Guru Gobind Singh Ji Says, "Jin Prem Keeo Tinn Hee Prabh Paaeo,." The one who loves the Lord, i.e loves the Lords creation, will no doubt become one with Vaheguroo (God).
A physical and spiritual state of love is the most beautiful state of mind one can attain.
How do we reach this state of mind? Only through Simran (meditation). When we contemplate the name of the Lord Athai Pehar (24/7 hours) Saas Saas (with every breath) in the mind, the mind body and soul are transformed in to this state of love.
Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Har Jupeeai Aaraadheeai Aath Pehur Govindh" Chant the Lord's Name and contemplate the Lord of the World, twenty-four hours a day.
This state of mind is not easily attained, it could take many many life times and a lot of Abhiyaas (practise). To love God's name, we listen to the lord's name in our minds (inner ears) with contemplation, eg Vaa he Gu roo, (great is the Guru), this is what the Shabad Vaheguroo means. Once we can train our mind in to listening and contemplating at the same time, we will be blessed with Prem Ras (taste of true love), Naam Ras (taste of theTrue Name), Amrit Ras (travels from our navel-1st chakra to our 6 chakra- tenth gate, after accepting baptism and devoting our life to meditation). Once we have tasted these Ras's, then other worldly tastes seem very very bitter.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Gurumukh Mun Sumujhaaeeai Aathum Raam Beechaar. The Gurmukhs train their minds to contemplate the Lord, the Supreme Soul.
Har Rus Bin Sabh Suaadh Fikureeaa. But without the sublime essence of the Lord, all tastes are tasteless."
It is extremely hard to accept the sweet will of God. BhaaNa (thewill of god) is what makes a person a Gursikh, whether one can accept everything as his will is a great test of our faith. Everything that happens to us in this life is a result of our past actions. Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself says in Siri Japjee Sahib, (1st sermons of GGSJ) - 'Hukamai andhar sabh Ko Bahar Hukam Naa Koe' - No one is outside Vaheguroo's will, everthing happens, because he does it. The hard part is accepting it and moving on.
When my parents didn't let me ever go to Sat sang (true company), i used to cry and argue with them. I eventually realised, we should become Bhagats (devotees through meditation) and Jap Naam. Naam willthen lead us to wherever we desire. It so happened that i wanted to go to Sat Sangat one day and my parents rejected again. Instead of arguing, i just accepted it and did an Ardaas (prayer) to Guru ji, to help me accept it. It really did ache my heart, not to be inthe midst of the holy but I felt very loving, content and tolerant within. This helped me love and respect my parents and made me stronger within to meditate on Naam.
A few months later, my parents took me in to Sat Sang themselves, starting going to Gurdwara Sahib with me and accepted Amrit a couple of years later. My Guru is great and knows exactly when I ache within.
Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Accepting the Command of the Lord's Will, I have found total peace; the home of suffering has been destroyed. When God, our Lord and Master was totally pleased, He revealed everything in the form of ecstasy."
Ragi Harcharan Singh (Hazooree Ragi Darbar Sahib Vale- performs singing of Gods praises at the Golden Temple Amritsar), spoke beautifully the other day.
He was doing Seva (service at Gurdwara), a Sikh came to him and said, "Please perform the shabad 'Gobind Preet Lagee Ath Pyaaree,' I would really appreciate it." Ragi ji said, "Satbachan (definitely will), I will do it in a few days for you." The man was very thankful and went home.
The man came back in a few days and very politely asked Ragi ji, if he had forgotten to perform his shabad. Ragi ji very humbly apologised and promised he would sing it beautifully in a couple of days.
The day had come, Ragi ji could not find the shabad anywhere. He looked in Amrit Kirtan Pothee (book with kirtan shabads) many times. It was 1994 so no smart phones. 1hr remained, he looked in the tatkra (contents) of Guru Granth Sahib Ji three times. He could not find the shabad anywhere. He became very worried, as he gave his word to the sikh (a Sikhs word is his life).
