses of a new world, all of which are so full of bliss and charm.

I once met a saint in this stage, and asked him how he felt.

He replied “I am faring ill,” and when asked the reason why, he said, “I am neither here nor there; although I am averse to the allurements of the world, my wavering mind is not always centred on God. At times, the lower self dominates; and at times I render social service in a Gurdwara; I spend nights in reflection; sometimes I do things that the meanest of mortals would not do, and at other times there are flashes of saintly life. A life of mental conflict! This is no good. In the words of Shaikh Farid, ‘I am full of sins and yet people call me a Darvesh or saint! Heaven help me there is no other help’.

gunahi bharia mai phira
loku kahai darvesu

Farid - Sloka.

After a few days’ association with the saint, I found that to rid him of mental strife and as a precautionary measure, he had cut off his *****, but even then he had no peace of mind. Many a spiritual seeker despairs at this stage, and discards the pursuit of Truth. Many a time, in utter despair, I felt that the flights in the higher realm of the Spirit were not meant for me and that I was a creature of senses, and was destined to remain so! But one must not lose heart at this stage. For heroic souls, all difficulties vanish into thin air. Firm faith in God, and humble, heartfelt prayers work miracles. If today we lose heart in utter despair, the next day there is a surging sea of hope. The spiritual seeker wages war again with impediments. Victory seems at hand. Indeed, faith in God ripens when we find His strong, helping hand resolving our tangled mental state.

Maladies of the mind are infinitely more dreadful and dangerous than those of the body. We are anxious to be rid of maladies of the body, but ills of the mind taste sweet and even when we are fed up with them, we do not shed them. When we suffer from fever, we are over-anxious to be rid of it. Be it a sex or alcohol addict, in spite of his knowledge of their damaging effects, clings on to his vices. To be rid of the ills of the mind, deep, ardent and unceasing prayer is essential. The spiritual seeker should humbly pray:

I am a perverse, hard-hearted, deceitful rake,
Help me, Thou All-powerful,
Thou Omnipotent Shelter of all,
Meditations, austerities, purificatory rites,
Disciplinary exercises are unavailing
Be gracious and pull me out of the pitch darkness,
In which I am stranded.

kuchil kathor kapat kami
jio janoh tio tar suami- rahao
tu samrathu sarani jog
tu rakhahi apni kal dhari
jap tap nem such sanjam
nahi in bidhi chhutkar
garat ghor andh te kadhahu
Prabh Nanak nadari nihari

Guru Arjan - Maru.

How can you purify dust? Man is but dust.

mati ka kia dhopai suami manas ki gati ehi

Save me, save me, 0 God!
I am helpless, my Lord,
Be gracious and grant me Thy Name!

ha ha Prabh rakhi lehu
ham te kichhu na hoi mere swami
kari kirpa apuna nam deho

Guru Arjan - Dhanasri.

The five deadly passions are Lust, Resentment, Greed, Infatuation and Egoism:

Preserve me, 0 Thou Preserver,
These passions are tormenting,
I seek shelter at Thy feet.

panch bikhadi eku gariba rakhahu rakhanhdre
khedu karhi aru bahutu santavhi
aio saran tuhdre

Guru Arjan - Gauri.

From Sheik Fareed - Shabad 2085

ਟੋਡੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
ttoddee mehala 5 ||
Todee, Fifth Mehl:

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਆਇਓ ਸਰਣਿ ਤੁਹਾਰੀ ॥
sathigur aeiou saran thuharee ||
O True Guru, I have come to Your Sanctuary.


ਮਿਲੈ ਸੂਖੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਭਾ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਲਾਹਿ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
milai sookh nam har sobha chintha lahi hamaree ||1|| rehao ||
Grant me the peace and glory of the Lord's Name, and remove my anxiety. ||1||Pause||


ਅਵਰ ਨ ਸੂਝੈ ਦੂਜੀ ਠਾਹਰ ਹਾਰਿ ਪਰਿਓ ਤਉ ਦੁਆਰੀ ॥
avar n soojhai dhoojee thahar har pariou tho dhuaree ||
I cannot see any other place of shelter; I have grown weary, and collapsed at Your door.

ਲੇਖਾ ਛੋਡਿ ਅਲੇਖੈ ਛੂਟਹ ਹਮ ਨਿਰਗੁਨ ਲੇਹੁ ਉਬਾਰੀ ॥੧॥
laekha shhodd alaekhai shhootteh ham niragun laehu oubaree ||1||
Please ignore my account; only then may I be saved. I am worthless - please, save me! ||1||

ਸਦ ਬਖਸਿੰਦੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਿਹਰਵਾਨਾ ਸਭਨਾ ਦੇਇ ਅਧਾਰੀ ॥
sadh bakhasindh sadha miharavana sabhana dhaee adhharee ||
You are always forgiving, and always merciful; You give support to all.

ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸ ਸੰਤ ਪਾਛੈ ਪਰਿਓ ਰਾਖਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਇਹ ਬਾਰੀ ॥੨॥੪॥੯॥
naanak dhas santh pashhai pariou rakh laehu eih baree ||2||4||9||
Slave Nanak follows the Path of the Saints; save him, O Lord, this time. ||2||4||9||​

 

[Sikh80]

How can you purify dust? Man is but dust.
mati ka kia dhopai suami manas ki gati ehi

I have picked up the line that touched me most. It is early morning here. I do not know as to what made me ponder over it. May be I understand the meaning and the reality. About an year back it was all Greek for me.
I am very grateful yo SPN and to you as well for bearing with /taking care of my idiocyncracies.

