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The Cultural Quagmire And Gurbani


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The cultural quagmire and Gurbani -

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

Gurbani deals with the mind. It cleans it by creating virtuous thoughts in it; the mind being pressured by cultural influence often resists to Gurbani guidance, and it tries to make excuses to go along with cultural stream. The cultural influence is the reason we often live culture and very rarely try to live the religion we believe in. Every society has various cultures, and it embraces them more openly than the religions it has. Facing the reality of living a religion wrapped in cultural filth, the mind endures endless dilemma that draws a curtain between the mind and the divine truth. No culture is better than a religion; however, if a religion doesn’t promote harmony in the universe, it is not better than any culture. ( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

My recent visit to India clearly has shown me that all the religions there are getting buried under cultural liaisons; Punjab where Sikhi should dominate its culture is not exception to this thought. People are psychological weaker than ever; they are into deep ritualistic behavior. Gurbani exposes hypocritical aspects of cultural practices. My strong belief in Gurbani as a divine message makes me aware that without putting mind in it or on the Creator, its recitation may end in a ritual – habit. In Asa Dee Vaar on 468 SGGS, stress is given on involving the mind with the Creator: ( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

ਮਃ ਸਚੁ ਤਾ ਪਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ ਰਿਦੈ ਸਚਾ ਹੋਇ ਕੂੜ ਕੀ ਮਲੁ ਉਤਰੈ ਤਨੁ ਕਰੇ ਹਛਾ ਧੋਇ ਸਚੁ ਤਾ ਪਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ ਸਚਿ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ਨਾਉ ਸੁਣਿ ਮਨੁ ਰਹਸੀਐ ਤਾ ਪਾਏ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ਸਚੁ ਤਾ ਪਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੀਉ ਧਰਤਿ ਕਾਇਆ ਸਾਧਿ ਕੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਦੇਇ ਕਰਤਾ ਬੀਉ ਸਚੁ ਤਾ ਪਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ ਸਿਖ ਸਚੀ ਲੇਇ ਦਇਆ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੀਅ ਕੀ ਕਿਛੁ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਕਰੇਇ ਸਚੁ ਤਾਂ ਪਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ ਆਤਮ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਕਰੇ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਨੋ ਪੁਛਿ ਕੈ ਬਹਿ ਰਹੈ ਕਰੇ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ ਸਚੁ ਸਭਨਾ ਹੋਇ ਦਾਰੂ ਪਾਪ ਕਢੈ ਧੋਇ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਵਖਾਣੈ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਜਿਨ ਸਚੁ ਪਲੈ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥

Mėhlā 1. Sacẖ ṯā par jāṇī▫ai jā riḏai sacẖā ho▫e. Kūṛ kī mal uṯrai ṯan kare hacẖẖā ḏẖo▫e. Sacẖ ṯā par jāṇī▫ai jā sacẖ ḏẖare pi▫ār. Nā▫o suṇ man rėhsī▫ai ṯā pā▫e mokẖ ḏu▫ār. Sacẖ ṯā par jāṇī▫ai jā jugaṯ jāṇai jī▫o. Ḏẖaraṯ kā▫i▫ā sāḏẖ kai vicẖ ḏe▫e karṯā bī▫o. Sacẖ ṯā par jāṇī▫ai jā sikẖ sacẖī le▫e. Ḏa▫i▫ā jāṇai jī▫a kī kicẖẖ punn ḏān kare▫i. Sacẖ ṯāʼn par jāṇī▫ai jā āṯam ṯirath kare nivās. Saṯgurū no pucẖẖ kai bahi rahai kare nivās. Sacẖ sabẖnā ho▫e ḏārū pāp kadẖai ḏẖo▫e. Nānak vakẖāṇai benṯī jin sacẖ palai ho▫e. ||2||

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

In Essence: The truth (ultimate Truth- Satt) is only known if the heart feels Akalpurakh within, filth of falsehood is cleaned and the body becomes free from vice. Akalpurakh is known if the heart falls in love with Him. The door of liberation is seen if the mind gets enchanted by believing in His Name. Akalpurakh is known when the soul learns to imbue with Him by weeding out demerits from the body – field and sow His Name in it. Akalpurakh is known when one receives true guidance (about Him from the Guru), and it shows mercy toward the beings and gives away in charity. Akalpurakh is known if the mind bathes in its own pilgrimage of His presence within, and as per the True Guru’s advice, it remains stilled. Nanak says that in whose hearts Akalpurakh abides, their all pains are cured and sins are washed away.

