Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "At night, lots of birds settle on the tree. Some are happy, some are sad. Caught in the desires of the mind, they perish. And when the life-night comes to it's end, they look to the sky. They fly away in all ten directions."
We live in a planet of many souls. Like birds on a tree, we will fly in to the vast and limitless sky, to continue our spiritual journey. Control the whims of the mind and allow your soul to feel this freedom now.
Why are some souls sad and some happy when the life night comes to an end? Some souls have realised, they have not dedicated their life to Guru Sahib's spiritual Sikhi. They have realised, they will have to now go to the jamdhooth (Angel of death) and suffer the consequences. Only Guru sahib knows when they will get another opportunity to serve this mind and body through naam meditation again. Many have left this body and still after many thousands of years, they have not received the gift of this human body to purify and liberate this filthy mind. This make them very sad, as they have not done their mind and body any justice. They came here to earn profit and they wasted this beautiful human body in worldly/materialistic affairs. Only Guru Sahib Ji knows when they will be gifted another opportunity.
On the other hand, many souls are extremely happy when their life night comes to an end. They have done their Guru proud. They have liberated their souls and will go on to liberate their friends, families and generations to come too.They have brought honour to themselves and all their loved ones. Their Guru will give them anything they wish for. They will always be content. They are now settled at the pure gate of sachkhand (gate of truth), listening to the sublime kirtan (singing of Gods praises) and living in amongst the most beautiful souls to have ever existed.
According to our past karma our soul continues it's journey. We can change our karma along the way, by becoming positive, meditating on Vaheguroo's Name, becoming virtuous, taking Guru Sahibs Amrit and remaining in sangat. our life's journey becomes easier and much more special to live.
"The soul usually knows what to do to heal itself, the challenge is to settle the mind through Naam meditation."
"Sweetness and humility are the essence of all virtues." Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Sweetness is not a complicated trait. Practice being sweet and humble to others, and see how they react to you.
Why is sweetness so powerful? Whenever one speaks softly, sweetly and acts humbly, this naturally melts the heart of the aggressor. They won't know how to react, as soft words cause others to become humble too.
However this only works if one has been practicing these virtues for a while and they have become a part of their life. As in this way, one genuinely kills there ego and wants to help or guide the negative energy ahead and further better themselves.
There are many stories of Sikhs, who have transformed the minds of many through sweet, soft speech. There was one man who wanted to hit someone but another Gursikh chased him round the room saying, "please let me kiss your feet." This mans anger was vanquished within minutes. He picked up the Gursikh and embraced him to his chest.
What does sweetness consist of? It consists of sweet speech, sweetness is constantly seen in the eyes of a Gurmukh (the one who remembers Vaheguroo with every breath), it is seen in the way they walk and the way they portray themselves. It is seen in the way they write and also their body language. Basically sweetness will be seen in every act they commit. Most people think old people are sweet, because they walk by lowering themselves. The Gurmukh (facing the Guru) walks in the same way, no matter how old or how youthful. Their mannerisms and their actions or continuously sweet.
People may act sweet but in reality it is a temporary sweet act, as without the naam; anger, selfishness, deceit, lust, attachment, greed, ego and dishonesty take over the mind. Such is the world we are living in.
Again, sweet, soft speech and sweet, loving, humble acts are only truly earned through meditation on Naam. This is the only way they are developed and there to stay. In this way the minds evil thoughts are replaced only by the love of Vaheguroo's name. After this, there are only virtues left within ones being. They don't even have to try, and still positive energy flows from their loving aura.
This is only through the Bakshish (blessings) of vaheguroo jee. The mantra of naam meditation brings out the virtues of God within the individual.
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "The sermon of Vaheguroo, Har, Har, is so very sweet; like the mute, I taste its sweetness, but I cannot describe it at all."
All trust the truthful person. Do not get in to the rut of lying and fibbing all the time. Be truthful about who you are and live with the truth of everyday life. This self discipline will allow you to expand your mind in to new realms.