Thanks for this thread as well.


I shall also post some-thing after some time.
​

 

[spnadmin]

Gurbani is better than a good breakfast. I am crying a little bit reading Sheik Farid. Thank you.

 

[Sikh80]

Without Virtues there is no devotional worship of the Lord with whom we seek to merge in to.
​

ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
अंतरगति तीरथि मलि नाउ ॥
Anṯargaṯ ṯirath mal nā*o.
cleanse yourself with the Name, at the sacred shrine deep within.

ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥
सभि गुण तेरे मै नाही कोइ ॥
Sabẖ guṇ ṯėrė mai nāhī ko*ė.
All virtues are Yours, Lord, I have none at all.

ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
विणु गुण कीते भगति न होइ ॥
viṇ guṇ kīṯė bẖagaṯ na ho*ė.
Without virtue, there is no devotional worship.

ਸੁਅਸਤਿ ਆਥਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਬਰਮਾਉ ॥
सुअसति आथि बाणी बरमाउ ॥
Su*asaṯ āth baṇī barmā*o.
I bow to the Lord of the World, to His Word, to Brahma the Creator.

ਸਤਿ ਸੁਹਾਣੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ॥
सति सुहाणु सदा मनि चाउ ॥
Saṯ suhāṇ saḏā man cẖā*o.
He is Beautiful, True and Eternally Joyful.​

 

[Sikh80]

Background[/FONT]

The Super-consciousness the Great Self and the God within us in the form of soul, is neither at any time born nor does it at any time die, for what it undergoes in the name of death is a mere change of apparel. [/FONT]

Meaning of the following: Relationship to Worship/Service Of Lord[/FONT]

Service: Sincerity Of Mind[/FONT]

The service that is done by the seeker as per Hukum/divine will i.e. the seeker who with steadfast mind worships and serves the Lord is stated to have done the service in true spirit. The service performed in this way is always stated to result in fruition. One gets the blessings Of Naam and the Lord abides within the mind. One becomes fearless as he gets the understanding of the cycle of life and death or one gets out of the shackles of life and death that leads to eradication of egoism and self- conceit. [/FONT]One is blessed with higher state of spirituality and one remains absorbed in the Almighty. [/FONT]

But then it is pre-destined and who has this kind of fate authored to meet HIM meets HIM.[kindly note that it is not a verbatim translation and nor it is an exact interpretation]

[/FONT] Ang 552

ਸਲੋਕ ਮਃ ੩ ॥
Shalok, Third Mehl:

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਫਲ ਹੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਰੇ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥
Fruitful is service to the True Guru, if one does so with a sincere mind.

ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਚਿੰਤੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥
The treasure of the Naam, is obtained, and the mind comes to be free of anxiety.

ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਦੁਖੁ ਕਟੀਐ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਮਤਾ ਜਾਇ ॥
The pains of birth and death are eradicated, and the mind is rid of egotism and self-conceit.

ਉਤਮ ਪਦਵੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਚੇ ਰਹੈ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
One achieves the ultimate state, and remains absorbed in the True Lord.

ਨਾਨਕ ਪੂਰਬਿ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਤਿਨਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਆਇ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, the True Guru comes and meets those who have such pre-ordained destiny. ||1||

E&OE
​

 

[Sikh80]

Without Seving the Guru[/FONT]
​

·Without serving the True Guru, the deeds which are done are only chains binding the soul.[/FONT]

·Without serving the True Guru, they find no place of rest. They die, only to be born again - they continue coming and going.[/FONT]

·Without serving the True Guru, their speech is insipid. They do not enshrine the Naam, the Name of the Lord, in the mind.[/FONT]

·Nanak, without serving the True Guru, they are bound and gagged, and beaten in the City of Death; they depart with blackened faces. ||1||[/FONT]

·Some wait upon and serve the True Guru; they embrace love for the Lord's Name.[/FONT]

·Nanak, they reform their lives, and redeem their generations as well. [Ang552][/FONT]​

 

[pk70]

pk70 ji

Not a debate. Not hurt. The questions were like exam question. -- right answers and wrong answers.

I have always found your commentaries very interesting. Please share your views at will. I just do not want to be in a position of judging others based on how they pray. What is a good prayer, what is not as good.

aad0002 ji

Sorry I was on the road for a few days and couldnt respond.
Above words of yours have come definitely from your big heart. Thanks !!!! The questions I put you were just to be aware of what Gurbani really teaches us in that context, we are not here to judge people at all; however, if we note adeviation from Guru Waak, I think all Sikhs should discuss it without rediculing others. Your thread, as stated by Sikh80 ji, very beautiful; it gives a Sikh a chance to follow Sikhi as per our Guru Granth Sahib ji
rgd

 

[spnadmin]

pk70 ji

I am happy that we have reconciled misunderstandings. The thread is for anyone who wants praise Him, who wants to be supported by the Bull who supports the world, who wants to learn about Sikhism.

 

[Pyramid]

What happens in prayer is according to His blessing, His kirpa, His will. We are in prayer where He wants us to be. If an old woman is repeating her prayers like a parrot, and is praying for her husband to heal from a bad fall, that is OK with me. I have been there myself -- who else was there to turn to? I am not her judge. Guru is watching over her too.:star:

You have said the truth so beautifully. "We are in prayer where He wants us to be".
Somebody falling very sick, got into deadly accidents, loosing a loved one, big loss or other things like this may seem very disturbing, but many many times these situations turn out to be a Spiritual turning point in a person's life.
He knows better.

