Sidh Gosht - An Alternative Translation

Everywhere I look for an interpretation of Sidh Gosht I see the same English translation which I find confusing and which doesn't adequately get the message across. I thought it would be good to have a go at interpreting it with the SPN sangat to get a more in depth sense of what Guru Nanak Dev ji is telling us. It's written in a clever way with the Q&A but sometimes I struggle to know who is saying what! The conversation took place between Guru ji and a group of Sadhu's in the Himalaya's during Guru Ji's travels. He was quite young at the time so I think it was in his earlier travels. Q&A seems to suit our modern way of learning so that is why I'm especially drawn to this Bani.

Over the next few months I would love the SPN sangat to join me in looking at Sidh Gosht pauri by pauri then re-evaluating to get the bigger picture. Here I'll start off and would appreciate your thoughts so we can make sure our understanding is in the right direction and input as to how to implement the advice given would also be good.

I'm colour coding the posts. The bits I think are attributed to the Sidhs are in green and the line being said by Guru Nanak Dev ji are in blue for clarity. Please correct me if I have things the wrong way round.

ਰਾਮਕਲੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਸਿਧ ਗੋਸਟਿ raamkalee mehlaa 1 siDh gosat
Raamkalee, First Mehl, Sidh Gosht ~ Conversations With The Siddhas:
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ik-oNkaar satgur parsaad.
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਸਿਧਸਭਾਕਰਿਆਸਣਿਬੈਠੇਸੰਤਸਭਾਜੈਕਾਰੋ॥siDh sabhaa kar aasan baithay sant sabhaa jaikaaro.
The Siddhas formed an assembly; sitting in their Yogic postures, they shouted, "Salute this gathering of Saints."

ਤਿਸੁਆਗੈਰਹਰਾਸਿਹਮਾਰੀਸਾਚਾਅਪਰਅਪਾਰੋ॥tis aagai rahraas hamaaree saachaa apar apaaro.
I offer my greeting only to the One who is true, infinite and incomparably beautiful.


ਮਸਤਕੁਕਾਟਿਧਰੀਤਿਸੁਆਗੈਤਨੁਮਨੁਆਗੈਦੇਉ॥mastak kaat Dharee tis aagai tan man aagai dayo.
I cut off my head, and offer it to God; I dedicate my body and mind to God.

ਨਾਨਕਸੰਤੁਮਿਲੈਸਚੁਪਾਈਐਸਹਜਭਾਇਜਸੁਲੇਉ॥੧॥naanak sant milai sach paa-ee-ai sahj bhaa-ay jas lay-o. ||1||
O Nanak, meeting with the THE "SAINT", Truth is obtained, and one is spontaneously blessed with distinction. ||1||


ਕਿਆਭਵੀਐਸਚਿਸੂਚਾਹੋਇ॥ Kiaa Bhaveeai Sach Soochaa Hoe ||
What is the use of wandering around? Purity comes only through Truth.

ਸਾਚਸਬਦਬਿਨੁਮੁਕਤਿਨਕੋਇ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥Saach Sabadh Bin Mukath N Koe ||1||
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sidh-gosht/34825-sidh-gosht-an-alternative-translation.html
Without the True Word of the Shabad, no one finds liberation. ||1||Pause||

Guru Nanak Dev ji is saying that God is the true saint (as differentiated by the spelling-one contains an aunkar, the other doesn't).



ਕਵਨਤੁਮੇਕਿਆਨਾਉਤੁਮਾਰਾਕਉਨੁਮਾਰਗੁਕਉਨੁਸੁਆਓ॥ Kavan Thumae Kiaa Naao Thumaaraa Koun Maarag Koun Suaaou ||
"Who are you? What is your name? What is your path? What is your goal?

ਸਾਚੁਕਹਉਅਰਦਾਸਿਹਮਾਰੀਹਉਸੰਤਜਨਾਬਲਿਜਾਓ॥ Saach Keho Aradhaas Hamaaree Ho Santh Janaa Bal Jaaou ||
I am always firm in my devotion to God. I do ardaas that I may remain a sacrifice to the tru saint (Waheguru). This is my truth. This is my path.

ਕਹਬੈਸਹੁਕਹਰਹੀਐਬਾਲੇਕਹਆਵਹੁਕਹਜਾਹੋ॥ Keh Baisahu Keh Reheeai Baalae Keh Aavahu Keh Jaaho ||
Where is your seat? Where do you live, boy? Where did you come from, and where are you going?