It's easy to get in to the rut of lying and fibbing. The only problem is it becomes a part of us, which then can not be separated from us. When people catch on to this dishonest person, they soon want to be separated from such an individual. One is left with very little friends, as nobody has any trust in a dishonest person. The sad thing is, being dishonest, becomes so engrossed in the individual, they begin to think everything they say is the truth. How sad must this state of mind be.
Guru sahib ji in Gurbaani talks about the truthful beings. These humans will live and die for the truth. They will act according to the truth and they will never speak a word of a lie.
Why do they live in this way? Guru Sahib ji is the truth, God is the truth and for one to merge back in to the truth, they have to become the truth.
Guru Sahib ji says, one will only find peace, love, contentment, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness through practicing the truth.
Truth has a very powerful energy, which it lets out through ones aura. A genuine, truthful person stands out beautifully, whereas you only feel the negative energy within a dishonest person.
So why waste time? Practice truth, truthful living and self respect. This is the most beautiful way of life.
Guru Amardas Ji Says, "Peace and happiness shall fill your mind deep within, if you act according to truth and self discipline."
Guru Gobind Singh Ji (bapoo ji/pitta ji/father) spoke today!
I looked around the globe and was very hurt. I created the Khalsa in 1699 but I don't see it here today. With the blessings of Akaal Purakh, I created a very spiritual and and warrior like Khalsa.
I remember when I repeated the words, "chaar mooay tho Kyaa hooaa, jeevath kaee haazar." So what if four of my sons have passed away, many thousands of my sons will live through their sacrifice.
Now I come to see many of my sons and daughters are patit (not practicing). They have sold their Sikhi at the barbers shop. One of my Sikhs called Bhai Taru Singh, had his scalp removed but didn't let anyone touch his kesh (hair). But today, we go out at our own free will and desecrate our hair.
Please tell me, where did the spiritual teachings fail? Or is the failure in us? I watch my children on a daily basis, at every second of the day. I watch each and every one of you. I'm closer to you than your own hand is. Do you not think that your father loves you? Do you not think your father will do anything for you?
I only asked for one repayment and that was to continue spreading this beautiful path of Sikhi. So many thousands could be rid from coming and going in reincarnation.
There were forty Sikhs who wrote me a letter of separation. I accepted, I knew they would return and give their life for me. I now have millions of Sikh parents and children writing me letters of separation daily, through following their deluded minds. Why have you lost faith in your Guru? Why have you not trusted your father? If I have done anything wrong, please question me through the pure writings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. You will receive your answers immediately.
You still have an opportunity, to not stain your fathers dastaar (turban). Even if you take steps now, I will always love you and forgive you.
I promise I will give you all your minds desires, but I hope you understand, I would prefer them to be according to the True Guru's teachings (Gurmat).
Please accept your fathers wish, I will always love you without doubt! If I have a child who fulfils all his fathers wishes and then a child who is nalaaek (does his own thing), where do you think I would give more of my love and blessings? Even though I love them both equally!
Please take steps towards the perfect Guru my child. This is a begging (benti) from your father. I will not let you fall or fail.
This is a promise!
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Those who are protected by the Guru are saved. They are lovingly attuned to the True Vaheguroo."
Superstition is merely an extension of one's own insecurities. Do not look for answers in superstitious stories or rituals. These will only increase your own dependence in these false ideals. Realise the importance of yourself being and learn to take the good with the bad.
Superstition or ritualistic acts are not the cure. These make our mind weaker. Our mind tricks us in to finding the answer through these acts.
There are many people from various different faiths, in which are very superstitious and place great faith in ritualism. These acts will never bring us peace, contentment or happiness. Ritualistic acts are a form of ego for those who think they have a faith. By committing these acts they believe they have the right to be better than others. This only brings sorrow to the soul and mind, as it's true nature is only to love. Superstition will only bring hurt. It's a negative state of mind and should be avoided altogether.
There is only one cure, and that is the cure of naam meditation. This beautiful cure rids us of all rituals and superstitions. Our mind becomes more open and accepting to the wider world. It becomes much more relaxed. It's not affected by nothing worldly, when controlled by the naam mantra.