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

(ਜਗਤ ਰੂਪ ਛਲ ਵਲੋਂ ਵਾਸ਼ਨਾ ਪਰਤ ਕੇ, ਜਗਤ ਦੇ) ਅਸਲੇ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ ਤਦੋਂ ਹੀ ਆਉਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਜਦੋਂ ਉਹ ਅਸਲੀਅਤ ਦਾ ਮਾਲਕ (ਰੱਬ) ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦੇ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਟਿਕ ਜਾਏ। ਤਦੋਂ ਮਾਇਆ ਛਲ ਦਾ ਅਸਰ ਮਨ ਤੋਂ ਦੂਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ (ਫੇਰ ਮਨ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਸਰੀਰ ਭੀ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਸਰੀਰਕ ਇੰਦਰੇ ਭੀ ਗੰਦੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਵਲੋਂ ਹਟ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਮਾਨੋ) ਸਰੀਰ ਧੁਪ ਕੇ ਸਾਫ਼ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। (ਮਾਇਆ ਛਲ ਵਲੋਂ ਮਨ ਦੇ ਫੁਰਨੇ ਹਟ ਕੇ, ਕੁਦਰਤ ਦੇ) ਅਸਲੇ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ ਤਦੋਂ ਹੀ ਆਉਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਜਦ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਉਸ ਅਸਲੇ ਵਿਚ ਮਨ ਜੋੜਦਾ ਹੈ, (ਤਦੋਂ ਉਸ ਅਸਲੀਅਤ ਵਾਲੇ ਦਾ) ਨਾਮ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਖਿੜਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ (ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਬੰਧਨਾਂ ਤੋਂ) ਸੁਤੰਤਰ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਰਾਹ ਮਿਲ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਜਗਤ ਦੇ ਅਸਲੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ ਤਦੋਂ ਪੈਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਰੱਬੀ ਜੀਵਨ (ਗੁਜ਼ਾਰਨ ਦੀ) ਜੁਗਤੀ ਜਾਣਦਾ ਹੋਵੇ, ਭਾਵ, ਸਰੀਰ ਰੂਪ ਧਰਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਤਿਆਰ ਕਰਕੇ ਇਸ ਵਿਚ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਬੀਜ ਦੇਵੇ। ਸੱਚ ਦੀ ਪਰਖ ਤਦੋਂ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਸੱਚੀ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ (ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਸੋਂ) ਲਏ ਅਤੇ (ਉਸ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ ਉੱਤੇ ਚੱਲ ਕੇ) ਸਭ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਤਰਸ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਜਾਚ ਸਿੱਖੇ ਤੇ (ਲੋੜਵੰਦਾਂ ਨੂੰ) ਕੁਝ ਦਾਨ ਪੁੰਨ ਕਰੇ। ਉਸ ਧੁਰ-ਅੰਦਰਲੀ ਅਸਲੀਅਤ ਨਾਲ ਤਦੋਂ ਹੀ ਜਾਣ-ਪਛਾਣ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਜਦੋਂ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਧੁਰ ਅੰਦਰਲੇ ਤੀਰਥ ਉੱਤੇ ਟਿਕੇ, ਆਪਣੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਸੋਂ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਅੰਦਰਲੇ ਤੀਰਥ ਉੱਤੇ ਬੈਠਾ ਰਹੇ, ਉੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਸਦਾ ਨਿਵਾਸ ਰੱਖੇ। ਨਾਨਕ ਅਰਜ਼ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਮਨੁੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਅਸਲੀਅਤ ਦਾ ਮਾਲਕ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਟਿਕਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ, ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਦੁੱਖਾਂ ਦਾ ਇਲਾਜ ਉਹ ਆਪ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, (ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਉਹ) ਸਾਰੇ ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ (ਉਸ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚੋਂ) ਧੋ ਕੇ ਕੱਢ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ (ਜਿੱਥੇ ਉਹ ਵੱਸ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ)।੨।

