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Moh (attachment)
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<blockquote data-quote="arshi" data-source="post: 111924" data-attributes="member: 9479"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'"><span style="font-size: 15px">MOH (ATTACHMENT)</span></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">by Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’</span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Some, with Guru’s Grace succeed in keeping greed (discussed in the previous article) under control. However, this fourth weakness <strong><em>‘moh’</em></strong> spares only the precious few. So strong is its stranglehold that even saints and sages struggle to overcome it.</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'"><span style="font-size: 9px">DEFINITION</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">M</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">oh</span></em></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px"> has its Sanskrit roots which in current times represents a condition of stupefaction, utter bewilderment or perplexity. In simple terms we may define <em>moh </em>as an <strong>attachment to materialistic values and worldly relations</strong>.</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A person under the influence of <em>moh</em> is incapable of thinking clearly. Often people say one should follow the heart when or if the mind is confused. However, whether the decision comes from the mind or the heart it will not normally be, spiritually, the right one if made under the impact of <em>moh</em>.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Maya moh gubaar hai </span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">is </span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">aa na </span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">isai urvaar na paar (M: 3 – SGGS 89).</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Attachment to Maya is akin to an ocean of darkness and the person inflicted by this cannot see this shore or the one beyond.</span></span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A <em>manmukh</em> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">(1)</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> whether he thinks with his mind or follows his heart cannot be balanced or detached:</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Manmu<u>kh</u> mohi vi*aapi*aa bairaag u</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">aasee na ho*e (M: 3 – SGGS 29).</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">In the previous article ‘Lobh’ three qualities (characteristics) were mentioned:</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><u><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">t</span></u></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">amm gu<u>nn:</u> </span></em></strong></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">represents qualities of darkness and spiritual suffocation;</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">rajj gu<u>nn:</u> </span></em></strong></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">signifies characteristics of energy and activity tainted with worldly attachment and ego;</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">sat gu<u>nn:</u> </span></em></strong></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">embodies attitudes of tranquility, compassion and charity.</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Guru Amar Das states that these three qualities will keep people attached to Maya. Only the <em>gurmukh</em> attains the fourth state of higher consciousness i.e. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">PARAM PAD<em><span style="color: black"> <strong>(<u>t</u>rai gu</strong></span></em></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><u><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span></span></u></em></strong><strong><em><u><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">n</span></span></u></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> maya moh hai gurmu<u>kh</u> cha*uthaa pa</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> paaey – SGGS 30).</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'"><span style="font-size: 9px">THE WEB OF MOH MAYA (MOH MAYA DA JAAL)</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Maya is an infatuation for the ’illusory’ world. The term <strong>‘illusory world’</strong> represents the transient world with all its delusions, distractions and illusory senses. <strong>This world is real, i.e. it actually exists and is not just an optical illusion, like a mirage. Nevertheless all this is a delusion since whilst the world is God’s creation it is not the Ultimate Reality. It is not eternal.</strong> The existence of <em>jiva</em> (2) on this earth is a passing phase and all the earthly achievements and worldly attachments will not travel with the soul <em>(jiva atma)</em> when the mortal life comes to an end.</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">The Sikh Gurus have frequently used the term <em>moh</em> coupled with <em>maya </em>as <em>in ‘maya moh’</em> or <em>‘moh maya’</em>. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Ih maya moh kutamb hai <u>b</u></span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">aaey </span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">oojai faas (M: 4 – SGGS 166). </span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">By entrapping himself in worldly delusions, attachments and duality a person ends up putting a noose around his neck. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The pursuit of worldly pleasures and ego are also closely related. The desire for worldly status and recognition feeds a person’s ego. The chase for mundane things leads the soul astray and away from meditation. Guru Tegh Bahadur advises the <em>prani</em> to renounce ego, pride and bondage to <em>maya</em> and instead focus on Lord’s Name <strong><em>(<u>t</u>aj a<u>bh</u>imaan moh maya f<u>u</u>n <u>b</u></em></strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">ajan raam chi</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> laava*o - SGGS 219).</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'"><span style="font-size: 9px">MAYA NOT ILLUSION BUT DELUSION</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Maya, as stated above, is a delusion as opposed to illusion. It is real but transient, i.e. it will pass away. It is not eternal and therefore one must not cling to things which in the end will not benefit the soul. Guru Nanak offers comfort when he says:</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The spectacle (of <em>moh</em>-<em>maya) </em>that you see will pass away</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">So do not be attached to this false show <strong>(</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">j<span style="color: black">o </span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">eesai so chalsee koo</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṛ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">haa moh na vey<u>kh</u> - GGS</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> 61). </span></em></strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">The world we see is real; the people we see are real. These are, no doubt, God’s creations but they represent are a transient phase in the journey of the soul. <strong>They react upon our minds and if we are not careful and discriminating, they may start permeating into our subconscious and such attachment to worldly possessions and pleasures is dangerous for the soul.</strong> That is why Guru Nanak says that what you see will pass; do not become attached to the itinerary world of falsehood and deception. None of this will assist the soul in its travels beyond this world. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Guru Arjan also instructs the mind to focus on Lord’s Name, for he says without meditation all entanglements are worthless and obsession with Maya is utterly false <strong><em>(<span style="color: black">Aikas bin sa<u>bh</u> </span></em></strong></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><u><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">dh</span></span></u></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">an</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><u><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">dh</span></span></u></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> hai sa<u>bh</u> mithi*aa moh maaey – SGGS 44)</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'"><span style="font-size: 9px">MOH IS LIKE A DRUG</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Guru Nanak uses strong words when he says <em>moh</em> is like an addictive drug of emotional attachment and destroys the soul. As masses act under the influence of <em>moh</em>, it corrupts the whole world <strong><em>(moh </em></strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯẖ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">ag*ulee ha*o mooee saa var</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">ai sansaar –SGGS 61).</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Moh</span></em></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px"> creates boundaries as an individual’s interests are basically confined to his family and loved ones and to some extent his associations, e.g. membership of a social club. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Love for and attachment to the family and its welfare propels a person to value materialistic comforts above his spiritual needs. The family pressures and obligations bear heavily on his spiritual requirements. The individual will identify himself more with family welfare and wealth rather than the needs of his soul. The tightening of boundaries will narrow down his scope for spiritual progress and he will simply resign himself to a mundane life of a mere mortal. So how can an individual rise above these narrow parameters? </span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">The influence of <em>moh </em>corrupts the mind. The psychological power of <em>moh </em>is so powerful it completely takes the mind over and renders the ability and efforts of a person to think rationally and ethically utterly futile.</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The antidote of <em>moh</em> is detachment</span></strong></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px"> <strong>but this also has negative connotations.</strong> The Sikh Gurus have shunned living in isolation. The real test of character is living a normal, healthy and a spiritual life. Running away into jungles, taking vows of isolation and celibacy are not recommended by the Sikh Gurus. Therefore, detachment is not the solution; it is not the way to conquer <em>moh.