Just 30 minutes remained, he could only turn to his Guru. He begged his Guru for an answer through the Hukumnama (random search of shabad in GGSJ). He opened the GGSJ randomly with love and respect, to great surprise, there was the shabad on page 607. Bhai Sahib Ji cried for 10 minutes and could not believe how his Gurukept the laaj (honour & word) of his Sikh. (GGSJ has 1430 pages-angs)
When I heard this story, I took many teachings away from it. The love and faith Bhai Sahib ji had for his Guru was immense, how Bhai Sahib Ji wanted to keep his word and most of all, how our Guru will always be there for us until the end of the road, only if our faith in Guru Ji is unmovable.
"Gobind Preet Lagee Ath Pyaaree" - The Love of God is very dear to me.
A King had a male servant, who in all circumstances always said to him;
'My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God does is perfect, no mistakes.'
One day, they went hunting and a wild animal attacked the king. The servant managed to kill the animal but couldn't prevent his majesty from losing a finger.
Furious and without showing gratitude, the King said; 'If God was good, I would not have been attacked and lost one finger.'
The servant replied 'Despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good and everything He does is perfect. He is never wrong.'
Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his servant.
While being taken to prison, he told the king again, 'God is Good & Perfect.' Another day, the king left alone for another hunt and was captured by savages, who use human beings for sacrifice.
On the altar, the savages found out that the king didn't have one finger in place. He was released, because he was considered not "complete" to be offered to the Gods.
On his return to the palace, he ordered the release of his servant and said; 'My friend, God was really good to me. I was almost killed but for lack of a single finger. I was let go.'
'But I have a question; If Vaheguroo (God) is so good, why did He allow me to put you in prison?'
His servant replied; 'My king, if I had not been put in prison, I would have gone with you, and would have been sacrificed, because I have no missing finger.'
Everything God does is perfect, He is never wrong.
Often, we complain about life and the negative thinking in us kills the positivity within. So, think positive and trust God at every moment. Vaheguroo loves us. We have to pay for our past wrong doings (karma). This is the way of God and this is how Vaheguroo stages his play. We have to learn to accept his will! overall this would make us more happy and content.
Guru Amardas Ji Says, I will accept the Will of the True Guru, and eradicate selfishness from within.
Guru Angad Dev Ji (2nd Guru) was sitting on his thakt (holy throne) and saw an old man approach him. It was his daughters uncle in-law. Guru sahib recognized him and respectfully greeted him as a member of his son-in-laws house. The old man instead bowed his head and said 'I've not come as a relative, I've come as a beggar, please bless me with Sikhi.' Guru Angad Dev ji said if you're a beggar, where is your begging bowl to receive Sikhi?' The old man said, 'Shall I bring one made of Gold or Silver?' Guru ji said 'No, those begging bowls can not receive Sikhi. If you want Sikhi, then your begging bowl must be made of Seva (selfless service). The old baba (old man) said 'I've never done seva before.' Guru sahib said, 'You will learn how to do seva in the Gurus house. Every morning while it is still dark, you will take this metal pot and travel three miles to a flowing river and collect water for my Amritvela Ishnaan (2ambathing). The journey is six miles in total. The baba ji said, 'Sath bachan (will do) Guru ji.' The baba Ji did this seva for 12 years and was now 73 years old.
One day, the baba ji was walking back from the river with the water, when he collapsed and the water spilt. The Baba ji was very determined to do seva and very upset that he would get late. He went back to Guru ji all muddy and dirty with an empty pot and his head down. Guru ji saw him and said, 'Where have you been? I've already done my ishnaan now.' Baba ji said, 'Please forgive me, I collapsed doing your seva. Guru ji said, 'Really, you collapsed doing seva?' Baba ji asked for maafi (forgiveness) and said my pot is empty. Guru sahib smiled and said.. 'Those that collapse before the Guru (submit) with an empty pot, (no cleverness - manmat) will receive everything. So Guru Angad Dev ji, aged 47 came off his thakt and said to the Baba ji, 'Baba Amar Das ji you will now lead the panth (Guru's family) of Guru Nanak Dev ji' (1st Guru).
