RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS AND SPIRITUALITY
ABSTRACT
Religious symbols, rituals or external show of piety of religious clothes in any faith does not confer spirituality as per AGGS. Sikhism is about inner cleanliness with development of virtues by contemplation, deliberation, and reflection on the teachings of Sabd Guru in householder’s daily life. Guru Arjan writes 67 slokes in this mode and is impossible to post all as a sloke in itself is complete.
ਸਿਆਮਲੰਮਧੁਰ ਮਾਨੁਖ੍ਯ੍ਯੰ ਰਿਦਯੰ ਭੂਮਿ ਵੈਰਣਹ ॥ਨਿਵੰਤਿ ਹੋਵੰਤਿ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਚੇਤਨੰ ਸੰਤ ਸ੍ਵਜਨਹ ॥
The mortal is beautiful and speaks sweet words, but in the farm of his heart, he harbors cruel vengeance. He pretends to bow in worship, but he is false. Beware of him, O friendly Saints. ----Guru Arjan, Sahskirti Sloke, 60, AGGS, Page, 1959
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The purpose of this writing is not to denigrate religious symbols of any faith but to compare vis-à-vis in the light of teachings incorporated in Sabd Guru. Symbols could be the first step towards spirituality if followed by rigorous egoless honesty and good actions. The person wearing religios clothes is distinctive and his religiosity flows out from external appearance puffing up his/her ego. Here is a full Sabd on ego, reality and religious dress with “Raaou” bu Guru Arjan, in Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page 226.
ਭੇਖੀ- ਭੇਖ ਵਾਲਾ, ਮਜ਼ਹਬੀ ਲਿਬਾਸਾਂ ਨਾਲ, ਮਜ਼ਹਬੀਲਿਬਾਸਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ।-adj. sham, feigning, disguised, false, impersonator; n.m. a fake ਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ.- ) ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ. ਦੇਖੋ,2ਭੇਖ (ਵੇਸਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ। (2) ਪਾਖੰਡੀ। (3) ਭੇਖੀਂ. ਸੇ. ਭੇਸੋਂ ਸੇ. "ਭੇਖੀ ਭੁਖ ਨ ਜਾਇ". (ਮਃ ੩. ਵਾਰ ਵਡ) "ਭੇਖੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨ ਲਭਈ". (ਮਃ ੫. ਵਾਰ ਮਾਰੂ ੨).-----Mahan Kosh
ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਤ ਭੇਖੀ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਹਉ ਹਉ ਕਰਤ ਨਹੀ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਜਾਇ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਿ ਰਾਜੇ ਬਹੁ ਧਾਵਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਖਪਹਿ ਜਨਮਿ ਮਰਿ ਆਵਹਿ ॥੨॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਨਿਵਰੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੈ ॥ ਚੰਚਲ ਮਤਿ ਤਿਆਗੈ ਪੰਚ ਸੰਘਾਰੈ ॥੩॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਹਜ ਘਰਿ ਆਵਹਿ ॥ ਰਾਜਨੁ ਜਾਣਿ ਪਰਮ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਵਹਿ ॥੪॥ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਗੁਰੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਚੁਕਾਵੈ ॥ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਤਾੜੀ ਲਾਵੈ ॥੫॥ ਹਉ ਹਉ ਕਰਿ ਮਰਣਾ ਕਿਆ ਪਾਵੈ ॥ ਪੂਰਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟੇ ਸੋ ਝਗਰੁ ਚੁਕਾਵੈ ॥੬॥ ਜੇਤੀ ਹੈ ਤੇਤੀ ਕਿਹੁ ਨਾਹੀ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਬੰਧਨ ਬੰਧਿ ਭਵਾਵੈ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੮॥੧੩॥
Acting in egotism, the God is not known, even by wearing religious robes. How rare is that Guru willed, who surrenders his mind in devotional worship? By actions done in egotism, selfishness and conceit, the True Lord is not obtained. But when egotism departs, then the state of supreme dignity is obtained. ||1||Pause||. The kings act in egotism, and undertake all sorts of expeditions. But through their egotism, they are ruined; they die, only to be reborn over and over again. ||2|| Egotism is overcome only by contemplating the Word of the Guru's Sabd. One who restrains his fickle mind subdues the five passions. ||3|| With the True Akal Purkh deep within the self, the Celestial Mansion is intuitively found. Understanding the Sovereign God, the state of supreme dignity is obtained. ||4||The Guru dispels the doubts of those whose actions are true. They focus their attention on the Home of the Fearless God. ||5||Those who act in egotism, selfishness and conceit die; what do they gain? Those who meet the Perfect Guru are rid of all conflicts. ||6||. What ever exists is in reality nothing. Obtaining spiritual wisdom from the Guru, I sing the Glories of God. ||7|| Egotism binds people in bondage, and causes them to wander around lost. O Nanak, peace is obtained through devotional worship of the Akal Purkh. ||8||13||-----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 226-14
Question; Does the Sikh symbols better than other religion’s symbols in the domain of spirituality?
IMHO; No.
Some Sikhs give importance to these symbols for political identity, higher status leading to egotistical pride rather than subjugating the Haumai and developing virtues. Some think that use of symbols lead to mental tranquility or gowth in spirituality. It could give some satisfaction to relieve their stress in some cases. 6 months ago a respected Sikh (Referred here few days ag on the forum by some members) confided in me that a young Sikh who was baptized 8 years ago came to him and said that he has not seen any difference or any spiritual progress in himself so far. It should be stressed that wearing the symbols in itself is not the way to liberation or spiritual progress.
A book should not be judged by its cover. An individual is known by his actions and association.
The Absolute Universal Principle/God is every where, in every atom of the visible as well as of the invisible Cosmos, in, over, and around every invisible atom and divisible molecule; for it is the mysterious power of the evolution and involution, the omnipresent, omnipotent, creative potential with the universe unfolding itself out of its own essence. The essence of wearing symbols is nothing else but idolatry worship of symbols against the teachings of “Sabd Guru.” The practice of the Sikh faith is quite opposite to the tenets written in AGGS. The materialistic mind degrades the spiritual to the carnal by wearing material symbols of any kind. This leads to dragging the higher nature to the lower, instead of being purified and lifted up by the spiritual wisdom.
