Shalok Bhagat Kabeer Ji Ke
SGGS Ji Anggs 1364 – 1377.
Bhagat Bani and Bhatt Bani makes up about 14% of the total Bani in SGGS Ji. Among the Bhagats, Bhagat Kabir Ji’s contribution is the biggest by volume making up 68% of all Bhagat Bani.
Bhagat Kabir Ji has 243 Sloks in SGGS Ji from Angs 1364 to 1377.
The teachings of the Bhagats are the same as the teachings of the Gurus. There is only one stream of spiritual revelation as all is Dhur Ki Bani.
Bhagat Kabir Ji has a unique style. He makes his point with dexterity and a deep thrust. In every Shabad and Slok, the reader is left astounded at the finesse and flair with which a Truth has been told by the great Bhagat.
These Sloks cover an astonishing range of subjects from the use of mala, removal of haumai, the need to detach from maya, the amazing Satguru (Shabad), the Wondrous World Play of Nirankar Ji, Union with God and Darshan of this Mysterious, Infinite Jote.
The gist however, is to take to Naam, acquire Rabbi Gunn with Gur Parsad, to live in humility, and be of service to all.
All Sloks focus on One Nirankaar Ji and Naam is the only Path which can lead to Union with the Divine.
Amongst the Sloks, there are certain Sloks inserted by Guru Arjun Dev Ji and Guru Amardas Ji to clarify and to stress further the Divine Aspects flowing from the Sloks of Bhagat Kabir Ji. These Sloks by the Gurus do not criticise the Bani of Bhagat Kabir Ji, which is Dhur Ki Bani too. Instead, these Sloks by the Gurus complement and stress some further aspects of Naam to ensure a Complete Picture is presented to the Sikh.
At Slok no. 11, Bhagat Ji tells us about the Saintly ones. They emit their fragrance of Naam although they may be surrounded by evil persons. Their aura (partaap) and fragrance is so overpowering, that the wretched ones who live near the Saintly ones, get transformed into holy persons themselves. Bhagat Ji uses the imagery of the sandalwood tree for Saintly ones and weeds for the sinful persons.
“Kabir chandan ka birwa bhala bheriyo dhaak palaas; oye bhi chandan hoye rahe basse jo chandan paas.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਚੰਦਨ ਕਾ ਬਿਰਵਾ ਭਲਾ ਬੇੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਓ ਢਾਕ ਪਲਾਸ ॥
Kabeer, the sandalwood tree is good, even though it is surrounded by weeds.”
ਓਇ ਭੀ ਚੰਦਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੇ ਬਸੇ ਜੁ ਚੰਦਨ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੧੧॥
Those who dwell near the sandalwood tree, become just like the sandalwood tree. ||11||’’
In Slok no. 22 (Ang 1365), Bhagat Kabir Ji says the world is scared to die (of its ego), but such a death brings bliss to my mind; it is only by such death that one obtains (merger with) the (Lord of) Supreme Bliss.
“Kabir jis marne te jagg darey mere mann anand; marne hi te paiyeh Puran Paramanand.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਰਨੇ ਤੇ ਜਗੁ ਡਰੈ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨਿ ਆਨੰਦੁ ॥
Kabeer, the world is afraid of death – that death fills my mind with bliss.
ਮਰਨੇ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਪੂਰਨੁ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦੁ ॥੨੨॥
It is only by death that perfect, supreme bliss is obtained. ||22||”
The central theme of the three Sloks – nos. 38, 39, 40 at Ang 1366 is that we must eradicate our pride.
Starting with Slok no. 38, Bhagat Ji tells us not to be proud of our tall mansions; today or tomorrow you shall lie beneath the ground, and the grass shall grow above you.
“Kabir garab na kijiye ucha dekh avaas; aaj kaal bhoye letna upar jaame ghaas.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਗਰਬੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਊਚਾ ਦੇਖਿ ਅਵਾਸੁ ॥
Kabeer, do not be so proud of your tall mansions.
