FAITH WITH OUT RIGHT ACTION IS DEAD
ABSTRACT
Every action is preceded by a thought and to do a right action one should have a right thought. It is important to train the all powerful mind to create a positive attitude to think that right thought till it becomes a second nature. Kabir says in Raag Gauri that through mind one speaks, acts, and comes to know the mystery about the Akal Purkh of the three worlds:
ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ॥ਮਨ ਮਾਰੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ॥ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜੋ ਜਾਨੈ ਭੇਉ॥ਮਨੁ ਮਧੁਸੂਦਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਦੇਉ॥
Man anṯar bolai sabẖ ko¬ī, Man mārė bin bẖagaṯ na ho¬ī, Kaho Kabīr jo jānai bẖė¬o, Man maḏẖusūḏan ṯaribẖavaṇ ḏė¬o.
Everyone speaks through the mind. Without killing the mind, devotional worship is not performed. Says Kabir, one who knows the secret of this mystery, beholds within his own mind the Akal Purkh of the three worlds. -----Kabir, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 329-2
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Spiritual growth occurs by following the principles of a faith in their totality with honesty. Sabd Guru advises the humanity to give up the empty rituals and follow their own faiths truthfully and rightly. First is the Word, which leads to thought, and thought to action, and repeated actions form habits, which in turn shape the evolvement of Character. The latter is the essence of Guru Nanak’s teachings in Japji. In Siri Raag Guru Nanak says that as you sow and eventually so shall you reap?
ਜੇਹਾ ਰਾਧੇ ਤੇਹਾ ਲੁਣੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਜਨਮੁ ਵਿਣਾਸੁ॥ਮੁੰਧੇ ਗੁਣ ਦਾਸੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ॥ਅਵਗਣ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਸਮਾਈਐ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਸੋਇ॥
Jayhaa RaaDhay Tayhaa Lunai Bin Gun Janam Vinaas, MunDhay Gun Daasee Sukh Ho-ay, Avgan Ti-aag Samaa-ee-ai Gurmat Pooraa So-ay.
As you plant, so shall you harvest? Without virtue, this human life passes away in vain. O young bride, be a slave to virtue, and you shall find peace. Renouncing wrongful actions, following the Guru's Teachings, you shall be absorbed into the Perfect One.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Siri, AGGS, Page, 56-13
What is mind and what are thoughts? Without Consciousness, mind and thoughts do not exist. Therefore, we need to understand that ‘mind’ is a tool of Consciousness and depends for its existence on our experiences. Experiences are registered by Consciousness and without Consciousness we have no experiences. Mind forms thoughts and without them, mind cannot exist. Therefore we can say that mind and thoughts are the same since one without the other cannot function as Guru Nanak points out in Japji;
ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
Ŧithai gẖaṛī¬ai suraṯ maṯ man buḏẖ.
The intuitive consciousness, intellect and understanding of the mind are shaped there. -----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 8-2
If one enquires where a thought arises in the body in the first instance, it will be found that it is not in a physical part of the body, but from an Unknown part within Consciousness… a place that mystics call the Intelligence of the Heart. This is an intangible part of being. It accounts for the presence of ‘I.’ It is the Center of our mystical Heart that manifests in the world of duality as ‘I.’ It reflects the ego of materiality. Guru Nanak vouches for this in Raag Gauri;
ਦੂਜੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਗਤ ਚਿਤ ਵਾਸੁ ॥
Ḏūjī mā¬i¬ā jagaṯ cẖiṯ vās.
The duality of Materialism dwells in the consciousness of the people of the world. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 223-2
The first and foremost of all the thoughts that arise in the mind are the primal I-thought. That is, we remain as Witnesses of ‘I Am I’. After this primal I-thought, an innumerable other thoughts arise. Only after the first personal pronoun, ‘I’, has arisen, do the second and third personal pronouns (‘you, he,’ etc.) occur to the mind. These secondary thoughts cannot subsist without the former. ‘I’ continues to be the ‘Witness’ and the ‘Witness’ is pure and Absolute Consciousness. Guru Nanak ponders on it in Raag Ramkali:
ਕਿਉ ਤਤੈ ਅਵਿਗਤੈ ਪਾਵੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਗੈ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਸੁਰਤਾ ਆਪੇ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬੀਚਾਰੋ ॥
Ki¬o ṯaṯai avigaṯai pāvai gurmukẖ lagai pi¬āro. Āpė surṯā āpė karṯā kaho Nānak bīcẖāro.
