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!
