Game of love 334- GOOD AND BAD

GOOD AND BAD

"From the one light, the entire universe welled up. So who is good, and who is bad?" 

Bhagat Kabir Ji 1398-1448

How can we call anyone good and bad? One divine light pervades and creates us all. Realise this and you would have grasped one of the most spiritual truths realised by saints through the ages. 

We are all souls from the supreme soul (god). We will only realise this when we become one with our mind & soul through meditation and discover the spirit within. Guru sahib ji changes our dhrishthee (inner eyes) when the mind is absorbed in the lords love through naam meditation. 

In this way we effortlessly see the light of god in their creation. 

We can not be separated from the naam for even an instant as this would give an opportunity for negative thoughts to appear. Separation from god becomes unbearable and we lose the wealthy love of seeing god in all. 

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 333- GIVE

GIVE!

"One gets hereafter only what one gives here out of honest earnings."

Guru Nanak Dev Ji 1469-1539

To give is divine. As you give and foster love for others now, so your soul shall receive the rewards on its journey after this life. 

Giving is a great gift. The most important wealth to give is our time to others as we are normally quite selfish when it comes to helping others, specially people we don't know. If we saw god in all, just as we do with our friends & family, we would find it a lot easier to give. 

Through meditation we develop the qualities of love, compassion, forgiveness, faith, truth, humility, contentment, patience, kindness and many others. These virtues are the blessings of the divine and if we could encourage others to develop and live in this way, it would be the most blessed form of giving.

This would be the true service and honest living Guru sahib ji would bless and reward us for hereafter. 

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 332- THE TRUE KING!

THE TRUE KING! 

One day a passerby saw a homeless man on the roadside. He stopped for a moment to hand him some loose change and casually said "God bless you, my friend".

"I thank God," said the homeless man, "I am never unhappy."

"What do you mean?" the passerby asked.

"Well," he said, "when the sun is out, I thank God. When it rains, I thank God. When I am full, I thank God and when I am hungry, I thank God. And, since God's will is my will, and whatever pleases Him pleases me, why should I say I am unhappy when I am not?"

The man looked at him in astonishment and asked, "Who are you?"
"I am a King," said he.

"Where, then, is your Kingdom?" asked the man.

"In my heart." The homeless man replied.

Through contentment we find peace and happiness. Money and materialistic pleasures do not always make us happy. Many are left sad through them. When one has faith in Vaheguroo and realises he is in control, this is when one feels the true love, peace and happiness within. 

Faith strengthens our character and we become untouchable through it. Guru Ji resolves all our affairs, when we put all our faith in to him. 

Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Raajaa ra(n)k karai khin bheethar neecheh joth dhharee."
He turns the king into a beggar in an instant, and He infuses splendor into the lowly. 
Meditate forever on Your Lord.
Why should I feel worry or anxiety, when I am here for only a short time.
You are my support, O my Perfect True Guru; my mind has taken to the protection of Your Sanctuary.
Nanak, I am a foolish and ignorant child; reach out to me with Your hand, Lord, and save me.

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 331- BEGGAR!

BEGGAR! 

There was once a beggar, who lived in terrible poverty. He sat under a tree and begged all day. People would throw a few coins at him and this was his only means for survival and all he could live on. 

Eventually, he died as a beggar and his body remained in the same place for days upon end. He had no friends or relatives to cremate or bury his body. It was left in the same spot for a few days. On noticing this, the villagers decided to bury him under the same tree, he had been begging under all his life. 

As they began digging, they hit upon a huge treasure, Just a few feet beneath him. The huge pot was full of gold and the fool was sitting right above it begging all his life. If only he had dug down a few feet, he would have been a very rich man. Little did he know, he sat there all his life being a beggar.

This is our state today! We have the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as our spiritual guide, teaching us how to find the treasure of life, by conquering the mind to discover the soul within, but yet we wander around lost just like the beggar. 

Guru Ji is very close but we choose to ignore them. The ruby and emerald like mind is sitting within us but we have no clue how to unlock this treasure! 

