lowest of the low singhni

thought i'd bump this up too.

did i make sense? :D

yes.

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

Buddy, he's right whether anyone believes it or not, Girl's are not supposed to have a moustache. What do you mean what kind of role model he is? Just because your Sikh friend that is a girl has a little bit of moustache it doesn't mean, that Girls are supposed to have a moustache. You should know that man, I am sorry but there are some things on our body that are different from MALE AND FEMALE. It's like saying, can Men give birth? Logically, think about it and tell me. Hope this helps. :D @

i can't believe you said that. and then we all complain about why Singhnis are tempted to bleach or remove their kes.

"girl's are not supposed to have a moustache" ??

so, if Maharaj gives me one, and a dhaari, i'm not supposed to have it? it's wrong? Maharaj's Hukam is wrong?

would you rather those Singhnis pull out each and every hair, in which Maharaj resides?

are these Singhnis not LUCKY to have more kes than "normal"? Do we have the power to define what is normal? is everyone not different? is every woman on the planet to look exactly like the ones in magazines who do everything possible to remove all the gifts given to them? is this "normality"? have we become so entranced by the maya which surrounds us that we no longer can recognise the essence of Gursikhi?

*i can't put into words how this makes me feel. logically, think about it and tell me.*

thank you to the original poster for highlighting this massive problem in our so-called Sikh community. THIS is the reason why our bhenjis are being taken away by Muslims and sent to brothels. because they have no support from their brothers and sisters in order to keep their rehit.

ਰੋਮੇ ਰੋਮਿ ਰੋਮਿ ਰੋਮੇ ਮੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਏ ਰਾਮ ॥

With each and every hair, with each and every hair, as Gurmukh, I meditate on the Lord.

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

ਕਬੀਰ ਸੰਤਨ ਕੀ ਝੁੰਗੀਆ ਭਲੀ ਭਠਿ ਕੁਸਤੀ ਗਾਉ ॥

kabeer santan kee jhungee-aa bhalee bhath kustee gaa-o

Kabeer, the dwelling of the Saints is good; the dwelling of the unrighteous burns like an oven.

ਆਗਿ ਲਗਉ ਤਿਹ ਧਉਲਹਰ ਜਿਹ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਉ ॥੧੫॥

aag laga-o tih Dha-ulhar jih naahee har ko naa-o

Those mansions in which the Lord's Name is not chanted might just as well burn down.

"santan" = saints

"jhungee-aa" = hut, dwelling

"bhalee" = good

"bhath" = oven, furnace

"kustee" = unrighteous, false, silly people lol

"aag" = fire

"dha-ulhar" = mansion

This Salok by Bhagat Kabeer Ji uses another analogy to show the theme of pride and humility. If someone lives in a huge manions with plenty of worldly beongings and distractions, it's all very well. But without remembering the name of Maharaj it's all pointless. The fancy house might as well be demolished. If we display outwardly shows of being Gursikhs but don't have the love for Maharaj inside then it's just stupid. Our jeevans will burn up and waste away.

In comparison, the simple hut which a humble person might live in would be worth much more, if that person was to remember Maharaj all the time. We don't need to have heaps of money, we don't need beautiful houses or clothes or cars. What we need is love and humility - in all aspects of life. Even when people do our head in, yell at us or talk behind our backs. Learning to love them back is an immensely powerful feeling - when you truly want your "enemies", the people who try to hurt you most, to be happy. There is no point in trying to explain how lovely a feeling that is.

If we can't see Maharaj in everyone, we can't see Him at all - which explains a lot. So remember Satguru Ji, who sacrificed so much for us, and let's try to stop setting ourselves and our Huts on fire.

:D:

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

This was the cyber hukamnama which came before starting this post.

i always loved Gursikhi because of the concept of Gristhi Jeevan. it shows that you don't need to lock yourself up in a room to attain peace. of course Bhagti is essential, especially at Amritvela. but remember all our Guru Sahebaan who worked with their Sikhs every day in fields and kitchens. to earn an honest living was encouraged - this involves studying at school, college or university. another point is that by doing this, money can be earned to give to the more needy. maybe we can help those who are less fortunate than ourselves; which i personally think is a wonderful seva which we have the oppurtunity to do in this life.

what is Bhagti? why can't we do it every second of our lives, no matter where we are? is Maharaj not in every blade of grass, every person and every atom? by just looking at these things and remembering Maharaj, IMHO we are doing Bhagti. THIS is what makes Gursikhi different to other faiths. the Simran and Gurshabad will start to run continuously inside us, by appreciating Maharaj's Creation, appreciating the fact that every soul is a part of Maharaj and by understanding that He is with us all the time, whether we're locked in a cupboard, asleep in our beds or getting taught at college. even the things we get taught in places like college can help us love our King.

