Daas used to be mona (cut hair) many years ago, until Guru sahib ji took pitty on me and blessed me in their divine sanctuary. Whilst sat there, the speaker on the stage was talking about Guru Teghbahadur Jis sacrifice for the Hindu faith.
Cutting a long story very short, the Hindu hill kings were being converted to Islam. They were given an option to convert or to bring a saint, who will sacrifice his head, in order to save their faith.
The Hindus approached the ninth Guru, Guru Teghbahadur ji and requested for a saint to sacrifice their head. Gobind Rai (Guru Gobind Singh Ji, son of Guru Teghbahadur), at the age of 5 spoke and said, "There is no greater saint than you father, to give your head and save the Hindu faith". Guru ji accepted and they were beheaded. Guru Ji was named, 'Hindh di Chadar' (the saviour of Hinduism).
Guru Ji's head was brought back to Gobind Rai. They asked how many Sikhs were present? Bhai Jetha replied, "There were many sikh families but I couldn't recognise any. They all looked like Muslims and Hindus."
Gobind Rai responded by saying, "I will create such a Khalsa, that will stand out in thousands. All my khalsa will keep their kesh (hair) and both males and females will wear tall turbans."
When hearing this story, I went home, looked in the mirror and saw myself as a None sikh person, with the surname Singh standing at the mirror. From that day onwards, I did ardaas for Guru Ji to bless me and never looked back since. Guru ji took immense pitty.
I was faced with many difficulties and problems, whilst keeping my hair but If we have faith in Guru Ji and ardaas, they will pull us through and never let us down. Guru Ji loves us more than we can ever comprehend.
Guru sahib blessed his Sikhs with sardaaree (turbans). Only highly respected, rich people were allowed to wear a turban back in the days. Guru ji said, "All my sikhs will wear a turban and no one will have the courage to stop them."
"Purify what is impure and let the lords presence be your religious tradition. Let your total awareness be the turban on your head."
"One can not be called a sikh without physical/spiritual discipline. One will suffer at every door."
Rehitnama, Amrit kirtan
Most of the 'Game Of Love' posts have been based on spiritual discipline (rehit), we have not really spoke much on physical discipline.
Physical discipline is as important in a Sikhs life, as spiritual discipline. They both work hand in hand. One can not be complete without the other. Physical discipline protects and holds the spiritual shabad (word/mantra) within the mind.
Guru sahib has made it clear, without Amrit, Guru, Sangat and spiritual/physical rehit (discipline) we can not be complete and liberate our soul. For a sikh, the Guru's way is a must!
The minimum discipline for a sikh is 5Ks (panj kakaar) through an Amrit Sanchaar ceremony. Many baptised Sikhs keep additional disciple i.e. Bana (attire) and a preparation of their own food.
Every army has it's own uniform and discipline. We are the army of God (akaal purakh ki fauj), so in the same way, we have ours.
Many people argue saying, 'only the mind needs to be pure and we don't need to accept the Amrit.' It always makes me ask, 'so was Guru Gobind Singh Ji's mind not pure for them to create the blessed Amrit (blessed nectar).' Amrit means, to bring the dead back to life (shedding light on the ignorant mind). Guru ji created the Amrit, blessed it to 5 singhs and then begged for it from them (panj).
If we are meditating on Vaheguroo's name, we will only truly be blessed and feel the full affect of it, when we go to the panj (5 singhs) and beg for the name in the blessed presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj Ji.
Guru Amardas Ji Says, "Jath sath thap pavith sareeraa har har ma(n)n vasaaeae." Abstinence, truthfulness and self-discipline are obtained, and the body is purified; the Lord, Har, Har, comes to dwell within the mind.
There is a secret within us all. Many people search outside for those things that will answer their souls questions. However, contemplating on the innermost you and through sincere effort and blessing, you will find that all the answers to your questions are found within.
We all ignore the fact that death can take us at any time. No one knows when they will breathe their last breath.
Lately, I have experienced many young deaths. There one minute and gone the next. We always think the elders will pass away first. We live as though we will never die. When our time comes, we will have to depart. Who can save us from leaving this body, when death calls. No one will come anywhere near helping us.
