DEVOTION/ਭਗਤੀ/ਸਾਧਨਾ
ABSTRACT
Devotion is a manifestation of deep affection or love. It can be an eager inclination, zeal or even an addiction. Such feelings toward God can be appropriately expressed by acts of worship; devoutness and commitment.
ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਨੁ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰੈ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਤਰੈ ॥
Ėhā bẖagaṯ jan jīvaṯ marai. Gur parsādī bẖavjal ṯarai.
True Devotion is to remain dead while yet alive. By Guru's Grace, one crosses over the terrible world-ocean. -----Guru Amardas, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 365-1
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Devotion as an ardent affection can be directed toward a person or a principle. It can be a pious dedication, or love of religious observance. One may bring eager feelings towards God and express them through acts of worship with devoutness. Devotion is one of the necessary perfections required in Sikhism for spiritual growth. It requires real dedication to Naam Simran and the Truth. It is characterized by Willingness. In daily life it is reflected in true humility from the core of one’s heart and in rigorous honesty one aims to attain God’s Grace. The Grace is required in controlling the mind to stay focused in devotion.
ਸਚੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਲੁ ਥੀਆ ਰਤਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮਨੁ ਮੋਹਿਆ ਕਹਣਾ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
Sacẖī bẖagṯī man lāl thī¬ā raṯā sahj subẖā¬ė. Gur sabḏī man mohi¬ā kahṇā kacẖẖū na jā¬ė.
In true devotion, the mind is dyed in the deep crimson color of the Akal Purkh's Love. It brings intuitive peace and poise. The mind is fascinated by the Word of the Guru's Sabd, which cannot be described. -----Guru Amardas, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 36-13
What an individual is looking for in his life?
There is something inside telling us that there is more to life than meets the eye. We may sense that there are better ways to interact with our reality with deference. We want to open something inside but aren't sure what that something is. Each of us on this earth is at a different stage of spiritual journey. Others can preach to us, but they themselves may be unable to live according to what they profess.
ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਕਰੇ ਕਰਿ ਲੋਕ ਦਿ੍ੜਾਵੈ ॥ ਅਪਨਾ ਕਹਿਆ ਆਪਿ ਨ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥
Upḏės karė kar lok ḏariṛ¬āvai. Apnā kahi¬ā āp na kamāvai.
You preach to others to have faith, but you do not practice what you preach.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 887-18
The Spirit or Conscience is patiently waiting within each individual to be awakened. It can reach the highest level of awareness through one’s dedication and earnest devotion. One only has to follow the teachings of Sabd Guru:
ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਬਚਨੁ ਜਪਿ ਮੰਤੁ॥ ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਾਰ ਤਤੁ ॥
Gur kā bacẖan jap manṯ. Ėhā bẖagaṯ sār ṯaṯ.
Chant the teaching of the Guru's Word. This is the essence of true devotional worship.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 895-8
Sikh Gurus have rejected rituals like the worshiping of stone sculptures as God. God could be unveiled in one’s self through devotion.
ਪਾਥਰੁ ਲੇ ਪੂਜਹਿ ਮੁਗਧ ਗਵਾਰ ॥ ਓਹਿ ਜਾ ਆਪਿ ਡੁਬੇ ਤੁਮ ਕਹਾ ਤਰਣਹਾਰ ॥
Pāthar lė pūjeh mugaḏẖ gavār. Ohi jā āp dubė ṯum kahā ṯaraṇhār.
The ignorant fools pick up stones and worship them. But when those stones themselves sink, who will carry you across? -----Guru Nanak, Raag Bihagra, AGGS, Page, 556-10
But Bhagat Dhanna got God out of the stone with Innocent devotion, given to him by a local Brahman.
ਇਹ ਬਿਧਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਕੈ ਜਾਟਰੋ ਉਠਿ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਗਾ ॥ਮਿਲੇ ਪ੍ਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਸਾਈਆ ਧੰਨਾ ਵਡਭਾਗਾ ॥
Ih biḏẖ sun kai jātro uṯẖ bẖagṯī lāgā. Milė parṯakẖ gusā¬ī¬ā ḏẖannā vadbẖāgā.
Hearing this, Dhanna the Jaat applied himself to devotional worship. The Akal Purkh of the Universe met him personally; Dhanna was so very blessed. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 488-1
Although Dhanna began life as an idol worshipper, he eventually became devoted to the contemplation of Naam.
ਧੰਨੈ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਬਾਲ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
Ḏẖannai sėvi¬ā bāl buḏẖ.
Dhanna served the God, with the innocence of a child.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1192-8
Love of God has nothing to do with what one is expecting to get. It is more about what you are expected to give -- which is everything. Devotion is the immortal flow of energy that nourishes, extends and preserves life. Its chief goal is to enhance the spiritual life.
ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਬੂਝ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
Prem Pareet Bhaey Bhagtee Paaee-ai Satgur Boojh Bujhaaee.
The True Guru has made me gain the understanding that the Akal Purkh is reached through affection and loving devotion.-----Guru Amardas, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 245-14
One’s daily life also benefits from spiritual growth. He may begin to find happiness in marriage, career, and other interests. Still intentions come easier than making actual, positive progress in spirituality. Active devotion can aid one both in spiritual and non-spiritual matters.
One can make time for any accomplishment, one chooses in life. However, modern man demands scientific proof of the validity of any practices, before he can be persuaded to accept them. They must serve the welfare of the individual or of society. This is true of values patronized in ancient spirituality as well. This is indeed a Herculean task, given the intellectual and scientific evolution the past millennium. There has been almost a simultaneous deterioration in religious and cultural life. The result is nearly a total neglect of spirituality and the emergence of blind faith. Misconceptions, prejudices and superstitions abound. Until and unless the principles of a faith are truly understood, there cannot be a true devotion to it. What are the prospects for an individual at the present in this regard?
ਪਾਖੰਡਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਬੋਲੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਰਲਾਇਆ ਨਾ ਰਲੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
Pakhand Bhagat Na Hova-ee Dubidhaa Boal Khuaar, So Jan Ralaa-i-aa Naa Ralai Jis Antar Bibayk Beechaar.
Hypocrisy is not devotion. Words and thoughts of duality can only lead to misery. There are humble ones who filled with keen understanding and meditative contemplation intermingles with the others. Yet they remain distinct.-----Guru Amardas, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 28-17
Newer generation seems inclined to accept the New Leftist atheistic ideologies in the West. God and the religion tend to be regarded as phantom creations of the sick and fearful minds. Human body is seen merely as chemical combination of inert elements. The very existence of immortal consciousness is denied, A few in modern society also flirt with atheism like Dr.Dawkins, who claims God to be a mental delusion of the mortal. They view worship of God as futile because God did not respond to their selfish prayers and demands made in their distress. As a consequence, even a long held religiosity is discarded.
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਗਾਵਿਆ ਥਾਇ ਪਵੈ ਸੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ਜੋ ਬਿਨੁ ਪਰਤੀਤੀ ਕਪਟੀ ਕੂੜੀ ਕੂੜੀ ਅਖੀ ਮੀਟਦੇ ਉਨ ਕਾ ਉਤਰਿ ਜਾਇਗਾ ਝੂਠੁ ਗੁਮਾਨੁ ॥
Jis No Parteet Hovai Tis Kaa Gaavi-aa Thaa-ay Pavai So Paavai Dargeh Maan, Jo Bin Parteetee Kapttee Koorhee Koorhee Akhee Meetday Oun Kaa Outar Jaaigaa Jhooth Gumaan.
One who has faith, his singing is approved. He is honored in the Court of the Akal Purkh. Those who lack faith may close their eyes, hypocritically pretending and faking devotion, but their false pretenses shall soon wear out.-----Guru Ramdas, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 734-16
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens to us. We are not enriched by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. Our purpose in life is, perhaps, to be useful, to be responsible, and to be compassionate while we lead a fuller life. This prospect is cancelled, however, once greed appears in the mind.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਐਸਾ ਸੰਜਮੀ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਕਿ੍ਆ ਵਿਸੇਖ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰੇਇ ॥ ਔਤਰਿ ਲੋਭੁ ਮਨੁ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਓਇ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਕੈਸੇ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
Jay Ko Aisaa Sanjmee Hoey, Kirya Visaykh Poojaa Karaey, Antar Lobh Man Bikhiya Maa-eh, Oeay Niranjan Kaisay Paa-eh.
Someone practices self-discipline, compassion and devotional worship; but if he is filled with greed and if his mind is engrossed in corruption, how can he find the Immaculate Akal Purkh? -----Guru Amardas, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1169-8
Activation of the subtle centers in the brain and the endocrine system can unleash the miraculous powers of the inner mind. It can reveal the extrasensory mental faculties in us. Sincere devotion in following the Sabd Guru makes this possible. Using these powers to produce miracles, however, is forbidden.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੀਜੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਆਪੈ ਆਪੁ ਮਿਲਾਏ ਬੂਝੈ ਤਾ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
Gurmukh Kirpaa Karay Bhagat Keejai Bin Gur Bhagat Na Hoay, Aapai Aap Milaa-ay Boojhai Taa Nirmal Hovai Ko-ay.
By God's Grace, the Gurmukh practices devotion. Without the Guru, devotional worship is not possible. One who merges his own self into Akal Purkh understands, and so becomes pure. -----Guru Amardas, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 64-15
ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਮੇਟੇ ਚਉਥੈ ਵਰਤੈ ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਰਾਰੀ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੋਗ ਸਬਦਿ ਆਤਮੁ ਚੀਨੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਏਕੁ ਮੁਰਾਰੀ ॥
Tarai Gun Maytay Cha-uthai Vartai Ayhaa Bhagat Niraaree, Gurmukh Jog Sabd Aatam Cheenai Hirdai Ayk Muraaree.
Eradicating the three qualities, dwell in the fourth state. This is the unparalleled devotional worship. This is the Yoga of the Guru willed: Through the Sabd, he understands his own conscience, and he enshrines within his heart the One Akal Purkh. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 908-3
Conclusion:
Spiritually enlightened mind is said to be a source of divine potentials. Hidden beneath the core of the conscious mind, there lie the prodigious powers of the unconscious mind. Devotion is the key to success in any project but more so in the life of the spirit. It is manifested in an ardent selfless affection, hope, faith and dedication. It is filled with God’s love. It gives a spiritual boost to the principle. In it one commits oneself in personal and private religious supplication to God and prays for understanding.
ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਆਨੰਦੁ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਾਏ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦ ॥
Har Kee Bhagat Mukat Aanand, Gurmat Paa-ay Parmaanand.
Through devotional worship of the Akal Purkh, liberation and bliss are obtained. Through the Guru's Teachings, supreme ecstasy is obtained. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 154-15
ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਚੂਕੈ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵਿਐ ਹਯਵੈ ਪਰਵਾਨ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਆਸਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਤਿਸ ਨੋ ਜਾਨ ॥
Ayhaa Bhagat Chookai Abhimaan, Satgur Sayvi-ai Hovai Parvaan, Jin Aasaa Keetee Tis No Jaan.
By this devotional worship, egotism is eliminated. Serving the True Guru, one gains Its approval. So know the One, who created hope and desire.-----Guru Amardas, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 424-2
Virinder S. Grewal
Williamston, MI