Tuhada Das
Yograj

 

[spnadmin]

The Third Stage of Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh

Raghbir Singh describes the fluctuations of spirit in this 3rd intermediate stage. We surely experience ecstatic joy. And we surely find the lower self is seriously challenged. However, every now and then, in our weaker moments our baser nature takes us by stealth and without warning. We know, we know. But we also know a way out that we can depend on.

When the spiritual seeker transcends the second stage, he finds the lower self worsted in the combat. There is an indescribable feeling of ecstatic joy. The world looks beautiful and worth living in. Just as Nature looks fresh and green after a shower, so does the spiritual seeker, after his conquest of the sensual passions, find himself and the universe pure, radiant, and buoyant. He achieves concentration in devotional worship and recitations. He begins to feel at one with God.

The Furtive Inroads of Lower Self
The lower self is chastened and paralysed at this stage, but the strife is by no means entirely at an end. Now and then, all of a sudden, the old trends of the lower self repeat their attacks stealthily in our weak moments and occasionally overpower us. At times, we admit defeat, but as the lower self has lost its old vigour and virility, it is easily subdued. The recitation of the Word and our humble, hearty prayers come to our rescue and the lower self is again vanquished. The spiritual seeker is himself once again and buoyantly sets forth on the highroad to spiritual perfection. Kabir visualized this state thus:

If you renounce your hearth and home,
And dwell in forests, living on roots,
Still the passions will not loosen their hold on you,
How evil is our lower self !
How shall we be saved?
How shall we swim across the dreadful ocean?
Preserve me, preserve me, 0 Thou All-pervading Lord, I seek Thy
Refuge.

grihu taji ban khand jaiai chuni khaiai kanda
ajahu bikar na chhodai papi man manda
kio chhutao kaise taron bhavjal nidhi bhari
rakhu rakhu mere bithla jan saran tumari

Kabir - Bilawal.

This silly self would not see reason,
I am sick of admonishing it.

man murakh ajahu nah samjhat
sikh dai hario nit
Guru Tegh Bahadur - Dev Gandhari

ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਰਾਖੈ ਜੁਗਿ ਜੁਗਿ ਰਖਦਾ ਆਇਆ ਰਾਮ ॥
bhagath janaa kee har jeeo raakhai jug jug rakhadhaa aaeiaa raam ||
The Dear Lord protects His humble devotees; throughout the ages, He has protected them.

ਸੋ ਭਗਤੁ ਜੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇਆ ਰਾਮ ॥
so bhagath jo guramukh hovai houmai sabadh jalaaeiaa raam ||
Those devotees who become Gurmukh burn away their ego, through the Word of the Shabad.

ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਇਆ ਜਿਸ ਦੀ ਸਾਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥
houmai sabadh jalaaeiaa maerae har bhaaeiaa jis dhee saachee baanee ||
Those who burn away their ego through the Shabad, become pleasing to my Lord; their speech becomes True.

ਸਚੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਖਿ ਵਖਾਣੀ ॥
sachee bhagath karehi dhin raathee guramukh aakh vakhaanee ||
They perform the Lord’s true devotional service, day and night, as the Guru has instructed them.

ਭਗਤਾ ਕੀ ਚਾਲ ਸਚੀ ਅਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਇਆ ॥
bhagathaa kee chaal sachee ath niramal naam sachaa man bhaaeiaa ||
The devotees’ lifestyle is true, and absolutely pure; the True Name is pleasing to their minds.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤ ਸੋਹਹਿ ਦਰਿ ਸਾਚੈ ਜਿਨੀ ਸਚੋ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
naanak bhagath sohehi dhar saachai jinee sacho sach kamaaeiaa ||1||
O Nanak, the those devotees, who practice Truth, and only Truth, look beauteous in the Court of the True Lord. ||1||
​

 

[spnadmin]

Fourth Stage of Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh
To transcend the third stage is tantamount to dwelling in, and enjoying
the bliss of paradise.

Though the lower self ever clings to us in some shape or form, yet it gradually weakens and instead of pricking us like a thorn, feels soft, sweet smelling and graceful as a flower. Whereas it was once elusive, delusive, and restless, it is now in a habitual state of peace, poise, and bliss. It is the soul’s stage of Sahej. Out of Sahej, arises that mood of spiritual inebriation that is known as “dying” in Gurbani. In this state, we are ever fill of habitual bliss:

Mother, I have found inexhaustible wealth, that is, Har Nam,
My mind has ceased to wander and is ever at rest.

mai mai dhan paio har nam
manu mero dhavan te chhutkio kari baitho bisram

Guru Tegh Bahadur - Basant.

As the mind is poised in this state, it feels that it is not unaided and abandoned as it once was. It begins to feel the presence and company of an All-powerful, All-intelligent Force. There are times when a mere touch of this Force gives birth to ineffable thrills of ecstasy. I shall revert to this topic under the chapter entitled “Simran”. Here, it is enough to say that those in this stage do not pray for personal comforts or worldly advancement. They are ever full of bliss and peace. Their prayers are outpourings of gratitude.
0 Lord, who else could have worked this miracle?