ਨਾਨਕੁਬੋਲੈਸੁਣਿਬੈਰਾਗੀਕਿਆਤੁਮਾਰਾਰਾਹੋ॥੨॥ Naanak Bolai Sun Bairaagee Kiaa Thumaaraa Raaho ||2||
Tell us, Nanak - the detached Siddhas wait to hear your reply. What is your path?""||2||

Notice the tone of the language used by the Sidhs. Boy is very condescending. The world still has this culture of looking down on young people as not being knowledgeable.


ਘਟਿਘਟਿਬੈਸਿਨਿਰੰਤਰਿਰਹੀਐਚਾਲਹਿਸਤਿਗੁਰਭਾਏ॥ Ghatt Ghatt Bais Niranthar Reheeai Chaalehi Sathigur Bhaaeae ||
He dwells deep within the nucleus of each and every body. My home is constant remembrance of the almighty True Guru (Waheguru).

ਸਹਜੇਆਏਹੁਕਮਿਸਿਧਾਏਨਾਨਕਸਦਾਰਜਾਏ॥ Sehajae Aaeae Hukam Sidhhaaeae Naanak Sadhaa Rajaaeae ||
We walk according to the Will of Akaal Purakh. We came into the world sleeping according to God and we travel through life according to God. I am Nanak, forever under the Command of His Will.

ਆਸਣਿਬੈਸਣਿਥਿਰੁਨਾਰਾਇਣੁਐਸੀਗੁਰਮਤਿਪਾਏ॥ Aasan Baisan Thhir Naaraaein Aisee Guramath Paaeae ||
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825
The true sitting yoga posture is keeping complete understanding inside always.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿਬੂਝੈਆਪੁਪਛਾਣੈਸਚੇਸਚਿਸਮਾਏ॥੩॥ Guramukh Boojhai Aap Pashhaanai Sachae Sach Samaaeae ||3||
The Gurmukh recognises themself and merges with the true Guru, ie recognises the ego and is able to overcome it.

 
Do share your immediate thoughts or reactions on this issue? We value your views! Login Now! or Sign Up Today! to share your views with us.. Gurfateh!

May I recommend the book: "THE SOCIALLY INVOLVED RENUNCIATE" (BL2017.424.N38 2007 ) by Kamala Elizabeth Nayer and Jaswinder Singh Sandhu. It is published by State University of New York Press, Albany. USA
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825
"It is an indepth analysis and an original English translation of the SIDH GOST, a fundamental philosophical text of the Sikh tradition".

findingmyway ji

I will find my Sikh Missionary College interpretation, and try my best to contribute to this. Great endeavor.

Funny how the threads about controversies get lots of responses but gurbani vichaar not many! Oh well! I will continue and hope that one day someone will help me connect to and understand Gurbani!

From Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji starting Ang 938-939

Green = sidhs (human) Blue = Guru Nanak Dev ji’s reply


ਦੁਨੀਆਸਾਗਰੁਦੁਤਰੁਕਹੀਐਕਿਉਕਰਿਪਾਈਐਪਾਰੋ॥ Dhuneeaa Saagar Dhuthar Keheeai Kio Kar Paaeeai Paaro ||
The world-ocean is treacherous and impassable; how can one cross over?

ਚਰਪਟੁਬੋਲੈਅਉਧੂਨਾਨਕਦੇਹੁਸਚਾਬੀਚਾਰੋ॥ Charapatt Bolai Aoudhhoo Naanak Dhaehu Sachaa Beechaaro ||
Charpat the Yogi says, O Nanak, think it over, and give us a correct response.

Notice the language. Charpat is not wanting to have a discussion (equal input from all) but is testing Guru Nanak.

ਆਪੇਆਖੈਆਪੇਸਮਝੈਤਿਸੁਕਿਆਉਤਰੁਦੀਜੈ॥ Aapae Aakhai Aapae Samajhai This Kiaa Outhar Dheejai ||
There is no need to answer the person who says that he himself has understood and knows the answers.

ਸਾਚੁਕਹਹੁਤੁਮਪਾਰਗਰਾਮੀਤੁਝੁਕਿਆਬੈਸਣੁਦੀਜੈ॥੪॥ Saach Kehahu Thum Paaragaraamee Thujh Kiaa Baisan Dheejai ||4||
For this reason there is no need to find fault with your question-one who is firm in their devotion to Akal Purakh will cross over the World ocean.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825

ਜੈਸੇਜਲਮਹਿਕਮਲੁਨਿਰਾਲਮੁਮੁਰਗਾਈਨੈਸਾਣੇ॥ Jaisae Jal Mehi Kamal Niraalam Muragaaee Nai Saanae ||
Just like the lotus flower that grows from the water remains spectacular floats untouched upon the surface of the water, and the duck swims through the stream; (these things are not tainted by the water surrounding them)

ਸੁਰਤਿਸਬਦਿਭਵਸਾਗਰੁਤਰੀਐਨਾਨਕਨਾਮੁਵਖਾਣੇ॥ Surath Sabadh Bhav Saagar Thareeai Naanak Naam Vakhaanae ||
One who immerses their consciousness in naam and focused on the Shabad, they can cross over the terrifying world-ocean. O Nanak, chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord.

