Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! If you guys remember, our last topic was on the Rehat Maryada, and something Daas noticed was that Seva barely had any information on it, so this post will hopefully cover Seva in more depth from Daas's perspective. Before we can truly understand Seva, we must understand that Haumai is what separates us from Vaheguru, this Haumai makes us believe in our own superiority and destroys our own humility and see the world how it truly is. Bhai Gurdas once wrote in his own Vaars, "ਵਿਣੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਹਥ ਪੈਰ ਹੋਰ ਨਿਹਫਲ ਕਰਣੀ। Vinu Sayvaa Dhrigu Had Pair Hor Nihaphal Karanee. विणु सेवा ध्रिगु हथ पैर होर निहफल करणी । Without service, cursed are the heads, and feet, and useless are other deeds. 5 ਵਾਰਾਂ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰਦਾਸ : ਵਾਰ ੨੭ ਪਉੜੀ ੧੦ ਪੰ. ੫" (Vaar 27, Pauri 10). It is very important for us to do Seva, but what is Seva? Seva is selfless service or to serve the Guru or people without the intention of getting something in return, and serve only from the goodness of the heart. In Gurdwaras there are various types of Seva; from cleaning the dishes; to helping build the Gurdwara, (Kar Seva); cleaning the floor; among others, in which you are greatly helping a variety of people; regardless who they are. Before we can get to that stage; we might have to grow a little from doing small things at a Gurdwara; because every small thing is very important for spiritual growth; you may not like it in the beginning; or you may be blessed from the Seva immediately and already feel a desire to help people; (Daas personally had a very difficult time growing in this aspect; as it was hard for Daas in the beginning). It helps you see Vaheguru not only in others but in your own self. Now what should we do to start this: here are some tips: 1. Don't brag about your Seva, 2. Don't make Seva about yourself, but rather about the Guru. 3. If you can't do a lot of Seva; do the small things, (let it grow slowly). 4. Do Simran while doing Seva, or some other Gurbani, (sometimes this is forgotten, but remember the Vaheguru who has always had blessed you). 5. Do see everyone as one when doing Seva, (this is something Daas is still working on, but when doing Seva; keep the idea of equality alive as that was how Bhai Kanhaiya was able to serve foe and friend equally). With these 5 tips we will hopefully grow in ourselves, it doesn't have to be for hours; but make it all from your heart and not because Daas told you. Vaheguru, Vaheguru, Vaheguru: this should be the focus on constantly remembering Vaheguru; if you took nothing from this. Daas requests you remember to do Simran when you do Seva. Vaheguru, Bhul Chuk Maaf Karni, Forgive Any Mistakes from Daas; Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
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Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! This final part of the Rehat series, we will be going over the final parts of the Rehat. These will include the concept of Sewa, as well as the Amrit Sanchar as well as the Panthic role for a Sikh. In the previous section we talked about the Gurdwara activities and the other 3 main ceremonies for a Sikh. For those following along, here is the Rehat we have been using. http://www.gurunanakdarbar.net/sikhrehatmaryada.pdf
Section 5: This is the shortest section, and it talks about Sewa. Some things it says is that the philosophy of Langar and how everyone should be treated equally, as well as how people should be at a Langar. Also only Amritdharis can eat from one plate; but it should still be somewhat equal. Section 6: This section talks about the Khalsa Panth and about their status as Guru Khalsa Panth, as well as the Khand-Di-Pahul Amrit Sanchar ceremony, (which is more detailed than the other 3 ceremonies). An entire Sikh's life is dedicated to service; and it's not suppose to be just at the Gurdwara; as Guru Sahib himself had helped people not just in certain places; but his entire life was a help to all. After this; the Maryada talks about the sacred Amrit Sanchar, some important rules that will be pointed out are: The need for the Punj Pyare, a Granthi, and a person making sure this is all happening according to Maryada; (all of them must have taken Amrit). Those who have to take it again will be given a reasonable punishment. Then those taking Amrit will also receive will be asked if they are ready; and then the actual ceremony begins with the Punj Pyare using the Sarbloh, (the maryada, Daas posted says pure steel; however, it is Sarbloh, as Sarbloh is iron;) Khanda, (double-edged sword) and Bata, (bowl). An Ardas is done and then Amrit is given to people; they all get the Gurmantar and Mool Mantar from the Punj Pyare, and are required to read the Nitnem banis. (The official Maryada says Japji, Jaap, Tav Prassad Swaiya, Rehras, and Kirtan Sohila; however, post 1986 Sarbat Khalsa; it has been declared to add Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib as part of the morning banis). You are suppose to keep the 5ks after taking Amrit; these are Kesh, (uncut hair), Kangha,(wooden comb), Kirpan,(sheathed sword), Kachera,(undergarments specific), and Kara,(steel bracelet). You also make the commitment to no longer make 4 Kurehits these are: 1. Dishonoring the Kesh, (usually defined as cutting the hair; but can be used for other ways as well). 2. Eating meat slaughtered the Muslim way, (this is more heavily defined as meat that was slaughtered with the animal not being killed in one blow, which is called Jhatka; even though the 1986 Sarbat Khalsa declared Jhatka being allowed, many Jathas are against meat altogether, and as such it is important to follow what the Punj Pyare say most of all). 