Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 20Awareness of...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 20Awareness of...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 20 Awareness of an evil character Ahankar or hanker (Punjabi) is a greater evil then all other ...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 20

Awareness of an evil character

Ahankar or hanker (Punjabi) is a greater evil then all other negative propensities in human beings. It originates as pride of beauty, wealth, possession, caste, class and knowledge. Don’t be surprised as I have added knowledge as a cause of pride. Knowledge is the genesis of pride and has changed the histories and destinies of many countries. The worst thing that knowledge has created is the racial discrimination, caste discrimination and this comes from the people who obtained knowledge and then divided the humanity. This has happened all over the world and its combination with greed to possess, over power and rule has given rise to worst kind of situation like apartheid. It also forces the victims to develop sub human feelings. In Indian context it has created caste system and the perpetrator was Brahmin who had obtained knowledge of Vedas and other scriptures but for his greed to retain this knowledge for self and his progeny he not only divided the society but created inhuman rules and regulations so that a large humanity remains under his thumb. On the other hand Jogis, rishi- munies who also obtained knowledge but escaped away from society and wandered alone to seek the union with God. Abandoning the humanity in their desolate condition was their selfishness. Guru Nanak had only reprimands for all these learned, knowledgeable people who could abandon the society to fall prey to invader  tyrants. To Brahmin Guru Nanak says: “jati dai kiya hath sachhuh parkhiye II mahura hove hath mariye chakhiye II GG pg 142 – what merit is in the caste? It is like poison in hand by tasting which one will die. One must recognize the righteousness and not the power of the caste.

Guru Nanak saw the discriminations being created by religious symbols, art of worshipping, new religion and newer philosophies and even the addresses of the Almighty and conflicts that only their address of HIM is right. Having all this strife in mind and then calling oneself Dharmi or righteous was the conditions or state of affairs that mankind was reduced to in his time. For all the existing religions and religious practices that took mankind away from belief in the Creator alone he had to say;

Manas khane kareh niwaz II

Chhuri vagayan tin gall taag II

Tin ghar Brahman pure naad II

Unah vi aveh oui saad II

Kuri raas kura vyopar II

Kur bole kareh aahar II

Saram dharma ka dera duur II

Nanak kur rahiya bharpur II  GG Pg 471

Meaning; The man eaters say the prayer, they who wield the knife wear the thread around their neck, in their homes the Brahmin sounds the conch, they too have the same taste, false is their trade and false is their capital, by telling falsehood they take their food, the abode of modesty and piety is far from them. Nanak falsehood is fully filling them all.

He further adds to these knowledgeable men: ‘Sabuh ko pura appe hove ghatt no koi akheh’ meaning; everyone deems himself perfect and none call himself imperfect. GG Pg 469.  The pride of knowledge is used only to wield power and earn a living. The pride or ahankar has been treated as haumai (ego)in Sikhism because that is the ultimate result of all possessions if one forgets the presence of Almighty. To continue…..

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 19Awareness of...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 19Awareness of...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 19 Awareness of an evil character  He kal mul krodh kadanch karuna na uparjate II Bikhyant ji...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 19

Awareness of an evil character

 He kal mul krodh kadanch karuna na uparjate II

Bikhyant jivam vasum krote nirantar krote jatha markatuh II

Anak sasan tadantra jam dutuh tav sange adham narhuh II

Deen dukh bhanjan dayal prabhu Nanak sarb jiv rakha krote II GG Pg 1358

Meaning: ‘O’ krodh, O father of strife, you have no compassion, thou hast powerful sway over vicious men, who dance to your tunes like monkeys and then have to face immense punishment at the hands of the couriers of death; in whose society, men turn into devils. ‘O’ merciful Master the destroyer of the sorrow of the meek protect thou all the beings from wrath prays Nanak.

 This verse by Guru Arjunji explains that men under sway of wrath are incapable of any compassion and that wrath has sway over people who have vicious tendencies. Once they are under the grip of wrath caused by outward or their inner tendencies of viciousness they cannot be stopped from their self destruction and the destruction of their objects of wrath. In a similar vein Kabir ji says: “Wrath the garrulous (Quarrelsome) being reigns supreme” GG Pg 1161

Guru Nanak ji also says: “Lust and anger destroys body as flux melts gold.” Thus we can see that wrath though directed towards other destroys self also and imbalances the individuals. This principle also applies to the nations who use cruelties to destroy other nations. In many preaching all over this evil nature has been mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib and warning is given to the seekers to overcome this evil weakness to lead a life of social integration. The anger is also seems to be working when all the evil propensities work together and it becomes more active.

Emancipation of self from all human weaknesses has been graded positive in Gurbani. There is continuous effort by all Gurus and they preach to get rid of lust anger, greed, and ego. By becoming free from these evil and negative propensities man can attain independence.

Sachuh sanjam satguru duare II

Haume krodh sabad nivare II

Satgur sev sada such payiye sheel santokh sabuh taha hai II GG pg. 1057

Man attains truth and self control at the door of the true Lord. By contemplating on his name he silences his ego and anger. By serving the true Lord man can obtain the bliss of humility and contentment.

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 18Awareness of...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 18Awareness of...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 18 Awareness of evil character Krodh – anger or wrath is another emotion that can bring out an ...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 18

Awareness of evil character

Krodh – anger or wrath is another emotion that can bring out an evil in man and he can become vicious and animal like. This emotion is so strong that it can destroy the target and can cause self destruction. The origin of anger is not situation inspired or momentary but it is also subjectively inspired. When it is subjectively inspired its intensity is controlled provided the cause of anger has affected the person who has otherwise very wise and matures thinking and one who can analyze the subject under matter. I would like here to give example of Guru Nanak, who had travelled wide in India and ascertained the reason of downfall of Indian civilization and he targeted his anger that arose from this pitiable situation of Indians in his poetry as admonishes, challenges and preaching to rise against this downfall and condemnable situation. His anger was channelized and used for awakening the people. Same was the situation with Guru Gobind ji when he learned that people were afraid to pick up the body and head of his martyred father Guru Teg Bahadurji in Delhi. He also took a resolution that he will make so strong people who will not be afraid of any adversities and face the challenge with their lives. His anger of docile mentality of people culminated in creation of Khalsa. He gave another direction to his anger that is depicted in his poetry which we call Birras and traditionally the birras poetry is sung to elevate the fighting spirit of do or die. This form of anger is another form of emotions that arise from situations that are created by others like political and social systems that rule with arbitrariness and tyranny, where exploitation of certain class of people is evident and also their helplessness becomes their own trap.