How can one find the essence of the unmanifest reality? This comes through the guidance of the Master and devotional love. The Akal Purkh Itself is consciousness, and the Creator; says Nanak understand it. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 940-9
Since all thoughts occur only after the rise of the ‘I Am’ thought and since the mind is nothing but a bundle of thoughts that forms the ego, it is only through the enquiry of ‘Who am I?’ that the mind settles down and begins to function properly. Automatically its attention turns towards Consciousness, the real Subject and Witness who is asking this crucial question. Guru Nanak explains in Raag Ramkali that it is here that the union with the “Akal Purkh” takes place through Its fear;
ਭਉ ਭੁਇ ਪਵਿਤੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਬਲੇਦ ॥ ਹਲੁ ਹਲੇਮੀ ਹਾਲੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਚੇਤਾ ਵਤ੍ਰ ਵਖਤ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ॥
Bẖa¬o bẖu¬ė paviṯ pāṇī saṯ sanṯokẖ balėḏ. Hal halėmī hālī cẖiṯ cẖėṯā vaṯar vakẖaṯ sanjog.
Make the Fear of God the farm, purity the water, truth and contentment the cows and bulls, humility the plow, consciousness the plowman, remembrance the preparation of the soil, and union with the Akal Purkh the sowing season. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 955-6
The basic acknowledgment of the ‘I Am’ Presence focuses the mind and its thought process towards its own source, which is ‘I’ the uncreated and unknown source that can never manifest except as ‘I Am I’. When a seeker enquires and asks questions about his own real identity, searching within himself for the Presence of the ‘I’ - what happens is that automatically all other thoughts collapse and are destroyed or consumed. This is because his mental patterns and thought forms have changed his way of seeing and experiencing himself and the world. Also since the ego cannot recognize itself, it instead reflects on its own Source, which is the ‘I.’ thus one gets lost in it, as indicated by Guru Ramdas in Raag Asa;
ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਿਛੁ ਬਿਧਿ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਣੈ ॥
Ha¬umai karam kicẖẖ biḏẖ nahī jāṇai.
One, who acts in ego, knows nothing about the Way.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 367-13
Can the shadow of an object lead and be responsible for the path that a man takes? Or the opposite is true -- it is the man that directs the shadow? Does the shadow follow the man? “Even when extraneous thoughts sprout up during such enquiry, one should not seek to complete the thoughts that arise. One should instead inquire deeply within oneself, and ask, “To whom has this thought occurred?” No matter how many thoughts occur, one should, with acute vigilance, enquire immediately as each individual thought arises. You may find that your answer is, “It is to ‘me’”. Then you follow up with the question, “Who am I?” At such questions the mind gets introverted. The flow of thoughts arising also subsides. In this manner as one perseveres more and more in the practice of Self-enquiry, the mind acquires increasing strength and power to abide in its Source. It then forgets the ego as explained by Guru Amardas in Raag Majh;
ਅਨ ਰਸੁ ਚੂਕੈ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਏ ॥
An ras cẖūkai har ras man vasā¬ė.
Other essences are forgotten, when the Akal Purkh's Essence comes to dwell in the mind. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 115-14
The mind has no awareness of its own and does not even have intelligence. The mind can only think and doubt. It has beliefs, opinions, likes, dislikes but is not aware of anything. Awareness and true intelligence exist within the SELF. The inner consciousness is aware of what mind thinks. It is the intellectual or rational faculty in humans, which understands, conceives, and judges the entire spiritual nature in a state of harmony, balance, truth, and justice. This consciousness comprises the self itself.
Over the centuries, people have asked, "Why does evil exist in this world? Why is there so much pain, so much wrong and so little right?" These questions are fundamental to the learning process through thought, action, habit, and finally evolvement of character, leading to spiritual growth. One should continually, ask about the steps needed for conquering ignorance of spirituality, is to make the right thinking a second nature. What then, is evil? Evil is the condition that exists when good does nothing and is not opposite of good. Evil also begins in the mind with a thought followed by actions that create an evil habit. Guru Amardas has puts it in perspective in Siri Raag;
ਜੇ ਸਉ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨੀਰੀਐ ਭੀ ਬਿਖੁ ਫਲੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਧਾਇ ॥
Jay Sa-o Amrit Neeree-ai Bhee Bikh Fal Laagai Dhaa-ay.
Even if the poisonous plant is watered with ambrosial nectar a hundred times, it will still bear poisonous fruit. -----Guru Amardas, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 65-15
Good is the light of creative action following from a creative thought? Evil too depends on thought and action -- negative thought, negative attitude and negative action. When thoughts are bad there is no good, there is only evil.
What is good?
The Primary Good is good, pure and simple, not by virtue of connection with some thing else, because there is nothing else above it. All things are below It, and receive good from It. It is further more an agent, whose action is intellect (The Higher Self), life, and every thing in which there is life and intelligence. It should not be supposed that evil/bad is opposite to the Primary Good, because there is no intermediary between them. The Primary Good (God) has no opposite. Good either does not exist, or if it does exist, it has no opposite what so ever. But it is impossible for the Good not to exist, because it is the cause of causes. Kabir in Gauri Bawan Akhri writes on word ਹ (Haha);
ਹਾਹਾ ਹੋਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਨਾ ॥ਜਬ ਹੀ ਹੋਇ ਤਬਹਿ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਾ ॥ਹੈ ਤਉ ਸਹੀ ਲਖੈ ਜਉ ਕੋਈ ॥ਤਬ ਓਹੀ ਉਹੁ ਏਹੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
Hāhā hoṯ ho¬ė nahī jānā, Jab hī ho¬ė ṯabeh man mānā, Hai ṯa¬o sahī lakẖai ja¬o ko¬ī, Ŧab ohī uho ėhu na ho¬ī.