He's put us in this world for a reason. be like the lotus. help others, be kind to others, see Maharaj in everyone, live truthfully, and be happy! :D

as you can see, i have no idea what i'm talking about :D .

:s:

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

ਕਬੀਰ ਜਹ ਜਹ ਹਉ ਫਿਰਿਓ ਕਉਤਕ ਠਾਓ ਠਾਇ ॥

kabeer jah jah ha-o firi-o ka-utak thaa-o thaa-ay

Kabeer, wherever I go, I see wonders everywhere.

ਇਕ ਰਾਮ ਸਨੇਹੀ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਊਜਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਭਾਂਇ ॥੧੪॥

ik raam sanayhee baahraa oojar mayrai bhaaN-ay

But without the devotees of the One Lord, it is all wilderness to me.

“jah” = wherever

“firi-o” = to go, wander

“kautak” = wonder, miracle

“thaa-o” = everywhere, places

“sanayhee” = devotee

“bahraa” = without

“oojar” = lonely

In this Salok Bhagat Kabeer Ji tells us that he has seen many places, and many situations. The world is engrossed in gaining more and more wealth, building fancy buildings and people are going around doing all sorts of manmat things just for the sake of earthly, temporary pleasures.

But Bhagat Ji says that without Sangat in these places– or without anyone who truly remembers Maharaj, the places are barren-like. There is no point in anything there. Nothing grows, nothing is fruitful. In the same way, nothing spiritually beneficial will emerge at a place where Maharaj’s name isn’t recited or where He isn’t thought about.

Rarely do we thank Maharaj for His gifts; we just take things for granted. Like this forum. Or the blankets which keep us warm at night, or MSN which allows us to keep in touch with Sangat across the world. By remaining thankful for these things every time we use them or see them, we can make use of the time Maharaj has given us by remembering Him every second of our lives and appreciating the wonders He creates.

I know that’s Mars, but it gives an idea of how barren life is without Maharaj in our heads.

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

ਕਬੀਰ ਦੀਨੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਦੁਨੀ ਸਿਉ ਦੁਨੀ ਨ ਚਾਲੀ ਸਾਥਿ ॥

kabeer deen gavaa-i-aa dunee si-o dunee na chaalee saath

Kabeer, the mortal loses his faith, for the sake of the world, but the world shall not go along with him in the end.

ਪਾਇ ਕੁਹਾੜਾ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਗਾਫਲਿ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਹਾਥਿ ॥੧੩॥

paa-ay kuhaarhaa maari-aa gaafal apunai haath

The <banned word filter activated> strikes his own foot with the axe by his own hand.

“deen” = faith, dharam

“gavaa-i-aa” = loses

“duni” = world

“chaali” = to come or go

“saath” = with

“paa-ay” = inflict – not sure if this is similar to “maari-aa” below

“kaharra” = axe

“maari-aa” = hit

“gaafal” = <banned word filter activated> or fool

“apunai” = his own

“haath” = hand

In this Salok Bhagat Kabeer Ji describes the situation many of us get into in this world. We don’t realise that we make life so difficult for ourselves. With Gurbani to guide us, life can be easy peasy. Maharaj has basically set down how we should live our lives, how to attain peace and how to fall in love with Him. But the choice is ours, and most of the time we end up axing ourselves in the foot – as Bhagat Ji describes here.

With minds as easily amused and distracted as ours, we become obsessed with the world around us – the wonderful illusion Maharaj has created to entrance us. As soon as things go wrong, we get depressed and lose hope and faith. If this happens continually we end up losing our trust in Maharaj and remain disillusioned.

Why do we lose our faith because of the things happening around us, when those things will pass away, die and leave us eventually? No matter how huge we think our battles are, essentially they will leave. Just keep Satguru Ji in mind, and remember that He is always loving us, nourishing us and taking care of everything.

If we do not take this opportunity that Maharaj has given us, we are wasting our lives in vain…and are basically hacking our jeevans apart. At the end of the day, no-one is going to accompany us to Dharamraj. By keeping this in mind, we can save ourselves from the pain of attachment which is *painful* lol.

Read Gurbani.

