We usually think we have enough time to do all we want in life. Sometimes, we do think time is running away from us yet we want to slow it down to get stuff done.
What do we spend most our time doing?
We spend half our life sleeping, much of our life studying and working. We spend a lot of our time eating. We also have social lives. Let's not forget the TV! We spend a lot of our life in front of the TV.
Now, the vital question! How much of our life do we spend remembering the one who gave us an opportunity to live and cherish every breath of life? How much of this time do we spend thanking him?
Sadly, the answer is, not much at all!
Guru sahib tells us in Gurbaani, any thought and action carried out without the remembrance of Gods name, is a thought and action in evil. We have wasted many life times in the midst of worldly pleasure. Let's give some of what we think is our time back to Guru Sahib Ji.
What would we do, if Guru Sahib Ji decided to take our time away? There's nothing we can do. Guru Sahib is in control but unfortunately our ego believes we will live forever. We don't want to accept or understand the concept of death.
So, let's not waste anymore of our precious time and lets find the sanctuary of Guru Sahib Ji. They will embrace us tight and bless us with their Naam, Baani and Sangat, for us to purify this mind, body and soul.
The greatest gift you can give anyone is your time, because you are giving them a portion of your life you will never receive back. Time is what we want most but end up using the worst. Either you run time or time will run you.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "vakhath veechaarae s ba(n)dhaa hoe || One who reflects upon his allotted time span of life, becomes the slave of God."
One of the most frequently asked questions is, "HOW DO WE MEDITATE?"
Before answering the question on meditation, we need to understand what meditation is and the need of meditation.
Meditation is the stillness of ones mind. Meditation controls, focuses and balances the mind. Meditation creates a purer mind and meditation results in finding ones inner self. Meditation creates positivity in humans, It purifies thoughts and It enhances the mind. The mind can become superpower-full through it, it becomes infinite.
Basically, meditation is a substance every human being in the world should be working towards. If they want to excel in a career, business, studies or discover the infinite within, it's only meditation that can do this. It keeps an individual calm, stress free and at peace, whilst reaching the highest levels of any achievement.
Even if it's just five minutes of contemplation on a mantra, watching the breath, chanting, staring, thinking of something positive i.e Virtuous thoughts, it will help the mind become open, subtle, gentle, peaceful, calm and loving.
Sikhs use a mantra meditation. They use the Mantra of "Vahiguroo" (God). This is the most powerful mantra in this dark age of Kaljug. It was created by the first letters of the 4 avtaars names (spiritually enlightened), from the 4 ages of Satjug, Threthaa, Duapper and Kaljug.
Sikhs use many forms of meditation skills. They start with chanting. Then they move on to using the breath and then exceed in to listening to the mantra with their inner ears (conscious mind). With the blessings of Vaheguroo, the Jaap (meditation) becomes ajappa (recites itself in the subconscious mind). We focus/concentrate in when needs be. During this time, the tenth gate (spiritual opening) is usually discovered/opened and then the next stage is, every-single pore/hair on the human body is immersed in the name of Vaheguroo. Spiritual powers are very easily gained through meditation but can become a massive hinderance in ones spiritual, virtuous development.
A Sikhs purpose of meditating is to purify this mind, become virtuous, liberate the soul and become one with our inner self which is God (Vaheguroo).
When we present ourselves before the five beloved ones (panj pyaare), in the sacred sanctuary of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, we will be given guidance on HOW TO MEDITATE and purify this monkey like mind.
The whole universe will surrender to a mind that is still.
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Romae rom rom romae mai guramukh raam dhhiaaeae raam With each and every hair, with each and every hair, as Gurmukh, I meditate on the Lord."
We have all come in to this world to earn a profit of some sort. Some think they have come to earn the profit and riches of wealth, some collect the profit of houses, some collect the profit of greed, some of friends, some of their belongings. People collect profit in many ways and think their life will become successful and contented in doing so.
The answer is, all the above profits only bring suffering and sorrow.
Why do they bring suffering and sorrow? Simply, the more we have, the more we want. This mind is never content and happy. One is never satisfied with all they have. They always want more.
What's the true laha we should be collecting?
The true laha is, the laha of Naam, baani (teachings), Sangat (spiritual congregation), gunn (qualities), love and a virtuous character. Without this laha, one will never be happy. This laha makes one peaceful. One feels content within. One feels they don't need anymore. One is loved and respected by all. The individual has all the mind desires and stops the mind from living in the past and present.