Guru Amar Das Ji, aged 73, who had no desire in his heart, other than to please Guru Ji was then given Gurgaddi (Guru-ship 3rd Guru) DHAN GURU AMAR DAS JI, DHAN THAYREE SEVA (blessed is your Seva Guru Amardas Ji).
Guru Ji Says, "I carry water for the Guru's household; from the Guru, I have learned the Way of the One Lord."
Once a group of 50 people were attending a seminar.
Suddenly, the speaker stopped and started giving each one a balloon.
Each one was asked to write his/her name on it using a marker pen.
Then, all the balloons were collected and put in another room.
Now, these delegates were let in that room and asked to find the balloon, which had their name written, within 5 minutes.
Everyone was frantically searching for their name, colliding with each other, pushing around others and there was utter chaos.
At the end of 5 minutes, no one could find their own balloon.
Now, each one was asked to randomaly select a balloon and give it to the person whose name was written on it.
Within minutes, everyone had their own balloon.
The speaker began, "This is exactly what's happening in our lives.
Everyone is frantically looking for happiness all around, not knowing where it is.
Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people...
Give them their happiness and you will find your own happiness."
In this day and age, just to see others happy, shows the signs of a beautiful, loving soul. Making people happy is a lot more difficult. It can only happen through sincere love of oneness with ones self.
Seeing others happy definitely makes us happier but remember, we have to be happy and joyful within in order to spread and make others feel happy.
One only becomes happy and remains happy, when they recognise themselves. Once they have realised who they are and found their inner self, through meditation on naam, they will effortlessly make others happy.
Bhai Gurdaas Ji Says, "Bholu, Bhatu and Tivari gave happiness to others and were known as the Sikhs of the court of the True Guru."
Rare are the ones that reach the abode of the Tenth Gate, located in the Human Body. Many, including Jains, Jogees and Siddhs have a yearning to open their Dasam Duaar. They have the potential to open their tenth gate and meet God however, all their attempts are futile, as they do not meditate on the pure mantra Vaheguroo. When they open their Dasam Duaar, they do not get Darshan, (vision of god) because the Swaas (breath) of Vaheguroo Simran (meditation) does not reside there and therefore all their efforts go in vain.
One must note, that opening the Dasam Duaar, (tenth gate, spiritual opening on the top of ones head) is just another step to progression on the path of Naam Japnaa (meditation) - it is by no means the goal of simran.
A true Gursikh, should never do simran, in order to achieve a certain spiritual state. They should only meditate to create Prem (love) for Vaheguroo within. When the Dasam Duaar does open, with the Swaas (breath) of Vaheguroo Simran residing there, then there is a flood of light which is unbearable, this is the vision of God. The Dib Drishtee (3rd eye, some call it the tenth gate) opens and one starts to experience life in the Spirit world.
Many Gursikhs say, they feel a pressure at the top of the head, whilst doing Simran (like a headache). This is our Dhiaan (concentration) at a higher avasthaa (state). If the concentration is kept to the top of the head, through simran, for a while, (could be minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, depending on our karma) the Dasam Duaar (tenth gate) will eventually open through the blessing of Vaheguroo.
Guru Amardas a Ji Says, "He dwells in the Tenth Gate, and obtains the understanding of the three worlds."