There is no Rahou in the following Sabd;
ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਝੂਠੇ ਪੈਜ ਬਾਹਰਿਦੁਨੀਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਫੈਲੁ ॥ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਜੇ ਨਾਵਹਿ ਉਤਰੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਮੈਲੁ ॥ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਪਟੁ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਗੁਦੜੁ ਤੇ ਭਲੇ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਨੇਹੁ ਲਗਾ ਰਬ ਸੇਤੀ ਦੇਖਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੇ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਰੰਗਿ ਹਸਹਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਰੋਵਹਿ ਚੁਪ ਭੀ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਪਰਵਾਹ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਸੈ ਕੇਰੀ ਬਾਝੁ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਹ ॥ ਦਰਿ ਵਾਟ ਉਪਰਿ ਖਰਚੁ ਮੰਗਾ ਜਬੈ ਦੇਇ ਤ ਖਾਹਿ ॥ ਦੀਬਾਨੁ ਏਕੋ ਕਲਮ ਏਕਾ ਹਮਾ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮੇਲੁ ॥ ਦਰਿ ਲਏ ਲੇਖਾ ਪੀੜਿ ਛੁਟੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਉ ਤੇਲੁ ॥੨॥
Those who are false within, and honorable on the outside, are very common in this world. Even though they may bathe at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage, still, their filth does not depart. Those who have silk on the inside and rag on the outside, are the good ones in this world, they embrace love for the Akal Purkh, and contemplate beholding It. In the It's Love, they laugh, and in It's Love, they weep, and also keep silent. They do not care for anything else, except their True Husband. Sitting, waiting at It's Door, they beg for food, and when It gives to them, they eat. There is only One Court of the God, and He has only one pen; there, where the accounts are written with one pen and examined, and you and I shall meet there; the sinners are crushed, like oil seeds in the press says Nanak -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 473
It is requested that members should do some home work for the rest of the Sabds to completeness given in chronological order, as it is not possible for me to put all of them here in their totality with Rahao. Roman transliteration is taken out to make the writing smaller.
ਅਖਰ ਪੜਿਪੜਿ ਭੁਲੀਐ ਭੇਖੀ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥
Reading their books over and over again, people continue making mistakes; they are so proud of their religious robes. -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 61-2
ਬੇਦਪੁਰਾਣਕਥੇ ਸੁਣੇ ਹਾਰੇ ਮੁਨੀ ਅਨੇਕਾ ॥ਅਠਸਠਿਤੀਰਥਬਹੁਘਣਾਭ੍ਰਮਿਥਾਕੇਭੇਖਾ॥
Reciting and listening to the Vedas and the Puraanas, countless wise men have grown weary. Many in their various religious robes have grown weary, wandering to the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1008-17
ਭੇਖੀਹਾਥਨਲਭਈਤੀਰਥਿਨਹੀਦਾਨੇ॥ਪੂਛਉਬੇਦਪੜੰਤਿਆ ਮੂਠੀ ਵਿਣੁ ਮਾਨੇ ॥
Wearing religious robes, the Akal Purkh is not obtained, nor is It obtained by giving donations at sacred shrines of pilgrimage. Go and ask the readers of the Vedas; without faith, the world is cheated. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1012-13
ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਖਿੰਥਾ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਡੰਡੈ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਭਸਮ ਚੜਾਈਐ ॥ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਮੁੰਦੀ ਮੂੰਡਿ ਮੁਡਾਇਐ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਸਿੰਙੀ ਵਾਈਐ ॥ ਅੰਜਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਿ ਰਹੀਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਇਵ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
Yoga is not the patched coat; Yoga is not the walking stick. Yoga is not smearing the body with ashes.Yoga is not the ear-rings, and not the shaven head. Yoga is not the blowing of the horn.Remaining unblemished in the midst of the filth of the world - this is the way to attain Yoga. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 730-11
ਮਿਹਰ ਮਸੀਤਿ ਸਿਦਕੁ ਮੁਸਲਾ ਹਕੁ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਕੁਰਾਣੁ ॥ਸਰਮ ਸੁੰਨਤਿ ਸੀਲੁ ਰੋਜਾ ਹੋਹੁ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੁ ॥ ਕਰਣੀ ਕਾਬਾ ਸਚੁ ਪੀਰੁ ਕਲਮਾ ਕਰਮ ਨਿਵਾਜ ॥ ਤਸਬੀ ਸਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵਸੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਖੈ ਲਾਜ ॥
Let mercy be your mosque, faith your prayer-mat, and honest living your Quran.Make modesty your circumcision, and good conduct your fast. In this way, you shall be a true Muslim.Let good conduct be your Kaabaa, Truth your spiritual guide, and the karma of good deeds your prayer and chant.Let your rosary be that which is pleasing to Lord’s Will. O, Nanak, God shall preserve your honor.