The real profit Guru Sahib Ji talks about is Naam meditation. This profit conquers all the above. Nothing comes near this profit. Once one amerces themselves in Naam, everything else becomes easier to overcome. The reason for this is, once the mind is controlled by Naam, no force in the world can destruct it. All emotions, senses, materialistic pleasures, desires, vices are easily overcome.
This treasurable laha is very close at hand yet we choose to ignore it and live our life without it. How is it even possible for a human to live without being in control over their own mind?
Asks yourselves the question!!
Doubt and desire control our minds. Let's take control over our own minds and watch to see how our lives change for the better.
A Gursikh was asked, "What have you gained from meditation?" He replied, "What I've gained is indescribable! However let me tell you what I've lost: Anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death."
Guru Amardas Ji Says, "Gur sabadhai maelaa thaa pir raavee laahaa naam sa(n)saarae Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, the soul-bride meets her Husband Lord, who ravishes and enjoys her. The Naam, the Name of the Lord, is the only profit in this world."
"Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life".
Guru Arjun Dev Ji 1563-1606
The simplest things make for the best life. Seeking simple qualities will transform you forever. Think about the truth and always remain honest, feel content with what you have, ask for no more and thank God for all you have, keep kindness for all in your heart. It is so simple, and yet, you will find that these three qualities will lift your spirits and forever fill you with happiness.
"From father, grand father, great grand father are born son, grand son, great grand son respectively and from great grand son is born simply a relative (natta, having no specific relational name). The relationship of mother, grand mother, great grand mother, fatherโs sister, sister, daughter, and daughter-in-law is also respected.
Maternal grand father and mother and maternal great grand father and mother are also known.
Fatherโs elder brother (taia) younger brother (chacha), their wives (tai, chachi) also remain absorbed in worldly affairs (Maya). Mama, mami (motherโs brother and his wife), masi, masar (motherโs sister and her husband), all look dyed in their own colours.
Masar, phupa (motherโs sisterโs husband and fatherโs sisterโs husband respectively), father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law (sali) and brother-in-law (sala) are also close.
The relationship of chachaโs-in-law and those of the mama-in-law and phupha-in-law are known as inconvenient relations.
The relationship of sister-in-lawโs husband (sandhu) and father-in-law of your daughter or son (kuram) are momentary and fake like those passengers of a boat sitting in a group.
The True relationship is with those brothers/sisters who meet in the Holy Congregation. They never get separated.
Through the Holy Congregation, the Gurmukhs learn the technique of renunciation amidst enjoyments." (19)
Bhai Gurdaas Ji
This shabad explains the different rishte (relationships) we have in this world. Bhai Gurdaas ji goes on to explain, all these rishte are false, as they are not connected by the spirit to naam & baani. These rishte will leave us after this life and not join us in the spirit world to rejoice in naam & baani here after.
True love only comes through Guru and shabad. We also have nothing worldly to fall out over, when our all is naam and baani. Only those relationships are true in which are connected/binded by naam, baani, Guru and Gursangat.
Sangat (congregation) keeps us in touch with purifying our mind constantly. Those who are binded via the shabad, remain together in spirit forever. With Guru Sahib, shabad and sangat, we will never feel alone! If practiced correctly through meditation we actually feel ecstatic at all times, even whilst living in this dark age of worldly ras (enjoyment).
Guru Sahib Ji will always protect and remain by us through mind, body and soul. They will never let us suffer according to Gurmat, they will always be our only TRUE RELATION!
Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji "I have seen that all relationships are false, and so I have grasped hold of the hem of Your robe vaheguroo."
"Everyone chants the Lord's Name, Raam, Raam; but by such chanting, the Lord is not obtained. By Guru's Grace, the Lord comes to dwell in the mind, and then, the fruits are obtained. ||1|| One who enshrines love for God within his mind, never forgets the Lord; he continually chants the Lord's Name, Har, Har, in his conscious awake mind". ||1||Pause|| Guru Amardas Ji 1479-1574 When our mind is listening to Gurbani and Vaheguroo Gurmantar, this means Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji is accepting and listening to the shabad we are reciting also. If our tongue repeats but our mind fails to hear and contemplate, this means Guru Sahib ji has not accepted the Shabad in dargaah sachkhand (gate of truth) and we fail to receive their thaapraa (blessings)..