A Chardikalla (high spirited) Gursikh from America, was found crying uncontrollably. His friends asked him, "Why he was crying." He said, "I had a dream and I was waiting outside a tent to see Guru Gobind singh Ji (Sikhs 10th Guru) and the guard didn't let me in. I kept asking the guard why, why am I not allowed in? The guard just said, Guru sahib doesn't want to see you." The friends who were listening to his story asked, 'But you are a Chardi kalla, banaa vala (robe wearing) abhiyaasi (Naam practising) singh, why wouldn't you be allowed in?' He said, "I carried on pleading to be let in and then was asked to leave. That evening I returned and asked the Guard to ask Guru Ji personally, why I am not allowed in." The guard went inside to ask Guru Sahib Ji. When he returned he narrated what guru sahib had said, 'Guru says, you can do as much paath (prayers) and simran (meditation) as you want but I will never see you, because on some occasions you swore at your wife.'
This is a true story and has a very important message for those people who think it's ok to swear. What we have in our heart shall come through our tongue and actions.
If we washed the mind and tongue with the love of Gods name correctly, the tongue would only speak loving, compassionate, kind, wise, respectful and meaningful words.
Let's look inside, who are we. Let's not kid ourselves and others. Guru sahib is always watching!
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Telling lies and speaking ill of others, they will only settle to eat dead bodies."
Many people say, 'We shouldn't chant the Name of God mechanically over and over again'. They say, 'It's not Sikhi'. Those who say this, have unfortunately not really understood the true, beautiful message of Naam, Gurbani and Sikhi.
Firstly, Guru Sahib ji asks us to repeat the name day and night, with every breath and then Guru Sahib ji blesses us with all the treasures of this materialistic and spiritual life. One becomes fulfilled, content and overjoyed by the taste of this beautiful Naam. Guru sahib ji calls that soul bride forever fortunate who focusses her consciousness on her beloved Vaheguroo. This soul bride reaches the perfect stage of Sehj (perfect peace and poise).
"sadhaa ra(n)g raathee sehajae maathee anadhin naam vakhaanai || Ever imbued with His Love, in perfect poise and grace, she repeats His Name, night and day.
Very fortunate is that bride, who focuses her consciousness on Him; her Lord's Love is so sweet to her.
O Nanak, that soul-bride who is adorned with Truth, is imbued with her Lord's Love, in the state of perfect poise. ||3||"
Guru sahib ji says, the Gurmukh begins to realise their true self by repeating the name of Vaheguroo night and day. They earn all their merits through it and eliminate all their demerits but only a few realise this and physically practise it.
"Anadhin naam vakhaaneeai laahaa har ras peejai raam || Night and day, he repeats the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and he earns his profits, drinking in the subtle essence of the Lord.
He gathers in merits, and eliminates demerits, and realizes his own self.
Under Guru's Instruction, he is blessed with glorious greatness; he drinks in the essence of the True Word of the Shabad.
O Nanak, devotional worship of the Lord is wonderful, but only a few Gurmukhs perform it."
Finally, Guru Sahib Ji says, 'If I chant his Name night and day, Vaheguroo will eventually hear my cry. This is when Guru Sahib ji blesses us with oneness to see God in all and purify this mind's journey of life through Naam (meditation of the word) and Baani (Guru's word).'
To start with, everything In life takes time and is hard to master but once we spend many years of practise (ghaalnaa) doing the same thing over and over again, we begin to enjoy it by becoming one with it. This is the same with Naam abhiyas (Name meditation practise). It's like licking a tasteless stone but the tasteless stone very soon becomes an unbearable, priceless, loving, sweet taste and substance, we find difficult to explain and describe to others, once experienced.
kabeer kaeso kaeso kookeeai na soeeai asaar. Kabeer, chant the Name of the Beautifully-haired Lord; do not sleep unaware.
raath dhivas kae kookanae kabehoo kae sunai pukaar. Chanting His Name night and day, the Lord will eventually hear your call.
