Arth (meanings)

The spiritual meanings of Raagmala

Original arths by Sant Giani Sundar Singh Ji Bhindranwale, written down by Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji Bhindranwale and translated into english by Kamalpreet Singh Pardeshi.

Introduction

The Raagmala contains the names of the six male musical measures, the thirty female partners of the musical measures and the names of the forty eight sons. All eighty four of these musical measures came to visit Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji when he was nearing the completion of the Aad Granth [1], when they came to see Guru Arjan Dev Ji they came with great enthusiasm.

When the Aad Granth was completed, it was read and recited in its completion. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji told the Sikhs that henceforth from that day the completion of the prayers of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji would occur after reading the Raagmala. If one is to do this then their bondage and suffering during the cycle of transmigration would come to an end.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji wrote the completed Granth of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji starting from Ik Onkar to Atharah Das Bees and bestowed the title of Guru upon the sacred scriptures. The Guru is eternal and will forever guide the future generations.

[1] This Granth was later completed by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and bestowed the title of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Commentary

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was compiling and creating the Aad Granth and when he was close to completion the ‘Mundaavani’ was being written. At that moment the congregation clasped their hands and made a sweet humbling request to the Guru, “You are close to the completion of the compilation of the holy scriptures. Please create a rosary for us by which we will never need to keep coming or going in the cycle of transmigration.” After hearing this Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji created the prayer called the ‘Raagmala’.

The Sikh prayer is composed of the answers given by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji to the questions asked by the Sikhs. Also under each answer you will find further quotations from Gurbani to support the answer given by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji to show that the spiritual content in the Raagmala is the same as that found in the rest of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

Ik Onkar Satgur Parsad

Ik
one, without duality
Onkar
illuminator of all, when this is recited God becomes the protector and cares
Sat
God who is exempt from death in the three times periods of the past, present and the future
Gur
to rid of ignorance and replace it with knowledge, God is the form of consciousness
Parsad
one who has the form of bliss and who gives a graceful glimpse to the individuals.

There is only one God. God is the form of truth and is realised through the grace of the spiritual master. The Guru is in the shelter of the Lord and has his assistance. God rids one of all their ignorance and replaces the void with knowledge. God is the one who gives a divine glimpse of His form. God is the form of consciousness and bliss.

ਰਾਗ ਮਾਲਾ ॥

Raag Maalaa

Raag
love
Mala
thread

This is a rosary of beads. The thread of the rosary is made from cotton and by reading this prayer the individual uses the rosary. If one is to read this prayer (Raagmala) with complete faith they will be able to place the prayer within their body. If one is to do this then they will break free from the cycle of transmigration. This person will never have to come (take birth) or go (die) again.

The sixty questions

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  1. 1O King, how does one make their five sense organs great or pure?
  2. 2Who remembers the one Lord?
  3. 3How does a person initially gain love or fall in love with God?
  4. 4How should a person recite the name of God?
  5. 5How does the individual gain a blissful state?
  6. 6How does duality disappear or become eradicated?
  7. 7How can the individual’s meditation become a continuous flow of the Lord’s name?
  8. 8How does one bring their mind become under subjection?
  9. 9How does one adopt the five elements? When does the individual become similar to the five elements?
  10. 10How does one sing and praises of God and at the same time take the praises of the husband of Maya into their heart?
  11. 11God is the giver of all rewards, how should we understand the divine entity?
  12. 12Who can be considered to be deserving or entitled?
  13. 13How does the individual eradicate scepticism?
  14. 14How does a person control their organs of action?
  15. 15How does the individual gain the sweet fragrance of meditation?
  16. 16Explain what knowledge is!
  17. 17How do we keep our mind free from the hunger for material objects?
  18. 18How does the individual get rid of the attachment to Maya, which is known as the illusion?
  19. 19How does the mind become carefree?
  20. 20What is the merit of obtaining knowledge directly from God?
  21. 21Who has removed their sensual desires?
  22. 22How does an individual gain virtues?
  23. 23How does a person eradicate ego?
  24. 24How does somebody eradicate the waves of thoughts and doubts within their mind?
  25. 25Who is able to worship their own soul?
  26. 26What merit does the individual gain by accepting the will of God?
  27. 27How can a person become the illuminated form of the Lord?
  28. 28What do the individuals who are orientated toward their spiritual master focus upon?
  29. 29Where does an individual propagate the Lord?
  30. 30What is the nature of the illuminated light in the heart like?
  31. 31What are the merits that the arrows of love give when striking the individual?
  32. 32What is the merit of singing the praises of God with love?
  33. 33What are the practices such as Vairaag and Vivek?
  34. 34What is the reason for the human birth?
  35. 35How does a person eradicate ignorance?
  36. 36How does a person gain the supreme intellect?
  37. 37Can the undesirable traits be eradicated?
  38. 38How does consciousness become pure?
  39. 39What is the greatest thing in the heart of an individual who is orientated toward the spiritual master?
  40. 40How does a person gain the wealth of the name of God?
  41. 41How do the saints sing the praises of God?
  42. 42How does one meet God within the heart?
  43. 43How does one gain complete merit?
  44. 44Whose glory is being sung in all of creation?
  45. 45How does one eradicate desires?
  46. 46How does one eradicate distress?
  47. 47How is God omnipotent?
  48. 48Who is a brave warrior?
  49. 49Who sings the praises of the spiritual master?
  50. 50How does the individual make the mind superior?
  51. 51How does one become dispassionate?
  52. 52How do you sing the praises of God through reflecting on the Lord?
  53. 53Do the demi gods also sing the praises of the Lord?
  54. 54How have the Sikhs understood God?
  55. 55How does the individual control the mind?
  56. 56How do the soul and God become one? How do the disciple and the spiritual master become one?
  57. 57Who do the demi gods such as Shiva and Vishnu sing praises of?
  58. 58How many people did Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji make pure and liberate?
  59. 59Can you name some of those individuals who sing the names of God?
  60. 60When all of the desires are eradicated, how does a person gain peace?

Question01

O King, how does one make their five sense organs great or pure?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਰਾਗ ਏਕ ਸੰਗਿ ਪੰਚ ਬਰੰਗਨ ॥

Raag Ek Sang Panch Barangan

Raag
love
Ek
one God who is without duality
Sang
with
Panch
five
Barangan
nerves

The sense organs can become great by having love and devotion for the one Lord. The five sense organs are the tongue, eyes, nose, ears and skin.

Supporting Gurbani

ਲੋਇਣ ਰਤੇ ਲੋਇਣੀ ਕੰਨੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
ਜੀਭ ਰਸਾਇਣਿ ਚੂਨੜੀ ਰਤੀ ਲਾਲ ਲਵਾਇ ॥

If a persons eyes and imbued into the Lord and the ears listen to the praise of the Lord then their consciousness merges with God. The tongue of the individual tastes the nectar of the name of God as it continually recites it.

Salok Mahalla 1 – Page 1091 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਅੰਦਰੁ ਮੁਸਕਿ ਝਕੋਲਿਆ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੨॥

From within the individual who meditates on the Lord with their mind there is a sweet smelling fragrance gained through the name of God. No one can fully understand the virtues of this individual. 2.

Vaar Maaroo Pehila – Page 1091 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question02

Who remembers the one Lord?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸੰਗਿ ਅਲਾਪਹਿ ਆਠਉ ਨੰਦਨ ॥

Sang
congregation
Alaphi
to recite
Aathou
eight quarters (24 hours)
Nandan
son (world)

The true congregation sits in the world and repeats the name of God continuously over the 24 hour period. The world is considered the son of the almighty Lord.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸੰਤ ਅਰਾਧਨਿ ਸਦ ਸਦਾ ਸਭਨਾ ਕਾ ਬਖਸਿੰਦੁ ॥

God is the pardoner of all is remembered by the saints continuously.

Maajh Din Rein Mahalla 5 – Page 137 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question03

How does a person initially gain love or fall in love with God?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪ੍ਰਥਮ ਰਾਗ ਭੈਰਉ ਵੈ ਕਰਹੀ ॥

Pratham Raag Bhairou Vai Karhee

Pratham
first, initially
Raag
love
Bhairou
by creating fear
Vai
him
Karhee
to do

Initially what the individual needs to do is create a feeling of fear from within themselves for the Lord. If one creates this fear then they will gain love for God, eventually falling in love with God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਮਨਿ ਭਉ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਉ ॥੨॥

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji states that those people who have created a sense of fear within themselves have later gained a state of love within them. 2.

Aasaa Di Vaar Mahalla 1 – Page 465 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question04

How should a person recite the name of God?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪੰਚ ਰਾਗਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਉਚਰਹੀ ॥

Panch Raagnee Sang Ucharhee

Panch
great
Raagnee
love
Sang
with
Ucharhee
recite

With great or superior love an individual should recite the name of God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਰਿਦੈ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਾਮ ॥

Due to the love of God within the individual the name of the Lord resides within their heart.

Aasaa Mahalla 5 – Page 391 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question05

How does the individual gain a blissful state?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪ੍ਰਥਮ ਭੈਰਵੀ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੀ ॥

Pratham Bhairvee Bilavalee

Pratham
beginning, birth
Bhairvee
create fear
Bilavalee
bliss

In the beginning, from the moment a person is born, as long as they create a sense of fear of God and remain in it then they can gain a blissful state.

Supporting Gurbani

ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਿਲਵਿਖ ਕਟੇ ਗਿਆਨ ਅੰਜਨੁ ਸਾਰਿਆ ॥

Through the grace of the spiritual master all of the sins are eradicated and then the bliss of knowledge is placed in the individuals eyes.

Raamkali Mahalla 3 Anand Sahib – Page 917 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਅਨੰਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਏ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

O my brother, I gained a state of bliss on the day I received a spiritual discourse and a glimpse of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji.

Raamkali Mahalla 3 Anand Sahib – Page 917 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question06

How does duality disappear or become eradicated?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪੁੰਨਿਆਕੀ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਬੰਗਲੀ ॥

Puniyakee Gavhe Banglee

Puniyakee
the intellect of virtuous people
Gavhe
to sing
Banglee
duality disappears

Those people who have the intellect of the virtuous sing the praises of God. Due to singing the praises of God their duality disappears.