Axes:

:wub::

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

i was in two minds about whether to reply to this or not lol.

i hope that this topic by Ronnie has highlighted how lovely, simple, pure and beautiful Gursikhi is. Here are just a few things which came to mind:

1. tolerance of all religions. there is no need to enforce our views on others. the most important thing is to remember the Name of Maharaj at all times. at the same time it's nice to be educated, but Gursikhi is not a missionary "religion".

2. Gursikhi is not a religion lol - it is a way of life, which is implemented every second of every day of our lives.

3. shaheeds - Sikhi is one of the religions with the MOST shaheeds. MILLIONS of Gurmukhs have given their lives up for us! so many have been tortured, yet did not cry out once. i can't emphasise this enough.

4. as Sarbloh Warrior said, salvation can be achieved RIGHT NOW. no need to wait until death. we can feel Maharaj and hear Him and see Him everywhere, in everything and everyone. we can live Gursikhi every moment of our lives, instead of praying once or twice a day.

5. we can be Sikhs on the way to Sachkhand :wub: to be One with Maharaaaaaaaaaaj! what more can we ask for?

6. Maharaj can do anything - raise people from the dead, kill people, save sinners - you name it.

So thank you Ronnie Ji for highlighting how much love we should have for Gursikhi :wub: .

~ *vaheguru*vaheguru*vaheguru*vaheguru*vaheguru*vaheguru*vaheguru* ~

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

jus thought i'd bump this one up.

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

I feel like i'm taking over this Gurbani Veechar forum, and it is worrying. I'm also sure there are other people out there who could share valuable knowledge with everyone. The quality of the forum could be increased greatly - not too hard to imagine, seeing as i'm posting pictures of ants and stuff...

Anyway :wub: .

ਕਬੀਰ ਬਾਂਸੁ ਬਡਾਈ ਬੂਡਿਆ ਇਉ ਮਤ ਡੂਬਹੁ ਕੋਇ ॥

kabeer baaNs badaa-ee boodi-aa i-o mat doobahu ko-ay

Kabeer, the bamboo is drowned in its egotistical pride. No one should drown like this.

ਚੰਦਨ ਕੈ ਨਿਕਟੇ ਬਸੈ ਬਾਂਸੁ ਸੁਗੰਧੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੧੨॥

chandan kai niktay basai baaNs suganDh na ho-ay.

Bamboo also dwells near the sandalwood tree, but it does not take up its fragrance.

“baans” = bamboo

“badaa-ee boodi-aa” = drowning in egotistical pride

(badaa-ee = great, honour. here it’s in a negative way.)

“doobahu” = drown

“chandan” = sandalwood

“niktay basai” = dwell near

“sudgand” = sweet fragrance

More trees :wub:

In this Salok Bhagat Kabeer Ji adds on the bamboo tree to the analogy of the sandalwood tree. Bamboo trees are very tall, usually outgrowing all the other trees nearby. Even when the bamboo tree is right next to a sandalwood sapling, it doesn’t begin to smell sweet (like our ugly weeds in the previous Salok did).

In order for us to become spiritually Sweet, we can’t go around boasting about any qualities we think we have. We’ll end up drowning in our own ego. In reality Maharaj gives us all different abilities, and it is not for us to compare ourselves to others. Essentially we all have one Jyot inside us – we’re all drops from the same clear blue ocean.

It’s a shame that so many of us become obsessed with ourselves so much that we fail to think about others or Maharaj. Either we think everything on the planet revolves around us, or we get unbelievably depressed about how “bad” we are. IMHO both of these states of mind are a waste of valuable time. Both of them concentrate on “us” more than Maharaj. Humility is essential, but this will come as soon as we begin to meditate on Maharaj. It will also bring happiness – so really there’s no need to feel bad about ourselves. Actually, there is no “us”. Only Satguru Ji. Which is a comforting thought :D .

The panda reminded me of Maharaj's extreme creativity. Serves the bamboo right for being so egotistical .

:umm::

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

ਕਬੀਰ ਚੰਦਨ ਕਾ ਬਿਰਵਾ ਭਲਾ ਬੇੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਓ ਢਾਕ ਪਲਾਸ ॥

kabeer chandan kaa birvaa bhalaa bayrheha-o dhaak palaas.

Kabeer, the sandalwood tree is good, even though it is surrounded by weeds.

ਓਇ ਭੀ ਚੰਦਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੇ ਬਸੇ ਜੁ ਚੰਦਨ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੧੧॥

o-ay bhee chandan ho-ay rahay basay jo chandan paas.