Thought to should share with you a summary of an article that I recently read. It is written by an eminent scholar about the Daily Routine of any Gursikh. He explains some important aspects of a Gursikhβs routine but then adds that all these aspects, whilst important, must be prioritised in the following order:
1. Naam (Meditation on Gods name) & Baani (Sikh holy scriptures) abhiyaas (practice) β food for the soul - to attain and maintain spiritual health. 2. Physical exercise, to maintain a healthy body, which would help to perform the most important aspect at No.1 and the others as mentioned below. 3. Kirat β work hard and sincerely β to make an honest living. 4. Seva (to Serve others), Sangat (to have spiritual company) and Sharing - maintaining a good relationship with family, relatives, sadh sangat (holy company) others and the community. 5. Indulging in innocent pleasures, hasna (laughing), khedna (playing) β i.e. sports activities and remaining cheerful.
So, unless No.1 is done regularly/ceaselessly, the remaining aspects, whilst important, would be futile.
Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Without the Naam, all occupations are useless, like decorations on a dead body.One who forgets the Naam and indulges in pleasures, shall find no peace, even in dreams; his body shall become diseased."
When Naam Ras is at its extreme in the body fortress of a Gurmukh, (the one who follows Gurus teachings) the body goes into a state of Bismaadh. This is when the body 'shuts down' and one experiences just pure Naam Ras. We can see Gursikhs experiencing this state in long smaagams (programmes), such as Kirtan (singing of shabad) Smagams and Amrit vela (early hours meditation) - Many Gurmukhs go into this state. In Programmes, it usually looks as though they are asleep because their heads are pointed down and their body saavdhaan (straight). They will usually sit with their eyes closed for a number of hours. When we see other Gurmukhs in the state of Bismaadhee (ecstasy beyond description) it looks like they are sleeping, in fact physically the body is sleeping as it's in rest mode, but inside the Naam Ras is drenching them with love and ecstasy.
How do we go into the state of Bismaadhee? Bismaadhee is when the Anand (peace/joy) from Naam Ras is too much and the body cannot handle it, the body automatically slips into this state. It's when the naam ras travels through all the body chakras and settles in the 6th one (tenth gate).
A Gurmukh (spiritual devotee) can go into Bismaadhee any time s/he wishes to do so. But, because we live a Gristhee Jeevan (householders life) we experience it usually, when we do long sittings in meditation (Kirtan smaagams). Sometimes, in this state, our soul can actually leave our body through the Dasam Duaar (tenth gate). This is the soft spot on the top of ones head.
Guru Amardas Ji Says, "Beyond the nine gates, the Tenth Gate is found, and liberation is obtained. The Unstruck Melody of the Shabad vibrates."
Each day is passing by and now our body is becoming more older and frail. Death has transformed itself into a hunter and is coming for us. One day it will find us. That day is coming closer. No mother, father, sibling, child, friend or spouse will support us, when the butcher of death knocks on our door. We have one saviour. Keval Naam japo re praanee, paroh ek kee saranaa - repeating Vaheguroo and come to reside in the Saran (sanctury), (hukam/command - rehat/discipline) of Vaheguroo.
We may not be able to control what happens in our lives but we can influence our thoughts and cultivate a peace, loving, happy inner world.
Bhagat Kabeer Ji Says, "Day by day, hour by hour, life runs its course, and the body withers away. Death, like a hunter, a butcher, is on the prowl; tell me, what can we do? Says Kabeer, listen, O mortal: Renounce the doubts of your mind. Chant only the One Naam, the Name of the Lord, O mortal, and seek the Sanctuary of the One Lord."
Father was a hardworking man, who delivered bread as a living to support his wife and three children. He spent all his evenings after work, attending classes, hoping to improve himself so that he could one day, find a better paying job. Except for Sundays, Father hardly ate a meal together with his family. He worked and studied very hard, because he wanted to provide his family with the best money could buy.
Whenever the family complained that he was not spending enough time with them, he reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often yearned to spend more time with his family.
The day came when the examination results were announced. To his joy, Father passed, and with distinctions too! Soon after, he was offered a good job, as a senior supervisor which paid handsomely.
