Sikhi Game of love- FINAL POST

FINAL POST

Sangat ji, this will be our final post. We have made many mistakes along the way whilst serving Guru Sahib Ji’s pyaaree sangat. Please forgive us of any mistakes and bless us with your prayers.

These posts started getting written nearly a decade ago and the main purpose and focus of them were to inspire and motivate. You can access all the posts via the links below. We would recommend reading the posts 2/3 times weekly to keep ourselves motivated on this beautiful path of Spiritual Sikhi. Please forward the links on to anyone you feel the posts would also help, support and guide.

Vaheguroo Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguroo Ji Ki Fateh. 🙏🏽

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https://www.facebook.com/sikhigameoflove

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THE POLICE OFFICER

If you look at a police officer carefully, you will realise that he looks distinct compared to ordinary people. Even though he is a public servant, he is full of confidence and smartness; and, fearlessness and determination is reflected from everything they say. The police officer acts totally fearlessly, as he/she knows that they have the power of the police department and the government behind them. He/she does not consider themselves alone and they carry out their day to day duties full of confidence.

Just as the police officers consider the power of the police department and the government behind them, in the same way, the Khalsa of Guru Nanak Dev jee, Guru Gobind Singh jee, also know that the vibrant and all-powerful force of Vaheguroo is behind them at all times. The Gursikh carries out their duties in this world, without any fear, with great confidence and with total honesty. He/she knows that Vaheguroo is always with them and that they are never alone. He/she also knows that Vaheguroo and their Khalsa always win and can never lose any physical or mental battle.

Vaheguroo and Vaheguroo's Khalsa attain victory in everything they do. They have faith in God, they stay calm, they are fearless and do not worry about any power the world brings to them. God is the embodiment of victory, his Khalsa too is the embodiment of victory. The khalsa is always victorious! The Khalsa is the servant of Vaheguroo! Guru Granth Sahib Ji Says below:

Vaheguroo’s bhagat always stays in bliss. Vaheguroo’s bhagat has no problems. Vaheguroo’s bhagat has no fear. Vaheguroo’s bhagat always attains victory.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- Bandi Chhor Divas (freeing the prisoner within)

Bandi Chhor Divas (freeing the prisoner within)

As Sikhs, all around the world, we have been celebrating this historic event that took place on Divali di raat (the night of Divali day). The spiritual teachings we obtain from the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee when they freed the 52 kings is that the way those kings were freed from prison by holding onto the robe of Guru Jee, we can be set free as long as we hold steadfast to the hem of Guru’s robe which is Guru’s shabad/mantra of meditation; Naam (Vaheguroo).

The term “Bandi” is translated to prisoner, we are all internally prisoners to our body (the cycle of life and death), our bodily pleasures (desires, temptations, attachments, vices) and our thoughts.

The term “Chhor” means to release the mind/soul. This release from the above can only come through contemplation/meditation of the mantra (Vaheguroo); Guru Arjan Dev Jee says: “sant janahu sun bhaieeho chhooTan saachai nai ||” O Saints, O Siblings of Destiny, listen: release comes only through the True Name.

The term “Divas” means Day. Once we are freed from these bondages and are detached/liberated in life whilst recognising our true essence, then each and every day is of celebration.

This day is often celebrated with the lighting of a diva (oil lamp). The diva that is lighted externally is a reminder to light the diva of Naam (Vaheguroo) within.

The external diva is temporary, an indication of the world around us which will not last forever. Whereas the internally lit diva is permanent; an indication of the divine. As the external diva brings lightness and dispels darkness, the internal diva of Naam meditation dispels the darkness of ignorance and illuminates enlightenment. As Guru Arjan Dev Jee says: “satigur sabadh aujaaro dheepaa || binasio a(n)dhakaar teh ma(n)dhar ratan kottaRee khul(h)ee anoopaa ||1|| rahaau || The Shabad, the Word of the True Guru, is the light of the lamp. It dispels the darkness from the body-mansion, and opens the beautiful chamber of jewels. ||1||Pause||

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- 24/7

24/7

"The true capital and the true way of life come by chanting his glories, twenty four hours a day."