We spend most of our life, studying, working, collecting money, buying land, buying many houses, buying many cars and living luxurious life styles. When our time is up, none of this is going with us. We will leave it all behind. We put our mind and body through so much stress and pressure to earn all we have, yet it will all be left behind. We will not even get the space of a bathroom in the house we spent many years earning for.
Guru sahib ji says, 'we have a life as a diamond, yet we waste it for mere shells.'
The secret within is Gur Amrit Naam. Meditation on this Naam is the only substance which will fulfil our soul and answer all our minds desires. Through this Naam we will be blessed with respect, love and knowledge of this world and the spirit world.
Naam, Gurbaani and the loved blessings (asseesaa) of Gursikhs, is the only gem which will support our soul on the other side.
"Deep within the self is the secret, but the fool looks for it outside." Guru AmarDas Ji 1479-1574
"Saintly people continually peck at the divine name, like swans pecking at pearls in the ocean."
Guru Amardas Ji 1479-1574
The company of saintly and good people is sought by all. Seek the company of those who make you feel happy, comfortable and peaceful. Soon, you will find that you become like them and enrich your own daily feelings and experiences.
Meditation on Naam is what develops saintly people. Guru sahib says, 'when we remember Vaheguroo with love, in single minded concentration, in that instants we become saintly.'
Saintly people never let go of the Naam, as they are aware, it's only the naam that will purify their mind from negativity and guide them through this terrifying world ocean.
We will always become like our company, whether it's positive or negative, so it's very important we seek the company of like minded spiritual beings. Our sangat (company) will always pull us through in the end.
"The treacherous and terrifying world ocean is crossed over, in the boat of the saadh sangat (spiritual company)." Guru Arjun Dev Ji
His was another era in which he studied Panjabi, sanskrit, braj, persian, urdu and English. He wrote countless books including classics like Sundri and Vijay Singh and took on the right wing Hinduvata who were determined to break Sikhs from their independent and unique Sikhi. Here are a few of his words on Naam ..
When this eternal, pure light meets with the spark of light within you, at that moment enlightenment takes place. Your life, as you know it ceases. This pure light transforms you. Wonder and gratitude fill every pore of your being.
If this union does not take place, then you continue to live like an extinguished lamp, low in spirits and powerless to rise above worldly desires. This is the cause of pain and suffering. So train your mind to always remain in the presence of the Divine.
Think, when you remember someone, is your attention not that person? Attention is the essence in this world. When you give something your total attention, the work gets accomplished. But when the attention gets diverted, the work suffers. When a student gives his attention to his education, he gets educated. Similarly, if you focus your attention on the Divine and its attributes, you too will reap the benefits. So raise your consciousness above the seen world and focus your attention on the Divine.
When you begin to feel the love of the Divine within your mind and body, know that grace has been bestowed. This is naam.
Dyed in the love of the Divine you will see the Divine pervading everywhere. This is naam.
When your attention turns from the seen world, towards the Divine world, that is also naam.
Naam is not mere repetition.
Naam is repetition, recitation, remembrance and sensation.
Naam is life!
Naam is grace!
Naam is the divine light meeting the light within you.
Naam is love, devotion, ecstasy and rapture.
Naam is when in your remembrance of the Divine, you feel a heavenly sensation on your tongue.
Naam is when all the cells in your body get immersed in the love of the Divine and the flow of blood through your veins resounds with the sensation of the Divine.
Every pore, every cell rejoices. At that moment, you are truly awake. You are truly alive. To know naam; to understand naam, you must have faith. Faith, that the Divine is all-pervading. Faith, that in the seen and unseen world, it is the Formless One that permeates. Faith, that invisible to the naked eye, the Pure Light of the Divine is in each and every being. Faith, that the Divine is eternal strength. Faith, that the power and ways of the Divine cannot be known by mortals, for the Divine is immortal.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Naam vihoonaa mukath kiv hoee." Without the Naam, the Name of the Lord, how can anyone find liberation?
"Do not fall in to a quarrel by calling someone bad."