Supporting Gurbani

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥

Through the meditation of the name of God the cause of duality is eradicated.

Gauree Mahalla 5 Sukhmani Sahib – Page 262 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question07

How can the individual’s meditation become a continuous flow of the Lord’s name?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪੁਨਿ ਅਸਲੇਖੀ ਕੀ ਭਈ ਬਾਰੀ ॥

Pun Aslekhee Kee Bhaee Baree

Pun
pure
Aslekhee
As = pure form
Lekhee
written
Kee
belonging to
Bhaee
become
Baree
stream

Those people who have taken the pure form of the spiritual master and written it into their heart, their concentration becomes like a small stream and merges with the flow of the name of God. Once it merges with the name of God which it belongs to, the concentration becomes pure.

Supporting Gurbani

ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਮਨ ਕੈ ਭਾਇ ॥

Due to the love the individual has for the pure form of the Lord within their mind they are able to give a written account when they go into the next world.

Saarang Mahalla 1 – Page 1237 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question08

How does one bring their mind become under subjection?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਏ ਭੈਰਉ ਕੀ ਪਾਚਉ ਨਾਰੀ ॥

Eh Bhairou Kee Pachou Naree

Eh
in this way
Bhairou
remain in fear
Kee
the
Pachou
five
Naree
attention (metaphorically it means females)

In this way the Sikhs that remain living with the fear of God bring the five types of attention who are the forms of a female counterpart under subjection.

The five types of attention or thought by the practical mind are the following:

  • a) Parmaan – to focus your concentration on a material object this, can be seen by the individual.
  • b) Viparjay – to think differently to the spiritual master’s teachings.
  • c) Nindra – when the mind focuses on sleep.
  • d) Simritee – when a person remembers or consciously recalls previous actions.
  • e) Vikalap – where one thinks of something else whilst supposedly concentrating on another. This is where the individual does little but expects to be richly rewarded.[2]

[2] It is important to note that another type of attention is Sankalp which is the opposite of Vikalap. These are the five different types of ‘vritti’ which is the mental modification.

Supporting Gurbani

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਭਉ ਪਇਆ ਵਡਭਾਗਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥
ਭੈ ਪਇਐ ਮਨੁ ਵਸਿ ਹੋਆ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇ ॥

Through the grace of the Lord the fear is embedded in the heart of the devotee. Due to this the Lord has found a place within the individuals mind. Due to the sense of fear the mind has come under the subjection of the individual. The holy words from the spiritual master have also decimated the sense of ego.

Sorath Kee Vaar Mahalla 3 – Page 645 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question09

How does one adopt the five elements? When does the individual become similar to the five elements?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪੰਚਮ ਹਰਖ ਦਿਸਾਖ ਸੁਨਾਵਹਿ ॥

Pancham Harakh Disaakh Sunaavhi

Pancham
Panch = five elements
Am
me, my
Harakhdi
delightful, pleasing
Saakh
eulogy, story
Sunaavhi
tell, explain, talk

To talk about the individuals that have merged or become one with the elements fills me with delight. It is difficult to eulogise the nature of these individuals as they become humble like water, merciful like the earth, radiant like fire, without layers like the wind and undisturbed by thought like the ether. It brings me so much pleasure to talk about these individuals that it gives me a feeling of bliss.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸਹਨ ਸੀਲ ਪਵਨ ਅਰੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਬਸੁਧਾ ਖਿਮਾ ਨਿਭਰਾਤੇ ॥

The element of wind is like tolerance, the element of water is soothing, the element of fire eradicates fear, the element of ether is similar to being alone and the element of earth is like mercy. In the elements there is no virtue of evil.

Maaroo Mahalla 5 – Page 999 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਮਾਰੂ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
ਸਸਤ੍ਰਿ ਤੀਖਣਿ ਕਾਟਿ ਡਾਰਿਓ ਮਨਿ ਨ ਕੀਨੋ ਰੋਸੁ ॥
ਕਾਜੁ ਉਆ ਕੋ ਲੇ ਸਵਾਰਿਓ ਤਿਲੁ ਨ ਦੀਨੋ ਦੋਸੁ ॥੧॥
ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਉ ਨਿਤ ਨੀਤਿ ॥
ਦਇਆਲ ਦੇਵ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸੁਨਿ ਸੰਤਨਾ ਕੀ ਰੀਤਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਚਰਣ ਤਲੈ ਉਗਾਹਿ ਬੈਸਿਓ ਸ੍ਰਮੁ ਨ ਰਹਿਓ ਸਰੀਰਿ ॥
ਮਹਾ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਨਹ ਵਿਆਪੈ ਖਿਨਹਿ ਉਤਰਿਓ ਤੀਰਿ ॥੨॥
ਚੰਦਨ ਅਗਰ ਕਪੂਰ ਲੇਪਨ ਤਿਸੁ ਸੰਗੇ ਨਹੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
ਬਿਸਟਾ ਮੂਤ੍ਰ ਖੋਦਿ ਤਿਲੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਮਨਿ ਨ ਮਨੀ ਬਿਪਰੀਤਿ ॥੩॥
ਊਚ ਨੀਚ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਸੰਲਗਨ ਸਭ ਸੁਖ ਛਤ੍ਰ ॥
ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਤ੍ਰੁ ਨ ਕਛੂ ਜਾਨੈ ਸਰਬ ਜੀਅ ਸਮਤ ॥੪॥
ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਿਓ ਅੰਧਕਾਰ ਬਿਨਾਸ ॥
ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਅਪਵਿਤ੍ਰਹ ਕਿਰਣ ਲਾਗੇ ਮਨਿ ਨ ਭਇਓ ਬਿਖਾਦੁ ॥੫॥
ਸੀਤ ਮੰਦ ਸੁਗੰਧ ਚਲਿਓ ਸਰਬ ਥਾਨ ਸਮਾਨ ॥
ਜਹਾ ਸਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਤਹਾ ਲਾਗਿਓ ਤਿਲੁ ਨ ਸੰਕਾ ਮਾਨ ॥੬॥
ਸੁਭਾਇ ਅਭਾਇ ਜੁ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਆਵੈ ਸੀਤੁ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਆਪ ਪਰ ਕਾ ਕਛੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਸਦਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥੭॥
ਚਰਣ ਸਰਣ ਸਨਾਥ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤੇ ਲਾਲ ॥
ਗੋਪਾਲ ਗੁਣ ਨਿਤ ਗਾਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਏ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਿਰਪਾਲ ॥੮॥੩॥

A hymn is the musical measure of Maroo written by the 5th Nanak, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. In the way in which a person has cut the wood of a sandalwood tree with a saw, the tree will show no hostility or anger. The wood does not have any enmity for the woodsman who chopped the tree. O mind you should recite the name of the Lord. The Lord is the form of mercy and the eulogy of the Lord can be heard through the grace of the saints.1. If someone wants to cross the ocean they sit in a boat to cross. Once they are seated in the boat their fatigue goes away. By sitting in the boat one does not forget about the pain of the worldly ocean but they cross the ocean instantly.2. If a person is to puts sandalwood in layers so that the camphor can be placed over them to cover the earth as the individual has no love for the ground. If a person urinates and excretes on the ground or digs it up the earth does not take any offence.3. The sky is like a large canopy covering both the sinners and the faithful. He does not discriminate on who is a friend and who is an enemy. The sky covers regardless of their nature.4. The sun rises and with its illuminations dispels the darkness. The rays of the sun are shone everywhere irrelevant of if the place is pure or impure. The purity or impurity does not affect eh sun or cause it any distress.5. The soothing wind spreads a fragrance from place to place with no distinction to the location. Wherever the location may be the wind will touch it.6. In the way in which any person is to approach a fire irrelevant of if they are a sinner or a saint, the fire will get rid of their cold. The fire eradicates cold, gets rid of fear and provides illumination all without judging it provides for all.7. The saints who are immersed with the name of God by gaining shelter at their feet does a person gain liberation. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji states that a person should be like the elements of the Lord. If you follow the examples of the elements then one will be graced with the mercy of the Lord.8.3.

Maaroo Mahalla 5 – Page 1017 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question10

How does one sing and praises of God and at the same time take the praises of the husband of Maya into their heart?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਬੰਗਾਲਮ ਮਧੁ ਮਾਧਵ ਗਾਵਹਿ ॥੧॥

Bangaalam Madhu Maadhav Gaavhi

Bangaalam
Ban = duality
Gaal
decompose
Am
in
Madhu
heart
Maadhav
husband of Maya
Gaavhi
to sing

The individual orientated around the spiritual master destroys all of his duality. The individual then places God who is the husband of Maya into his heart. The individual then begins to sing the praises of God within his heart.

Supporting Gurbani

ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਈ ॥

The holy word has destroyed the duality and taken if from within me. The space has now been filled within the mind with the presence of God.

Dhanaasree Mahalla 3 – Page 663 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question11

God is the giver of all rewards, how should we understand the divine entity?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਲਲਤ ਬਿਲਾਵਲ ਗਾਵਹੀ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਭਾਂਤਿ ॥

Lalat Bilaaval Gaavee Apunee Apunee Bhaant

Lalat
beautiful
Bilaaval
bliss
Gaavee
to sing
Apunee Apunee
each and every different view
Bhaant
method, way

The people of the world all sing the praises of the beautiful Lord with complete bliss. The people who live according to the actions of karma (cause and effect) sing his praises according to their own method. The saints sing the praises of God according to their method and the knowledgeable ones sing the praises of God through their method. The many people sing the praises of God and they do this with views that are different from each other.

Supporting Gurbani

ਇਛਾ ਪੂਰਕੁ ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਹਰਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਵਸਿ ਹੈ ਕਾਮਧੇਨਾ ॥

God is the fulfiller of all the desires and wishes a person desires. God is the giver of peace.