Guru Arjun Dev Ji 1563-1606

In our last post, we mentioned how the naam should stay in our every breath, whilst facing the distractions of laughing, playing, dressing and eating.

It seems quite hard to meditate 24/7. According to Guru sahib, it is quite easy but we are lazy.

When the naam becomes a beautiful ras (taste) in our heart, mind and soul it's very difficult to let go. One would rather die than lose it. It begins to jap (meditate) itself by connecting to our mind and breath. How is this possible?

The key to the days meditation is, when we wake up at Amritvela (ambrosial hours) and meditate for a couple of hours, as this is when single minded meditation can be achieved, without any distraction (pure focus). After this, the naam will come back to us in glimpses throughout the day. We need to make every effort to hear the naam with our inner ears more frequently.

A few ways to do it! Whilst eating, we can crunch and repeat vahi-guroo after each crunch. Whilst walking, we can repeat vahi-guroo after each step. Whilst brushing our teeth, vahi-guroo for up and down. So basically, every chore we do, we should try to form a pattern of vaheguroo simran (remembrance), in our day to day lives.

Once we form this pattern, the mantra will become one with our every breath, mind, body and soul and we will start to experience the ras we talked about.

After a lot of abhiyaas (practice) and blessing, the name will begin to recite itself in ras and we will have to hear it with our inner ears. The more we try to focus and concentrate, the more ras we get.

In some day to day chores like studying, work etc, we might not be able to fully focus but we should try to listen where we can, as naam will subconsciously be there.

It is the command of Guru sahib ji and it is the only way we will find total peace, poise and tranquility (Sehj), when our mind is controlled by vaheguroo with every breath.

From here, we gain all the attributes of god; they build in our character and Guru sahib ji blesses us with his divine wisdom and many states of spirituality, Including the tenth gate opening and access to the spirit world.

It's best to love god, remain humble and accept the gifts/states guru sahib gives us, as many can get trapped in occult powers (ridh sidh), forget the naam and lose the life's battle through ego.

Note! To receive the full benefit of naam meditation, one must beg for it at an Amrit Sanchaar. Any sikh will tell you what this is.

We have to become khalsa (pure) to want khalsa raj (rule of the pure). The above is what every khalsa should be like, or aspire to be. We have to conquer our mind in order to conquer the world.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- LAUGHING

LAUGHING

"While laughing, playing, dressing and eating, he is liberated."

Guru Arjun Dev Ji 1563-1606

Guru sahib says, we can be liberated whilst laughing, playing, dressing up and eating delicious foods.

How is this possible? As these can be massive distractions in our spiritual gain.

It's important our mind and breath are not seperated from the naam. When the naam is within and heard 24/7 with our inner ears, it is a blessing by Guru ji and everything we do is parvaan (accepted) and blessed according to gurmat (guru’s way).

We can have a laugh yet remember god with every breath. We can own the best cars, houses and clothes etc, yet be detached, as the name in our every breath detaches us. Nothing is ours, It's all Guru Ji’s. The remembrance of the name, teaches us to think in this way with every breath (divine wisdom). Everything we eat will be purified through every breath of naam meditation (no meat, fish or egg). There are different forms of personal rehit, bibek for gursikhs. Every gursikh has their own personal asool (rule).

The above is a blessed and higher state of consciousness. It's best to live a simple life, away from any distractions, in order to progress further spiritually. Guru sahib will bless us with their wisdom when we are ready to progress. It is all achieved through single minded practice of naam meditation.

Guru sahib ji caters for all states of mind in Gurbaani, as they want everyone to excel further and they also answer the questions of all.

"Receiving the name (vaheguroo), the mind is satisfied; without the naam, life is cursed." Guru RamDas Ji

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- MANTRA

MANTRA

"While walking, sitting, sleeping and awake, contemplate the Gurmantra within your heart."