</em> This is discussed further under ‘remedies’</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'"><span style="font-size: 9px">REMEDIES</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Transform the ecstasy of attachment <em>(moh-ras)</em> into the ecstasy of love <em>(prem-ras).</em></span></span></strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Prem ras</span></span></em></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> here has far wider connotations than our worldly concept of love. Turn the attachment for family and close friends into love for the humanity at large, for the unfortunate and the downtrodden. Channel <em>moh</em> into love for the Lord who gave you this opportunity (the mortal form) to put right what you may have done wrong in a previous existence. Meditate on his Name so that you may escape the cycle of life and death.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">C</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">lean living develops a clean mind and also a sharp but neat intellect.</span></strong></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px"> A clean mind will react like a processed film role, receptive of pure thoughts which in turn are translated into good and noble deeds. Pure intelligence is like the purest of paper ready for writing pure thoughts by burning the emotional attachment and grinding it into suitable ink for the task<strong> (<em><span style="color: black">jaal moh <u>gh</u>as mas kar ma</span></em></strong></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> kaaga</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> kar saar – Guru Nanak SGGS 16).</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">On their own even the high and mighty cannot escape from the negative impact and influences of <em>moh</em> and <em>maya</em>. They cling to materialistic comforts and values which in the end will not benefit their spiritual development. These, Guru Amar Das says, will just turn into dust. Attachment to worldly comforts, whilst a natural tendency, is not beneficial for the soul. To counter the negative forces of <em>moh</em> and <em>maya</em> one must seek the company of the Holy<strong> (<em><span style="color: black">bin saa</span></em></strong></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><u><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">dh</span></span></u></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">oo</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> sanga</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> ra</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">i*aa maya moh sa<u>bh</u> <u>c</u></span></span></em></strong><strong><em><u><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">hh</span></span></u></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">aar </span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">- SGGS 52)</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The company of the holy and the pious</span></strong></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px"> <em>(sadh sangat) </em>will keep a person on course and offer him the opportunity of serving his Guru. For a Sikh <em>sadh sangat</em> and the allegiance to Guru Granth Sahib are essential if he has to escape from the grips of <em>moh maya</em>. Guru Amar Das offers the following advice:</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Sa</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">gur seyv moh parjalai <u>gh</u>ar hee maahi u</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">aa</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">saa – SGGS 29.</span></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">One does not have to go to the forest or lead the life of a hermit to escape the pangs of attachment. A person can burn his emotional attachment whilst leading the life a householder by serving the True Guru and invoking his blessings.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Seek the True Guru and obtain from him the boon of <em>Naam</em> and your thirst of emotional attachment will depart <strong><em>(Gur mili*ai naam paa-ee*ai chookai moh pi*aas – Guru Amar Das, SGGS 26).</em></strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'"><span style="font-size: 9px">ILLUSTRATIONS</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Guru Nanak cast aside <em>moh</em> and bestowed the <em>gurgadi </em>(Guru-ship) on his devout disciple Bhai Lehna (Guru Angad Dev) in preference over own his sons. Guru Amar Das (the Third Nanak) endured the wrath and hostility of Baba Dattu, the son of Guru Angad Dev, because the latter did not allow his mind to be clouded by <em>moh </em>and bestowed the Guru-ship on Guru Amar Das. Baba Dattu was livid with Guru Angad Dev’s decision. His intense</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px"> jealousy drove him to kick Guru Ji. But, behold the humility of Guru Amar Das, who immediately started caressing and messaging Dattu's foot saying; "I am so sorry, you must have hurt your foot. My bones are rather old and hard." </span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Guru Gobind Singh did not think for a second when he agreed with the Kashmiri Pundits that his father was the only spiritual leader of the Sikhs and the Hindus who could stand up to the Mogul Empire and make the supreme sacrifice for the honour of the country (3). Guru Gobind Singh Ji again cast aside <em>moh </em>and sacrificed his sons Ajit Singh and Jujhar singh in the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib. There are numerous examples how the Sikh Gurus sacrificed their self-interests for the welfare of the country and humanity.