3. Sexual relations with someone other than your spouse, (all premarital sex negatively pressures you into the wrong side; sex is only ok within marriage; otherwise; it is always manmat). 4. Using tobacco, (this should more clearly be defined as using any intoxicants; because Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was against all intoxicants; not just tobacco). If you commit any of these 4 you are a fallen Sikh and must take Amrit again and accept a reasonable punishment from the Punj Pyare; (if any of these were done without intent; then you do not have to take Amrit again). At the end of the ceremony; everyone takes Karah Prassad; they all should eat from the same bowl. After the part on Amrit, we have people who make other mistakes; to these they should admit to the Sangat, the punishment should be given by a set of Punj Pyare and the punishment should usually be in a form of Seva. Then the Gurmatta Rehat; which includes the local Sangat coming together and making decisions for everyone in the Sangat. Finally, we reach the end of the Rehat; which says appeals for any local decision can go to the Akal Takht; currently the Jathedar as of 6/28/16 is Jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara, according to the Sarbat Khalsa of 2015, Bandi Chor Diwas. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! We have finally went through the 6 sections of the Rehat and in 3 Parts. We hope some people are going to be able to learn something from all of this. Vaheguru; Bhul Chuk Maaf Karni from Daas; forgive any mistakes in explaining the Rehat Maryada made by the Akal Takht. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Today we will be continuing the 2nd of 3rd part of the Rehat series. In the previous section we talked about the definition of a Sikh as well as the lifestyle of the individual Sikh as an individual and as a whole. Today we will be talking about the Gurdwara as well as the various ceremonies. Daas does apologize as previously we noticed that the Maryada was not hyperlinked, so we recommend that you open it from this hyperlink. Rehat (Daas has already edited that).
Section 3: In the first part of section 3, the Maryada talks about Gurdwara rules, the basics of it are, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's proper respect and what a Sikh is suppose to do at the Gurdwara. The first part of section also declares the 5 takhts, this is important as there was some controversy previously on the topic of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and was finally declared a Takht. The next part talks about how Kirtan is suppose to be done, this is important as before the Singh Sahba Movement, many people had done Manmat during the Kirtan programs especially in the terms of Gurbani, it also declares that Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaarans and Bhai Nand Lal's Ghazals as appropriate to sing in Kirtan form. The next few sections are all about Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji being kept in a home and the proper Maryada a Sikh should follow for the procedures. (Daas asks for forgiveness, if he can't explain all of it as some of it is hard to explain and go into detail for Daas). The section after the Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji sections is about making Karah Prassad and the proper Maryada a Sikh is to follow, something important to note is a Kirpan is required for Degh of the Karah Prassad, which is the same as it would be for Langar. Finally we have the actual Gurdwara services and what the goal of the Gurdwara services should be, (this is different from the rules as this topic talks about the philosophy; while the previous part topics about Maryada). Section 4: The 1st part of Section 4 talks about living according to the Guru's teachings; this is very important because many people that claimed to follow Sikhi throughout the ages have done things that are very much against the basics of Sikhi. Many Jathas are divided on this section and some feel it doesn't go far enough; while others think it goes too far, but these are the official rules. The next parts talks about 3 of the 4 Sikh ceremonies, (Naming the child, Anand Karaj, and Funeral), we won't go into detail on these, especially since the Maryada already goes into detail. The final part is for all other occasions, a Sikh should recite Gurbani and to do an Ardas, it may be either at a Gurdwara or a home, but Gurbani should be the focus on the new thing. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh; hopefully even though we may not have been into too much detail on these it answers some questions anyone may have, part of our reason for this is so people may learn about the Maryada and hopefully follow Gursikhi better. Bhul Chuk Maaf, forgive for any mistakes from Daas. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! One thing that people reading this blog may have noticed is that we don't talk about Rehat a lot, the reason for that is because of the differing Rehats throughout the entire Panth, so we will do our best to explain the importance of Rehat, with only using the official Akal Takht Maryada to the best of our ability. this will be divided into 3 parts with 2 sections per part. For those who wish to learn about stuff directly from the Rehat we recommend this, we will only skim through with explaining the important stuff: http://www.gurunanakdarbar.net/sikhrehatmaryada.pdf