-----Guru Nanak, Vaar Majh, AGGS, Page, 140-19
ਹਠੁ ਕਰਿ ਮਰੈ ਨ ਲੇਖੈ ਪਾਵੈ ॥ ਵੇਸ ਕਰੈ ਬਹੁ ਭਸਮ ਲਗਾਵੈ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਬਿਸਾਰਿ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਪਛੁਤਾਵੈ ॥
One who dies in stubbornness shall not be approved,even though he may wear religious robes and smear his body all over with ashes.Forgetting the Naam, the Name of the Akal Purkh, he comes to regret and repent in the end. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 226-5
ਦਇਆ ਕਪਾਹ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੂਤੁ ਜਤੁ ਗੰਢੀ ਸਤੁ ਵਟੁ ॥ ਏਹੁ ਜਨੇਊ ਜੀਅ ਕਾ ਹਈ ਤ ਪਾਡੇ ਘਤੁ ॥ ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਤੁਟੈ ਨ ਮਲੁ ਲਗੈ ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਜਲੈ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਧੰਨੁ ਸੁ ਮਾਣਸ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੋ ਗਲਿ ਚਲੇ ਪਾਇ ॥
Make compassion the cotton, contentment the thread, modesty the knot and truth the twist. This is the sacred thread of the soul; if you have it, then go ahead and put it on me. It does not break, it cannot be soiled by filth, and it cannot be burnt, or lost. Blessed are those mortal beings, O Nanak, who wear such a thread around their necks.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਟਿਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਤਗੁ॥----- ਓਹੁ ਮੁਆ ਓਹੁ ਝੜਿ ਪਇਆ ਵੇਤਗਾ ਗਇਆ॥Nanak with out the True Name of what avail is frontal mark and sacred thread. Man dies and the sacred thread falls and soul departs with out the thread.-----Asa Di Var, AGGS, Page, 467 & 471
Guru Nanak is making a point that religious symbols are left here or burnt after death.
ਕਾਜੀ ਸੇਖ ਭੇਖ ਫਕੀਰਾ ॥ ਵਡੇ ਕਹਾਵਹਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਤਨਿ ਪੀਰਾ ॥
The Qazis, Sheikhs and Fakirs in religious robes, call themselves great; but through their egotism, their bodies are suffering in pain.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 227-9
ਅਧਿਕਤਿਆਸ ਭੇਖ ਬਹੁ ਕਰੈ ॥ਦੁਖੁ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਸੁਖੁ ਤਨਿ ਪਰਹਰੈ ॥
Excessive thirst for Maya makes people wear all sorts of religious robes. The pain of corruption destroys the body's peace. -----Guru Nanak, AGGS, Page, 352-1
We read the news of Sikh hierarchy in Punjab almost every day doing as expressed by Guru Nanak.
ਬਹੁ ਭੇਖਕੀਆ ਦੇਹੀ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੀਆ ॥ਸਹੁ ਵੇ ਜੀਆ ਅਪਣਾ ਕੀਆ ॥
The more one wears religious robes, the more pain he causes his body. O my soul, you must endure the consequences of your own actions.-----Guru Nanak, Raag ASA, AGGS, Page, 467-16
ਜਟਾ ਮੁਕਟੁ ਤਨਿ ਭਸਮ ਲਗਾਈ ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਛੋਡਿ ਤਨਿ ਨਗਨੁ ਭਇਆ ॥ ਰਾਮਨਾਮਬਿਨੁਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿਨਆਵੈਕਿਰਤਕੈਬਾਂਧੈਭੇਖੁਭਇਆ॥
The mortal's hair may be matted and tangled upon his head, and he may smear his body with ashes; he may take off his clothes and go naked. But without the Akal Purkh's Name, he is not satisfied; he wears religious robes, but he is bound by the karma of the actions he committed. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Bhario, AGGS, Page, 1127-15
ਜੋਗੀਕਾਪੜੀਆਸਿਰਖੂਥੇਬਿਨੁਸਬਦੈਗਲਿਫਾਸੀ॥ਸਬਦਿ ਰਤੇਪੂਰੇ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ॥
The Yogis and those wearing religious robes, and the Jains with their all hair plucked out - without the Word of the Sabd, the noose is around their necks. Those who are imbued with the Sabd are the perfectly detached renunciates.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Parbhati, AGGS, Page, 1332-1
ਝੂਠ ਵਿਕਾਰ ਮਹਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਭੇਖ ਵਰਨਦੀਸਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਖੇਹ ॥
Falsehood and corruption cause terrible suffering. All the religious robes and social classes look just like dust. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 352-4
ਆਪਿ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਖੈ ॥ ਹਠਿ ਨਪਤੀਜੈ ਨਾ ਬਹੁ ਭੇਖੈ ॥
Akal Purkh Itself watches over us, and makes us see. It is not pleased by stubborn-mindedness, or by various religious robes. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, Page, 686-9
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿਵੇਸ ਖਪਹਿ ਜਲਿ ਜਾਵਹਿ ॥ਸਾਚੈ ਸਾਚੇ ਸਾਚਿ ਸਮਾਵਹਿ ॥
Those, who wear religious robes burn, and are ruined, Through Truth, the truthful ones merge into the True Akal Purkh. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 839-14
ਮੈ ਅਵਰੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਪੂਜਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਵਸਿ ਰਹੇ ॥ ਭੇਖੁਭਵਨੀ ਹਠੁਨਜਾਨਾ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਗਹਿ ਰਹੇ॥
I have no other spiritual wisdom, meditation or worship; the Name of the Akal Purkh alone dwells deep within me. I know nothing about religious robes, pilgrimages or stubborn fanaticism; O Nanak, I hold tight to the Truth. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 844-1
ਭੇਖਕਰਹਿ ਖਿੰਥਾ ਬਹੁ ਥਟੂਆ ॥ਝੂਠੋ ਖੇਲੁ ਖੇਲੈ ਬਹੁ ਨਟੂਆ ॥
You wear religious robes, and your patched coat assumes many disguises. You play all sorts of false tricks, like a juggler. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 903-12
ਕਿਸੁ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਗ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਤਜਿਓ ਉਦਾਸੀ ॥ ਕਿਸੁਕਾਰਣਿ ਇਹੁ ਭੇਖੁ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ॥
