DIVINE KNOWLEDGE/SPIRITUAL WISDOM/ਗਿਆਨੁ
ABSTRACT
Divine Knowledge is gained through learning honestly, truthfully by living in the message in thought, word, spirit, and deed in the hymns of AGGS. It imparts an understanding of facts and truths about the material world (Maya) and It’s Creator. Divine Will is the cause of all material things (Maya). The transference of such knowledge into our own world of finite space and time also is made possible by the Divine Will. Guru Arjan in Raag Asa and Kabir in Raag Gauri Thiti say; who get blessed with Naam and Its Grace, do understand the mystery of God, where by there is no difference between the seeker and the Creator, the common denominator being the Divine knowledge;
ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਨ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੇ ਕਿਨੇਹਿਆ ॥ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹੁ ਮੂਲਿ ਸਾਂਈ ਜੇਹਿਆ ॥
Jinĥā na visrai nām sė kinėhi¬ā. Bẖėḏ na jāṇhu mūl sāʼn¬ī jėhi¬ā.
What are they like - those who do not forget the Name of the Akal Purkh? Know that there is absolutely no difference; they are exactly like the God. -----Guru Arjan. Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 397-17
ਸਾਧਿਕ ਸਿਧ ਲਖੈ ਜਉ ਭੇਉ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਉ ॥
Sāḏẖik siḏẖ lakẖai ja¬o bẖė¬o, Āpė karṯā āpė ḏė¬o.
When the strivers and holy seekers come to know the secret of Akal Purkh's mystery, they themselves become the Creator; they themselves become the Divine Itself.
-----Kabir, Raag Gauri Thiti, AGGS, Page, 343-4
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Akal Purkh is completely beyond mortal abilities of comparison and conception, and so we can have only partial knowledge about God. We may know Its Attributes and Names but Its essence may escape us. One can study Akal Purkh’s acts and meditate on Its attributes. They help -- still it is not easy. Guru Nanak in Raag Asa says that the divine knowledge does not come by mere talk:
ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਗਲੀਈ ਢੂਢੀਐ ਕਥਨਾ ਕਰੜਾ ਸਾਰੁ॥ ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾ ਪਾਈਐ ਹੋਰ ਹਿਕਮਤਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
Giaan Na Galee-ee Dhoodhai Kathna Karrhaa Saar, Karam Milai Taa Paa-ee-ai Hor Hikmat Hukam Khu-aar.
Wisdom cannot be found through mere words. To explain It is as hard as iron. When the Akal Purkh bestows Its Grace, then alone it is received; other tricks and orders are useless. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 465-1
Divine Knowledge and Will are two essential Attributes of Divine Being:
ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਸਚੁ ਗਹਿਰ ਗੰਭੀਰਾ॥ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਤੇਰਾ ਚੀਰਾ॥
Giaan Dhiaan Such Gehar Ganbheera, Koey Na Janai Tayra Cheeraa.
Spiritual wisdom comes from deep and profound meditation on the True Akal Purkh. No one truly knows Its expanse. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru Dakhni, AGGS, Page, 1034-4
Divine Knowledge is an awareness and understanding of the eternal truths. It can be learned through the teachings incorporated in the Sabd Guru. The purpose of Divine knowledge is to purify our inner selves. This purification is the result of subjugating five lower instincts and developing godly virtues, otherwise an individual will only understand according to his meager intellect says Kabir;
ਜਾ ਕੈ ਜੀਅ ਜੈਸੀ ਬੁਧਿ ਹੋਈ ॥ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਾਨੈਗਾ ਸੋਈ ॥
Jā kai jī¬a jaisī buḏẖ ho¬ī, Kahi Kabīr jānaigā so¬ī.
What ever kind of understanding is lodged in ones self, such shall be his realization, says Kabir. -----Kabir, Gauri Poorbi Bawan Akhri, AGGS, Page, 343-2
Divine Knowledge provides the clothing for the material existence of creatures and things (Maya) according to the Divine Will, within the bounds of time and space. Transfer of Knowledge also occurs by the blessing of Akal Purkh’s Will otherwise one wanders in ignorance aimlessly says Nanak;
ਗਿਆਨ ਵਿਹੂਣੀ ਭਵੈ ਸਬਾਈ॥ ਸਾਚ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ॥
Giaan Vihoonee Bhvai Sabaa-ee, Saachaa Rav Rahiaa Liv Layee.