The anger has other complex forms one of which is motivational. The actions taken under this are devastating that can cause permanent damages and strife. The example here can be cited that of operation blue star and consequent 1984 massacre of Sikhs in India. The arbitrary behavior of Indira Gandhi and her intolerance for non congress governments in some states created a motivational anger in her and to break up the continuous no acceptance for congress she took many unwise decisions and one of them was creating terrorism in Punjab and the weapons were supplied by the government for instigating intolerable situations in Punjab. She overlooked the fact that she chose a patriotic Sikh to spread violence in Punjab. The ire and the anger was diverted at the most holiest shrine that is revered by Sikhs as of divine lineage. The killing of innocent which is prohibited in Sikhism was another matter that affected Sikhs present all over the world. Instead of saying sorry for this heinous crime the congress government at centre ignored the problem and continued with her policy of arbitrariness and dominance. All the consequent damages that have been caused due to the anger and racial discriminations under the garb of secularism and democracy are result of motivational anger of a single person. Just imagine how this motivational anger can cause permanent damages when nations in such undemocratic crusades ignore the innocent people and make wars. We have seen bloody war of Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, and many other countries that went under the motivational anger of strong nations of the west.  India suffered under the Muslim rulers who not only wanted to occupy this country but convert it into Islam. Their motivational anger was directed at idol worshipping that caused them to behave in such intolerant tyranny. When anger leads to cause cruelties on large scale it is an evil propensity. How Sikhism deals with it? To continue……

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character 17Awareness of e...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character 17Awareness of e...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character 17 Awareness of evil character Universally there are five evils that are recognized as evil in ch...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character 17

Awareness of evil character

Universally there are five evils that are recognized as evil in character and they are Kaam (lust or desire), Krodh (anger), ahankar ( ego), Lobh (greed), Moh ( delusion). In other religions these five evils are supposed to be suppressed or discarded to achieve Moksha in Hinduism, Nirvana in Bhudhism and jannat in Islam. But in Sikhism these five values have been recognized as propensities that can be used as catalyst for self elevation and to achieve spiritual bliss along with worldly pleasures. After all the birth in human form and the cycle of life have certain duties to perform for the procreation and sustenance of the Creation of Almighty. Kaam or lust when practiced as emotional expression of love as prescribed within the social norms and practices of the society that are sanctioned as marriage is not harmful. Desire or lust used as animal instincts become evil and the downfall of man’s character becomes evident. Man, not only loses respect of society but falls in self esteem and his mind and body both become diseased. Kaam or lust when practiced has to achieve on the path to becoming Gurmukh or Sachiar.  

Guru Arjun ji speaks of Kaam in the following verse: he kaam narak bisrambahu joni brahmanve II chit haran trey lok gam jap tap seel bidarnehe II alap such awat chanchal uchah nichah samavane II  GG. Pg. 1358  meaning :

‘ O kaam thou lands men in hell and makes them wander through myriad species. You cheatest many minds, sways all the three worlds and destroy the austerities, meditation and virtue. Thou, whose pleasure is momentary, thou, who make men unsteady and punishes the high and low alike.’

 In another verse from Guru Granth Sahib in Raag ramkali mahal 1 Pg 932 Guru ji says Kaam Krodh kaya ko gaalle II jiyu kanchan sohaga ko dhaalle II Kaam and Krodh both melt the body same way as does the borax that melts the gold.

Guru Arjun ji describe the lustfull men in another verse;Kaamwant kami bahu naari pargriha joh na chuke II din prat kare kare pachhtape sog lobh mahi suke II Raag Dhanasri mahala 5 GG.Pg 672. Lustful and sensuous man desires many women and his spying of others homes ceases not. Day by day he commits adultery and then regrets his attachment to this woe and greed. In another verse Guru ji compares the lustful man to inebriated elephant who falls prey to his lust and gets trapped.” Kaam hatuh kunchar lai phankeyo uh par vas bhayo bichara II” GG.pg 671  Guru Arjun  elaborates further that this lust  increases the deviant behavior in men but also increases the feelings of guilt in them. On page 315 in Guru Granth Sahib he talks of lustfull men and warns them that the Almighty notices all. He says; Lai phahe raati ture Prabh jane prani II takeh naar parayiyan luk andhar thani II sanuh deni vikham thain mitha mad mani II karmi appo aapni aape pachhtani II

This evil propensity in men has been there in all ages and without the proper guidance it becomes wayward nature and law and court of justice can do nothing about it. In Sikhism it is very clearly explained to grow inner strength of man so that this evil character can be shunned as an evil character and Kaam to be practiced as a tool for self elevation.

To continue…..

Looking forward...: Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Charac...