ਆਜੁ ਕਾਲ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਭੁਇ ਲੇਟਣਾ ਊਪਰਿ ਜਾਮੈ ਘਾਸੁ ॥੩੮॥
Today or tomorrow, you shall lie beneath the ground, and the grass shall grow above you. ||38||”
In Slok no. 39, we are warned against pride. Moreover we must not laugh at those who are poor. Remember, your boat is still out at sea, who knows what may happen. (God can easily remove all your wealth, and smash all your pride). The imagery of the world ocean has been used extensively in SGGS Ji. It is referred to as bhavjall – terrifying world ocean. Sometimes, aggan saagar – ocean of fire.
“Kabir garab na kijiye rank na hasiye koye; ajho so naao samundar me kya jaano kya hoye.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਗਰਬੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਰੰਕੁ ਨ ਹਸੀਐ ਕੋਇ ॥
Kabeer, do not be so proud, and do not laugh at the poor.
ਅਜਹੁ ਸੁ ਨਾਉ ਸਮੁੰਦ੍ਰ ਮਹਿ ਕਿਆ ਜਾਨਉ ਕਿਆ ਹੋਇ ॥੩੯॥
Your boat is still out at sea; who knows what will happen? ||39||”
Next comes Slok no. 40 where Bhagat Kabir Ji tells us not to be proud of our looks and our bodies; today or tomorrow, you will have to leave it, like the snake shedding its skin.
“Kabir garab na kijiye dehi dekh sorung; aaj kaal tajj jahugey jio kanchuri bhoyung.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਗਰਬੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਦੇਹੀ ਦੇਖਿ ਸੁਰੰਗ ॥
Kabeer, do not be so proud, looking at your beautiful body.
ਆਜੁ ਕਾਲ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਤਜਿ ਜਾਹੁਗੇ ਜਿਉ ਕਾਂਚੁਰੀ ਭੁਯੰਗ ॥੪੦॥
Today or tomorrow, you will have to leave it behind, like the snake shedding its skin. ||40||”
These next two Sloks of Bhagat Kabir Ji relate to dying. Bhagat Ji is speaking about killing off all ego and all passions which bind you to maya.
In Slok no. 29 (Ang 1366), Bhagat Ji says the world keeps on dying (physical deaths), but no one knows how to truly die (i.e. to kill off all ego); let those who die, die such a death, that they shall never have to die again. (i.e they should kill off their ego though the Shabad).
“Kabir marta marta jag muaa marr bhi na jaaneya koye; aisey marne jo marey bahur na marna hoye.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਮਰਤਾ ਮਰਤਾ ਜਗੁ ਮੂਆ ਮਰਿ ਭੀ ਨ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਕੋਇ ॥
Kabeer, dying, dying, the whole world has to die, and yet, none know how to die.
ਐਸੇ ਮਰਨੇ ਜੋ ਮਰੈ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਮਰਨਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੨੯॥
Let those who die, die such a death, that they shall never have to die again. ||29||
At Angg 1009, we are told
“Gur ke Shabade je marey firr marey na dujji vaar.”
“ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦੇ ਜੇ ਮਰੈ ਫਿਰਿ ਮਰੈ ਨ ਦੂਜੀ ਵਾਰ ॥
But when he dies in the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, then he does not die ever again.”
In Slok no. 61 (Ang 1367), Bhagat Ji says – I long to die, but I wish to die at the Lord’s Door; I hope it never happens that the Lord asks “who is this lying at My Door?” (the word “matt” can mean “no.” It also means “matta ke” i.e. “I hope not.”
“Kabir mohe marne ka chaoo hai maro ta Har ke Dwar; matt Har puche kaun hai para Hamare Baar.”
ਕਬੀਰ ਮੁਹਿ ਮਰਨੇ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ਹੈ ਮਰਉ ਤ ਹਰਿ ਕੈ ਦੁਆਰ ॥
Kabeer, I long to die; let me die at the Lord’s Door.
ਮਤ ਹਰਿ ਪੂਛੈ ਕਉਨੁ ਹੈ ਪਰਾ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਬਾਰ ॥੬੧॥
I hope that the Lord does not ask, “Who is this, lying at my door?” ||61||
Bhagat Ji in Slok no. 79 (Ang 1368) says the doctor claims he is wise and has the right medicine at hand.
