Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibRehras Sahib 2Mul...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibRehras Sahib  2Mul...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Rehras Sahib  2 Multiplicity of Gods and Goddesses created so much confusion in the minds of the c...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Rehras Sahib  2

Multiplicity of Gods and Goddesses created so much confusion in the minds of the common people that they deviated from the Creator of this world. In the verse of sodar an environment was created by Guru Nanak which is recorded in Japuji Sahib that resembles the House of God where several music instruments are being played and praises of Lord are sung. Who are these people who are praising Lord? They are all the mythological Gods and Godesses, Dhramraj the King of righteousness, Chit- Gupt his two angels who record the accounts of everyone, Brahma, Indra, and other Devis, sidhas who claim to have achieved occult powers, Yogis who claim to unite with Lord through their meditation and then Satis who claim to unite with Lord by penance, Pandits who claim expertise in the matters of God, rishis who have created the religious scriptures, mohinis who have powers to attract the toughest Rishis, knights, all the continents spaces in the universe. These are all the people who are creating the environment of House of the Lord. What all are they saying is explained in the 27 verse of Japuji Sahib. They are all singing His praises because He is the only Truth and when all others depart he shall still be there taking care of His Creation. He is King of the Kings. When all these people are singing His praises in His house then none other can replace Him. He is the only One whose praises we shall sing.

Sikhi Sodar; God is the only Immortal Being Lord of the world. Under His command the whole world moves and all arrangements done.

He is the Truth and the His Creation moves on certain definite laws that are also truth. Laws of His Creation cannot be destroyed because they are supreme. These praises are sung by the singers of Sodar.

He is the Creator Person who has created the whole Universe and has created a Play according to His will.

He has created the illusion under which we see the whole world diversified in various colours and forms. This whole diversification is His Miracle.

God alone is capable of taking care of this whole Creation and He takes it as His duty to take care.

There is no one above Him who can instruct Him. His Will is supreme.

He is the King of Kings. There is no other Ruler above Him.

All the singer of His praises at His door are saying and Guru Ji instructing that we shall agree to mould ourselves according to His laws and His Will.

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibRehras Sahib 1Reh...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibRehras Sahib  1Reh...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Rehras Sahib  1 Rehras Sahib is a daily evening prayer which is collection of hymns of Guru Nanak,...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Rehras Sahib  1

Rehras Sahib is a daily evening prayer which is collection of hymns of Guru Nanak, Guru Amardas ji, Guru Ramdas ji, Guru Arjun Devji from Granth Sahib. Benti Chaupai attributed to Guru Gobind Singh ji is added to this evening prayer in late 19^th century. This prayer is recited in homes in the evening hours together by family and even in Gurudwaras all over the world. The daily prayers or nitnem banis are usually enshrined in small booklets known as Gutka that people can carry with them even while travelling so that there is no break in the daily routine of Nitnem. Gutka means a small bag that contains jewels or gems. This is a very appropriate name for these collections of hymns for daily prayer because the Word enshrined therein is nothing less than gems that guide person to have a right path to become enlightened.       

Before we contemplate on Rehras Sahib that starts with Sodar Rag  Asa of Guru Nanak Devji let us find out about Sodar. What is Sodar? Sodar pauri or hymn written by Guru Nanak Devji recorded at three different places in Guru Granth Sahib. It is read both in the morning and evening prayers. Sodar is gate to the house of Lord. Guru Nanak ji believed that after creating the Universe or His Creation Lord came to reside amongst us. Before creating the world His beautiful Creation the Lord was Nirgun that means without any attributes and then He expressed Himself and became Sargun with attributes. These attributes are expressed in His creation. Sodar is a gate to that House of Lord and what happens in that house is expressed in the beginning verse of Rehras Sahib. Whenever I visit Darbar Sahib in Amritsar particularly in the evening hours when Rehras is being recited the atmosphere of Sodar seems being created. Your body, mind and soul becomes absorbed with that feeling that you have come to that divine house and standing at its door enthralled with celestial music and your ears shut to the outside world.  Guru Nanak’s belief that Lord has made His abode in us and his Creation must have inspired Guru Ramdasji to create a place to symbolize that house of Lord where praises of Lord are sung in sehaj Kirtan all the time. The place from where Guru Ramdas ji supervised the creation of Water pool or sarover is now known as ath-sath thada that performs the duty of visiting 68 pilgrimages. Singing the praises of Lord and visit to 68 pilgrimages is obtained by contemplating on the word or shabad of Guru that says God is only One for all humanity.      