</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Contrast these with Dhritrashter’s love for his son Duryodhan. Dhritrashter allowed his <em>moh</em> for his son, to cloud his mind as to who deserved to be the next Emperor of Hastinapur. On merit Dhritrashter’s nephew, Yudhishter (the eldest of the <em>pandavs</em>), was way ahead of Duryodhan. However, Dhritrashter’s own ambitions and the <em>moh</em> for his son influenced his decision in favour of Duryodhan. This lead to disastrous and tragic consequences – The Mahabharata (The Battle of Kurukeshtra).</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Kakeyi smitten by the <em>moh</em> for her son Bharat schemed and tricked Dashrath into exiling Ram for fourteen years so that her own son Bharat could be crowned king instead of the crown price Ram (son of Dashrath other wife Kaushalya) (4).</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'"><span style="font-size: 9px">CONCLUSION</span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Transform the ecstasy of attachment <em>(moh-ras)</em> into the ecstasy of love <em>(prem-ras). </em>Rememberthatour existence in this world is a passing phase – it is not eternal. </span></span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Mortal existence is like a jungle where the <em>prani</em> is surrounded by dense overgrowth, distractions and hostile creatures. It is not easy to ‘see the wood from the trees’. However, the <em>gurmukh</em>, with the grace of his Guru and his teachings, can carve out escape routes to steer his way clear of all obstacles and keep on the straight and the narrow towards his real goal. Instead of getting lost in the back streets and alley ways, he is able to build flyovers and bypasses to reach his true destination. He will break the cycle of life and death.</span></span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="font-size: 9px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Manmukh: </span></span></em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A self-centred persons who follows his mind rather than his conscious.</span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="font-size: 9px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Jiva</span></em><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> originates from the Sanskrit term <em>‘jivas’</em>, pronounced jeevaas. ‘<em>Jeev’</em> means ‘to breathe’. Therefore literally <em>jiva</em> is a living being or living entity. Spiritual philosophers, saints have sometimes used the terms <em>jiva</em> and <em>jiva atma</em> to denote soul.</span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">On his refusal to convert to Islam or to perform miracles, Guru Tegh Bahadur offered his head instead of surrendering his faith. He was beheaded in public at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on 11 November 1675.</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Guru Gobind Singh wrote about the martyrdom in <em>Bachitra Natak</em>: <strong>"Guru Tegh Bahadur was the protector of the <em>tilak</em> (ointment on the forehead) and <em>janeu</em> (sacred thread born across the torso) of the Hindus. Whilst the world bemoaned his departure, in the land of the gods he was greeted by accolades and garlands of adoration".</strong> There is no other example in the history of mankind where </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">the religious leader of one faith sacrificed his life to save the freedom and honour of another</span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Dasharath was the king </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodhya" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333">Ayodhya</span></a> and had three wives Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. The son of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaushalya" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333">Kaushalya</span></a> was Ram, sons of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumitra" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333">Sumitra</span></a> were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshman" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333">Lakshman</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shatrughna" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333">Shatrughan</span></a> and the son of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaikeyi" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333">Kaikeyi</span></a> was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharata_%28Ramayana%29" target="_blank"><span style="color: #333333">Bharat</span></a>. </span></span></li> </ol><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span> </p><p><u><span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">Author's notes:</span></u></p><p> </p><p></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 9px">For simplicity, throughout this article, I have referred to the masculine gender but, wherever appropriate, this should be read as including the female gender.