Dhanaasree Mahalla 4 – Page 669 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question12

Who can be considered to be deserving or entitled?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਅਸਟ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਭੈਰਵ ਕੇ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਗਾਇਨ ਪਾਤ੍ਰ ॥੧॥

Ast Putar Bhairav Ke Gaavhi Gaayin Paatar

Ast
eight
Putar
subject
Bhairav
by creating fear
Ke
they
Gaavhi
to sing
Gaayin
praise
Paatar
deserving

The saints who have the eight; the five sins and the three characteristics, under their subjection and control will be able to create a fear for the Lord. After doing this they will be able to sing the praises of the Lord. This person will then be considered as entitled or deserving.

The five sins are lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego. The three characteristics are evil, goodness and worldliness.

Supporting Gurbani

ਪਾਂਚਉ ਲਰਿਕਾ ਜਾਰਿ ਕੈ ਰਹੈ ਰਾਮ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਗਿ ॥੪੨॥

By bringing the five sons under subjection I have been able to place my concentration solely into the name of God.

Salok Kabir Ji – Page 1366 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀਆ ਤੀਨੇ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਲਿਆਵੈ ॥

One should bring the three characteristics under control to keep them at the same ratio.

Gauree Tithee Kabir Ji – Page 343 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question13

How does the individual eradicate scepticism?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਦੁਤੀਆ ਮਾਲਕਉਸਕ ਆਲਾਪਹਿ ॥

Dutiaa Maalkousak Aalaaphi

Dutiaa
duality
Maalkousak
Maal = destroy
Kousak
Kou = there is
Sak
scepticism
Aalaaphi
to say, to speak of

Those people who have eradicated duality do not ever speak of any type of scepticism. Once the duality has gone then no scepticism left.

Supporting Gurbani

ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮੇਟਿ ਖਿਮਾ ਗਹਿ ਰਹਹੁ ॥

By listening to the spiritual discourse of the spiritual master the duality of an individual is eradicated while the virtue of piety is adopted.

Gauree Thithee Kabir Ji – Page 343 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question14

How does a person control their organs of action?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਗਨੀ ਪਾਚਉ ਥਾਪਹਿ ॥

Raagni Pachou Thaaphi

Sang
with
Raagni
love
Pachou
five organs of action
Thaaphi
control

The individual who is orientated toward the spiritual master is able to control the five organs of actions (hands, feet, mouth, anus and genital organ) through love.

Supporting Gurbani

ਪਾਂਚਉ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਨਿਗ੍ਰਹ ਕਰਈ ॥
ਪਾਪੁ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਦੋਊ ਨਿਰਵਰਈ ॥੨੭॥

One should prevent the five organs of action from committing sin. If one does this then they will gain knowledge. Once one has gained the knowledge then both sin and good are of no concern to the individual.27.

Gauree Baavan Akhree Bhagat Kabir Ji – Page 341 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question15

How does the individual gain the sweet fragrance of meditation?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਗੋਂਡਕਰੀ ਅਰੁ ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ ॥

Gondkaree Aur Devgandharee

Gondkaree
Gond = deliberate
Karee
do
Aur
those
Devgandharee
Dev = illuminate
Gandharee
fragrance

Those people who deliberate on the Lord become an illuminated form from within thus becoming one with God. By meditating on God one also gains this sweet fragrance which comes from within the body.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸਹਜੇ ਹੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਪਿਆਰਿ ਬੈਰਾਗਿ ॥

From knowledge a person attains a state of meditation. From the state of peace a person gains love and dispassion.

Siree Raag Astpadia Mahalla 3 – Page 68 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਨਾਮੈ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਵਜੀ ਹੈ ਦਹ ਦਿਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੁਸਕੀ ਮੁਸਕ ਗੰਧਾਰੇ ॥੧॥

The name of God is being propagated all over the world through great love and at the same time the sweet fragrance of the Lord is being disseminated through the world.

Natt Mahalla 4 – Page 981 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question16

Explain what knowledge is!

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਗੰਧਾਰੀ ਸੀਹੁਤੀ ਉਚਾਰੀ ॥

Gandharee Seehutee Ucharee

Gandharee
Gandh = nauseating smell
Aree
enemy
Seehutee
is
Ucharee
recite, utter

Knowledge is the enemy of the nauseating smell of sin. Knowledge is uttered through the intellect of the saints. Presently the saints utter and recite knowledge and will also do so in the future.

Supporting Gurbani

ਕਥੀਐ ਸੰਤਸੰਗਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥

One should listen to the exogenesis of the Lord by meeting the saints. By doing this one will gain the knowledge of self realisation.

Kaanraa Mahalla 5 – Page 1300 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਸੋ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਅਨੰਤ ॥
ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਬਿਆਪਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਗਵੰਤ ॥

The infinite Lord is within and at the same time the infinite Lord is outside. The Lord is everywhere and is all pervasive.

Gauree Sukhmani Mahalla 5 – Page 293 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question17

How do we keep our mind free from the hunger for material objects?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਏ ਪਾਚਉ ਗਾਈ ॥

Dhanasree Ei Pachou Gaee

Dhanasree
wish for material objects
Ei
the
Pachou
destroy
Gaee
to sing

The mind which wishes for material objects can have its hunger destroyed if the individual sings the true name of God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਬੁਝੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੈ ਨਾਮਿ ॥

Due to the meditation of the Lords name the hunger for the material pleasures has died.

Dhanaasree Mahalla 5 – Page 682 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question18

How does the individual get rid of the attachment to Maya, which is known as the illusion?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਮਾਲ ਰਾਗ ਕਉਸਕ ਸੰਗਿ ਲਾਈ ॥

Maal Raag Kousak Sang Laee

Maal
wealth, riches
Raag
attachment
Kousak
Kou = the
Sak
doubt
Sang
company
Laee
to discard

The individual who is orientated toward the spiritual master has discarded the doubt caused by the attachment to riches and wealth. Attachment and wealth are the very form of Maya. They are able to discard this doubt due to the realisation that these material objects are not real because they cannot go with you when you leave this world.

Supporting Gurbani

ਮਿਥਿਆ ਕਰਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਤਜੀ ਸੁਖ ਸਹਜ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥

The person who takes Maya to be an illusion only and due to this discards it then they will be able to deliberate with a peaceful soul.

Bilaaval Bhagat Kabir Ji – Page 857 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question19

How does the mind become carefree?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਮਾਰੂ ਮਸਤਅੰਗ ਮੇਵਾਰਾ ॥

Maroo Mastaung Mevaraa

Maroo
to destroy
Mast
carefree
Ang
beloved
Me
in the heart
Varaa
to prevent

By preventing the mind from indulging carnal desires, by destroying the thirst for desire, the individual meets his Beloved Lord within his heart and becomes carefree.

Supporting Gurbani

ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪੀਵੈ ਅਲਮਸਤੁ ਮਤਵਾਰਾ ॥

Whoever drinks the essence of the name of the Lord will become carefree and have a buoyance of spirit from the intoxication.

Aasaa Mahalla 5 – Page 377 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question20

What is the merit of obtaining knowledge directly from God?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪ੍ਰਬਲਚੰਡ ਕਉਸਕ ਉਭਾਰਾ ॥

Parbalchand Kousak Ubharaa.

Parbalchand
Parbal = one with distinctive strength
Chand
intense
Kou
who
Sak
doubt
Ubharaa
raise

The individual with the distinctive strength and intense knowledge gained from the spiritual master, who can raise a doubt about this person’s knowledgeable soul? It is not possible to deliberate on or understand the knowledge and the merit that such people.

Supporting Gurbani

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਰਚੰਡੁ ॥

The people who are in the realm of knowledge have an excess of copious amounts of knowledge.

Jap Ji Sahib – Page 7 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਮੋਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਕਰਣੈ ਜੋਗਾ ਕਿਆ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥
ਕਥਨ ਕਹਣ ਕਉ ਸੋਝੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਜੋ ਪੇਖੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਣਿ ਆਵੈ ॥੨॥

In this spiritual state there is no comprehension to what their knowledge is. What can a person estimate this state at? The person who tries to explain this spiritual state does not have enough knowledge to comprehend it. This is due to the mind of the spiritual individual being in a state of ecstasy. If a person is to look at this person with faith then they will also feel this ecstatic state.

Ramkalee Mahalla 5 – Page 883 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question21

Who has removed their sensual desires?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਖਉਖਟ ਅਉ ਭਉਰਾਨਦ ਗਾਏ ॥

Khoukhat Aou Bhouranad Gaaei

KhouKhat
Khou = destroy
Khat
six (these are the 5 abstract elements of the body and the mind making 6)
Aou
then
Bhouranad
the students bliss
Gaaei
explain

The individual who is orientated toward his spiritual master has destroyed the carnal desires of the five subtle elements and the sixth which is the mind. As the knower of knowledge, the disciple obtains a state of bliss which is impossible to describe.

Supporting Gurbani

ਲੋਭ ਮੋਹ ਏਹ ਪਰਸਿ ਨ ਸਾਕੈ ਗਹੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਗਵਾਨ ॥੧॥

The greed of material objects and attachment to family members cannot touch me as I have adopted the loving devotion of the Lord.1.

Basant Mahalla 9 – Page 1186 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question22

How does an individual gain virtues?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਅਸਟ ਮਾਲਕਉਸਕ ਸੰਗਿ ਲਾਏ ॥੧॥

Ast Maalkousak Sang Laee

Ast
eight (truth, content, mercy, faith, reflection, goodness, consciousness and bliss)
Maal
property
Kou
why
Sak
doubt
Sang
with
Laee
to have

Those people who have made the eight virtues their possessions have no doubt that these are attainable. They do not have any doubts. Due to being exempt from any doubt they have been able to gain these virtues.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸੰਤ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਭਏ ਕਿਰਪਾਲਾ ਹੋਏ ਆਪਿ ਸਹਾਇ ॥
ਗੁਨ ਨਿਧਾਨ ਨਿਤਿ ਗਾਵੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਹਸਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਮਿਟਾਇ ॥੨॥੩੧॥

Due to the kindness of the saints the Lord has graced me. God is the one who has assisted me. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji state that the Lord is the treasure trove of good virtues should have his praises sung. If the individual is to do this then they will gain virtues, eradicate pain and doubts.