So if you are leading a life full of rituals and superstitious practices. Stop and think, what is the true meaning of this practice and how will it help you progress further spiritually.
The answer is it won't!!
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Practicing hypocrisy and superstition, people have grown weary of the effort, but still, deep within their hearts, they yearn for Maya (materialistic pleasure)."
I was driving to work today and something I saw made me write this poem!!
I WONDER IF THEY KNOW....
Crammed into lorries they cry out in separation, Cooped up in small spaces with little ventilation. From their caring mother they have had to let go, I wonder if they know...
Arriving at unfamiliar places, Loaded off with panicked faces. Huge psychological torture they undergo, I wonder if they know....
Inside the slaughterhouse they are made to wait, For showing distress the beating is great. They are hit with sticks and their pain really shows, I wonder if they know...
They watch their family being murdered for their meat, With chains they are hung upside down from their feet. As others watch on, hearing screams and moans, I wonder if they know....
The time comes for them to meet their fate, What crime have they done with a punishment so great. The knife is inserted and the blood flows, I wonder if they know....
An everyday story of an animals life, To satisfy the human, they must face the knife. Just like the Jews were herded onto trains, Their fate unknown and no one to explain. Animals face the same torture everyday, For this pain and suffering we must surely pay. Think before you eat, how would you feel, If you had to experience such an ordeal. Your body is not a graveyard, It's the temple of God, With care and compassion where love is stored.
Do we not feel the suffering and pain of this animal? We eat meat to satisfy our own taste buds, yet forget about all the torture we are held accountable for. When we eat flesh, we are accountable for all the karma the animal has brought with it. We eat all the rubbish the animal has also digested. How would we feel, if our loved ones were killed and eaten? Have we forgotten we are Sikhs (the army of God) and we are supposed to see God in all? Have we forgotten that a human being should be compassionate to all beings?
Bhagat Kabir Ji Says, "You say that the One Lord is in all, so why do you kill chickens?
O Mullah, tell me: is this God's Justice?
The doubts of your mind have not been dispelled. You have not understood spiritual wisdom and compassion."
There is a person who is selling a strawberry seed, which grows full size strawberries within twenty four hours. He says, "If you plant the seed today, then tomorrow you will be able to pick strawberries from it, as long as you are patient and leave it to grow."
A guy buys it and plants the seed, he is really excited and every few hours he keeps going out to the garden to check if the plant is growing. After about twelve hours, he doesn't see anything and gets frustrated and digs the seed up to see if it has sprouted. He lacks patience and faith and keeps checking the seed, until the seed gets damaged because he never let it grow naturally.
In the same way our life and mind gets damaged, because we don't have the patience and faith in Vaheguroo, to just let things happen naturally and to live in the beautiful will of Guru Sahib Ji. We have to keep checking and questioning Guru Sahib and are not prepared to just leave it in the hands of Vaheguroo.
We always ask and want more from Vaheguroo, yet we are not willing to give our Guru anything in return. He only asks us to help ourselves by keeping a physical and spiritual discipline, which will prepare us for the here and hereafter. We don't have the patience to accept their will and we blame Guru Ji when things have not gone in our favour.
Let's question ourselves and our jivan (life) not question the forever loving and compassionate Guru Sahib Ji.
Stop! Relax! Take things slowly and leave the rest in Guru Sahibs hands. Leave all the good and bad in their arms and see how your life changes for the better.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Through the Word of the Shabad, enter the Mansion of Vaheguroo's Presence; you shall be blessed with patience, forgiveness, truth and peace."
Someone sent me this inspirational post, I had to send on!
Vaheguroo, Panjvaa Bhejo Naa (Send the 5th one)
Once a principal of a village school in Punjab, invited Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji and his fellow singhs to do an akhand keertan samagam in his village. This samagam was to be a 4-day samagam and began on a Wednesday. Lots of school children attended it and some of them expressed their desire to do amrit chhak (Sikh Baptism). The amrit sanchaar was to be conducted on Sunday, the last day of samagam. On Thursday evening, the school principal sent a message to Bhai Sahib requesting him to prepone the Amrit Sanchaar. The principal was worried that 3 days of time might change the minds of amrit abhilakhi (potential candidates) children. Bhai Sahib agreed to prepone the samagam and decided to conduct it next day (Friday) morning.