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 56...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib  56...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib  56  Sing the praises of Lord O friendly Saints with alertness and single-mindedly....

Looking forward...: Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth sah...

Looking forward...: Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth sah...: Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth sahibSukhmani Sahib  55... : Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth sahib Sukhmani Sahib  55 God i...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib  56

 Sing the praises of Lord O friendly Saints with alertness and single-mindedly. In the Sukhmani are peace, Lord’s praise  and Name. When a person abides in his mind, he becomes rich because all his desires are fulfilled. He becomes a distinguished person and renowned in the whole world. He obtains the highest place and the coming and going (recycle of birth) does not happen. Nanak, the one who obtains Sukhmani departs after earning the wealth of God’s Name (pad 5).

Repose, peace, wealth, nine treasures, understanding, divine knowledge, all the immediate occult powers, learning, penance, union with and meditation on Lord Master, the excellent divine insight, the excellent ablutions, four cardinal boons, the blossoming of heart like lotus, detachment from all amongst midst of all, beautiful, shrewd and knower of all reality, impartial view and beholder of One God these all gifts are obtain by the man who with his mouth recites (Sukhmani) and heartily hears Guru Nanak’s hymns in the praise of God’s Name (pad 6).

Let anyone meditate heartily on this treasure of God’s Name. In all the ages he shall obtain salvation. This composition is the praise of the Lord of the world. Even the Vedas, shastras and smritis speak of the Name of the Lord of the world. The essence of all the religions is the God’s Name alone. The Name of the Lord abides in the mind of a devotee. In the company of the Saints millions of the sins are pardoned and by their mercy he escapes the messenger of death. They who have such destiny written on their brows O Nanak have entered the Lord’s sanctuary (pad 7).

 The one, within whose mind the Sukhmani abides and who listen to it with love that mortal remembers the Lord Master. His pangs of birth and death are destroyed. His human life that is difficult to obtain is exonerated. His speech becomes sweet and his repute becomes spotless. His mind is contained only with love of the Lord Master and sorrow, sickness, dread and doubt departs from him. He goes by the Name of the Saint and his acts become pure. The highest of all becomes his glory. Because of these virtues, O Nanak this is called hymns of peace ‘Sukhmani’ (pad 8, ashtapadi 24).

                                                                                                 

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth sahibSukhmani Sahib 55...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth sahibSukhmani Sahib  55...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth sahib Sukhmani Sahib  55 God is the treasure house of all virtues and by reciting (Simran) His Name one ...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth sahib

Sukhmani Sahib  55

God is the treasure house of all virtues and by reciting (Simran) His Name one gets the Bliss of His Precious Name that is Sukhmani (Ashtapadi 24).

Shlok: I meditated on the Perfect God, whose Name is Perfect. By singing the praises of the Perfect One, Nanak has obtained the Perfect Master.

Ashtapadi 24 begins:   Listen to the instructions of the Perfect Guru. Keep the Supreme Lord close to you. With every breath remember His Name the Lord of the world. The anxiety of the heart and mind is subdued. Abandon the waves of transient desires. Pray for the dust of the Saints feet (seeking company of the Saints). Renounce your pride and make supplications. In the company of the Saints you shall be able to cross the ocean of fire. Fill your treasure house with the Name of the God. Nanak makes obeisance to the Perfect Guru (pad 1).

By meditating on the Name of Supreme Lord in the company of Saints you shall have supreme joy, salvation, happiness, calmness and bliss. Quaffing on the ambrosial nectar of the Lord’s praises you shall be able to avoid the hell and save your soul. Always keep in your mind that there is only One Lord who may be having many manifestations. He is the Cherisher of world and holds the Universe in His belly. He is kind to the poor and destroyer of the pain and perfectly merciful. Remember, remember the Name over and over again. O Nanak He is the only support to your soul (pad 2).