Aasaa Mahalla 5 – Page 378 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question23

How does a person eradicate ego?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪੁਨਿ ਆਇਅਉ ਹਿੰਡੋਲੁ ਪੰਚ ਨਾਰਿ ਸੰਗਿ ਅਸਟ ਸੁਤ ॥

Puni Aaiyou Hindol Panch Naari Sang Ast Sut

Puni
pure
Aaiyou
come, embed
Hindol
Hin = ego
Dol
to lose
Panch
five
Naari
sheaths
Sang
in company
Ast
eight
Sut
properly adjust

Those who embed the name of God within their hearts lose their ego. With their five sheaths they contemplate and with the body they have been able to properly adjust these eight to gain praise.

The sheaths (kosh) within the body are the following:

  • a) Ananmay – this is the sheath which is the physical body. The body requires nourishment from food. Within the subtle body are three sheaths.
  • b) Praanmay – this is the sheath with five different types of air. These are Praan, Apaan, Samaan, Biyaan and Udiyaan.
  • c) Manmay – this sheath consists of the five organs of action and the mind.
  • d) Vigyaanmay – this sheath consists of the five knowledge organs and the intellect.
  • e) Anandmay – this is the sheath in which the person feels bliss which is usually experienced in the unconscious state.

If we take the physical body then there are the ‘sat dhaatoo’, the seven ingredients which are the following:

  • a) Bone
  • b) Blood
  • c) Flesh
  • d) Fat
  • e) Bile
  • f) Semen
  • g) Nerve tissue

God is distinct and separate from the five sheaths and is within the ingredients of the body. In this way God brings glory and praise to the being.

The ਪੰਚ ਨਾਰਿ (five practices) are the following:

  • a) Khechree
  • b) Bhoochree
  • c) Chaachree
  • d) Agochree
  • e) Unmanee

The ਅਸਟ ਸੁਤ (eight adjusted parts) within the body are the following:

  • a) Praan
  • b) Biyaan
  • c) Sumaan
  • d) Apaan
  • e) Udiyaan
  • f) Ira
  • g) Pingla
  • h) Sukhmana

These are the eight that are properly adjusted and in working order.

For those who have the pure name of God within their hearts, these five spiritual states are with them and they have complete control over the different types of air in the body. In this way the individual loses his ego.

According to the Yoga school of thought the following meanings are given for the five spiritual states:

  • a) Khechree – where the individual can catch the dripping nectar inside him using his tongue. In this state he can disappear into the sky and become invisible.
  • b) Bhoochree – where the individual can gain focus of the Lord in the point between the nose and the brow. This is where the Praan and the Apaan meet. The Apaan immerses into the Praan and the individual gains the state of Samadhi. In this state they can disappear into the earth.
  • c) Chaachree – where the individual can focus on the Lord at the Trikuti which is the point where the nerves merge in the head. This individual can become the form of the Lord. This is where the individual eradicates duality.
  • d) Agochree – where the individual reaches the tenth gate in the body. All of their senses merge into the Anahad shabad. This individual can hide themselves in water.
  • e) Unmanee – where the individual is within the tenth gate and uses the force of their breath to open the vein known as the Brahamrandhra. Only bliss is experienced here. This location is free of objectification and here the Jiv becomes Parmatma.

By doing these things the ascetic becomes powerful and has the power to merge with the five elements. However, their subtle and minute forms still remain. The whole point of the yoga process is to become separate from the body.

According to the Yoga school of thought the five types of air along with the Ira, Pingla and Sukhmana are:

  • 1) Praan – the air that is the life force.
  • 2) Biyaan – the air in the whole body.
  • 3) Sumaan – the air behind the naval.
  • 4) Apaan – the air within the rectum.
  • 5) Udiyaan – the air within the throat.
  • 6) Ira – the left nerve to the Trikuti which is related to the moon.
  • 7) Pingla – the right nerve to the Trikuti which is related to the sun.
  • 8) Sukhmana – this is where the Ira and Pingla meet. The point where the air rests in the Trikuti is known as the Sukhmana.

According the Yoga school of thought if a person eradicates their ego then the five and eight explained above will connect.

According to Gurmat the following explanations are given to the thirteen above:

  • a) Khechree – to believe that God is omnipresent in the sky.
  • b) Bhoochree – to contemplate on the enormous form of God.
  • c) Chaachree – to keep the individuals contemplation in the yearning of God.
  • d) Agochree – to overcome the five organs and senses.
  • e) Unmanee – to achieve the state of turiya.

Another explanation for these is given below:

  • a) Khechree – one who sings the praises of God in the true congregation. This is the state of Dharam Khand.
  • b) Bhoochree – one who serves through devotion to God. This is the state of Giyaan Khand.
  • c) Chaachree – one who is a disciple of the spiritual master. This is the state of Saram Khand.
  • d) Agochree – one who accepts the will, wish or command of the spiritual master. This is the state of Karam Khand.
  • e) Unmanee – one who is orientated toward the spiritual master. This is the state of Sach Khand.

The translations according to Gurmat for the five types of air and the Ira, Pingla and Sukhmana are given below:

  • 1) Praan – where one recognises God.
  • 2) Biyaan – where one is without duality and doubts.
  • 3) Samaan – where one understands that God is omnipresent.
  • 4) Apaan – where one cannot be noticed by the world.
  • 5) Udiyaan – where one understands the world to be the form of death.
  • 6) + 7) Ira – where the stubbornness for desires are discarded (Pingla) by the mind.
  • 8) Sukhmana – one who meditates and brings peace to the mind.

With the Ira (left nostril) one should breathe out, in the same way one should discard their bad actions or deeds. With the Pingla (right nostril) one should breathe in, in the same way that one should take the discourses of the spiritual master and embed them within the heart. The Sukhmana is where the breath rests, in the same way the individual take the teachings of the spiritual master within them.

Supporting Gurbani

ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਜਨਹੁ ਇਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਦੁਖ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੨॥

Pride is the biggest illness that a person can have. To eradicate pride is very difficult. The cure to this pride is found in the spiritual discourses of the spiritual master which has to be earned. This discourse is given to the individual through the grace of the Lord. Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji states that a person should listen to this teaching as it is through this method somebody can eradicate this illness known as pride.

Aasaa Di Vaar Mahalla 2 – Page 466 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question24

How does somebody eradicate the waves of thoughts and doubts within their mind?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਉਠਹਿ ਤਾਨ ਕਲੋਲ ਗਾਇਨ ਤਾਰ ਮਿਲਾਵਹੀ ॥੧॥

Oothi Taan Kalol Gaiyan Taar Milaavhee

Taan
body
Kalol
resolve, thought
Taar
concentration

Those who sing the praises of God whilst concentrating on the Lord will have all of their thoughts disappear from within their mind and body.

Supporting Gurbani

ਮਾਈ ਮੈ ਧਨੁ ਪਾਇਓ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
ਮਨੁ ਮੇਰੋ ਧਾਵਨ ਤੇ ਛੂਟਿਓ ਕਰਿ ਬੈਠੋ ਬਿਸਰਾਮੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

O brother (saints), I have accumulated the wealth of the Lord’s name. Due to this my mind has stopped wandering in thoughts and doubts. The mind has now settled and is at peace. The mind is now settled in the true form.1.Pause.

Basant Mahalla 9 – Page 1186 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question25

Who is able to worship their own soul?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਤੇਲੰਗੀ ਦੇਵਕਰੀ ਆਈ ॥

Telangee Devkaree Aaee

Telangee
Te = three
Langee
pass, bypass
Dev
worship
Karee
to do

Like the individuals who are orientated toward their spiritual master and have bypassed the three virtues of goodness, worldliness and evil, they are able to worship their own soul. They are able to do this as they are one with God and the soul is the form of God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਰਹਤ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਰਾਰੀ ਸਾਧਿਕ ਸਿਧ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ॥
ਰਤਨ ਕੋਠੜੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸੰਪੂਰਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਖਜਾਨੈ ॥੧॥

The soul is separate from the three virtues of goodness, worldliness and evil. The devotee and the hermits do not know about this fact. This soul is the treasure trove to the good virtues. Due to the bliss from the nectar within, the soul is complete like the Lord.1.

Raamkali Mahalla 5 – Page 883 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੁ ਪੂਜਾ ਜਾਣੈ ਭਾਣਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਾਈ ॥੧੧॥

The devotee orientated towards the spiritual master knows how to worship. The devotee accepts the will of God and lives in accordance to the will.11.

Raamkalee Mahalla 3 – Page 910 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question26

What merit does the individual gain by accepting the will of God?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਬਸੰਤੀ ਸੰਦੂਰ ਸੁਹਾਈ ॥

Basantee Sandoor Suhai

Basantee
Basan = lost
Tee
female
Sandoor
Sun = due to belief
Door
away
Suhai
greatest

The ignorance, which takes the form of a female, surrenders. The greatest of the temptresses is also known as Maya, with the blessings of the Lord it goes far away from the individual.

Supporting Gurbani

ਤੇਰਾ ਭਾਣਾ ਮੰਨੇ ਸੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਏ ॥
ਜਿਸੁ ਭਾਣਾ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਸਮਾਏ ॥

The person who accepts your will O Lord is the one who is able to meet you. The person who accepts and lives in accordance to your command will eventually become your form.

Maroo Mahalla 3 – Page 1063 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਠਗਾਨਾ ਸੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਠਾਗੀ ॥੨॥੪੪॥੬੭॥

Guru Arjan Dev Ji state that Maya has cheated the people of the world but then she has been cheated by the saints of the world who follow your will.2.44.67.