HAHA: God exists, but also is not known to exist. When Akal Purkh is known to exist, then the mind is pleased and appeased. Of course the God exists, if one could only understand It. Then, alone It exists, and not this mortal being.-----Kabir, Gauri Bawan Akhari, AGGS, Page, 342-16 & 17
To fulfill the goal for which a human comes into this world, the only path is one of truth. So he must be guided by the right thoughts to take the right actions learned through the teachings of Sabd Guru as referred to, by Guru Arjan in Raag Gauri;
ਸਚੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੀ ॥ਦਰਗਹ ਨਿਬਹੈ ਖੇਪ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ॥
Such Vapaar Karoh Vaapaaree, Dargah Nibhai Khayp Tumaaree.
Deal in the true trade, O trader, and your merchandise shall be safe in the Court of the Akal Purkh. -----Raag Gauri Sukhmani, Guru Arjan, AGGS, Page 293-6
Right action through right thought is the key to all existence. Without thought there is no action, but stasis and the emptiness of nonexistence. Where there is thought there is action, there is life and creation. The most important thing to realize is that it is one’s thoughts through his actions that determine the outcome. Thoughts and actions of each individual are important. All the things that can be thought of will never be more than a dream, unless acted upon. To end evil, one must think and act. To cure disease, one must have it diagnosed it and follow the prescription. To end starvation, one must think and act. It does not matter what it is - if one wants change, he must think and act. One’s words and prayers are nothing compared to the power of a single action accomplished through right thought, as Guru Arjan explains in Raag Jaitsari;
ਕਰਿ ਅਨਰਥ ਦਰਬੁ ਸੰਚਿਆ ਸੋ ਕਾਰਜਿ ਕੇਤੁ ॥ਜੈਸਾ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਲੁਣੈ ਕਰਮ ਇਹੁ ਖੇਤੁ ॥ਅਕਿਰਤਘਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਵਿਸਰਿਆ ਜੋਨੀ ਭਰਮੇਤੁ ॥
Kar Anrath Darab Sanchi-aa So Kaaraj Kayt, Jaisaa Beejai So Lunai Karam Ih Khayt, Akirat-Ghanaa Har Visri-aa Jonee Bharmayt.
Practicing exploitation, he gathers wealth, but what use will it be in the end? As one plant, so does he harvest; the body is the field of actions. The ungrateful wretches forget the Akal Purkh, and wander in reincarnation. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Var Jaitsari, AGGS, Page, 706-17
It all begins with you. There are two kinds of thoughts and actions you can do - right and wrong. Right thought and action create and wrong thought and action destroy. The final stage of spiritual evolvement is when all your thoughts and actions are right.
Each day, you have a chance to change the course of your life. The first step is to examine what it is that makes you the person you are. You are the sum of your thoughts and actions. What were the actions you took today? Were they all right actions? The first step is to realize what actions you are taking. Each time you act, mentally analyze what type of action that was. If it is a wrong action, admit it. Then say to you 'I will not do that type of action again.'
Inside each of us is a small and independent form of thought process. It's called our conscience. It's the little voice that tells you when you have been bad, and when you have been good. This part of energy of consciousness could be called soul in layman’s term. All eternal laws of Mother Nature are energy oriented. There is a constant to and fro exchange of energy with a perfect accounting system in the Universe. The source of all creation is pure consciousness, which is our spiritual essence. When conscience begins to handle the job of determining right from wrong you feel more assured. Soon conscience can begin to govern all our functions. It will begin to automatically eliminate wrong thoughts, which lead to wrong actions, from even being generated. You, as a person, will begin to channel your energy towards right action. One can see the consequences of his actions with his inner vision. Each thought is also a form of energy traveling at individual frequency. As the spiritual growth occurs this leads one to the eternal powers of seeing without eyes, traveling without moving, and hearing without ears as described by Guru Angad in Vaar Majh;
ਅਖੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਵੇਖਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਕੰਨਾ ਸੁਨਣਾ ॥ਪੈਰਾ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਚਲਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਹਥਾ ਕਰਣਾ ॥ਜੀਭੈ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਇਉ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰਣਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਕੈ ਤਉ ਖਸਮੈ ਮਿਲਣਾ ॥
Akhee Baajhoh Vaykhna ViN Kanna SunNaa, Paira Baajhoh Chalnaa VinN Hatha KarNaa, Jeebhai Baajhoh BoalNa Eou Jeevat MarNa, Nanak Hukam PachaaN Kai Taou Khasmai MilNaa.