Those who dwell near the sandalwood tree, become just like the sandalwood tree.

"chandan ka birva" = sandalwood tree

"bayrheha-o" = surrounded (can't fully remember lol)

"dhaak palaas" = the ugly/useless weeds

"o-ay" = those

"basay" = dwell

"chandan paas" = near the sandalwood tree

In this Salok Bhagat Kabeer Ji uses the analogy of the sandalwood tree. If anyone's ever smelled sandalwood, they'll know it smells really nice :wub: . This Salok is actually quite simple, and so pure.

Even though the beautifully-scented sandalwood tree is surrounded by ugly weeds, it never stops giving out it's fragrance. Soon it seems like the weeds are also giving it out, and people are attracted to both the tree and the weeds.

What really matters is our humility (or lack of it), no matter what living conditions we are born into. It is the sweet smell of humility which attracts Maharaj and which makes other loving towards us. When the humble Gurmukh does good deeds, it makes those around him feel good and become good - as a result, the positivity spreads.

In Gursikhi, we must be prepared to become flexible. We need to mould ourselves and adapt ourselves according to Gurbani and Rehat, just as the weeds begin to smell good when in close proximity of the sandalwood tree.

I can't think of anything else to say about this Salok right now, because it is so lovely that I'd rather just admire it. Please add more if necessary :wub: .

Sandalwood tree:

:D:

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

kbIr rwqI hovih kwrIAw kwry aUBy jMq ]

kabeer raatee hoveh kaaree-aa kaaray oobhay jant

Kabeer, the night is dark, and men go about doing their dark deeds.

lY Pwhy auiT Dwvqy is jwin mwry BgvMq ]10]

lai faahay uth Dhaavtay se jaan maaray bhagvant

They take the noose and run around; but rest assured that God shall destroy them.

"raatee" = night

"kaaree-aa" = darkness

"oobhay" = arise (for the translation above, dark deeds arise - or something to that effect.)

"jant" = men

"faahay" = noose

"uth dhaavtay" = run about

"jaan" = know

"maarey" = accursed

"bhagvant" = Lord

In the past few Saloks the main theme has been ego or Maya - only those who have conquered their minds will really be happy. On the other hand, there are those who are willing to kill, hurt or abuse other people just for the sake of their own greed or worldly desires. They think they are pleasing themselves, but they're also putting their own jeevan in danger. They delude themselves thinking that they're cool or brave or um... "gangsta" for all you English people :wub: . In reality they're cowardly and weak.

Kabeer Ji describes them as carrying their own noose of death around with them wherever they go doing bad deeds. Ultimately justice will be delivered by Maharaj and they'll get beaten up either in this life or another, *if they do not reform*. In fact they are already half dead in this life. A soul without any inclination towards Maharaj has no purpose in life and is pretty much wasting away uselessly.

Having said that, we must try not to judge those people who claim not to believe in God, and try not to look down upon them. It sends a wrong message to non-Sikhs and remembering that God is within everyone, even those who deny it, means that looking down upon others doesn't come into the equation of Gursikhi.

In order to end on a positive note, here's a little story about a baddie who reformed :wub: and wasn't beaten up.

"Once upon a time, there was a very evil person who used to live on a road. His name was Ratna, and he used to wait for people to come to this road. He would wait and then brandish his sword and attack, demanding money from the rich travellers. Fearing for their lives, they would hand over everything and Ratna would take as much as he could carry. He would then sell these things and go home with the money.

Now, occasionally he would see holy men sitting on the road he took home. He would give them some money, and they would bless him. But they knew how he got the money he gave to them. So they thought they should try to correct his ways. Anyway, one of these saints, was Narad, an amazing saint, who had meditated on the name of God for years and years. Only good thoughts ever came to his mind, and he dressed up as a traveller and went to Ratna's Road.

Ratna was waiting. He did his usual thing of brandishing his sword and demanding money. Saint Narad said okay and began handing over his things. As he was doing so he said, 'Son why do you rob people like this.' Ratna said he did so to feed his family - his parents were old and needed medicine and his wife and children would be hungry. Now they were all happy because he could buy them luxuries.

Saint Narad then said, "Will your family take the punishment you will recieve later as well? Ratna was a bad person, but he did believe in God, and he became worried. So what he did was he tied Saint Narad up and ran home. He then asked his family if they would share his punishment. His family said no, as it wasn't them who did any of the bad deeds - he would be responsible for them. Ratna went back to see Saint Narad, crying. "I did everything for them and they wont even share my punishment."