Saarang Mahalla 5 – Page 1217 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question27

How can a person become the illuminated form of the Lord?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸਰਸ ਅਹੀਰੀ ਲੈ ਭਾਰਜਾ ॥

Saras Aheeree Lai Bharja

Saras
with the help of love, the assistance of love
Aheeree
Ahee = dreams
Ree
sense organs
Lai
destroy
Bharja
Bha = illuminated form
Ja
satisfied, content

The individual who is orientated toward his spiritual master is able to destroy the sense organs with the assistance of love. The sense organs are in the metaphorical form of a snake. The individual then becomes the illuminated form of the Lord and becomes content.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹੋ ਸੁਨ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਭੈ ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੀਓ ਤਿਨ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਇਓ ॥੯॥੨੯॥

I state the truth and all should listen to this advice, if you truly love the Lord then you will become one with God thus becoming the illuminated form.9.29.

Tavparsad Savaiyai – Page 110 of the Sri Dasam Granth

Question28

What do the individuals who are orientated toward their spiritual master focus upon?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸੰਗਿ ਲਾਈ ਪਾਂਚਉ ਆਰਜਾ ॥

Sang Laee Panchou Aarja

Sang
with
Laee
remain
Panchou
conscious
Aarja
great

The Lord is the form of supreme consciousness is the greatest of all. It is the Lord who the mentioned individuals focus upon.

Supporting Gurbani

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੇ ਲਿਵ ਏਕੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੀ ॥੨॥੧॥

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji states that they have focused their attention on the one Lord and due to this have no fear. Due to this their mind is focused on the Lord.2.1.

Todi Mahalla 5 – Page 711 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question29

Where does an individual propagate the Lord?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸੁਰਮਾਨੰਦ ਭਾਸਕਰ ਆਏ ॥

Surmaanand Bhaaskar Aaie

Surmaanand
Surmaa = black (maya)
Nand
son
Bhaaskar
Bhaas = illuminated
Kar
become

The son of Maya is the mind of the individual. Once the mind becomes illuminated with the knowledge of God then the Lord can be propagated.

Supporting Gurbani

ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਆਪਿ ਮਨ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

God is within the individual and the individual is within God

Gauree Sukhmani Mahalla 5 – Page 279 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਮਨੂਆ ਪੰਚ ਮਿਲੇ ਗੁਰ ਭਾਈ ॥

Those who have listened to the discourse by the superior spiritual master they realise that the Lord is within the individual and the individual is within the Lord.

Raamkalee Mahalla 1 – Page 879 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question30

What is the nature of the illuminated light in the heart like?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਚੰਦ੍ਰਬਿੰਬ ਮੰਗਲਨ ਸੁਹਾਏ ॥

Chandarbinb Mangalan Suhai

Chandarbinb
Chandar = moon
Binb
reflection
Mangalan
blissful

In the way that the reflection of the moon can be seen in a pitcher of water, similarly the individual who is focused on the spiritual master has the illuminating and blissful light of the Lord within his heart. This is how the illumination can be described.

Supporting Gurbani

ਹਭ ਸਮਾਣੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਘਟਾਊ ਚੰਦ੍ਰਮਾ ॥

The illuminating light of the Lord is embedded within each being. It is similar to the way that all pitchers full of water show a reflection of the moon.

Maroo Mahalla 5 – Page 1099 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਜਿਉ ਪਸਰੀ ਸੂਰਜ ਕਿਰਣਿ ਜੋਤਿ ॥
ਤਿਉ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਰਮਈਆ ਓਤਿ ਪੋਤਿ ॥੧॥

In the way that the rays of the candles merge into the rays of the sun similarly in the same way the all pervasive Lord is found every-where.1.

Basant Mahalla 4 – Page 1177 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question31

What are the merits that the arrows of love give when striking the individual?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸਰਸਬਾਨ ਅਉ ਆਹਿ ਬਿਨੋਦਾ ॥

Sarasbaan Aou Aahi Binoda

Sarasbaan
Saras = with the assistance of love
Baan
arrows
Aou
then
Aahi
is
Binoda
bliss

Those individuals who have had their hearts struck by the arrows of love for God have all of their misconceptions about the Lord dispelled. Due to this they gain a state of bliss and nothing but bliss.

Supporting Gurbani

ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੇ ਸਰ ਲਾਗੇ ਤਨ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਤਾ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਕਾਟਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥

When the arrows of love strike the abstract body then all of the misconceptions about the Lord disappear.1.

Sorath Mahalla 4 – Page 607 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question32

What is the merit of singing the praises of God with love?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸਰਸ ਬਸੰਤ ਕਮੋਦਾ ॥

Gaavhi Saras Basant Kamoda

Gaavhi
to sing
Saras
with love
Basant
bliss
Kamoda
poets

Those who sing the praises of God with love are similar to the poets. In their hearts they gain the bliss from Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji as one would gain radiance from the moon or the sun.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸਭੇ ਕਾਜ ਸੁਹੇਲੜੇ ਥੀਏ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤੁਠਾ ॥੧॥

If the individual is to sing the praises of God the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji state they will gain live and bliss within their mind.1.

Gauree Mahalla 5 – Page 322 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿਕ ਜਗ ਫਲਾ ਸੁਣਿ ਗਾਵਨਹਾਰੇ ਰਾਮ ॥

If a person is to listen and sing the praises of God then they will be rewarded with the penances of completing many ritual sacrifices.

Bihaagraa Mahalla 5 – Page 546 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question33

What are the practices such as Vairaag and Vivek?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਅਸਟ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਮੈ ਕਹੇ ਸਵਾਰੀ ॥

Ast Puttar Mai Kahe Savaree

Ast
eight
Puttar
pure
Mai
mine
Savaree
to ride

These eight are Vairaag, Vivek, Khat Sampatee, Mokh Icha, Sarvan, Manan, Nidhasan and Tat Tvan. It is the pure saints who use these practices which enables them to gain the pure form of the Lord.

Supporting Gurbani

ਮਨ ਤਨ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਤੇ ਰੰਗ ਏਕੈ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਕੈ ਬਿਰਤਿ ਬਿਬੇਕੈ ॥੫॥

Due to the mind one is imbued with the love of one God. Due to the body one is imbued with the love of one God. Due to the love of the one God with both mind and body the individual remains in a state of bliss. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji states that the attention of the saints with the Lord is one of Vivek.

Gauree Sukhmani Mahalla 5 – Page 264 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Vairaag is when a person is able to renounce all of the material objects in the world. It is when a person has no need or desire for anything other then God. It is referred to as dispassion.

Vivek is recognising that God is the only true form in the three domains while everything else succumbs to death.

Khat Sampatee is made up of six types of techniques which are:

  • a) Sam – controlling one’s mind from sensual thoughts.
  • b) Dam – controlling the organs from committing sin.
  • c) Sarda – to have faith. For example to believe that the words of the spiritual master are true and that they help the devotee gain liberation. This is the type of faith which a person should adopt.
  • d) Samadhan – to destroy the restlessness in a person’s mind.
  • e) Upram – to control the mind and body from the thirst of sexual engagement.
  • f) Tatichya – this is where a person is able to endure pain, pleasure, thirst, etc.

Mokh Icha is when a person desires to become one with God and due to this is becomes liberated from pain and bondage of the world.

Sarvan is when one is to have faith in the discourses of the Vedas (discourses of knowledge from scriptures). Following this one should collect their thinking and listen to the name of God.

Manan is when one accepts the will of the Lord and devotes his consciousness to the thought of God.

Nidhasan is when one focuses their thought and concentration on nothing but the Lord.

Tattvan is when to the soul of the individual becomes the same as the Lord. There is no difference left between them.

Question34

What is the reason for the human birth?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪੁਨਿ ਆਈ ਦੀਪਕ ਕੀ ਬਾਰੀ ॥੧॥

Pun Aaee Deepak Kee Baree

Pun
cycle
Deepak
illuminated
Baree
human birth

Travelling through the cycle of transmigration one is granted a human birth in order to meet the illuminated form of God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਭਈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ ॥
ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਮਿਲਣ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਰੀਆ ॥

O brother this human life which you have been granted is the greatest of all of the species in the cycle of transmigration. This life has been given for one sole purpose and that is to meet the illuminated form of the God.

Aasaa Mahalla 5 – Page 12 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question35

How does a person eradicate ignorance?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਕਛੇਲੀ ਪਟਮੰਜਰੀ ਟੋਡੀ ਕਹੀ ਅਲਾਪਿ ॥

Kachelee Patmanjaree Todee Kahee Alaapi

Kachelee
Ka = defective, evil
Chelee
mind which tricks
Patmanjaree
Pat = to pull up
Man
in the heart
Jaree
fixed
Todee
complete

The defective and evil mind that tricks a person through ignorance is fixed in the heart. This ignorance is uprooted and taken out of the heart. The individual who is orientated toward the spiritual master sings the praises of the Lord, who is the form of the supreme consciousness. This individual also makes others sing the praises of God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਕੁਬੁਧਿ ਮਿਟੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥

By deliberating on the holy word the ignorance from the individual is eradicated.

Raamkalee Mahalla 1 Sidh Gosht – Page 944 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question36

How does a person gain the supreme intellect?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਕਾਮੋਦੀ ਅਉ ਗੂਜਰੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਦੀਪਕ ਕੇ ਥਾਪਿ ॥੧॥

Kaamodee Aou Gujree Sang Deepak Ke Thapi

Kaamodee
one who creates lust, such as a poet
Goojree
to give sustenance
Deepak
illuminated form
Thapi
corrected, complete
Aou
then

The individuals who are engrossed in the ignorance of the uncontrollable sense organs are creating lust like poets do, they later give sustenance so that the individual becomes the illuminated form of the supreme intellect. In this way the student becomes complete and corrected.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸੁਕਰਣੀ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਹਮ ਪਾਈ ॥

The individual who meets with the spiritual master learns how to meditate making them superior.

Aasaa Mahalla 5 – Page 370 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਹਮ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਤੂੰ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਿਤਾ ਹੈ ਦੇ ਮਤਿ ਸਮਝਾਏ ॥

We are your children and you are the form of the spiritual master. You are also the form of the father and give us superior intellect to understand you.