Moral- always focus with single minded concentration when reciting naam meditation and baani. Just repeating is not accepted. EVERY SINGLE call, chant to vaheguroo should be a call of love and union for God the supreme soul, as it is a separation of two souls. This leads to the emotion of bairaag (sincere longing and a cry of love), which ends in the state of Sehj (bliss, peace, poise and tranquility).
As Sikhs we have become very lazy! We are lacking interest and enthusiasm.
The Sikh of the Guru, should rise early and purify their mind through the blessed mantra of Guru Sahib Jis Naam. Then they should read Gurbaani (Gurus teachings) and then go on to meditate throughout the day.
Let's question ourselves. Is this who we are? Do we live this life style? What causes us not to live this way? Guru Sahib has made it clear, the one who lives in this way will be the one Guru Ji blesses and liberates.
It's so easy to lose focus and stray from the path. It's so easy to lose enthusiasm and lack interest. There's only one substance in which will keep us steadfast on this path and that is the Naam meditation of Gods name (Vaheguroo).
When one emerges in to the Naam through single minded concentration and it begins to resound within their mind 24/7, this is when one begins to realise the true wealth of Sikhi. Up until then, we are more balanced than most individuals but still remain on highs and lows, as the minds thoughts are not always controlled through Naam.
We should all do ardaas in front of Guru Sahib Ji, to bless us with this blessed state of Sehj (intuitive peace, poise and tranquility. The mind is stilled, emotions are controlled. The mind is not affected by any negativity. Totally at peace with its self. One has realised the true being which is the inner self.
For the one who has conquered his mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his very mind will be his greatest enemy.
Guru Amardas Ji Says, "eae man aalas kiaa karehi guramukh naam dhhiaae, har bhagath har kaa piaar hai jae guramukh karae beechaar ||
O mind, why are you so lazy? Become Gurmukh, and meditate on the Naam. Devotion to the Lord is love for the Lord. The Gurmukh reflects deeply and contemplates."
Many people take drugs to create a phycological high for themselves. Many people take drugs, because they are not happy with life and many people turn to drugs when there is nothing going for them in life and they have hit rock bottom. Drugs give us a temporary mental high/boost. This doesn't last long at all, maybe a few hours. The after effects of these drugs are a massive low, as the human body is not used to being on a high full of medicine and drugs. The mind can not cope with this. There has to be some give some where and that is the body and mind coming down from them. So basically, it's a temporary boost that individuals think they can turn to, to bring them a mental excitement and happiness for a few hours.
I have spoken to a few Gursikhs, who used to take drugs before coming in to Sikhi and they say, the taste and ecstasy of Naam is much much greater than the temporary boost of drugs.
Guru sahib Ji says in Gurbaani, Naam is an everlasting drug in which keeps one on a natural ecstatic high for many life times and in the end liberates the individual. There is no substance equivalent to it. The reason why Guru Sahib Ji uses the analogy of drugs in Gurbaani is, because once tasted and experienced it can never be left. One wants more and more and would end up dying, if they ever lost the Naam. It's a drug that one can never come off and it will remain with the individual throughout their souls journey.
If you want this permanent drug in your life, go and beg for it in the Amrit sanchaar ceremony and the five beloved ones will bless you with Naam, baani and Gursikhi Jivan.
Naam meditation is the most truest and purest intoxicant ever experienced and it will go on to purify your mind and liberate your soul.
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "jio bin amalai amalee mar jaaee hai thio har bin ham mar jaathee || Like the addict who dies without his drug, I die without the Lord."
Ardaas is a direct conversation with God and Guru Ji. Sikhs can do an ardaas to Guru Ji whenever they want. Sikhs normally do an ardaas after each recitation of Gurbaani (reading of holy scriptures). They usually stand up, fold their hands together and ask for forgiveness and guidance for the future.
Most of us do not realise how powerful the ardaas is. When the ardaas is done whole heartedly, it will always come true.
How is this possible?
When a soul (us) does an ardaas to the supreme soul (God) whole heartedly, it can never be turned down. When we do the ardaas, we need to remember, we are one with God, God is within us, we are his form. How can our own form ever let us down? It's not possible. God/Guru will never let us down.