Saint Narad told him it was ok, and that by repeating the name of God, he could wash all the sins away. He then began to meditate on Akaal Purakh's name with Saint Narad. Ratna did so much abiyhaas that one time ants came and built a ant hill around him, but his concentration was so pure it didnt waver. From this time on he was called valmiki - ant hill saint. "

Moral - it's never too late.

*wonders why ants seem to crop up in nearly every post*

:D:

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

kbIr soeI mwrIAY ijh mUAY suKu hoie ]

kabeer so-ee maaree-ai jih moo-ai sukh ho-ay

Kabeer, kill only that, which, when killed, shall bring peace.

Blo Blo sBu ko khY buro n mwnY koie ]9]

bhalo bhalo sabh ko kahai buro na maanai ko-ay

Everyone shall call you good, very good, and no one shall think you are bad.

"so-ee" = that

"maaree-ai" = kill

"moo-ai" = kill, death

"sukh" = sukh

"bhalo" = good

"buro" = bad

"maanai" = perceive

[ N.B. I do not feel that this Salok refers to people such as George Bush, although I suppose some probably interpret it that way. Actually that is probably a very interesting topic. ]

Ego makes us forget the difference between good and bad. It makes us think that we can sort all problems out, and makes us feel important and powerful. Pretty much we end up with a headache, and wander around like drunken ants (previously mentioned) who are confused, perplexed and lost. ( ) Also, most of the sadness we feel is because of Maya, or our incapability to accept Maharaj's Hukam.

Or simply because we focus on ourselves too much instead of spending that time appreciating Maharaj's Beauty.

We also worry a lot, where there is really no need to. We're so afraid of rejection or failure, or losing the people we love - even though Maharaj will always take care of us and everything around us. Imagine life without worry, or stress, or sadness. Sounds good. This is the stuff we need to kill off before we think about other people's faults. Maharaj tells us clearly that this will bring peace - the "sukh" described by Bhagat Kabeer Ji in this Salok.

Do we listen? No.

When our minds under reasonably under control, we begin to see Maharaj in everything and everyone around us. Even wasps and spiders and people who yell at you in the streets. Everything begins to look agreeable to us, and we begin to look agreeable to everyone else. This is what Bhagat Ji refers to in the second line of the Salok: a Gurmukh will be loved by all.

:wub::

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

kbIr AweI muJih pih Aink kry kir Bys ]

kabeer aa-ee mujheh peh anik karay kar bhays

Kabeer, she came to me in various forms and disguises.

hm rwKy gur Awpny auin kIno Awdysu ]8]

ham raakhay gur aapnay un keeno aadays

My Guru saved me, and now she bows humbly to me.

"aa-ee" = she

"mujheh" = me

"peh" = came to

"anik" = various

"kar" = assuming, taking

"bhays" = garbs, forms

"rakhay" = saved

"aadays" = obeisance, bowing

IMHO Bhagat Kabeer Ji is talking about the attributes of Maya and their influence on us in this Salok. It attacks our minds constantly, is thousands of forms. Maya is anything which takes our minds away from Maharaj - and ego is probably one of the most obvious yet most subtle.

It is difficult to know when a person is afflicted by Maya, because most people will reckon that it makes them happy. Maya can come in the form of things like family, friends, or the internet ( ).

There are three types of Maya; Rajo, Tamo and Sato.

Tamo:

Bad deeds - like murder, slander, thieving, rape etc. Obviously anti-gurmat.

Rajo:

Ambition - the thing which drives us to work harder for promotions, or to earn more and more money. Someone under the influence of this Gunn can easily lapse back into Tamo Gunn because usually ambition will end up in desperation, which may lead to sins being committed in order to achieve higher status.

Sato:

Good Stuff :wub: - like giving to charity, being compassionate. Under this Gunn there is not much aspiration for worldly or materialistic things. Most of the religions of the world will fall under this Gunn, teaching people how to live decent, moral lives. Gurmat is probably one of the only ones which talks about a higher level.

Gursikhi involves parts of these three attributes of Maya. Sato - obviously we need to be good people and help those in need, treating everyone with respect and kindness. But to an extent we need Rajo as well - in order to inspire us to earn an honest living, and to get us up in the morning for Amritvela...instilling the desire to attain a higher spiritual level.