In the morning, one of Bhai Sahib’s fellow singhs came to him and said, that they were one singh short for serving on Panj pyaare (5 beloved ones to ordain the ceremony). He also said that if we go to the city to bring a Singh, it would be almost evening by the time we return. Bhai Sahib said only Guru Sahib can find a way out now. He came to the main hall in the village gurdwara and asked all of the sangat to recite a paath of Siri Japji Sahib before doing the ardaas (prayer) for the Fifth Singh. After the recitation of Siri Japji Sahib, Bhai Sahib started doing the ardaas and by the time conclusion came, Bhai Sahib said:
O Sachhe Patshaah 'Panjva Bhejo na” He kept on saying “Panjva Bhejo naa” (send the fifth singh to serve as Panj Pyaara), “Panjva Bhejo naa”
Since, such a great Gurmukh was doing ardaas, how could it go unfulfilled.
ਬਿਰਥੀ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜਨ ਕੀ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥ The prayer of the Lord's humble servant is never offered in vain.
ਨਾਨਕ ਜੋਰੁ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਕਾ ਪੂਰਨ ਗੁਣਤਾਸਿ ॥2॥13॥77॥ Nanak takes the strength of the Perfect Lord of the Universe, the treasure of excellence.
Simulatneously Guru Sahib was doing kirpa and making arrangements for Bhai Sahib’s ardaas to be fulfilled.
A Gurmukh Pyaara (Bhai Sahib’s very good friend) was passing through the village and seeking directions to go to the city, unaware that Bhai Sahib was in the village. Suddenly, this Gurmukh Pyaara saw a beautiful Baana-clad Singh riding a bicycle coming towards him. Before this Grumukh could ask him for directions for going to the city, this Singh said, "are you looking for the place where Bhai Randhir Singh ji is doing the samagam?" The Gurmukh said. "Oh Bhai Randhir Singh ji is in town." He said yes and gave him directions to the school. When this Gurmukh reached the village gurdwara, he saw Bhai Sahib in complete Bairaag avastha (a state of longing), with tears rolling down from his eyes, saying “Panjva Bhejo naa”. This Gurmukh asked a person in the gurdwara as to what was Bhai Sahib doing ardaas for. He explained the situation to him and then this Gurmukh said “Panjva aa gaya” (the fifth singh to serve as Panj Pyaara has arrived). After this, Bhai Sahib completed the ardaas and then met his old friend. Both of them hugged and were completely in tears. Bhai Sahib asked his friend: "How come you are here?" He replied, "I was passing by and a beautiful Baana clad singh directed me towards you." One wanders who that beautiful Baana clad singh was? The fifth Singh was Sant Bhai Hira Singh Daudpuri, whose jeevan has been written in Ranglay Sajjan by Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee.
The Ardaas of a Gursikh is never failed by Guru Sahib ji. It's our belief in Guru Sahib, in which hinders the Ardaas to not come true.
Guru Amardas Ji Says, "Without You, nothing can be done. You Yourself have engaged all in their tasks. You have fulfilled my Prayer."
QUESTION: I know that Gurbani talks over and over about how, as humans, we are full of mistakes. Only Guru and Vaheguroo are perfect but why do I become attached to a man and begin following him?
GURU SAHIB: Remember bhulan andar sabh ko abhul guru kartaar and Guru Ji also adds, If you follow a person remember
Guru Jinaa kaa andhulaa, Sikh bhi anday Karam kareeyn - those whose Guru (teacher) is blind, his Sikhs (student) will also commit blind actions.
QUESTION: Guru sahib but why do I know more about this persons life than I know about you? Why do I listen to this person more than I listen to Gurbani? Why can't I realise that you tell me to have no reliance on a man but yet I still do?
Where I used to wake up and think of you, I now awake and think of them, Is this wrong? What if this man can help support on my Sikhi path?