Looking forward...: Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Charac...: Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 15Awareness of... : GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 15 Awareness of a negat...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character 16

Awareness of negative character

Guru Nanak’s study reveals that the influence of Atharban - atharva veda not only increased but it caused many social changes and people started losing faith in the Almighty and replaced Him with several Gods and Goddesses and creation of this culture of new Gods came into being and with the division of sole power the inner strength was defused and the psyche of men was overpowered by the mighty and greedy. Superstitions, fate and destiny like words overpowered the analytical thinking of men. All the strength of positive thinking, of positive values and patriotic feelings got defused from the large section of society and the rule of selfish came into existence that resulted in chaotic situation when invaders started coming we had no brave people to resist them because people couldn’t be united and the powerful like Kings and priests didn’t bother to unite people by awakening them to their duties instead they accepted the slavery for their personal gains. Guru Nanak defines the dark age (kalyuga) in Raag Ramkali first ashtapadi GG.Pg 902 and according to him kalyuga is not denoted to a particular time period or particular place where it will arrive but it is the condition of human mind and the society. This condition where oppression, injustice and force is accepted and man becomes slave to those who are oppressors, use force and do injustice and start living by accepting the way of life of oppressor then the kalyuga has arrived. In the same time period where those who believe in the Almighty, try volunteer service, do good deeds but still accept the kalyugi conditions for fear of oppression then this society is kalyuga. In this condition Indians not only started losing their religious faith but became slave to do things as prescribed by the justice of the invaders law. The Krisna started becoming Allah. Clothing changed and life of duality became prominent. When this enslavement is accepted then the dark age has arrived. The loss of self respect, independence, bravery and the positive spirit to stand against oppression with unity are the situation that denotes kalyuga. All these negative character has brought downfall of the society. Guru Nanak says; Pat vin puja, sar vin sanjam, jat vin kahe janeyu II GG.Pg. 903 worship without self respect, discipline without truthfulness and janeyu (sacred thread) without chastity are of no avail. In other words Guru Nanak has tried to explain that without self respect, truthfulness in justice, security of your religion there is no dharma or righteousness.

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 15Awareness of...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 15Awareness of...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 15 Awareness of a negative character Guru Nanak studied Vedas and Quran when he was a child. Tr...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 15

Awareness of a negative character

Guru Nanak studied Vedas and Quran when he was a child. True meanings of his contemplation on these religious studies he starts explaining to us through his preaching recorded as Bani in Guru Granth Sahib once he has travelled throughout the country, studied the reasons of deteriorating conditions of the country and downfall of the positive values from our lives. He was not only a saint, he was not only a philosopher, he was a great learner and thinker and had a very sharp analytical brain that could know the reasons and deep rooted causes of the conditions of the country and people. In fact he was a scientist who could find the cause and cure of the problems. We shall discuss the origin of atharbani and its burden on the Indian Society. For understanding this let us first read a verse of Bhai Gurdasji that he wrote after Guru Nanak’s return from his Udasis or travels; ‘ Phir Baba aiya kartarpur, bhekh udasi sagal uttara I

Pahir sansari kapde manji bhaith kiya awtara I

Ulti gang vahayiun Guru Angad sier upar dhara I

Putri kaul na paliya man khote aakii nasiyara I

Bani mukhaun uchariye hui rusnai mite andhaara I

Gyan gost charcha sada anahad sabad uthe dhunkara I

Sodar arti gaviye amrit velle jap uchara I

Gurmukh Bhar atharban tara II 38 II

Bhai Gurdas ji’s verse’ last line says that Guru Nanak as a Gurmukh person has brought down the burden of atharbani that people were carrying all the time. What exactly is atharbani and its burden? Atharbani is a veda and its central focus is to read mantras and praise Gods and Goddesses to attain the bliss of good fortune, happiness and good luck and reduce the burden of unhappiness, bad luck. Why was then this burden on humanity if it was so simple to appease the gods and goddesses to attain the bliss of good luck? The reason was duality and confusion of human beings because nobody ever wants to have grief and pain in life and to remove this state or not to allow this state of pain and grief to come into ones’ life help was taken not only from Mantras of Vedas but many superstitious methods came in to being like black magic and cures by obscure means that were carried out by Tantriks and a tradition of making offerings and special poojas to reduce the influence of negativity that came in the form of bad soul (buri atma), bad omens, evil eye etc. Belief in all such superstitious powers made people forget the presence of God and they were all the time seeking solace from figures of supernatural powers and Gods and Godesses created by the active imagination of the human mind like Brahmins, priests, tantriks, Jogis, Babas and speculates who use human weakness to make money.

 Guru Nanak has provided us an explanation to the state of affairs in Asa di Waar where he distinguishes the conditions on theory of Yugas or Eras; kal me bed atharban hua nau khudai Allah bhaiya II neel bastra le kapde pahire turk pathani amal kiya II GG Pg 470 That means in the dark age, Atharva Veda became prominent and Allah became the name of the God. Men took to wear blue clothes ( dress code of Muslims)  and practiced the way of life of turks and pathans.

According to Guru Nanak this is a down- gradation of your culture and values which he sees as negative character because it causes the downfall of inner strength that one needs to fight all odds in life.

To continue……..

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANI National ch...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANI                        National ch...: GEMS OF GURBANI                         National character – 14 Awareness of negative Character Ik man purakh niranjan dhiyavau II ...

GEMS OF GURBANI                        

National character – 14

Awareness of negative Character

Ik man purakh niranjan dhiyavau II

Gur Prasad har gun sad gavauh II

Gun gavat man hoye bigasa II

Satguru Prabhu janah ki asa II

Satguru sevi param pad payo II

Abinasi abigat dhiyaou II

Tis bhete daridra na champe II

Kall sahar tas gun jampe II

Jampao gun bimal sujan jan kere amiya nau ja kau turiya II

Inah satgur seve sabad ras paiya naam niranjan uri dhariya II

Har naam rasik gobind gun gahak chahak tat samat tare II 1II  GG Pg 1396

This sawayya from Granth Sahib is sung by Arshi Bhatt in praise of Guru Ramdas ji. Usually praises  only of The Almighty are recorded as Bani in granth Sahib ji and Bhatt a tribe of Punjab traditionally sing praises of rich and influential to get paid for their extra ordinary services and mostly these praises are out of the way and done to boost the ego of donor so that he happily gives more offerings. The sawayya above does not fall in this line and shows the overwhelming humbleness that one feels after meeting the humble personality of Guru Ramdasji and the Bhatt always study people before they sing their praises. Kalsahar the bhatt says in above sawayya; I utter the pure praise of sublime person who has been bestowed with the Name of the Lord and he has enshrined the Lords Name within him. Guru Ramdas is the enjoyer of God’s Name, the purchaser of the God’s virtues, the seeker of the Master’s quintessence and the fountainhead of the evenhanded justice. When you have a darshan of such a personality all the poverty of human kind does not cling to you.