We cannot comprehend the ability and power this human mind has. The sad thing is, we are not even aware of its capacity or potential yet it sits within us being ruled by maya (worldly delusion). This stops it from progressing spiritually! 

It's time to "Discover the spirit within!" 

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Gur poorai har naam dhirraaeiaa har nihachal har dhhan palai jeeo."
The Perfect Guru has implanted the Lord's Name within me. I have the Imperishable treasure of the Lord in my lap. 

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 330- MAKE POSITIVITY YOUR NATURE

MAKE POSITIVITY YOUR NATURE!  

"Guroo kaa sikh ga(n)dhaavaakee naa hovai"
The Sikh of the Guru should never speak disgusting speech.
Rehatnama Bhai Chaupaa Singh Jee.

The Guru's Sikh only speaks softly, lovingly, sweetly, honestly, compassionately, truthfully and patiently. 

The Guru's Sikh, should not speak negatively and ill about others. They should always speak positively at all times.

When one continues to be positive, this becomes their nature. They struggle to be negative, as if they become negative, it would bring unease and unbalance to their mind. The more positive we are, the more the world likes us and wants to be closer to us. 

A positive aura and energy attracts everyone towards it. The world wants to be around positive people, as most of the world is suffering through some form of stress or depression. 

This is not their fault. We are caught up in desire, always wanting more. We have lost our contentment. Wanting more makes us happy. We all want happiness so we continue desiring. We think this will make us happy. In reality, this is a short term fix and all materialistic happiness is temporary. 

There is only one way one can continue to be happy at all times, and that is to conquer this wandering mind. Once we wrap up our thoughts through the mantra of Naam meditation, we become very tranquil, still, happy, content and high spirited. Nothing phases the mind, as we look at it as the will of God, and the will of God is always sweet. 

The mind teaches us to become negative. The Guru and continuous Naam meditation teaches us always to remain loving and positive at all times. 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Nanak fikai boliai than man fikaa hoe."
O Nanak, speaking insipid words, the body and mind become insipid. He is called the most insipid of the insipid; the most insipid of the insipid is his reputation. The insipid person is discarded in the Court of the Lord, and the insipid one's face is spat upon. The insipid one is called a fool; he is beaten with shoes in punishment. 

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 329- A GODLY STATE OF MIND!

A GODLY STATE OF MIND! 

A Gursikh was travelling by bus in Punjab. He was in his early fifties and had always been of a stocky build. The buses in India are always over filled and everyone is usually literally standing on top of one another. Just then, a thief put his hand in the Gursikhs (Guru's Sikhs) pocket. The Gursikh felt his hand and grabbed it immediately. The Gursikh just kept hold of his hand and didn't say a word. The thief was struggling but didn't say anything either, because if people find out you are thieving in Punjab, they beat you up without asking questions. 

The Gursikh got off at the next stop and took the thief with him. The thief was getting very scared, thinking where is he going to take me. The Gursikh arrived at his friends house and the first thing he did was, ask for ten rupees from his friend. His friend gave him ten rupees and the Gursikh put the ten rupees in the same hand he had hold of. The thief was very confused and asked, what he was doing? 

The Gursikh lovingly, humbly uttered, "I am a Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. When you put your hand in my pocket, I realised you were a thief and my wallet was empty. I didn't want you taking my wallet, seeing nothing inside it and mocking My Guru's Sikhs for being nangay, pukhay (naked beggars). Sikhs give to everyone. I thought you was lorrvandh (you needed money), hence I bought you here to give you some. You can go now my brother."

The thief fell at his feet and became a Sikh from that day on! 

Giving is a beautiful virtue. It melts the hearts of many. If we give with a good, clean, loving heart, we will always be blessed by Guru Ji for it. 

The most beautiful gift to give, is your time to others. You are a Sikh, people need you and your positive energy. Give them your time. Most people appreciate it and will love you for it. It's all seva (selfless service) 

Bhai Gurdaas Ji Says, "Mit(h)aa bolan niv chalan hathhahu dhaee n aap ganaaeiaa."
The Guru has preached people to speak mildly, to conduct themselves humbly and to not get noticed even after giving something to others.