ਰਹਹਿਇਕਾਂਤਿਏਕੋਮਨਿਵਸਿਆਆਸਾਮਾਹਿਨਿਰਾਸੋ॥ Rehehi Eikaanth Eaeko Man Vasiaa Aasaa Maahi Niraaso ||
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825
One who feels disappointed with worldly hopes, the one whose mind stays connected with Waheguru (being in the world are still not affected by the world) are true hermits.

ਅਗਮੁਅਗੋਚਰੁਦੇਖਿਦਿਖਾਏਨਾਨਕੁਤਾਕਾਦਾਸੋ॥੫॥ Agam Agochar Dhaekh Dhikhaaeae Naanak Thaa Kaa Dhaaso ||5||
One who sees and inspires others to see the inaccessible, unfathomable Lord, Nanak is his slave. ||5||

ਸੁਣਿਸੁਆਮੀਅਰਦਾਸਿਹਮਾਰੀਪੂਛਉਸਾਚੁਬੀਚਾਰੋ॥ਰੋਸੁਨਕੀਜੈਉਤਰੁਦੀਜੈਕਿਉਪਾਈਐਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੋ॥ Sun Suaamee Aradhaas Hamaaree Pooshho Saach Beechaaro || Ros N Keejai Outhar Dheejai Kio Paaeeai Gur Dhuaaro ||
O Swami, please listen to my request. I ask for the correct interpretation. Don't be angry with me – answer this: How can we find the Guru's Door?

This time they referred to Guru Nanak as swami so the tone is becoming warmer and more respectful

ਇਹੁਮਨੁਚਲਤਉਸਚਘਰਿਬੈਸੈਨਾਨਕਨਾਮੁਅਧਾਰੋ॥ ਆਪੇਮੇਲਿਮਿਲਾਏਕਰਤਾਲਾਗੈਸਾਚਿਪਿਆਰੋ॥੬॥ Eihu Man Chalatho Sach Ghar Baisai Naanak Naam Adhhaaro || Aapae Mael Milaaeae Karathaa Laagai Saach Piaaro ||6||
This restless mind remains in remembrance of Akaal Purakh, O Nanak, Naam becomes the meaning of life. This level of love can only be achieved if the creator itself causes it.

ਹਾਟੀਬਾਟੀਰਹਹਿਨਿਰਾਲੇਰੂਖਿਬਿਰਖਿਉਦਿਆਨੇ॥ ਕੰਦਮੂਲੁਅਹਾਰੋਖਾਈਐਅਉਧੂਬੋਲੈਗਿਆਨੇ॥
Haattee Baattee Rehehi Niraalae Rookh Birakh Oudhiaanae || Kandh Mool Ahaaro Khaaeeai Aoudhhoo Bolai Giaanae ||
Away from stores and highways, we live in the woods, among plants and trees. For food, we take fruits and roots. This is the spiritual wisdom spoken by the renunciates.

ਤੀਰਥਿਨਾਈਐਸੁਖੁਫਲੁਪਾਈਐਮੈਲੁਨਲਾਗੈਕਾਈ॥ Theerathh Naaeeai Sukh Fal Paaeeai Mail N Laagai Kaaee ||
We bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, and obtain the fruits of peace; not even an iota of filth sticks to us.

ਗੋਰਖਪੂਤੁਲੋਹਾਰੀਪਾਬੋਲੈਜੋਗਜੁਗਤਿਬਿਧਿਸਾਈ॥੭॥ Gorakh Pooth Lohaareepaa Bolai Jog Jugath Bidhh Saaee ||7||
Luhaareepaa, the disciple of Gorakh says, this is the Way of Yoga.""||7||

To be continued....

Next part. Please correct me if I have things wrong....

Ang 939

ਹਾਟੀਬਾਟੀਨੀਦਨਆਵੈਪਰਘਰਿਚਿਤੁਨਡ+ਲਾਈ॥ਬਿਨੁਨਾਵੈਮਨੁਟੇਕਨਟਿਕਈਨਾਨਕਭੂਖਨਜਾਈ॥ Haattee Baattee Needh N Aavai Par Ghar Chith N Dduolaaee || Bin Naavai Man Ttaek N Ttikee Naanak Bhookh N Jaaee ||
The truth is that those who live in the world can’t sleep and they must not become engrossed by the world or let their mind wander to the neighbour’s house. Without the Name, the mind has no firm support and the illusion of maya doesn’t move away; O Nanak, this hunger never departs.