Thou Exalter of humble people
Elevate the poor and downtrodden, to positions of dignity.

aisi lal tujh bin kaun karai
garib nivaju gusaia mera mathai chhatar dharai

Bhagat Ravidas - Maru

Naturally, one craves to abide with this Inner Power for the maximum length of time. This power is ever on the up-grade, in full vigour and free from care. The mind feels that the voice of this Force has ever been a calling. He who is blessed with this mood surrenders all his troubles, all his woes to this Blessed Force and abides carefree. He feels confident that he can win all his battles, overcome all his difficulties, with the aid of this mighty power. He who has attained to this state prays like this:


Thou art my father, Thou art my mother,
Thou art my kith and kin,
Thou art my protector everywhere,
how can there be any fear or trouble for me?
With Thy grace, I have known Thee, Thou art my refuge,
I am proud of Thee, Thou alone art, this drama is all Thine.

tun mera pita tu hai mera mata
tun mera bandhap tu mera bhrata
tun mera rdkha sabhni thai
ta bhau keha karha jio

Guru Arjan - Majh.

ਮਾਝ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
maajh mehalaa 5 ||
Maajh, Fifth Mehl:

ਵਿਸਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਏਵਡ ਦਾਤੇ ॥
visar naahee eaevadd dhaathae ||
I shall never forget You-You are such a Great Giver!

ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਭਗਤਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਤੇ ॥
kar kirapaa bhagathan sang raathae ||
Please grant Your Grace, and imbue me with the love of devotional worship.

ਰੈਣਿ ਜਿਉ ਤੁਧੁ ਧਿਆਈ ਏਹੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਮੋਹਿ ਕਰਣਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥
dhinas rain jio thudhh dhhiaaee eaehu dhaan mohi karanaa jeeo ||1||
If it pleases You, let me meditate on You day and night; please, grant me this gift! ||1||

ਮਾਟੀ ਅੰਧੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥
maattee andhhee surath samaaee ||
Into this blind clay, You have infused awareness.

ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਦੀਆ ਭਲੀਆ ਜਾਈ ॥
sabh kishh dheeaa bhaleeaa jaaee ||
Everything, everywhere which You have given is good.

ਅਨਦ ਬਿਨੋਦ ਚੋਜ ਤਮਾਸੇ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਹੋਣਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
anadh binodh choj thamaasae thudhh bhaavai so honaa jeeo ||2||
Bliss, joyful celebrations, wondrous plays and entertainment-whatever pleases You, comes to pass. ||2||

ਜਿਸ ਦਾ ਦਿਤਾ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਲੈਣਾ ॥
jis dhaa dhithaa sabh kishh lainaa ||
Everything we receive is a gift from Him

ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਖਾਣਾ ॥
shhatheeh anmrith bhojan khaanaa ||
-the thirty-six delicious foods to eat,

ਸੇਜ ਸੁਖਾਲੀ ਸੀਤਲੁ ਪਵਣਾ ਸਹਜ ਕੇਲ ਰੰਗ ਕਰਣਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
saej sukhaalee seethal pavanaa sehaj kael rang karanaa jeeo ||3||
cozy beds, cooling breezes, peaceful joy and the experience of pleasure. ||3||


ਸਾ ਬੁਧਿ ਦੀਜੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਵਿਸਰਹਿ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
saa budhh dheejai jith visarehi naahee ||
Give me that state of mind, by which I may not forget You.


ਸਾ ਮਤਿ ਦੀਜੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਤੁਧੁ ਧਿਆਈ ॥
saa math dheejai jith thudhh dhhiaaee ||
Give me that understanding, by which I may meditate on You.

ਸਾਸ ਸਾਸ ਤੇਰੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਾ ਓਟ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੪॥੧੨॥੧੯॥
saas saas thaerae gun gaavaa outt naanak gur charanaa jeeo ||4||12||19||
I sing Your Glorious Praises with each and every breath. Nanak takes the Support of the Guru's Feet. ||4||12||19||

ਮਾਝ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
maajh mehalaa 5 ||
Maajh, Fifth Mehl:


ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹਣੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਰਜਾਈ ॥
sifath saalaahan thaeraa hukam rajaaee ||
To praise You is to follow Your Command and Your Will.

ਸੋ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਈ ॥
so giaan dhhiaan jo thudhh bhaaee ||
That which pleases You is spiritual wisdom and meditation

ਸੋਈ ਜਪੁ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜੀਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਪੂਰ ਗਿਆਨਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥
soee jap jo prabh jeeo bhaavai bhaanai poor giaanaa jeeo ||1||
That which pleases God is chanting and meditation; to be in harmony with His Will is perfect spiritual wisdom. ||1||

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਸੋਈ ਗਾਵੈ ॥ਜੋ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਤੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵੈ ॥
anmrith naam thaeraa soee gaavai || jo saahib thaerai man bhaavai ||
He alone sings Your Ambrosial Naam, who is pleasing to Your Mind, O my Lord and Master.

ਤੂੰ ਸੰਤਨ ਕਾ ਸੰਤ ਤੁਮਾਰੇ ਸੰਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
thoon santhan kaa santh thumaarae santh saahib man maanaa jeeo ||2||
You belong to the Saints, and the Saints belong to You. The minds of the Saints are attuned to You, O my Lord and Master. ||2||

ਤੂੰ ਸੰਤਨ ਕੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲਾ ॥
thoon santhan kee karehi prathipaalaa ||
You cherish and nurture the Saints.


ਸੰਤ ਖੇਲਹਿ ਤੁਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਗੋਪਾਲਾ ॥
santh khaelehi thum sang gopaalaa ||
The Saints play with You, O Sustainer of the World.