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 328- FORGIVENESS

FORGIVENESS

"To practice forgiveness is the true fast, good conduct and contentment." 

Guru Arjun Dev Ji 1563-1606

It can be very hard to forgive, however if you do, then others will see the good in you and your own grief over being hurt by someone else will not dig in to you. It is far better to forgive and move on rather than hold on to the past and make life difficult for yourself and others, as negative energy is always clearly felt. A sack of potatoes always rots and gets heavier over time. It always takes a bigger person to forgive and move on. 

What is the point in fasting if we can't forgive? Guru sahib ji speaks to our Muslim brothers/sisters in the shabad above. 

It is our ego that does not let us forgive. If we meditated, purified our filthy minds and attempted to see God in all, as all are a part and the soul of God, we would find it very easy to forgive, move on and always be surrounded by the positive energy of Guru's Naam and Baani. 

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Gurmukh bakhas jamaaeean manamukhee mool gavaaeiaa."
The Gurmukh grows the crop of forgiveness, while the self-willed manmukh loses the root of virtue, which is forgiveness. 

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 327- FLOWER

FLOWER

"If one obtains the subtle fragrance of that spiritual flower, he can not describe the indescribable; he could speak, but who would understand him." 

Bhagat Kabir Ji 1398-1448

Spiritual experience is beyond description. Like the smell of a beautiful flower, spiritual experience cannot be fully described by the one who experiences it. Guru Sahib Ji has described it as a mute, who can not speak about the taste of sugar, such is the beautiful taste of meditation. One thing is for sure; spiritual and mystical experiences are life changers.  

Naam and baani can most definitely be tasted and one can be imbued in the colour of Vaheguroo's name. The world will see and feel the energy in a God loving person but the experiencer would fail to explain it's beauty. Most of this true love is a blessing by Guru ji and the taste of this ecstasy is so fruitful and powerful, that one would not know where to start once beginning to describe. Worldly words would not do any justice to the explanation of high spirited being through Naam meditation. 

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 326- FEAR

FEAR

"Fear no one and give fear to no one."

Guru Teghbahadur Ji 1621-1675

Fear is good for no one and a very destructive feeling. Try not to feel afraid of anything and remember never to put fear in to others. This way, fear will not grip and burden your life. 

When the mind finds Sehj (peace/tranquility) through meditation, it fears nothing and only loves the one who created it (vaheguroo). A balanced mind becomes nirbhao (fearless). Nothing physical scares it, as the mind is controlled by the mantra of 'vaheguroo' and the blessings of Akaal purakh (timeless one).

Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Dhukh kalaes n bho biaapai gur ma(n)thra hiradhai hoe."
Suffering, agony and fear do not cling to one whose heart is filled with the GurMantra (Vaheguroo).

"Kott jathanaa kar rehae gur bin thariou n koe."
Trying millions of things, people have grown weary, but without the Guru, none have been saved.

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 325- FALSE

FALSE

"Those who have one thing in their heart and something else in their mouth, are judged to be false." 

Sheikh Farid Ji 1173-1265

Always say what you mean, and know to be true. Avoid making up stories in order to impress someone or to avoid some difficult circumstances. The truth will ultimately prevail. No one likes someone who is false and can not be trusted. Present the real you to everyone you meet. They will both appreciate and like the real you. 

When the mind is joined to Gurus Shabad (vaheguroo), gods qualities of 'truth' become a part of the mind and even if one attempts to lie, it becomes impossible, as the truth of the pure shabad (vaheguroo) speaks through them. 

Guru Amardas Ji Says,  "Sach sa(n)jam sadhaa hai niramal gur kai sabadh seegaaree."
Through truth and self-control, she is forever immaculate and pure; she is embellished with the Word of the Guru's Shabad.

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 324- EATING FROM THE SAME PLATE!

EATING FROM THE SAME PLATE! 