 Poverty of human kind is the main point under consideration here. This poverty is to be taken as a negative value that gives rise to 1) lethargy, 2) distress (dhahindi kala), 3) financial poverty,4) ignorance, 5) dull life, 6) jealousy, 7) conflict, 8) diseased body and 9) disharmony of the mind. To emancipate from this poverty that takes over human nature Guruji created symbolic but physical presence  a lake known as Ramsar and Harmandir Sahib and presented two ethics of Sewa( a volunteer service) and Ishnan ( a dip in holy water). Dip in the holy water is not to be taken literally a dip at Amritsar Harmandir Sahib’s holy tank but that symbolizes the cleanliness of your physical body to make it disease free, of mind to make free of all negativity, jealousy, conflict, distress and disharmony. These two symbols of Amritsar a holy dip and Sewa at Harmandir Sahib are to remind Sikhs wherever they are and taking a cleansing bath in the morning that they think of these symbols and remove all the poverty (daridra) from your mind. Guru Arjun ji who wrote about Guru Ramdasji’s creation : “Ramdas sarovar nahate sab uttare paap kamate” further suggests Sikhs an art of living (jeevan jaach) that this dip in holy tank is a pilgrimage of Bani, sangat( company) of Guru, and while doing sewa a Sikh becomes humble, he becomes active in mind, he becomes pure in his behavior soft in his approach. One has to abandon all the negative characters to become a true Sikh of Guru Ramdas. Bhatt Kalsahar had understood these deep contemplations of Guru Ramdasji and his praises of Guruji were so overwhelmingly convincing that Guru Arjun Devji added these in Granth Sahib so that we learn from the character and personality of Guru Ramdasji.

Looking forward...: The unlimited source of information and knowledgeE...

Looking forward...: The unlimited source of information and knowledgeE...: The unlimited source of information and knowledge Enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib are the verses, hymns of Gurus, Bhagtas and Sufi fakir...

The unlimited source of information and knowledge

Enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib are the verses, hymns of Gurus, Bhagtas and Sufi fakirs belonging to various regions and religions of India. Bkakti movement Started in various parts of India simultaneously from 12th century onwards. Sufiscame to India along with Muslim invaders. The mission of all these bhagtas and sufis was to praise one Lord for whom all humanity was equal and who makes no discriminations. Hymns and verses enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib from all over India are sung in melodious Kirtan by Darbar Sahib raagis without making any discrimination of their origin and Sikhs pay obeisance to this great scripture daily in several gurudwaras all over the world. This is a broadminded accomplished religious scripture that gives message of equality and universality that means it
belongs to anyone who understand and believes in its tenets. Its fundamentalmessage of communal harmony and equality for world peace are unique features.
The Gurbani has been scripted in 31 ancient ragas and sub ragas that are of Indian origin and religious hymns are also sung by others in these. Ramkali raga is favourite of jogis, suhi and asa are favourite of sufis , telang and asa are favourite with Muslim religious singers. The usage of ragas bind Sikhs to the others. Ragas are central focus of Indian civilization’s spiritual traditions. Gurus collected verses and hymns from several parts of India in their original Languages and they are given same respect and enshrined in their original form. Thus making the Granth Sahib a research and study material for the development and usage of Indian languages over a period of 600 years.
The prose of Guru Granth Sahib has a span of 1000 years. The art of prose used has 50 versions of saying and writing poetry. This makes it a study material of literature of Indian languages over thousand years. This makes Guru Arjun ji an all time and unique exponent of great art work of literature and music. With the creation of this rare book he has not only followed the tenets of Guru Nanak but gave Sikhs a foundation on which they can build a universal society by avoiding non sectarian, non communal, no hatred approach. In Punjabi we call it sarb sanjhi bani.

Looking forward...: Festivals in SikhismThere were objections to my p...

Looking forward...: Festivals in Sikhism
There were objections to my p...: Festivals in Sikhism There were objections to my post on Holla Mahalla. In response to those objections by this post I would like to c...

Festivals in Sikhism

There were objections to my post on Holla Mahalla. In response to those objections by this post I would like to clarify that Gurus had objections to celebrate festivals the way they were because most festivals cotemporary to Gurus were caste based for example Lohri was celebrated by Brahmins though it was a thanks giving festival as some crops of winter come in and farmers become free after sowing wheat so they could indulge in festivity and making offerings, and in all homes where new born babies have appeared, it was nice occasion to extract offering from them, in all homes where new weddings have taken place was also a nice occasion to extract offerings. So it was a typical caste based festival evolved by the Brahmin. Diwali festival was attributed to another high caste – vaishnavs or banias and Goddess Laxmi was paid obeisance and offerings by Banias were made and the puja was performed by the Brahmin and all the offerings were collected by him. Similarly Dussera was attributed to the Kshatriyas and importance of their weapons and tools was suggested to them and puja was performed of these articles by Brahmin and offerings were collected by him. Holi was left for shudras and religious sanctions were given to them to celebrate with spraying of colours and cow dung and indulge in intoxicants like bhang and charas so that they don’t realize their humiliating conditions. It was to remove this caste adherence that Guru Gobind Singhji gave new ways of celebrating age old festivals of India that were sacrificed on the altar of Hindu religion. The time period of each festival was according to the cycle of yearly weather change and availability of time to the farmer as the Indian society was based on agriculture. The Brahmin made these festivals religion based and Gurus only tried to remove this caste based division of festivals. Diwali was celebrated by Sikhs since the sixth Gurus time as Bandi chhode diwas because for Sikhs it was a challenge to fight for freedom from foreign rulers, suppression from caste system, freedom to preach and practice your own beliefs, freedom to protect your religious places which Muslims were demolishing. So diwali was given a new Avtar and a new meaning. All other festivals are also celebrated in the same time period to consolidate Sikhism and its tenets so that we don’t fall back on beliefs of caste importance any more.