GURU SAHIB: Maanukh Kee tekh birthee sabh jaan Devan ko Ekai bhagvaan The support which humans can provide is pointless. The one lord Vaheguroo is the only giver
Birthaaa bharvasa lok thakur Prabh teree tekh. Faith in people is pointless and worthless. Vaheguroo you are the only one who provides support.
QUESTION: So what should I do Guru sahib? Apna meet swami gaaeeyai - tisai tiaag maanukh jo sevai tao laaj loon hoe jaaeeai Sing the praises of the one Vaheguroo, those that forget him and start serving (singing praises or - follow) a person, will lose any honour they have, just like salt dissolving into water.
The most a human can provide is some inspiration, when we see the way they live - Nothing else.
Finally I ask how can I break this attachment to man?
Immerse yourself in Gurbani, and connect with Naam meditation. The majority of the Sikhi journey is an individuals journey, where no one can help you apart from Guru Sahib Ji. It is all about your connection and growing love for Guru. Those who still idolize Gursikhs, Kirtanees, Parchaariks (speakers) etc are at a very very early stage in their Sikhi. Those who recognise the journey of Vaheguroo within them will never look at another.
Akeee prem kasaaeeaa har har Naam pikhann Je kar dooja dekhde Tao Nanak kadh dichaan My eyes are filled with love having the Darshan of you (Naam roop) If I now start to look at another, please take my eyes out, for they serve no purpose.
98% of the people will read this and think that's me and do nothing about it. Make sure you're in the 2% which will act upon it.
Some people love football and will spend hours and hours watching and playing. They don't think twice about spending a whole evening or night watching football.
Some people love playing computer games and will play continuously without eating or sleeping.
Some love watching TV and will watch serials on different channels. Some spend the entire weekends watching TV or films.
When Gurusahib said we should repeat Vaheguroo, suddenly we have no time. When Gurusahib asks us to read and memorise Gurbani, suddenly we have no time When Gurusahib asked us to do seva (serve others), suddenly we have no time.
Ask yourself what do you do to feed your Sikhi AND WHAT DO YOU DO FOR THE PANTH??
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Be victorious in the game of life, and earn the profit of the Naam meditation."
As we take a journey of meditation and opening of the heart, let us experience the heart blossom like a lotus flower. let us connect with the Infinite fountain of love within. We can only truly love others when we are attuned to that Self love. All from the Source within.
'The fact is, if a person has not experienced the love of his or her own soul, there is no chance that, that person can go out and love, even though it is a faculty of love that you most powerfully need.' Yogi Bhajan
When one realises the wealth of love within through meditation, it becomes natural for them to love others in the same way. They see the soul of others, just as they see their own soul. Everything around them becomes spiritual, they tend not to look at anything through their worldly eyes. These eyes have now been transformed to the eyes of God, they only see the love of Vaheguroo in all.
The opening of the heart and mind only comes through the balance of naam meditation. Otherwise ones mind remains closed and is never ready to develop further and absorb the divine wisdom from within. The ocean of divine knowledge is within, yet we have cut all links to it through our ego and ignorance.
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "The Guru, the Perfect True Guru, is my Mother and Father. Obtaining the Water of the Guru, the lotus of my heart blossoms forth."
Maya's role is to entice you away from a righteous path. It will try many different ways and manifest in many different forms to lure you away from Guru Sahib Ji.
One of the forms it takes is through woman/man who could befriend you or try to gain your attention and attachment. Maya knows, that when you attach to her then you are in her clutches. From here she will dictate where you go, what you do and how far you can walk on the spiritual path. It's like having a shackle on you, you can only reach so far, and can be dragged back at any point.
Maya can appear as aalas (laziness). The voice in our head, which tells us to stay asleep at amritvela (early hours). The voice which tells us not to go to Kirtan programmes (singing Vaheguroo's praises) or do seva (selfless service). However it doesn't mind us doing seva, if we are only doing it to boost our ego in the form of Kirtan, tabla, gatka display etc.. The voice that doesn't want us to do anything Gursikhi orientated but instead feed it with TV, food and other stimuli.