The words of Saints are supreme. These are invaluable rubies and gems. The one who hears and acts upon them is saved. He swims across and helps others to swim across (worldly ocean). The company of one who is imbued in the love of God is profitable because life becomes fruitful. Hail, hail the one who hears the celestial music and hears continuous of praises Lord and makes merry. God appears on the brows of such pious people O Nanak you are saved in their company (pad 3).

Hearing that God is capable of giving shelter I have come to seek shelter. Showing mercy God has united me with Himself. All the enmity has gone from my mind and I have become dust of all. In the company of the Saints I have obtained the ambrosial nectar of His Name. The Divine Guru is well pleased with me and the service of the servant has borne fruit. By hearing Lord’s Name and repeating it with my tongue I have become free of all my worldly entanglements and sins. By His Grace the Lord has shown mercy to me O Nanak my merchandise has arrived (pad 4).

Looking forward...: Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth Sah...

Looking forward...: Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth Sah...: Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib   5... : Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib   54 Asht...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 5...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib   5...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib   54 Ashtapadi 23 continues…He, Himself is Truth and true is all that He has made. ...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib   54

Ashtapadi 23 continues…He, Himself is Truth and true is all that He has made. From this True Lord the whole world (His entire Creation) has originated. When it pleases Him, he expands the Creation and when it pleases Him, He becomes One again. Manifold are His powers which cannot be fathomed. He unites with Himself whomsoever He pleases. Who is near and who is far distant from Him cannot be said (this is to deny the claim of certain so called Saints and holy men or priests who say they are closer to God or have direct communication with Him). He is all by Himself, He is fully pervading everywhere. Nanak says God alone causes that understanding in man to know that He is within Him, without His instructions it does not become clear (Pad 5).

Amongst all the living forms He expresses Himself, from their eyes He sees everything. The whole creation is His Body. He even listens to His own praises. Coming and going in this world is like a play to Him, He has made illusions subservient to Himself, yet He remains unattached. Whatever has to be said He does it His own ways. He orders man to come and orders Him to go again. Nanak says when it pleases Him, He blends the mortal with Himself (pad 6).

Whatever comes from Him cannot be bad. He alone does everything, say, has anyone else done anything? He Himself is good and better is His acts. He alone knows what goes in His mind. He Himself is True and True are all things that He has stationed in this world. He has merged Himself like warp and woof in this world and we cannot even know His extent and condition. If there were another like Him then we could guess. Whatever He does shall be accepted as it is, to this conclusion Nanak has come by the grace of Guru (pad 7).

He who knows Him obtains eternal peace. The Lord blends him with Himself. He in whose Illustrious God abides becomes wealthy, of high family, honourable and obtains salvation in this life. Blessed, blessed, blessed is the advent of Lord’s serf by whose grace the entire world is saved. The object of advent of Lord’s serf is this that in His Company the Lord’s Name shall be remembered. He, himself is emancipated and emancipates the whole world. To this slave of Lord, Nanak pays his obeisance (pad 8).

 (I don’t know about the opinion of other historians or experts but I have a very strong feeling that Guru Arjun Devji has written the above pad in honour of Guru Nanak Devji).

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 53W...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 53W...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib 53 When He becomes enlightened as the knight of knowledge in the human soul then on...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib 53

When He becomes enlightened as the knight of knowledge in the human soul then one realizes His existence is everywhere (Ashtapadi 23).

Shlok:  The Guru has given me the collyrium (kajal) of divine knowledge by which the darkness of ignorance is dispelled. By God’s grace I have met the Saint (Guru) and my mind O Nanak is enlightened.

Ashtapadi 23 begins: In the society of Saints I have seen the Lord within me. His Name has started becoming sweet to me. All the things that appear in many and diverse colours are in the mind of One Lord (He alone can express them in all diversity). All the nine treasures and ambrosial nectar are in His Name. He seats Himself within the human body. Once in the mind there is deep meditation and celestial music there. The wonder and marvel of it cannot be narrated. God alone shows it for the person to behold it. Nanak says such a person obtains the understanding (Of Lord). –pad 1.

The Infinite Lord is within and around everywhere. He is in every heart. He is in earth, the sky and the underworld. Of all the worlds He is the Perfect Cherisher. The Supreme Lord is contained in the forests, mountains and even grass blades. All the creatures act as per His command. The Lord is in the wind, water and fire. He is in all four quarters and ten directions and there is no place where He is not there. By Guru’s grace, Nanak has obtained peace (pad 2).