Why have you left your house and become a wandering Udaasee? Why have you adopted these religious robes? -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 939-17
ਨਾਮੈ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਬਿਨੁਨਾਵੈ ਭੇਖ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਹੁਤੇਰੇ ਸਚੈ ਆਪਿ ਖੁਆਈ ॥
Through the Name, everything is revealed; through the Name, understanding is obtained. Without the Name, people wear all sorts of religious robes; the True Akal Purkh It self has confused them. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 946-14
Guru Amardas in Raag Gauri attracts the attention of the folks to religious disguises but mind still attached to Maya and extensive use of lower instincts, advises their way out;
ਬਹੁਤੇ ਭੇਖ ਕਰੈ ਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਤਿਸਨਾ ਫਿਰੈ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਚੀਨੈ ਬਾਜੀ ਹਾਰੀ ॥ ਕਾਪੜ ਪਹਿਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਅਤਿ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਈ ॥ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਅਤਿ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਈ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸੇਵੇ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਈ ॥ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸੇਵੇ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਈ ॥
The disguisers put on their various disguises.Desire rages within them, and they carry on egotistically.They do not understand themselves, and they lose the game of life. Putting on religious robes, they act so clever,but they are totally deluded by doubt and emotional attachment to Maya.Without serving the Guru, they suffer in terrible pain. -----Guru Amardas, AGGS, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 230-15
ਭੇਖਕਰਹਿਬਹੁਕਰਮਵਿਗੁਤੇਭਾਇਦੂਜੈਪਰਜਵਿਗੋਈ॥ਮੁਖਿਸੰਜਮਹਛਾਨਹੋਵਈਕਰਿਭੇਖਭਵੈਸਭਕੋਈ॥
They wear religious robes and perform all sorts of rituals, but they are ruined; in the love of duality, their world is ruined, speaking about self-discipline, no one become pure; everyone walks around wearing religious robes. -----Guru Amar Das, Sloke Mahala 3 , AGGS, Page, 1416- 16 & 18
ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੋਨੀ ਥਾਕੇ ਭੇਖੀ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤੀ ਜਗੁ ਬਉਰਾਨਾ ਸਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਿਲਾਈ ॥
Reading and studying continually, the Pundits, the religious scholars, and the silent sages have grown weary; wearing religious robes, liberation is not obtained. O Nanak, without devotional worship, the world has gone insane; through the True Word of the Sabd, one meets the Akal Purkh. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 440-3
ਉਪਾਇਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਲਭਨੀ ਕਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਥਕੇ ਭੇਖਵਾਨੀ ॥ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਖੋਲਾਈਅਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਨੀ ॥
They cannot be found by any efforts; wearing their religious robes, the wearers have grown weary of trying. The doors are opened only by the Word of the Guru's Sabd, and then, one chants the Name of the Akal Purkh.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Gujri Ki Vaar, AGGS, Page, 514-10
ਬਹੁਤੇਭੇਖ ਕਰਹਿ ਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ ॥ਭਵਿ ਭਵਿ ਭਰਮਹਿ ਕਾਚੀ ਸਾਰੀ ॥ ਐਥੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਨ ਆਗੈ ਹੋਇ ॥
The religious fanatics wear all sorts of religious robes. They roll around and wander around, like the false dice on the board. They find no peace, here or hereafter.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 842-19
ਅਭਿਆਗਤ ਏਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਨਿ ਜਿ ਪਰ ਘਰਿ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ ਉਦਰੈ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਆਪਣੇ ਬਹਲੇ ਭੇਖ ਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ ਅਭਿਆਗਤ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿ ਆਤਮ ਗਉਣੁ ਕਰੇਨਿ ॥
They are not called renunciates, who take food in the homes of others. For the sake of their bellies, they wear various religious robes. They alone are renunciates, O Nanak, who enter into their own souls. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 949-5
ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਫਿਰੈ ਦੇਵਾਨੀ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਦੁਖ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਨੀ ॥ ਬਹੁਤੇਭੇਖਕਰੈਨਹਪਾਏਬਿਨੁਸਤਿਗੁਰਸੁਖੁਨਪਾਈਹੇ॥
In the love of duality, the world wanders around insane. Immersed in love and attachment to Maya, it suffers in pain. Wearing all sorts of religious robes, Akal Purkh is not obtained. Without the True Guru, peace is not found.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1047-16
ਰਸ ਕਸ ਖਾਏ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਵਧਾਏ ॥ ਭੇਖ ਕਰੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਕਮਾਏ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਰੋਗੁ ਮਹਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਭਾਰੀ ਬਿਸਟਾ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਹਾ ਹੇ ॥
Eating tasty delicacies, he fattens up his body. He wears religious robes, but he does not live to the Word of the Guru's Sabd. Deep with the nucleus of his being is the great disease; he suffers terrible pain, and eventually sinks into the manure.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1058-4
ਮਨਹਠਿ ਕਰਮ ਕਰੇ ਸੋ ਛੀਜੈ ॥ਬਹੁਤੇ ਭੇਖ ਕਰੇ ਨਹੀ ਭੀਜੈ ॥ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਰਾਤੇ ਦੁਖੁ ਕਮਾਵਹਿ ਦੁਖੇ ਦੁਖਿ ਸਮਾਇਦਾ ॥