To see without eyes; to hear without ears; to walk without feet; to work without hands; to speak without a tongue. In this way one can remain dead while yet alive .O Nanak, recognize the Akal Purkh's Command, and merge with your Husband and Master. -----Guru Angad, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 139-2
This recognizing of wrong thought is only half of the process. The other half is to create the right thoughts where there were none before. You start by doing one good deed a day. You create the thought, recognize it as right thought, and then tell yourself to carry it out. After a while, you will begin to generate these right thoughts without a conscious effort. You will be projecting the right thoughts out to those around you and your right actions will be altering another being's behavior. Your actions will speak louder than any words you have ever spoken. Spontaneous right action is the right action at the right moment. Perception of Divinity through right thoughts leads in the right action making the Unmanifest to Manifest. Anything, we thus behold, come from the unknown and show us the right way. This is put in to perspective by Guru Nanak in Raag Sarang;
ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥
Ghaal Khaaey Kich Hathon Dayay, Nanak Raah PachaaNeh Sayay.
He who toils and earns and then gives away some, has discovered the real way.-----Sarang Ki Vaar, Guru Nanak, AGGS, Page, 1245-19
One should practice the law of Giving, before one can receive. The more you give, the more you will receive because you will keep the abundance of Universal energy circulating in your life. The gifts of caring, attention, affection, appreciation, and love are some of the most precious gifts you can give, and they do not cost you anything. This all originates in mind as Guru Angad says in Raag Asa;
ਜੋ ਜੀਇ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਉਗਵੈ ਮੁਹ ਕਾ ਕਹਿਆ ਵਾਉ ॥ ਬੀਜੇ ਬਿਖੁ ਮੰਗੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਵੇਖਹੁ ਏਹੁ ਨਿਆਉ ॥
Jo Jee-ay Ho-ay So Ugvai Muh Kaa Kahi-aa aa-o, Beejay Bikh Mangai Amrit Vaykhhu Ayhu Ni-aa-o.
Whatever is in the mind comes forth; spoken words by themselves are just wind. He sows seeds of poison, and demands Ambrosial Nectar. Behold, what justice is this? -----Guru Angad Raag Asa, AGGS, Page 474-17
It is not an easy task, to take only the right actions. There will be times when others will do wrong to you. You may do wrong in return to them, but the only one whom you have really wronged is yourself. These actions become part of you, they are you. Do right actions even to those who would do wrong to you as advised by Sabd Guru. Do well to others without thinking about anything you may get in return. Then you will find the source of all right thought. Then you will find the source of all life. You will have progressed spiritually by living in the Sabd as Guru Nanak stated it in Raag Parbhati;
ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਹੈ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਗੁਬਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਬਦੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਖੈ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਿ ॥ਸਬਦੇ ਗਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥ Iss Jug Meh Sabad Karnee Hai Saar, Bin Sabadai Hoar Moh Gubaar, “Sabadai Naam Rahai Ourdhaar, Sabdai Gat Mit Mokh Duaar.
In this world, the practice of the Sabd is the most excellent occupation. Without the Sabd, everything else is the darkness of emotional attachment. Through the Sabd, the Naam is enshrined within the heart. Through the Sabd, one obtains clear understanding and the door of salvation. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Parbhatee Bibhas, AGGS, Page, 1342-10
This is the journey through the ocean of life. Realize your thoughts and take control over them. Guide your thoughts toward right thought. When you know in your heart the difference between right and wrong, you will know what needs to be changed. And with this wisdom, all becomes obtainable through mind and thought processes. Guru Nanak expressed this thought in Sri Raag:
ਮਤੁ ਜਾਣ ਸਹਿ ਗਲੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ਮਾਲ ਕੈ ਮਾਣੈ ਰੂਪ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਇਤੁ ਬਿਧੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
Mat JaaN Seh Gaalee Paa-eaa, Maal Kai Maanai Roop Kee Sobhaa It BiDhee Janam Gavaa-i-aa.
Do not think that your Husband Akal Purkh can be obtained by mere words. You are wasting this life in the pride of wealth and the splendor of beauty. -----Siri Raag, Guru Nanak, AGGS, Page 24-2
Conclusion:
The ego wearing a social mask wants others to live in fear, so that it can control them through many ways. These can be religious robes or abstract principles. However, if one has an exquisite combination of acceptance of the moment, responsibility and defenselessness, one can experience life flowing with effortless ease. Such acceptance must be total and complete. But it is easier said than done. Acting on one’s faith is difficult. A faith even in the right direction, if not followed by action is dead. One cannot progress in spirituality without selfless service to humanity. Such service requires compassion in thought and right action as Guru Nanak says in Sri Raag:
ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥ ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
Which Dunia Sayv Kamaa-eaai, Ta Dargah Baisson Paaee-ai.