                        

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 13Awareness of...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 13Awareness of...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 13 Awareness of a negative character After contemplations on all this negativity that had enter...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 13

Awareness of a negative character

After contemplations on all this negativity that had entered into the character of Indians Guru Nanak set aside some ideals on which he wanted to carry forward his missionary work of awakening Indian masses and they are;

1)    Revival of Indian civilization from its downfall

2)    A respectable place for Indian languages

3)    A respectful place for Indian religious books

4)    Awakening Indian masses for their rights

5)    Emancipation from wayward gone Kings and their administrators.

6)    Reprimand and awakening of Kings, Brahmins and Kshtriyas to their duties towards nation and countrymen.

7)    Raising the standard of common man in the matters of community, the religion, social, political and spiritual life.

8)    Resuscitation of shame, self respect, confidence and fighting spirit in countrymen.

With all these ideal targets in mind Guru Nanak continued on his missionary work and travelled several times in each direction of this country, Asia, Arabia and spread his gospel  of love and compassion for ordinary people because he saw a part of the Almighty in everyone. Each of his predecessors Guru contributed to his mission with utmost care so that the evil minded, greedy people could not snatch away the missionary ideals. The tenth Master Guru Gobind Singh gave final consolidating touch ups to the missionary ideals of Guru Nanak and transformed all the powers of enlightenment into a Shabad Guru or Granth Sahib ji. Fateh or victory is the ultimate ideal of every Sikh that should continue forever because the struggle will accompany for achieving this high bar, high caliber ideals just like pure ghee is churned out from butter that has suspended impurities. Guru Nanak and other Gurus showed us an art of living that clearly sets up life to achieve this pure Khalsa form from any type of people.  Guru Nanak poses a challenge to his followers and warns them of all the false people who in the name of God are spreading blind faith.

He says: jau tau prem khelan ka chau II sier dhar tali gali meri auo II it marag payer dharije II sier dije kaaneh na kije II GG Pg. 1412

Meaning: If you like to play the game of love come on my path with your head resting on your palm. If you have taken my path of love then lay down your head on it without bothering about the public opinion.

To continue…….

    

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 12

Awareness of a negative character

Guru Nanak ji’s several missionary travels were not without incidents that made deep impact on his thinking and analyzing the reasons for the downfall of Indian society and conditions of slavery in our own country. On one his travels he was in Aimnabad that came under attack of the invader Babur. The attack was so brutal that everywhere dead bodies of young men were laying scattered, houses and crops in the fields were all burnt and most of the women were captured, raped and hair shorned their babies were not spared. Guru Nanak and Mardana were captured too and forced to grind wheat to make floor for the soldier’s food. After humiliation most women were forced to grind to prepare food for the invading looters. When Guru Nanak saw this tragic humiliation of the daughters of this country his poetic soft heart couldn’t bear it and he cried and contemplated on this matter. His creation on this matter is known as Baburwani in which he not only reprimands the tyrant but also the countrymen and expresses his thoughts vehemently and boldly. His reprimands sound like challenge but a truthful person can say anything because he explicitly gives correct reasons. He says Indians came to this downfall because they were too busy living a luxurious life, enjoying all kinds of vices. Such a life made them carefree, weak, and depressed and paralyzed their powers. They were just not aware enough to contemplate that a tyrant can come and make them slaves for centuries. Pathan, Turks and Lodhis who had already settled here were sailing in the same boat. The worst thing was what pained Guru Nanak the most was that daughters of this country were subjected to these inhuman humiliations and their youth and beauty became their enemies. After humiliations they were sold in the markets as slaves.  

Guru Nanak says; dhan joban duyi wairyee hoye jinni rakhe rang laye II dutta no pharmaya le chale patt gavaye II je tis bhave de wadiyayee, je bhave deyee sajayee II GG Pg 417  Meaning; Both wealth and beauty that afforded them pleasure are now become their enemies. The order was given to the soldiers who having dishonoured them, took them away. If He (Lord) pleases he will grant greatness. If it pleases Him He will award punishment. If man had contemplated on this why would He punish?

He remembers that : jin sier sohan pattiyan mangi payee sindhur II

                                   Se sier kati muniyan gaal wich avey dhur II

                                   Mahalan andar hondiyan hun bahin na miley hadur IIGG.417

Meaning: the heads that were adorned with tresses and vermillion are now shorn with scissors and their throats are choked with dust. Those who were living in the palaces are not allowed to stay near them. He says the rulers lost their conscience in merry-making, sensual spectacles and revelments. Guru says the Lord punishes because man and the responsible people forgot their moral duties and Baburwani happened. Baba Nanak is so perturbed with this kind of insult that he keeps asking questions to awaken people.( Plz read the full page 417 to know more)

The condition of women in today’s context is not better anymore when you daily read the news of exploitations, rapes, bashing, and humiliation of women of every class. One questions whether we give proper moral education to our children to grow this negative virtue of disrespect to women. It seems this negative virtue has become a part of Indian National Character otherwise we may not have so many beastly men who pounce upon women and dishonor their chastity, disregard their womanhood and their freedom to live a natural life.

To continue…….

Looking forward...: Sikh Environment Day14th March the day on which Gu...