</span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Differences of opinion are inevitable when interpreting Gurbani. The author most humbly regrets any inaccuracy or errors in quoting or interpreting Gurbani and prays Satguru grants him the boon of greater insight into understanding the Guru’s word.</span></span></li> </ol><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 9px">Copyright: ISBN 0 948522 02X Rajinder Singh "Arshi"</span></span></strong></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="arshi, post: 111924, member: 9479"] [CENTER][FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=4]MOH (ATTACHMENT)[/SIZE][/FONT][/CENTER] [CENTER][SIZE=1][B][I][FONT=Arial]by Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’[/FONT][/I][/B][/SIZE][/CENTER] [SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Some, with Guru’s Grace succeed in keeping greed (discussed in the previous article) under control. However, this fourth weakness [B][I]‘moh’[/I][/B] spares only the precious few. So strong is its stranglehold that even saints and sages struggle to overcome it.[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=1]DEFINITION[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [I][FONT=Verdana]M[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Verdana]oh[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1] has its Sanskrit roots which in current times represents a condition of stupefaction, utter bewilderment or perplexity. In simple terms we may define [I]moh [/I]as an [B]attachment to materialistic values and worldly relations[/B].[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]A person under the influence of [I]moh[/I] is incapable of thinking clearly. Often people say one should follow the heart when or if the mind is confused. However, whether the decision comes from the mind or the heart it will not normally be, spiritually, the right one if made under the impact of [I]moh[/I].[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1] [B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]Maya moh gubaar hai [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]is [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]aa na [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]isai urvaar na paar (M: 3 – SGGS 89).[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [B][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Attachment to Maya is akin to an ocean of darkness and the person inflicted by this cannot see this shore or the one beyond.[/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]A [I]manmukh[/I] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1](1)[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] whether he thinks with his mind or follows his heart cannot be balanced or detached:[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1] [B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Manmu[U]kh[/U] mohi vi*aapi*aa bairaag u[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]aasee na ho*e (M: 3 – SGGS 29).[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]In the previous article ‘Lobh’ three qualities (characteristics) were mentioned:[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1] [B][I][U][FONT=Verdana]t[/FONT][/U][/I][/B][B][I][FONT=Verdana]amm gu[U]nn:[/U] [/FONT][/I][/B][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]represents qualities of darkness and spiritual suffocation;[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [B][I][FONT=Verdana]rajj gu[U]nn:[/U] [/FONT][/I][/B][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]signifies characteristics of energy and activity tainted with worldly attachment and ego;[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [B][I][FONT=Verdana]sat gu[U]nn:[/U] [/FONT][/I][/B][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]embodies attitudes of tranquility, compassion and charity.[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Guru Amar Das states that these three qualities will keep people attached to Maya. Only the [I]gurmukh[/I] attains the fourth state of higher consciousness i.e. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]PARAM PAD[I][COLOR=black] [B]([U]t[/U]rai gu[/B][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1][B][I][U][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/I][/B][B][I][U][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]n[/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] maya moh hai gurmu[U]kh[/U] cha*uthaa pa[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] paaey – SGGS 30).[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [/SIZE] [FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=1]THE WEB OF MOH MAYA (MOH MAYA DA JAAL)[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Maya is an infatuation for the ’illusory’ world. The term [B]‘illusory world’[/B] represents the transient world with all its delusions, distractions and illusory senses. [B]This world is real, i.e. it actually exists and is not just an optical illusion, like a mirage. Nevertheless all this is a delusion since whilst the world is God’s creation it is not the Ultimate Reality. It is not eternal.[/B] The existence of [I]jiva[/I] (2) on this earth is a passing phase and all the earthly achievements and worldly attachments will not travel with the soul [I](jiva atma)[/I] when the mortal life comes to an end.