In the midst of this world, do service (Seva), and you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Akal Purkh. -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 26-1
Virinder S.Grewal
Williamston,MI
ABSTRACT
Every action is preceded by a thought and to do a right action one should have a right thought. It is important to train the all powerful mind to create a positive attitude to think that right thought till it becomes a second nature. Kabir says in Raag Gauri that through mind one speaks, acts, and comes to know the mystery about the Akal Purkh of the three worlds:
ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ॥ਮਨ ਮਾਰੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ॥ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜੋ ਜਾਨੈ ਭੇਉ॥ਮਨੁ ਮਧੁਸੂਦਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਦੇਉ॥
Man anṯar bolai sabẖ ko¬ī, Man mārė bin bẖagaṯ na ho¬ī, Kaho Kabīr jo jānai bẖė¬o, Man maḏẖusūḏan ṯaribẖavaṇ ḏė¬o.
Everyone speaks through the mind. Without killing the mind, devotional worship is not performed. Says Kabir, one who knows the secret of this mystery, beholds within his own mind the Akal Purkh of the three worlds. -----Kabir, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 329-2
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Spiritual growth occurs by following the principles of a faith in their totality with honesty. Sabd Guru advises the humanity to give up the empty rituals and follow their own faiths truthfully and rightly. First is the Word, which leads to thought, and thought to action, and repeated actions form habits, which in turn shape the evolvement of Character. The latter is the essence of Guru Nanak’s teachings in Japji. In Siri Raag Guru Nanak says that as you sow and eventually so shall you reap?
ਜੇਹਾ ਰਾਧੇ ਤੇਹਾ ਲੁਣੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਜਨਮੁ ਵਿਣਾਸੁ॥ਮੁੰਧੇ ਗੁਣ ਦਾਸੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ॥ਅਵਗਣ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਸਮਾਈਐ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਸੋਇ॥
Jayhaa RaaDhay Tayhaa Lunai Bin Gun Janam Vinaas, MunDhay Gun Daasee Sukh Ho-ay, Avgan Ti-aag Samaa-ee-ai Gurmat Pooraa So-ay.
As you plant, so shall you harvest? Without virtue, this human life passes away in vain. O young bride, be a slave to virtue, and you shall find peace. Renouncing wrongful actions, following the Guru's Teachings, you shall be absorbed into the Perfect One.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Siri, AGGS, Page, 56-13
What is mind and what are thoughts? Without Consciousness, mind and thoughts do not exist. Therefore, we need to understand that ‘mind’ is a tool of Consciousness and depends for its existence on our experiences. Experiences are registered by Consciousness and without Consciousness we have no experiences. Mind forms thoughts and without them, mind cannot exist. Therefore we can say that mind and thoughts are the same since one without the other cannot function as Guru Nanak points out in Japji;
ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
Ŧithai gẖaṛī¬ai suraṯ maṯ man buḏẖ.
The intuitive consciousness, intellect and understanding of the mind are shaped there. -----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 8-2
If one enquires where a thought arises in the body in the first instance, it will be found that it is not in a physical part of the body, but from an Unknown part within Consciousness… a place that mystics call the Intelligence of the Heart. This is an intangible part of being. It accounts for the presence of ‘I.’ It is the Center of our mystical Heart that manifests in the world of duality as ‘I.’ It reflects the ego of materiality. Guru Nanak vouches for this in Raag Gauri;
ਦੂਜੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਗਤ ਚਿਤ ਵਾਸੁ ॥
Ḏūjī mā¬i¬ā jagaṯ cẖiṯ vās.
The duality of Materialism dwells in the consciousness of the people of the world. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 223-2
The first and foremost of all the thoughts that arise in the mind are the primal I-thought. That is, we remain as Witnesses of ‘I Am I’. After this primal I-thought, an innumerable other thoughts arise. Only after the first personal pronoun, ‘I’, has arisen, do the second and third personal pronouns (‘you, he,’ etc.) occur to the mind. These secondary thoughts cannot subsist without the former. ‘I’ continues to be the ‘Witness’ and the ‘Witness’ is pure and Absolute Consciousness. Guru Nanak ponders on it in Raag Ramkali:
ਕਿਉ ਤਤੈ ਅਵਿਗਤੈ ਪਾਵੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਗੈ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਸੁਰਤਾ ਆਪੇ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬੀਚਾਰੋ ॥
Ki¬o ṯaṯai avigaṯai pāvai gurmukẖ lagai pi¬āro. Āpė surṯā āpė karṯā kaho Nānak bīcẖāro.