Without spiritual wisdom, they all just wander about aimlessly. The True Akal Purkh is pervading and permeating everywhere and remains engaged lovingly.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1034-17
As described in the following hymns of Kabir in Raag Kedara, Guru Arjan, and Guru Nanak in Raag Asa, active participation is required by anyone seeking Divine Knowledge:
ਤੇਰਾ ਜਨੁ ਏਕੁ ਆਧੁ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਕਾਮ ਕੋ੍ਧ ਲੋਭ ਬਿਬਰਜਿਤ ਹਰਿ ਪਦੁ ਚੀਨੈ ਸੋਈ॥ ਰਜ ਗੁਣ ਤਮ ਗੁਣ ਸਤ ਗੁਣ ਕਹੀਐ ਇਹ ਸਭ ਮਾਇਆ॥ ਚਉਥੇ ਪਦ ਕਉ ਜੋ ਨਰ ਚੀਨੈ੍ ਤਿਨ੍ ਹੀ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ॥
tayraa jan ayk aaDh ko-ee,Kaam Krodh Lobh Moh Biberjit Har Pad Cheenai Soyee, “Raj Goun Tam Goun Sat Goun Kaheyai Eh Teri Sabh Maya, “Chauthay Pad Kaou Jo Nar Cheenai Tin He Param Pad Paaeya.
Rare is the one who is truly a humble servant of the Akal Purkh. By overcoming sexual desire, anger, greed and attachment, such a person becomes aware of the Akal Purkh's Feet. He learns about Rajas, the quality of energy and activity; Taamas, the quality of darkness and inertia; and Satvas, the quality of purity and light. These are all manifestations of Maya, and an illusion. He alone, who reaches the fourth state of spiritual development, obtains the supreme state of Divine Knowledge.
-----Kabir, Raag Kedara, AGGS, Page, 1123
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਾਗੇ ਗਿਆਨ ਰੰਗ॥ ਵਡਭਾਗੇ ਕਿਰਪਾ ॥
Nanak Sadhoo Sang Jaagay Giaan Rang, Vadbhaagay Kirpa.
In the company of the holy, one’s love for Divine Knowledge is awakened. The Akal Purkh's Mercy is bestowed upon those who are blessed with such good destiny.
-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 380-8
ਸਗਲੀ ਧਰਤੀ ਮਾਲੁ ਧਨੁ ਵਰਤਣਿ ਸਰਬ ਜੰਜਾਲ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਮੁਸੈ ਗਿਆਨ ਵਿਹੂਣੀ ਖਾਇ ਗਇਆ ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ॥
Saglee Dhartee Maal Dhan Vartan Sarab Janjaal, Nanak Musai Giaan Vihoonee Khaay Gaiaa Jamkaal.
Earthly goods, property, and material wealth are all entanglements. O, Nanak, without Divine Knowledge, one is plundered, and devoured by the Messenger of Death.
-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 465-6
Spiritual ignorance persists in those who do not try to sharpen their minds. Without an active attempt to control and purify the mind with the medicine of Truth, Divine knowledge is not possible. One gets ready to receive the blessing of Divine knowledge by stilling his mind. The pause between two thoughts energizes the mind and readies to receive Its Grace. It can then be blessed with Divine knowledge. In a mind, there can only be one thought at a time. And it should be focused on that Absolute Principle; otherwise it is a worship of ignorance says Guru Nanak;
ਗਿਆਨ ਹੀਣੰ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਪੂਜਾ॥ ਔਧ ਵਰਤਾਵਾ ਭਾਉ ਦੂਜਾ ॥
Giaan HeeNan Agiaan Poojaa, Andh Vartaavaa Bhaou Doojaa.
