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…..