Those who act stubborn-mindedly are destroyed.Wearing all sorts of religious robes, they do not please the Akal Purkh. Tinged by corruption, they earn only pain; they are immersed in pain. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1059-6
ਭੇਖੀਹਾਥਨ ਲਧੀਆ ਸਭ ਬਧੀ ਜਮਕਾਲਿ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲਾ ਝੂਠੀਆ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਮਾਲਿ ॥
Nothing is obtained by wearing religious robes; all will be seized by the Messenger of Death. O, Nanak, talk is false; contemplate the True Name.-----Guru Amar Das, Vaar Maru, AGGS, Page, 1089-9
ਬਹੁਤੇਭੇਖਕਰੇਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ॥ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਮਾਰੀ ॥Many disguise themselves with religious robes. Without the Sabd, no one has conquered egotism. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1067-18
ਇਹੁ ਜਗਤੁ ਮਿਟੀ ਕਾ ਪੁਤਲਾ ਜੋਗੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਹਿ ਰੋਗੁ ਵਡਾ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਅਨੇਕ ਜਤਨਭੇਖ ਕਰੇ ਜੋਗੀ ਰੋਗੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
This world is a puppet of clay, Yogi; the terrible disease, the desire for Maya is in it. Making all sorts of efforts, and wearing religious robes, Yogi, this disease cannot be cured. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 909-3
ਇਕਿ ਭੇਖਕਰਹਿ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੀ ਤਿਨ ਜੂਐ ਬਾਜੀ ਹਾਰੀ ॥ਇਕਿ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰੀ ॥
Some wear religious robes, and wander around in pride; they lose their life in the gamble. Some worship the Akal Purkh in devotion, night and day; day and night, they keep Its Name enshrined in their hearts.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 911-1
ਜੋਗੀਗ੍ਰਿਹੀਪੰਡਿਤਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ॥ਏ ਸੂਤੇ ਅਪਣੈ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੀ ॥
The Yogis, the householders, the Pundits, the religious scholars, and the beggars in religious robes they are all asleep in egotism,
-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Bhairo,AGGS, Page, 1128-4
ਬਹਲੇ ਭੇਖ ਭਵਹਿਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਲੂਝਹਿ ਬਾਦੁ ਵਖਾਣਹਿ ਮਿਲਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਗਵਾਈ ॥
Trying on all sorts of religious robes, they wander around day and night, but the disease of their egotism is not cured. Reading and studying, they argue and debate; attached to Maya, they lose their awareness. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1131-7
ਭੇਖਕਰੈਬਹੁਤੁਚਿਤੁਡੋਲੈਅੰਤਰਿਕਾਮੁਕ੍ਰੋਧੁਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ॥ਅੰਤਰਿ ਤਿਸਾ ਭੂਖ ਅਤਿ ਬਹੁਤੀ ਭਉਕਤ ਫਿਰੈ ਦਰ ਬਾਰੁ ॥
The mortal wears various religious robes, but his consciousness is unsteady; deep within, he is filled with sexual desire, anger and egotism. Deep within is the great thirst and immense hunger; he wanders from door to door.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1132-11
ਬਹੁਭੇਖਕਰਹਿਮਨਿਸਾਂਤਿਨਹੋਇ॥ਬਹੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨਿ ਅਪਣੀ ਪਤਿ ਖੋਇ ॥ਸੇ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਜਿਨ ਸਬਦੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ॥
They wear all sorts of religious robes, but their minds are not at peace. In great egotism, they lose their honor, but those who realize the Word of the Sabd, are blessed by great good fortune. ----- Guru Amar Das, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1175-11
ਪੰਡਿਤਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਮੋਨੀਸਭਿਥਾਕੇਭ੍ਰਮਿਭੇਖਥਕੇਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ॥ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਨਾਉ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਪਾਇਨਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਅਤਿ ਭਾਰੀ ॥
The Pundits, the religious scholars, read and study, and all the silent sages have grown weary; they have grown weary of wearing their religious robes and wandering all around. In love with duality, they never receive the Name. Held in the grasp of pain, they suffer terribly.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Sarag, AGGS, Page, 1246-14
ਬਾਹਰਿਭੇਖ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਮਨੂਆ ਦਹ ਦਿਸਿ ਧਾਵੈ॥ਹਉਮੈ ਬਿਆਪਿਆ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੂਨੀ ਆਵੈ ॥
Outwardly, he wears religious robes and he is very clever, but his mind wanders in the ten directions. Engrossed in ego, he does not remember the Word of the Sabd; over and over again, he is reincarnated. -----Guru Ramdas, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 732
ਕਰਿਭੇਖਨਪਾਈਐਹਰਿਬ੍ਰਹਮਜੋਗੁਹਰਿਪਾਈਐਸਤਸੰਗਤੀਉਪਦੇਸਿਗੁਰੂਗੁਰਸੰਤਜਨਾਖੋਲਿਖੋਲਿਕਪਾਟ॥
Yoga - Union with the God - is not obtained by wearing religious robes; the Akal Purkh is found in the True Congregation, and the Guru's Teachings. The humble Saints throw the doors wide open. -----Guru Ram Das, Raag Kanrha, AGGS, Page, 1297-10
ਖਟੁਦਰਸਨਭ੍ਰਮਤੇਫਿਰਹਿਨਹਮਿਲੀਐਭੇਖੰ॥ ਤਿਲਕੁਕਢਹਿਇਸਨਾਨੁਕਰਿਔਤਰਕਾਲੇਖੌ॥ ਭੇਖੀਪ੍ਰਭੂਨਲਭਈਵਿਣੁਸਚੀਸਿਖੰ॥ ਬਾਹਰਭੇਖਿਨਪਾਈਐਪ੍ਰਭੁਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ॥
The followers of the six orders wander and roam around wearing religious robes, but they do not meet God. They apply ceremonial marks to their foreheads, and take cleansing baths, but they are blackened within.They wear religious robes, but without the True Teachings, God is not found. By wearing religious robes outwardly, God, the Inner-knower is not found. -----Guru Arjan, Dakhnay Mahala 5t, AGGS, Page, 1099-1,2 & 7