"Sa(n)niaasee bairaagee jaevai aar oudhaasee yogee thaevai ja(n)gam vaamee avar j koee thaa(n) kaa joot(h)aa kabee n laeee."
Hermits, renouncers, Udhasis and Yogis; Celibates and other sects and faiths; never eat from the same plate.

Rehatnama Bhai Nand Laal Jee!

As Sikhs, we avoid eating from the same plate as others or drinking from the same cup. The main reason for this is, Sikhs believe in a pure way of life. We believe our mind, body and soul should be kept pure at all times. 

The Sikh Gurus were very wise people. If anything was going to become a hindrance towards a Sikh purifying their mind, the Gurus would pick up on it straight away. A healthier body is always better for spiritual progression of the mind. If the body suffers, it becomes very difficult to focus and concentrate on Gods name. So all these rehits (disciplines) were introduced to prevent lack of development in our spiritual journey of becoming one with Akaal Purakh (God) through meditation. 

Many germs and diseases can be picked up from sharing drinks and plates. Hygiene and cleanliness is a must for all human beings and not just Sikhs. We should all avoid eating and drinking out of the same utensils, as this is a major cause of illness. 

Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Jeeo praan jin man than dhhaariaa, soee t(h)aakur manahu bisaariaa." They eat and wear what they are given, but still, they deny the Lord. The messengers of the Righteous Judge of Dharma shall hunt them down. They are unfaithful to the One, who has given them body and soul. Through millions of incarnations, for so many lifetimes, they wander lost. 

Such is the lifestyle of the faithless cynics; everything they do is evil. 
Within their minds, they have forgotten that Lord and Master, who created the soul, breath of life, mind and body. Their wickedness and corruption have increased - they are recorded in volumes of books. O Nanak, they are saved only by the Mercy of God and Guru, the Ocean of peace. O Supreme Lord God, I have come to Your Sanctuary. Break my bonds, and carry me across, with the Lord's Name. 

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 323- COVERING THE HEAD

COVERING THE HEAD

"Nagan hoe baahar firehi nagan sees jo khaae nagan prasaadh jo baa(n)ttee thanakhaaheebaddo kehaae."
Those who walk outside, eat or distribute food without their head covered will be punished severely.
Thankhaanama Bhai Nand Laal Jee.

What need is there for Sikhs to cover their head? Most faiths show respect to the supreme being God, by covering the heads. If you look at the Muslims and Jews, they also cover their heads. Many have said, even Jesus Christ was adorned with unshorn hair and a blue turban. 

Why has Bhai Sahib Ji made it so clear that the head should be covered at all times? There are many reasons, Guru Ji crowned all their sons and daughters with the dastaar (turban). This being their crown of royalty within a sovereign faith. Guru Ji said, 'My Khalsa (pure minded family) will stand out in a crowd of thousands.' The Sikh will never be able to hide. The Sikh will never commit any negative actions, which stain their Guru's turban, as their identity will be very unique and distinguished. 

Sikhs remember God, with every breath they breathe. If Vaheguroo's (Gods) name does not leave the heart and soul of a Sikh, then their head should be covered in respect of Guru's shabad at all times. The more humility and respect we show towards Guru Ji, the more blessings we receive. 

The spiritual opening in the head (tenth gate) and the protection of our energy, which radiates through our hair, is also protected by our dastaar (turban). The kesh (hair) generates immense energy through Naam meditation, which preserves our aura through positivity. The Kesh are also covered to show hygiene, discipline and cleanliness in a Sikhs life style.  

These Rehitnamay were set, as a form of discipline to preserve, develop and enhance us spiritually. It's important we follow them, in order to become closer to our Guru. The more discipline we keep, the closer our Guru comes towards us. 

Please Remember! Every physical discipline the Gurus ordered us, was given to make us stronger in our spiritual practise. 

Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Saas saas har gaavai naanak sathigur dtaak leeaa maeraa parradhaa jeeo."
With each and every breath, Nanak sings the Lord's Praises. The True Guru has covered my sins.