Section 1: The definition of a Sikh had to be defined as during the time it was established, many people had been promoting a mix of various religions along with Sikhi; ever since the Rehat united the people, a Sikh had to have at least basic guidelines, these were described in believing in the 11 Gurus and the bani of the 11 Gurus alone, and believed in Khand-Di-Pahul, (not the same as taking it), also only believing in the 1 Vaheguru, (this was important as idolatry was becoming increasingly common at some Sikh places, before the Gurdwara Act of 1925). This is all united together as it finally gave an official definition as to what it meant to be Sikh. Section 2: The lifestyle of a Sikh was defined as divided into 2 parts, the individual Sikh to himself, and the second being to the Panth as a whole. One it says that a Sikh must do Naam Japna, (Simran), living the lifestyle recommended by the Guru, and to do Sewa, (Selfless Service). Another part says how a Sikh should do Simran, at Amrit Vela, (Ambrosial Hours) and the banis a Sikh should read in the morning, (the official Rehat says Japji, Jaap, and Sawayyas; however, in the 1986 Sarbat Khalsa the Panth agreed that Chaupai and Anand Sahib should be included as well), the evening bani, Sodar Rehras Sahib, they define the official Rehras, as there have been variations throughout the Panth, and finally Kirtan Sohila at the night. Finally they talk about how a Sikh is highly recommended to do Ardas, or a benti to Vaheguru to bless them with anything they need. there is an Ardas in the Rehat we posted and you can check online on youtube for various types of Ardas, (in the actual thing they are praying for, not the structure). Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh, that's the first part of the Rehat and the ultimate conclusion will be in the final part, (Bhul Chuk Maaf, Forgive Any Mistakes from Daas) Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! This is honestly a hard topic on whether those who are not disciples of the true Guru, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji capable of merging with Vaheguru. Our short answer is, "no", but for those who want to know the complicated answer why this is the case, I'd recommend you continue. The reason the answer is no is because Gurbani continually says that without the true Guru, one is only wasting life. As we read Anand Sahib, we realize that the true message can only come from the true Guru. (Angs 917-922, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji,). Also from Naam and Gurbani is one liberated; not from our own desires and manmat: only the true Guru can give Naam. " ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਸਦਾ ਧਿਆਇ ਤੂ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕੰਕਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ हरि जीउ सदा धिआइ तू गुरमुखि एकंकारु ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥ Har jī▫o saḏā ḏẖi▫ā▫e ṯū gurmukẖ ekankār. ||1|| rahā▫o. Become Gurmukh, and meditate forever on the Dear Lord, the One and Only Creator. ||1||Pause|| ਗੁਰਮੁਖਾ ਕੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ गुरमुखा के मुख उजले गुर सबदी बीचारि ॥ Gurmukẖā ke mukẖ ujle gur sabḏī bīcẖār. The faces of the Gurmukhs are radiant and bright; they reflect on the Word of the Guru's Shabad. ਹਲਤਿ ਪਲਤਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਦੇ ਜਪਿ ਜਪਿ ਰਿਦੈ ਮੁਰਾਰਿ ॥ हलति पलति सुखु पाइदे जपि जपि रिदै मुरारि ॥ Halaṯ palaṯ sukẖ pā▫iḏe jap jap riḏai murār. They obtain peace in this world and the next, chanting and meditating within their hearts on the Lord. ਘਰ ਹੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥੨॥ घर ही विचि महलु पाइआ गुर सबदी वीचारि ॥२॥ Gẖar hī vicẖ mahal pā▫i▫ā gur sabḏī vīcẖār. ||2|| Within the home of their own inner being, they obtain the Mansion of the Lord's Presence, reflecting on the Guru's Shabad. ||2|| ਸਤਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਮੁਹ ਫੇਰਹਿ ਮਥੇ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਲੇ ॥ सतगुर ते जो मुह फेरहि मथे तिन काले ॥ Saṯgur ṯe jo muh ferėh mathe ṯin kāle. Those who turn their faces away from the True Guru shall have their faces blackened. ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਦੁਖ ਕਮਾਵਦੇ ਨਿਤ ਜੋਹੇ ਜਮ ਜਾਲੇ ॥ अनदिनु दुख कमावदे नित जोहे जम जाले ॥ An▫ḏin ḏukẖ kamāvḏe niṯ johe jam jāle. Night and day, they suffer in pain; they see the noose of Death always hovering above them. ਸੁਪਨੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਨ ਦੇਖਨੀ ਬਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਪਰਜਾਲੇ ॥੩॥ सुपनै सुखु न देखनी बहु चिंता परजाले ॥३॥ Supnai sukẖ na ḏekẖnī baho cẖinṯā parjāle. ||3|| Even in their dreams, they find no peace; they are consumed by the fires of intense anxiety. ||3|| ਸਭਨਾ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸ ਕਰੇਇ ॥ सभना का दाता एकु है आपे बखस करेइ ॥ Sabẖnā kā ḏāṯā ek hai āpe bakẖas kare▫i. The One Lord is the Giver of all; He Himself bestows all blessings. ਕਹਣਾ ਕਿਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਵਈ ਜਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ कहणा किछू न जावई जिसु भावै तिसु देइ ॥ Kahṇā kicẖẖū na jāv▫ī jis bẖāvai ṯis ḏe▫e. No one else has any say in this; He gives just as He pleases. ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਇ ॥੪॥੯॥੪੨॥ नानक गुरमुखि पाईऐ आपे जाणै सोइ ॥४॥९॥४२॥ Nānak gurmukẖ pā▫ī▫ai āpe jāṇai so▫e. ||4||9||42|| O Nanak, the Gurmukhs obtain Him; He Himself knows Himself. ||4||9||42||" (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 30) We also provide one thing of importance and that is the rules to follow Vaheguru are the same for everyone, nobody gets an exception and Gurmukhs are very rare, A very important video from a Mahapurukh, Sant Baba Kartar Singh Bhinderwale from Damadami Taksal somewhat explains why only Amritdharis can be liberated. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Today's post will be about the Guru on whether he's 1 or 11 forms, this will be both complex, and difficult to understand, (even for Daas), as the Guru is the only completely unique position in all creation, and in Sikhi.