Like a dream come true, Father could now afford to provide his family with lifeβs little luxuries, like nice clothing, fine food and holidays abroad.
However, the family still did not get to see father for most of the week. He continued to work very hard, hoping to be promoted to the position of manager. In fact, to make himself a worthy candidate for the promotion, he enrolled for another course in the open university.
Again, whenever the family complained that he was not spending enough time with them, he reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often yearned to spend more time with his family.
Fatherβs hard work paid off and he was promoted. Jubilantly, he decided to hire a maid to relieve his wife from her domestic tasks. He also felt that their three-room flat was no longer big enough, it would be nice for his family to be able to enjoy the facilities and comfort of a beautiful home. Having experienced the rewards of his hard work many times before, Father resolved to further his studies and work at being promoted again. The family still did not get to see much of him. In fact, sometimes, Father had to work on Sundays entertaining clients. Again, whenever the family complained that he was not spending enough time with them, he reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often yearned to spend more time with his family.
As expected, Fatherβs hard work paid off again and he bought a beautiful property overlooking the coast of Singapore. On the first Sunday evening, at their new home, Father declared to his family that he decided not to take anymore courses or pursue any more promotions. From then on he was going to devote more time to his family.
Father did not wake up the next day.
We waste most our life studying & working and forget all the important things in life. Many people say, we will remember God and accept Amrit (Sikh baptism) later. Will later ever come? Can we guarantee our breaths? Let's do what we have to do now!! The soul needs to be liberated, let's make the efforts now!!
Guru Amardas Ji Says, "In duality, you are ruining and wasting this priceless human life. You trade it away in exchange for a mere shell."
We can sit in the sangat and feel bliss for a few minutes or even hours. We can meet spiritual Sikhs, who when we meet, we might feel a good feeling or a positive energy for a few hours. There are not many people in this world, who you see for the first time and you feel delighted with joy and the joy remains for a lifetime or the mind feels an everlasting peace. These people are very rarely seen.
Bhatt Kirat (poet) writes about the virtues of Guru Ramdas Ji in Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh holy scriptures). Bhatt Ji Says, when meeting Guru Ramdas ji, he felt an amazing delight within his mind, he felt ecstatic, his mind was overwhelmed with love. He says Guru Ramdas Ji is like sandalwood, his fragrance spreads effortlessly around the world. He purifies many and liberates their souls, he is God himself. He said, this is the reason everyone fears, loves and respects Guru Ramdas Ji (4th Guru of the Sikhs).
This is what Bhatt Ji experienced when meeting Guru Ji. May Guru Ji bless us all with their delightful Darshan (vision) and liberate our souls. How fortunate was Bhatt ji.
Bhatt Kirat Says, "Whoever serves the True Guru obtains the treasure; night and day, he dwells at the Lord's Feet. And so, the entire Sangat loves, fears and respects You. You are the sandalwood tree; Your fragrance spreads gloriously far and wide. Dhroo, Prahlaad, Kabeer and Trilochan chanted the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and His Illumination radiantly shines forth. Seeing Him, the mind is totally delighted; Guru Raam Daas Ji is the Helper and Support of the Saints."
Bandishor divas is the celebration for Sikhs. Divali is the celebration of light for the Hindu faith, when Rama rescued Sitaa from the ten headed Ravaanaa. They lit dheevay (Divali lamps all the way home). The story below illustrates bandishor was on the same day as Divali. Please educate others!
As the 7ft 6 Guru Hargobind Sahib was captured by the moghuls and imprisoned in the Gwalior Fort, his plan was taking shape. Guru sahib had infact built a friendship with the then emperor Jahangir. He saved the emperor from certain death, as a lion attacked. Jahangir had become a great admirer of the young Sikh Guru. However, this was short lived. Murtaza Khan (Govenor of Lahore) became increasingly intimidated by Guru Sahib. He approached Jahangir and concocted a story to initiate an attack. He said, in Amritsar, the Sikh Guru has constructed a throne, which is higher than any in the country and he is proclaiming to be higher than even you. He is looking to avenge the death of his father. We have to do something. Jahangir was an erratic leader, who was easily influenced. Much different to Akbar, his understanding and respectable father. Jahangir had already imprisoned 52 Hindu kings from around India, who were the localized leaders. So Guru Hargobind was taken to the Gwalior fort, an impenetrable fortress and still remains as one of the lasting memories of the moghul dynasty. While Guru sahib remained in prison, he sang Gurbani, repeated Naam (name of God) and those around him were transfixed by such an individual. He was not only a warrior but also a saint. At Amritvela, the prisoners saw the light of God, shining through Guru Sahib. Each time he repeated Vaheguroo, the light just got brighter and brighter. Guru sahib was no prisoner, he was there to liberate others. He was there to break the shackles of those who were powerless. The world encourages us to put shackles on us such as:
'I can't keep my Kesh,
I can't do paath,
I can't do simran,
I can't take Amrit - what will people think.
Our Guru, Hargobind sahib Ji, is always there waiting for us to call him to our aid, to break these bonds. For some reason we don't want to call him. We are happy in our lives, attaching ourselves to society but at the same time our bonds with Guru Ji are becoming weaker. Most of society, entices us to move away from Sikhi. Emperor Jahangir had become really ill and was told that he would need a holy man to pray for him, as all other medical help had been exhausted. There was no hope and Guru Hargobind sahib Ji was asked to help. The sangtaaa of Amritsar, led by Baba Buddha ji, approached Gwalior Fort. By now, Guru sahib had been imprisoned for months and they were missing Guru ji (Guru Arjan Dev Ji) immensely. They were also worried that they may never see Guru sahib again. Guru assured them that he would be returning to Amritsar soon.
Guru Ji can get rid of any disease or pain, as long as one has faith. Once Jahangir got better, Guruji was granted release but refused to leave. Guru Ji taught us that oppression is a sin and so is allowing it to happen to others. Guru ji ordered the release of all the 52 kings, who were political prisoners and had committed no crime. Jahangir then tried to cleverly restrict the amount of prisoners released by saying, 'Only those who can hold onto your chola, will be released'
Guruji instantly ordered a special chola to be made, with 52 tassels and walked out of Gwalior fort, with the 52 kings following.
This is a strong message for us all. If we put faith in the Guru, he will lead us out of difficulty and deliver us into peace. Great are those who hold onto Guru Sahib Ji, regardless of what they experience in their life. For all, this is a learning experience. The kings would have to live as beggars and peasants to fully appreciate living as kings. When we experience hardship, Guru sahib is always with us but we often lose faith within him. Those that keep faith, are released from the shackles of pain and feel better for the experience gained. They can fully appreciate the bliss they are given by Guru Ji. Something they have never experienced before.
Bhai Gurdaas Ji Says "The True Guru is the giver of freedom from bondages and makes the detached ones liberated in life"
A Sikh philosophy professor stood before his class, with some items on the table, in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the remaining open areas of the jar.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous βYes.β
βNow,β said the professor, βI want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things β Your Guru (spiritual guide), Sangat (spiritual company), Rehit (Discipline), Amrit (baptism), Naam (Meditation on Gods name) β things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter β like your family, your partner, your children, your health. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.β
βIf you put the sand into the jar first,β he continued, βthere is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical for your spiritual progression, love, peace, joy and happiness. The rocks will assist you through this life and the hereafter.
βTake care of the rocks first β the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.β
Don't waste your life!
Guru Teghbahadur says, "You have obtained the priceless jewel of this human life; why are you uselessly wasting it?"
"The stream of immaculate purity flows through the home of the self within; one who drinks from it, finds peace."
Guru Ramdas Ji 1534-1581
There is a light of positive power which surges through us all. If you can find the pure you, then bathe in that purity to feel rejuvenated.