ਡ+ਲਾਈ = ਅੱਖਰ 'ਡ' ਦੇਨਾਲਦੋ 'ਲਗਾਂ' ਹਨ, (ੋ) ਅਤੇ (ੁ)।ਲਫ਼ਜ਼ਦੀਅਸਲ 'ਲਗ' (ੋ) ਹੈ, ਪਰਇਥੇਛੰਦਦੀਚਾਲਨੂੰਪੂਰਾਰੱਖਣਲਈ (ੁ) ਪੜ੍ਹਨਾਹੈ।


ਹਾਟੁਪਟਣੁਘਰੁਗੁਰੂਦਿਖਾਇਆਸਹਜੇਸਚੁਵਾਪਾਰੋ॥ਖੰਡਿਤਨਿਦ੍ਰਾਅਲਪਅਹਾਰੰਨਾਨਕਤਤੁਬੀਚਾਰੋ॥੮॥ Haatt Pattan Ghar Guroo Dhikhaaeiaa Sehajae Sach Vaapaaro || Khanddith Nidhraa Alap Ahaaran Naanak Thath Beechaaro ||8|
The person who instils the true Guru (Waheguru’s) Naam, that person stays separated from the city and from home to work the Naam. That person sleeps little and eats little so escapes from temptation O Nanak.

ਦਰਸਨੁਭੇਖਕਰਹੁਜੋਗਿੰਦ੍ਰਾਮੁੰਦ੍ਰਾਝੋਲੀਖਿੰਥਾ॥ਬਾਰਹਅੰਤਰਿਏਕੁਸਰੇਵਹੁਖਟੁਦਰਸਨਇਕਪੰਥਾ॥ਇਨਬਿਧਿਮਨੁਸਮਝਾਈਐਪੁਰਖਾਬਾਹੁੜਿਚੋਟਨਖਾਈਐ॥ Dharasan Bhaekh Karahu Jogindhraa Mundhraa Jholee Khinthhaa || Baareh Anthar Eaek Saraevahu Khatt Dharasan Eik Panthhaa || Ein Bidhh Man Samajhaaeeai Purakhaa Baahurr Chott N Khaaeeai ||
The Yogi continues; among the 6 schools of philosophy, there are 12 groups (panths) of yogis. Out of them acknowledge and accept our sect by wearing our distinctive robes, patched shirt, ear-rings and begging wallet. This is the way to instruct the mind, so you will never suffer beatings due to maya again.

ਨਾਨਕੁਬੋਲੈਗੁਰਮੁਖਿਬੂਝੈਜੋਗਜੁਗਤਿਇਵਪਾਈਐ॥੯॥ Naanak Bolai Guramukh Boojhai Jog Jugath Eiv Paaeeai ||9||
Nanak speaks: the Gurmukh tries to understand the shackles of their mind; this is the way that Yoga is attained. ||9||

The sidh’s sound a little arrogant! They think they are noble by running away whereas Guru Nanak proposes mixing with the world and understanding the mind to escape from maya. This is expanded on next.

ਅੰਤਰਿਸਬਦੁਨਿਰੰਤਰਿਮੁਦ੍ਰਾਹਉਮੈਮਮਤਾਦੂਰਿਕਰੀ॥ Anthar Sabadh Niranthar Mudhraa Houmai Mamathaa Dhoor Karee ||
Let constant absorption in the Word of the Shabad deep within be your ear-rings; that is the way to eradicate egotism and attachment.

ਕਾਮੁਕ੍ਰੋਧੁਅਹੰਕਾਰੁਨਿਵਾਰੈਗੁਰਕੈਸਬਦਿਸੁਸਮਝਪਰੀ॥ Kaam Krodhh Ahankaar Nivaarai Gur Kai Sabadh S Samajh Paree ||
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825
Discard lust, anger and egotism, and through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, true understanding is achieved.

ਖਿੰਥਾਝੋਲੀਭਰਿਪੁਰਿਰਹਿਆਨਾਨਕਤਾਰੈਏਕੁਹਰੀ॥ Khinthhaa Jholee Bharipur Rehiaa Naanak Thaarai Eaek Haree ||
For your patched coat and begging bowl, see Akaal Purakh pervading and permeating everywhere; O Nanak, Waheguru will carry you across the world ocean in this way.