First of all we have to understand who the Guru is, Gurbani says this: "ਜੋਤਿ ਰੂਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਆਪਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹਾਯਉ ॥ जोति रूपि हरि आपि गुरू नानकु कहायउ ॥ Joṯ rūp har āp gurū Nānak kahā▫ya▫o. The Embodiment of Light, the Lord Himself is called Guru Nanak." (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 1408), also Gurbani say's "ੴ", (so there is only 1 Vaheguru) and Vaheguru does not born. Many people assume that Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born; which is only true in a historical and worldly sense; but Gurmat teaches that he had came; as he was not in the cycle of birth and death. So clearly we should accept that he was above the worldly ideas of what we consider real, and he is perfection. But now that we got that out of the way; we should focus on the next thing, and that is are the Gurus one light or separate lights but together? When Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji decided to give Bhai Lehna, (Lehna literally meaning creditor), the Guruship, he decided to give him the name of Angad, (which means part-of) Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji became the very form of Vaheguru and Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Sikh had become the Guru. This also continued for other times as well, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Amar Das Ji became the form of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji, then came Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, and Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji; Dhan Dhan Sri Hargobind Ji, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Har Rai Ji; next was Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Harkrishan; eventually Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur and Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and finally Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the current form of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Even though Vaheguru is everywhere; he is special in the form of the Guru; as only the Guru is in the world without Paap or sin. All of this comes together with the major importance of what the Guru represents, (other than Vaheguru). The Guru represents the one to free us of karma and give us Naam. Naam is important as it is the thing that can provide an opportunity to fight the 5 evils: (Lust, Anger, Pride, Attachment, and Greed). With all of that we accept that we need the Guru to save us; as nobody else can. Vaheguru bless us with meeting the Satguru and not seeing him as anything other than the perfect being. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! The concept of the Guru is very difficult to understand, forgive Daas if he has made any mistakes, (Bhul Chuk Maaf). Hopefully we can all learn something new from this. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! The topic for this post will be on Amrit Vela, or in English Ambrosial Hours. There are many benefits to waking-up at Amrit Vela, one of them being the fact that in Gurbani it has been called the time to do bhagti: "ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ अम्रित वेला सचु नाउ वडिआई वीचारु ॥ Amriṯ velā sacẖ nā▫o vadi▫ā▫ī vīcẖār. In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, and contemplate His Glorious Greatness" (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 2). With this in mind we should realize that Amritvela means anytime from 12 A.M to 6 A.M, (the universally accepted time is 3 A.M to 6 A.M), and during that time is when many spiritual benefits of Naam Simran, (chanting the Gurmantar: Vaheguru), and as well as any Gurbani to keep your mind on Vaheguru. Slowly, slowly we get into a state of complete thoughts of Vaheguru. Before that is all possible we should try our best to wake-up early; and chant Vaheguru, there are many techniques and methods which people recommend; but the only thing Daas, (in Gurbani Daas is used for servant, here it is used for me, for those who didn't know); will recommend is that we should ask for Gur-prassad to get us to wake-up early; (even though it is possible to wake-up without asking Guru Sahib with a variety of techniques; all of it falls short to a simple Ardas to Guru Sahib). For anyone who can not wake-up at Amrit Vela; we still recommend you do Naam Simran throughout the day; as well as the evening; (as this also is a time where there is a better chance for concentration). Also remember that at the end of the day; each minute is important and precious. Daas would like to end with recommending this video from BasicsOfSikhi, (who makes Sikhi videos for people to learn from): on Amrit Vela and what true Amrit Vela is. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! (Bhul Chuk Maaf, forgive any mistakes). Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! This is the final part of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Shaheedi and in it we will be talking about the WHAT, or the history behind it, this will most likely be the longest section because there was a lot that led to the direct Shaheedi with many events occurring to cause the Shaheedi. Vaheguru bless anyone who has been reading these recent posts from the last few days.
