GURU MESSAGE
Gurdeep Singh
ESTD 1940
LAHORE BOOKS
Guru Message
N Writer All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the permission of the Writer. First Edition : 2011 Published by : Lahore Books, 2, Lajpat Rai Market, Near Society Cinema, Ludhiana (Punjab) Phone :- 91-161-2740738, 6540738 Web site:- www.lahorepublishers.com E-Mail:- lahorebookshop40@rediffmail.com Printed at : Target Enterprises, Ludhiana. ISBN: 978-81-7647-263-0 Rs.: 350/-
Dedication This book is dedicated to Akalpurakh who has blessed me for this effort, and it is also dedicated to Gurus Sahiban who have inspired me to write about their message.
I hope, Pukhraj and Ravikiran will understand Sikhi through the Guru Message elaborated in this book!
An Introductory Note BABA SARABJOT SINGH BEDI The Adi Granth, Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a fathomless sea of knowledge and enlightenment. The soul stirring scripture has inspired many Sikhs and other scholars to dip into and find personal and altruistic gain. Over the years, several attempts have been made to translate Gurbani into English. Some have been academic, others too poetic and flowery and some too literal thus failed to express the true essence and spirit which our great Gurus wished to convey. Speech and language can hardly explain the meaning of Shabad Guru or the word, for only by recitation and dwelling on His name can it be felt – and what you attain mere words cannot explain it. The author, Sardar Gurdeep Singh, needs to be commended for having used simple and lucid English which will help both the layman and the scholar to understand the essence of Gurbani. With great insight, he has sought to shed light on the philosophy and beliefs of our Gurus. He has tried to clear some existing doubts and inspired us to seek further. Guru Gobind Singh Ji has directed his followers to:
“Accept the Guru Granth Sahib as the visible image of the Guru, Those whose hearts are free can find truth in the Shabad.” Those eager to learn but cannot read The Guru Granth Sahib in original Gurmukhi have the privilege of simple and clear interpretation of the Gurbani to draw inspiration and guidance from it. The author has been blessed with true inspiration. Though he has used a very scientific and logical approach to explain his treatise, his work is of a true devotee.
Jis ka karaj tin hi kiya, Maanas kya bechara ram. May Baba Nanak give him the wisdom and words to reach deeper into the treasure of Gurbani and help the present day world of disquiet and confusion find solace at the feet of the True Guru.
January 28, 2011
Baba Sarabjot Singh Bedi 17th Descendant of Baba Nanak Una (Himachal Pradesh)
CONTENTS Acknowledgements........................................................................... 9 A Few Words ...................................................................................... 11 Understanding The Goal Of Life Through The Guru............ 19 The Whole World Is His Family .................................................. 29 If We Can Spare Time ..................................................................... 33 Learning About The Almighty To Identify Him Through The Guru ........................................................................... 42 Falling In Love With Akalpurakh Through The Guru........... 57 A True Guru......................................................................................... 62 Knowing The Self To Control It ................................................... 76 Treading On Guru Path .................................................................. 81 Falling In Love With Akalpurakh And Battling Within ........ 92 The Hindrances On The Guru Path............................................ 112 Other Avenues The Society, The Needs And The Balance.. 116 Love, Deep Attachment And Other Bonds ............................... 129 The Purpose Of Life And The Elapsing Time ....................... 178 Considering His Fear As An Omen Of Respect ...................... 195 The Choices Of A Guru Follower ................................................. 198 Recognizing Him And His Creation ........................................... 205 Falling In Love With His Name ................................................... 213 Living In His Creation Spotlessly ................................................ 219 Getting Serious .................................................................................. 235 Taking The Responsibility ............................................................ 264 Our Guru Ji Addresses Some Issues ........................................... 278 Conclusion .......................................................................................... 300 A Reminder From Our Guru ......................................................... 326 Kuchaji: Having No Virtue ............................................................ 336 Some Important Words And Their Meanings In Different Contexts ............................................................................. 340 The Concept Of Incarnation And Reincarnation In Gurbani ............................................................................................ 384 Bibiliography
Guru Message
Guru Message
BIBILIOGRAPHY Sri Guru Granth Sahib Shabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib Santhya Sri Guru Granth Sahib BHai Veer Singh Sri Guru Granth Darpan Dr. Sahib Singh Guru Granth Sahib, Teeka Raikot Asa Dee Vaar Principal Teja Singh Gurbani Viakaran By Dr. Sahib Singh Gurbani Shabad Kosh: Bhai Veer Singh Mahan Kosh:Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha Jap Ji Steek : Principle Teja Singh Jap Ji : Gurbachan Singh Talib Sri Guru Granth Sahib, translated in English By Manmohan Singh and Sant Singh Khalsa, Dr. Gopal Singh Dardi (In poetry form) and Dr. Darshan Singh The meanings of a few words used by the author in this book : 1. Waheguru – The Creator 2. Prabh – The Creator 3. Akalpurakh – The Creator 4. Vakaas – Verses 5. Pauri – Stanza 6. Gurmukh – Real follower of the Guru turned toward the Creator 7. Manmukh – Mind slave 8. Guru Sahiban –Gurus 9. Ji – Respectful expression
Guru Message
407
RELIGIONS We are the claimants, We are the boastful drummers Of the religions. Within we have created A deep scary abyss. Empty echoes of the passion, The kindness, the tolerance Quite often heard. We are like a rock Falling deep down. We are the music That has turned into commotion. We are the singers Without the voice. We the claimants, the boastful drummers Live and die in one word “We�. SEARCH Smart people search The beloved within. Frustrated ones build lofty walls To contain the beloved. In illusion they worship, In illusion they pray. He is like the air Moving all around. He is like the sound That can't be contained. Smart people search The beloved within. [Gurdeep Singh]
Guru Message
408
Guru Message