How can one find the essence of the unmanifest reality? This comes through the guidance of the Master and devotional love. The Akal Purkh Itself is consciousness, and the Creator; says Nanak understand it. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 940-9
Since all thoughts occur only after the rise of the ‘I Am’ thought and since the mind is nothing but a bundle of thoughts that forms the ego, it is only through the enquiry of ‘Who am I?’ that the mind settles down and begins to function properly. Automatically its attention turns towards Consciousness, the real Subject and Witness who is asking this crucial question. Guru Nanak explains in Raag Ramkali that it is here that the union with the “Akal Purkh” takes place through Its fear;
ਭਉ ਭੁਇ ਪਵਿਤੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਬਲੇਦ ॥ ਹਲੁ ਹਲੇਮੀ ਹਾਲੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਚੇਤਾ ਵਤ੍ਰ ਵਖਤ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ॥
Bẖa¬o bẖu¬ė paviṯ pāṇī saṯ sanṯokẖ balėḏ. Hal halėmī hālī cẖiṯ cẖėṯā vaṯar vakẖaṯ sanjog.
Make the Fear of God the farm, purity the water, truth and contentment the cows and bulls, humility the plow, consciousness the plowman, remembrance the preparation of the soil, and union with the Akal Purkh the sowing season. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 955-6
The basic acknowledgment of the ‘I Am’ Presence focuses the mind and its thought process towards its own source, which is ‘I’ the uncreated and unknown source that can never manifest except as ‘I Am I’. When a seeker enquires and asks questions about his own real identity, searching within himself for the Presence of the ‘I’ - what happens is that automatically all other thoughts collapse and are destroyed or consumed. This is because his mental patterns and thought forms have changed his way of seeing and experiencing himself and the world. Also since the ego cannot recognize itself, it instead reflects on its own Source, which is the ‘I.’ thus one gets lost in it, as indicated by Guru Ramdas in Raag Asa;
ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਿਛੁ ਬਿਧਿ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਣੈ ॥
Ha¬umai karam kicẖẖ biḏẖ nahī jāṇai.
One, who acts in ego, knows nothing about the Way.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 367-13
Can the shadow of an object lead and be responsible for the path that a man takes? Or the opposite is true -- it is the man that directs the shadow? Does the shadow follow the man? “Even when extraneous thoughts sprout up during such enquiry, one should not seek to complete the thoughts that arise. One should instead inquire deeply within oneself, and ask, “To whom has this thought occurred?” No matter how many thoughts occur, one should, with acute vigilance, enquire immediately as each individual thought arises. You may find that your answer is, “It is to ‘me’”. Then you follow up with the question, “Who am I?” At such questions the mind gets introverted. The flow of thoughts arising also subsides. In this manner as one perseveres more and more in the practice of Self-enquiry, the mind acquires increasing strength and power to abide in its Source. It then forgets the ego as explained by Guru Amardas in Raag Majh;
ਅਨ ਰਸੁ ਚੂਕੈ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਏ ॥
An ras cẖūkai har ras man vasā¬ė.
Other essences are forgotten, when the Akal Purkh's Essence comes to dwell in the mind. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 115-14
The mind has no awareness of its own and does not even have intelligence. The mind can only think and doubt. It has beliefs, opinions, likes, dislikes but is not aware of anything. Awareness and true intelligence exist within the SELF. The inner consciousness is aware of what mind thinks. It is the intellectual or rational faculty in humans, which understands, conceives, and judges the entire spiritual nature in a state of harmony, balance, truth, and justice. This consciousness comprises the self itself.
Over the centuries, people have asked, "Why does evil exist in this world? Why is there so much pain, so much wrong and so little right?" These questions are fundamental to the learning process through thought, action, habit, and finally evolvement of character, leading to spiritual growth. One should continually, ask about the steps needed for conquering ignorance of spirituality, is to make the right thinking a second nature. What then, is evil? Evil is the condition that exists when good does nothing and is not opposite of good. Evil also begins in the mind with a thought followed by actions that create an evil habit. Guru Amardas has puts it in perspective in Siri Raag;
ਜੇ ਸਉ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨੀਰੀਐ ਭੀ ਬਿਖੁ ਫਲੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਧਾਇ ॥
Jay Sa-o Amrit Neeree-ai Bhee Bikh Fal Laagai Dhaa-ay.
Even if the poisonous plant is watered with ambrosial nectar a hundred times, it will still bear poisonous fruit. -----Guru Amardas, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 65-15
Good is the light of creative action following from a creative thought? Evil too depends on thought and action -- negative thought, negative attitude and negative action. When thoughts are bad there is no good, there is only evil.
What is good?
The Primary Good is good, pure and simple, not by virtue of connection with some thing else, because there is nothing else above it. All things are below It, and receive good from It. It is further more an agent, whose action is intellect (The Higher Self), life, and every thing in which there is life and intelligence. It should not be supposed that evil/bad is opposite to the Primary Good, because there is no intermediary between them. The Primary Good (God) has no opposite. Good either does not exist, or if it does exist, it has no opposite what so ever. But it is impossible for the Good not to exist, because it is the cause of causes. Kabir in Gauri Bawan Akhri writes on word ਹ (Haha);
ਹਾਹਾ ਹੋਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਨਾ ॥ਜਬ ਹੀ ਹੋਇ ਤਬਹਿ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਾ ॥ਹੈ ਤਉ ਸਹੀ ਲਖੈ ਜਉ ਕੋਈ ॥ਤਬ ਓਹੀ ਉਹੁ ਏਹੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
Hāhā hoṯ ho¬ė nahī jānā, Jab hī ho¬ė ṯabeh man mānā, Hai ṯa¬o sahī lakẖai ja¬o ko¬ī, Ŧab ohī uho ėhu na ho¬ī.