Guru Nanaj Dev Ji 1469-1539
Quarrels bring grief to all those involved. No quarrel can solve a problem. Avoid such negativity and look for a positive solution to every situation you face.
When we quarrel with others, we always assume we are right through our ego. The funny thing is, quarrels are usually very trivial and can normally be resolved without getting heated. Our minds are so focussed and trained in this taste of ego, that it has become natural for us to quarrel and argue. We have virtually accepted this way of life for resolving problems. We have made it the norm.
The other day, I witnessed two people quarrelling. They were having a real go at each other. When asked, what they were quarrelling about and calming them both down, it ended up as a nothing issue.
We usually get heated over small issues, blow them out of proportion and end up winding each other up. When we are given time to relax, calm down and re-think the whole situation, the result and outcome is always different to the way we handled it with a heated mind.
Experiencing this argument looked very bad from an outsiders point of view and looked worse than what it was. Just remember, this is how we look in front of others when we quarrel.
We have to learn to remain calm, when someone wants to quarrel with us. Calm them down, listen to exactly what they have to say and come to a solution, whilst calm. Try not to wind them up, as anger when coming together always makes situations worse. This may mean walking away from the situation or asking to speak about it later. Relationships take many years to build, yet seconds to destroy.
Meditation on the Naam, always replaces angry thoughts in to extremely positive thoughts and actions.
Guru Angad Dev Ji says, "I am not good; no one is bad." So who are we quarrelling with.
"My dear lord and master, my friend, speaks so sweetly."
Guru Arjun Dev Ji 1563-1606
In this shabad, Guru ArjunDev Ji goes on to say, 'I have gone on to test God but he never hurts anyone by speaking harsh words. God struggles to speak bitter words and never looks at anyone's negatives, as all is the one God. This is the natural way in which Vaheguroo (God) purifies and saves sinners.'
When we are in the remembrance and contemplation of God, 24/7 with every breath, our conscious mind will never let us speak bad about anyone or look at anyone's negatives, as the love and virtues of God will shine through us and naturally we would see the good in all with every breath. Life would be in the form of a mirror. That what we experience on the inside, would shine forth on the outside and all our virtues would be seen in everyone we come in to contact with.
Also, the same happens in the opposite way; When we are negative, narrow minded and very judgemental, we would treat everybody else in the same way and not trust anyone. This is why Guru Ji says, 'practise the virtue of humility and sweet speech, as this pierces the hearts of all and one would only be offered love and respect back in return.'
Sweet speech consists of speaking softly, speaking in humility, love, respect, and speaking through good manners. Most people are judged through the words they speak. The spirit is connected to love, so most sane people react positively to virtuous, sweet speaking human beings.
The way one walks, their body language, the way they write, the look in their eyes, aura, energy and everything about them will become warm and sweet. All the above is developed through constant meditation on Vaheguroo's name, as meditation replaces anger, harsh words, ego and balances the mind.
"The one who is sweet and dear to the lord is loved and dear to all, all others come and go in vain." Guru Amardas ji. "Jo har ka pyaaraa, so sabna ka pyaara."
As Sikhs we can learn from anything and everything. We just have to be open minded and relate everything to God. This usually happens when we meditate and contemplate on Vaheguroo's name.
Guru sahib ji has mentioned many animals in Gurbani and related them with God. Just as the line above does.
Dogs are very loving and loyal animals, if treated with love, affection and taught correctly. There is no animal like them for their obedience. In the same way a Sikh should be loyal, faithful, obedient and ever loving to Vaheguroo (God).
A short story comes to mind, In which turned my love, loyalty and faith closer to Guru ji.
The power of love and a teaching of loyalty to our master (God/Guru)!
Hachiko was a Japanese Akita dog in japan. His master was a Professor. He walked to the train station everyday with his master and went home. Hachiko always came back to collect the Professor daily. The Professor had a heart attack at school one day and never returned home via the train. Hachiko the dog, travelled to the train station every single day for 10 years, at exactly the same time to collect his master but sadly he never met him ever again.
He died daily in his longing and remembrance and eventually after 10 years of yearning and waiting in love, he died and was buried by the side of his master.
Are we as loyal to our master (Guru ji)? If yes, does it show in our spiritual development, character and physical appearance.