Maya can appear in many other forms including ego. The voice that tells us we are something special. Which makes us put others down and glorify ourselves. When we understand our enemy then we can begin to fight it. In truth, constant Naam Jap (meditation) is the only thing which will hold the waves of maya back.
99.99% will fail but those that constantly immerse themselves in Naam and feel the naam vibrations inside, they will eradicate the power of maya and give themselves stability of mind to fight urges. It is a tough tough battle, but without solid amritvela Naam abhiyas (practice) to kick start your day, we have no chance..
"Kaam Krodh nagar meh sabla nit uth uth joojh kareejai" Sexual desire and anger are very powerful in the body-village; I rise up constantly to fight the battle against them.
Taking Amrit is the highest blessing one can receive from Guru Sahib. The soul has travelled through life times and life times of pain and suffering to get to this human birth. From here receiving Amrit, the soul is accepted into the kingdom of Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh Ji welcomes this soul into his family. For thousands and thousands of years, people have been looking for this immortality (Amrit), however it can only be received from the Guru.
Sur Nar Mun Jan Amrit Khojde, so Amrit Gur te paya The angels and the silent sages have been searching for the Amrit; this Amrit is obtained only from the Guru.
Amrit involves giving yourself completely to Guru sahib, so you surrender yourself 100% and whatever Guru Sahib says, we do.
eith maarag chalae bhaaeearrae gur kehai sa kaar kamaae jeeo || So walk on this Path, O soul-brides; do that work which the Guru tells you to do.
thiaagae(n) man kee matharree visaarae(n) dhoojaa bhaao jeeo || Abandon the intellectual pursuits of the mind, and forget the love of other things.
Prior to Amrit sanchaar, you need to try and ensure that for a short period, you have been waking up at amrit vela (between 2-4am) and doing ishnaan (bath) and then some Vaheguroo simran (meditation) and nitnem. The panj will ask you what tyaaree (preparation) have you done. They often find people make spur-of-the-moment and their lack of preparation means they fall very quickly. When I say fall, I mean their amritvela stops, they stop doing nitnem (daily prayers) etc… So they basically go back on all the promises they made in the Amrit sanchaar. So some level of prep is very important. From here when you go into the Amrit sanchaar (ceremony), the panj will make you aware of the commitment you are about to make, and whether you are 100% sure you want to do this. Remember Amrit is for us… Guru sahib doesn’t need us, we need Guru, so this is a huge blessing. The panj will make you aware of the conduct you must keep as a khalsa (pure soul).
• No meat fish or egg • No dishonouring of hair, meaning no cutting plucking, dying, lazering etc…. • No adultery or boyfriend/girlfriend business • No intoxicants…
From here, if you accept this and the rest of the spiritual wisdom given, the Panj (5 beloved ones) will give you Amrit. Amrit sanchaar is a world within a world. It will be something that you have never experienced before. I don’t want to tell you too much and to be honest, words wont be able to describe it either. One thing I should mention is Naam. When we are given Khande baate da Amrit, we are also given Naam, which is planted inside of us by the panj pyaray. They will place their hands on your head and do Vaheguroo Simran from inside their minds and bodies…. It is surreal. This implants the naam inside of you.
bin naavai jeevan naa thheeai maerae sathigur naam dhrirraae Without Naam, my life does not even exist. My True Guru has implanted the Naam within me.
samarathh guroo sir hathh dhharyo || The All-powerful Guru placed His hand upon my head.
gur keenee kirapaa har naam dheeao jis dhaekh chara(n)n agha(n)n haryo || The Guru was kind, and blessed me with the Lord's Name. Gazing upon His Feet, my sins were dispelled.
Reciting this Naam (once it has been implanted) is what will bring you closer to Vaheguroo and make your life the most blissful life ever. Giving your head to the Guru is the most amazing thing ever and the gift you receive in return will leave you with one regret... Why didn’t I take Amrit earlier!!
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "The True Essence is Amrit (Ambrosial Nectar); through the Ambrosial Words of the Perfect Guru, this Amrit is obtained."