“Kabir baid kahe hao hi bhala daru mere vass.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਬੈਦੁ ਕਹੈ ਹਉ ਹੀ ਭਲਾ ਦਾਰੂ ਮੇਰੈ ਵਸਿ ॥
Kabeer, the physician, says that he alone is good, and all the medicine is under his control.”
But, the entire body the doctor wishes to treat belongs to the Lord; He can take it away whenever He so wishes.
“Eh to basst Gopal ki jab bhave leh khass.”
“ਇਹ ਤਉ ਬਸਤੁ ਗੁਪਾਲ ਕੀ ਜਬ ਭਾਵੈ ਲੇਇ ਖਸਿ ॥੭੯॥
But these things belong to the Lord; He takes them away whenever He wishes. ||79||”
Guru Amardas Ji from Sarangh Ki Vaar M.4 Angg 1246 says:
We come naked and depart naked, this is His Hukam who can do anything about this?
“Naange aavna nangey jaana Har Hukam bheya kya kijjay.”
“ਨਾਂਗੇ ਆਵਣਾ ਨਾਂਗੇ ਜਾਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਕਿਆ ਕੀਜੈ ॥
Naked we come, and naked we go. This is by the Lord’s Command; what else can we do?”
How can we express any anger against the Owner of the object (body); as it belongs to Him He is perfectly entitled to take it away.
“Jis ki vasst soyee leh jayega ross kissay sio kijjay.”
“ਜਿਸ ਕੀ ਵਸਤੁ ਸੋਈ ਲੈ ਜਾਇਗਾ ਰੋਸੁ ਕਿਸੈ ਸਿਉ ਕੀਜੈ ॥
The object belongs to Him; He shall take it away; with whom should one be angry.”
The gurmukhs accept His Will and drink in His Sublime Essence (Naam). Always praise the Lord with your tongue.
Bhagat Ji in Slok no. 86 (Ang 1369) tells us the mind is like a bird, and takes flight very often in all ten directions; wherever it lands, it absorbs the influence of the company it keeps, and it later has to eat the fruit of such association.
“Kabir mann pankhi bheyo udh udh deh diss jaaye; jo jaisee sangat milhe so taiso falh khaaye.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਮਨੁ ਪੰਖੀ ਭਇਓ ਉਡਿ ਉਡਿ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਜਾਇ ॥
Kabeer, the mind has become a bird; it soars and flies in the ten directions.
ਜੋ ਜੈਸੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੋ ਤੈਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਖਾਇ ॥੮੬॥
According to the company it keeps, so are the fruits it eats. ||86||”
What Kabir Ji says is so important and true. If you keep company of card sharps, tricksters, and pickpockets, although you may restrain yourself from picking up their evil ways, their conduct gets imprinted in the mind. Sooner or later, what the mind has learned and stored, will surface in some form.
Thus, the Gurus and the Bhagats have stressed repeatedly that Sadhsangat is the best company to keep. As you do Sadhsangat, you absorb Naam (Attributes of God), and your evil propensities subtly get eroded. The fruit of Amrit Naam is eternally sweet.
Sloks nos. 146, 147, 148 and 149 are found at Anggs 1372. They are interconnected and they form a delightful larhi – a flow of Divine Teaching.
The Sloks tell us about nimrata – to be humble.
Bhagat Ji uses very interesting examples to show how one should be increasingly humble till he becomes just like God Himself.
Subtle, Unseen, yet All Knowing and All Powerful.
Bhagat Ji starts by saying one should be like a pebble on the path (rorha hoye rahu baat ka), and he should remove his ego (taj man ka abhimaan).
If you become a dass like that, you might be able to meet the Lord (aisa koye dass hoye tahe mile Bhagvaan).
“Kabir rora hoe rahu baat ka taj man ka abhiman; Aisa koye dass hoe tahe mile Bhagvaan.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਰੋੜਾ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੁ ਬਾਟ ਕਾ ਤਜਿ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥
Kabeer, let yourself be a pebble on the path; abandon your egotistical pride.