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

Gurbani is all about knowing “the Truth/Satt//Akalpurakh” and living with a heart filled with His love. Knowing Him depends on our sincerity in following our Guru who prepares us to behold Him within and out. Falling in love with Him occurs if our minds turn toward “the Truth” completely. When that happens, cultural influences decrease significantly. If duality becomes our destiny, we never progress spiritually regardless our pump and show of religious activities. If duality is eradicated by falling only for the Creator, then His grace occurs without asking because the trust we put in Him and the dark color of our love for Him elevate us; as a result of it, all kinds of Maya and cultural influences are negated. In above Vaakas, Guru Ji repeats the question “How He is known” to insert his advice in it. Doubtless, Guru Ji sums up Sikhi in his answers; unfortunately, being on high speed of cultural train, we miss every way out.

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

When we are torn apart between the Creator and our personal longings, we become destined to be hypocrites. The habit of knowing how much wealth and property others have creates a cultural fantasy in the mind; however, when the mind learns to remain imbued with the Creator, knowing how much others make in wealth, property and recognition in the society becomes insignificant. Gurbani doesn’t guide against working hard to make money; it binds the soul with decency, ethics, virtues, modesty and conceit – free consciousness; it fills the heart with contentment. Sikhi targets negativity that poisons the society and its culture. Over time it gives beautiful color to the culture in a way that remains dim before divinity. Gurbani suggests becoming pure to become one with the “Pure Satt; the hypocrisy has no place in the eyes of the Creator; it is on 473 SGGS:

ਮਃ ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਝੂਠੇ ਪੈਜ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਫੈਲੁ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਜੇ ਨਾਵਹਿ ਉਤਰੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਮੈਲੁ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਪਟੁ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਗੁਦੜੁ ਤੇ ਭਲੇ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਨੇਹੁ ਲਗਾ ਰਬ ਸੇਤੀ ਦੇਖਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੇ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਹਸਹਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਰੋਵਹਿ ਚੁਪ ਭੀ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ਪਰਵਾਹ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਸੈ ਕੇਰੀ ਬਾਝੁ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਹ ਦਰਿ ਵਾਟ ਉਪਰਿ ਖਰਚੁ ਮੰਗਾ ਜਬੈ ਦੇਇ ਖਾਹਿ ਦੀਬਾਨੁ ਏਕੋ ਕਲਮ ਏਕਾ ਹਮਾ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮੇਲੁ ਦਰਿ ਲਏ ਲੇਖਾ ਪੀੜਿ ਛੁਟੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਉ ਤੇਲੁ ॥੨॥

Mėhlā 1. Anḏrahu jẖūṯẖe paij bāhar ḏunī▫ā anḏar fail. Aṯẖsaṯẖ ṯirath je nāvėh uṯrai nāhī mail. Jinĥ pat anḏar bāhar guḏaṛ ṯe bẖale sansār. Ŧinĥ nehu lagā rab seṯī ḏekẖnĥe vīcẖār. Rang hasėh rang rovėh cẖup bẖī kar jāhi. Parvāh nāhī kisai kerī bājẖ sacẖe nāh. Ḏar vāt upar kẖaracẖ mangā jabai ḏe▫e ṯa kẖāhi. Ḏībān eko kalam ekā hamā ṯumĥā mel. Ḏar la▫e lekẖā pīṛ cẖẖutai nānkā ji▫o ṯel. ||2||

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

In Essence: People who keep honor in the world but are liars internally, even if they take bath at sixty eight pilgrimages, the dirt of their minds cannot be washed off. Those who are fine like silk within, even if they are rough (means they are away from the hypocrisy and diplomacy shown and accepted by the world), are good in the world because they are in love with Akalpurakh; they remain contemplated on Him to behold Him. In His love, they laugh, cry and go silent and care none but the eternal Master. Being on a path that leads to Akalpurakh, they ask (what they want) from Him and what He gives, they eat. There is only one court of Akalpurakh where His pen of ordinance decides the meeting of good ones or bad ones and settles the account of deeds; as per the account of deeds, the mortals suffer like oil – seeds (on oil-press).