The stage above these three is called Turi Avastha. This is when a person is living according to Gursikhi, and does good actions, but always selflessly. It is actually quite hard for people to imagine doing a "selfless" good deed. Deep down we always feel good in the end about doing it, and this can lead to ego. I cannot explain this stage very well because i've had no experience of it, so maybe someone can help me out here :wub: .

Anyway, back to the Salok.

Maharaj is the only one who can help us to control our minds, so that they are not being continually attacked and invaded by Maya. Once we beging to meditate on Maharaj for every second with love, ego won't afflict us anymore. Then we're pretty much sorted. Instead of us bowing down to Maya, Maya bows down to us. Then our minds will be in a complete state of equipoise and serenity.

:D:

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

Some of us of course are not as strong to take in this kind of sad news. But at the end we have to accept it as His will and console ourselves and support each other by taking refuge in Naam Baani. (I must admit easier said than done).

It appears a combination of events led to this tragic accident eg 1. very cold water - due to which hypothermia sets in within minutes, 2. rescuing a non-swimmer requires life guard expertise which we don't know whether our two brave brothers had, 3. swimming with clothes on isn't easy.

Zorawar Singh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

kbIr sB qy hm bury hm qij Blo sBu koie ]

kabeer sabh tay ham buray ham taj bhalo sabh ko-ay.

Kabeer, I am the worst of all. Everyone else is good.

ijin AYsw kir bUiJAw mIqu hmwrw soie ]7]

jin aisaa kar boojhi-aa meet hamaaraa so-ay.

Whoever understands this is a friend of mine.

“buray” = worst

“ham” = all

“bhalo” = good (i think)

“jin” = whoever

“boojhi-aa” = understand

“meet” = friend

In this couplet Bhagat Kabeer Ji talks about the result of killing off ego. A new sense of awareness takes over, and the person will begin to realise their own faults instead of finding faults in others. Now faults can be found inside oneself, and Maharaj can be seen in everyone else. Pride is no longer an issue. The person will consider themselves as lowly, treating all others with respect (-emphasis on ALL others.)

Kabeer Ji then says, that person who is free from the illusions of maya, and who can see/feel/live the Truth is an actual friend. This is true sangat, but such people are rare. Seeing/feeling/living the Truth could probably have a post of its own.

True Friends

Ego attacks us from every angle, especially when we don't realise it. Even small things such as "you do nice kirtan" can add to our growing bank of ego. Each time we think of ourselves having anything or being able to do anything is a moment we could have spend admiring Maharaj.

Pride

Right at the beginning of Japji Saheb Guru Nanak Dev Ji gives us the key to getting rid of ego:

nwnk hukmY jy buJY q haumY khY n koie ]2]

naanak hukamai jae bujhai th houmai kehai n koe

O Nanak, one who understands His Command, does not speak in ego.

Remembering *everything* is in Maharaj's hands, and that we don't have hands, and that we hardly exist, and that there is no we. Only Maharaj. Concept of Hukam could probably have its own post too :wub: .

:wub::

i couldn't find a relevant, nice picture for today.

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

kbIr jw idn hau mUAw pwCY BieAw Anµdu ]

kabeer jaa din ha-o moo-aa paachhai bha-i-aa anand.

Kabeer, on the day when I die, afterwards there shall be bliss.

moih imilE pRBu Awpnw sMgI Bjih guoibMdu ]6]

mohi mili-o parabh aapnaa sangee bhajeh gobind.

I shall meet with my Lord God. Those with me shall meditate and vibrate on the Lord of the Universe.

"din" = day

"moo-aa" = death

"paachai" = afterwards

"anand" = bliss

"mohi" = mine

"mili-o" = meet

"aapna sangi" = my friends, those with me

"bhajai" = meditate

"gobind" = God

On first glance this Salok by Bhagat Kabeer Ji seems to say that when we die there'll be eternal bliss. Which of course, isn't true. I believe that Bhagat Ji is talking about when we merge with Maharaj. In order to do that we need to get rid of our ego, which is what separates us from feeling Maharaj. Once that wall is broken down we can see Maharaj's presence even within ourselves. After that, Naam will begin to well up from every part of our bodies, entrancing our minds and souls. Then even our organs will want to remember Maharaj.

Having faith in Gurbani is of the utmost importance - actually and absolutely believing that it is the ultimate Truth. If we kill off our ego then we will attain peace and meet with Satguru Ji. The people around us will feel the Naam waves from our body and will automatically feel drawn towards its power.

Bring us onto the importance of Sangat - being around/talking to people who are keen to understand Gurbani and live truthful, sincere lives. It's much easier to be pulled down by people around you instead of pulling them up with your Sikhi. Probably because our Sikhi isn't strong enough.