Without spiritual wisdom, people are merely worshipping ignorance. They grope in the dark and stay in love with the duality. -----Guru Nanak, Sloke Vaaran To Vadheek, AGGS, Page, 1412-4
Kabir proclaimed in Raag Gauri that when mind is sharpened and channeled by Divine knowledge, one can come to know the three worlds. Without such knowledge he remains in the pangs of separation;
ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲੇ ਜਉ ਉਨਮਨਿ ਰਹੈ ॥ਤਉ ਤੀਨਿ ਲੋਕ ਕੀ ਬਾਤੈ ਕਹੈ ॥
Ayh Man Lay Jaou Unman Rahay, Taou Teen Lok Ki Baatay Kahay.
When this mind is channeled, and guided through enlightenment, it can grasp the secrets of the three worlds. -----Bhagat Kabir, Gauri Poorbi, AGGS, Page, 342-5
ਸਾਸੁ ਕੀ ਦੁਖੀ ਸਸੁਰ ਕੀ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਜੇਠ ਕੇ ਨਾਮਿ ਡਰਉ ਰੇ ॥ਸਖੀ ਸਹੇਲੀ ਨਨਦ ਗਹੇਲੀ ਦੇਵਰ ਕੈ ਬਿਰਹਿ ਜਰਉ ਰੇ॥
Saas Kee Dukhee Sasur Kee Pi-aaree Jayth Kay Naam Dara-o Ray, Sakhee Sahaylee Nanad Gahaylee Dayvar Kai Bireh Jarao Ray.
I am bothered by my mother-in-law, Maya, and loved by my father-in-law, the Akal Purkh. I fear even the name of my husband's elder brother, Death. O, my mates and companions, my husband's sister, misunderstanding has seized me, and I am burning with the pain of separation from my husband's younger brother, Divine Knowledge. -----Kabir, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 482-7
Bhai Gurdas says that Gurmukhs attains divine knowledge through Sabd in his Vaar 19;
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਬਾਣੀਐ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪੂਰਣ ਮਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਨੀਸਾਣੀਐ ॥
Gurmukh Breham Giaan Giaanee Baanee-ai, Gurmukh PooraN Mat Sabd NeesaaNee-ai.
Once Guru willed attain Divine Knowledge, they are called knowledgeable ones and has the wisdom fully stamped and marked by the Word.-----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 19, Pauri, 15
The wise seers and perfect masters come to see the Divine Light, the elemental or metaphysical form of God. Their knowledge occurs in an instant. They immediately and directly experience divine light. They hear the holy name, inner unstrung music, and taste the holy nectar. This knowledge is present in all as Higher self veiled by lowers self, which has to be removed by an active effort of the individual to be blessed by becoming a candidate for it. Further to attain such Divine Knowledge one needs the help of a Guru, says Nanak in Raag Asa;
ਕੁੰਭੇ ਬਧਾ ਜਲ ਰਹੈ ਜਲ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੁੰਭ ਨ ਹੈਇ ॥ ਗਿਆਨ ਕਾ ਬਧਾ ਮਨੁ ਰਹੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ॥
Kunbhay Badha Jal Rahay Jal Bin Kunbh Na Hoay, Giaan Ka Badhaa Man Rahai Gur Bin Giaan Na Hoay.
Water remains confined within the pitcher, but without water, the pitcher could not have been formed. Similarly the mind is restrained by spiritual wisdom, but without the Guru, there is no spiritual wisdom. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 469-17
Guru Arjan in Raag Gauri emphasizes the idea that spiritual wisdom cannot be gained by mere talk or by merely listening to divine stories.
ਙੰਙਾ ਙਿਆਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਮੁਖ ਬਾਤਉ॥ ਅਨਿਕ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਸਾਸਤ੍ ਕਰਿ ਭਾਤਉ॥ ਙਿਆਨੀ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਦਿ੍ੜ ਸੋਉ॥ ਕਹਤ ਸੁਨਤ ਕਛੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਹੋਊ॥
Nganga Ngiaan Mukh Batou, Anek Jugat Saaster Kar Bhatou, Ngianee Soey Ja Kai Dirrh Souoo, Kehat Sunat Kuch Joag Na Houoo.