[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]The Sikh Gurus have frequently used the term [I]moh[/I] coupled with [I]maya [/I]as [I]in ‘maya moh’[/I] or [I]‘moh maya’[/I]. [/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Ih maya moh kutamb hai [U]b[/U][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]aaey [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]oojai faas (M: 4 – SGGS 166). [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]By entrapping himself in worldly delusions, attachments and duality a person ends up putting a noose around his neck. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]The pursuit of worldly pleasures and ego are also closely related. The desire for worldly status and recognition feeds a person’s ego. The chase for mundane things leads the soul astray and away from meditation. Guru Tegh Bahadur advises the [I]prani[/I] to renounce ego, pride and bondage to [I]maya[/I] and instead focus on Lord’s Name [B][I]([U]t[/U]aj a[U]bh[/U]imaan moh maya f[U]u[/U]n [U]b[/U][/I][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]ajan raam chi[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] laava*o - SGGS 219).[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [/SIZE] [FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=1]MAYA NOT ILLUSION BUT DELUSION[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Maya, as stated above, is a delusion as opposed to illusion. It is real but transient, i.e. it will pass away. It is not eternal and therefore one must not cling to things which in the end will not benefit the soul. Guru Nanak offers comfort when he says:[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]The spectacle (of [I]moh[/I]-[I]maya) [/I]that you see will pass away[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]So do not be attached to this false show [B]([/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1][B][I][FONT=Verdana]j[COLOR=black]o [/COLOR][/FONT][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]eesai so chalsee koo[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṛ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]haa moh na vey[U]kh[/U] - GGS[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][FONT=Verdana] 61). [/FONT][/I][/B][/SIZE][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]The world we see is real; the people we see are real. These are, no doubt, God’s creations but they represent are a transient phase in the journey of the soul. [B]They react upon our minds and if we are not careful and discriminating, they may start permeating into our subconscious and such attachment to worldly possessions and pleasures is dangerous for the soul.[/B] That is why Guru Nanak says that what you see will pass; do not become attached to the itinerary world of falsehood and deception. None of this will assist the soul in its travels beyond this world. [/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Guru Arjan also instructs the mind to focus on Lord’s Name, for he says without meditation all entanglements are worthless and obsession with Maya is utterly false [B][I]([COLOR=black]Aikas bin sa[U]bh[/U] [/COLOR][/I][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1][B][I][U][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]dh[/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]an[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][U][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]dh[/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] hai sa[U]bh[/U] mithi*aa moh maaey – SGGS 44)[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [/SIZE] [FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=1]MOH IS LIKE A DRUG[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Guru Nanak uses strong words when he says [I]moh[/I] is like an addictive drug of emotional attachment and destroys the soul. As masses act under the influence of [I]moh[/I], it corrupts the whole world [B][I](moh [/I][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]ag*ulee ha*o mooee saa var[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]ai sansaar –SGGS 61).[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [I][FONT=Verdana]Moh[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1] creates boundaries as an individual’s interests are basically confined to his family and loved ones and to some extent his associations, e.g. membership of a social club. [/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Love for and attachment to the family and its welfare propels a person to value materialistic comforts above his spiritual needs. The family pressures and obligations bear heavily on his spiritual requirements. The individual will identify himself more with family welfare and wealth rather than the needs of his soul. The tightening of boundaries will narrow down his scope for spiritual progress and he will simply resign himself to a mundane life of a mere mortal. So how can an individual rise above these narrow parameters? [/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]The influence of [I]moh [/I]corrupts the mind. The psychological power of [I]moh [/I]is so powerful it completely takes the mind over and renders the ability and efforts of a person to think rationally and ethically utterly futile.[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [B][FONT=Verdana]The antidote of [I]moh[/I] is detachment[/FONT][/B][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1] [B]but this also has negative connotations.