Desires swirl within the mind, causing turmoil and restlessnes

Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 02, 2023)

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੯ ॥ Sorath, 9th Guru.

ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ਰਹੀ ॥ The desires of the mind remain confined within the mind itself.

Detailed Meaning: The mind is filled with desires, but these desires often remain unfulfilled. They swirl within the mind, causing turmoil and restlessness.

ਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਭਜੇ ਨ ਤੀਰਥ ਸੇਵੇ ਚੋਟੀ ਕਾਲਿ ਗਹੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ The individual neither meditates on God, nor serves humanity selflessly; now, the noose of death tightens around their neck. Pause.

Detailed Meaning: This line highlights the consequences of not focusing on spiritual pursuits. When a person neither meditates on God (Naam Simran) nor engages in selfless service (seva) for the betterment of humanity, they remain entangled in the cycle of worldly desires and attachments. Now, the impending reality of death approaches, symbolized here as a noose tightening around one’s neck.

ਦਾਰਾ ਮੀਤ ਪੂਤ ਰਥ ਸੰਪਤਿ ਧਨ ਪੂਰਨ ਸਭ ਮਹੀ ॥ Wife, friends, children, chariots, property, wealth, and all other material possessions,

Detailed Meaning: The Shabad emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly attachments and material possessions. It mentions various aspects of a person’s life, such as family (wife, children), friends, wealth (property and money), and material acquisitions (chariots), all of which are transient and temporary.

ਅਵਰ ਸਗਲ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਏ ਜਾਨਉ ਭਜਨੁ ਰਾਮੁ ਕੋ ਸਹੀ ॥੧॥ Recognize all else as false; contemplate and meditate on the Lord alone.

Detailed Meaning: The Shabad advises recognizing the impermanence and illusion of worldly attachments and pursuits. Instead, it encourages focusing on contemplation and meditation on the divine Lord. True fulfillment and eternal peace are found in connecting with the Divine, and everything else is transitory and temporary.

Full Review: This Shabad by the 9th Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, profoundly conveys the ephemeral nature of worldly desires and possessions. It underscores that despite the relentless pursuit of material wealth and worldly attachments, the mind remains unsatisfied and restless. The Shabad serves as a reminder that the true path to contentment and liberation lies in connecting with the Divine through meditation and contemplation.

The central message here is the impermanence of worldly attachments and the importance of seeking spiritual fulfillment. The metaphor of the noose tightening around one’s neck signifies the urgency of recognizing this truth and redirecting one’s focus towards the divine. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, this Shabad serves as a spiritual guide, reminding individuals to prioritize the eternal over the transient.

Overall, this Shabad inspires introspection and encourages a shift in perspective towards a more meaningful and spiritually fulfilling life. It invites us to let go of the illusion of worldly possessions and desires and instead embark on a journey of self-discovery and divine connection. It emphasizes that selfless service to humanity, rather than mere rituals, is a crucial aspect of one’s spiritual journey.

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