Guru Arjun Dev Ji 1563-1606

Guru sahib makes it clear in Gurbani (sikh holy scriptures), we have to meditate with every breath in order to find peace, bliss and a balanced tranquil mind. By meditating 24/7, with every breath, we find the state of Sehj (peace poise). This is the highest state of love. One is not phased by anything in this state. All emotions, thoughts and the mind’s desires are completely controlled by the shabad (word mantra) Vaheguroo.

We should not miss even one breath of Naam meditation, as Guru sahib ji says, it is a breath wasted in evil thought.

Another reason why Guru ji tells us not to forget the naam with any breath is, when we breathe our last, if we have not remembered vaheguroo (god) throughout our jivan (life), it will become very difficult to remember them in the last breath. This will most likely result in us remembering our attachments, which will result in our soul’s next life form.

Guru sahib ji says, if we remember god in our last breath, our soul will merge in the heart of the supreme soul (god) and we will fulfil the purpose of this human life.

Keep the company of those who love to meditate by loving god, and those who relish the love of Vaheguroo’s creation with every breath.

The blessed souls experience the ras (love) of naam. It's an ecstasy that can not be matched and one would rather die than live without the ras of Vaheguroo.

"Without meditation on your name my life does not even exist"
Guru Ramdas Ji

MANTRA LOVER:

Bhai Rama Singh Ji, was a blessed and very loving soul. He would fall deep in to meditation whenever he found the opportunity. He would say, always love those more without a faith, as they need it more. His eyes were of a truly innocent child's. Looking in to them would be like looking in to a piece of glass. He was born in a Hindu family and adopted Sikhi after meeting the 10th Sikh Guru through spirit. He was the living example of a human being always imbued in the taste of meditation. Bhai Sahib’s body left this earth over 10 years ago. He may have left but his aura, love and energy is still felt today.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- SHADOW OF A TREE

SHADOW OF A TREE

Some would say that the word love is hugely overused nowadays, and often in a manner that really undervalues the true meaning and depth that should come with it.

The real reason for this is that people now use it in a very conditional and non-permanent sense. In other words, we are loving things that provide us some form of personal benefit, and the love will only remain, as long as that benefit is available to us.

The love of a spiritually awakened person is never conditional. They are attuned to the universe through their spiritual practice of Naam meditation, and have a very clear appreciation of what is permanent and what is temporary or fleeting.

Spiritually devoid individuals, waste their lives getting attached to things that ultimately will not last and they ignore the one universal truth, that always has been and will be there.

Guru Arjan Dev Jee in Sukhmani Sahib gives us a great example of this teaching through the following verse.

anik bhaat maiaa ke het || sarapar hovat jaan anet ||
The many forms of attachment to Maya (materialism) shall surely pass away - know that they are transitory

birakh kee chhaiaa siau ra(n)g laavai ||
People fall in love with the shade of the Tree

oh binasai uh man pachhutaavai ||
and when it passes away, they feel regret in their minds

jo dheesai so chaalanahaar ||
Whatever is seen, shall pass away

lapaT rahio teh a(n)dh a(n)dhaar ||
and yet, the blindest of the blind cling to it

baTaauoo siau jo laavai neh ||
One who gives her love to a passing traveller

taa kau haath na aavai keh ||
nothing shall come into her hands in this way.

man har ke naam kee preet sukhadhaiee ||
O mind, the love of the Name of the Lord bestows peace

kar kirapaa naanak aap le laiee
O Nanak, the Lord, in His Mercy, unites us with Himself.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- PURE LOVE

PURE LOVE

Bhagat Kabeer ji was a beautiful saint who loved to meditate on the Name of God. Bhagat Ji wanted to instil all the virtues of the virtuous one (God) within him. He spent night and day in meditation. He would complete all his worldly chores, whilst meditating upon the supreme one. He didn't do this as a chore or because his religion/faith told him to do so. He did this because this is what found him true peace, bliss and happiness. This is what emerged him with the greatness of the one. This is what united and connected him to the originality of all beings. Meditating on God's name became his faith. This is what gave him true love, power and strength. This is what purified him!