WHAT: The history behind Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Shaheedi was that ever since Akbar was king; many Muslim clergy have been complaining that 5th Sikh Guru had convinced many people to have become Sikhs and many off them were Muslims; but eventually Akbar let the Sikhs preach; this then went on to his son; Jahangir, (who was a fundamentalist Muslim); to eventually tell them of the Sikh Guru persuading a vast group of people, he then started viewing the preaching of Sikhi as a threat, but hadn't done anything at the moment, but knew that Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji had previously blessed a rebel leader from the Mughal Empire called Prince Khursau. A few more reasons had eventually came into the mind of Jahangir, one of them being was the creation of Sri Adi Granth Sahib Ji, (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, 11th Sikh Guru), without making the importance of Muhammad, (the Islamic Prophet), into the Granth. The Minas sect, (a group formed by a brother of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Prithi Chand; who was deeply jealous of the Guru), wanted to obtain the Guruship and felt that the Mughal kings would give Prithi Chand just that. Another reason was, Governor Chandu Shah was extremely frustrated with Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji not marrying his son, (future 6th Guru; Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Hargobind Ji); to Chandu Shah's daughter; whom Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Sangat particularly said requested that Chandu Shah was not to be trusted, (Chandu Shah also personally put the sand on the Guru's body during Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji's body). The final major reason was Jahangir himself had disliked the Guru due to many Muslims clergy being against the Guru as well. Then, came the events of the Shaheedi itself; during late May-June, of the year 1606, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was arrested by Jahangir and taken to Lahore, he was tortured for 5 days. On the first day, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was not given anything to eat or drink, and he immersed himself in Simran, (Jaaping the Gurmantar-Vaheguru), and had sang Shabads. On the 2nd day, Guru Sahib was made to sit on a hot iron plate, while the time; Chandu Shah, (who was leading the entire thing), had burned it up with even more fire; this is the day in which Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji said the famous line associated with his Shaheedi, "ਤੇਰਾ ਕੀਆ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ तेरा कीआ मीठा लागै ॥ Ŧerā kī▫ā mīṯẖā lāgai. Your actions seem so sweet to me.ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਾਂਗੈ ॥੨॥੪੨॥੯੩॥ हरि नामु पदारथु नानकु मांगै ॥२॥४२॥९३॥ Har nām paḏārath Nānak māʼngai. ||2||42||93|| Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||2||42||93||" (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 394). On the 3rd day, Mian Mir, (the man who put the first stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib: Golden Temple), decided to tell Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji that he would use his magics to stop the tyranny going through Guru Sahib, but Guru Sahib himself had shown him a different thing; where even the angels asked Guru Sahib if they could destroy the tyrants in the world; Guru Sahib then told Mian Mir that everything was in Hukam, and that he was not going to go outside of Hukam. (Eventually, he told Mian Mir, that standing-up to tyrants was the right was to combat within Hukam and not outside of Hukam). On the 4th day, the burning continued, with Guru Sahib continuing on the Naam, without any complaints to Vaheguru's Hukam. Finally on the 5th day, Chandu Shah; felt that Guru Sahib had burned so much that him going into the river would be enough to make him leave this world, Guru Sahib had then went to the river called Ravi, and eventually stayed on the Hukam, and his body had left while he was in the river, and had strengthened the idea of standing-up for righteousness even to death. Vaheguru, this was a very short detail on the Shaheedi of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji; however, it was a very important event that must be remembered for times to come; as Gurmat has always been very hard to stay with, we must always try to improve our own Gursikhi Jeevan as much as we can; so hopefully Guru Sahib can bless us with doing good, even when it is hard. The 3 part of the Shaheedi of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji is done and we should try seeing this as a very big moment in Sikh history, eventually Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Hargobind Ji would be Guru and stand-up for righteousness as well. Despite our main focus isn't on history, we hope that this section will help someone learn something about Gurmat. Bhul Chuk Maaf Karni, (Forgive for any mistakes I have made). Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! As you may have noticed from my previous post we will be doing 3 parts of Dhan Fhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Shaheedi into why, how, and what. Today we will be talking about HOW Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji would become Shaheed and what led to it. (Note that this is not What Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji did for Shaheedi)