ਸਾਚਾਸਾਹਿਬੁਸਾਚੀਨਾਈਪਰਖੈਗੁਰਕੀਬਾਤਖਰੀ॥੧੦॥ Saachaa Saahib Saachee Naaee Parakhai Gur Kee Baath Kharee ||10||
With the help of the true shabad from Satguru (Akal Purakh), the Gurmukh reaches the conclusion that Waheguru saves us from the pain of duality and Akal Purakh is ever present and the greatness is always there.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825

ਊਂਧਉਖਪਰੁਪੰਚਭੂਟੋਪੀ॥ Oonadhho Khapar Panch Bhoo Ttopee ||
The person who is walking along the Guru’s path and is ever attached to Naam, lets the mind turn away in detachment from the world and uses this as the begging bowl. Let the lessons of the virtues of the five elements be your cap (the non-attachment of the sky, fire’s ability to get rid of dirt, sagacity and equality of the wind, waters calmness, patience and steadfastness of the earth).

ਕਾਂਇਆਕੜਾਸਣੁਮਨੁਜਾਗੋਟੀ॥ Kaaneiaa Karraasan Man Jaagottee ||
Let keeping the body pure be your meditation mat, and controlling the mind be your loin cloth.

ਸਤੁਸੰਤੋਖੁਸੰਜਮੁਹੈਨਾਲਿ॥ Sath Santhokh Sanjam Hai Naal ||
Let truth, contentment and self-discipline be your companions.

ਨਾਨਕਗੁਰਮੁਖਿਨਾਮੁਸਮਾਲਿ॥੧੧॥ Naanak Guramukh Naam Samaal ||11||
O Nanak, the Gurmukh dwells on the Naam.|

Findingmyway Ji..
I laughed at your comment on controversies vs gurbani.....its liek saying why so few can teach/study/or even interested in advanced calculus...Metaphysics..etc etc while LOTS and Lots rush to read the Sunday mail..esp Page 3 !! GURBANI is heavy stuff..while people love the "snacks" instant gratification...light entertainment...ha ha

Enough of this..I am also going back to have a second (and many more after that) look at the thread posts....am enjoying this...thank you.

I want to say the same thing. This thread is for me a rare moment in time when something thrilling can happen, something that engages my need to benefit from sound gurmat instincts of other members. We are here to learn from one another, and teach one another.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34825

Sikhi embraces the world, including controversies and hardships. To ignore and avoid confronting the world ocean is coward's work. But........... what are our tools? The answer is Sri Guru Granth Sahib. So there should never be a time when the study of gurmat is ignored.

I am reading. Keep up the good work.

Just some further thoughts on the above. The passage here really stresses the importance of a grisht jeevan
The true hermit is one who lives in the world yet isn't taken over by it just like the water lily or duck are not completely overwhelmed by the water that surrounds them. Such amazing imagery! Guru ji also gives us the reason why living in the world and not running away is important-although you can reach the state of spiritual enlightenment away from the world it is a selfish spirituality as you cannot help others. Therefore the spirituality from living in the world is the real thing and very important.

A soldier who leaves the battlefield is not a soldier no matter how good he is at archery, horse riding, swordmanship....its ONLY on the battlefiled that a good soldier can show how good he is. A Sikh has to live among his peers, in society and face the "enemies" of lobh moh, attachment, haumai, hankaar, kaam, lust, greed, the FIVE ENEMIES have to be FOUGHT on the BATTLEFIELD. Gurbani elsewhere also tells us very clearly...MY GURU has Given me a "Pat" on my back..THAPPRRA and sent me INTO THE BATTLEGROUND to fight them. Thus its clear that Guru Ji never accepts the idea of renunciation/brahmchareeism/poverty/abstinence/going away to caves and forests to achieve spirituality etc etc..of what use is such spiritual prowess because its in ISOLATION..akin to a Don Quixote type fighting windmills which cannot fight back. Bhai GHANIYAH JI..who is not even a Fighting soldier in that sense...is also present on the BATTLEFIELD as his work is also best done there and not in isolation.Bhai Ghnaiyah Ji ahs to FACE the "ENEMY"..and overcome the natural instinct to DENY him water and let his SPIRITUAL STRENGTH overpower that raw instinct..and Guru Ji further strengthened that Spiritual Power by giving bhai Ghaniyah Ji a Medical Kit to treat the enemy/foes/friends alike besides providing cool water. Only one who firmly beleives in his conviction..Na Ko Beri nahin Beganna..sagal hum ko Bann aiyee...manas ki jaat sabh eko pehchanbo..all humans as one brotherhood..all as friend and none as enemy..can prove this in an ACTUAL SITUATION and never in isolation.