Sikhi Game of love- DEATH AROUND THE CORNER

DEATH AROUND THE CORNER

Your life night is slipping away, yet you carry on as though you will live forever. When are we going to realise that death is around the corner. Many have lost loved ones and realise that they can't hold on to anyone, once death comes knocking. They are there one minute gone the next. We repent and are upset for a few weeks and then we continue on as normal. We will never know, when the messenger of death is going to take us or any of our loved ones, yet we keep on letting this life night slip away.

What should we do about it? Why is it so important to not let this life slip away from our hands? Why can't we just carry on the way we are?

The soul is given this body to reunite itself with the one supreme God, yet we come in to this world and entangle ourself in materialistic pleasures and fail to recognise the true purpose of life.

When will we stop letting this human life slip away from us?

Guru Teghbahadur Ji Says, "Beet Jaihai Beet Jaihai Janam Akaaj Re.

Slipping away - your life is uselessly slipping away.

Nis Dhin Sun Kai Puraan Samajhat Neh Re Ajaan.

Night and day, you listen to the Puraanas, but you do not understand them, you ignorant fool!

Kaal Tu Pahoochio Aan Kahaa Jaihai Bhaaj Re.

Death has arrived; now where will you run?

Asathir Jo Maanio Dheh So Tu Teru Hoe Hai Kheh.

You believed that this body was permanent, but it shall turn to dust.

Kiu Na Har Ko Naam Lehi Moorakh Nilaaj Re.

Why don't you chant the Name of the Lord, you shameless fool?"

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- POSITIVE V NEGATIVE ENERGY

POSITIVE V NEGATIVE ENERGY

Guru Arjan Dev Ji Says, only those houses, mansions and stores are beautiful, where Vaheguroo (God) himself resides.

What does Guru ji mean by this?

Why can't anything else be beautiful and pure?

There are two types of energy in this universe; One is positive and the other is negative. The most positive energy anyone can find is the energy of Naam meditation. This energy purifies and beautifies everything. The negative energy is everything else. Even though everything else doesn't physically come across negative to us, it's still no where near as positive as the energy of God.

Why is the energy of God so pure and beautiful?

The energy is so beautiful, because God resides in every atom of this universe. When we connect to God, we also begin to reside in every atom of this universe.

So for those who want their houses, mansions and stores to be purified and beautified you need to meditate on God's name for this to happen.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji Says, "Ghar Mandhar HaTanaale Sohe Jis Vichi Naam Nivaasee Raam.

Homes, mansions, stores and markets are beautiful, when God's Name abides within them.

Sant Bhagat Har Naam Araadhahi KaTeeaai Jam Kee Faasee Raam.

The Saints and devotees worship the Lord's Name in adoration, and the noose of Death is cut away."

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- SUGAR CANE

SUGAR CANE

Even though people associated with many so called spiritual individuals will often use very lofty words, descriptions and titles to articulate the status and achievements of their religiosity, we are often left deeply disappointed after an encounter with someone, who has been introduced to us in such a manner.

So why are we left deflated in such situations?

The reality is that when we meet a spiritual being, we are expecting nothing but love and sweetness from such an encounter. We want to leave that person’s presence with some inspiration.

The key to our disappointments is usually that instead of the sweetness of their voices, we end up experiencing judgmental and negative speech.

The true devotees of Naam meditation are attuned to the lord of the universe at all times. As a result, they have nothing but love for all creation and will never exude anything other than sweetness and unconditional love for the all whole of God’s creation.

Guru Nanak Sahib Ji has expressed this beautifully in the following verse:

Saache gur kee saachee seekh ||

True are the Teachings of the True Guru.

Tan man seetal saach pareekh ||

The body and mind are cooled and soothed, by the touchstone of Truth.

Jal purain ras kamal pareekh ||

This is the true mark of wisdom, that one remains detached, like the water-lily or the lotus upon the water.

Sabadh rate meeThe ras ieekh ||3||

Attuned to the Word of the Shabad, one becomes sweet, like the juice of the sugar cane. ||3||

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- TRUE LOVE AND AFFECTION

TRUE LOVE AND AFFECTION

In Gurbaani, Guru ji talks about Happy soul brides and how they enjoy and ravish their husband Vaheguroo. Guru ji Says, they are only in this state, because they are attuned to the one mantra of God's name, Vaheguroo. In the same shabad Guru ji goes on to talk about how the soul brides (those that meditate regularly on God's name) are such noble, and loveable women. After being so noble and loveable, our soul unites with the one supreme God.