HAHA: God exists, but also is not known to exist. When Akal Purkh is known to exist, then the mind is pleased and appeased. Of course the God exists, if one could only understand It. Then, alone It exists, and not this mortal being.-----Kabir, Gauri Bawan Akhari, AGGS, Page, 342-16 & 17
To fulfill the goal for which a human comes into this world, the only path is one of truth. So he must be guided by the right thoughts to take the right actions learned through the teachings of Sabd Guru as referred to, by Guru Arjan in Raag Gauri;
ਸਚੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੀ ॥ਦਰਗਹ ਨਿਬਹੈ ਖੇਪ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ॥
Such Vapaar Karoh Vaapaaree, Dargah Nibhai Khayp Tumaaree.
Deal in the true trade, O trader, and your merchandise shall be safe in the Court of the Akal Purkh. -----Raag Gauri Sukhmani, Guru Arjan, AGGS, Page 293-6
Right action through right thought is the key to all existence. Without thought there is no action, but stasis and the emptiness of nonexistence. Where there is thought there is action, there is life and creation. The most important thing to realize is that it is one’s thoughts through his actions that determine the outcome. Thoughts and actions of each individual are important. All the things that can be thought of will never be more than a dream, unless acted upon. To end evil, one must think and act. To cure disease, one must have it diagnosed it and follow the prescription. To end starvation, one must think and act. It does not matter what it is - if one wants change, he must think and act. One’s words and prayers are nothing compared to the power of a single action accomplished through right thought, as Guru Arjan explains in Raag Jaitsari;
ਕਰਿ ਅਨਰਥ ਦਰਬੁ ਸੰਚਿਆ ਸੋ ਕਾਰਜਿ ਕੇਤੁ ॥ਜੈਸਾ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਲੁਣੈ ਕਰਮ ਇਹੁ ਖੇਤੁ ॥ਅਕਿਰਤਘਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਵਿਸਰਿਆ ਜੋਨੀ ਭਰਮੇਤੁ ॥
Kar Anrath Darab Sanchi-aa So Kaaraj Kayt, Jaisaa Beejai So Lunai Karam Ih Khayt, Akirat-Ghanaa Har Visri-aa Jonee Bharmayt.
Practicing exploitation, he gathers wealth, but what use will it be in the end? As one plant, so does he harvest; the body is the field of actions. The ungrateful wretches forget the Akal Purkh, and wander in reincarnation. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Var Jaitsari, AGGS, Page, 706-17
It all begins with you. There are two kinds of thoughts and actions you can do - right and wrong. Right thought and action create and wrong thought and action destroy. The final stage of spiritual evolvement is when all your thoughts and actions are right.
Each day, you have a chance to change the course of your life. The first step is to examine what it is that makes you the person you are. You are the sum of your thoughts and actions. What were the actions you took today? Were they all right actions? The first step is to realize what actions you are taking. Each time you act, mentally analyze what type of action that was. If it is a wrong action, admit it. Then say to you 'I will not do that type of action again.'
Inside each of us is a small and independent form of thought process. It's called our conscience. It's the little voice that tells you when you have been bad, and when you have been good. This part of energy of consciousness could be called soul in layman’s term. All eternal laws of Mother Nature are energy oriented. There is a constant to and fro exchange of energy with a perfect accounting system in the Universe. The source of all creation is pure consciousness, which is our spiritual essence. When conscience begins to handle the job of determining right from wrong you feel more assured. Soon conscience can begin to govern all our functions. It will begin to automatically eliminate wrong thoughts, which lead to wrong actions, from even being generated. You, as a person, will begin to channel your energy towards right action. One can see the consequences of his actions with his inner vision. Each thought is also a form of energy traveling at individual frequency. As the spiritual growth occurs this leads one to the eternal powers of seeing without eyes, traveling without moving, and hearing without ears as described by Guru Angad in Vaar Majh;
ਅਖੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਵੇਖਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਕੰਨਾ ਸੁਨਣਾ ॥ਪੈਰਾ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਚਲਣਾ ਵਿਣੁ ਹਥਾ ਕਰਣਾ ॥ਜੀਭੈ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਇਉ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰਣਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਕੈ ਤਉ ਖਸਮੈ ਮਿਲਣਾ ॥
Akhee Baajhoh Vaykhna ViN Kanna SunNaa, Paira Baajhoh Chalnaa VinN Hatha KarNaa, Jeebhai Baajhoh BoalNa Eou Jeevat MarNa, Nanak Hukam PachaaN Kai Taou Khasmai MilNaa.