Note: Different scholars take different meaning of “ਹਮਾ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮੇਲੁ: ekā hamā ṯumĥā mel”; if it is kept related with “ਕਲਮ ਏਕਾ: eko kalam ”, its meaning should be “an outcome of His pen/Ordinance”. Stress is on His prevailing Will in all aspects.

ਜੋ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਮਨੋਂ ਤਾਂ ਝੂਠੇ ਹਨ, ਪਰ ਬਾਹਰ ਕੂੜੀ ਇੱਜ਼ਤ ਬਣਾਈ ਬੈਠੇ ਹਨ, ਅਤੇ ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ ਵਿਖਾਵਾ ਬਣਾਈ ਰੱਖਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ ਭਾਵੇਂ ਅਠਾਹਠ ਤੀਰਥਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ (ਜਾ ਕੇ) ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨ ਕਰਨ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਨ ਦੀ ਕਪਟ ਦੀ ਮੈਲ ਕਦੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਉਤਰਦੀ। ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਮਨੁੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਅੰਦਰ (ਕੋਮਲਤਾ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਰੂਪ) ਪੱਟ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਬਾਹਰ (ਰੁੱਖਾ-ਪਨ ਰੂਪ) ਗੁੱਦੜ ਹੈ, ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ ਉਹ ਬੰਦੇ ਨੇਕ ਹਨ; ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਰੱਬ ਨਾਲ ਨੇਹੁ ਲੱਗਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਉਹ ਰੱਬ ਦਾ ਦੀਦਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ (ਸਦਾ ਜੁੜੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ)। ਉਹ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਪਿਆਰ ਵਿਚ (ਰੱਤੇ ਹੋਏ ਕਦੇ) ਹੱਸਦੇ ਹਨ, ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ (ਕਦੇ) ਰੋਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ (ਕਦੇ) ਚੁੱਪ ਭੀ ਕਰ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ (ਭਾਵ, ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਮਸਤ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ); ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੱਚੇ ਖਸਮ (ਪ੍ਰਭੂ) ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਦੀ ਮੁਥਾਜੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦੀ। ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ-ਰੂਪ ਰਾਹੇ ਪਏ ਹੋਏ ਉਹ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਰੱਬ ਦੇ ਦਰ ਤੋਂ ਹੀ ਨਾਮ-ਰੂਪ ਖ਼ੁਰਾਕ ਮੰਗਦੇ ਹਨ, ਜਦੋਂ ਰੱਬ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਤਦੋਂ ਖਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! (ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਨਿਸ਼ਚਾ ਹੈ) ਕਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਫ਼ੈਸਲਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ, ਸਾਰੇ ਚੰਗੇ ਮੰਦੇ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਮੇਲਾ ਉਸੇ ਦੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ; ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ (ਕੀਤੇ ਕਰਮਾਂ ਦਾ) ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਮੰਦੇ ਮਨੁੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਉਂ ਪੀੜ ਸੁੱਟਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਤੇਲ (ਭਾਵ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੰਦੇ ਸੰਸਕਾਰ ਅੰਦਰੋਂ ਕੱਢਣ ਲਈ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੁੱਖਾਂ ਰੂਪ ਕੋਹਲੂ ਵਿਚ ਪਾ ਕੇ ਪੀੜਦਾ ਹੈ)।੨।

Akalpurakh watches and delivers His justice as per our choices; if we choose Maya over true love for Him, He gives it to us and through Maya we suffer. Our destiny is built at His door as per our deeds. Our preferences given to cultural attractions trigger miseries and anxieties. Indeed, we may have some pleasure – filled moments during our indulgence in the cultural attractions; however, they don’t last long because the sufferings take over them consequently.

Cultural set up has nothing to do with divinity save for its repeated show offs about it. Sikhi is against the behavior built on cultural pressure because it doesn’t lead us toward the immaculate Creator; filth of hypocrisy needs to be cleaned through virtuous deeds. Sikhi is based on working hard, giving away to the needy out of it, and praise the Creator. Hard work represents productivity that is very important for a society to live on; charity fills the holes of neglect of the society and it adds to the strength of detachment that controls the mind from running for the greed excessively. Praising the Name of the Creator is to remain thankful (of His grace) and aware of Maya influences by sticking to Him.

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

We remain worried by assuming our failure in materialist goals; we think that the advice of our Guru to remain detached to Maya may lead us to be penniless. Contrary to that, detachment is like impenetrable dress that doesn’t allow the Maya influences to get in. It builds in us very beautiful behavior toward His Creation without letting us drowned in its love. In truth, it has only one purpose and that is not to let us forget Him ever for anything. Spiritual peak of Sikhi is not for everyone. Nonetheless, through Guru, His vision becomes possible, and trying not to get that peak will also be our negligence. Detachment is a beautiful feeling that always works like a tonic; it keeps our souls free from all kinds of worries, anxieties and miseries. To attain that, following the Guru wholeheartedly is very crucial.

Asa Dee Vaar on 470 SGGS

ਪਉੜੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਵਾਰਿਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਖਸਮੁ ਸਮਾਲਿਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਰਿ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਗਿਆਨ ਅੰਜਨੁ ਦੀਆ ਇਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀ ਜਗਤੁ ਨਿਹਾਲਿਆ ਖਸਮੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਦੂਜੈ ਲਗੇ ਡੁਬੇ ਸੇ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬੋਹਿਥਾ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਕਿਨੈ ਵੀਚਾਰਿਆ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰਿਆ ॥੧੩॥

Pa▫oṛī. Saṯgur vitahu vāri▫ā jiṯ mili▫ai kẖasam samāli▫ā. Jin kar upḏes gi▫ān anjan ḏī▫ā inĥī neṯrī jagaṯ nihāli▫ā. Kẖasam cẖẖod ḏūjai lage dube se vaṇjāri▫ā. Saṯgurū hai bohithā virlai kinai vīcẖāri▫ā. Kar kirpā pār uṯāri▫ā. ||13||

In Essence: I sacrifice to the true Guru under whose guidance the Master is remembered; through whose instructions I achieved divine knowledge to see the reality of the world. Those who leave the Master and fall for others are losers. Very rare persons realize that a True Guru is a boat to swim across (worldly Ocean). The Almighty ferries across the mortal with His grace.

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

In Indian culture, stinking dowry tradition has been damaging the psyche of Indians for numerous centuries. First time, in India, a campaign against it was launched by Sikh Gurus centuries ago. Marriage behind the boundaries of castes was also promoted by the Gurus. Then what went wrong that their followers embrace these filthy concepts to date? Answer lies in the quagmire of the dominating cultural influences on the Sikhs who appear living happily in such stinking environments. Fourth Nanak says on 78 SGGS:

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

ਹੋਰਿ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਦਾਜੁ ਜਿ ਰਖਿ ਦਿਖਾਲਹਿ ਸੁ ਕੂੜੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਕਚੁ ਪਾਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮੇਰੇ ਬਾਬੁਲਾ ਹਰਿ ਦੇਵਹੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਮੈ ਦਾਜੋ ॥੪॥

Hor manmukẖ ḏāj jė rakẖ ḏikẖālėh so kūṛ ahaʼnkār kacẖ pājo. Har parabẖ mere babulā har ḏevhu ḏān mai ḏājo. ||4||

In Essence: Other kind of dowry displayed by the mind - slave is a show off and worthless, and it encourages self – conceit. Oh my father! Give me Name of the Creator as a dowry.

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

On 78 SGGS in the entire Shabada, Guru Ji promotes the Name of the Creator and asks his followers to replace the dowry with His Name. Today, so called Guru – followers enjoy the filth of dowry - show off shamelessly.

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

I hope people are aware of hypocrisy of Tobacco companies that make billions of dollars in revenues from its sales, and also promote anti tobacco slogans; liquor distributors talk about negative aspects of drinking. While all fake talk and slogans go on, millions of people are being hooked to such intoxicating killers. Hypocrisy is ugly but its appearance is always beautiful. And, that is why most of the followers of Sikh Gurus also are practicing it today by adoring cultural filthy traditions. In Punjab, where Sri Guru Granth Sahib is read and the interpretation of Gurbani passes on to the masses every day, many Sikhs are seen ballooned with the awareness of caste – filth and are dozing in self - conceit. Even though First Nanak loudly and clearly speaks against this stinking illusion; unfortunately, his followers are drowned in it today.

On 349 SGGS:

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

ਜਾਣਹੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ

Jāṇhu joṯ na pūcẖẖahu jāṯī āgai jāṯ na he. ||1|| rahā▫o.

In Essence: Realize that His light is in all and do not ask about the caste because there is no caste hereafter. (Pause)

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

Slipping deep into the bonds of cultural attractions goes against the peace of mind we long to attain and struggle to keep every day. Its solution is available; nonetheless, one needs to stand up against filthy cultural traditions to become honest toward our faith.

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

In Maru Raag, Guru ji takes pity on us and guides us through this quagmire of Maya by making us realized the truth about this given life. It is on 989 SGGS:

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

ਮਾਰੂ ਮਹਲਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਕਮਾਇਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਕਰਤੈ ਲੇਖੁ ਲਿਖਾਇਆ ਲਿਖੁ ਦਾਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਮਿਲਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਗਵਾਈ ॥੧॥ Mārū mėhlā 1. Mil māṯ piṯā pind kamā▫i▫ā. Ŧin karṯai lekẖ likẖā▫i▫ā. Likẖ ḏāṯ joṯ vadi▫ā▫ī. Mil mā▫i▫ā suraṯ gavā▫ī. ||1||

In Essence: Through the union of father and mother, the mortal gets the body; the Creator inscribes the destiny. Oh Mortal! You write about His gift of light (life) and His glory! (Why) Under the influence of Maya, you have lost the divine understanding! Note: It is very hard to agree with the following interpretation of Teeka Freedkoti, Dr Sahib Singh (including of the interpretation of Manmohan Singh and Sant Singh Khalsa) about “ਲਿਖੁ ਦਾਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਵਡਿਆਈ: Likẖ ḏāṯ joṯ vadi▫ā▫ī” . Teeka Freedkoti: Akalpurakh has written already what the mortal will get as gifts and glory but the mortal has forgotten the Creator by being into Maya. Likh: LIKH means, write. It is like “write this” [."ਲਿਖੁ ਨਾਮੁ, ਸਾਲਾਹ ਲਿਖੁ" LIKH DAAT SAAH LIKH 16 SGGS ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮਃ ੧/ write His Name and praise). How its meaning can be “already written”? Dr Sahib Singh: Akalpurakh also has written to praise that light – Akalpurakh, His gifts and glory.......

If Akalpurakh has written that the mortal should praise His glory and gifts, why that “writ” is ignored by the mortal?

I feel, after telling how mortal gets body and His written destiny, Guru ji asks the mortal to praise Him for this gift of life and His glory; however, seeing the mortal becoming ungrateful, Guru Ji states the mortal has forgotten such a great Creator just because of Maya love. In the next Vaakas, Guru Ji advises the mortal again.

(ਜਿਸ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਦੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ) ਤੇਰੇ ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਨੇ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਤੇਰਾ ਸਰੀਰ ਬਣਾਇਆ, ਉਸੇ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਨੇ (ਤੇਰੇ ਮੱਥੇ ਉਤੇ ਇਹ) ਲੇਖ (ਭੀ) ਲਿਖ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਕਿ ਤੂੰ (ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ ਜਾ ਕੇ) ਜੋਤਿ-ਰੂਪ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀਆਂ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ਸ਼ਾਂ ਚੇਤੇ ਕਰੀਂ ਤੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਭੀ ਕਰੀਂ (ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਦੇ ਲੇਖ ਆਪਣੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਲਿਖਦਾ ਰਹੀਂ)। ਪਰ ਤੂੰ ਮਾਇਆ (ਦੇ ਮੋਹ) ਵਿਚ ਫਸ ਕੇ ਇਹ ਚੇਤਾ ਹੀ ਭੁਲਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ।੧।

ਮੂਰਖ ਮਨ ਕਾਹੇ ਕਰਸਹਿ ਮਾਣਾ ਉਠਿ ਚਲਣਾ ਖਸਮੈ ਭਾਣਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Mūrakẖ man kāhe karsėh māṇā. Uṯẖ cẖalṇā kẖasmai bẖāṇā. ||1|| rahā▫o.

In Essence: Oh foolish mind! Why to harbor pride (of anything), as per the Will of the Master, you are bound to leave [this world]. (pause)

Getting drenched in Maya pursuits will deepen the attachment, and it will take the mind away from His praises. Definite - departure from this world is a reminder of temporary life span we have; it should be used to praise the Creator.

ਹੇ (ਮੇਰੇ) ਮੂਰਖ ਮਨ! ਤੂੰ (ਇਹਨਾਂ ਦੁਨੀਆਵੀ ਮਲਕੀਅਤਾਂ ਦਾ) ਕਿਉਂ ਮਾਣ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈਂ? (ਜਦੋਂ) ਖਸਮ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੋਇਆ ਤਦੋਂ (ਇਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਜਗਤ ਤੋਂ) ਚਲੇ ਜਾਣਾ ਪਏਗਾ।੧।ਰਹਾਉ। ( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com ) Advice continues by making the mortal aware of the Maya which is left here never to reclaim it.

ਤਜਿ ਸਾਦ ਸਹਜ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ ਘਰ ਛਡਣੇ ਰਹੈ ਕੋਈ ਕਿਛੁ ਖਾਜੈ ਕਿਛੁ ਧਰਿ ਜਾਈਐ ਜੇ ਬਾਹੁੜਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਆਈਐ ॥੨॥ Ŧaj sāḏ sahj sukẖ ho▫ī. Gẖar cẖẖadṇe rahai na ko▫ī. Kicẖẖ kẖājai kicẖẖ ḏẖar jā▫ī▫ai. Je bāhuṛ ḏunī▫ā ā▫ī▫ai. ||2||

In Essence: Abandon interests in worldly pleasures to obtain peace of mind, eventually one has to leave this home, and no one can stay here forever. If it is certain that after departing from here, again we can come to this world to reclaim what is left behind, then one can use some of it and save the rest for our reclaim [but that is not the case]

(ਹੇ ਮਨ! ਤੂੰ ਘਰਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਮਲਕੀਅਤਾਂ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਸੁਖ-ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਲੱਭਦਾ ਹੈਂ) ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਸੁਆਦ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਦਾ ਆਨੰਦ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ (ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਘਰਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਮਲਕੀਅਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਤੂੰ ਸੁਖ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਸਮਝ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈਂ, ਇਹ) ਘਰ ਤਾਂ ਛੱਡ ਜਾਣੇ ਹਨ, ਕੋਈ ਭੀ ਜੀਵ (ਇਥੇ ਸਦਾ) ਟਿਕਿਆ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਹਿ ਸਕਦਾ। (ਹੇ ਮੂਰਖ ਮਨ! ਤੂੰ ਸਦਾ ਇਹ ਸੋਚਦਾ ਹੈਂ ਕਿ) ਕੁਝ ਧਨ-ਪਦਾਰਥ ਖਾ-ਹੰਢਾ ਲਈਏ ਤੇ ਕੁਝ ਸਾਂਭ ਕੇ ਰੱਖੀ ਜਾਈਏ (ਪਰ ਸਾਂਭ ਕੇ ਰੱਖ ਜਾਣ ਦਾ ਲਾਭ ਤਾਂ ਤਦੋਂ ਹੀ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ) ਜੇ ਮੁੜ (ਇਸ ਧਨ ਨੂੰ ਵਰਤਣ ਵਾਸਤੇ) ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਸਕਣਾ ਹੋਵੇ।੨। Gurbani repeatedly declares all pleasures and ownership of worldly wealth useless if the soul remains indifferent towards its Creator.

ਸਜੁ ਕਾਇਆ ਪਟੁ ਹਢਾਏ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਸਿ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਕਰਿ ਸੇਜ ਸੁਖਾਲੀ ਸੋਵੈ ਹਥੀ ਪਉਦੀ ਕਾਹੇ ਰੋਵੈ ॥੩॥ Saj kā▫i▫ā pat hadẖā▫e. Furmā▫is bahuṯ cẖalā▫e. Kar sej sukẖālī sovai. Hathī pa▫uḏī kāhe rovai. ||3||

In Essence: The mortal decorates the body and wear silky attires, commands others and sleeps in comfortable couch; however, when death takes away, what is the use of crying then!

ਮਨੁੱਖ ਆਪਣੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਉਤੇ ਹਾਰ ਰੇਸ਼ਮੀ ਕਪੜਾ ਆਦਿਕ ਹੰਢਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਹੁਕਮ ਭੀ ਬਥੇਰਾ ਚਲਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਸੁਖਾਲੀ ਸੇਜ ਦਾ ਸੁਖ ਭੀ ਮਾਣਦਾ ਹੈ (ਪਰ ਜਿਸ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਨੇ ਇਹ ਸਭ ਕੁਝ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਸਾਰੀ ਰੱਖਦਾ ਹੈ, ਆਖ਼ਿਰ) ਜਦੋਂ ਜਮਾਂ ਦੇ ਹੱਥ ਪੈਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਤਦੋਂ ਰੋਣ ਪਛੁਤਾਣ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਲਾਭ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ।੩। ( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com ) Cultural attractions delude the mind and keep instigating it into getting drenched in pleasures; unfortunately the pleasures become quagmires. They are like a whirlpool, hard to get out. Guru Ji advises to live by being connected to Him in every way: His fear and love help us to get out of this quagmire.

ਘਰ ਘੁੰਮਣਵਾਣੀ ਭਾਈ ਪਾਪ ਪਥਰ ਤਰਣੁ ਜਾਈ ਭਉ ਬੇੜਾ ਜੀਉ ਚੜਾਊ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵੈ ਕਾਹੂ ॥੪॥੨॥ Gẖar gẖummaṇvāṇī bẖā▫ī. Pāp pathar ṯaraṇ na jā▫ī. Bẖa▫o beṛā jī▫o cẖaṛā▫ū. Kaho Nānak ḏevai kāhū. ||4||2||

In Essence: These worldly establishments are just like whirlpool; one cannot swim across it if one is loaded with the stones of sins. So one should make boat of Akalpurakh’s fear and love to swim across this whirlpool; Nanak says that Akalpurakh gives such boat (of His fear and love) to a few [ If there is His fear, there is no pride; if there is no pride and longing for pleasures, mind is stilled with His love and respect]

ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਘਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੋਹ ਦਰਿਆ ਦੀਆਂ ਘੁੰਮਣ ਘੇਰੀਆਂ (ਵਾਂਗ) ਹਨ, ਪਾਪਾਂ ਦੇ ਪੱਥਰ ਲੱਦ ਕੇ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੀ ਬੇੜੀ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਘੁੰਮਣ-ਘੇਰੀਆਂ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਪਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਲੰਘ ਸਕਦੀ। ਜੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੇ ਡਰ-ਅਦਬ ਦੀ ਬੇੜੀ ਤਿਆਰ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਏ, ਤੇ ਉਸ ਬੇੜੀ ਵਿਚ ਜੀਵ ਸਵਾਰ ਹੋਵੇ, ਤਾਂ ਹੀ (ਸੰਸਾਰ-ਸਮੁੰਦਰ ਦੇ ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਘੁੰਮਣ ਘੇਰੀਆਂ ਵਿਚੋਂ) ਪਾਰ ਲੰਘ ਸਕੀਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਆਖ-ਅਜੇਹੀ ਬੇੜੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੪।੨। ( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com ) The virtues correct the culture, mold it and turn it into an environment through which a strong bond with the Creator remains dominating the soul. Then, the new cultural sense is developed in which positivity is kept and negativity is eradicated. No nonsense traditions and absurd ideas are considered as worthy of attention. Indeed, then oneness of the Creator with His creation is felt and seen.

Partial interpretation is by Dr. Sahib Singh Ji

" Taken from G.Singh's blog GURSOCH" with permission, for further articles on Gurbani, please go to Gursoch blog. ( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

Sincerely yours,

Anant Singh

Punjab ( India )

( http://www.gursoch.blogspot.com )

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