Why was he so blessed?

Bhagat ji was like your everyday, normal human being but wanted to give his all to God. By giving his all to God, he became truly blessed and loved by the world.

Bhagat ji had so much faith in God, that he created Saloks like the one below. Bhagat ji was so humble, that he classed himself as the dog of God and named himself mothi. He said, there is a chain around his neck and wherever God pulls him, he will go. For those of you who have dogs, you will realise how loyal and loving they are towards their masters. Bhagat ji was just as loyal, if not more to his master (God).

A truly humble being, who gave his all to God and in return, God gave him all the worldly and spiritual treasures of life and beyond life.

Kabeer Ji Says, "Kabeer kookar ram ko, motheeaa mero nao.
Kabeer, I am the Lord's dog; Moti is my name.

Galay hamaray jayvree, jeh kinchai teh jao.
There is a chain around my neck; wherever I am pulled, I go."

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- CURING ALL DISEASES

CURING ALL DISEASES

Guru Arjun Dev Ji tells us that God purifies the sinners in an instant and cures all diseases.

What is a sinner? And what disease are we talking about? Is there really such thing as a sinner?

Many of us can fall! The mind is weak! When we become a slave to this desire filled mind and it begins to control us, this is the sin Guru Ji is talking about. When we want to taste worldly pleasures but don't want to experience spiritual ras (taste), this is polluting the mind and making it much, much more difficult to purify it.

We fall at the feet of the great warriors lust, anger, attachment, greed, jealousy, slander, hatred and egotism. We feel they are going to give us something special. This something special only lasts for an instant. It is only a temporary pleasure. It does not remain with us forever. It does not keep us in high spirits or happy for this life or the here after.

This is the disease Guru Sahib Ji is talking about. The disease of the negative mind is a killer. It never lets us settle. It controls us in which ever way it wants to. When are we going to recognise its entity and start to control and guide it in the way we think is best (spiritually)? We need to stop becoming a slave to this worldly, desire filled mind and let the True Guru guide us through the most powerful warriors of Gurshabad (Guru's word), love, truth, compassion, contentment, tolerance, service to all (seva) and patience.

In this Shabad, Guru Ji goes on to say, if I control this polluted mind through meditating on God's name, not only I will be saved but all my friends and companions will also be blessed in the Gate of Truth (sachkhand).

Guru ji says, I spoke to like minded people, who had a saintly state of mind and after doing so, my sexual desire, anger and greed had been eradicated.

Guru Nanak Ji goes on to say, I can not praise this faith anymore. I have no words to describe its purity and love so I go on to say, please bless me with the dust of the pure ones and God. I am a sacrifice to the Guru and God.

Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Ab hum rakhanhaar chithaaria. Now, I contemplate and meditate on the Lord, the Saviour lord.

Patit puneeth keeay Khin bhuithar, sagla rog bidhaaria.

He purifies sinners in an instant, and cures all diseases."

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- MERCHANT AND THE BANKER

MERCHANT AND THE BANKER

Guru Angad Dev Ji wrote a beautiful shabad in Gurbani about how the merchant came from the banker and how our accounts were sent with us. Then, on the basis of our accounts (karma) we were issued a command and left to take care of our own merchandise (good deeds and bad deeds).

The merchants purchased their merchandise and packed up their cargo. Some departed after earning a great profit of Naam (meditation on God's name), Baani (Guru's Teaching) and selfless service (seva). Some departed after losing the root battle of why they actually came here. So the merchants lost all the investment they had in the merchandise of Naam, Baani and Seva.

In reality, no one wanted any less than anyone else. But, who actually worked hard in this life to keep earning the merchandise of Naam, Baani and Seva? Who was really the true merchant? Who's life should be celebrated and who's life should be mourned?

Those lives are celebrated and their honour is preserved by God, who went on to preserve the capital investment of Meditating upon God's name.

We are here for one reason and one reason only and that is to purify this polluted mind, recognise our true self (soul), which is God, see the light of God in all (souls) and are here to reconnect with this universe and many other universes through this vibration of Naam energy.

In the end, our soul (Atma) is to merge back with Vaheguroo (God). Every soul will merge back with the supreme soul (parmaatma), after purifying this polluted mind.

Recognise your true self! Don't waste time! If you are young, do it now and don't leave it until tomorrow. You may never see tomorrow. And if you are old, do it now, it's never too late.

Guru Angad Dev Ji Says, "Nadar tinna ko Nanka, je saabat laae raas." The Lord casts His Glance of Grace, O Nanak, upon those who have preserved their capital investment.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- HOPE-LESS

HOPE-LESS

When people want to give their best wishes to a friend or relative, they will often use phrases such as, ‘may all your hopes and desires be fulfilled.’

Often, these hopes and desires will all be linked to worldly and material gains. This could include successful careers, success for your children, money, health, property, reputation, status etc. The list goes on.

There are many that would suggest you need to have these desires if you are to achieve any success in life.

However, what is the result of these hopes and desires not materialising? The negative affects on people’s mental and physical well-being can be devastating when, for example, someone’s children don’t quite achieve the levels of educational attainment that the parents had hoped for.

Guru Jee’s teachings in this respect are to live a life of acceptance, contentment and detachment. The concept of living in Hukam, the divine order of the universe, is central to Sikh philosophy. This is the only way we can keep our egos in check and live a Naam-focussed life.

Once we live a life that is fully accepting of the divine Hukam, then all our hopes and desires will vanish and instead, we live a life of bliss.

The saying “What will be will be” is in vogue as a modern day mantra for people, who live a stress free and “happy-go-lucky” life. Bhagat Kabeer Jee had already given us this formula for life many hundreds of years ago.

surag baas na baachheeaai ddareeaai na narak nivaas ||
Don't wish for a home in heaven, and don't be afraid to live in hell.

honaa hai so hoiee hai maneh na keejai aas ||1||
Whatever will be will be, so don't get your hopes up in your mind. ||1||

ramieeaa gun gaieeaai ||
Sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord,

jaa te paieeaai param nidhaan ||1|| rahaau ||
from whom the most excellent treasure is obtained. ||1||Pause||

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- DEATH AROUND THE CORNER

DEATH AROUND THE CORNER

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

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

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

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

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

Slipping away - your life is uselessly slipping away.

Nis Dhin Sun Kai Puraan Samajhat Neh Re Ajaan.

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

Kaal Tu Pahoochio Aan Kahaa Jaihai Bhaaj Re.

Death has arrived; now where will you run?

Asathir Jo Maanio Dheh So Tu Teru Hoe Hai Kheh.

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

Kiu Na Har Ko Naam Lehi Moorakh Nilaaj Re.

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

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- POSITIVE V NEGATIVE ENERGY

POSITIVE V NEGATIVE ENERGY

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

What does Guru ji mean by this?

Why can't anything else be beautiful and pure?

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

Why is the energy of God so pure and beautiful?

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

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

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

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

Sant Bhagat Har Naam Araadhahi KaTeeaai Jam Kee Faasee Raam.

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

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- SUGAR CANE

SUGAR CANE

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

So why are we left deflated in such situations?

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

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

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

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

Saache gur kee saachee seekh ||

True are the Teachings of the True Guru.

Tan man seetal saach pareekh ||

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

Jal purain ras kamal pareekh ||

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

Sabadh rate meeThe ras ieekh ||3||

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

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- TRUE LOVE AND AFFECTION

TRUE LOVE AND AFFECTION

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

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

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

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- THE WORLD IS BURNING

THE WORLD IS BURNING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaheguroo!

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

HOW TO OPEN THE TREASURE OF GURBANI!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- HYPOCRISY

HYPOCRISY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

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

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

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

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

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

How do we prefer the world to see us?

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

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- BLENDING IN

BLENDING IN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- Naam Simran & Gurbani

Naam Simran & Gurbani

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaheguroo!