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.