ਅਨਿਕ ਭੇਖਅਰੁ ਙਿਆਨ ਧਿਆਨ ਮਨਹਠਿ ਮਿਲਿਅਉ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਭਈ ਭਗਤੁ ਙਿਆਨੀ ਸੋਇ ॥
By all sorts of religious robes, knowledge, meditation and stubborn-mindedness, no one has ever met God.Says Nanak, those upon whom God showers Its Mercy, are devotees of spiritual wisdom. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 251-4
ਬਾਹਰਿਭੇਖ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਮਲੁ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ਛਪਸਿ ਨਾਹਿ ਕਛੁ ਕਰੈ ਛਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਗਿਆਨ ਧਿਆਨ ਇਸਨਾਨ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਲੋਭੁ ਸੁਆਨੁ ॥
Outwardly, they wear religious robes, but within is the filth of Maya. They cannot conceal this, no matter how hard they try. Outwardly, they display knowledge, meditation and purification, but within clings the dog of greed.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 267-11
People copy the worship by others with out understanding;
ਬਾਹਰਿਭੇਖ ਕਰਹਿ ਘਨੇਰੇ ॥ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਉਤਰੀ ਘੇਰੇ ॥
Outwardly, they wear various religious robes, but within, they are enveloped by poison.-----Guru Arjan, Raag, AGGS, Page, 372-17
ਕਰਤਫਿਰੇ ਬਨ ਭੇਖ ਮੋਹਨਰਹਤ ਨਿਰਾਰ ॥ਕਥਨ ਸੁਨਾਵਨ ਗੀਤ ਨੀਕੇ ਗਾਵਨ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਧਰਤੇ ਗਾਰ ॥
Some wander around the forests, wearing religious robes, but the Fascinating Akal Purkh remains distant from them.They talk, preach, and sing their lovely songs, but within their minds, the filth of their sins remains. -----Guru Arjan, Raag, AGGS, Page, 534-12
ਭੇਖਦਿਖਾਵੈ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥ਕਹਤੋ ਮਹਲੀ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥
He wears religious robes, but he does not practice Truth. He says that he has found the Mansion of the Akal Purkh's Presence, but he cannot even get near it.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 738-12
ਕਿਨਹੀ ਸਿਧ ਬਹੁ ਚੇਟਕ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਕਿਨਹੀਭੇਖ ਬਹੁ ਥਾਟ ਬਨਾਏ ॥Some work spells using the miraculous spiritual powers of the Siddhas.Some wear various religious robes and establish their authority.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 913-4
ਬਰਤ ਨੇਮਕਰਮ ਖਟ ਕੀਨੇ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਦਿਖਾਵਾ ॥ਗੀਤ ਨਾਦ ਮੁਖਿ ਰਾਗ ਅਲਾਪੇ ਮਨਿ ਨਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗਾਵਾ ॥
Others go on fasts, take vows, perform the six rituals and wear religious robes for show. Some sing songs and melodies and hymns, but their minds do not sing of the Lord, Har, Har.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1003-5
ਚੇਤਿਮਨਮਹਿਤਜਿਸਿਆਣਪਛੋਡਿਸਗਲੇਭੇਖ॥ਸਿਮਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਰੇ ਕਈ ਅਨੇਕ ॥
Remember the One Akal Purkh in your mind, renounce your clever tricks, and give up all your religious robes. Meditating in remembrance forever on the God, Har, Har, O Nanak, countless beings have been saved. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1007-9
ਬਨਿਤਾ ਛੋਡਿ ਬਦ ਨਦਰਿ ਪਰ ਨਾਰੀ ॥ ਵੇਸਿਨਪਾਈਐਮਹਾਦੁਖਿਆਰੀ॥
You have abandoned your own wife, but now you sneak glances at other women. God is not found by wearing religious robes; you are utterly miserable! -----Guru Arjan, Raag Parbhati, AGGS, Page, 1348-8
ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੋ ਸੁਨਤੇ ॥ਵਰਨ ਚਿਹਨ ਸਗਲਹ ਤੇ ਰਹਤਾ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੋ ਕਹਤਾ ॥
Who, as Guru willed, listen to the singing of the Akal Purkh's Praises.He raises above all social classes and status symbols,O Nanak; one becomes Guru willed and chants Its Eternal Name. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 259-19
ਚਕ੍ਰ ਕਰਮ ਤਿਲਕ ਖਾਟੰਗਾ ॥ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਭੇਟੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਸੰਗਾ ॥ ਹਠਿ ਨਿਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਅਤਿ ਰਹਤ ਬਿਟੰਗਾ ॥ਹਠਿ ਨਿਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਅਤਿ ਰਹਤ ਬਿਟੰਗਾ ॥ ਹਉ ਰੋਗੁ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਚੁਕੈ ਨ ਭੰਗਾ ॥ ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਅਤਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਜਰੰਗਾ ॥ ਸੋ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਸੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਚੰਗਾ ॥
They apply religious symbols to their bodies, and ceremonial marks to their limbs.They read through the Shaastras, but they do not join the True Congregation. They stubbornly practice ritualistic postures, standing on their heads.They are afflicted with the disease of egotism, and their faults are not covered up. They burn in the fire of sexual frustration, unresolved anger and compulsive desire.He alone is liberated, O Nanak, whose True Guru is Good. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Kanrha, AGGS, Page, 1305-6
ਹਰਿਕੇਨਾਮਸਿਉਪ੍ਰੀਤਿਨਲਾਗੀਅਨਿਕਭੇਖਬਹੁਜੋਰੀ॥ਤੂਟਤ ਬਾਰ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਜਿਉ ਗਾਗਰਿ ਜਲ ਫੋਰੀ ॥
He does not embrace love for the Name of the Akal Purkh; he is totally attached to various religious robes. His attachments are shattered in an instant; when the pitcher is broken, the water runs out. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Sarag, AGGS, Page, 1222-13