Look for Him in Vedas, Puranas and Smritis. In the moon, in the sun and stars, He is the One Lord. Every one speaks of Lord’s Gurbani (There are so many religions and everyone speaks of His presence in their own way). He is unwavering and wavers not ever. With all the skills He plays His Plays. His worth cannot be appraised, so priceless are His merits. His Light is there in all the enlightenments. He holds the warp and woof of the world. All those, whose doubt (of oneness of God) has been, removed O Nanak by the grace of Guru have come to this firm faith (pad 3).

In the opinion of the Saints the Lord is in the whole Universe. The holy men hear all the good words. They merge in the All Pervading Lord. This is way of life for him who knows the Lord. That is why all the Words the holy men speak are true. They (holy men) are happy in whatever happens because they know Lord is the doer of all that happens. He abides within and around everywhere. O Nanak one who can sight Him is bewitched (pad 4).

Looking forward...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 5...

Looking forward...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib  5...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib  52 Ashtapadi 22 continues: Become happy in the congregation of the Saints. By sing...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib  52

Ashtapadi 22 continues: Become happy in the congregation of the Saints. By singing His praises a feeling of Supreme bliss can be obtained. God’s Name is the truth this can be felt by meditating on His Name. Doing this the human body that is difficult to obtain can be saved. Sing the ambrosial hymns of the God’s praises. This is the only way to save your soul. For all eight hours of the day hold yourself near to Lord the ignorance shall depart and darkness shall be dispelled. Hear the instructions of the Guru and treasure them in your heart. That way O Nanak you shall obtain the fruit of your heart’s desire (pad 5).

 By enshrining Lord’s Name in the mind one can adorn and better both this world and the world hereafter. The instructions of the Perfect Guru are perfect and He Himself examines and ascertains the truth of His abode in your mind. With your mind and body lovingly repeat His Name. And, thus shall sorrow, pain and fear depart from your mind You deal in the true trade o dealer the merchandize shall reach safely in God’s court. Put only One God in your mind and you shall be saved O Nanak from the many journeys of coming and going (pad 6).

Where can anyone go far from Him? The man is saved by remembering the Preserver. By meditating on the Fearless Lord all the fear departs. By god’s grace the mortal is released. He, whom the Lord preserves do not fall in trouble, by remembering the Name, the mind attains peace. Anxiety departs and ego is annulled. No one can reach him on whose side the strong brave Guru stands. His affairs O Nanak are taken care of (pad 7).

The world is delivered the perfect understanding of the Perfect Guru whose glance is ambrosial and whose lotus feet are beautiful beyond description. Sighting His Godlike form was the ultimate success. The service of the devotee has become acceptable because he is the knower of hearts and He is most exalted One. He in whose heart he has taken abode gets exalted. Death does not come near the exalted O Nanak the congregation of Saints has made me immortal (pad 8).  

The ashtapadi 21 has a clear message that the creation of world is not dependent on the good and bad deeds of human beings. It clearly suggests that God Himself is the creator of all such human nature because for Him the world is play that He plays and enjoys. Still we have a task to find the difference between good and bad and in Sikhism the way is shown by ‘simran’ a constant recitation of His Name. Emphasis on simran is suggested in Ashtapadi 22.

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib 51

Shlok: O Lord of all living creatures You, yourself are contained in us all. When O Lord, You alone is All Pervading where is the possibility any other?   

Ashtapadi 22 begins: He Himself is the speaker and He Himself is the listener. He himself is the only One and has expanded Himself in many. When it pleases He creates the world and by His own pleasure He absorbs it within Himself. Without you O Lord nothing can be done. On Your string You have strung the whole world. He, whom the Venerable Lord instructs that man attains the blessing of His True Name.  He is impartial and knows the reality.  Nanak says, He is the conqueror of the world (pad 1).

All the living creatures are under your command. He is merciful to the meek and patron to the orphans. None can kill a person whom He preserves. He is not amongst living whom God has forgotten in His mind. If you abandon Him where would you go there is none other than Him? He is the only Pure King of the world. The plan of the whole world and mortals is in His hand. He is there within you, around you. He is an ocean of excellences, Infinite and Endless. Nanak your slave O Lord would sacrifice all for You (pad 2).