Guru Amandas Ji Says, "The happy soul-bride is attuned to the Word of the Shabad; she is in love with the True Guru.

Sadhaa Raave Pir AapaNaa Sachai Prem Piaar ||
She continually enjoys and ravishes her Beloved, with true love and affection."

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- THE WORLD IS BURNING

THE WORLD IS BURNING

During the global pandemic, many followers of the Sikh faith, have added small verses to their daily Ardas (prayer) in recognition of the fact that the whole of humanity is facing a crisis. They are asking the almighty to guide us all through these testing and troublesome times.

The metaphor that is often used in these verses is one that refers to the whole world as being on fire.

Considering Guru Sahib Ji wrote these verses almost 500 years ago; was there a pandemic during those times, that caused them to utter such prayers?

Was Guru Sahib Ji perhaps preparing us for a period like the current one that we all find ourselves in?

When we dive deep into these lines and really study them, we realise that perhaps the context within which they are being used nowadays, was not the original intention of Guru Jee.

The reality is that they were indeed observing a pandemic during their time on this earth. But, the disease that they identified as afflicting the whole of the human race was that of ego and materialistic tendencies.

It was to deliver humanity from these ailments of the mind, that Guru Jee wrote the verses and importantly also gave us the cure in the form of Naam meditation.

As we come out of the other side of the global pandemic, lets maintain our focus on ensuring that we all take the medicine prescribed by Guru Sahib Jee to cure the ills that afflict all our minds.

The below verse from the Third Master, Guru Amar Das Jee is one of the most popularly recited couplets in this context.

Jagat jala(n)dhaa rakh lai aapanee kirapaa dhaar ||
The world is going up in flames - shower it with Your Mercy, and save it!

Jit dhuaarai ubarai titai laih ubaar ||
Save it, and deliver it, by whatever method it takes.

Satigur sukh vekhaaliaa sachaa sabadh beechaar ||
The True Guru has shown the way to peace, contemplating the True Word of the Shabad.

Naanak avar na sujhiee har bin bakhasanahaar ||1||
Nanak knows no other than the Lord, the Forgiving Lord. ||1||

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- HOW TO OPEN THE TREASURE OF GURBANI!

HOW TO OPEN THE TREASURE OF GURBANI!

Gurbani is the treasure chest and the key is within Gurbani that opens it. There are riddles within Gurbani and those rare individuals who can solve them, will unlock a treasure beyond your imagination.

Mainly, its Bhagat Kabeer ji or Guru Angad Dev ji who have a lot of riddles within the bani that was sent to them by God. So, in a way, they have the keys to the kingdom. That is why Bhagat Kabeer Ji is known as Shiromani (highest) Bhagat, and Bhai Lehna Ji became a part of Guru Nanak Dev ji. That’s why the name Angad was given and Gurtakht (Guru’s kingdom) was bestowed upon him and not his sons.

Pancham Pathshah (5th Guru), starts to open up this treasure chest and makes it easier to access this spiritual treasure chest. He deciphers a lot of the riddles for us and makes Gurbani accessible to anyone who has spiritual thirst.

“peeuoo dhaadhe kaa khol ddiThaa khajaanaa || taa merai man bhiaa nidhaanaa” ||1||
When I opened it up and gazed upon the treasures of my father and grandfather,
then my mind became very happy. ||1||

“ratan laal jaa kaa kachhoo na mol || bhare bha(n)ddaar akhooT atol” ||2||
The storehouse is inexhaustible and immeasurable, overflowing with priceless jewels and rubies. ||2||

The Father here is known as the soul and the Grandfather is the supreme soul (God). Guru Maharaj Ji is trying to explain the spiritual treasure that is within our heart. The whole purpose of Gurbani is to access this treasure within and unite back with God. When you access the one you will access the others. Like you cannot separate light and heat from the Sun. By experiencing the two, it shows the Sun is present. In the same way, when you experience Naam (God’s Name) and bharamgian (wisdom of God), it shows that God is present. As everyone will know, to access this, one will have to eliminate Pride.

Bhagat Kabeer Ji explains a riddle that is one of the keys to unlocking Gurbani. These six vices are the foundation of the five vices that are mentioned in Gurbani.