ਕਹੂੰ ਨਿਵਲੀ ਕਰਮ ਕਰੰਤ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਪਉਨ ਅਹਾਰ ਦੁਰੰਤ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਤੀਰਥ ਦਾਨ ਅਪਾਰ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਜੱਗ ਕਰਮ ਉਦਾਰ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਅਗਨ ਹੋਤ੍ਰ ਅਨੂਪ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਨਿਆਇ ਰਾਜ ਬਿਭੂਤ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਰੀਤ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਬੇਦ ਸਿਉ ਬਿਪ੍ਰੀਤ ॥ਕਈ ਦੇਸ ਦੇਸ ਫਿਰੰਤ ॥ ਕਈ ਏਕ ਠੌਰ ਇਸਥੰਤ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਕਰਤ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਪ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਸਹਤ ਤਨ ਪਰ ਤਾਪ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਬਾਸ ਬਨਹਿ ਕਰੰਤ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਤਾਪ ਤਨਹਿ ਸਹੰਤ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਸਤ ਧਰਮ ਅਪਾਰ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਰਾਜ ਰੀਤ ਉਦਾਰ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਰੋਗ ਰਹਤ ਅਭਰਮ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤ ਅਕਰਮ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਸੇਖ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਸਰੂਪ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਨੀਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਨੂਪ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਰੋਗ ਸੋਗ ਬਿਹੀਨ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਏਕ ਭਗਤ ਅਧੀਨ ॥ਕਹੂੰ ਰੰਕ ਰਾਜ ਕੁਮਾਰ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਬੇਦ ਬਿਆਸ ਅਵਤਾਰ ॥ਕਈ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਬੇਦ ਰਟੰਤ ॥ ਕਈ ਸੇਖ ਨਾਮ ਉਚਰੰਤ ॥ਬੈਰਾਗ ਕਹੂੰ ਸੰਨਿਆਸ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਫਿਰਤ ਰੂਪ ਉਦਾਸ ॥
Many perform Neoli (a yogic exercise, performed in a sitting posture, with hunched shoulders, in which the abdomen muscles are rotated in order to cleanse the intestines) rituals of Yogis of purging intestines. There are innumerable who subsist on air. Many offer great charities at pilgrim-stations. Benevolent sacrificial rituals are performed. Somewhere exquisite fire-worship is arranged. Somewhere justice is done with emblem of royalty. Somewhere ceremonies are performed in accordance with Shastras and Smritis; somewhere the performance is antagonistic to Vedic injunctions. Many wander in various countries; many stay only at one place. Somewhere the meditation is performed in water; somewhere heat is endured on the body. Somewhere some reside in the forest; somewhere heat is endured on the body. Somewhere many follow the house holder’s path; somewhere many followed the tradition of kings being bounteous. Somewhere people are without ailment and illusion; somewhere forbidden actions are being done. Somewhere there are Sheikhs; somewhere there ate Brahmins, somewhere there is the prevalence of unique politics. Somewhere someone is without suffering and ailment, somewhere someone follows the path of devotion closely. Somewhere someone is poor and some one a prince, somewhere someone is incarnation of Ved Vyas. Some Brahmins recite Vedas, some Sheikhs repeat the Name of the God. Somewhere there is a follower of the path of detachment and somewhere one follows the path of asceticism, somewhere someone wanders as an ascetic.
ਸਭ ਕਰਮ ਫੋਕਟ ਜਾਨ ॥ ਸਭ ਧਰਮ ਨਿਹਫਲ ਮਾਨ ॥ਬਿਨ ਏਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਧਾਰ ॥ ਸਭ ਕਰਮ ਭਰਮ ਬਿਚਾਰ ॥੨੦॥੫੦॥
Know that all the above actions as useless; consider all the religious paths of no value. Without the prop of the only Name of the God, all the actions are considered as illusion.20.50.-----Guru Gobind Singh, DG, Page, 15 & 16
Dasam Granth, Akal Ustat, Page 19;
ਕੋਊਭਇਓਮੁੰਡੀਆਸੰਨਿਆਸੀ ਕੋਊਜੋਗੀਭਇਓ ਕੋਊਬ੍ਹਮਚਾਰੀਕੋਊਜਤੀਅਨਮਾਨਬੋ॥
ਹਿੰਦੂਤੁਰਕਕੋਊਰਾਫਜ਼ੀਇਮਾਮਸਾਫੀਮਾਨਸਕੀਜਾਤਸਭੈਏਕੈਪਹਿਚਾਨਬੋ॥
ਕਰਤਾਕਰੀਮਸੋਈਰਾਜ਼ਕਰਹੀਮਓਈਦੂਸਰੋਨਭੇਦਕੋਈਭੂਲਭ੍ਮਮਾਨਬੋ॥
ਏਕਹੀਕੀਸੇਵਸਭਹੀਕੋਗੁਰਦੇਵਏਕਏਕਹੀਸਰੂਪਸਭੈਏਕੈਜੋਤਜਾਨਬੋ॥੧੫॥੮੫੫॥
Some people in the world call them selves clean shaven, some ascetics, some devotee,some celebates. Some call themselves Hindu, some Turk, some Shia others Suni Muslman. But the entire human kind/caste should be recognized one. The same One Creator (Akal Purkh) who is merciful, compassionate, generous, providing daily sustenance, and has no other peer or dualism; so we must never accept any duality. To serve the only One is our duty. Akal Purkh alone is the Guru of all. All mankind be taken as one manifestation of Its light.
ਦੇਹਰਾ ਮਸੀਤ ਸੋਈ ਪੂਜਾ ਔ ਨਿਵਾਜ ਓਈ ਮਾਨਸ ਸਬੈ ਏਕ ਪੈ ਅਨੇਕ ਕੋ ਭ੍ਰਮਾਉ ਹੈ ॥
ਦੇਵਤਾ ਅਦੇਵ ਜੱਛ ਗੰਧ੍ਰਬ ਤੁਰਕ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨਿਆਰੇ ਨਿਆਰੇ ਦੇਸਨ ਕੇ ਭੇਸ ਕੋ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਉ ਹੈ ॥
ਏਕੈ ਨੈਨ ਏਕੈ ਕਾਨ ਏਕੈ ਦੇਹ ਏਕੈ ਬਾਨ ਖਾਕ ਬਾਦ ਆਤਿਸ ਔ ਆਬ ਕੋ ਰਲਾਉ ਹੈ ॥
ਅਲਹ ਅਭੇਖ ਸੋਈ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਅਉ ਕੁਰਾਨ ਓਈ ਏਕ ਹੀ ਸਰੂਪ ਸਭੈ ਏਕ ਹੀ ਬਨਾਉ ਹੈ ॥੧੬॥੮੬॥
The temple and the mosque are the same, there is no difference between a Hindu worship and Muslim prayer; all the human beings are the same, but the illusion is of various types. The gods, demons, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Turks and Hindus… all these are due to the differences of the various garbs of different countries. The eyes are the same, the ears the same, the bodies are the same and the habits are the same, all the creation is the amalgam of earth, air, fire and water. Allah of Muslims and Abhekh (Guiseless) of Hindus are the same; the Puranas of Hindus and the holy Quran of the Muslims depict the same reality; all have been created in the image of the same God and have the same formation.