Aasaa Mahalla 4 – Page 450 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question37

Can the undesirable traits be eradicated?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਕਾਲੰਕਾ ਕੁੰਤਲ ਅਉ ਰਾਮਾ ॥

Kaalanka Kuntal Aou Raamaa

Kaalanka
sin, blemish
Kuntal
black, dark
Aou
then
Raamaa
go away, eradicate

The blemishes created by the dark sins are all eradicated. All of the undesirable traits can be eradicated.

Supporting Gurbani

ਕੋਟਿ ਜਨਮ ਕੇ ਬਿਨਸੇ ਪਾਪ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਤ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੰਤਾਪ ॥

By singing the praises of God the sin from thousands of births is decimated. By singing the praises of the Lord the individual feels no more pain.

Raamkalee Mahalla 5 – Page 897 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question38

How does consciousness become pure?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਕਮਲਕੁਸਮ ਚੰਪਕ ਕੇ ਨਾਮਾ ॥

Kamalkusam Chanpak Ke Naamaa

Kamalkusam
Kamal = lotus
Kusam
flowers
Chanpak
tree bearing yellow flowers
Ke
to do
Naamaa
God’s name

By mediating and repeating the name of God the individual becomes like lotus blossom, unattached from the world mentally and at the same time like a tree bearing flowers while remaining pure.

Supporting Gurbani

ਨਾਮਿ ਜਿਸੈ ਕੈ ਊਜਲੀ ਤਿਸੁ ਦਾਸੀ ਗਨੀਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

By meditating on the name of God my consciousness has become purified. I consider myself as self obedient.1.Pause.

Aasaa Mahalla 5 – Page 400 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question39

What is the greatest thing in the heart of an individual who is orientated toward the spiritual master?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਗਉਰਾ ਅਉ ਕਾਨਰਾ ਕਲ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਨਾ ॥

Gaura Aou Kaanra Kalaanaa

Gaura
praise
Aou
and
Kaanra
Kaa = peaceful form
Nra
endless form
Kalaanaa
liberated form

Within the heart of the disciple orientated towards the spiritual master is the praise of God. They take the peaceful and endless form of God within them and obtain the liberated form.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸਭ ਵਡਿਆਈਆ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਚਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਧਿਆਈਐ ॥

Within the name of God you can find the praise of the Lord. For this reason the individual should adopt the name of god from the spiritual master.

Bilaaval Mahalla 3 – Page 850 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question40

How does a person gain the wealth of the name of God?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਅਸਟ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਦੀਪਕ ਕੇ ਜਾਨਾ ॥੧॥

Ast Puttar Deepak Ke Jaanaa

A
without
St
in exchange
Puttar
pure
Deepak
knowledge
Ke
to
Jaanaa
realise

The merit of fruit gained cannot be exchanged for the name of God. God can only be realised through the knowledge of the name. Without this knowledge one cannot repeat or know the name of God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਕੰਚਨ ਸਿਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਹੀ ਤੋਲਿ ॥
ਮਨੁ ਦੇ ਰਾਮੁ ਲੀਆ ਹੈ ਮੋਲਿ ॥੧॥

O King you cannot use your weight in gold in order to meet the Lord. You can meet the Lord by giving your body and mind to the spiritual master who will then exchange it for the wealth of the name of God.1.

Gauree Kabir Ji – Page 327 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question41

How do the saints sing the praises of God?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸਭ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗ ਵੈ ਗਾਵਹਿ ॥

Sabh Mil Sireeraag Vai Gaavhi

Sabh
all
Mil
join
Sireeraag
Siree = great
Raag
love
Vai
of the Lord
Gaavhi
sing

The saints all join together to sing the praises of God with great love.

Supporting Gurbani

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜੈਦੇਉ ਨਾਮਾਂ ॥
ਭਗਤਿ ਕੈ ਪ੍ਰੇਮਿ ਇਨ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਜਾਨਾਂ ॥੫॥

Through the grace of the spiritual master the saints such as Jaidev and Namdev sing the praises of the Lord with love until they realised the Lord.5.

Gauree Gauraeree Bhagat Kabir Ji – Page 330 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question42

How does one meet God within the heart?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪਾਂਚਉ ਸੰਗਿ ਬਰੰਗਨ ਲਾਵਹਿ ॥

Paanchou Sang Barangan Laavhi

Paanchou
conscious Lord
Barangan
Bar = great
Angan
heart

By meeting the great saints one can meet God and place the conscious Lord within the heart.

Supporting Gurbani

ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਵੇਚੀ ਸੰਤ ਪਹਿ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਦੇਇ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੩॥

O beloved, I have sold this body to the saints and due to this I have met the Lord within.

Aasaa Mahalla 4 Bihaagra – Page 431 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question43

How does one gain complete merit?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਬੈਰਾਰੀ ਕਰਨਾਟੀ ਧਰੀ ॥

Bairaaree Karnaatee Dharee

Bairaaree
poverty which is the destroyer of enmity
Karnaatee
complete grace
Dharee
to adopt

Those people who have adopted the grace of the spiritual master and become pure will gain complete merit.

Supporting Gurbani

ਸਹਜ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ਫਲੁ ਮਸਕੀਨੀ ॥
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਮੋਹਿ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੀਨੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

If a person is to adopt the virtue of humility then they will be awarded with inner peace. The true spiritual master has granted me this virtue.1.Pause.

Gauree Guaraeree Mahalla 5 – Page 235 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question44

Whose glory is being sung in all of creation?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਗਵਰੀ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਆਸਾਵਰੀ ॥

Gavree Gaavhi Aasaavaree

Gavree
focused intellect (Parbati)
Gaavhi
to sing
Aasaavaree
Aasaa = hope
Varee
to invite

Those people who sing the praises of God with the focused intellect also invite hope. All of the demi gods such as the goddess Parbati sing the praises of God’s glory.

Supporting Gurbani

ਮਮਤਾ ਜਾਲ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਉਦਾਸਾ ॥
ਪ੍ਰਣਵਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਮ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਦਾਸਾ ॥੨੦॥੧॥

If a person remains disassociated from the web of attachment then they will become the form of God. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji state that they are singing the praises of the Lord.

Bilaaval Mahalla 1 Tithee – Page 840 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question45

How does one eradicate desires?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਤਿਹ ਪਾਛੈ ਸਿੰਧਵੀ ਅਲਾਪੀ ॥

Tih Paachai Sidhvee Alaapee

Tih
desires
Paachai
away from
Sindhvee
Sindh = ocean
Vee
like
Alaapee
praise

The saints who have pushed the desires away from themselves, their praise and glory is difficult to comprehend similar to expounding the praise of the huge ocean. They understand the Lord’s vastness like the ocean and sing His praises. By doing this they were able to eradicate their thirst for desires.

Supporting Gurbani

ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਉਧਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥੫॥੧॥੫੫॥

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji state that if a person comes in the shelter of the Lord then the fire of desire and greed will be extinguished by the Lord. This individual then crosses the worldly ocean.5.1.55.

Dhanasree Mahalla 5 – Page 684 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਬੁਝੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੈ ਨਾਮਿ ॥

Through the singing of God’s name the fire of desire and greed can be extinguished.

Dhanasree Mahalla 5 – Page 682 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question46

How does one eradicate distress?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗ ਸਿਉ ਪਾਂਚਉ ਥਾਪੀ ॥੧॥

Sireeraag Sio Paanchou Thaapee

Sireeraag
Siree = the greatest
Raag
love
Paanchou
five things that cause distress
Thaapee
prevent

Those who have complete love with God who is greater then all, are able to prevent the five causes of distress affecting the individual’s concentration.

The five causes of distress (five Kalesha) are:

  • a) Avidiya – ignorance to the illumination of the soul.
  • b) Asamita – being unable to control the concentration also known as egoism.
  • c) Raag – attachment.
  • d) Dvaikh – enmity.
  • e) Abhinivesh – to cling onto life and fear death.

Supporting Gurbani

ਕਲੀ ਕਾਲ ਕੇ ਮਿਟੇ ਕਲੇਸਾ ॥
ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਪਰਵੇਸਾ ॥੧॥

Within the age of Kaljug all of the causes of distress have been eradicated. These will be eradicated if a person has the name of God forever in their mind.1.

Soohee Mahalla 5 – Page 744 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question47

How is God omnipotent?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸਾਲੂ ਸਾਰਗ ਸਾਗਰਾ ਅਉਰ ਗੋਂਡ ਗੰਭੀਰ ॥

Saaloo Saarag Saagraa Aour Gond Ganbheer

Saaloo
home
Saarag
Saar = superior
Ag
eclipse
Saagraa
ocean
Aur
outside
Gond
to eulogise, to comprehend
Ganbheer
deep

God is the house that is superior and eulogises all else. Looking at the Lord one sees the great deity as the deepest ocean when eulogising and expounding the virtues of the Lord. The Lord is like a house and provides shelter. God is superior and the knower of all. He is endless like an ocean. God can be found in nature and is omnipresent in all creation.

Supporting Gurbani

ਉਦਕ ਸਮੁੰਦ ਸਲਲ ਕੀ ਸਾਖਿਆ ਨਦੀ ਤਰੰਗ ਸਮਾਵਹਿਗੇ ॥
ਸੁੰਨਹਿ ਸੁੰਨੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਸਮਦਰਸੀ ਪਵਨ ਰੂਪ ਹੋਇ ਜਾਵਹਿਗੇ ॥੧॥

The ocean is the Lord and the pond, rivers, waves are all the individuals. When the ignorance is removed one realises the individuals are the same as the Lord proving tha God is omnipotent. When one realises all the forms are the same then the forms all become part of the Lord.1.