“kabeer ek mara(n)te dhui mooe dhoi mara(n)teh chaar” ||
Kabeer, when one died, two were dead. When two died, four were dead.
“chaar mara(n)teh chheh mooe chaar purakh dhui naar” ||91||
When four died, six were dead, four males and two females. ||91||

Look at this as a domino effect. When one vice dies, it triggers a chain reaction, that destroys all six. Pancham Pathshah explains what these six are. The four masculine ones are:
haumai, moh, bharam, bhai bhaar ||
self-centered, attachment, doubt and loads of fear;
Later on, Guru Ji reveals the two feminine vices, which are durmat (evil mindedness) and trishna (desires);

“mirag tirasanaa ga(n)dharab nagara(n) dhrum chhaayaa rach dhuramateh” ||
Misled by evil-mindedness, mortals are engrossed in the mirage of the illusory world, like the passing shade of a tree.

The way this works, you have to destroy durmat (anything that is not Guru’s spiritual wisdom), that’s the first domino that falls. This in turn destroys the desires for Maya (materialism). The next two are masculine vices to go, which are Haumai (self-centred) and Moh (attachment). The reason these two are together is, that you are attached to yourself. When your desires for Maya go, these two also disappear. The next two are Bharam (doubt) and Bhao (fear). The doubt of believing there is a God disappears and the fear of death and Maya disappears totally. When all six have gone the 5 vices go with them, as they are only within Maya. Thus, you have reunited with the beloved God what we were separated from.

The First step is every difficult, as you only need to take the one step in destroying durmat and the chain reaction will start. One by one they all will disappear. When it is done you will have Gurmat, divine consciousness (Bharamgian). Durmat means: using someone else’s thinking and thinking negatively. This is why Gurbani has been revealed with a mission to get rid of Durmat, to start a chain reaction that will lead to Gurmat consciousness and the Naam meditation of complete purity

“sikh kee gur dhuramat mal hirai || gur bachanee har naam ucharai” ||
The Guru washes away the filth of the evil intellect of His Sikh.

Through the Guru's Teachings, he chants the Lord's Name.
That is why Gurbani is so important as it is washing away durmat, which will lead you to the Naam treasure. In this way we become an embodiment of Gurbani and achieve the purpose of our life.

“satigur kee baanee sat saroop hai gurbaanee baneeaai” ||
The Word of the True Guru's Bani is the embodiment of Truth; through Gurbani, one becomes perfect.

This is just one example of a key riddle that is unlocking a treasure chest within Gurbani. Through living upon it, bani will guide you to the spiritual treasure within your heart. It shows how deep Gurbani is and we shouldn’t just read it on a surface level and should start doing more khoj (finding a deeper meaning), in order to find our true, inner self and become one with our supreme soul, which is God.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- HYPOCRISY

HYPOCRISY

There are many people in today's society that deceive people by wearing all kinds of different outfits. Some people wear religious robes but in their heart, they practise falsehood. If we do represent any faith and we do decide to wear the attire, we should make sure our mind is cleansed with it, because otherwise we come across as hypocrites, if we are not doing the right thing.

There is a beautiful shabad in Gurbaani (Guru's teachings) that explains the above to us.

The shabad (hymn) goes on to say, God will not accept us in this way and it's as good as dunking our bodies into manure by living in this way.

Guru Sahib ji then goes on to give us a cure and a solution for this. He says, only through good deeds, speaking to like minded people and meditating on God's name will we be able to purify our thoughts and become one with Akaal Purakh Vaheguroo (God).

We need to dress ourselves on the inside before we dress spiritual on the outside, otherwise we become to look fake and we bring our faith down with us.

Guru Amardas Ji Says, "Bahu Bhekh Kar Bharamaae'eeaai Man Hiradhai KapaT Kamaae
People wear all sorts of costumes and wander all around, but in their hearts and minds, they practice deception.

Har Kaa Mahal Na Paave'ee Mar VisaTaa Maahi Samaae
They do not attain the Mansion of the Lord's Presence, and after death, they sink into manure."

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

I saw some beautiful art work on the library walls; the illustration was of the Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl.

Firstly, when I saw the art, I was wonder struck by how beautiful the picture was but then, when I looked further down the picture, there was also a quote by the author that blew me away. The quote was, "If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely."