In the above shabad, Guru Ji is talking about the power of Amrit Naam (ambrosial name). Guru Ji has called the name immaculate and pure. He says, it flows in the vessels of those who love him and remember him. The ones who taste and drink this spiritual nectar, find an everlasting peace and contentment.
Guru ji also says, this body is the field of karma. The wise Spiritual Sikhs plow and work it, then harvest the essence. They purify all their actions and senses through the stream of Amrit Naam Simran (meditation). This is when it pours in to all the vessels of love within the being.
Guru Ji then goes on to say, those who follow their mind and not a spiritual guide, their minds are engrossed in the attachment of materialistic pleasure (maya). Their minds become very thirsty for more and burn with desire. When we have desire, we have no love. It's just a yearning of WANT! One can never fall in love with God, if they have the burning desire of materialistic pleasure within them. Peace, love and contentment are far away from such individuals. The only desire we should have is, the desire of meeting God and liberating our soul.
Guru Ramdas Ji then says, "The stubborn-minded, egotistical, proud-minded person performs rituals, but these are like sand castles built by children. When the waves of the ocean come in, they crumble and dissolve in an instant."
let's not build temporary sand castles of ego and attachment, let's pump our vessels with the love of Gods name. This will be the only substance which remains within us, when we leave our clay filled body.
Once a man said to Vaheguroo (God), "Your spirit lies in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikhs holy scriptures). You watch so many people come and go to your Darbaar (court), and you don't say anything to anyone. It's a hard job you've got, just sitting there all day. Let's swap jobs for one day, you relax as ME and place me on the side of your Darbaar so no one can see me." Vaheguroo said, "My job is very difficult, it is beyond your understanding. You won't be able to do it." The man insisted! Vaheguroo ji let him and said, "You can't say anything to anyone, when they come to the Darbaar."
Now the man is sat there, a business man walks in asking for his business to flourish. As he did Matha Tek (prostrate), his wallet fell out. The man saw this and was just about to tell him but remembered, Vaheguroo said, you can't say anything, just let people pray and go, so he left it.
Next, a very poor man walks in, does Matha Tek and says, "Vaheguroo ji, my family is starving, they have no food. We are suffering so much, please help us." He turns to his right and sees a wallet there with lots of money in, he picks it up and thanks Vaheguroo Ji. The man experiencing this wants to grab the poor man and say, "No it's not yours" but remembers the words of Vaheguroo and stays quiet.
Next, a sailor walks in, does Matha Tek, asks Guru Ji for his blessings, he's going on a 15 day ship tour. Just then the business man walks in with the police and says, "This is the man who's stolen my wallet." Now the man watching has had enough and thinks even God would intervene here so he does. He says, "Your wallet was taken by a poor man" and explains the complete story. The police let the sailor go and thanked the man for speaking up and arrested the poor man later that day. The man went and stood back in the corner waiting for Vaheguroo ji to come back.
Vaheguroo ji comes back after one day and says, "How was your day?" The man says, "My day was so good, I did something you will be proud of." He tells his daily affair to Vaheguroo ji. Vaheguroo ji says "You've not done anything good, you have messed everything up. I told you to stay quiet." The man looks in shock and says, "Why?" Vaheguroo says, "All the business mans money was dirty money and not earnt by an honest living. The poor persons earnings all went to help others hence his family suffering. If a little of that money went to the poor man, his family would have had food and the business mans bad karma would have reduced. The sailor was going to be involved in a very bad ship accident hence if he got arrested, he would have survived it." The man on hearing all this got very upset.
MORAL
God does everything for the best and loves everyone equally. We will never understand how God works. We have many problems in our lives which God will resolve for us but we don't have the faith and belief in him. If you ever have any problems in life, which you can't face, please remember the story above, it will strengthen your faith.
Guru Nanak says, karmee aapo apnee, ke narray, ke dhoor. "According to their own actions, some are drawn closer, and some are driven further away."