ਐਸਾ ਕੋਈ ਦਾਸੁ ਹੋਇ ਤਾਹਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਭਗਵਾਨੁ ॥੧੪੬॥
Such a humble slave shall meet the Lord God. ||146||”
But wait! So what if one becomes like a pebble. There is still some hardness in him. A traveler (panthee), might hurt himself by stubbing himself on such a pebble.
So, Bhagat Ji says it is best to become like dust (jio dharnee me kheh).
“Kabir rora hua ta kia bhaia panthi kao dukh dee; Aisa tera das hai jio dharni meh kheh.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਰੋੜਾ ਹੂਆ ਤ ਕਿਆ ਭਇਆ ਪੰਥੀ ਕਉ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
Kabeer, what good would it be, to be a pebble? It would only hurt the traveler on the path.
ਐਸਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਦਾਸੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਉ ਧਰਨੀ ਮਹਿ ਖੇਹ ॥੧੪੭॥
Your slave, O Lord, is like the dust of the earth. ||147||”
But wait. Dust can soil people as it flies and settles on them. (Kheh huyee to kya bhya jao udh laage angg).
So, Bhagat Ji now suggests that one should be like water. (Jio paani sarbang).
“Kabir kheh hui tao kia bhaia jao ud lagai ang; Har jan aisa chahiai jio pani sarbang.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਖੇਹ ਹੂਈ ਤਉ ਕਿਆ ਭਇਆ ਜਉ ਉਡਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਅੰਗ ॥
Kabeer, what then, if one could become dust? It is blown up by the wind, and sticks to the body.
ਹਰਿ ਜਨੁ ਐਸਾ ਚਾਹੀਐ ਜਿਉ ਪਾਨੀ ਸਰਬੰਗ ॥੧੪੮॥
The humble servant of the Lord should be like water, which cleans everything. ||148||”
Bhagat Ji now says, water can become hot and cold. (Paani huaa to kya bhya jo seera taata hoye). We have seen how some people are very calm most of the time. But a small incident triggers terrible rage in them. Such people are acting “seera taata,” i.e. given to bouts of calmness and spurts of anger.
That is not good enough.
“Kabir pani hua ta kia bhaia sira tata hoe; Har jan aisa chahiai jaisa har hi hoe.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਪਾਨੀ ਹੂਆ ਤ ਕਿਆ ਭਇਆ ਸੀਰਾ ਤਾਤਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
Kabeer, what then, if one could become water? It becomes cold, then hot.
ਹਰਿ ਜਨੁ ਐਸਾ ਚਾਹੀਐ ਜੈਸਾ ਹਰਿ ਹੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੧੪੯॥
The humble servant of the Lord should be just like the Lord. ||149||”
Finally, Bhagat Ji says “Har jan aisa chahiye jaisa Har hi hoye.” Bhagat Ji concludes by saying all the above examples I have given have varying degrees of humility. But the best is to model yourself upon the Lord i.e. be Godlike by acquiring His Gunn, His Attributes. His Attributes are known as Naam. Acquire as much Naam as you can, with His Grace.
In Slok no. 203 (Ang 1375), Bhagat Ji says everything belongs to God. We need to acknowledge and accept this. So long as there is any grip – moh (pakad) on any aspect of creation one has not truly surrendered his haumai, (ego) his appa (conceit).
Bhagat Ji says nothing is mine, whatever there is, belongs to You, Lord; since I surrender to You what was always Yours, what loss can I suffer?
“Kabir mera mujh me kich nahi jo kich hai so Tera; Tera Tujh ko saumpade kya laage mera.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਮੇਰਾ ਮੁਝ ਮਹਿ ਕਿਛੁ ਨਹੀ ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਹੈ ਸੋ ਤੇਰਾ ॥
Kabeer, nothing is mine within myself. Whatever there is, is Yours, O Lord.
