MOUNTAINS OF SMOKE
The recent testing times, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, have taught humanity one huge lesson.
Whilst the capitalist societies that we have built in the West have been hugely successful. Although they clearly promote inequalities, they do provide massive amounts of wealth to the people at the top and essential lifelines to the basic labourer at the other end of the scale. However, as we have seen over the past month or so, this global system has been brought to its knees by a simple virus.
The lesson here is clear; this society we have created is actually extremely fragile.
There are also people who would say that they are not so materialistic and actually value things like family more. However, even human existence in itself is equally fragile. We all know how quickly our family lives can be turned upside down by illnesses or accidents.
The Guru Sahibs have constantly pointed out the foolishness of how mankind so easily becomes attached to that which is impermanent. These are often described as walls of sand, mountains of smoke or bubbles in water. In doing so, one thing we fail to realise is that the only actual universal truth and permanence exists within us all.
This universal truth manifests itself as the sound current of the Naam (Godโs name mantra) .
Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib (the ninth Guru) uses these analogies extensively in their Bani.
Basanth Mehalaa 9 ||
Basant, Ninth Mehl:
Man Kehaa Bisaariou Raam Naam ||
O my mind, how can you forget the Lord's Name?
Than Binasai Jam Sio Parai Kaam ||1|| Rehaao ||
When the body perishes, you shall have to deal with the Messenger of Death. ||1||Pause||
Eihu Jag Dhhooeae Kaa Pehaar ||
This world is just a mountain of smoke.
Thai Saachaa Maaniaa Kih Bichaar ||1||
What makes you think that it is real? ||1||
Dhhan Dhaaraa Sanpath Graeh ||
Wealth, spouse, property and household
Kashh Sang N Chaalai Samajh Laeh ||2||
- none of them shall go along with you; you must know that this is true! ||2||
Eik Bhagath Naaraaein Hoe Sang ||
Only devotion to the Lord shall go with you.
Kahu Naanak Bhaj Thih Eaek Rang ||3||4||
Says Nanak, vibrate and meditate on the Lord with single-minded love. ||3||4||
Vaheguroo!