Maaroo Bhagat Kabir Ji – Page 1103 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question48

Who is a brave warrior?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਅਸਟ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਸ੍ਰੀਰਾਗ ਕੇ ਗੁੰਡ ਕੁੰਭ ਹਮੀਰ ॥੧॥

Ast Puttar Sreeraag Ke Gund Kunbh Hameer

Ast
eight
Puttar
pure
Sreeraag
great love
Gund
given, granted
Kunbh
body
Hameer
warrior

The eight limbs of yoga are the beloved of the great Lord. These eight limbs make a person pure. If while in the human birth granted to us one defeats the enemy known as ignorance and becomes a warrior. In the human birth which has been granted one destroys pride and becomes a brave warrior. Such an individual is regarded as a brave warrior.

Supporting Gurbani

ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਸੂਰਾ ਵਰੀਆਮੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਦੁਸਟੁ ਅਹੰਕਰਣੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਾਰਿਆ ॥

Guru Amardas Ji states that a true warrior is one who destroys the enemy of pride within their heart. The devotee who is orientated towards the spiritual master praises the true name of God and makes his birth worthwhile.

Sireeraag Mahalla 3 – Page 86 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The eight limbs of Yoga are:

  • 1) Yam – these are the methods of self control. In the yoga school of thought these are ten which are:
    • a) Ahimsa – this is non violence. There are three types of this:
      • i) To consciously not think of bad thoughts.
      • ii) Not to talk abruptly or rudely.
      • iii) Not harm another human being.
    • b) Sach – to never tell a lie and to always speak the truth.
    • c) Chori – to refrain from committing theft. One should not hide their sins.
    • d) Jatt – to refrain from sexual pleasures. There are in total eight methods of restraint for this which are:
      • i) Not to talk about sex.
      • ii) Not to listen to any conversation about sex.
      • iii) Not meeting another person in seclusion.
      • iv) Not to touch another’s limbs.
      • v) Not looking at another with love and affection.
      • vi) Not putting another close to your heart.
      • vii) Not to consciously think of another.
      • viii) Not to copulate.
    • e) Dheeraj – to have tranquillity, to treat both pleasure and pain as the same.
    • f) Khima – to be merciful and forgiving. Not to hold a grudge and not to judge others.
    • g) Daya – to be merciful and by seeing another person in pain one should take pity and offer help.
    • h) Komal Hirda – to have a delicate heart and to give to others good discourses.
    • i) Maryada Bhojan – to only eat food according to their religious code of conduct.
    • j) Ishnaan – bathing the body with water and washing the attachment and enmity from the mind. These are the 10 methods of self control.
  • 2) Niyam – these are the daily or regular practices. Again according to the Yoga school of thought there are ten. These are ten:
    • a) Tap – to meditate. Again there are three different types of meditation which are the following:
      • i) Tamsee – to remain hungry or to be surrounded by fire whilst meditating.
      • ii) Rajsee – to do selfless service and refrain from sexual desires.
      • iii) Santkee – to put all of your concentration into the recitation of the name of God.
    • b) Santokh – to be content with the will of God and to see both pain and pleasure in the same light.
    • c) Aastak – to keep faith in the teachings of the spiritual master.
    • d) Daan – to give to charity. Again there are three types which are:
      • i) Tamsee – when one gives whilst angered.
      • ii) Rajsee – to give in order to gain praise.
      • iii) Santkee – to donate in the name of God submitting to the divine will. This is to donate out of humility.
    • e) Pooja – to worship with complete faith in the heart.
    • f) Paath – to recite the prayers given by the spiritual master.
    • g) Binna Danbh – when one serves the spiritual master by making themselves pure.
    • h) Santkee Brit – to be humble and speak sweetly.
    • i) Abol – where one does not speak until they have read their prayers.
    • j) Hom – to feed the poor.
  • 3) Aasan – this is the sitting posture.
  • 4) Pranayam – system of breathing techniques and practice.
  • 5) Pratiahaar – by restraining the five sense organs and keeping desires from the mind, one focuses on spiritual reflection.
  • 6) Dharna – to bring the mind’s thoughts together and to focus upon God.
  • 7) Dhyan – to keep the focus upon the words of the spiritual master.
  • 8) Samadh – to sit in complete concentration on the Lord without any thought affecting them.

According to Gurmat the eight limbs are interpreted differently as explained below:

  • 1) Yam – to remain humble.
  • 2) Niyam – to daily or regularly go into the true congregation. To listen to the hymns of God with a focused mind and the reading of prayers.
  • 3) Ikaant Desh – to see God within all and realising that he is omnipresent. To make the desires subtle and live in spiritual reflection.
  • 4) Aasan – to sit whilst focused on the timeless Lord.
  • 5) Pranayam – there are three types of breathing which are:
    • i) Poorak – to listen to the discourses of the spiritual master and internalise them, making the teaching blossom.
    • ii) Kunbhak – the spiritual objective, when one keeps the teachings within the heart and renounces all while meditating. To keep the name of God within the mind.
    • iii) Rechak – whatever the true spiritual master says to renounce, the individual should do so without feeling hurt.
  • 6) Dhyan – when hearing or reciting Gurbani one should put completely focus upon this.
  • 7) Dharna – when the mind gets lost in thoughts one should recite the name of God in order to recollect their thoughts.
  • 8) Samadhi – when the mind is able to focus on God for a long period of time so that they can eradicate ego and become one with God.

These are the eight limbs of yoga according to Gurmat.

Question49

Who sings the praises of the spiritual master?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਖਸਟਮ ਮੇਘ ਰਾਗ ਵੈ ਗਾਵਹਿ ॥

Khastam Megh Raag Vai Gaavhi

Khastam
the six Jatees (Gorakh, Bhisham, Bhairou, Dattatreya, Hanuman and Laxman[6])
Megh
cloud

[6] Laxman was married however he accompanied Sri Ram Chandar during his 14 years in exile without his wife. During this time he remained a celibate and for this reason is considered one of the six Jatees.

The six Jatees are in love with the spiritual master who is the form of a cloud. They sing his praises constantly. Through the mind, body, the holy word and through the three time periods these six individuals with love for the spiritual master sing His praises. They also constantly sing the praises of God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਗਾਵਹਿ ਜਨਕਾਦਿ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਜੋਗੇਸੁਰ ਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਪੂਰਨ ਸਰਬ ਕਲਾ ॥
ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸਨਕਾਦਿ ਸਾਧ ਸਿਧਾਦਿਕ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਨ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਅਛਲ ਛਲਾ ॥
ਗਾਵੈ ਗੁਣ ਧੋਮੁ ਅਟਲ ਮੰਡਲਵੈ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਇ ਰਸੁ ਜਾਣਿਓ ॥
ਕਬਿ ਕਲ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਗਾਵਉ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਿਓ ॥੩॥

Great sages all meet up together such as King Janak and sing the praises of the Lord who is all powerful. The four sons of Brahma and the saints from the Himalayan mountains are all singing the praises of the Lord. Many more saints sing the praises of the Lord who cannot be tricked. The devotees who have sung the praises of the Lord with love such as Bhagat Dhru are still singing his praises. The poet Kal says the form of the Lord is in actual fact Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and all should sing his praises. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the one who accepted the blissful meditation of the Lord. 3.

Savaiyai Mahalla 1 Ke – Page 1389 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question50

How does the individual make the mind superior?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪਾਂਚਉ ਸੰਗਿ ਬਰੰਗਨ ਲਾਵਹਿ ॥

Paanchou Sang Barangan Laavhi

Paanchou
five elements
Sang
with
Barangan
Bar = superior
Angan
within the heart

The mind is made up of the five elements and the virtue of Sato. By mixing with the true congregation one takes the goodness into the heart making them superior. In this way it also goes into the mind.

Supporting Gurbani

ਨਿਰਮਲ ਹੰਸਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪਿਆਰਿ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਸਰਿ ਵਸੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ॥

Those individuals who have humility in their mind such as the saints have love for God. They have killed off the ego and due to this they reside in the ocean known as the Lord.

Maajh Mahalla 3 – Page 128 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question51

How does one become dispassionate?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਗੋਂਡ ਮਲਾਰੀ ਧੁਨੀ ॥

Sorath Gond Malaaree Dhunee

Sorath
intellect
Gond
to meet
Malaaree
the destroyer of sin (Vairaag, dispassion)
Dhunee
to say

When good intellect and dispassion meet together then the powers of God are described and recited. One becomes dispassionate in this way.

Supporting Gurbani

ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਹਜ ਬੈਰਾਗੁ ॥੪॥੭॥

From the holy words of the true spiritual master the individual gains knowledge and dispassion.4.7.

Wadhans Mahalla 3 – Page 560 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question52

How do you sing the praises of God through reflecting on the Lord?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪੁਨਿ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਆਸਾ ਗੁਨ ਗੁਨੀ ॥

Pun Gaavhi Aasaa Gun Gunee

Pun
again and again
Gaavhi
to sing
Gun
by reflecting
Gunee
knowledgeable
Aasaa
hope

Again and again the individual reflects on the Lord as the form of hope and sings the praises of the Lord who has complete knowledge.

Supporting Gurbani

ਗਿਆਨੀਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਨਿਤ ਹਰਿ ਲਿਵ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥

Within the heart of the intellectuals is the spiritual discourse of the spiritual master. These individuals have a focused attention on the Lord and due to forever remain bloomed like a blossoming flower.

Salok Vaaraa Te Vadeek – Page 1415 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question53

Do the demi gods also sing the praises of the Lord?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਊਚੈ ਸੁਰਿ ਸੂਹਉ ਪੁਨਿ ਕੀਨੀ ॥

Oochai Sur Soohou Pun Keenee

Oochai
highest
Sur
demi gods
Soohou
praise
Pun
again and again, repeatedly

The demi gods also sing the praises of the highest and greatest Lord repeatedly.

Supporting Gurbani

ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾਦਿਕ ਸਿਵ ਛੰਦ ਮੁਨੀਸੁਰ ਰਸਕਿ ਰਸਕਿ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵਤ ॥

The demi gods such as Brahma, Vishnu Shiva, etc and the all of the great Muni’s come together and sing the praises of the Lord.