Looking forward...: Sikh Environment Day14th March the day on which Gu...: Sikh Environment Day 14 th March the day on which Guru Har Rai ji became the seventh Guru will be celebrated as Sikh environment day. G...

Sikh Environment Day

14^th March the day on which Guru Har Rai ji became the seventh Guru will be celebrated as Sikh environment day. Guru Har Rai ji were not only admirer of trees and plants but maintained a garden of herbal plants which he used as medicines for sick people. He was known for growing rare medicinal plants and was summoned by emperor Shahjahan when prince was sick and needed cure.

All that is created by the Supreme Creator’s Will has special mention in Gurbani in more than one way. Many Gurdwaras that have surplus land create beautiful Gardens and apart from ornamental plants also grow fruit trees and distribute fruits as Prasad. The Gurdwara at Khadoor Sahib practices this as tradition. This Gurdwara also did a major environment project during Guru Angad Devji birth centenary and planted trees on all roads reaching here in circle of 25 to 50 kms. They have undertaken plantation of fruit and forest trees along the peripheral roads of 40 villages under their jurisdiction. Their next project is to purify air quality and for that they are planting Neem trees in every house. These plants are given as Prasad to villagers.

The golden Temple or Har mandir Sahib also distributes plants as Prasad. Many Gurdwaras have plant nurseries for this purpose. The interdependence of nature and man has been understood very well in Sikhism but still we failed to understand the grand designs of multinational companies that produce insecticides, pesticides and inorganic fertilizers and have been misguided by the promotion of their products by premier research institutes and universities and polluted our ground water to irreversible stage. Nature is a great beneficiary of human kind and if we continue abusing it will cease to benefit human kind.

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 11Awareness of...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 11Awareness of...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 11 Awareness of negative character Apart from opportunism in character that had invaded the psy...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 11

Awareness of negative character

Apart from opportunism in character that had invaded the psyche of Indians, what troubled Guru Nanak the most was the acceptance of slavery from foreign rulers. All the insult and disrespect that is associated with slavery was not acceptable to him. This was not without showing back to your own high prized civilization and culture. This all happened under fear from the terror of Muslim invaders. The condition was utmost humiliating. To awaken the Indians from this humiliating state of affairs Guru Nanak expresses his feelings in the most wonderful poetry ‘Asa di waar”

                        Gau Brahman kau kar laveh gobar taran na jayii II

                        Dhoti tika te japmali dhanu malechhan khayii  II GG Pg. 471 

Brahmins had accepted the jobs of administration during the Muslim rule and whatever these Muslim rulers dictated he was doing it without giving a thought that he is party to the injustice on his own countrymen. The meaning of above verse says; You charge taxes for the cow and considers cow and cow dung as holy, you wear a dhoti (Loin cloth), put a tilak (frontal marks – a religious symbol) and carries a rosary but eat the food provided by a malechh (Muslim) this all is not going to free your soul. He further says ; “ andhi rayyat gyan vihuni, bhah bhare murdaar II GG pg.469 meaning: the subjects are blind and ignorant without any wisdom they satisfy the official’s cravings for greed and bribe (carrion>murdaar). When Brahmin was creating caste system he had set duties for the each caste for public conduct and now he himself was taking bribe and serving according to the foreign ruler’s diktat and kashtriya was given duty to fight for justice and truth but he became opportunist and accepted the humiliation of slavery and imposed taxes for being non-muslim on his own countrymen and insulted their own religious beliefs. The greatest insult is to bear all humiliation and not protest against it. Guru says: “labuh paap doyi raja mahta kur hua sikdar II

                                    Kaam nebuh sab puchhiye bahi bahi kare bichar II” GG Pg.468

Meaning: Both avarice and sin are the King and Minister and falsehood is the Master of mint, lust the assistant official is summoned and consulted and they all sit together and chalk out evil plans. He further says: “Raje shihn mukkadam kutte II  GG pg 1288 meaning the Kings have become the lions and their administrators the dog and they harass the people during the day and even in their sleep.

The constant preaching by all Gurus created national character amongst the followers and they started protesting against the injustice inflicted by the ruling class. This character slowly became a part of their nature that we shall not bear any humiliation and created a Khalsa force that not only stopped the invasions from Khyber pass forever but also prepared them to fight the British Raj for freedom and injustice.

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 10 Awareness o...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 10 Awareness o...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 10 Awareness of a negative character The Sikh movement in India has always been ridden with dif...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 10

Awareness of a negative character

The Sikh movement in India has always been ridden with difficult situations and full of struggles. The worst part was these struggles were more from the situations created by the degraded value systems and character of our own people. The great enlightened soul Guru Nanak studied this character degradation so minutely and his soft poetic persona could not sit idle without reprimanding the countrymen for creating this degradation in their character. His reprimands were mostly for the high caste Hindus, Turks, Lodhis and Pathans. Turks, Lodhis and Pathans because they invaded this country and settled here but started indulging in a life of luxury and showing indifference to the public welfare, security of the borders and respect for the daughters of this country. This weakened situation was reasons for continuous invasions by foreign looters who sometimes came as traders also. This luxurious life style of ruling class and rich of India always sent wrong signals and made her a tempting place for invasions, intrigue and overpowering. There was a large segment of society who could never take care of this country because they themselves were denied rights of a dignified life, education or acts of bravery and fighting spirit. For them it was immaterial who the ruler is because they were forced to live a life without self-respect, pride and of ignorance. It was necessary to awaken these downtrodden. But Guru Nanak’s anger shows in his Poetry when he reprimands the high caste Hindus and the ruling class. High caste Hindus because for the material gains and retaining the powerful positions they were sacrificing their religion, belief, religious places language, culture, dress, self-respect, bravery and self-confidence. They were developing a negative value that we call opportunism in today’s context. Guru Nanak makes a mention of this state of affairs of high caste Hindus that is recorded in Guru Granth Sahib as Raag Basant as; “ Adi Purukh ko Allah kahiye, shekhan aiyee waari II deval devtayan kar laga aisee kirat chali II5II kujja bang niwaz musla neel rup banwari II ghar ghar mian sabna jiyan boli awar tumahri II GG.Pg.1191 Basant hindol”

Meaning: the primal Lord is called Allah, the turn of the Muslim divine has come. Tax is levied on the temples of Gods, such a practice has come into vogue, the ablution pots, calls to prayers and prayer carpets are seen everywhere and the Lords appears in blue form. In every house the persons are addressed as ’Mian’, your language has changed O men.