ਤੇਰਾ ਤੁਝ ਕਉ ਸਉਪਤੇ ਕਿਆ ਲਾਗੈ ਮੇਰਾ ॥੨੦੩॥
If I surrender to You what is already Yours, what does it cost me? ||203||”
The Slok is short but very profound. We tend to cling tightly to everything. Children, houses, cars, money, fame. The right thing to do is to thank God for your children and everything He has given you. As you keep on doing shukrana for all He has blessed you with, you become less burdened and all those who you have surrendered/thanked God for, start feeling blessed themselves.
In contrast, if you live with egoistic pride in your children etc., Gurbani says you will suffer karmic lekha. That thing you hold pride in is not yours. Everything belongs to Him.
“Putar kalatar ka kare ahangkaar; Thakur lekha manganhaar.” (Ang 1196)
“ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਲਤ੍ਰ ਕਾ ਕਰਹਿ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ॥
The man is so proud of his sons and his wife;
ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਗਨਹਾਰੁ ॥
His Lord and Master shall call for his account.”
Simran is emphasised a lot in SGGS Ji. Bhagat Ji in Slok no. 206 (1375) says simran is loving remembrance of the Lord within yourself. Recite any Name (Attribute) of God, or any Shabad and repeatedly call out to Him. As you reflect upon His Gunn, slowly (sahaj subhai), with Gur Parsad, you find the Lord responding to your loving call (simran).
Bhagat Ji stresses here that whoever meditates upon the Lord, gets blessed with happiness in this world; as the Lord begins to Protect him, he does not waver here or hereafter.
“Kabir Har ka simran jo kare so sukhiya sansaar; eit ute kateh na dolaiye jis rakhe Sirjanhaar.”
“ਕਬੀਰ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਜੋ ਕਰੈ ਸੋ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥
Kabeer, whoever meditates in remembrance on the Lord, he alone is happy in this world.
ਇਤ ਉਤ ਕਤਹਿ ਨ ਡੋਲਈ ਜਿਸ ਰਾਖੈ ਸਿਰਜਨਹਾਰ ॥੨੦੬॥
One who is protected and saved by the Creator Lord, shall never waver, here or hereafter. ||206||”
At Ang 1375, in Slok no. 208, Bhagat Ji describes a mortal who has passed his life in all kinds of pursuits, whilst offering all kinds of excuses for not engaging in Loving Prayer to God. Bhagat Kabir Ji describes man who does not realise his life breaths are on lease. Man postpones his payments (prayers) with all kinds of excuses, and the interest of his life account continues to increase. His account remains unpaid up to the time of his death and it is time for him to leave this world.
“ਕਬੀਰ ਟਾਲੈ ਟੋਲੈ ਦਿਨੁ ਗਇਆ ਬਿਆਜੁ ਬਢੰਤਉ ਜਾਇ ॥
Kabeer, my days have passed, and I have postponed my payments; the interest on my account continues to increase.
ਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਿਓ ਨ ਖਤੁ ਫਟਿਓ ਕਾਲੁ ਪਹੂੰਚੋ ਆਇ ॥੨੦੮॥
I have not meditated on the Lord and my account is still pending, and now, the moment of my death has come! ||208||.”
Slok no. 209 carries the heading ਮਹਲਾ ੫ (Mehla 5) and is by Guru Arjun Dev Ji although the Slok is written in Bhagat Kabir Ji’s name.
Guru Ji’s reply to Bhagat Kabir Ji’s Slok that ਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਿਓ ਨ ਖਤੁ ਫਟਿਓ.… is that you need the Sharan of a Satguru before the lekhas can be cut or erased ਖਤੁ ਫਟਿਓ.
Guru Ji says the mortal’s nature is like a barking dog, chasing after a carcass. It needs the Sharan of a Satguru (Shabad) and His Grace before such a mortal can be saved. Thus Guru Ji says:
“ਕਬੀਰ ਕੂਕਰੁ ਭਉਕਨਾ ਕਰੰਗ ਪਿਛੈ ਉਠਿ ਧਾਇ ॥
Kabeer, the mortal is a barking dog, chasing after a carcass.
ਕਰਮੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਹਉ ਲੀਆ ਛਡਾਇ ॥੨੦੯॥
By the Grace of good karma, I have found the True Guru, who has saved me. ||209||’
The next Slok no. 210 also has the sirlekh (heading) ਮਹਲਾ ੫ indicating Guru Ji wishes to further elaborate upon Bhagat Kabir Ji’s Slok about ਖਤੁ ਫਟਿਓ i.e. removal of all lekhas.
In Slok no. 210, Guru Ji stresses the body earth was created for sadhsanggat, but is instead infested by thieves. In sadhsanggat, mortals are not a burden upon the earth, instead, they reap profits of Naam. Guru Ji says:
“ਕਬੀਰ ਧਰਤੀ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਤਸਕਰ ਬੈਸਹਿ ਗਾਹਿ ॥
Kabeer, the earth belongs to the Holy, but it is being occupied by thieves.
ਧਰਤੀ ਭਾਰਿ ਨ ਬਿਆਪਈ ਉਨ ਕਉ ਲਾਹੂ ਲਾਹਿ ॥੨੧੦॥
They are not a burden to the earth; they receive its blessings. ||210|.”
Slok no. 211 is also by Guru Arjun Dev Ji. Guru Ji further develops the flow from Bhagat Kabir Ji’s Slok no. 208 about how lekhas can be erased ਖਤੁ ਫਟਿਓ. Guru Ji says the husk has been beaten to remove it from the grain of rice indicating that outer preferences and shows have to be abandoned. Guru Ji further stresses, that if instead of sadhsanggat, one keeps evil company, he will have to render accounts to Dharam Raj and ਖਤੁ ਫਟਿਓ will not happen.
“ਕਬੀਰ ਚਾਵਲ ਕਾਰਨੇ ਤੁਖ ਕਉ ਮੁਹਲੀ ਲਾਇ ॥
Kabeer, the rice is beaten with a mallet to get rid of the husk.
ਸੰਗਿ ਕੁਸੰਗੀ ਬੈਸਤੇ ਤਬ ਪੂਛੈ ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ॥੨੧੧॥
When people sit in evil company, the Righteous Judge of Dharma calls them to account. ||211||.”
In Sloks nos. 212 and 213, Bhagat Kabir Ji records a conversation between Bhagat Trilochan Ji and Bhagat Namdev Ji. In response to Bhagat Trilochan Ji’s view that Bhagat Namdev Ji was enticed by maya for indulging in worldly occupation, Bhagat Namdev Ji says, one should do all tasks necessary to earn a living with the hands and feet. But the mouth should constantly recite, the heart should always enshrine the Lord’s Name within and be connected with the Niranjan Lord (Who is beyond maya).
“ਨਾਮਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿਆ ਕਹੈ ਤਿਲੋਚਨੁ ਮੀਤ ॥
Trilochan says, O Naam Dayv, Maya has enticed you, my friend.
ਕਾਹੇ ਛੀਪਹੁ ਛਾਇਲੈ ਰਾਮ ਨ ਲਾਵਹੁ ਚੀਤੁ ॥੨੧੨॥
Why are you printing designs on these sheets, and not focusing your consciousness on the Lord? ||212||
ਨਾਮਾ ਕਹੈ ਤਿਲੋਚਨਾ ਮੁਖ ਤੇ ਰਾਮੁ ਸੰਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲਿ ॥
Naam Dayv answers, O Trilochan, chant the Lord’s Name with your mouth.
ਹਾਥ ਪਾਉ ਕਰਿ ਕਾਮੁ ਸਭੁ ਚੀਤੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੨੧੩॥
With your hands and feet, do all your work, but let your consciousness remain with the Immaculate Lord. ||213||.’’
Guru Arjun Dev Ji writes Slok no. 214 in Bhagat Kabir Ji’s Name and tells us about the avasta which arises out of …ਮੁਖ ਤੇ ਰਾਮੁ ਸੰਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲਿ and …ਚੀਤੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਨਾਲਿ.
Guru Ji says a realisation sets in, even though one does worldly tasks, that we belong to no one, and none belong to us. Instead, we merge into the Creator Lord who created all of us.