ਅਪੁਨੇ ਸੰਤ ਤੁਧੁ ਖਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਤੂ ਸੰਤਨ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
apunae santh thudhh kharae piaarae thoo santhan kae praanaa jeeo ||3||
Your Saints are very dear to You. You are the breath of life of the Saints. ||3||

ਉਨ ਸੰਤਨ ਕੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਨੁ ਕੁਰਬਾਨੇ ॥
oun santhan kai maeraa man kurabaanae ||
My mind is a sacrifice to those Saints who know You,

ਜਿਨ ਤੂੰ ਜਾਤਾ ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਨੇ ॥
jin thoon jaathaa jo thudhh man bhaanae ||
and are pleasing to Your Mind.


ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਨਾਨਕ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਅਘਾਨਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੪॥੧੩॥੨੦॥
thin kai sang sadhaa sukh paaeiaa har ras naanak thripath aghaanaa jeeo ||4||13||20||
In their company I have found a lasting peace. Nanak is satisfied and fulfilled with the Sublime Essence of the Lord. ||4||13||20||
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Maharj
Ang 100​

 

[spnadmin]

Fifth Stage of Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh

In this spiritual state, we are convinced that the in-dwelling, All-intelligent power within us is far wiser and mightier than ourselves, and that it is our sincere friend. This Power is our constant protector and helps us to grow and flourish. We find that our own cares and devices are mere impediments in the way of this Power. When we are thoroughly convinced of the potency and greatness of this Power, we become carefree, and rapturously sing:


Thou art the refuge of all life,
Thou takes care of all,
Sweet and supremely good is Thy Will,
This is Nanak’s prayer.

jia jant sabhi saran tumari
sarab chint tudhu pase
jo tudhu bhavai soi changa
ik Nanak ki ardase.

Guru Nanak - Bilawal.

Even in moments of supreme crisis, we find this Power an unfailing friend
and jubilantly sing:
Supremely good is Thy Will,
Thou art ever and ever and ever, 0 Lord.

jo tudh bhavai sai bhali kar
tu sada salamat Nirankar

Guru Nanak - Japu.

At the end of this stage, the spiritual seeker’s prayers become unnecessary, for he feels that Mighty Power already conscious of his subtlest feelings and conceptions, which leads him to sing:


Thou art present wherever I seek Thee,
This conviction has grown in me.
To whom am I to pray,
Thou knowest all unsaid, 0 Lord!

jat kat dekhao tat tat tumhi
mohi eho bisuas hoi aio
kai pahi karao ardasi benti
jao sunato hai Raghuraio

Guru Arjan - Gauri.

God knows all, even our innermost thoughts,
To whom then should we offer our prayers?

Hari antarjami sabh bidhi janai,
ta kisu pahi akhi sunaiai.

Guru Arjan - Sorath.

What prayer must Thy humble creature offer?
Thou dwellest in all.

kia dinu karai ardas jao
sabh ghat Prabhu niwas

Guru Arjan
5.6 Sixth

ਮਾਝ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥
maajh mehalaa 4 ||
Maajh, Fourth Mehl:


ਆਵਹੁ ਭੈਣੇ ਤੁਸੀ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਪਿਆਰੀਆ ॥
aavahu bhainae thusee milahu piaareeaa ||
Come, dear sisters-let us join together.


ਜੋ ਮੇਰਾ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਦਸੇ ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਹਉ ਵਾਰੀਆ ॥
jo maeraa preetham dhasae this kai ho vaareeaa ||
I am a sacrifice to the one who tells me of my Beloved.


ਮਿਲਿ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਲਧਾ ਹਰਿ ਸਜਣੁ ਹਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਘੁਮਾਈਆ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥
mil sathasangath ladhhaa har sajan ho sathigur vittahu ghumaaeeaa jeeo ||1||
Joining the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, I have found the Lord, my Best Friend. I am a sacrifice to the True Guru. ||1||



ਜਹ ਜਹ ਦੇਖਾ ਤਹ ਤਹ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
jeh jeh dhaekhaa theh theh suaamee ||
Wherever I look, there I see my Lord and Master.


ਤੂ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਰਵਿਆ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ॥
thoo ghatt ghatt raviaa antharajaamee ||
You are permeating each and every heart, O Lord, Inner-knower, Searcher of Hearts.


ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਲਿ ਦਿਖਾਲਿਆ ਹਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਸਦ ਵਾਰਿਆ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
gur poorai har naal dhikhaaliaa ho sathigur vittahu sadh vaariaa jeeo ||2||
The Perfect Guru has shown me that the Lord is always with me. I am forever a sacrifice to the True Guru. ||2||


ਏਕੋ ਪਵਣੁ ਮਾਟੀ ਸਭ ਏਕਾ ਸਭ ਏਕਾ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਬਾਈਆ ॥
eaeko pavan maattee sabh eaekaa sabh eaekaa joth sabaaeeaa ||
There is only one breath; all are made of the same clay; the light within all is the same.


ਸਭ ਇਕਾ ਜੋਤਿ ਵਰਤੈ ਭਿਨਿ ਭਿਨਿ ਨ ਰਲਈ ਕਿਸੈ ਦੀ ਰਲਾਈਆ ॥
sabh eikaa joth varathai bhin bhin n ralee kisai dhee ralaaeeaa ||
The One Light pervades all the many and various beings. This Light intermingles with them, but it is not diluted or obscured.

