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.