“ਕਬੀਰਾ ਹਮਰਾ ਕੋ ਨਹੀ ਹਮ ਕਿਸ ਹੂ ਕੇ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
Kabeer, no one belongs to me, and I belong to no one else.
ਜਿਨਿ ਇਹੁ ਰਚਨੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥੨੧੪॥
The One who created the creation – into Him I shall be absorbed. ||214||.”
In Slok no. 219, Bhagat Kabir Ji says what I wish for does not seem to happen; what can I accomplish by mere wishful thinking? The Lord does as He pleases, and it is often something I have never thought about.
Bhagat Ji certainly expresses the Truth in Slok no. 219.
“ਕਬੀਰ ਜੋ ਮੈ ਚਿਤਵਉ ਨਾ ਕਰੈ ਕਿਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਚਿਤਵੇ ਹੋਇ ॥
Kabeer, whatever I wish for does not happen. What can I accomplish by merely thinking?
ਅਪਨਾ ਚਿਤਵਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਕਰੈ ਜੋ ਮੇਰੇ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੨੧੯॥
The Lord does whatever He wishes; it is not up to me at all. ||219||”
In Slok no. 220, Guru Amardas Ji elaborates upon Bhagat Ji’s Slok. Guru Ji says, Yes, God certainly acts Independently and does as He wishes. Even the thoughts we have are driven by Him. Not only does He drive our actions, He also drives our thoughts. We should always Sing His Praises.
“ਚਿੰਤਾ ਭਿ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਾਇਸੀ ਅਚਿੰਤੁ ਭਿ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਇ ॥
God Himself makes the mortals anxious, and He Himself takes the anxiety away.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਜਿ ਸਭਨਾ ਸਾਰ ਕਰੇਇ ॥੨੨੦॥
O Nanak, praise the One, who takes care of all. ||220||.’’
Guru Ji Arjun Dev Ji adds another dimension in Slok no. 221 in response to Slok no. 220 by Guru Amardas Ji. Guru Arjun Dev Ji says, instead of Singing His Praises, man forgets the Lord in his greedy chase for maya. He commits sins in this pursuit and his life ends abruptly in an instant.
“ਕਬੀਰ ਰਾਮੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਿਓ ਫਿਰਿਆ ਲਾਲਚ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Kabeer, the mortal does not remember the Lord; he wanders around, engrossed in greed.
ਪਾਪ ਕਰੰਤਾ ਮਰਿ ਗਇਆ ਅਉਧ ਪੁਨੀ ਖਿਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੨੨੧॥
Committing sins, he dies, and his life ends in an instant. ||221||.’’
In Slok no. 241, Bhagat Kabir Ji records a Divine Observation by Bhagat Namdev Ji. In his search for God, the blind mortal overlooks the need for a Guru and the necessity for Sadhsanggat. How can one meet the Lord without the Grace of His Saints?
“ਢੂੰਢਤ ਡੋਲਹਿ ਅੰਧ ਗਤਿ ਅਰੁ ਚੀਨਤ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੰਤ ॥
Searching, the mortal stumbles like a blind person, and does not recognize the Saint.
ਕਹਿ ਨਾਮਾ ਕਿਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਹੁ ਭਗਵੰਤੁ ॥੨੪੧॥
Says Naam Dayv, how can one obtain the Lord God, without His devotee? ||241||.”
This is followed by Slok no. 242, where Bhagat Ji records a Divine Declaration by Bhagat Ravidas Ji. Those who forsake the Diamond like Precious Lord and rely upon others; such persons shall go to hell, Bhagat Ravidas declares this Truth.
“ਹਰਿ ਸੋ ਹੀਰਾ ਛਾਡਿ ਕੈ ਕਰਹਿ ਆਨ ਕੀ ਆਸ ॥
Forsaking the Diamond of the Lord, the mortals put their hopes in another.
ਤੇ ਨਰ ਦੋਜਕ ਜਾਹਿਗੇ ਸਤਿ ਭਾਖੈ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ॥੨੪੨॥
Those people shall go to hell; Ravi Daas speaks the Truth. ||242||.’’
Gurfateh
Manjeet Singh
22 September 2023.