Which brings us back to the importance of japping Naam and thinking of only Maharaj. Seeing Maharaj in everyone and remembering He is pervading everywhere and communicating to us through Gurbani, our conscience and experiences.

We feel so far from Maharaj, but really their is only a veil - as thin as the wings of a butterfly - separating us from Him. Tearing this veil is the point of life.

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

"On Sunday afternoon, police named them as Harvinder Singh, 15, Tajinder Singh, 21, and Satvir Singh, 17. "

all from wolverhampton.

ਜਾ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਣਿ ਜਮ ਤੇ ਛੁਟੀਐ ਹਲਤਿ ਪਲਤਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥

jaa kai simran jam tay chhutee-ai halat palat sukh paa-ee-ai.

Meditating in remembrance on Him, we escape from the Messenger of Death; here and hereafter, we obtain peace.

ਸਾਸਿ ਗਿਰਾਸਿ ਜਪਹੁ ਜਪੁ ਰਸਨਾ ਨੀਤ ਨੀਤ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਈਐ ॥੨॥

saas giraas japahu jap rasnaa neet neet gun gaa-ee-ai.

With every breath and morsel of food, meditate, and chant with your tongue, continually, each and every day; sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord.

http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.g...=5&id=17521

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

kbIr AYsw eyku AwDu jo jIvq imrqku hoie]

kabeer aisaa ayk aaDh jo jeevat mirtak ho-ay

Kabeer, rare is such a person, who remains dead while yet alive.

inrBY hoie kY gun rvY jq pyKau qq soie]5]

nirbhai ho-ay kai gun ravai jat paykha-o tat so-ay

Singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, he is fearless. Wherever I look, the Lord is there.

"aisa" = like this/such a

"aadh" = rare

"jeevat" = life

"mirtak" = dead

"nirbhai" = fear

"gun" = praises

"ravai" = utter/sing

"jat" = wherever

"pekha-o" = look

"tat" = there

"so-ay" = that (i.e. that Lord)

In gurbani the concept of being dead whilst alive is talked of a lot. Basically Bhagat Kabeer Ji is saying that people in this state of mind are extremely rare, and that they are the true Sikhs. They are not influenced by worldly pleasures - and are dead in that sense - but at the same time they take care of their responsibilities in work and at home. Kabeer Ji tells us that as long as we long for worldly pleasures like money and food, we'll never attain bliss.

But that Gursikh is also spiritually Alive, because he controls all his senses. They feel happiness and sorrow as the same and are carefree. No lust will distract him from Maharaj, and no angry words will escape his lips. He won't be affected by greed nor swayed by infatuation - he is always thinking about Maharaj.

just imagine. :mellow: .

Bhagat Kabeer Ji goes on to say that someone who fearlessly remembers Maharaj and sings His praises will realise the ultimate Truth - that Maharaj is abiding everywhere. That Gursikh will love everyone and be afraid of no-one, and will devote his entire life to Satguru Ji.

Often we forget this. We go from one extreme to the other - either being so absorbed in Gursikhi that we forget how to live and survive in the world, or being so absorbed in the world that we forget Maharaj entirely :wub: . There aren't many people who can get the balance right. We need to be like lotus flowers in muddy water... spiritually more beautiful than the muddy depths in which we live.

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

kbIr fgmg ikAw krih khw fulwvih jIau ]

kabeer dagmag ki-aa karahi kahaa dulaaveh jee-o

Kabeer, why do you stumble? Why does your soul waver?

srb sUK ko nwieko rwm nwm rsu pIau ]3]

sarab sookh ko naa-iko raam naam ras pee-o

He is the Lord of all comforts and peace; drink in the Sublime Essence of the Lord's Name.

(1364)

"dagmag" = unsteady/unbalanced

"ki-aa" = what for

"dulaaveh" = waver

"sarab" = all

"sookh" = happiness

"naiko" = provider/Lord/leader/hero

"ras" = taste/enjoyment/love

"pee-o" = drink

Here Bhagat Kabeer Ji talks about our continuously-wandering minds. We're going through this world like a colony of drunken ants who can't hold up their leaves properly. Our minds wander from Maharaj throughout the day, especially when doing our Baanian or sitting down to do simran. Even when we do ardas to ask Maharaj for help, we rarely do it with enough faith and conviction that we actually believe He will help us - constantly doubting, or feeling that our Sikhi is worthless just because we're too blind to appreciate it.