The first thought I had, when reading the quote was Naam (The Name of God). It just made me think about those beautiful people who meditate on Vaheguroo's name and how their faces shine like the sun has been beaming on them, and how they always look so beautiful.

The second thought that came to my mind was, if we have positive thoughts, we look beautiful but if we have negative thoughts, we must look scary.

The mind is so beautiful! When we are positive, it shows in our face; it moves in our body; it speaks on our tongue; it shines in our eyes; it radiates in our whole being and when we are negative it does exactly the same in a negative way.

How do we prefer the world to see us?

Bhagat Fareed Ji Says,Fareed, the faces of those who forget God's name are dreadful. "Fareeda Tinaa mukh daraavanay jinaa visaarian nao."

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- BLENDING IN

BLENDING IN

People put a huge amount of effort in to trying not to stand out, and will go to great lengths to show that they are part of the crowd. Some would say that this is human nature.

However, Guru Sahib has been quite clear that the spiritual path is challenging, and not everyone will automatically go down this route.

As spiritualists, we should never forget that ours is a difficult path that requires the utmost focus at all times.

We have to continue to live in this world but at the same time live a little above it. We must not allow the desire of wanting to fit in to societal norms, take us away or distract us from the central focus of our lives of Naam Meditation.

When we are blessed with the Gurmantar from Guru Sahib Ji, in the form of the Panj Pyaray, we must ensure that meditation on this Naam Mantar becomes the core of our existence, and nothing else in this world should ever get in the way of that focus.

We read the following teachings from Guru Amar Das Jee in our daily recitation of their Bani Anand Sahib.

Bhagathaa Kee Chaal Niraalee ||
The lifestyle of the devotees is unique and distinct.

Chaalaa Niraalee Bhagathaah Kaeree Bikham Maarag Chalanaa ||
The devotees' lifestyle is unique and distinct; they follow the most difficult path.

Lab Lobh Ahankaar Thaj Thrisanaa Bahuth Naahee Bolanaa ||
They renounce greed, avarice, egotism and desire; they do not talk too much.

Khanniahu Thikhee Vaalahu Nikee Eaeth Maarag Jaanaa ||
The path they take is sharper than a two-edged sword, and finer than a hair.

Gur Parasaadhee Jinee Aap Thajiaa Har Vaasanaa Samaanee ||
By Guru's Grace, they shed their selfishness and conceit; their hopes are merged in the Lord.

Kehai Naanak Chaal Bhagathaa Jugahu Jug Niraalee ||14||
Says Nanak, the lifestyle of the devotees, in each and every age, is unique and distinct. ||14||

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- Naam Simran & Gurbani

Naam Simran & Gurbani

(Remembrance/Meditation on God’s Name & The Guru’s Word)

Some believe that there is no difference between Naam and Gurbani; some further believe that Gurbani is Naam, however, Gurbani states the following:

Fir Charrai Dhivas Gurabaanee Gaavai Behadhiaa Outhadhiaa Har Naam Dhhiaavai||

Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to then meditate on the Lord's Name.

It is clear that our daily task has not been completed after reciting Gurbani. We are given two different instructions, where one is to recite Gurbani and two, remember the divine through Naam Meditation. Recitation of Gurbani and Naam Simran are complementary to each other. While Gurbani brings us closer to an understanding of God, Simran truly unites us with the divine. Gurbani instructs, guides, motivates and assists one to fall in love with the divine by singing its praises. Gurbani supports one in Naam Simran.

Reading the Bani and doing Simran are both interrelated. Just as cooking food, and then eating it. But if we cook, and then do not eat, how can our hunger for the Truth (Vaheguroo) ever be satisfied? Similarly, one can read a book on ''How To Swim'' as many times as they want, but it does not mean that individual is now a swimmer, unless they did some actual practice. Likewise, Gurbani says to swim across this turbulent world ocean. Gurbani can be seen as a theory and doing Naam Simran is the practical.

The Mantra engages the mind to become still and become one with the breath and mind. Gurbani is the teachings we have to live by and make them a part of our life. The Guru’s Sikh needs them both to purify their mind.

Gurbani will take you into Naam, and Naam will take you into Vaheguroo. Guru Nanak has given two precious gifts, Gurbani and Naam to carry us across this terrifying, worldly ocean!

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- FIND YOURSELF

FIND YOURSELF

In modern times, it has become hip and trendy for people (especially youngsters) to go travelling with a view to “finding themselves” or their purpose in life.