HOW: Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was made Shaheedi in the form of being boiled alive, and as such he was made to be burned for 5 full days. How this is important is because it tells a lot about who the Guru is as the true form of Vaheguru. In the time of Satguru Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in Chandi Chock, Delhi, the 3 Sikhs being Shaheed could be able to relate to the Satguru Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji as a form of guidance for what they were about to do, as some of them also faced a very difficult in the worldly eyes type of Shaheedi. Also how Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was Shaheed in such a way was due to the elites wanting to make an example out of the Guru to break spirit of the future disciples; however, as we today know this was not the case; rather it make the Sikhs stronger, and Shaheedi as a form of staying to the Guru till the end. This all comes together because one time Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji had already saved many people. Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji says this just on the character of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, (We strongly believe all 11 Gurus were the same and do not believe in any difference between them):"ਤਤੁ ਬਿਚਾਰੁ ਯਹੈ ਮਥੁਰਾ ਜਗ ਤਾਰਨ ਕਉ ਅਵਤਾਰੁ ਬਨਾਯਉ ॥ ततु बिचारु यहै मथुरा जग तारन कउ अवतारु बनायउ ॥ Ŧaṯ bicẖār yahai mathurā jag ṯāran ka▫o avṯār banā▫ya▫o. O Mat'huraa, consider this essential truth: to save the world, the Lord incarnated Himself. ਜਪ੍ਯ੍ਯਉ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਅਰਜੁਨ ਦੇਵ ਗੁਰੂ ਫਿਰਿ ਸੰਕਟ ਜੋਨਿ ਗਰਭ ਨ ਆਯਉ ॥੬॥ जप्यउ जिन्ह अरजुन देव गुरू फिरि संकट जोनि गरभ न आयउ ॥६॥ Jap▫ya▫o jinĥ arjun ḏev gurū fir sankat jon garabẖ na ā▫ya▫o. ||6|| Whoever meditates on Guru Arjun Dayv, shall not have to pass through the painful womb of reincarnation ever again. ||6|| ਕਲਿ ਸਮੁਦ੍ਰ ਭਏ ਰੂਪ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਉਧਾਰਨੁ ॥ कलि समुद्र भए रूप प्रगटि हरि नाम उधारनु ॥ Kal samuḏar bẖa▫e rūp pargat har nām uḏẖāran. In the ocean of this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Lord's Name has been revealed in the Form of Guru Arjun, to save the world. ਬਸਹਿ ਸੰਤ ਜਿਸੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਦੁਖ ਦਾਰਿਦ੍ਰ ਨਿਵਾਰਨੁ ॥ बसहि संत जिसु रिदै दुख दारिद्र निवारनु ॥ Basėh sanṯ jis riḏai ḏukẖ ḏariḏar nivāran. Pain and poverty are taken away from that person, within whose heart the Saint abides. ਨਿਰਮਲ ਭੇਖ ਅਪਾਰ ਤਾਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥ निरमल भेख अपार तासु बिनु अवरु न कोई ॥ Nirmal bẖekẖ apār ṯās bin avar na ko▫ī. He is the Pure, Immaculate Form of the Infinite Lord; except for Him, there is no other at all. ਮਨ ਬਚ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਾਣਿਅਉ ਭਯਉ ਤਿਹ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥ मन बच जिनि जाणिअउ भयउ तिह समसरि सोई ॥ Man bacẖ jin jāṇi▫a▫o bẖa▫ya▫o ṯih samsar so▫ī. Whoever knows Him in thought, word and deed, becomes just like Him. ਧਰਨਿ ਗਗਨ ਨਵ ਖੰਡ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸ੍ਵਰੂਪੀ ਰਹਿਓ ਭਰਿ ॥ धरनि गगन नव खंड महि जोति स्वरूपी रहिओ भरि ॥ Ḏẖaran gagan nav kẖand mėh joṯ savrūpī rahi▫o bẖar. He is totally pervading the earth, the sky and the nine regions of the planet. He is the Embodiment of the Light of God. ਭਨਿ ਮਥੁਰਾ ਕਛੁ ਭੇਦੁ ਨਹੀ ਗੁਰੁ ਅਰਜੁਨੁ ਪਰਤਖ੍ਯ੍ਯ ਹਰਿ ॥੭॥੧੯॥ भनि मथुरा कछु भेदु नही गुरु अरजुनु परतख्य हरि ॥७॥१९॥ Bẖan mathurā kacẖẖ bẖeḏ nahī gur arjun parṯakẖ▫y har. ||7||19|| So speaks Mat'huraa: there is no difference between God and Guru; Guru Arjun is the Personification of the Lord Himself. ||7||19||" (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 1409). All in all, we do apologize for any mistakes we might have made. Vaheguru hopefully bless us with more information on topics similar to this one, so hopefully we can provide better information to everyone. This is a short amount of detail, but we did whatever we could. Vaheguru, Bhul Chuk Maaf, (forgive of any mistakes). Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Since June was the month of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji's shaheedi; I have decided to make a 3 part post about his Shaheedi, first talking about the why, then how, and finally the what? The reason for this is because various times people forget about the why, and only do the what and how. So I will begin this and the other two posts will follow within the next few days.