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਇਕੁ ਨਦਰੀ ਆਇਆ ਹਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਵਤਾਇਆ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
gur parasaadhee eik nadharee aaeiaa ho sathigur vittahu vathaaeiaa jeeo ||3||
By Guru's Grace, I have come to see the One. I am a sacrifice to the True Guru. ||3||

Guru Ram Das
Ang 96
​

 

[spnadmin]

Fifth Stage of Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh

Raghbir ji is saying that at the 5th Stage of Prayer we know that He already knows what our prayer will be.

In this spiritual state, we are convinced that the in-dwelling, All-intelligent power within us is far wiser and mightier than ourselves, and that it is our sincere friend. This Power is our constant protector and helps us to grow and flourish. We find that our own cares and devices are mere impediments in the way of this Power. When we are thoroughly convinced of the potency and greatness of this Power, we become carefree, and rapturously sing:


Thou art the refuge of all life,
Thou takes care of all,
Sweet and supremely good is Thy Will,
This is Nanak’s prayer.

jia jant sabhi saran tumari
sarab chint tudhu pase
jo tudhu bhavai soi changa
ik Nanak ki ardase.

Guru Nanak - Bilawal.
Even in moments of supreme crisis, we find this Power an unfailing friend
and jubilantly sing:

Supremely good is Thy Will,
Thou art ever and ever and ever, 0 Lord.

jo tudh bhavai sai bhali kar
tu sada salamat Nirankar

Guru Nanak - Japu.

At the end of this stage, the spiritual seeker’s prayers become unnecessary, for he feels that Mighty Power already conscious of his subtlest feelings and conceptions, which leads him to sing:


Thou art present wherever I seek Thee,
This conviction has grown in me.
To whom am I to pray,
Thou knowest all unsaid, 0 Lord!

jat kat dekhao tat tat tumhi
mohi eho bisuas hoi aio
kai pahi karao ardasi benti
jao sunato hai Raghuraio

Guru Arjan - Gauri.

God knows all, even our innermost thoughts,
To whom then should we offer our prayers?

Hari antarjami sabh bidhi janai,
ta kisu pahi akhi sunaiai.

Guru Arjan - Sorath.

What prayer must Thy humble creature offer?
Thou dwellest in all.

kia dinu karai ardas jao
sabh ghat Prabhu niwas

Guru Arjan
5.6 Sixth

ਮਾਝ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥
maajh mehalaa 4 ||
Maajh, Fourth Mehl:


ਆਵਹੁ ਭੈਣੇ ਤੁਸੀ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਪਿਆਰੀਆ ॥
aavahu bhainae thusee milahu piaareeaa ||
Come, dear sisters-let us join together.


ਜੋ ਮੇਰਾ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਦਸੇ ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਹਉ ਵਾਰੀਆ ॥
jo maeraa preetham dhasae this kai ho vaareeaa ||
I am a sacrifice to the one who tells me of my Beloved.


ਮਿਲਿ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਲਧਾ ਹਰਿ ਸਜਣੁ ਹਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਘੁਮਾਈਆ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥
mil sathasangath ladhhaa har sajan ho sathigur vittahu ghumaaeeaa jeeo ||1||
Joining the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, I have found the Lord, my Best Friend. I am a sacrifice to the True Guru. ||1||



ਜਹ ਜਹ ਦੇਖਾ ਤਹ ਤਹ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
jeh jeh dhaekhaa theh theh suaamee ||
Wherever I look, there I see my Lord and Master.


ਤੂ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਰਵਿਆ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ॥
thoo ghatt ghatt raviaa antharajaamee ||
You are permeating each and every heart, O Lord, Inner-knower, Searcher of Hearts.


ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਲਿ ਦਿਖਾਲਿਆ ਹਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਸਦ ਵਾਰਿਆ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
gur poorai har naal dhikhaaliaa ho sathigur vittahu sadh vaariaa jeeo ||2||
The Perfect Guru has shown me that the Lord is always with me. I am forever a sacrifice to the True Guru. ||2||


ਏਕੋ ਪਵਣੁ ਮਾਟੀ ਸਭ ਏਕਾ ਸਭ ਏਕਾ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਬਾਈਆ ॥
eaeko pavan maattee sabh eaekaa sabh eaekaa joth sabaaeeaa ||
There is only one breath; all are made of the same clay; the light within all is the same.


ਸਭ ਇਕਾ ਜੋਤਿ ਵਰਤੈ ਭਿਨਿ ਭਿਨਿ ਨ ਰਲਈ ਕਿਸੈ ਦੀ ਰਲਾਈਆ ॥
sabh eikaa joth varathai bhin bhin n ralee kisai dhee ralaaeeaa ||
The One Light pervades all the many and various beings. This Light intermingles with them, but it is not diluted or obscured.

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਇਕੁ ਨਦਰੀ ਆਇਆ ਹਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਵਤਾਇਆ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
gur parasaadhee eik nadharee aaeiaa ho sathigur vittahu vathaaeiaa jeeo ||3||
By Guru's Grace, I have come to see the One. I am a sacrifice to the True Guru. ||3||

Guru Ram Das
Ang 96
​

 

[Sikh80]

Remember Him and be imbued in Naam.


mÚ 3 ] (587-4)

Third Mehl:

siqguir syivAY sdw suKu jnm mrx duKu jwie ] (587-4, vfhMsu, mÚ 3)

Serving the True Guru, one finds a lasting peace; the pains of birth and death are removed.


icMqw mUil n hoveI AicMqu vsY min Awie ] (587-5, vfhMsu, mÚ 3)

He is not troubled by anxiety, and the carefree Lord comes to dwell in the mind.