This has become a present day myth that we need to go out in search of the answers.

Many of the great world faiths have also had monastic traditions that encouraged individuals to remove themselves from the everyday world to focus on their religious practices. Others have had practices such as living in remote forests or hills/mountains to lead a life of spirituality.

The Sikh Guru’s have questioned the need for all such practices on the basis that the universe resides inside each and every one of us.

When we have misplaced something in our home, we will look everywhere in the house for the item but never go outside. We know, what a waste of time and effort it is to even go looking anywhere else, when we are 100% sure that it is definitely in the house.

This is the philosophy that Guru Nanak Sahib has taught us. There is no need to look anywhere else but within. All the treasures of the universe are already in our soul.

Living the life of a householder and undertaking all our worldly duties, we can still maintain our inward focus on Naam meditation.

Man Rae Thhir Rahu Math Kath Jaahee Jeeo ||
O my mind, remain steady, and do not wander away.

Baahar Dtoodtath Bahuth Dhukh Paavehi Ghar Anmrith Ghatt Maahee Jeeo||
By searching around on the outside, you shall only suffer great pain; the Ambrosial Nectar is found within the home of your own being.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- BRIEF MOMENTS

BRIEF MOMENTS

It is said that, when Guru Nanak Sahib Jee asked his two companions, how long could they guarantee their lives would last. Their response was, at least until we travel to the next village or until tomorrow. The story then goes in to say, when Guru Jee’s companions asked the very same question, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji responded by saying, that he could only guarantee the breath that he was taking at that moment.

This teaching is a core concept within Sikhi. The appreciation that the moment of death could quite literally be anytime.

The reason this is so important is, that it is precisely this mindset that keeps one centred and focussed on Naam meditation at all times. When you live with the realisation that the moment of death could be any time, then the minds wandering ceases and all attention turns to constant Simran (remembrance of God).

Sadly, in the modern materialistic world, people are so engrossed in the pleasures of the world, that they almost completely forget this inevitably.

Guru Nanak presents this teaching in the following way.

Ham Aadhamee Haan Eik Dhamee Muhalath Muhath N Jaanaa ||
We are human beings of the briefest moment; we do not know the appointed time of our departure.

Naanak Binavai Thisai Saraevahu Jaa Kae Jeea Paraanaa ||1||
Prays Nanak, serve the One, to whom our soul and breath of life belong. ||1||

Andhhae Jeevanaa Veechaar Dhaekh Kaethae Kae Dhinaa ||1|| Rehaao ||
You are blind - see and consider, how many days your life shall last. ||1||Pause||

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- SPOILT CHILD

SPOILT CHILD

When we visit a friend or relatives house, where they have a child who is over active and excitable, we start to feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. We often come away thinking maybe they don’t discipline the child enough or don’t they see how bad the behaviour of the child is.

The reality is that we all have a spoilt child within us at all times, in the form of our minds. Just like the insolent child, the mind also is over active and running in all directions at all times and giving its attention to things that it shouldn’t.

Central to our spiritual discipline is the effort that we need to make to bring this spoilt child under our control. We need to anchor the mind in the Shabad (word) of the Guru and stop it into whichever direction if finds pleasing.

This spoilt child is really the offspring of our egos. It is the ego and the desires of our base animal nature that cause it to run in all directions. It will only learn to sit quietly when we centre it in our meditation practice. Through Naam meditation, all the distractions that feed the ego and our base instincts will start to diminish.

Guru Ram Daas Jee puts this beautifully in the following lines.

Kaaneiaa Nagar Eik Baalak Vasiaa Khin Pal Thhir N Rehaaee ||
Within the body-village there lives a child who cannot hold still, even for an instant.

Anik Oupaav Jathan Kar Thhaakae Baaran Baar Bharamaaee ||1||
It makes so many efforts, and grows weary, but still, it wanders restlessly again and again. ||1||

Maerae Thaakur Baalak Eikath Ghar Aan ||
O my Lord and Master, Your child has come home, to be one with You.

Sathigur Milai Th Pooraa Paaeeai Bhaj Raam Naam Neesaan ||1|| Rehaao ||
Meeting the True Guru, he finds the Perfect Lord. Meditating and vibrating on the Name of the Lord, he receives the Insignia of the Lord. ||1||Pause||

Vaheguroo!