NGANGA, Spiritual wisdom is not obtained by mere words of mouth. It is not obtained through the various debates about the Shaastras and scriptures. They alone are spiritually wise, whose minds are firmly fixed on The Akal Purkh. Hearing and telling stories, no one attains Yoga. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 251
It is only after we see divine light within our inner-self that self-transformation and holistic well-being become reality,” says Kabir in Raag Parbhati.
ਤਤੁ ਤੇਲੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਕੀਆ ਬਾਤੀ ਦੀਪਕੁ ਦੇਹ ਉਜ੍ਹਾਰਾ ॥ ਜੋਤਿ ਲਾਇ ਜਗਦੀਸ ਜਗਾਇਆ ਬੂਝੈ ਬਝਨਹਾਰਾ ॥
Tat Tail Naam Kee-aa Baati Deepak Dayh Oujhaaraa, Jot La-ay Jagdees Jagaa-e-aa Boojhai Boojhanhara.
With the oil of knowledge about the essence of reality, and the wick of the Naam, the Name of the Akal Purkh, this lamp illuminates my body. I have applied the Light of the Master of the Universe, and lit this lamp. This mystery the enlightened alone realize. -----Kabir, Raag Parbhati, AGGS, Page, 1350-13
Spirituality and Divine Knowledge help us to discover the Truth. They make life of an individual meaningful in its totality, and complete. They are gained through the help of a holy teacher and by focusing the mind on the Akal Purkh, and then It illuminates Its laws of Justice which is blind but evenhanded.
ਮਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਐ॥ ਅਨਿਕ ਪ੍ਕਾਰ ਫਿਰਤ ਮਿਲਤ ਨਹੀ ਗੋਸਾਈਆ॥
Maa-ee Gur Bin Giaan Na Paaeeai, Anek Parkaar Firat Billaatay Milat Nhee Gosaa-eeai.
O mother, without the Guru, spiritual wisdom is not obtained. People roam around, weeping and crying out in all directions, but the Master of the World does not meet them.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Devgandhari, AGGS, Page, 532-11
ਹਉਮੈ ਮਮਤਾ ਜਲਿ ਬਲਉ ਲੋਭੁ ਜਲਉ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੀਐਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ॥
Houmai Mamta Jal Balou Loabh Jalou Abhiman, Nanak Shabad Vichaariai Paaeeai GuNee Nidhaan.
May my egotism and possessiveness be burnt to ashes, and may my greed and egotistical pride consigned to the fire. Nanak, by reflecting on the Sabd, one obtains the treasure of Spiritual Wisdom. -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 59-18
ਸੋ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਪਤਿ ਗਵਾਈ ॥
So Giani Jin Sabad Liv Laa-ee, Manmukh Houmai Pat Gavaa-ee.
He alone is Giani, knower of the knowledge, who focuses on the Name. The self-willed, egotistical loses his honor. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 831-15
Conclusion;
Divine Knowledge alone removes ignorance. Once ignorance is dispelled human mind becomes pure. When all traces of ਹਉਮੈ are gone, the mind gets illuminated with Spiritual Wisdom. Upon attaining this state of direct Vision as Gurmukh one rids of any misapprehension, uncertainty, and doubt of the Self as well as that of Reality not to arise again. One experiences his self-less true Higher Self. Unreality vanishes; only the One Pure, unseen All-pervading Consciousness is seen in all says Guru Nanak;
ਤੂੰ ਸਭਨਾ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਤਿਨਿ ਕਰਤੈ ਆਪੁ ਲੁਕਾਇਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇਆ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਜੋਤਿ ਧਰੀ ਕਰਤਾਰਿ ਜੀਉ ॥
Ŧūʼn sabẖnā māhi samā­i­ā. Ŧin karṯai āp lukā­i­ā. Nānak gurmukẖ pargat ho­i­ā jā ka­o joṯ ḏẖarī karṯār jī­o.
You, Akal Purkh, are pervading in all, and yet, the Creator keeps It self concealed. O, Nanak, the Creator is revealed to the Guru willed, within whom It has infused Its Light. -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 72-14
Virinder S. Grewal
Williamston, MI