Sawaiyai Sri Mukhbaak Mahalla 5, Page 1388 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question54

How have the Sikhs understood God?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਮੇਘ ਰਾਗ ਸਿਉ ਪਾਂਚਉ ਚੀਨੀ ॥੧॥

Megh Raag Sio Panchou Cheenee

Megh
cloud
Raag
love
Sio
with
Panchou
greatest Lord

The cloud of love who is the spiritual master, by meeting him one learns to understand God who is the greatest of all.

Supporting Gurbani

ਮੋਲਿ ਅਮੋਲੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਈ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਦਿਵਾਇਆ ਥਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

From a fixed price to being priceless cannot be determined by the individual but through the spiritual master who can grace the individual they can realise the Lord. Pause.

Maroo Mahalla 5 – Page 1002 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question55

How does the individual control the mind?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਬੈਰਾਧਰ ਗਜਧਰ ਕੇਦਾਰਾ ॥

Bairaadhar Gajdhar Kedaaraa

Bairaadhar
Bairaa = holy scriptures, holy words
Dhar
to adopt
Gajdhar
to capture an elephant (mind)
Kedaaraa
Ke = what
Daaraa
fear

When the mind adopts the holy word from the scriptures then the mind, which is similar to an elephant, can be captured. Once the mind is captured by adopting the holy word then there is no fear of death.

Supporting Gurbani

ਬਾਣੀ ਰੋਕਿਆ ਰਹੈ ਦੁਆਰ ॥
ਤਉ ਮਨੁ ਮਤਵਾਰੋ ਪੀਵਨਹਾਰ ॥੨॥

One should use the holy word to prevent the mind and organs from refraining from sinful acts and thoughts.

Gauree Kee Vaar Bhagat Kabir Ji – Page 344 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question56

How do the soul and God become one? How do the disciple and the spiritual master become one?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਜਬਲੀਧਰ ਨਟ ਅਉ ਜਲਧਾਰਾ ॥

Jableedhar Nat Aou Jaldhaaraa

Jableedhar
Jab = when
Lee
to destroy
Dhar
to adopt
Nat
God
Aou
then
Jaldhaaraa
cloud (spiritual master)

The rain bird collects the rain showered by the rain cloud. The Sikh metaphorically is the rain bird collecting the teachings showered by the spiritual master who is the metaphorical cloud. When concentration is able to destroy the ego, the spiritual master who is the form of God, helps the disciple become one and the same with the spiritual teachings.

Supporting Gurbani

ਏਕਲ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰਾਖੁ ਅਨੰਤਾ ਅਉਰ ਤਜਹੁ ਸਭ ਆਸਾ ਰੇ ॥
ਪ੍ਰਣਵੈ ਨਾਮਾ ਭਏ ਨਿਹਕਾਮਾ ਕੋ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਕੋ ਦਾਸਾ ਰੇ ॥੨॥੩॥

O brother, you should meditate on the Lord and keep him in your consciousness as he has infinite virtues. Bhagat Namdev Ji states that through the meditation of the Lord I have no wishes left. Due to the divine knowledge I have destroyed duality and see nothing but God.2.3.

Malee Guaraa Bhagat Namdev Ji – Page 988 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question57

Who do the demi gods such as Shiva and Vishnu sing praises of?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਪੁਨਿ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਸੰਕਰ ਅਉ ਸਿਆਮਾ ॥

Pun Gaavhi Sankar Aou Siyaamaa

Pun
again and again
Gaavhi
sing
Sankar
Shiva, liberator
Aou
and
Siyaamaa
Krishna

Again and again the demi Gods such as Shiva and Vishnu sing the praises of God who is the form of supreme truth, consciousness and bliss. Krishna and Ram Chandar sing the praises of the beautiful liberating Lord.

Supporting Gurbani

ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਬਿਸਨੁ ਰਿਖੀ ਮੁਨੀ ਸੰਕਰੁ ਇੰਦੁ ਤਪੈ ਭੇਖਾਰੀ ॥
ਮਾਨੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸੋਹੈ ਦਰਿ ਸਾਚੈ ਆਕੀ ਮਰਹਿ ਅਫਾਰੀ ॥

Brahma, Vishnu, the Rishis, the Muni’s, Shiva are singing the praises of the Lord and have become beggars at his door. Those people who accept the will of God will gain honour and glory. Those who are not rigid and do not sing the praises of the Lord die in pain.

Maroo Mahalla 1 – Page 992 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question58

How many people did Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji make pure and liberate?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਮੇਘ ਰਾਗ ਪੁਤ੍ਰਨ ਕੇ ਨਾਮਾ ॥੧॥

Megh Raag Puttran Ke Naamaa

Megh
Cloud (Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji)
Raag
love
Puttran
pure

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji manifested into a form similar to that of a cloud. In this form he liberated and made countless numbers of people pure by enabling them to become engrossed in the love for God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was also in love with the name of God such as ‘Satnam’ and ‘Waheguru’.

Supporting Gurbani

ਖੰਡ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਉਧਾਰਣਹਾਰਿਆ ॥
ਤੇਰੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਤੁਧੁ ਸਚੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ॥੧੨॥

O Lord of infinite forms, you have saved the solar systems and galaxies. You are the one who cares for all. You are the one who creates your own praise and honour.12.

Raamkalee Mahalla 5 – Page 963 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Question59

Can you name some of those individuals who sing the names of God?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਖਸਟ ਰਾਗ ਉਨਿ ਗਾਏ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਗਨੀ ਤੀਸ ॥

Khast Raag Unn Gai Sang Raagnee Tees

Khast
six (the five abstract elements and the consciousness)
Raag
love
Unn
the Lord
Gai
sing
Sang
with
Tees
thirty (27 Simratees and 3 domains)

The five abstract elements and the consciousness sing the praises of God with love. Also the twenty seven Simratees and the three domains sing of the praises of God with love.

Supporting Gurbani

ਖਟੁ ਭੀ ਏਕਾ ਬਾਤ ਵਖਾਨਹਿ ॥

The six Shastars only speak of the one Lord.

Raamkalee Mahalla 5 – Page 885 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਰਾਗ ਰਤਨ ਪਰਵਾਰ ਪਰੀਆ ਸਬਦ ਗਾਵਣ ਆਈਆ ॥

The musical melodies are like jewels that have come with their complete families into the presence of the spiritual master and sing the praises of God.

Raamkalee Mahalla 3 Anand Sahib – Page 917 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਸਿਮਰੈ ਧਰਤੀ ਅਰੁ ਆਕਾਸਾ ॥
ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਚੰਦ ਸੂਰਜ ਗੁਣਤਾਸਾ ॥
ਪਉਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਬੈਸੰਤਰ ਸਿਮਰਹਿ ਸਿਮਰੈ ਸਗਲ ਉਪਾਰਜਨਾ ॥੧॥

O Lord the earth and skies meditate on your name. O Lord the true virtues, the sun and the moon meditate on your name. The wind, water and fire all meditate on your name.1. The continents, the seas and all the people of the world are meditating on your name.

Maroo Solhe Mahalla 5 – Page 1078 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The twenty seven Simrates are the following: Manoo, Yagvalakya, Laghuatree, Atree, Vridh Atree, Vishnu, Laghhareet, Vridhhareet, Aushnas, Aagirdh, Yam, Aap Satamb, Sanvarat, Katyayan, Brihaspat, Parasur, Vrihat, Parasuri, Biyas, Laghuvasak, Shankh, Likhat, Dakh, Gautam, Vivad Gautam, Santatap, Vashisht and Palsat.

There are four other scriptures which are considered as Simratees which are the following: Budh, Kashap, Narad and Aushnas Simratee.

The three domains are the following: the Heavens, Earth and the underworlds.

Question60

When all of the desires are eradicated, how does a person gain peace?

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied:

ਸਭੈ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਰਾਗੰਨ ਕੇ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਦਸ ਬੀਸ ॥੧॥੧॥

Sabhai Puttar Raagan Ke Atharah Das Bees

Sabhai
all, saints
Puttar
pure
Raagan
love
Atharah
eighteen (18) Purans
Das
ten (10) manifestations (6 Shastars and 4 Vedas)
Bees
to have faith

Due to the saints having such faith in the Lord they have become pure. Due to the love of God they have bypassed the eighteen Purans, the six Shastars, the four Vedas and have complete faith in the Lord. Those people who have sung his praises with love are able to propagate the Lord. Due to the fear of God they love the Lord and become pure. Due to the distinctive Lord they find peace and tranquillity. By having faith of the Lord within the heart one gains the knowledge of God.

Supporting Gurbani

ਬੀਸ ਬਿਸਵੇ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ॥

They have complete faith within their mind on the spiritual name of God given to the devotee by the spiritual master.

Gauree Sukhmani Mahalla 5 – Page 287 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

ਬੀਸ ਸਪਤਾਹਰੋ ਬਾਸਰੋ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਹੈ ਤੀਨਿ ਖੋੜਾ ਨਿਤ ਕਾਲੁ ਸਾਰੈ ॥
ਦਸ ਅਠਾਰ ਮੈ ਅਪਰੰਪਰੋ ਚੀਨੈ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਇਵ ਏਕੁ ਤਾਰੈ ॥੩॥੨੬॥

Collect the Simratees which are twenty seven in number as they sing the praises of the Lord. The six Shastars, the four Vedas along with the eighteen Purans one should realise the Lord who also is complete. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji state that is somebody has faith in all of these then they will gain peace and be saved.

Sree Raag Mahalla 1 – Page 23 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The eighteen Purans are the following: Matas, Markanday, Bhavikhat, Bhagvat, Brahm, Brahmand, Brahm Varat, Vaman, Vayoo, Vrah, Agni, Narad, Padam, Ling, Gurur, Kooram and Sakand.

The six Shastars are the following: Vedant, Nyai, Yog, Mimansa, Visheshak and Sankh.

The four Vedas are the following: Rig, Yujar, Atharv and Sham.

This is the end of the section on the intricate and spiritual meanings of the Sri Raagmala.