WHY: When the message of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji first arrived, there was a huge fear that the elites had all over India and the Mughal Empire at the time. The message had brought the opportunity for people to build each other up without the dependency of other people other than Guru Sahib. What everyone had most fear about was the idea that their people would eventually follow the Satguru, regardless if they were Muslims or Hindus or whatever, and that they would become Sikhs. Ever since Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji stood-up to the tyranny of Babur; the Sikhs have always been independent in treating people by character rather than their worldly ranks, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji eventually would continue on by standing-up to Humayun, (the second Mughal Empire), when he was in bhagti. When Akbar went to see Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Amar Das Ji he had to sit equally to all the other people in the Langar before meeting the Guru. Eventually this greatly frustrated the higher-ups in the society. They believed that the best way to break the spirits of the Sikhs and the Guru was to try to use fear tactics against them to change the Gurbani that had already been accepted, (under the Guruship of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji with blessing the Sewa to Bhai Gurdas Ji to write the Gurbani), the elites felt if they could bring the Guru to change the Gurbani; they would have finally defeated the Sikhs; however, what they didn't understand was that the light of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji does not fear any death, and rather sticks to the truth til the very end. Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji would rather accept death because of the power of Gurmat being out of this world, this was the power Gurmat that nobody could understand other than that of the Gursikhs and the light of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Vaheguru, this is the first part of the Why, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was made a Shaheed, on the next part we will talk about how Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was made Shaheed. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh, as some of you may know Sikhs have a view of reincarnation of being born many times before you get a chance to be human. The reason for our reincarnations is mostly because of our egos which we have absolutely no control over, without Guru Sahib. Unlike the reincarnations of other religions, Gurmat promotes that no person can by themselves have good enough Karma to ever be free from reincarnation, which is why we need Gurbani and Naam. What many saints, (we only try to stay with what Gurmat says, not endorsing any particular saint) throughout the Sikh faith have said is being free from the 8.4 million lives is only a minor part, as the bigger goal has always been to serve the Guru's Hukam. Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji says "ਰਾਜੁ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲਾਰੇ ॥ राजु न चाहउ मुकति न चाहउ मनि प्रीति चरन कमलारे ॥ Rāj na cẖāha▫o mukaṯ na cẖāha▫o man parīṯ cẖaran kamlāre. I do not seek power, and I do not seek liberation. My mind is in love with Your Lotus Feet." (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 534) As we slowly grow in spirituality, the goal of being freed from reincarnation is gone. as we are free when we are with the Guru, Sach Khand can be anywhere where Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message is respected and lived by, the truth of the matter is; it's because of the Guru we can even acknowledge any knowledge. All, I will say on this note is Guru Sahib will hopefully free us whenever we are ready to be free; until that time and after that time; let us ask Vaheguru to bless us with following his Hukam. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Many of us may probably ask why Nitnem is important especially when there is very much of an importance in all types of Gurbani? The reasons are simply because Guru Sahib himself has decided it was extremely important for the Khalsa to do these Pahts for our spiritual being. Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji needed to give the Khalsa both Naam Rass as well as Bir Rass to build their spirits so they could help others and stand-up for righteousness, as well as teach the message of meeting Vaheguru. Also many people as humans would not do something unless it has been told by Guru Sahib or someone they truly trust to do it. Japji and Jaap Sahibs are related to each other as one is the start of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Mahraj and the other is the head of Dasam Granth Sahib Ji; which is written by Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Mahraj himself. The next two Nitnem banis Tav Prasad Saviaye and Chaupai Sahib are important, (in my own opinion), because they help talk about who Vaheguru is, (and that he's considered the greatest of all); Anand Sahib is important as it brings the bliss for the rest of the day, (Anand literally meaning bliss). The evening bani of Rehras Sahib helps us get the pollution from the mind we might have gotten throughout the day out. And Kirtan Sohila before sleep can bring us to only remember Vaheguru in our sleep and hopefully be the greatest assistance for Guru Sahib to bless us with Amrit Vela, (hopefully). As much as we may not understand the importance of Nitnem, we must do our best to built our Rehat with more devotion. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! The message of Daya, or compassion has been a very central theme to the Sikh faith and as such we should do our best to built the values in our life. Daya is allowing yourself to assist those who need help with the idea of both sympathy and helping the need for humanity. In fact it has been so respected that Dharam, (righteousness) has been called the son of Daya. We must feel the pain of those who experience pain. Gurbani even says this: "ਨਿਰਦਇਆ ਨਹੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਉਜਾਲਾ ॥ निरदइआ नही जोति उजाला ॥ Nirḏa▫i▫ā nahī joṯ ujālā. You have no compassion; the Lord's Light does not shine in you.
