Galli jog na hoyi – Raag Suhi – Ang 730

SGGS Angg 730.

Raag Suhi M.1.

During the udasis, Guru Nanak Dev Ji met many yogis.
One such meeting was at Gorakhmata, now renamed Nanakmata. This is in Uttarakhand and you pass this place on your way to Hemkunt.

The janamsakhis say Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana Ji sat under a Ficus tree.
Earlier Bhai Mardana Ji had asked the group of yogis nearby, for a fire. The yogis refused. The yogis had occupied that area for many years. They conducted sacrifices to Kali and used ridhi sidhis to terrify the populace.

As Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana lit their own fire, all the fires of the yogis somehow went out.

The furious yogis gathered the next day and challenged Guru Ji to a debate. Guru Ji kept silent.

Using their occult powers, they tried to uproot the tree under which Guru Ji sat. It sank back into the ground. This tree can still be seen at Nanakmata.

They tried various means to intimidate Guru Ji but Guru Ji remained calm.

After all methods failed, they fell at Guru Ji’s Feet and asked to be instructed. Guru Ji then recited this Shabad.
The word yogi means united one. To say you have achieved yog means you have united. Guru Ji told the yogis.

“Galli jog na hoyi”
By mere words union is not attained.

A true yogi (united one), is someone who looks upon all as equals and treats all fairly.

“Ek dhrist kar samsar jaane jogi kahiye soyi”

The emphasis of the yogis was on external rituals and breathing exercises.
Guru Ji’s emphasis was on Naam which takes you towards inner union.

For the yogis it was vital to have a staff, a patched coat and to smear the body with ashes. Guru Ji said all these are of no use if you want yog (union with God).
“Jog na khintha jog na danday jog na bhasam chadaieye”

It was vital for yogis to have shaven heads, to wear earrings, to blow a horn made from a deer.
“Jog na mundi mundd mundaaiye jog na singi vaeeye”

Guruji said you must remain unblemished amongst the filth of the world. Detachment from worldliness in the way to union.
“Anjan mai niranjan rehiye jog jugat eiv paaiye.”

Shabad Viakhya by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji

Shabad Kirtan available on YouTube