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 322- ALCOHOL

ALCOHOL 

"Jooaa khaelai madh peevai so narak mae(n) jaavai."
Those who gamble or drink alcohol will suffer in hell.
Rehitnama Bhai Daya Singh Ji. 

We don't think it can be any clearer than the above. It is clear that alcohol is not good for any individual. Scientifically proven, there are many facts for why we should not drink alcohol. Here are a few given facts: causes brain damage, fits, hallucinations, loss of memory, dementia, risk of chest infection, swollen liver, hepatitis, tingling nerves, numbness, trembling hands, loss of muscle, enlarged heart, high blood pressure, irregular pulse, ulcers, vomiting blood, pancreatitis, impotence in men, infertility in women and the list goes on. 

Guru Sahib Ji had told us the affects of alcohol many hundreds of years ago. In this day and age, we tend to listen more to science, rather than a pure being who had/has knowledge of the whole universe. 

Most physical illnesses arise from a weakness in the mind. Alcohol creates a major weakness in the mind of those that drink it. Any substance in which causes us to not think or act correctly, is not good for the mind. 

Alcohol causes many problems between friends, families, relatives, colleagues etc. When we lose our mind through it, we begin to behave like animals. Many begin to argue, fight and swear after consuming it. The funny thing is, most regret all of their actions the morning after. Most people can't even remember what they had done whilst they were drunk. 

A lot of people drink alcohol to relax themselves. This goes to show, how much we rely on such a horrible substance to drown our sorrows and problems. The only issue is, these problems never go away. They just get pushed to the back of the mind, whilst we are engrossed in the substance. This actually makes it worse, because we are not willing to meet our problems head on and we are bottling everything up within us. When we hide from our problems and use a substitute in drink to drown them, we become not so genuine people. 

In life we create our own problems through work/life, pressure, stress and then we look for temporary cures in drink. A pure and spiritual human being, is the one who meets all their problems face on. They never strive for too much. They are always content and they constantly watch their mind through meditation to relax it and find peace.

We make life very difficult for ourselves. If we lived according to the Guru's command, we would never turn to such a nasty substance like alcohol to be our support and saviour in life. The Sikh of the Guru, purifies their mind through Naam meditation, becomes virtuous and lives in high spirits, as a content individual. 

Guru Amardas Ji Says,  "Jith peethai math dhoor hoe baral pavai vich aae ||
Aapanaa paraaeiaa n pashhaanee khasamahu dhhakae khaae."
One person brings a full bottle, and another fills his cup.
Drinking the wine, his intelligence departs, and madness enters his mind;
he cannot distinguish between his own and others, and he is struck down by his Lord and Master.
Drinking it, he forgets his Lord and Master, and he is punished in the Court of the Lord.
Do not drink the false wine at all, if it is in your power.
O Nanak, the True Guru comes and meets the mortal; by His Grace, one obtains the True Wine.
He shall dwell forever in the Love of the Lord Master, and obtain a seat in the Mansion of His Presence. 

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 321- KASHERAA (UNDERGARMENT)

KASHERAA (UNDERGARMENT) 

"Gliee sukee kaashh paae leae || kaashh dhae pou(n)achae dhaa sikh visaah naa karae."
Whether the washed Kasheraa is wet or dry it should be put on. When removing the Kasheraa only one leg should be removed and put into the new Kasheraa.

Rehatnama Bhai Chaupaa Singh Jee!

The above Rehitnama by Bhai Chaupaa Singh Ji, is another beautiful Rehit (discipline), which keeps our mind intact and focused. It keeps our mind attuned to Naam meditation and prevents it from wandering, as it is much used to doing. 

Many will ask, 'How this Rehit keeps the mind focused and stop it from wandering?'

The Kacherra is a nishanee (symbol) of jath/sath (respect/truth). Guru sahib Ji witnessed the world and saw how people were meditating by renouncing the world and avoiding marriage. Guru Sahib Ji's path was of one for their Sikhs to be girasthee (house holders life). Guru sahib Ji said, 'Their Sikh will get married. He will not have to run away from the world, in order to fight and conquer the mind. Going in to monasteries, running away in to the mountains and avoiding society, makes meditating and controlling the mind much easier. The true warrior is the one that lives in this world full of maya (materialism) and controls their emotions, senses and thoughts, whilst living within it. 

Guru Sahib Ji wanted his Sikhs to be the purest of minds. They would conquer their minds and guide/support others to conquer theirs also by spreading Sikh Dharma in to the world (a spiritual way of living). His Sikhs will always be loving, compassionate and righteous. They would be the true and purest Saint/soldiers of Akaal Purakh (God). 

The Kachera reminds us of this. It reminds us, that we are supposed to live in the world as Girasthee. We are not to lust after another's woman. All other women are known to be our mothers, daughters and sisters. This should be the purity of a Sikh's mind. It's a constant reminder regarding lustful thoughts and actions and not to commit adultery before marriage or with another woman after marriage. Bhai Nand lal Ji has written a Rehitnama on this too. "Par Betee Ko Betee Jaanay Par Isthree Ko Maath Vakhaany."

Guru Amardas Ji Says, "Ei(n)dhree jith pa(n)ch dhokh thae rehath || naanak kott madhhae ko aisaa aparas."
One who conquers his sexual instincts and is free of the five sinful passions - O Nanak, among millions, there is scarcely one such 'touch-nothing Saint'.

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 320- NOT ACCEPTING GURU'S COMMAND!

NOT ACCEPTING GURU'S COMMAND! 

"Maero hukam maanehi nehee karehi n sikh kee saev so beeraj malaeshh ko paragatt pashhaanahu bhaev."
They who do not accept my Hukam (command) and do not perform devotional service of Sikhs, they are faithless melechas.
Thankhaanama Bhai Nand Laal Jee.

Bhai Sahib Ji has made it very clear in the Thankhaanama above, that those who do not follow the command of Guru Ji and do not serve those Sikhs, who serve the true and pure Guru, they are faithless and eventually will suffer through negative karma. 

Why has Bhai Sahib Ji said this? How will we become better, if we follow the command of the perfect Guru? Which Sikhs is Bhai Sahib Ji talking about? 

Firstly, we all know if we follow Guru Ji's command, by purifying our filthy mind through Naam meditation our mind becomes balanced and finds Sehj (peace and poise/tranquility). We meet our beloved Vaheguroo and our soul is forever liberated. So we have basically now conquered our quest of the soul and the main reason we were gifted this human life form. Bhai sahib Ji, is not being negative by repeating the Thankhaanama above. They are saying it exactly how it is supposed to be, because they want all beings to become pure, loving and liberated souls through the command of Guru Sahib Ji. Many people in the world understand direct criticism, as given above and find it more difficult to understand wishy washy teachings, which are said in a round about way. 

When Bhai Sahib Ji is talking about performing devotional worship to Sikhs, he is not talking about those Sikhs who do not do anything to purify their mind, body and soul through baani (teachings). Bhai sahib Ji is talking about those Sikhs, who are attuned single mindedly to the lotus feet of Vaheguroo's Naam meditation. He is talking about those, who rejoice in the true love of amazing spiritual heights, through following the Guru's teachings, with every breath they breathe.  

It's always best to take the teachings direct from Guru Sahib Ji and not attach ourselves to any individuals, as it's very difficult to find pure beings in this world of materialism. 

Let's conquer and practise by becoming the pure individual we have been talking about in the text above. In this way, we have a direct relationship with Guru Ji, which no one can interfere with. 

When our Guru embraces us, who can come close to hurting us. Guru Ji and Naam become our protective shield at all times! 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Gur charan saraevehi Gurasikh thor, Gur saev tharae thaj maer thor, nar ni(n)dhak lobhee man kat(h)or, Gur saev n bhaaee s chor chor."
Your GurSikhs serve at the Guru's Feet. Serving the Guru, they are carried across; they have abandoned 'mine' and 'yours'. The slanderous and greedy people are hard-hearted. Those who do not love to serve the Guru are the most thieving of thieves. 

Vaheguroo!