The perfect compassionate Lord is all pervading, everywhere and is merciful to all. He knows what He is doing. He is in every heart and knows everything. The Lord cherishes beings in their diverse form. In their diverse forms the beings remember Him. Whosoever pleases Him, He blends him within Himself. Such persons perform service to Him and sing His praises. With faith within the mind a person worships the Lord. Nanak recognizes this One Master as the Creator (pad 3).

The one who has attached himself with the only One Lords Name, his hope is not in vain, he comes to perform service to the Lord and by obeying His order he comes to a higher status. He in whose mind the Formless Lord abides, there is no other meditation above it. He not only cut his bonds loose but becomes free of enmity and adores the feet of the Lord day and night. He becomes at ease in this world and shall be happy in the world hereafter. Nanak says the God lord unites him with Himself (pad 4).

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 50...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib  50...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib  50 Ashtapadi 21 continues: When God’s glory lay with Himself alone, who was mother...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib  50

Ashtapadi 21 continues: When God’s glory lay with Himself alone, who was mother, father, friend, son and brother?  When He himself was well versed in all powers, why would anyone see the Vedas or books of the west then? When God kept His thoughts to Himself who would think of favourable or unfavourable omens? When God Himself posses higher or lower status who then would be called Master or servant?  I am astonished at His wondrous mystery O Nanak, He, Himself alone knows His condition (pad 5).

When the undeceivable, impenetrable, inscrutable Lord was contained in Himself, who then could feel the influence of illusions? When He himself paid homage to self then the three qualities of illusions could not enter the world. When the unique Lord, who was free from any care, who would then feel the need of any care? When the Lord could satisfy Himself, who would then preach and who would listen? The Lord is vastly Infinite and the Highest of the High. O Nanak, He alone can reach Himself (pad 6).

When the Lord Himself fashioned the world and gave forms and expanded with the   three qualities sin and merits were then spoken of, the hell and heaven were wished. God made the worldly snares of wealth, illusions, entanglements, pride, earthly affections, doubt and loads of fear. Pain and pleasure, honour and dishonour began to be described in diverse ways. His play He creates and He watches Himself. When O Nanak, He winds up this play, He will be Himself again (pad 7).

God expresses Himself wherever there are saintly people perhaps all this spread is to enhance the glory of His Saints. He is the Master of both the sides. The entire praises suite Him alone. He creates, performs plays recreates and frolics, He enjoys, and pleasures yet remain uncontaminated. Whomsoever He pleases, them He attaches with His Name. Whomsoever He pleases, them He makes play His plays of the world. God is incalculable, unfathomable, unaccountable and immeasurable. As He, the Lord causes the Nanak to speak so does he speaks (pad 8).

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 49T...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 49T...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib 49 The God whom we call Nirgun because He has no form, shape, relationship becomes ...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib 49

The God whom we call Nirgun because He has no form, shape, relationship becomes Sargun by existing in every life Form (Ashtapadi 21, 22).

Shlok: The formless, without shape and relationship Lord has taken the relationship and has manifested in all the worldly relationships. When in this state He was in a primordial trance. Now after becoming related (by creating His own Creation) He is still in His state of meditation.

Ashtapadi 21 begins: when this world was not yet created by Him that means nothing had appeared to have taken form then by whom were bad acts and good ones created? When the Lord Himself was in profound concentration against who were the jealousy and enmity harboured?  When the class and outer symbols of a man were not yet defined say, who then was affected by joy and sorrow? (class and outer symbols are varna system and janeyu and tilak).  When the Supreme Lord Himself was all in all then where was worldly love and superstitions? This is all His play and He himself has spread out O Nanak there is none other Creator (pad 1).

When Lord was the sole Master then say, who was accounted as bound or delivered? When there was only One inaccessible and infinite Lord, then say who did enter the hell or paradise? When the unqualitative (Nirgun) Lord was in His inherent nature then say at what place was mind and where was the matter? When He himself did hold His own light, who was then fearless and who did fear anyone? He himself is the performer of His plays. Nanak the Lord is unapproachable and has no limits (pad 2).

