Guran Ik Deh Bujhai - My Guru has revealed the riddle

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>

> Jesus wanted his disciples to come into union with God. Any other

> life was steeped in illusion. Ego keeps that illusion strong

> because " I, me, and mine " is so rooted in world affairs. The most

> worthwhile life is spent discovering your spiritual core and

> building your existence on it. If you do that, you will be first in

> the eyes of God even if you are last in the eyes of the world. "

>

> Deepak Chopra, The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore,

> Harmony Book, 2008, pages 113-114

> ISBN:9780307338310

>

 

Guran Ik Deh Bujhai - My Guru has revealed the riddle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-wGLPbgoRM

 

Japuji Sahib

Mulmantra - The Prologue

 

Ik Onkar

Sat Naam

Karta Purakh

Nirbhau

Nirvair

Akal Murat

Ajuni

Saibham*

Gurprasad

 

* pronounced saibhang in Punjabi

 

Translation

There is only one God

His name is Truth

He is the creator

Sans fear

Sans enmity

Eternal

Unborn

Self effulgent

Realized by His divine grace.

 

Explanation

This is the prologue of the Japuji Sahib. Viewed minutely, ik Onkar

by itself is the core or the underlying principle being projected in

the prologue. It is interesting to note as to why Guru Nanak

categorically uses the integer " 1 " when writing ik Onkar .

 

It establishes an undisputed and complete Oneness of the Almighty.

Subsequent words in the prologue further expand this concept.

 

Satnam signifies that Truth alone is God.

 

Karta Purakh further affirms God as the sole doer, the creator.

 

Nirbhau is used to explain that God is sans fear. What was the need

to give this attribute to God ? By using Nirbhau Guru Nanak is

establishing the Absolute nature or Supremeness of God. Viewed from

our ordinary work-a-day life also it is observed that Truth is

uttered by one who is sans fear. A fearful person cannot speak the

truth.

 

Nirvair is used to explain that God is sans enmity. Guru Nanak

observed that in other religions, God is explained as one who judges

and also punishes. However if One is the sole creator, is Absolute,

pervades in total creation then where is there any room left for Him

to have any judgment, punishment or enmity? And, enmity with whom ?

Thus Nirvair also further affirms God's Supremacy.

 

Akal Murat professes God to be eternal.

 

Ajuni makes God to be unborn. Anything which takes birth is mutable

and therefore must die. God is immutable.

 

Saibham explains God as self-effulgent. Again Supremacy beyond any

relativity.

 

Gurprasad here is explained in the Sikh lore as all the above being

understood through an enlightened teacher. However, as enlightenment

also comes only with His Divine Grace, thus Guru Nanak must have used

Gurprasad to conclusively proclaim that the One God can be realized

only with His divine grace.

 

In brief then, the prologue or the Mulmantra, is the foundation of

the Sikh Philosophy that affirms the existence of One God, pervading

the Cosmos and yet staying independent of it. Rest of the Japuji

seems to be an exposition of the Mulmantra while the rest of Shri

Guru Granth Sahib as an exposition of the Japuji itself.

 

As we Hindus believe that all the Vedas dissolve into the Gayatri and

the Gayatri itself dissolves into Om , a very similar theme seems to

exist here.

 

Lastly, the Mulmantra also embodies itself in the form of an

invocation and affirmation of man's faith in the existence of a

Supreme reality identified as Truth. I personally look at it this

way : By simply saying " ik Onkar " , one invokes the Supreme and seeks

His grace, so that one may lead a truthful life, fearlessly and with

compassion to all.

 

Japu

(sloka)

 

Aad Sach

Jugad Sach

Hai Bhi Sach

Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach

 

True before creation

True through all ages

True also today

says Nanak,

True He shall eternally be.

 

Explanation

This (sloka) Japu further reaffirms the Supremacy of God. Briefly the

Japu reiterates the prologue by simply stating that GOD IS.

 

It is a very simple yet dynamic statement. The dynamics of this Japu

is revealed when one realizes that " Truth " is always used as a

singular, never a plural. Guru Nanak, in a very simple yet scientific

way affirms that only 'that' what is immutable can be " Truth " . No

wonder then, in all known knowledge through various schools of

psychology, sciences and philosophy, only God is that immutable

entity, hence the only Truth.

 

Pauri - 1

 

Soche Soch Na Hovai Je Sochi Lakh Var

Chupe Chup Na Hovai Je Lai Raha(n) Liv Tar

Bhukhia(n) Bhukh Na Utari Je Banna(n) Puria(n) Bhar

Sahas Sianpa Lakh Hohi Ta Ik Na Chale Nal

Kiv Sachiara Hoiai Kiv Kurai Tute Pal

Hukam Razai Chalna Nanak Likhiya Nal

 

Thinking does not reach belief, if one thinks a million times

Prolonged silence and meditation does not quieten the mind

Hunger (Greed) cannot be satisfied even with loads of food (wealth)

At the time of death intellectual smartness also stays behind

How can then we realize the Truth and destroy fibs

Says Nanak live with His Divine Will

 

Guru Nanak lays emphasis on living a life based on Truth. Guru

Nanak's Hukam Razai Chalna is placed in the Japuji Sahib as the First

Commandment. This commandment implies total surrender of oneself to

the Supreme. This commandment of surrender is given after Guru Nanak

introduces the fallacy of performing cursory rituals.

 

This aspect is further elucidated in Shri Guru Granth Sahib :

 

" Galin Jog Na Hoyee..... "

 

Pauri - 2

 

Hukami Hovan Aakar Hukam Na Kahiya Jai

Hukami Hovan Jiv Hukam Mile Vadiyai

Hukami Uttam Nich Hukam Likhe Dukh Sukh Paiyeh

Ikna Hukami Bakshish Ik Hukami Sada Bhuvaiyeh

Hukme Andar Sabh Ko Bahar Hukam Na Koi

Nanak Hukame Je Bujhe Te Haumae Kahe Na Koi

 

Translation

All forms get created by His inexpressible will

Life breeds and progresses by His will

Highs and lows; joys and sorrows are His will

His Will gives deliverance to some;

while others grope in the cycle of birth and death

Everything is within His order, nothing is without

Says Nanak, understanding His will annihilates the ego's ills.

 

Explanation

In this Pauri Karta Purakh from the prologue gets crystallized as

also the first commandment Hukam Razai Chalna. God is and He is the

sole doer. He is the creator and He is the enjoyer. It is His Will

that all that is, happens.

 

Guru Nanak in this shabad from Japuji Sahib, clearly aims at helping

the reader to overcome one's ego and with firm belief to surrender to

the Supreme Will of God. The last line particularly reveals the

technique or the Jugat.

 

Pauri - 3

 

Gave Ko Tan Hove Kise Tan

Gave Ko Dat Jane Nisan

Gave Ko Gun Vadiyaian Chaar

Gave Ko Vidiya Vikham Vichaar

Gave Ko Saje Kare Tan Khe

Gave Ko Jiv Lae Phir De

Gave Ko Jape Dise Dur

Gave Ko Vekhe Hadra Hadur

Kathana Kathi Na Aave Tote

Kathi Kathi Kathi Koti Koti Kote

Denda De Lande Thak Pae

Juga Jugantar Khaie Khaye

Hukami Hukam Chalae Rah

Nanak Vigse Beparvah

 

Translation

Who sings his might if not the blessed?

Some sing about His effulgence by counting their blessings.

Some praise His greatness.

Some try to understand Him philosophically.

Some accept Him as the creator and the destroyer.

Some sing that He appears very far.

Some sing He is very close.

However, one may say, there is no end to sing about Him.

He keeps giving and for ages

His creation continues to enjoy His bounties.

By His Will only he shows the way.

Says Nanak, Carefree He enjoys his creation.

 

Explanation

This stanza explains the phenomenon of ONE manifesting in many. And,

the multitude is shown here expressing its worship of that One. Using

the analogy of the many observing the One, there seems to be a candid

reflection upon the various moods of the individual mind which

despite its oscillation is yet expressing only the Inexpressible -

the Silent One.

 

Pauri - 4

 

Sacha Sahib Saach Nai Bhakhia Bhau Apar

Akhen Mange Dehi Deh Dat Kare Datar

Pher Ke Agae Rakhiaye Jit Dise Darbaar

Muhon Ke Bolan Boliye Jit Suni Dhare Pyaar

Amrut Wela Sach Naun Vadiai Vicharu

Karmi Ave Kapra Nadri Mokh Dwaar

Nanak evain Janiye Sabh Aape Sachiar

 

Translation

Supreme Master with Truth as name is only sought by love

The way one seeks and beseeches, the way He bestows

What should one offer that His Grace is received?

How should one pray that we may merit His love?

Contemplate and meditate His glory during the holy hour

Karma caused this human birth

yet only by His grace does one attain liberation

Says Nanak, Thus realize that

the One all-in-all is the Truth.

 

Explanation

As one believes so one's becomes is the underlying thought in this

stanza. The build up of character and faith is only possible by love

and with the power of prayer. For it is only at the time of prayer

that one surrenders one's individual will to the Supreme Will of God.

Concentration and consequent build-up of power in prayer is possible

only to the extent of one's surrender or submission of ego.

 

This stanza also spells out the code of conduct to be followed by

society. Guru Nanak lays complete emphasis on the spoken word. The

power of the spoken word is highlighted with the line " Muhon Ke Bolan

Boliye, Jit sun Dhare Pyaar. " Isn't it true that most of our social

relationships get marred only due to the spoken words, the twist of

the tongue? Love, civility and compassion gets clearly highlighted

here.

 

Another important thing to be seen is the emphasis on " Amrit

Vela ..... " . Obviously the Guru was aware of the lethargy in which we

all live and consequently building tendencies of procrastination, the

Guru gives complete importance to start one's day not only early but

also with offering thanksgiving to the Great One. To say the least,

this highlights disciplined and regulated pattern of living.

 

Pauri - 5

 

Thapia Na Jaye Kita Na Hoye

Aape Aap Niranjan Soye

Jin Sevia Tin Payea Maan

Nanak Gaviye Guni Nidhaan

Gaviye Suniye Mun Rakhiye Bhau

Dukh Parhar Sukh Ghar Lai Jaye

Gurmukh Nadam Gurmukh Vedam

Gurmukh Rahia Samai

Gur Isar Gur Gorakh Barma

Gur Parbati Mai

Je Haun Jana Akhan Nahi

Kehna Kathan Na Jayee

Guran Ik Deh Bujhai

Sabna Jiyan Ka Ik Daata

So Mein Visar Na Jayee

 

Translation

He cannot be installed nor shaped

For He is the formless One

Those who serve merit honor

Says Nanak, Sing the glories of the great One

Sing and listen with a heart full of love

Shedding miseries, take home all joys

From Him is the primordial sound

From Him the Vedas

He pervades all through His Word

The formless Guru is the One personified

as Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma

As also the mother Goddess Parbati

If, at all, I know, I shall not say

The inexpressible cannot be expressed

My Guru has revealed the riddle

Of all creation He is the bestower

This I should never forget

 

Explanation

The formless and immutable nature of God is crystallized in this

stanza. To make the mankind liberated from the clutches of various

cults, Guru Nanak very boldly proclaims the Advaita principle of One

God. The prevalent trinity of Hinduism (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) is

gracefully accepted but their jurisdiction of being the creator,

preserver and destroyer, respectively, is redirected to Guru, the

preceptor. This is the most candid attempt by Guru Nanak to bring

understanding, harmony and unity among the diversified sects of

Hindus.

 

Although this Pauri (stanza) seemingly revolves around the Hindu

mythology and the principle of Advaita and Monism, the most important

part is the concept of service, the science of speech and love.

 

If we accept God as the inexpressible formless One, as per the

doctrine of Guru Nanak and the principles of Advaita, then one finds

that in the following lines (repeated again for understanding), the

emphasis is on service, glory of God, the science of speech.

 

Jin Sevia Tin Payea Maan

 

Service to whom? Obviously, as the formless is unseen and remains

unknown, the service will then be only to mankind. And those who

serve selflessly, always merit honor.

 

Nanak Gaviye Guni Nidhaan

 

Says Nanak, sing the glories of the great One. Is he not implying

here to praise from the rooftops the goodness of others?

 

Gaviye Suniye Mun Rakhiye Bhau

Dukh Parhar Sukh Ghar Lai Jaye

 

The above lines, clearly reveal the secrets to the science of

speech. Guru Nanak lays emphasis here on the need to have a heart

full of love and compassion for others. Only when we are loving and

compassionate, can we remain poised in our normal work-a-day life.

Only then, our words can appeal to the other and only then the speech

of the other person can be truly appreciated by us. Only then, one

can find harmony and joy in one's life.

 

Says Nanak, by doing so, all miseries will depart and joy will come

home. Anger, frustration, envy, greed are all miseries. By

remembering always

 

Guran Ik Deh Bujhai

Sabna Jiyan Ka Ik Daata

So Mein Visar Na Jayee

 

as said in the above lines, that there is only One bestower to all

creation, we immediately get the feelings of love, compassion and

brotherhood. With feelings (bhau) like this in our heart, will we

not be warding off the miseries caused by anger, frustration, envy

and greed?

 

http://www.boloji.com/sikhism/japujisahib/js01.htm

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Pauri - 5

 

Thapia Na Jaye Kita Na Hoye

Aape Aap Niranjan Soye

Jin Sevia Tin Payea Maan

Nanak Gaviye Guni Nidhaan

Gaviye Suniye Mun Rakhiye Bhau

Dukh Parhar Sukh Ghar Lai Jaye

Gurmukh Nadam Gurmukh Vedam

Gurmukh Rahia Samai

Gur Isar Gur Gorakh Barma

Gur Parbati Mai

Je Haun Jana Akhan Nahi

Kehna Kathan Na Jayee

Guran Ik Deh Bujhai

Sabna Jiyan Ka Ik Daata

So Mein Visar Na Jayee

 

Translation

He cannot be installed nor shaped

For He is the formless One

Those who serve merit honor

Says Nanak, Sing the glories of the great One

Sing and listen with a heart full of love

Shedding miseries, take home all joys

From Him is the primordial sound

From Him the Vedas

He pervades all through His Word

The formless Guru is the One personified

as Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma

As also the mother Goddess Parbati

If, at all, I know, I shall not say

The inexpressible cannot be expressed

My Guru has revealed the riddle

Of all creation He is the bestower

This I should never forget

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-wGLPbgoRM