Raag Gauree

Shabad Veechar of Raag Gauree SGGS Ang 329-332 followed by simran by Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji at Damansara Darbar on Sunday, 16 April, 2023.

With Guru Ji’s Agya, Vichaar was done SGGS Angg 329, Shabad no 30, where Bhagat Ji expresses his views about the false messages contained in the Simritees, and how those who follow the Teachings of the Simritees end up in terrible bondages. It is only safe to take to Naam in the Sharan of a Satguru.

Bhai Gurdas Ji in his 10th Vaar, pauri no. 15 has an interesting sakhi about Bhagat Kabir Ji. The great Bhagat was born in a family of julahas (weavers), and by caste he was considered a shudra, a class of untouchables who could not enter mandirs, nor take the Sharan of a Satguru.

The great Bhagat knew he had to take Sharan of a Satguru before he could aspire to Union with God. That is part of God’s Hukam which applies to all. We are all indeed blessed to be born in the House of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and blessed to be in the Sharan of a Pura Satguru, SGGS Ji.

At that time in Benares, only Bhagat Ramanand Ji was acclaimed as a true Saint. (Bhagat Ji has 1 amazing Shabad in SGGS Ji at Angg 1195). Bhagat Ramanand Ji had risen above all caste distinctions, but each time Kabir Ji tried to meet Bhagat Ramanand Ji, he was rudely turned away by the chelas. After several failed attempts, Kabir Ji decided upon a unique way to get initiated as a sewak of Bhagat Ramanand Ji.

Bhai Gurdas Ji describes.

The Saintly Ramanand Ji lived in Benares, detached from all worldliness.

“Hoye birakat Banarsi rehnda Ramanand Gosain.” (Vaar No. 10)

It was the daily practice of Bhagat Ramanand Ji to bathe at the Ganges River at amrit vela.

“Amrit veley uth ke jandha Ganga naavan tain.”

Kabir Ji knew Bhagat Ramanand Ji would retrace his steps after his bath. Kabir Ji lay down on the steps. It was important to Kabir Ji that he touch the feet of his Guru.

“Agho hi de jaye ke lamma pya Kabir thithayi.”

As Bhagat Ramanand Ji literally stumbled upon Kabir Ji, he exclaimed, “Ram ke uth Ram bolh.” (you have been created by the Lord, awake and recite His Name).

“Pairi tombh uthaliya bolho Ram Sikh samjhayi.”

That startled exclamation was enough for Kabir Ji. He took it as an initiation by his Satguru. Besides that, he took it that he had been given a Gurmantar to recite – “Ram.”

The touch of the Satguru was like the touch of the mythical philosopher’s stone which turns iron into gold. It was like the fragrance of the Sandalwood which makes even the bitter need smell sweet. The Satguru can transform beasts and goblins into angels.

“Jio loha paras shohe chandan vaas neem mehkayi; pasu preto dev kar Puray Satgur ki vadhiayi.”

The wonderful Saint meets the Wondrous One and lives in ecstacy.

“Achraj no achraj milhe vismadhe vismaad milayhi.”

Bani springs forth from the gurmukh (i.e. one who is in the Sharan of a Satguru), the untutored mind is carefully sculptured/tuned.

“Charna chardha nijharho gurmukh Bani agharh gharayi.”

The result was, Kabir Ji was transformed to become the very image of the All Pervading Lord.

“Ram Kabire bhedh na bhai.”

Shabad Veechar was concluded at Angg 332, Shabad no. 44 where Bhagat Ji tells us about backbiters and armchair critics who find fault with everyone else, but do not lift a finger to help others nor do they do any sewa. Such persons will not give even a handful of water to a thirsty person. Instead, they will speak ill of others who literally bring in the Ganges for the benefit of others.

“Aap na de choru bhar paani; teh nindhe jeh Ganga aani.” (Ang 332)

Ang 329, 330, 331, 332