ਬੂਡਤ ਬੂਡੇ ਸਰਬ ਜੰਜਾਲਾ ॥੪॥ बूडत बूडे सरब जंजाला ॥४॥ Būdaṯ būde sarab janjālā. ||4|| You are drowned, drowned in worldly entanglements. ||4||" (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 903) The message is that powerful that not having Daya has been called the example of being attached to the world despite what we have. So let us hopefully allow Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to bless us with Daya and built a better life. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! As many people may already know, the Sikh faith promotes strict equality, and as such; Guru Sahib himself created a system where we could live by those ideas: Langar. What Langar has done is provide for the basic needs in terms of food for many people and allowed both the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor to come together and be treated as complete equals. The Guru himself told whom many people called a worldly king to first eat Langar, before he could have darshan of Guru Sahib. These are important details because it shows both principle and true equality of all mankind. (Forgive me for any mistakes I might have made) Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! One thing that many people must realize is that without Gur-Prassad or the Grace of the Guru, is that not a single person can be free without Guru Sahib. This theme is highly repeated throughout the history of the Sikh faith, throughout all of the Gurus eras on both Sach Khand as well as Earth. Gurbani says very highly on the grace of the true Guru. Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji says this:
"ਭਾਈ ਰੇ ਤਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਸਾਥਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ भाई रे तनु धनु साथि न होइ ॥ Bẖā▫ī re ṯan ḏẖan sāth na ho▫e. O Siblings of Destiny, this body and wealth shall not go along with you. ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਦਾਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ राम नामु धनु निरमलो गुरु दाति करे प्रभु सोइ ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥ Rām nām ḏẖan nirmalo gur ḏāṯ kare parabẖ so▫e. ||1|| rahā▫o. The Lord's Name is the pure wealth; through the Guru, God bestows this gift. ||1||Pause|| ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੋ ਜੇ ਦੇਵੈ ਦੇਵਣਹਾਰੁ ॥ राम नामु धनु निरमलो जे देवै देवणहारु ॥ Rām nām ḏẖan nirmalo je ḏevai ḏevaṇhār. The Lord's Name is the pure wealth; it is given only by the Giver. ਆਗੈ ਪੂਛ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜਿਸੁ ਬੇਲੀ ਗੁਰੁ ਕਰਤਾਰੁ ॥ आगै पूछ न होवई जिसु बेली गुरु करतारु ॥ Āgai pūcẖẖ na hova▫ī jis belī gur karṯār. One who has the Guru, the Creator, as his Friend, shall not be questioned hereafter. ਆਪਿ ਛਡਾਏ ਛੁਟੀਐ ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸਣਹਾਰੁ ॥੨॥ आपि छडाए छुटीऐ आपे बखसणहारु ॥२॥ Āp cẖẖadā▫e cẖẖutī▫ai āpe bakẖsaṇhār. ||2|| He Himself delivers those who are delivered. He Himself is the Forgiver. ||2||" (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 62). Knowing this we can understand the importance of life with the Guru. Despite our shortcomings, we always have the Guru to turn to. Vaheguru may hopefully bless us with the chance to become free from Karma and our sins and finally fall to the Guru, (forgive me as I don't have much knowledge for this topic, all I can say is hopefully allowing Guru Sahib to bless me and everyone with more knowledge on this issue). |
AuthorWebsite about Sikh principles and on the way towards my own personal Sikh journey through the blessings of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji! Archives
December 2016
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