To see without eyes; to hear without ears; to walk without feet; to work without hands; to speak without a tongue. In this way one can remain dead while yet alive .O Nanak, recognize the Akal Purkh's Command, and merge with your Husband and Master. -----Guru Angad, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 139-2
This recognizing of wrong thought is only half of the process. The other half is to create the right thoughts where there were none before. You start by doing one good deed a day. You create the thought, recognize it as right thought, and then tell yourself to carry it out. After a while, you will begin to generate these right thoughts without a conscious effort. You will be projecting the right thoughts out to those around you and your right actions will be altering another being's behavior. Your actions will speak louder than any words you have ever spoken. Spontaneous right action is the right action at the right moment. Perception of Divinity through right thoughts leads in the right action making the Unmanifest to Manifest. Anything, we thus behold, come from the unknown and show us the right way. This is put in to perspective by Guru Nanak in Raag Sarang;
ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥
Ghaal Khaaey Kich Hathon Dayay, Nanak Raah PachaaNeh Sayay.
He who toils and earns and then gives away some, has discovered the real way.-----Sarang Ki Vaar, Guru Nanak, AGGS, Page, 1245-19
One should practice the law of Giving, before one can receive. The more you give, the more you will receive because you will keep the abundance of Universal energy circulating in your life. The gifts of caring, attention, affection, appreciation, and love are some of the most precious gifts you can give, and they do not cost you anything. This all originates in mind as Guru Angad says in Raag Asa;
ਜੋ ਜੀਇ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਉਗਵੈ ਮੁਹ ਕਾ ਕਹਿਆ ਵਾਉ ॥ ਬੀਜੇ ਬਿਖੁ ਮੰਗੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਵੇਖਹੁ ਏਹੁ ਨਿਆਉ ॥
Jo Jee-ay Ho-ay So Ugvai Muh Kaa Kahi-aa aa-o, Beejay Bikh Mangai Amrit Vaykhhu Ayhu Ni-aa-o.
Whatever is in the mind comes forth; spoken words by themselves are just wind. He sows seeds of poison, and demands Ambrosial Nectar. Behold, what justice is this? -----Guru Angad Raag Asa, AGGS, Page 474-17
It is not an easy task, to take only the right actions. There will be times when others will do wrong to you. You may do wrong in return to them, but the only one whom you have really wronged is yourself. These actions become part of you, they are you. Do right actions even to those who would do wrong to you as advised by Sabd Guru. Do well to others without thinking about anything you may get in return. Then you will find the source of all right thought. Then you will find the source of all life. You will have progressed spiritually by living in the Sabd as Guru Nanak stated it in Raag Parbhati;
ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਹੈ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਗੁਬਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਬਦੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਖੈ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਿ ॥ਸਬਦੇ ਗਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥ Iss Jug Meh Sabad Karnee Hai Saar, Bin Sabadai Hoar Moh Gubaar, “Sabadai Naam Rahai Ourdhaar, Sabdai Gat Mit Mokh Duaar.
In this world, the practice of the Sabd is the most excellent occupation. Without the Sabd, everything else is the darkness of emotional attachment. Through the Sabd, the Naam is enshrined within the heart. Through the Sabd, one obtains clear understanding and the door of salvation. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Parbhatee Bibhas, AGGS, Page, 1342-10
This is the journey through the ocean of life. Realize your thoughts and take control over them. Guide your thoughts toward right thought. When you know in your heart the difference between right and wrong, you will know what needs to be changed. And with this wisdom, all becomes obtainable through mind and thought processes. Guru Nanak expressed this thought in Sri Raag:
ਮਤੁ ਜਾਣ ਸਹਿ ਗਲੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ਮਾਲ ਕੈ ਮਾਣੈ ਰੂਪ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਇਤੁ ਬਿਧੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
Mat JaaN Seh Gaalee Paa-eaa, Maal Kai Maanai Roop Kee Sobhaa It BiDhee Janam Gavaa-i-aa.
Do not think that your Husband Akal Purkh can be obtained by mere words. You are wasting this life in the pride of wealth and the splendor of beauty. -----Siri Raag, Guru Nanak, AGGS, Page 24-2
Conclusion:
The ego wearing a social mask wants others to live in fear, so that it can control them through many ways. These can be religious robes or abstract principles. However, if one has an exquisite combination of acceptance of the moment, responsibility and defenselessness, one can experience life flowing with effortless ease. Such acceptance must be total and complete. But it is easier said than done. Acting on one’s faith is difficult. A faith even in the right direction, if not followed by action is dead. One cannot progress in spirituality without selfless service to humanity. Such service requires compassion in thought and right action as Guru Nanak says in Sri Raag:
ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥ ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
Which Dunia Sayv Kamaa-eaai, Ta Dargah Baisson Paaee-ai.
In the midst of this world, do service (Seva), and you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Akal Purkh. -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 26-1
Virinder S.Grewal
Williamston,MI