Here Guru Gobind Singh removes all the doubts and duality between humanity; not only in between Amritdhari & Sehjdhari but between every one on this earth.
ਜਿਨਪੇ੍ਮਕੀਉਤਿਨਹੀਪ੍ਭੁਪਾਇਓ॥
ਕਹਾਭਯੋਦੋਊਲੋਚਨਮੂੰਦਕੈਬੈਠਿਰਹਿਓਬਕਧਯਾਨਲਗਾਇਓ॥ਬਾਸੁਕੀਓਬਿਖਿਆਨਸੋਬੈਠਕੈਐਸੇਹੀਐਸਸੁਬੈਸਬਤਾਇਓ॥ਸਾਚੁਕਹੌਸੁਨਲੇਹੁਸਭੈਜਿਨਪੇ੍ਮਕੀਉਤਿਨਹੀਪ੍ਭੁਪਾਇਓ॥੯॥੨੯॥ ਕਾਹੂਲੈਪਾਹਨਪੂਜਧਰੋਸਿਰਕਾਹੂਲੈਲਿੰਗੁਗਰੇਲਟਕਾਇਓ॥ਕਾਹੂ ਲਖਿਓਹਰਿਅਵਾਚੀਦਿਸਾਮੈਕਾਹੂਪਛਾਹਕੋਸੀਸਨਿਵਾਇਓ॥ਕੋਊਬੁਤਾਨਕੌਪੂਜਤਹੈਪਸੁਕੋਊਮਿਤਾ੍ਨਕੌਪੂਜਨਧਾਇਓ॥ਕੂਰਕਿ੍ਆਉਰਝਿਓਸਭਜਗਸੀ੍ਭਗਵਾਨਕੋਭੇਦੁਨਪਾਇਓ॥੧੦॥੩੦॥
What if you close your eyes and sit in meditation like a crane/heron; take ablutions in the seven seas- but this way you loose both this world and the next; if one continues to indulge in sinful things, he wastes his life; Let all listen to the truth I proclaim- only he who loves attains the God. Some worship the stone idol and other wear a lingam around their neck; some recognize God in the south and others bow their heads to the west; some ignorant ones worship the images and others worship the dead; the entire world is engrossed in false rituals and none knows the mystery of the Divine. -----Guru Gobind Singh, Akal Ustit, D.G. Page, 14-15
ਕਬੀਰ ਪਾਹਨੁਪਰਮੇਸੁਰੁ ਕੀਆ ਪੂਜੈ ਸਭੁਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਦੇਖਾਦੇਖੀਸ੍ਵਾਂਗੁਧਰਿਭੂਲੇਭਟਕਾਖਾਹਿ॥
Kabir, someone sets up a stone idol and the entire world worships it as the Akal Purkh. They look at one another, and wear religious robes, but they are deluded and lost. -----Kabir, Sloke #135, AGGS, Page, 1371-14
ਮੈਲੇ ਸਿਵ ਸੰਕਰਾ ਮਹੇਸ ॥ ਮੈਲੇਸਿਧਸਾਧਿਕਅਰੁਭੇਖ॥
Shiva, Shankara and Mahaysh are polluted.The Siddhas, seekers and strivers, and those who wear religious robes, are polluted. -----Kabir, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1158-6
ਮਾਥੇਤਿਲਕੁਹਥਿਮਾਲਾਬਾਨਾਂ॥ਲੋਗਨ ਰਾਮੁ ਖਿਲਉਨਾ ਜਾਨਾਂ ॥
Some apply ceremonial marks to their foreheads, hold maalas in their hands, and wear religious robes. Some people think that the Akal Purkh is a play-thing.----- Kabir, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1158-15
All the above hymns of Sabd Guru, are self explanatory and none has been taken out of context clearly demonstrate that Sikh symbols and dress code is equivalent to other faiths’ symbols. Sikh Gurus, if present today will advise similarly about the religious dress and other symbols being materialistic and will degrade the spiritual to carnal and will advise that the symbols should be replaced by compassion, contentment, Truth, Faith, and Courage, with humility and altruism thus stressing on internal piety rather than the egotistical external material political identity. Thus hatred of the non baptized Sikhs ceaseth not with hatred but with love, which is the eternal law.
Conclusion:
A true and clear perception of the purpose of life is towards realizing that purpose for which we have been given a human birth. It is also of great importance to know that we have to work intelligently towards that goal of perfecting ourselves with spiritual wisdom contained in Sabd Guru.
No external icon, symbol, religious dress in any faith (Brahmin, Muslim or Sikh), bought Akhand Path, or body position or sequence of words or numbers, has ever made God respond any better to any prayer, nor made heaven or earth or hell or anything else supernaturally bend to anyone's bidding. These deceitful situations are not a check that you can draw on the bank of God, whenever you are hard put to meet your needs. It is the sincerity and absolute honestywith subjugation of lower instincts(Lust,Anger, Attavhment, Greed, Vanity and development of virtues with individual effort) which are of prime importance to progress in spirituality. The moment you believe they have any powers or merit of their own, you believe in magic, you are being idolatrous, and you are working against the teachings of your faith. All the false values in life are really the cause of stress leading to diseases in the organism and loose their hold on the mind, which should be free to dwell in bliss, health and peace under the guidance of the teachings of Sabd Guru.
Respectfully Submitted,
Virinder S. Grewal
