Hukmnana, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 02, 2023)
ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ Sorat’h, Fifth Mehl:
ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਰਖਵਾਲਾ ਹੋਆ ॥ My True Guru is my Savior and Protector.
Detailed Meaning: The opening lines of this Shabad express a deep sense of trust and devotion to the True Guru, who is regarded as the savior and protector. The term “True Guru” here represents the divine aspect through which one connects with God. It signifies an unwavering faith in the guiding and protecting presence of this divine entity.
ਧਾਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਹਾਥ ਦੇ ਰਾਖਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਗੋਵਿਦੁ ਨਵਾ ਨਿਰੋਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Showering us with His Mercy and Grace, God extended His Hand, and saved Hargobind, who is now safe and secure. ||1||Pause||
Detailed Meaning: In these lines, the Shabad narrates a powerful event where God, in His mercy and grace, extended His hand to save Hargobind. This signifies the divine intervention and protection provided by the True Guru. The term “Hargobind” refers to the Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru, but it can also symbolize any devotee who is under the care and protection of the True Guru. The pause (rahao) emphasizes the significance of this divine act.
ਤਾਪੁ ਗਇਆ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਆਪਿ ਮਿਟਾਇਆ ਜਨ ਕੀ ਲਾਜ ਰਖਾਈ ॥ The fever is gone – God Himself eradicated it, and preserved the honor of His servant.
Detailed Meaning: These lines describe the miraculous healing of an ailment, symbolizing the removal of suffering and challenges by God Himself. The reference to God’s direct intervention highlights His benevolence and care for His servants.
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਫਲ ਪਾਏ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਂਈ ॥੧॥ I have obtained all blessings from the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; I am a sacrifice to the True Guru. ||1||
Detailed Meaning: These lines express gratitude for the blessings received through the company of the holy, emphasizing the transformative power of associating with the spiritually enlightened. The stanza concludes with a declaration of self-surrender to the True Guru, symbolizing complete devotion and submission to the divine.
Full Review: This Shabad beautifully conveys the idea of the True Guru as the divine savior and protector of the devotee. It illustrates the concept of divine intervention and grace, where God Himself extends His hand to save and heal. The metaphorical language used in the Shabad emphasizes the profound spiritual connection between the devotee and the True Guru, highlighting the importance of unwavering faith and devotion. Overall, it conveys a message of trust, surrender, and the transformative power of divine guidance in one’s life.
The psychological aspect of this Shabad is evident in the sense of security and comfort it provides to the believer. It instills confidence in the idea that the divine is always watching over and protecting them. This sense of divine protection can have a calming and reassuring effect on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, the Shabad emphasizes the role of community and the company of the holy (Saadh Sangat) in spiritual growth, which can provide a sense of belonging and support for individuals seeking spiritual fulfillment.