"Why does my ardaas never come true? Or shall I say, it comes true sometimes."
The reason for this is, because in reality, we have never really understood who God is, what God is, where God is and why God exists. We are doing an ardaas out of blind faith. Basically, we are carrying out a ritual.
Those who have cried in front of God, remembered God just once with true loving, unconditional devotion, have met God and all their prayers (ardaasa) have come true.
We have always looked at God as different/separate from us. We have created the curtain of "I" in between us and God, which separates us. When there is desire, want and ego, God will never be present. When there is just God and we realise him within, through loving devotion of Naam meditation, that is when we will recognise our true entity. Until then, it's just suffering through separation.
If you believe, you have received the prayer, it will always be yours! By praying you put yourself in the hands of God! A powerful, loving prayer changes everything!
Guru Sahib Ji says in the line below, a servants prayer will never be unheard or offered in vain by God. The key word here is "servant." When we realise how to become a true servant of God, all our ardaasa will be fulfilled.
"birathhee kadhae n hovee jan kee aradhaas || The prayer of the Lord's humble servant is never offered in vain."
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Aathamaa paraathamaa eaeko karai || The soul is softened, and he remains absorbed in the Lord's Love. His soul and the Supreme Soul become one. The duality of the inner mind is overcome. By Guru's Grace, God is found."
We all have a duty to spread the message of Sikhi. Sikhi is a way of life for all. Everyone will take something majorly positive away from Sikhi. Sikhi makes sense to the faithless, so called sinners, people searching for spirituality, searchers of peace, love, compassion, the poor, the rich, people of a different faith etc. Basically Sikhi makes sense to the whole universe.
I remember taking steps towards the path of Sikhi. I searched and read about every faith and it was only Sikhi that made complete sense to me and was flawless. I asked many questions. I searched for defects and imperfections but found none.
I can honestly say, if I found even one questionable act of faith in Sikhi, I would have never taken the steps towards it. Now seventeen years on, the faith seems to be getting purer and purer.
What is the reason for this?
Sikhi unites one to their inner self. Sikhi finds the one within. Sikhi searches for the truth and purity within. Sikhi conquers the mind. Sikhi liberates the soul. Sikhi reverts beggars in to kings. Sikhi makes us love all. Sikhi sees God in all. Sikhi differentiates with none and most of all Sikhi teaches us to become our true self, which is God.
There is no difference between us and God. We have to recognise our own self. We are walking around lost in this terrifying world ocean of duality and materialism. We claim to be people of faith, yet so far away from living it.
When one recognises the spirit and conquers their own mind through Naam meditation, only then will one come to realise the true beauty of this amazingly beautiful path. Up until then, the Naam will keep us steadfast and in high spirits.
So going back to the title. We all have a duty to recognise who we really are and spread the loving and beautiful message of Sikhi in to the world. Don't waste time. No one knows what's around the corner. Death is very close by. Remember death and purify it with every breath of Naam Simran (meditation).
Don't think, because you are not practicing, you can't spread the attributes and quality of Sikhi. By seeing the purity of Sikhi and spreading its fragrance in to the world, you will be blessed by Guru Ji. You will develop amazing karma and your coming and going in to this world will soon be ended, when Guru Ji bestows his glance of grace upon your head and blesses you with Gursikhi jivan (life).
Your life is a message to the world. Make sure it's inspiring!
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Thai saahib kee baath j aakhai kahu naanak kiaa dheejai || sees vadtae kar baisan dheejai vin sir saev kareejai || kio n mareejai jeearraa n dheejai jaa sahu bhaeiaa viddaanaa ||1||3||
One who brings me a message from my Lord and Master - says Nanak, what shall I give to Him? Cutting off my head, I give it to Him to sit upon; without my head, I shall still serve Him. Why haven't I died? Why hasn't my life just ended? My Husband Lord has become a stranger to me."
Many will attempt to sew the seed of doubt in to people. It's very important as intelligent human beings, we judge people from what we see and the actions in which they commit.
People will tell you things about others, which naturally makes you think negative about the person they were speaking about. This is quite natural for most to behave in this way. Many will sew seeds of doubt in others and many will be affected by the seed sewn.
How do we deal with this?
Firstly, it's important we are very positive in all situations. When people tell us things about others, we should ask them not to bother, as this is known as ninda (back biting). The listener is just as bad as the the gossiper.
