Inner Strength - 18
Today I shall conclude my write ups Inner Strength with few words.
Bringing of total change in the way of thinking about religion, rituals, concepts of God, social duties and social hierarchy is nothing short of a revolution. For Guru Nanak the perfect man is Gurmukh who is guided by his conscience, and follows the path shown by the Eternal Guru. For Guru Arjun Dev the perfect man is Brahm Gyani and to reach that stage he needs to cause no hindrance in the Will or Hukam. For Guru Gobind Singh the perfect man is Khalsa who tries to be above all and develop all the attributes as ordained by the Almighty. They all are saying same thing but we need inner strength to become perfect. Sikh tenets lay down some teachings to achieve these characteristics. A Gurmukh must develop traits: 1) Truthful (Sachiar) this is a self realisation state and that can be achieved by recognising the Truth of Almighty. Guru Nanak says:' Truth is higher than everything else but true conduct is higher than even the Truth". 2) Tolerance( Sahansheelta): there are several levels of understanding tolerance- personal,communal or religious,political and economical. For world piece all levels of understanding and practising tolerance are required. Therefore it is necessary to ingrain tolerance at personal level. Baba Sheikh Farid says; Farida jo tain mare mukiyan tina na mare ghumm ll Apnade ghar jayiye paiyer tina de chumm ll Shlok GG PG 1378. 3) Surrender of Ego: Ego or haumai as it is expressed by Gurus is a state of self love, self concern only and 'I am' ness. This arises when a person right from his childhood is taught about the caste, standing, economic status and that we are above others. This leads to ego, hatred for others, intolerance and pride. Guru Amardas says: "The riches of the world give rise to excessive ego, the man drowns in the pride and receives no honour." GG pg.1089. Guru Arjun Dev has very clearly tried to explain the destiny of a proud man: "The King who is proud of his kingship is hell dweller, a dog.He, who is proud of his youth and believes that he is ever going to be young is a worm of ordure. He, who is proud of his good actions will live without salvation on this earth. He, who is proud of worldly riches like land,wealth is stupid blind and ignorant, He, in whose heart Lord mercifully plants humbleness 'O' Nanak obtains salvation here and hereafter," 4) Fearless- Nirbhay: In Mul mantra Guru Nanak call the Almighty Fearless or Nirbhay but he relates this to man and says if a man lives in fear his personal development stops and a fearless person can speak truth and behave truthfully in any circumstances. He says; He alone who commits sins is in fear and virtuous one rejoices. Thou theyself are true and true is your justice, then why should man be afraid? GG pg 84. 5) Chardi Kala or highest degree of Optimism: This is state of mind that gets lost or diffused and man fall into a deep pit of distress and helplessness. This can happen with the large masses as well when Indians were oppressed by invaders and forced to live in humiliation. When we achieve this attribute we can achieve almost immortal power to face atrocities, oppression, adversities and even death penalties as were meted out to several Bhagatas from 12 century onwards and culminated in the beheading of Guru Teg Bahadurji. This state of extreme optimism helps you to believe in your own convictions, religion, your personal and those of your countrymen's rights. :In Sukhmani Sahib there is a verse: "He, who in his heart loves Lords ordinance is said to be the man having salvation while still alive. As is joy,so is sorrow for him.In that state there is everlasting happiness and no separation from Lord. As is gold so is dust for him. As is nectar so is poison for him. To him as honour so is dishonour. As is the pauper so is the king." GG pg 275.
Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe guru ji ke phateh.
Today I shall conclude my write ups Inner Strength with few words.
Bringing of total change in the way of thinking about religion, rituals, concepts of God, social duties and social hierarchy is nothing short of a revolution. For Guru Nanak the perfect man is Gurmukh who is guided by his conscience, and follows the path shown by the Eternal Guru. For Guru Arjun Dev the perfect man is Brahm Gyani and to reach that stage he needs to cause no hindrance in the Will or Hukam. For Guru Gobind Singh the perfect man is Khalsa who tries to be above all and develop all the attributes as ordained by the Almighty. They all are saying same thing but we need inner strength to become perfect. Sikh tenets lay down some teachings to achieve these characteristics. A Gurmukh must develop traits: 1) Truthful (Sachiar) this is a self realisation state and that can be achieved by recognising the Truth of Almighty. Guru Nanak says:' Truth is higher than everything else but true conduct is higher than even the Truth". 2) Tolerance( Sahansheelta): there are several levels of understanding tolerance- personal,communal or religious,political and economical. For world piece all levels of understanding and practising tolerance are required. Therefore it is necessary to ingrain tolerance at personal level. Baba Sheikh Farid says; Farida jo tain mare mukiyan tina na mare ghumm ll Apnade ghar jayiye paiyer tina de chumm ll Shlok GG PG 1378. 3) Surrender of Ego: Ego or haumai as it is expressed by Gurus is a state of self love, self concern only and 'I am' ness. This arises when a person right from his childhood is taught about the caste, standing, economic status and that we are above others. This leads to ego, hatred for others, intolerance and pride. Guru Amardas says: "The riches of the world give rise to excessive ego, the man drowns in the pride and receives no honour." GG pg.1089. Guru Arjun Dev has very clearly tried to explain the destiny of a proud man: "The King who is proud of his kingship is hell dweller, a dog.He, who is proud of his youth and believes that he is ever going to be young is a worm of ordure. He, who is proud of his good actions will live without salvation on this earth. He, who is proud of worldly riches like land,wealth is stupid blind and ignorant, He, in whose heart Lord mercifully plants humbleness 'O' Nanak obtains salvation here and hereafter," 4) Fearless- Nirbhay: In Mul mantra Guru Nanak call the Almighty Fearless or Nirbhay but he relates this to man and says if a man lives in fear his personal development stops and a fearless person can speak truth and behave truthfully in any circumstances. He says; He alone who commits sins is in fear and virtuous one rejoices. Thou theyself are true and true is your justice, then why should man be afraid? GG pg 84. 5) Chardi Kala or highest degree of Optimism: This is state of mind that gets lost or diffused and man fall into a deep pit of distress and helplessness. This can happen with the large masses as well when Indians were oppressed by invaders and forced to live in humiliation. When we achieve this attribute we can achieve almost immortal power to face atrocities, oppression, adversities and even death penalties as were meted out to several Bhagatas from 12 century onwards and culminated in the beheading of Guru Teg Bahadurji. This state of extreme optimism helps you to believe in your own convictions, religion, your personal and those of your countrymen's rights. :In Sukhmani Sahib there is a verse: "He, who in his heart loves Lords ordinance is said to be the man having salvation while still alive. As is joy,so is sorrow for him.In that state there is everlasting happiness and no separation from Lord. As is gold so is dust for him. As is nectar so is poison for him. To him as honour so is dishonour. As is the pauper so is the king." GG pg 275.
Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe guru ji ke phateh.
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