When the imperishable Lord was seated on His comfortable seat say, where was then transmigration and destruction? When there was that Only One perfect Lord, the Creator, say who then entertained the fear of death? When there was only Un-manifest and Incomprehensible Lord whom did the recording angels (known as Chitragupt) call on for accounting? When there was the pure in-apprehensible and unfathomable Master who was then emancipated and who was bound into worldly fetters? The Lord is all by Himself, He himself is wondrous and O Nanak He himself has created His Form (pad 3).

When there was only that Immaculate Being and there was no filth there, say what was there to be washed? When there was only the Bright, Formless and detached one then who was held in honour and who in Pride? When there was only the Form of Lord of the Universe say who then was afflicted by the fraud and the sin? When the embodiment of Light was immersed in His own Light who did there then felt hungry or satiated? The causes of all causes are the Creator Himself O Nanak the Creator is beyond any calculations (pad 4).

   

                

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 4...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib   4...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib   48 Ashtapadi 20 continues: Listen “O friends, O Saints ‘abandon all else and do o...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib   48

Ashtapadi 20 continues: Listen “O friends, O Saints ‘abandon all else and do only meditation on His (God’s) Name; remember, remember always to meditate on His Name, do it yourself and make others do as well and obtain the comfort of peace. By meditating and engrossing in His love this worldly ocean shall be crossed over. Without meditating on His Name this body will turn into ashes. God’s Name is the treasure house of all good fortunes and joys, by meditating on His Name all the sins that are drowning you will stop. The sorrows will vanish and all sins get dissolved O Nanak by meditating on His Name (pad 5).

 The yearning for love and affection for the Lord has sprung up within me, my mind and body has engulfed only these feelings. By beholding Lord in sight within my eyes I get peace. My soul is gladdened by washing the feet of Saints. (Because) The pious people behold love of God within their body and soul. Only few have this fortune of their associations. Grant me O Merciful Lord that by Guru’s grace I shall be able to meditate on your Name. Your praises cannot be expressed O Nanak as you are present in everything (pad 6).

The Lord’s grace is pardon and He is merciful to the poor and meek. He is ever compassionate to His devotees. He becomes Patron to the shelter less; He is cherisher of the world and preserver of the Universe. He nourishes all beings. He is the primal Being and the Creator of the Universe. He is the support and lifeline of His devotees whoever meditates on Him becomes pure. He who focuses on the devotional service to Him gets His hearty affection. Still Nanak says I am virtue less, ignorant, lowly O the Omnipresent, Auspicious Master I have come into your sanctuary (pad 7).

By singing His praises even for a moment one can get the salvation, heaven and emancipation. He to whose mind God’s Name becomes pleasing can get all the sovereignties, treasures and honours. He whose tongue utters Lord’s Name can get all the plentiful food, clothes and music. Good are his deeds, glorious and wealthy is he who has God’s Name abiding in his mind. Grant Nanak abode of all those Saints in whose company all the comforts shall become manifest into His Light (pad 8).

                   

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib ...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib   ...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib   47 If one supplicates at His Door one can achieve this wealth of His Company (Ash...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib   47

If one supplicates at His Door one can achieve this wealth of His Company (Ashtapadi 20).

Shloke: After many wanderings O Lord I have come to your sanctuary, Nanak is praying O Master to take me and attach me for your devotional service.

Like a beggar I am begging of you O Lord. I am asking for the dust of feet of pious people, O Supreme Lord fulfil my devotion and I shall ever and ever sing praises of your excellences and with every breath I may be meditating only your Name. I shall embrace affection for your Lotus feet and like a devotee I shall perform service to You. You are my only shelter and support. Nanak begs for your excellent Name my Master (pad 1).

In God’s kind look there is great comfort. Rarely someone gets to taste the elixir of His Name. But the one who gets to taste is satiated forever. They become perfect person and do not waver from this path because they are completely filled with the delight of His love and sweetness. In the company of the pious persons this delight becomes urging in their mind. They sacrifice everything to come to this sanctuary. Their heart is illuminated and they fix all their attention day and night. It is a great fortune indeed if one gets this bliss of meditating on His Name awakened in their mind. Nanak those who get imbued with the Name are blessed with peace (pad 2).