AMqir qIrQu igAwnu hY siqguir dIAw buJwie ] (587-5, vfhMsu, mÚ 3)

Deep within himself, is the sacred shrine of spiritual wisdom, revealed by the True Guru.


mYlu geI mnu inrmlu hoAw AMimRq sir qIriQ nwie ] (587-6, vfhMsu, mÚ 3)

His filth is removed, and his soul becomes immaculately pure, bathing in the sacred shrine, the pool of Ambrosial Nectar.


sjx imly sjxw scY sbid suBwie ] (587-6, vfhMsu, mÚ 3)

The friend meets with the True Friend, the Lord, through the love of the Shabad.



Gr hI prcw pwieAw joqI joiq imlwie ] (587-7, vfhMsu, mÚ 3)

Within the home of his own being, he finds the Divine Self, and his light blends with the Light.


pwKMif jmkwlu n CofeI lY jwsI piq gvwie ] (587-7, vfhMsu, mÚ 3)

The Messenger of Death does not leave the hypocrite; he is led away in dishonor.



nwnk nwim rqy sy aubry scy isau ilv lwie ]2] (587-8, vfhMsu, mÚ 3)
O Nanak, those who are imbued with the Naam are saved; they are in love with the True Lord. ||2||​

 

[spnadmin]

Sixth Stage of Prayer

from Bandginama by Raghbir Singh


In the final stage of adoration, the Beloved becomes the Lover; the Lover the Beloved. The All-intelligent power in this stage is ever ready to fulfill the will of the adorer. Even the slightest of his wishes materializes:

Whatever His saints conceive, He fulfills.
jo jo chitvahi sadh jan so leta man

Guru Arjan - Bilawal.

Wherever His servant seeks,
God is there and appears by His servant’s side,
What the servant desires of his Master is granted.

jah jah kaj kirti sewak ki taha taha uth dhavai
sewak kau nikti hoi dikhavai
jo jo kahai thakur pahi sewak tatkal hoi awai

Guru Arjan - Asa.

The mind becomes as purified as the water of the Ganga,
Even God craves to look after such a devotee of His.

Kabir manu nirmal bhaia jaisa Ganga nir
pachhai lago Hari phirai kahat Kabir Kabir

Kabir - Sloka.

How can Thy child starve, when Thou art the Father?
Thou hast inexhaustible treasures of the world and of Nam,
The child will have what it desires,
The Father in His grace commands,
Give the child what he asks for.
Thy child Nanak, 0 Lord, seeks to see Thee
May Thy Lotus Feet ever dwell in my heart.

jiska pita tu hai mere suami tis barik bhukh kaisi
navnidhi nam nidhan grah terai
man bachhai so laisi
pita kirpali agia eh dini
bariku mukh magai so dena
Nanak barik darasu Prabh chahai
mohi hirdai basahi nit charana

Guru Arjan - Malar.

At this stage, prayer reaches its climax. Every wish of the adorer is fulfilled unuttered, unsolicited, automatically, by the Power who knows the inner secrets of all hearts.

The devotee’s prayer is never unavailing.
Birthi kade na hovai jan ki ardas

Guru Arjan - Bilawal.

Having reached this stage, the adorer transcends the stage of demands. He understands the philosophy of prayer. He knows that prayers go forth, so long as one is imperfect. When by the grace of God one has achieved perfection, what can or will one ask for? Worldly treasures lie at one’s feet. The beggar is turned into the master!


We are neither here nor there;
He is everywhere
He alone is.

ham kichhu nahi ekai ohi
agai pachhai eko soi
Nanak guri khoe bhram bhanga
ham oimili hoe ek ranga

Guru Arjan - Asa.

5.6.1 Need for Prayer.

Prayer is essential, no matter in what spiritual state we may be. Prayer helps to fulfill all our physical needs as well as the highest and most sublime of our spiritual demands. Prayer humbles and purifies our mind. For the spiritual seeker, it is as indispensable as the stick to a blind man.

Talk not of crows and herons,
His grace turns crows into swans.

kia hans kia bagula ja kao nadar dhare
jo tis bhavai Nanaka kagahu hans kare

For all thy needs, implore God,
Have firm faith, and you will realize your objective.

kita loriai kamu su Hari pai akhiai
karaj dei sawari satigur sachu sakhiai

Guru Nanak - Siri Rag.

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਘਰੁ ੪ ॥
sireeraag mehalaa 1 ghar 4 ||
Siree Raag, First Mehl, Fourth House:

ਤੂ ਦਰੀਆਉ ਦਾਨਾ ਬੀਨਾ ਮੈ ਮਛੁਲੀ ਕੈਸੇ ਅੰਤੁ ਲਹਾ ॥
thoo dhareeaao dhaanaa beenaa mai mashhulee kaisae anth lehaa ||
You are the River, All-knowing and All-seeing. I am just a fish-how can I find Your limit?