For Guru Nanak it was a great downfall of Indian civilization to abandon your language and culture, your way of life and giving up your religious practices and symbols. Following verses from Guru Granth Sahib depict his pain when he reprimands :” khatriyan te dharma chhadiya malechh bhakhiya gahi” II GG Pg.663 and for Brahmin he says; “ antar puja padhe kateba sanjam turka bhai II GG pg.471 Asa waar. On these high caste Hindus when to get recognitions from foreign rulers they even started wearing their dress he says ; neel vastra pahan ke hove parwan II malechh dhan le pujeh puran II GG.Pg.472 Asa di waar. The worst downfall in the Indian Society was noticed when they started eating the meat butchered according to Sharia, he says; abhakhiya ka kutha bakra khana II GG.472

To continue……

Women's Day - celebrating women's day always pose more questions then to feel into the mood of celebrating as a special day. The conditions of women have become worse then getting better. How can you feel celebrating when you know that many women are getting beaten by drunk husbands, getting tortured by mother-in-laws and raped by some vicious beasts somewhere in the country. Some daughter's are getting killed by Khap extremists. 33% percent reservation to women is being denied. But I will lighten my spirits by thinking of Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, Neha and many others who excel in sports and thousands of daughters of this country who fight all odds and become superior in education, work and give tough competition to men, challenge their presence in high ranking jobs. I will celebrate women's day and cheer all the winners of better life. Cheers !!!

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational character – 9Universal Bro...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational character – 9Universal Bro...: GEMS OF GURBANI National character – 9 Universal Brotherhood (Bhrataribhav) The second positive step towards the realization of univ...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National character – 9

Universal Brotherhood (Bhrataribhav)

The second positive step towards the realization of universal brotherhood is voluntary service or sewa. In fact service of others is nothing but practical version of altruism. Once a person has made up his mind and worked towards achieving the positive value of altruism in his individual character the feelings of service to others come naturally to him. For Guru Nanak attaining spiritual bliss one has to go through a stage of contemplation and attaining all the knowledge to reach this stage. At this stage when one attains the spiritual bliss and thinks that his destination has arrived then one is only selfish. All this knowledge achieved if not used in the service of humanity then it is all waste. Guru Nanak says;” when one dwells on the (Guru’s) word one’s mind flows out to serve the others and one practices contemplation and self realization and self control by overcoming ego.”

Sewa surat sabad vichar II

Jap tap sanjam haume maar II GG.pg.1343

According to him if a person does not fulfill his social obligations and moral duties he will not be able to realize himself and if you don’t realize yourself spiritual realization will not come. Guru Nanak not only practiced this tenet of social service all his life but made it a mission to make his disciples aware of this tenet to eradicate ego, caste differences and class feelings. Apart from preaching the value of this tenet he took practical measures to imbibe this high prized virtue of sewa. In last stage of his life he settled at Kartarpur now in Pakistan where he became a farmer and his followers shared his work and all the followers who visited him were served food that was cooked with voluntary service and also distributed by service irrespective of caste, class or ranking sitting in a row. This sewa or service came to be known as langar and became a permanent feature of Sikhism. Guru Nanak’s mission is fulfilled by Sikhs all over the world. It is not only a permanent feature of major Gurudwaras but also a main feature for contingency needs like at natural calamities like earthquakes, floods etc Sikhs reach out to help others irrespective of religion, castes or nationalities.

Gurus recommend only that service which is done without the conditions of reward. Any conditional service done for award is a bargain or trade. By calculations service is performed not what done is approved. Gante sev na hovai.. GG.pg 1246.

By imbibing these two positive values of altruism and service, kindness and understanding descends upon a person that leads to universal brotherhood and only through actions one can express it. As a reminder lest the Sikhs forget this ideal of Guru Nanak, the daily prayer “ardas’ contains the phrase “Sarbat da bhala” that means the welfare of the universe in mind. Every Sikh has to work and pray for this ideal of universal brotherhood.

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 8Universal bro...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 8Universal bro...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 8 Universal brotherhood (bhrataribhav) Removal of two negative characteristics of slandering a...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 8

Universal brotherhood (bhrataribhav)

Removal of two negative characteristics of slandering and enmity from within us may not be sufficient for fostering universal brotherhood because path to it is arduous and one can leave it half way or get otherwise influenced. Two positive values like altruism and service or sewa need to be imbibed along this path to develop the inner strength for universal brotherhood. Guru says Vidya vichari te parupkari II GG Pg.356 meaning; if you deliberate over your knowledge then alone you can become the benefactor of all. In other words the purpose of the education is initiating a person to altruism. All that knowledge which cannot complete your being social and show your love and concern for the others is a waste. Once a person start showing his love and concern for others he becomes essentially good. According to Sikh doctrines a truly altruistic person is one who loves and cares for others without any conditions and not the one who does it out of pity and for personal glory. If you put up a show of altruism for the sake of pity and pride then you have selfish motives and that makes you selfish person. Altruism is therefore a test of a person to elevate his moral character. Altruism is thus a missionary spirit that is not used for conversions in Sikhism. In Sikhism altruism leads you to that apex where your whole being is transformed and you become truthful (Sachiar). In this state you reach that moment where you become wise and seek welfare of others even if they have evil on mind for you. Your altruism is spontaneous and you stop making distinction between friend and foe. All Gurus lived by this ideal and there are several personalities who achieved this ideal by understanding the preaching of Gurus. One of them was Bhai Kanahayia and other was Bhagat Puran Singh. Altruism is that characteristic that elevates a person to come closer to the Creator as he is the great Benefactor of humanity though the path to achieve this state is difficult.

