Metaphysical relation to God

The researchers in the study of religions have found that the belief that God exists is derived from blood relations. The love for God is expressed with blood relations like Father – Pita, mother – Mata, Bhrata - brother. Blood relations were supposed to love, care and stand by you. Because of His care taker attribute He is also called heavenly Father. These relations are also object of our reverence and respect. Because of the friendly nature of God, He is also called Mittar or Bhai.

Guru Nanak has added one more relation in this concept of God and man relationships and that is of bride or wife and groom or husband. Guru says; human beings irrespective of gender, he calls them Jiva are brides and He the Almighty is their Groom. This is a very interesting proposition because this relationship is based on attraction and deep love and there is no blood relationship. This relationship is incomparable because the bond is based on pure love that merges in one another and procreation takes place which is one of the commands of the Almighty. The ultimate goal of a human life is to reach a stage where soul merges into Soul (that of God). So this symbolic relationship of union of man-woman where love and attraction are deeper and intensive, even if man has gone away there is Virah or Birha - separation from husband and wait for him to come back which only increases love even though there is pain and heartache. Much of Guru Nanak’s poetry is based on this relationship. Barahmaha in Raag Tukhari is one such beautiful poetry where changing weather sees the separation, waiting and Taangh- longing for Him to come back and unite is depicted beautifully.    

In man and God relationship a very personal relationship has also come forward not only in hymns but even in Sakhis – stories of life of Gurus. This relationship is that of a friend – mittar, meet, sakha, Yar, sajjan, sathiara, sangi. Friend is one who stands with you in your difficult times and he, who is like constant companion to you in all conditions. The fear of all natural forces created God who was exalted and in awe and man humbles down and begs Him to protect. When God helps to remove the fear and proposes to become fearless – Guru says nirbhau then He becomes your friend and you can share all your sufferings and pain with Him. In one of His hymns Guru Gobind Singh ji message Him; ‘Tell the dear Friend the condition of ones away from Him. Soft beds, dear Friend, beloved God, are but torment without thee, residences in mansions like living among serpents, the wine goblet is like the cross,  its rim like the dagger. All this without thee is like the keenness of butcher’s thrust. To dwell with thee in adversity dear Friend is better; far better then residences in Palace without thee (Mittar pyare nu haal muridan da kehna…….).’

All these relational attachments to God may be a concept to understand the nature of God because the revelation of truth about God, Guru Nanak divests him of all relations and attachments. For Guru Nanak the revelation of truth about God comes only in His metaphysical or abstract Form. Guru says; He is ajuni – not born from womb and therefore has no mother or father, no brother, no friend, no enemy, no son, and he has no worldly love that of material, wealth, house, desire and no wife. He has that power to be amongst us but to remain fully detached.