ਜਹ ਜਹ ਦੇਖਾ ਤਹ ਤਹ ਤੂ ਹੈ ਤੁਝ ਤੇ ਨਿਕਸੀ ਫੂਟਿ ਮਰਾ ॥੧॥
jeh jeh dhaekhaa theh theh thoo hai thujh thae nikasee foott maraa ||1||
Wherever I look, You are there. Outside of You, I would burst and die. ||1||

ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਮੇਉ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਜਾਲੀ ॥
n jaanaa maeo n jaanaa jaalee ||
I do not know of the fisherman, and I do not know of the net.
ਜਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਤਾ ਤੁਝੈ ਸਮਾਲੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jaa dhukh laagai thaa thujhai samaalee ||1|| rehaao ||
But when the pain comes, then I call upon You. ||1||Pause||

ਤੂ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਮੈ ਦੂਰਿ ॥
thoo bharapoor jaaniaa mai dhoor ||
You are present everywhere. I had thought that You were far away.


ਜੋ ਕਛੁ ਕਰੀ ਸੁ ਤੇਰੈ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥
jo kashh karee s thaerai hadhoor ||
Whatever I do, I do in Your Presence.

ਤੂ ਦੇਖਹਿ ਹਉ ਮੁਕਰਿ ਪਾਉ ॥
thoo dhaekhehi ho mukar paao ||
You see all my actions, and yet I deny them.

ਤੇਰੈ ਕੰਮਿ ਨ ਤੇਰੈ ਨਾਇ ॥੨॥
thaerai kanm n thaerai naae ||2||
I have not worked for You, or Your Name. ||2||

ਜੇਤਾ ਦੇਹਿ ਤੇਤਾ ਹਉ ਖਾਉ ॥
jaethaa dhaehi thaethaa ho khaao ||
Whatever You give me, that is what I eat.

ਬਿਆ ਦਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੈ ਦਰਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
biaa dhar naahee kai dhar jaao ||
There is no other door-unto which door should I go?

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਏਕ ਕਹੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥
naanak eaek kehai aradhaas ||
Nanak offers this one prayer:


ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਸਭੁ ਤੇਰੈ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੩॥
jeeo pindd sabh thaerai paas ||3||
this body and soul are totally Yours. ||3||


ਆਪੇ ਨੇੜੈ ਦੂਰਿ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਆਪੇ ਮੰਝਿ ਮਿਆਨ+ ॥
aapae naerrai dhoor aapae hee aapae manjh miaanuo ||
He Himself is near, and He Himself is far away; He Himself is in-between.


ਆਪੇ ਵੇਖੈ ਸੁਣੇ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਜਹਾਨ+ ॥
aapae vaekhai sunae aapae hee kudharath karae jehaanuo ||
He Himself beholds, and He Himself listens. By His Creative Power, He created the world.


ੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸੋਈ ਪਰਵਾਨ+ ॥੪॥੩੧॥
jo this bhaavai naanakaa hukam soee paravaanuo ||4||31||
Whatever pleases Him, O Nanak-that Command is acceptable. ||4||31||​

 

[spnadmin]

Over and over again the Gurus teach us that all of our toil and trouble helps us little when our face is not turned to the Lord. All of our clever talk is nothing. So we should eat the food that Lord has prepared for us. The way of devotion is the most excellent path. On this path we are united with Him and find Truth.

ਕਾਨੜਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
kaanarraa mehalaa 5 ||
Kaanraa, Fifth Mehl:


ਭਗਤਿ ਭਗਤਨ ਹੂੰ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ ॥
bhagath bhagathan hoon ban aaee ||
Devotion is the natural quality of God's devotees.


ਤਨ ਮਨ ਗਲਤ ਭਏ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਸਿਉ ਆਪਨ ਲੀਏ ਮਿਲਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
than man galath bheae thaakur sio aapan leeeae milaaee ||1|| rehaao ||
Their bodies and minds are blended with their Lord and Master; He unites them with Himself. ||1||Pause||


ਗਾਵਨਹਾਰੀ ਗਾਵੈ ਗੀਤ ॥
gaavanehaaree gaavai geeth ||
The singer sings the songs,


ਤੇ ਉਧਰੇ ਬਸੇ ਜਿਹ ਚੀਤ ॥੧॥
thae oudhharae basae jih cheeth ||1||
but she alone is saved, within whose consciousness the Lord abides. ||1||


ਪੇਖੇ ਬਿੰਜਨ ਪਰੋਸਨਹਾਰੈ ॥
paekhae binjan parosanehaarai ||
The one who sets the table sees the food,

ਜਿਹ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਕੀਨੋ ਤੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਾਰੈ ॥੨॥
jih bhojan keeno thae thripathaarai ||2||
but only one who eats the food is satisfied. ||2||

ਅਨਿਕ ਸ੍ਵਾਂਗ ਕਾਛੇ ਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ ॥
anik svaang kaashhae bhaekhadhhaaree ||
People disguise themselves with all sorts of costumes,


ਜੈਸੋ ਸਾ ਤੈਸੋ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਾਰੀ ॥੩॥
jaiso saa thaiso dhrisattaaree ||3||
but in the end, they are seen as they truly are. ||3||


ਕਹਨ ਕਹਾਵਨ ਸਗਲ ਜੰਜਾਰ ॥
kehan kehaavan sagal janjaar ||
Speaking and talking are all just entanglements.


ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਾਰ ॥੪॥੫॥
naanak dhaas sach karanee saar ||4||5||
O slave Nanak, the true way of life is excellent. ||4||5||

Ang 1299
Guru Arjan Dev
​

 

[AmbarDhara]

Over and over again the Gurus teach us that all of our toil and trouble helps us little when our face is not turned to the Lord. All of our clever talk is nothing. So we should eat the food that Lord has prepared for us. The way of devotion is the most excellent path. On this path we are united with Him and find Truth.

Excellent Aad Ji.