Looking forward...: Now reservations for Jaats too!Dr Baba Saheb Ambed...

Looking forward...: Now reservations for Jaats too!Dr Baba Saheb Ambed...: Now reservations for Jaats too! Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar was against the policy of reservations though he wanted that the Dalits of India be ...

Now reservations for Jaats too!
Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar was against the policy of reservations though he wanted that the Dalits of India be emancipated and given their respectful place in the Society. But as usual the Congress Party that came to power in 1947 could not let go this golden opportunity to play this poll stunt and make Dalits as their permanent voters bank. Now Jaat reservation though discriminatory because all Jaats from non-Congress state government are not included in this poll plank is another vote bank policy of the Congress government. The Congress Party though responsible for giving us the best constitution in the world where personal freedom is supreme has become party to the Brahmanical thought to keep society divided on the basis of the castes. Giving priviledges to certains castes is contrary to the constitutional freedom and spirit of those who work hard to hold merit. The concept of reservation in itself causing great sociological damage in this country. The higher virtues of love for fellow human beings, equality, and brotherhood are being tarnished by these vote bank policies. The crime against weaker section of the society is on the increase. The emancipation and eradication of caste system can never take place in this country with these anti equality vote bank policies.

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 7Universal Bro...

Looking forward...: GEMS OF GURBANINational Character – 7Universal Bro...: GEMS OF GURBANI National Character – 7 Universal Brotherhood (Bhrataribhav) Guru Arjun says; Par ka bura na rakhey cheet II     ...

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 7

Universal Brotherhood (Bhrataribhav)

Guru Arjun says; Par ka bura na rakhey cheet II

                            Tum ko dukh nahin bhai meet II  GG Pg. 386

Harbour no evil to another in thy mind, then O brother, O friend trouble shall not befall thee.

Every one of us must have noticed our own behavior when we are in anger, we do things and bring out contrary nature out of us. It not only troubles our conscience but also disturbs the peaceful environment. Same is the case when animal instincts are awakened in the name of religions, politics and economic reasons  the suppressed anger gets converted into animal behavior and we have wide spread violence and the world peace gets disturbed. The main reasons for arise of such enmities are when mighty nations want to impose their value systems and ideology on nations underdeveloped and having different belief and value systems. The mightier nations must stop slandering others for their own economic gains. The feelings of enmity has brought world again at the verge of war. Gurus suggest a strong individual personality where the feelings of enmity can be overpowered. The following verse from Granth Sahib if learned and practiced the enmity and hatred can be eradicated;

Na ko mera dushman rahiya na hum kisi ke bairyee II

Brahm pasar pasareyo bhitar satguru te sojhhi payee II2II

Sabuh ko meet hum apan keena hum sabhna ke sajan II

Dur parayo man ka birha tan mel kiyo mere rajan II3II GG pg 671

No one is my enemy now nor am I enemy of anyone. The Supreme Lord who has spread this world is within us all, this I have learned from the true Guru. I have made friends with all and I have become friend of every one. When this separation from mind was removed I met my King (The Lord).

The feelings of enmity can also be removed by developing the virtues like friendliness and love. There are several verses in Gurbani that deal with friendliness. There are strong recommendations as to select with whom you shall make friendly overtures.

Dushtan naal dosti naal santa wair karan II

Aap dubbe kutumb siyon sagale kul dobban II GG Pg.755

Those who cherish friendship with the wicked and enmity with the saints they not only drown themselves and their family but cause to perish the entire lineage.

To continue…..

GEMS OF GURBANI

National Character – 6

Universal Brotherhood(Bhrataribhav)

Guru Arjun Dev further dwells in the matter of slandering and says;” A slanderer is cursed by the world and no one trusts him because his dealings are false so is his behavior. God saves his slave because He believes in him and slanderer dies with the slanderer.”

Nindak ko phitake sansar II

Nindak ka jhhuta beohar II

Nindak ka maela achaar II

Daas apne ko rakhanhaar II

Nindak mua nindak ke naal II GG Pg.1151

For the strengthening of brotherhood and world peace the evil of slandering and hatred has to be removed at individual level because more of such people with such individual character can only build a national character to further this motto for the development of individual character in the interests of the world peace; “ Man apne te bura mitana II

               Pekheh sagal srishti sajna II GG. Pg. 266

“He who effaces the malice from his heart, beholds the whole world his friend.”

Another measure that Gurus suggested was the renunciation of enmity that becomes a stumbling block in the expansion of universal brotherhood. In the contemporary period of Guru Nanakji there was wide spread and deep rooted enmity between Islamists and Hindus because of the terror and tyranny of the Islamic rulers. The Islamic people settled here but for centuries they were not accepted because of their hatred for others who are not Muslims. Guru Nanak tried to minimize this malice by preaching one God theory and whose mission is that His creations shall live in brotherhood. When this brotherhood is not developed without the malice of hatred the darkness and threat to world peace shall hang over humanity like a sword. The victims of this hatred are mostly innocent people. Again for renunciation of this enmity the development of this character without malice is suggested at individual level. Although the development of democratic value and political systems have brought tolerance at the face value in many parts of the world but there are still undercurrents of enmity that expresses as hate crimes that are taking place all over the world. The so called developed nations of America and Europe show policies that are discriminatory and which can cause hatred. In America the individual character has been insensitive and racial crime are committed even with great democratic development. This comes from imbibing wrong personal values at individual level.

Sikh Gurus have tackled this psychological problem in their preaching that can help to understand the need of brotherhood.

To continue…….