The humility of Guru Ramdas Ji is immense. 1534-1581
"O Gurmukhs, O my friends and companions, give me the gift of the Lord's Name, the life of my very life. I am the slave, the servant of the Guru's Sikhs, who meditate on the Lord God, the Primal Being, night and day. Within my mind and body, I have enshrined love for the feet of the Guru's Sikhs. O my life-mates, O Sikhs of the Guru, O Siblings of Destiny, instruct me in the Teachings, that I might merge in the Lord's Merger."
Bapu Ji (father, Guru ji) shared something amazing yesterday. He said, 'we can measure someone's love for Sikhi and Guru Sahib, by seeing how they treat other Gursikhs and Sangat.'
Gursikhs belong to Guru Sahib so if we have love for Guru Sahib, we will automatically have love for everything related to Guru Sahib. Especially his Gursikhs.
Reminds me of something someone else had said earlier, that we should kiss the feet of even a dog that lives near a Gursikhs house! But sometimes we can't even treat Gursikhs with any love, forget about the dog. Love is very distant. We find it very easy to hurt and disrespect Gursikhs (Guru's children).
If we hurt the feelings or inflict any form of pain and suffering upon anyone, let alone Guru's Sikhs, Guru Sahib Ji will not be happy with the way we have conducted ourselves in our Pavittar (pure) form. We become a stain upon our fathers (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) turban.
We have lost our love for Guru Sahib Ji. This is the reason, why we don't have the same love for Gursikhs anymore. We don't live our lives according to the Gurbaani lines quoted at the top of the page.
"Gurbaani Banneeai" ang (page) 304. Guru Ramdas Ji says, 'become Gurbaani, the walking figure of Guru Jis perfect and spiritual teachings.'
Can we truly say, we are taking steps to become like Gurbaani? Are we true to our hearts and Guru Ji? Do we love Guru's Sikhs, even if their views are slightly different or contrary to ours? Have we lost our patience and failed to develop Guru Ji's loving virtue of tolerance? DO WE SEE GOD IN ALL? Do we think, we have more of a hold on Gurmat (Guru's teachings) than other Sikhs of the Guru? Do we think, we have the right to behave in an anti Gurmat way, if we feel others have disrespected our way of thinking? Some points to ponder on! If we answer the questions above honestly, they should give us an idea of how close we actually really are to Guru Ji.
"All Gursikhs actions should only be according to Gurmat."
The sign of true Gursikhs love will be, when they recognise and do saanj (look at views shared) of Gurmat and ignore the contrary. Views shared by Gursikhs will always outweigh views contrary at around 90%-10%.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Saanj kareejai guneh kaeree shhodd avagan chaleeai." Let us form a partnership, and share our virtues; let us abandon our faults, and walk on the Path together.
Guru Arjun Dev Ji - "Hoe eikathr milahu maerae bhaaee dhubidhhaa dhoor karahu liv laae." Come and join together, O my Siblings of Destiny; dispel your sense of duality and let yourselves be lovingly absorbed in the Lord.
"Har naamai kae hovahu jorree guramukh baisahu safaa vishhaae." Let yourselves be joined to the Name of the Lord; become Gurmukh, spread out your mat, and sit down together.
"I respectively bow to those who have power, yet remain humble."
Bhai Gurdas Ji 1551-1636
Power can destroy or heal. Power can turn the mind away from the needs of the soul. Those people who have power yet attend to the needs of the spirit, realise what true power is. When you have true power, always remember your humility towards others.
Power can come in many forms. Some people have the power and wealth of money. Some people have the power of status, authority and positions.
Everyone is powerful in their own way. Guru sahib ji tells us, the most powerful human being is the one who remembers God (Vaheguroo). If we don't remember God, all worldly power and wealth is worthless. We need to remember, all we have is Gods (Guru Jis). They can give and take back at any time.
The God loving human being, will always remain humble, even if they have all the wealth and power in the world.
The aura and energy of Naam, will always keep them radiant and powerful in both this world and the next (spirit world).