Bhagat Kabeer Ji states that Maharaj is the one who provides every single comfort in existence. Only by remembering Sargutu Ji's name will we attain any sort of peace, and gain the "ras" that Bhagat Ji talks about. How can someone who hasn't had that taste even begin to try and describe it.

We see people wandering around in the world, thinking that they'll be eternally happy if they fall in "love" or become a millionaire or be the highest academic in Oxford University. But truly, only Maharaj is the Comforter and the Provider of joy...and if we make a proper effort to remember Him, then that'll be the end of all our wavering and stumbling around like drunken ants.

:wub::

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

kbIr myrI jwiq kau sBu ko hsnyhwru ]

kabeer mayree jaat ka-o sabh ko hasnayhaar.

Kabeer, everyone laughs at my social class.

bilhwrI ies jwiq kau ijh jipE isrjnhwru ]2]

balihaaree is jaat ka-o jih japi-o sirjanhaar.

I am a sacrifice to this social class, in which I chant and meditate on the Creator.

"jaat" = social status/caste

"sabh" = all

"hasnayhaar" = laugh

"balihaaree" = sacrifice

"is jaat" = this social class

"jih" = in which

"japio" = chant/meditate

"sirjanhaar" = Creator God

Bhagat Kabeer Ji was born into the lowest caste of the Hindus, and this couplet highlights how people mocked him. Generally, most people in the "lower castes" were illiterate, but since Bhagat Kabeer Ji was able to worship Maharaj and show his love for Him, he was eternally grateful that he was born into the caste that Maharaj has placed him in.

Those who belonged to the higher castes, like the Brahmins, were supposed to be experts spiritually because they could read the various holy books. They'd consider themselves the most superior (still do) because of their high ranking.

Indirectly, Bhagat Kabeer Ji could be saying that if he'd been born into a higher social class he might have neglected Maharaj's worship due to being carried away by arrogance which was prompted by society at the time. Imagine the humility of Bhagat Kabeer Ji.

:kid:

This issue of social class is pretty relevant today as well - with all the posts on caste in marriage and Gurdware. But we can help ourselves and other people by trying our best not to judge anyone if they're different to us. Forget about what kind of school or university or job they're from, or whether they're gay or dress different or look down at you. Maharaj's Light is in *everyone* we see. When we can start to see that in everyone we come across, then maybe we'll get somewhere.

:wub::

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

~ *someone needs to tell me why the GurbaniWeb font thingi isn't working* ~

mod note: make sure you use [*size=4][*font=GurbaniWebThick] insert text here [*/font][*/size] (and delete all the *)

slok Bgq kbIr jIau ky

salok bhagath kabeer jeeo kae

Shaloks Of Devotee Kabeer Jee

<> siqgur pRswid ]

ik oa(n)kaar sathigur prasaadh ||

One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru

kbIr myrI ismrnI rsnw aUpir rwmu ]

kabeer mayree simrnee rasnaa oopar raam

Kabeer, my rosary is my tongue, upon which the Lord's Name is strung.

Awid jugwdI sgl Bgq qw ko suKu ibsRwmu ]1]

aad jugaadee sagal bhagat taa ko sukh bisraam

From the very beginning, and throughout the ages, all the devotees abide in tranquil peace.

Bhagat Kabeer Ji begins these couplets by comparing his tongue to a string of beads for meditation. The beads on this rosary are the Beads of Naam, which are turned over continuously in the mind.

If we all made the effort to repeat Maharaj's Name on our tongues or constantly think about His awesomeness (*making up words here*) then no harsh words would ever come out of our mouths. Hurting another person with words alone is too easy, and we have no right to. The harsh, blunt and sometimes sarcastic attitude towards others can have huge consequences which we often don't realise. Putting someone off Sikhi is possibly one of the highest sins we could commit.

"Aad" means first, or primary. Combined with "Jugaad" it means right from the beginning of time and though all ages of time. Bhagat Kabeer Ji says that all ("Sagal") true devotees attain eternal happiness - "Sukh" - peace and serenity.

So often we doubt the greatness and glory of Maharaj, and forget to take Gurbani as the Absolute Truth. This Salok clearly highlights the importance of remembering Maharaj *all the time*, and also tells us the result it will have - complete peace and calmness; a state of mind which we can't even begin to imagine.

I'll probably have made a fairly large number of mistakes - sorry :wub: . Feel free to cyber-slap me.

~l~

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh