🔹 **Understanding True Renunciation** 🔹

Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Nov 01, 2023)

 

🌿 **Shalok, Third Mehl:** 🌿

Shalok Penned by Third Master.

 

🔸 *ਦਰਵੇਸੀ ਕੋ ਜਾਣਸੀ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋ ਦਰਵੇਸੁ ॥* (How rare is the dervish, the Saintly renunciate, who understands renunciation):

 

🔵 Insight:

Understanding the essence of true renunciation is a rare quality, even among dervishes and saints.

 

—

 

🌿 **Verse 1:** 🌿

🔸 *ਜੇ ਘਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਹੰਢੈ ਮੰਗਦਾ ਧਿਗੁ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਧਿਗੁ ਵੇਸੁ ॥* (Cursed is the life, and cursed are the clothes, of one who wanders around, begging from door to door):

 

🔵 Insight:

The Guru criticizes begging and living on donations, depicting such a life as cursed.

 

—

 

🌿 **Verse 2:** 🌿

🔸 *ਜੇ ਆਸਾ ਅੰਦੇਸਾ ਤਜਿ ਰਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਉ ॥* (But, if he abandons hope and anxiety, and as Gurmukh receives the Name as his charity):

 

🔵 Insight:

One steps onto the path of true renunciation by abandoning worldly hopes and despairs and focusing on the Divine Name.

 

—

 

🌿 **Verse 3:** 🌿

🔸 *ਤਿਸ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ਪਖਾਲੀਅਹਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੈ ਜਾਉ ॥੧॥* (then Nanak washes his feet, and is a sacrifice to him. ||1||):

 

🔵 Insight:

Guru Nanak expresses his reverence and willingness to serve those who truly understand and practice renunciation.

 

—

 

🔹 **Review:** 🔹

This Shabad delves into the essence of true renunciation, criticizing superficial acts of renunciation such as begging, and advocating for a deeper understanding and practice that leads to spiritual fulfillment and alignment with the Divine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The All is One: Unraveling Divine Oneness

Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 30, 2023)

 

🎵 Sorat’h, Fourth Mehl, First House:🎵

 

🌿 ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ (One Universal Creator God manifesting Himself to form the Creation. Realized By The Grace Of The True Guru):

🍃 Insight:

This verse signifies that there is only one God, who manifests Himself to create the universe, and realization of this truth comes through the grace of the True Guru.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 1:

🌿 ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਅਪਾਹੁ ॥ (My Beloved Lord Himself pervades and permeates all; He Himself is, all by Himself):

🍃 Insight:

This verse emphasizes that the Lord Himself is omnipresent and independent.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 2:

🌿 ਵਣਜਾਰਾ ਜਗੁ ਆਪਿ ਹੈ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਆਪੇ ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹੁ ॥ (My Beloved Himself is the trader in this world; He Himself is the true banker):

🍃 Insight:

This verse metaphorically describes God as the ultimate trader and banker, controlling all transactions in the world.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 3:

🌿 ਆਪੇ ਵਣਜੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੀਆ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਆਪੇ ਸਚੁ ਵੇਸਾਹੁ ॥੧॥ (My Beloved Himself is the traders’ trade; He Himself is the true credit. ||1||):

🍃 Insight:

God Himself is the object of all trades and transactions; He is the true credit that sustains everything.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 4:

🌿 ਜਪਿ ਮਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਲਾਹ ॥ (O mind, meditate on the Lord, Har, Har, and praise His Name):

🍃 Insight:

This line encourages one to meditate on God’s name, as a form of devotion and focus.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 5:

🌿 ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਅਗਮ ਅਥਾਹ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (By Guru’s Grace, the Beloved, Ambrosial, unapproachable and unfathomable Lord is obtained. ||Pause||):

🍃 Insight:

Through the Guru’s grace, one can come to understand and experience the Lord, who is otherwise unapproachable and beyond comprehension.

 

—

 

🌺 **Review:**

This Shabad profoundly emphasizes the concept of divine omnipresence, asserting that everything in existence is an extension of the Divine. God is not just a creator or a distant entity but is deeply involved in every aspect of the world, acting as the trader, the banker, and even the trade itself. It suggests that every role and every action in the world is essentially a form of divine manifestation. The Shabad calls on the individual to meditate on the Name of the Lord, which is made accessible through the Guru’s Grace. This contemplative practice is highlighted as the means to understand and experience this all-encompassing Divine reality.

—

✨Tell me, O brother, what religion is for this Dark Age?  ✨

Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 29, 2023)

🎵 ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥🎵

Dhanaasaree, Fourth Mehl

🍃 Insight:

This hymn is penned by the Fourth Master, Guru Ramdas ji, in Raag Dhanasari.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 1:

🌿 ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਕਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਭਾਈ ਕਿਵ ਛੂਟਹ ਹਮ ਛੁਟਕਾਕੀ ॥

“Tell me, O brother, what religion is for this Dark Age. I seek emancipation – how can I be emancipated?”

🍃 Insight:

The Guru begins by posing a question that has eternal relevance—how can one find spiritual liberation in an age of darkness and confusion?

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 2:

🌿 ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਪੁ ਬੇੜੀ ਹਰਿ ਤੁਲਹਾ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿਓ ਤਰੈ ਤਰਾਕੀ ॥੧॥

“Meditation on the Lord’s Name is the boat, the raft; meditating on the Lord, the swimmer swims across.”

🍃 Insight:

Meditation on the Lord’s Name is likened to a boat that helps one cross the difficult waters of life. It’s a direct answer to the question posed in the first verse.

 

—

 

🌸 Pause:

🌿 ਹਰਿ ਜੀ ਲਾਜ ਰਖਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕੀ ॥

“O Dear Lord, protect and preserve the honour of Your humble servant.”

🍃 Insight:

This line serves as a heartfelt prayer to the Lord for protection and guidance, highlighting the devout relationship between the Creator and the devotee.

 

—

 

🌸 Pause Continued:

🌿 ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਨੁ ਜਪਾਵਹੁ ਅਪਨਾ ਹਮ ਮਾਗੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਇਕਾਕੀ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

“O Lord, Har, Har, please make me chant the chant of Your Name; I beg only for Your devotional worship.”

🍃 Insight:

The Guru seeks the blessing of being able to continually chant the Lord’s name, emphasizing that true devotion is the ultimate goal.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 3:

🌿 ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਸੇਵਕ ਸੇ ਹਰਿ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਜਿਨ ਜਪਿਓ ਹਰਿ ਬਚਨਾਕੀ ॥

“God’s slaves, who recite the Lord’s word, are dear to God.”

🍃 Insight:

Those who are devoted to the Lord and engage in His meditation are held in high esteem by the Divine.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 4:

🌿 ਲੇਖਾ ਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਗੁਪਤਿ ਜੋ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਸਭ ਛੂਟੀ ਜਮ ਕੀ ਬਾਕੀ ॥੨॥

“The writ, written by the recording angles, is erased and the balance of account with the death couriers is all settled.”

🍃 Insight:

The Guru assures that by embracing devotion, one can even erase the karmic debts recorded by the celestial scribes, thereby attaining liberation.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 5:

🌿 ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਸੰਤ ਜਪਿਓ ਮਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਲਗਿ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ॥

“Joining the society of the holy persons, the devotees of God remember the Lord Master in their mind.”

🍃 Insight:

The Guru emphasizes the importance of the company of the saintly. Being in the company of the devout fosters an environment conducive for spiritual growth and remembrance of the Lord.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 6:

🌿 ਦਿਨੀਅਰੁ ਸੂਰੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਬੁਝਾਨੀ ਸਿਵ ਚਰਿਓ ਚੰਦੁ ਚੰਦਾਕੀ ॥੩॥

“The piercing sun of desires has set, and the cool moon has risen.”

🍃 Insight:

The metaphor of the sun and moon is used to describe the state of mind. When one meditates on the Lord, the scorching heat of desires cools down, and a sense of serenity takes over.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 7:

🌿 ਤੁਮ ਵਡ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਡ ਅਗਮ ਅਗੋਚਰ ਤੁਮ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਅਪਾਕੀ ॥

“You are the Greatest Being, absolutely unapproachable and unfathomable; You created the Universe from Your Own Being.”

🍃 Insight:

Here, the Guru expresses awe and reverence for the Divine, acknowledging His greatness and the mystery that surrounds Him. It emphasizes the Creator’s self-sufficiency and grandeur.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 8:

🌿 ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕੀਜੈ ਕਰਿ ਦਾਸਨਿ ਦਾਸ ਦਸਾਕੀ ॥੪॥੬॥

“O Lord, take pity on servant Nanak, and make him the slave of the slave of Your slaves.”

🍃 Insight:

Guru Nanak concludes by humbling himself before the Divine, asking to be made the humblest of the humble in the service of the Lord.

 

—

 

🌼 Review:

The Shabad beautifully captures the essence of devotion and the quest for spiritual liberation. It teaches us to meditate on the Lord’s name as a means to navigate the complexities and challenges of life. The Shabad emphasizes that remembering God’s name is not just an act of devotion but also a powerful tool for mental and emotional balance. By focusing on the Divine, we are reminded of the impermanence of worldly matters and are encouraged to live life as humble guests on this earth. The Shabad makes it clear that God’s grace is the ultimate equalizer and the remover of ego, bringing us closer to spiritual liberation. 🌼

✨You are the Creator; whatever You do, that alone happens✨

Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 28, 2023)

🎵 ਤਿਲੰਗ ਘਰੁ ੨ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥🎵

Tilang, Second House, Fifth Mehl

—

Insight: 🍃

The hymn is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Fifth Guru, in Tilang Raag. It brings forth the essence of monotheism and emphasizes the omnipotence of the One Divine Creator.

 

🌸 Verse 1:

🌿 ਤੁਧੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥

“There is no other than You, Lord.”

Insight: 🍃

The Guru starts by reinforcing the idea that there is no entity or power parallel to the Divine Creator.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 2:

🌿 ਤੂ ਕਰਤਾਰੁ ਕਰਹਿ ਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥

“You are the Creator; whatever You do, that alone happens.”

Insight: 🍃

Acknowledging the all-encompassing power of the Creator, Guru Ji emphasizes that whatever happens is by Divine Will.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 3:

🌿 ਤੇਰਾ ਜੋਰੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਮਨਿ ਟੇਕ ॥

“You are the strength, and You are the support of the mind.”

Insight: 🍃

The Guru tells us that the Divine is the ultimate source of strength and emotional resilience.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 4:

🌿 ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਜਪਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕ ॥੧॥

“Forever and ever, meditate, O Nanak, on the One. ||1||”

Insight: 🍃

Guru Ji concludes the verse by stressing the importance of constant remembrance and meditation on the One Divine.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 5:

🌿 ਸਭ ਊਪਰਿ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਦਾਤਾਰੁ ॥

“The Great Giver is the Supreme Lord God over all.”

Insight: 🍃

Reinforcing the idea of Divine Omnipotence, Guru Ji reminds us that God is the Giver of all things and is Supreme.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 6:

🌿 ਤੇਰੀ ਟੇਕ ਤੇਰਾ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

“You are our support, You are our sustainer. ||Pause||”

Insight: 🍃

The hymn concludes with a note of surrender, acknowledging that the Divine is our ultimate support and sustainer.

 

—

 

Review: 🌸

The hymn encapsulates the essence of monotheism and underlines the importance of recognizing the One Divine as the Creator, Sustainer, and the ultimate source of strength. It emphasizes the practice of meditation and mindfulness as a pathway to understand and connect with the Divine.

✨🌼 Burn away your hopes and desires, and live like a guest in this world 🌼✨

Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 27, 2023)

🌿ਸਲੋਕੁ ਮਃ ੩ ॥

Shalok, Third Mehl 🌿

—

Insight: 🍀

The Shalok, composed by the Third Guru, Guru Amar Das, addresses a Shaykh (a spiritual leader in Islam). It serves as a universal message about focusing the mind on Divine consciousness and living a life of true devotion.

 

🌸 Verse 1:

🌿 ਸੇਖਾ ਚਉਚਕਿਆ ਚਉਵਾਇਆ ਏਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਇਕਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਆਣਿ ॥

“O Shaykh, you wander in the four directions, blown by the four winds; bring your mind back to the home of the One Lord.”

Insight: 🍀

The verse points out the futility of searching for spiritual solace by wandering aimlessly. It advises focusing the mind on the One Divine Presence as the true home.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 2:

🌿 ਏਹੜ ਤੇਹੜ ਛਡਿ ਤੂ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥

“Renounce your petty arguments, and realize the Guru’s teachings.”

Insight: 🍀

The Guru advises us to relinquish trivial disputes and conflicts to focus on the transformative power of the Guru’s teachings.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 3:

🌿 ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਅਗੈ ਢਹਿ ਪਉ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਜਾਣੁ ॥

“Bow in humble respect before the True Guru; He is the Knower who knows everything.”

Insight: 🍀

This line speaks to the importance of humility and the recognition that the True Guru possesses ultimate knowledge.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 4:

🌿 ਆਸਾ ਮਨਸਾ ਜਲਾਇ ਤੂ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੁ ਮਿਹਮਾਣੁ ॥”Burn away your hopes and desires, and live like a guest in this world.”

 

Insight: 🍀

The Guru advises detachment from worldly desires, suggesting that one should live in the world as if a temporary guest, not attached to it.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 5:

🌿 ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਭੀ ਚਲਹਿ ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਮਾਣੁ ॥

“If you walk in harmony with the True Guru’s teachings, then you shall be honored in the Court of the Lord.”

Insight: 🍀

The Guru promises that by aligning our will with that of the True Guru’s teachings, we will earn honour in the Divine Court.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 6:

🌿 ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਨੀ ਤਿਨ ਧਿਗੁ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਧਿਗੁ ਖਾਣੁ ॥੧॥

“O Nanak, those who do not contemplate the Naam, the Name of the Lord – cursed are their clothes, and cursed is their food. ||1||”

Insight: 🍀

The verse concludes with a warning about the consequences of not remembering the Divine Name. It suggests that a life without spiritual focus is futile and cursed.

 

—

 

Review: 🌼

The Shalok provides profound insights into how to live a spiritually fulfilling life. It emphasizes the need for mindfulness, humility, and alignment with the Guru’s teachings. It serves as a cautionary tale for those who neglect spiritual practice, advising them to center their lives around Divine remembrance.

🌼✨ The Power of the Lord’s Name ✨🌼

🌸 Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 26, 2023) 🌸

🎵 ਗੋਂਡ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ Gond, Fifth Mehl 🎵

—

Insight: 🍀

This hymn is in Gond Raag and composed by the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

🌸 Verse 1:

🌺 ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਨੀਰਿ ਨਰਾਇਣ ॥

“The Name of the Immaculate Lord is the Ambrosial Water.”

Insight: 🍃

The hymn starts by equating the Name of the Lord with Ambrosial Water, suggesting that it has the power to purify one’s soul.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 2:

🌺 ਰਸਨਾ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਪਾਪ ਬਿਲਾਇਣ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

“Chanting it with the tongue, sins are washed away. ||1||Pause||”

Insight: 🍃

By simply chanting the Lord’s name, one can purify oneself and wash away sins. This line underscores the transformative power of the Divine Name.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 3:

🌺 ਨਾਰਾਇਣ ਸਭ ਮਾਹਿ ਨਿਵਾਸ ॥

“The Lord abides in everyone.”

Insight: 🍃

This line emphasizes the omnipresence of the Lord, who resides in every being.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 4:

🌺 ਨਾਰਾਇਣ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਪਰਗਾਸ ॥

“The Lord illumines each and every heart.”

Insight: 🍃

The Lord not only resides in everyone but also illuminates each heart, signifying the enlightening power of divine presence.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 5:

🌺 ਨਾਰਾਇਣ ਕਹਤੇ ਨਰਕਿ ਨ ਜਾਹਿ ॥

“Chanting the Lord’s Name, one does not fall into hell.”

Insight: 🍃

The hymn assures that by chanting the Divine Name, one can escape the torments of hell, signifying spiritual liberation.

 

—

 

🌸 Verse 6:

🌺 ਨਾਰਾਇਣ ਸੇਵਿ ਸਗਲ ਫਲ ਪਾਹਿ ॥੧॥

“Serving the Lord, all fruitful rewards are obtained. ||1||”

Insight: 🍃

The hymn concludes by stating that serving the Lord brings about all fruitful rewards, indicating a life of fulfillment and spiritual richness.

 

—

 

Review: 🌷

The hymn elucidates the transformative and purifying power of the Divine Name. It emphasizes that chanting this Name can wash away sins, illuminate hearts, and bring fruitful rewards. This hymn serves as a reminder of the omnipresent and omnibenevolent nature of the Divine.

🌸 The Transient World and the Path to Emancipation 🌸

🌼 Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 24, 2023) 🌼

 

🎵 ਵਡਹੰਸੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥ Wadahans, Third Mehl 🎵

 

Insight:

This hymn is set in the Wadahans Raag and composed by the Third Guru, Guru Amar Das.

 

🌺 Verse 1:

ਏ ਮਨ ਮੇਰਿਆ ਆਵਾ ਗਉਣੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਅੰਤਿ ਸਚਿ ਨਿਬੇੜਾ ਰਾਮ ॥

“O my mind, the world comes and goes in birth and death; the final truth is only the Lord and the Lord shall emancipate you.”

 

Insight:

The hymn begins with a sobering reminder to the mind about the transient nature of the world, emphasizing the eternal significance of the True Lord.

 

🌺 Verse 2:

ਆਪੇ ਸਚਾ ਬਖਸਿ ਲਏ ਫਿਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਫੇਰਾ ਰਾਮ ॥

“When the True Lord Himself grants forgiveness, one does not have to be reborn again.”

 

Insight:

The hymn discusses the power of Divine grace, stating that when forgiveness is granted by the True Lord, the cycle of birth and death is broken.

 

🌺 Verse 3:

ਫਿਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਫੇਰਾ ਅੰਤਿ ਸਚਿ ਨਿਬੇੜਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥

“He does not have to enter the cycle of reincarnation again, and he is emancipated in the end; as Gurmukh, he obtains glorious greatness.”

 

Insight:

This line reiterates the power of living as a Gurmukh—someone who follows the Guru’s teachings. By doing so, one achieves eternal liberation and greatness.

 

🌺 Verse 4:

ਸਾਚੈ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤੇ ਸਹਜੇ ਮਾਤੇ ਸਹਜੇ ਰਹੇ ਸਮਾਈ ॥

“Imbued with love for the True Lord, he is intoxicated with celestial bliss, and he remains absorbed in the Celestial Lord.”

 

Insight:

The hymn concludes by describing the state of someone who is deeply in love with the True Lord. Such an individual is intoxicated with celestial bliss and remains in a state of union with the Divine.

 

Review:

The hymn serves as a spiritual guide, reminding us of the transient nature of life and the world. It emphasizes the significance of the Lord’s Name and Divine grace for achieving eternal liberation. The hymn suggests that by aligning ourselves with the Guru’s teachings, we can obtain a state of celestial bliss and union with the Divine.

 

🎀 Show Mercy to me, O my Lord and Master 🎀

Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 23, 2023)

 

💠 ਗੂਜਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ Goojaree, Fifth Mehl:

 

💎 Insight:

The hymn is in the Goojaree Raag and composed by the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev.

 

🔹 ਕਬਹੂ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਚੀਤੁ ਨ ਲਾਇਓ ॥ You never focused your consciousness on the Lord.

 

💡 Insight:

The hymn begins with a direct observation that the individual has not focused on the Divine, thereby missing the essence of life.

 

🔹 ਧੰਧਾ ਕਰਤ ਬਿਹਾਨੀ ਅਉਧਹਿ ਗੁਣ ਨਿਧਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਗਾਇਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ You have spent your life engaged in worldly pursuits; you have not sung the Glorious Praises of the Virtuous Lord. ||1||Pause||

 

💡 Insight:

This line emphasizes the waste of life’s precious time in materialistic pursuits while neglecting to meditate on the Lord of all the virtues.

 

🔹 ਕਉਡੀ ਕਉਡੀ ਜੋਰਤ ਕਪਟੇ ਅਨਿਕ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਧਾਇਓ ॥ Shell by shell, you accumulate money; in various ways, you work for this.

 

💡 Insight:

The hymn points out that the pursuit of wealth has led the individual down various paths, all focused on material gain.

 

🔹 ਬਿਸਰਤ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇਤੇ ਦੁਖ ਗਨੀਅਹਿ ਮਹਾ ਮੋਹਨੀ ਖਾਇਓ ॥੧॥ Forgetting God, you suffer awful pain beyond measure, and you are consumed by the Great Enticer, Maya. ||1||

 

💡 Insight:

This line addresses the consequences of forgetting the Divine, leading to suffering and being ensnared by Maya (illusion).

 

🔹 ਕਰਹੁ ਅਨੁਗ੍ਰਹੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਮੇਰੇ ਗਨਹੁ ਨ ਮੋਹਿ ਕਮਾਇਓ ॥ Show Mercy to me, O my Lord and Master, and do not hold me to account for my actions.

 

💡 Insight:

A plea to the Lord Almighty for Divine mercy and forgiveness for past actions, showing a yearning for spiritual salvation.

 

🔹ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਦਇਆਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲ ਸੁਖ ਸਾਗਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣਾਇਓ ॥੨॥੧੬॥੨੫॥ O merciful and compassionate Lord God, ocean of peace, Nanak has taken to Your Sanctuary, Lord. ||2||16||25||

 

💡 Insight:

The hymn concludes with Nanak seeking refuge in God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of peace and mercy.

 

📜 Review:

This hymn serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the futility of being engrossed in worldly pursuits while neglecting spiritual growth. It criticizes the accumulation of wealth at the expense of spiritual well-being and points out the ensuing suffering. However, the hymn ends on a hopeful note, imploring Divine mercy and acknowledging God as the ultimate sanctuary for the soul. 📜

A Soul’s Plea for Divine Guidance

🌸 **ਜੈਤਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥**

Jaitsree, Fifth Mehl: 🌸

 

🌈 **Insight:**

This hymn is in the Jaitsree Raag and is composed by the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev. 🌈

 

🌸 **ਆਏ ਅਨਿਕ ਜਨਮ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਸਰਣੀ ॥**

After wandering through so many incarnations, I have come to Your Sanctuary. 🌸

 

🌈 **Insight:**

The hymn begins by acknowledging the long spiritual journey of the soul through various incarnations, finally seeking refuge in the Divine Sanctuary. 🌈

 

🌸 **ਉਧਰੁ ਦੇਹ ਅੰਧ ਕੂਪ ਤੇ ਲਾਵਹੁ ਅਪੁਨੀ ਚਰਣੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥**

Save me – lift my body up out of the deep, dark pit of the world, and attach me to Your feet. ||1||Pause|| 🌸

 

🌈 **Insight:**

This line is a plea for Divine intervention to lift the soul out of the metaphorical dark pit of worldly attachments and bring it closer to God. 🌈

 

🌸 **ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਨਾਹਿਨ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਣੀ ॥**

I do not know anything about spiritual wisdom, meditation or karma, and my way of life is not clean and pure. 🌸

 

🌈 **Insight:**

The hymn humbly admits a lack of spiritual wisdom and pure conduct, emphasizing the need for Divine guidance. 🌈

 

🌸 **ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈ ਅੰਚਲਿ ਲਾਵਹੁ ਬਿਖਮ ਨਦੀ ਜਾਇ ਤਰਣੀ ॥੧॥**

Please attach me to the hem of the robe of the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; help me to cross over the terrible river. ||1|| 🌸

 

🌈 **Insight:**

The hymn ends by asking to be a part of the Holy Company to navigate the challenging journey of life and cross the metaphorical ‘terrible river’. 🌈

 

🌸 **Review:**

This hymn explores the soul’s long journey through various incarnations to seek refuge in God finally. It expresses a heartfelt plea for Divine help to escape worldly entanglements and attain spiritual enlightenment. The hymn admits a lack of spiritual wisdom but ends on a hopeful note by seeking the company of the Holy to cross life’s challenges. 🌸

🔵 From Deceit to Divine Grace 🔵

Hukmnama, Golden Temple, Amritsar (Oct 21, 2023)

🌸 **ਸਲੋਕੁ ਮਃ ੪ ॥**

Shalok, Fourth Mehl: 🌸

 

🔵 **Insight:**

The Shalok is composed by the Fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das. 🔵

 

🌸 **ਅੰਤਰਿ ਅਗਿਆਨੁ ਭਈ ਮਤਿ ਮਧਿਮ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ॥**

He has spiritual ignorance within, and his intellect is dull and dim; he does not place his faith in the True Guru. 🌸

 

🔵 **Insight:**

The line warns about the perils of spiritual ignorance and lack of faith in the True Guru. It suggests that a lack of inner enlightenment leads to a dim intellect. 🔵

 

🌸 **ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕਪਟੁ ਸਭੁ ਕਪਟੋ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਪਟੇ ਖਪਹਿ ਖਪਾਹੀ ॥**

He has deceit within himself, and so he sees deception in all others; through his deceptions, he is totally ruined. 🌸

 

🔵 **Insight:**

The Shalok highlights the destructive nature of deceit, stating that one who is deceitful not only sees deception in others but also ultimately ruins himself. 🔵

 

🌸 **ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਭਾਣਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਆਪਣੈ ਸੁਆਇ ਫਿਰਾਹੀ ॥**

The True Guru’s Will does not enter into his consciousness, and so he wanders around, pursuing his own interests. 🌸

 

🔵 **Insight:**

This line points out that ignoring the True Guru’s teachings leads to aimless wandering in pursuit of selfish interests. 🔵

 

🌸 **ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮਾਹੀ ॥੧॥**

If He grants His Grace, then Nanak is absorbed into the Divine Word. ||1|| 🌸

 

🔵 **Insight:**

The Shalok concludes on a hopeful note, indicating that if God grants His Grace, one can be absorbed into the wisdom of the Divine Word. 🔵

 

🌸 **Review:**

This Shalok examines the hazards of spiritual ignorance, deceit, and self-centeredness. It warns that without the guidance of the True Guru, one is likely to be led astray by these negative traits. However, it ends on a positive note, suggesting that Divine Grace can bring one back to the path of enlightenment and wisdom. 🌸