The desire of the devotee is fulfilled and he has obtained the pure instructions from the True Guru. He (Lord) has become merciful on His devotee and showered happiness on him. He (devotee) has been emancipated from all bindings and all pain, of birth, death and doubt has been removed. His desire is satiated and faith is installed. Now he (devotee) remains permeated In God, forever with Him and in His presence. He (devotee), whose (God’s) part he is has absorbed him in Himself. All this O Nanak is obtained by being absorbed in devotion of His Name (pad 3).

Why forget that Lord who never forgets all the service of mortals? Why forget Him who acknowledges all that is done for Him? Why forget Him who has given us everything?  Why forget Him, who Himself is the life of mortal beings? Why forget Him, who has saved us from the womb fire? By Guru’s grace only few have the distinction to see Him. We get separated with our sins of many births but why forget Him, who extricate from sins and unite us with Him again?  The perfect Guru has enlightened me with this fact that He (True Lord) becomes yours if you meditate on His Name says Nanak (pad 4).

                   

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 46...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib  46...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib  46 Ashtapadi 19 continues: Take the advice of the Guru O ignorant man (follow the ...

Gems of Gurbani

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib  46

Ashtapadi 19 continues: Take the advice of the Guru O ignorant man (follow the path suggested by him). Without the meditation of His name many a so called wise men drown (in the sins). O dear mind engross in the meditation of His Name and purify yourself. Place His lotus feet in your mind and sins of many births will be washed away. Recite on God’s Name and inspire others to recite it too. By hearing, uttering and abiding a higher status is reached that emancipates. The summary of all things is that His Name is the greatest and it should be recited with natural ease O Nanak (pad 6).   

By chanting the glories of God’s Name, the filth accumulated in mind is washed off and the all spreading poison of ego will vanish. By remembering His Name with every breath and morsel you shall become care free of all your worries and live in peace. Leave aside all your cleverness O man and come into the company of Saints where you shall receive the true wealth. Amass God’s Name as your wealth and deal with it. You shall get peace here and applause in God’s court. Nanak says the one who has His Name written on his forehead is destined to see only One Gods amongst all (pad 7).

Repeat O man the Name of only One Lord and magnify Him alone. Remember Only One God and yearn for Him in your mind. Sing the excellences of the Infinite One Lord with your mind and soul think of only one Fortunate Lord alone. God, Himself is the only, only, only One. He is all pervading and fills all the spaces. He alone expands in all we see. By remembering the Unique Being all our sins depart. My soul and body are imbued by One Lord. Nanak has known only One Lord by the favour of the Guru (pad 8).

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 45A...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbaniGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib 45A...: Gems of Gurbani Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib 45 Ashtapadi 19 continues: (this is a very interesting part of Ashtapadi where Guruji has ...

Gems of Gurbani
Guru Granth Sahib
Sukhmani Sahib 45
Ashtapadi 19 continues: (this is a very interesting part of Ashtapadi where Guruji has tackled the concept of transmigration of souls. According to Hindu philosophy the karma or deeds of a person are cause of his taking rebirth in many kinds of lives till his soul gets Moksha or is set free from the cycle of rebirth. God or Akalpurukh is the only element that we have to reflect upon to save us the transmigration of souls). 
A true person will always recommend the meditation of truth Element (God or Akalpurukh). The one who falls prey to the thought of transmigration of souls is falsest of the false. Coming and going into this world can be ended by service to the Lord. By discarding ego or self conceit one can seek the shelter of Divine Guru. With this one’s invaluable human life can be saved from transmigration by making Him the sole depending prop of your life. Any other means like studies of Shastras, Vedas and Smritis are not enough to save you from the transmigration. When you heartily lean on Him (the Almighty) and meditate on Him you can obtain the heart desired fruit O Nanak (pad 4).
‘ Wealth is seen as hindrance between man and his path to the True Lord. Unless the soul unites with the soul of True Lord the transmigration will not stop.’ Guruji says: all your wealth shall not go with you O man, why are you clinging to it O foolish soul? When you shall be departing who from these- sons, friends, family or even wife will go with you? Who has ever given company in these matters? Who could ever escape the Kingdoms, revelry and all the scatter of wealth? Horses, elephants, carriages are false shows and displays. The man is ignorant because he knows not who has given him all these. By forgetting the Name with all these gifts O Nanak man will ultimately repent this (pad 5).

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbanGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib (Ash...

Looking forward...: Gems of GurbanGuru Granth SahibSukhmani Sahib (Ash...: Gems of Gurban Guru Granth Sahib Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtapadi 19) Shlok: Meditation of Lord’s Name is the only wealth that will go with...

Gems of Gurban

Guru Granth Sahib

Sukhmani Sahib (Ashtapadi 19)

Shlok: Meditation of Lord’s Name is the only wealth that will go with the mortal when he departs from this world. All other wealth that man earns becomes ashes like one’s physical body. Practice to meditate on His Name O Nanak that alone is an excellent wealth.

Ashtapadi: In the company of pious people reflect upon the Name of Lord. There is only One Lord on whose Name you can always depend. Forget all other efforts O my friend and place only Lord’s beautiful lotus like feet in your mind and heart because He is the only Potent One who can do all the works. Emphasize your mind with article known as God that is the only wealth that you can amass and become fortunate. The instructions of the saintly people are pure that keep only One Lord in your mind O Nanak all your maladies will be dispelled (pad 1).

The wealth after which you are running in all four directions O man can only be obtained by serving the Lord. The peace that you desire can be obtained only in the company of the pious people. The glory that you are seeking by performing good acts can be obtained only if you come in protection of Lord. The malady that is not being cured by many remedies will vanish by administering the medicine of Name of the Lord. Of all the treasures the God’s name is the best treasure. Utter it O Nanak, and thou shall be acceptable in God’s Court (pad 2).

Instruct your mind to follow the Name of the Lord. Your mind that wanders in all ten directions shall thus come home. No obstructions will befall when you have God’s Name abide in your heart. The Dark Age is hot (because of all the sins that take place in this age) and by remembering Lord’s Name (that is cool) one can obtain peace. By remembering on His Name your fear will depart and the hope will be established. By devotional service and Divine Love your soul shall be enlightened. You shall go and dwell in that imperishable house (of Lord) and says Nanak that your death noose shall be cut loose (pad 3).

Hello!
Happy Lohri everyone. You all must be knowing why Lohri is celebrated in North. A small note for those who might like to freshen up the significance of Lohri. In this period of the year the Sun becomes closest to the earth but it looses its hottest nature. In Hindu calender the sun enters into Capricorn and starts becoming hot again. This entry of Sun into Capricorn is marked as Makar-Sankranti. Traditionally Gur or jaggery was produced during this period and you must have noticed that all sweets produced by mixing of Gur are available during this season specially-Revdi, kullar, seasame and rice puffs and gazak. This marks the end of harvest of summer crops. Lohri is celebrated as thanks giving and according to Hindu rituals a fire is burnt in which all items of harvest like popcorn,seasame, peanuts, revdi, gur are offered to Gods. Since it becomes occasion of celebrations the past year is ended with thanks giving not only of crops but every addition in the family like marriages and new born babies. All families that happen to have additions in their homes give larger share and distribute sweets in the celebration of Lohri. Children in the villages collect firewood, cowdung cakes and sweets for the celebration by singing songs in front of each house. They sing songs in praise of Dulla Bhatti who robbed rich and helped poor just like robin-hood in the west. He is remembered as a local hero because he rescued a kidnapped girl from the Moghuls, adopted her as daughter and then married her off. His deeds were to wake up people and that meant revolt against Emperor for which he was hanged. But in the folksongs of Lohri he is revered as Hero till to date.

Looking forward...: New Year MessageLearn from the WheatWheat is usual...

Looking forward...: New Year MessageLearn from the WheatWheat is usual...: New Year Message Learn from the Wheat Wheat is usually sown in the beginning of the winter when the soil starts getting hard and cold, stil...

New Year Message
Learn from the Wheat
Wheat is usually sown in the beginning of the winter when the soil starts getting hard and cold, still the seeds germinate and endure the harsh winters; frost and snow in the colder regions but the young plants bear everything and do not wilt. As the weather becomes warmer they again happily bear hot sun and grow into healthy wheat corn. It is harvested with big machines now and bears all the processing. Then they again go through the rigours of grinding to flour. Still the last cycle of their life of going through fire to become roti, bread, pizza bread or buns is the harshest. But the wheat does not discriminate and satisfy the hunger of rich and poor, king or pauper, white or black, brown or yellow race. Don’t you think we can learn a lot from wheat?