Let's forget fighting for worldly positions, as in the end these positions will be filled by others, after we depart. We will only be remembered, if we have loved, respected and genuinely helped others, whilst having the power of these worldly positions.
Guru ArjunDev Ji Says, "All wealth, power and the eight miraculous spiritual powers are in the supremely sublime essence of Naam."
"O son, why do you argue with your father? It is a sin to argue with those who nurtured and raised you."
Guru Ramdas Ji 1534-1581
In this day and age, it has become the norm to disrespect our elders and get away with it.
We have started to think they should do as we say and not the other way round. Parents also have adopted this philosophy and have started to let children get away with disrespecting them.
Equality has hit another level. We want to be equals with everyone and everything they do.
When daas was growing up, whatever our parents said was final, no questions asked. In this way, love and respect stayed intact.
We have forgotten about all that our parents have done for us. They brought us in to this world, nurtured us, clothed us, educated us and fed us. The question is, what haven't they done for us?
In reality, we can not pay our parents back for what they have done for us. Without them, we wouldn't be, who we are today.
Please remember this the next time we have a petty falling out with our parents.
Guru sahib ji has given parents the respect of God, as they gave us our first teachings. Let's remember all the good they have done for us and guarantee we will never upset them again. Their short falls come no where near.
Ego and anger is only controlled through meditation, which creates a balance within.
"The name of The Lord is the medicine; it is like an axe, which destroys the diseases caused by anger and egotism." Guru ArjunDev Ji
Unconditional love is the only substance we can repay our parents back with.
"O Guru Amardas Ji, your glorious virtues are so sublime; your praises belong only to you."
Bhatt Bal Ji ang 1396.
Sree Guru Amar Das Jeeβs First Sermon
When Sree Guru Amar Das jee became Guru, historians have recorded his first words to the Sangat:
βIf someone treats you badly, bear it. If you bear it three times, the fourth time Vaheguroo will be on your side. The aggressor will be given such a punishment that he will not be able to save himself, regardless of all his efforts. Vaheguroos grindstone (of justice) may turn very slowly, but the grain is ground very finely (the justice is perfect).β
Then, Guru jee read the 21st PauRee of Sree Asa Kee Vaar βJit saeviai sukh paeeai so sahib sadaa samaaleeaaiβ¦β
He then continued,
βBe kind to everyone. Having pride over anything is not noble.
Consider the company (immoral relations) with another woman/man to be like the company of a snake or a murderous elephant. Never even by mistake go into bad Sangat (company).
Humility is the greatest weapon. Never speak badly.
Those who praise themselves are always lost. The path of dharma is the abandoning of slander (ninda).
Donβt spend or eat more than you need to. Also, work just as much as you need to. Donβt do anything above and beyond the need for it.
Leave behind fakeness and hypocrisy. A life of false show is always a painful one.
If someone is a Sikh of the Guru, listen and obey them.
Loving another woman/man, even if he/she is a devotee of God (bhagtaNee) is a relationship which will result in loss not gain.
Go to and meet the Shabad of the Guru. Do not go somewhere where the Guru is forgotten.
Eat when you are hungry. Donβt fill what is already filled. But donβt abandon food either. Sleep when you feel very sleepy. Donβt sleep without feeling tired. Donβt pain your body.
Listen to the stories of the Guru. Sing Shabads and listen too. Donβtβ speak falsehood.
If someone is forgetting about the Guru, try and remind them. Speak to them from the heart. If they donβt listen, then itβs up to them.
Take the Guruβs words to heart. Give (the Guru) at least a tenth of your earnings. Keep the company of good people and serve those you encounter.
Before putting anything in your mouth, say Vaheguroo. Vaheguroo will bless it. Those who have day and night japped Vaheguroo, and left their ego, they are the truly high and good ones.
Controlling oneβs desires is Dharam. One who does this is jeevan mukath (liberated while alive).
One who is a beloved of God cannot ever remain bound by any restraints. He is free. He is above all tradition, custom, fortune, luck, and delusion."
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Naanak har kathhaa sunee mukh bolee guramath har naam pareechai jeeo." O Nanak, I listen and chant the Lord's Sermon; through the Guru's Teachings, I am fulfilled by the Name of the Lord.