Secondly, if we can't avoid the situation and they have told us, it's best to be positive and not judge the third party on what the gossiper has told us. If we listen to the gossiper and dwell on the information they have given us, naturally we get very wary and let the information affect our state of mind.
The positive reaction should always be, "I get on well with the individual you are talking about, I don't really want to or need to know the negative information you are giving me. If you can tell me something positive, please go ahead and carry on." This will definitely prevent the gossiper from gossiping further and we will be relieved from carrying excess baggage. Both will be blessed and saved.
It's very difficult behaving in such a positive manner and not letting people plant seeds of doubt within us. But it's very important we don't let anyone plant them, as we are letting others destroy our relationship with people and in the end, we are the ones who are going to suffer, as the mind loves to hold on to negativity.
Guru Sahib Ji tells us not to talk negative about others or listen to anything negative about others. If we do, it is like eating filth from the floor. We become as bad as the gossiper. No one will trust us ever. This is the way of the world. As Sikhs, we should always strive to teach by example, as we have the blessed and beautiful character given to us by Guru Sahib Ji.
This falsehood becomes tasteless once one begins to taste the true love of Naam meditation. One begins to no longer feel empty. One is content and always filled with the taste of Gods love. One is forever ecstatic, happy and at peace with the world and most of all gain oneness with themselves.
So, sew seeds of faith, love, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, truth and compassion in others. Avoid sewing seeds of doubt. Let them experience the love and positivity within themselves. Don't be a hindrance towards it!
Guru Amardas Ji Says, "paraaee bakheelee karehi aapanee paratheeth khovan sagavaa bhee aap lakhaahi ||
They gossip about others, and lose their credit, and expose themselves as well. That wealth, for which they slander others, does not come into their hands, no matter where they go. Through loving service, the Gurmukhs receive the wealth of the Naam, but the unfortunate ones cannot receive it. This wealth is not found anywhere else, in this country or in any other."
Many people ask the question, why is it important to have a faith?
We don't really recognise the true power of faith. Everyone has some kind of faith. Some people have faith in themselves, some people lay their faith on others, some people lay their faith in their own beliefs. So in general, everyone has some kind of faith. Even Atheists have some kind of faith. Their belief is, there is no God. They have faith in that belief. They believe it to be true. This is why they are stood so firmly by that belief.
Why is important to have faith in God and Guru Ji?
Many have experienced the spirit world. They have given accounts on their spiritual experiences, whether it be having spiritual powers or experiencing a higher power of some kind.
Why is it important to have faith in Guru Ji? Guru Ji has liberated many. There are many sakhiaa (stories) in Gurbaani, where Guru Ji has liberated countless souls.
Guru Jis teachings are the purest of pure. Guru Ji, guides and supports us in tuning in to our inner self. Guru Ji, gives us a mantra to conquer this mind. Guru Jis teachings are of spiritual value and gain. Those who have experienced Gurbaani (Guru Jis teachings), have gone on to find inner peace and liberation. Along the way, they have saved their loved ones by passing on the beautiful teachings of Akaal Purakh Vaheguroo (God).
There are many bhagats (saints/devotees) in Gurbaani, from many other faiths, who go on to explain, how they met the true Guru and then their lives changed for the better. The life journey (spirit) was blessed and liberated.
Many have spoken and written books on, how the Guru came to them (Darshan) or sent some blessed spirits (shaheed singhs) to them to show and guide them on the pure and living path of Spiritual Sikhi.
So, it's many people's opinion and choice in why people feel they need a faith or not but according to Gurbaani and other Gursikhs experiences, it has been made clear to us. Sikhs can not survive without having faith in their Guru.
The Guru is their life, breath and soul and will always spiritually guide them in the right direction. He will place his hand on their head. There is one condition! The Sikh has to believe the Guru is close. If the Sikhs leave their suffering to Guru Ji and accept their will as a true blessing, then Guru Ji will bless their Sikh with everlasting love, peace and happiness.
Peace is only attained through having faith in the pure and True Guru! Let your faith in Guru Ji be bigger than your fear!
Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "sath naam prabh kaa sukhadhaaee, bisvaas sath naanak gur thae paaee ||6||
The True Name of God is the Giver of peace. Nanak has obtained true faith from the Guru."