[/B] The Sikh Gurus have shunned living in isolation. The real test of character is living a normal, healthy and a spiritual life. Running away into jungles, taking vows of isolation and celibacy are not recommended by the Sikh Gurus. Therefore, detachment is not the solution; it is not the way to conquer [I]moh.[/I] This is discussed further under ‘remedies’[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=1]REMEDIES[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [B][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Transform the ecstasy of attachment [I](moh-ras)[/I] into the ecstasy of love [I](prem-ras).[/I][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] Prem ras[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] here has far wider connotations than our worldly concept of love. Turn the attachment for family and close friends into love for the humanity at large, for the unfortunate and the downtrodden. Channel [I]moh[/I] into love for the Lord who gave you this opportunity (the mortal form) to put right what you may have done wrong in a previous existence. Meditate on his Name so that you may escape the cycle of life and death.[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1] [B][FONT=Verdana]C[/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Verdana]lean living develops a clean mind and also a sharp but neat intellect.[/FONT][/B][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1] A clean mind will react like a processed film role, receptive of pure thoughts which in turn are translated into good and noble deeds. Pure intelligence is like the purest of paper ready for writing pure thoughts by burning the emotional attachment and grinding it into suitable ink for the task[B] ([I][COLOR=black]jaal moh [U]gh[/U]as mas kar ma[/COLOR][/I][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] kaaga[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] kar saar – Guru Nanak SGGS 16).[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]On their own even the high and mighty cannot escape from the negative impact and influences of [I]moh[/I] and [I]maya[/I]. They cling to materialistic comforts and values which in the end will not benefit their spiritual development. These, Guru Amar Das says, will just turn into dust. Attachment to worldly comforts, whilst a natural tendency, is not beneficial for the soul. To counter the negative forces of [I]moh[/I] and [I]maya[/I] one must seek the company of the Holy[B] ([I][COLOR=black]bin saa[/COLOR][/I][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1][B][I][U][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]dh[/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]oo[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] sanga[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] ra[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]i*aa maya moh sa[U]bh[/U] [U]c[/U][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][U][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]hh[/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]aar [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]- SGGS 52)[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [B][FONT=Verdana]The company of the holy and the pious[/FONT][/B][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1] [I](sadh sangat) [/I]will keep a person on course and offer him the opportunity of serving his Guru. For a Sikh [I]sadh sangat[/I] and the allegiance to Guru Granth Sahib are essential if he has to escape from the grips of [I]moh maya[/I]. Guru Amar Das offers the following advice:[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Sa[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]gur seyv moh parjalai [U]gh[/U]ar hee maahi u[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]aa[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B][B][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]saa – SGGS 29.[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]One does not have to go to the forest or lead the life of a hermit to escape the pangs of attachment. A person can burn his emotional attachment whilst leading the life a householder by serving the True Guru and invoking his blessings.[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Seek the True Guru and obtain from him the boon of [I]Naam[/I] and your thirst of emotional attachment will depart [B][I](Gur mili*ai naam paa-ee*ai chookai moh pi*aas – Guru Amar Das, SGGS 26).[/I][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=1]ILLUSTRATIONS[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Guru Nanak cast aside [I]moh[/I] and bestowed the [I]gurgadi [/I](Guru-ship) on his devout disciple Bhai Lehna (Guru Angad Dev) in preference over own his sons. Guru Amar Das (the Third Nanak) endured the wrath and hostility of Baba Dattu, the son of Guru Angad Dev, because the latter did not allow his mind to be clouded by [I]moh [/I]and bestowed the Guru-ship on Guru Amar Das. Baba Dattu was livid with Guru Angad Dev’s decision. His intense[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1] jealousy drove him to kick Guru Ji. But, behold the humility of Guru Amar Das, who immediately started caressing and messaging Dattu's foot saying; "I am so sorry, you must have hurt your foot. My bones are rather old and hard." [/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Guru Gobind Singh did not think for a second when he agreed with the Kashmiri Pundits that his father was the only spiritual leader of the Sikhs and the Hindus who could stand up to the Mogul Empire and make the supreme sacrifice for the honour of the country (3). Guru Gobind Singh Ji again cast aside [I]moh [/I]and sacrificed his sons Ajit Singh and Jujhar singh in the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib. There are numerous examples how the Sikh Gurus sacrificed their self-interests for the welfare of the country and humanity.[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Contrast these with Dhritrashter’s love for his son Duryodhan. Dhritrashter allowed his [I]moh[/I] for his son, to cloud his mind as to who deserved to be the next Emperor of Hastinapur. On merit Dhritrashter’s nephew, Yudhishter (the eldest of the [I]pandavs[/I]), was way ahead of Duryodhan. However, Dhritrashter’s own ambitions and the [I]moh[/I] for his son influenced his decision in favour of Duryodhan. This lead to disastrous and tragic consequences – The Mahabharata (The Battle of Kurukeshtra).[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Kakeyi smitten by the [I]moh[/I] for her son Bharat schemed and tricked Dashrath into exiling Ram for fourteen years so that her own son Bharat could be crowned king instead of the crown price Ram (son of Dashrath other wife Kaushalya) (4).[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [FONT=Arial Black][SIZE=1]CONCLUSION[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=1] [B][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Transform the ecstasy of attachment [I](moh-ras)[/I] into the ecstasy of love [I](prem-ras). [/I]Rememberthatour existence in this world is a passing phase – it is not eternal. [/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [B][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Mortal existence is like a jungle where the [I]prani[/I] is surrounded by dense overgrowth, distractions and hostile creatures. It is not easy to ‘see the wood from the trees’. However, the [I]gurmukh[/I], with the grace of his Guru and his teachings, can carve out escape routes to steer his way clear of all obstacles and keep on the straight and the narrow towards his real goal. Instead of getting lost in the back streets and alley ways, he is able to build flyovers and bypasses to reach his true destination. He will break the cycle of life and death.[/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [/SIZE] [LIST=1] [*][SIZE=1][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Manmukh: [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][FONT=Verdana]A self-centred persons who follows his mind rather than his conscious.[/FONT][/SIZE] [*][SIZE=1][I][FONT=Verdana]Jiva[/FONT][/I][FONT=Verdana] originates from the Sanskrit term [I]‘jivas’[/I], pronounced jeevaas. ‘[I]Jeev’[/I] means ‘to breathe’. Therefore literally [I]jiva[/I] is a living being or living entity. Spiritual philosophers, saints have sometimes used the terms [I]jiva[/I] and [I]jiva atma[/I] to denote soul.[/FONT][/SIZE] [*][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]On his refusal to convert to Islam or to perform miracles, Guru Tegh Bahadur offered his head instead of surrendering his faith. He was beheaded in public at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on 11 November 1675.[/FONT][FONT=Verdana]Guru Gobind Singh wrote about the martyrdom in [I]Bachitra Natak[/I]: [B]"Guru Tegh Bahadur was the protector of the [I]tilak[/I] (ointment on the forehead) and [I]janeu[/I] (sacred thread born across the torso) of the Hindus. Whilst the world bemoaned his departure, in the land of the gods he was greeted by accolades and garlands of adoration".[/B] There is no other example in the history of mankind where [/FONT][FONT=Verdana]the religious leader of one faith sacrificed his life to save the freedom and honour of another[/FONT][/SIZE] [*][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]Dasharath was the king [/FONT][FONT=Verdana]of [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodhya"][COLOR=#333333]Ayodhya[/COLOR][/url] and had three wives Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. The son of [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaushalya"][COLOR=#333333]Kaushalya[/COLOR][/url] was Ram, sons of [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumitra"][COLOR=#333333]Sumitra[/COLOR][/url] were [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshman"][COLOR=#333333]Lakshman[/COLOR][/url] and [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shatrughna"][COLOR=#333333]Shatrughan[/COLOR][/url] and the son of [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaikeyi"][COLOR=#333333]Kaikeyi[/COLOR][/url] was [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharata_%28Ramayana%29"][COLOR=#333333]Bharat[/COLOR][/URL]. [/FONT][/SIZE] [/LIST] [SIZE=1] [/SIZE] [U][FONT=Arial Black]Author's notes:[/FONT][/U] [LIST=1] [*][FONT=Arial][SIZE=1]For simplicity, throughout this article, I have referred to the masculine gender but, wherever appropriate, this should be read as including the female gender.[/SIZE][/FONT] [*][FONT=Arial][SIZE=1]Differences of opinion are inevitable when interpreting Gurbani. The author most humbly regrets any inaccuracy or errors in quoting or interpreting Gurbani and prays Satguru grants him the boon of greater insight into understanding the Guru’s word.[/SIZE][/FONT] [/LIST] [B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=1]Copyright: ISBN 0 948522 02X Rajinder Singh "Arshi"[/SIZE][/FONT][/B] [/QUOTE]
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