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Sehskritee Mahala 1
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Swaiyyae in Praise of Gurus
Shaloks in Addition To Vaars
Shalok Ninth Mehl
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ਰਾਗ ਮਾਲਾ, Raag Maalaa
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Re: Pillars Of The Sikh Faith
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<blockquote data-quote="vsgrewal48895" data-source="post: 118364" data-attributes="member: 8024"><p style="text-align: center"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><strong>NAAM, DAN, ISHNA</strong><strong>N/</strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">ABSTRACT</span></span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Sikh Gurus emphasized three religious practices as<strong><em> a way of life </em></strong>in Sikh congregational gatherings of the time, <em>Naam</em> (remembering God's Name for internal purity), <em>Dan</em> (contributing to the community), and <em>Ishnan</em> (bathing in a sacred tank/<em>sarovar</em> for external purity and in the Gurbani/Sabd for internal purefication). Among these three, external bath (<em>Ishnan)</em> was regarded as a means to an end, not an end in itself, which erroneously has taken priority over the internal bath due to spiritual ignorance. Guru Nanak comments on the subject in Raag, Asa; </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਇਕਿ ਗਿਰਹੀ ਸੇਵਕ ਸਾਧਿਕਾ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਲਾਗੇ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"> ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਸੁ ਜਾਗੇ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥ </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> <em>I</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em>k girhī sėvak sā</em></span><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ikā gurma</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ī lāgė. Nām </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ān isnān </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ari</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṛ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> har b</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">aga</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em> so jāgė.</em> </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Some are householders, servants, and seekers, attached to the Guru's Teachings. They hold fast to the Naam, to charity, to cleansing and purification; they remain awake in devotion to God. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 419-5 </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Naam (</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਨਾਮ</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">)</span>;</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Naam is much more than recitation of the word says Guru Nanak in Raag Asa and Guru Arjan in Raag Gond;</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਨਾਮੇ ਸੁਚਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਪੜਉ ਨਾਮੇ ਚਜੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Nāmė suc</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> nāmo pa</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṛ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">a&shy;o nāmė c</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">aj āc</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ār. </span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Naam is inner cleanliness, Name is your study, and Akal Purkh's Name is your wisdom and way of life.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 355-3</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੇ ਜੀਅ ਕੀ ਰਾਸਿ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਨਾਮੋ ਸੰਗੀ ਜਤ ਕਤ ਜਾਤ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਨਾਮੋ ਹੀ ਮਨਿ ਲਾਗਾ ਮੀਠਾ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਡੀਠਾ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥ </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Nām hamāre jī▫a kī rās. Nāmo sangī ja</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> ka</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> jā</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">. Nāmo hī man lāgā mī</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā. Jal thal sab</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> mėh nāmo dī</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The Naam is the wealth of my conscience. Wherever I go, the Naam is with me. The Naam is sweet to my mind. I see the Naam in the water, land, and everywhere,-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gond, AGGS, Page, 863</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The way of life of a Sikh is altruism, which actually is devotional worship of the Akal Purkh says Guru Nanak in Japji and Raag Asa;</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਵਿਣੁ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਗੁਣ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Vin Goun Keetay Bhagat Na Ho-ay.</span></span></span></span></em><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></span></strong></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Without virtue, there is no devotional worship.</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">-----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 4-16</span></span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤੂਤਿ ਬੇਲਿ ਬਿਸਥਾਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਫਲੁ ਹੂਆ</span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਤਿਸੁ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਅਨਾਹਦੁ ਵਾਜੈ ਸਬਦੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਿ ਕੀਆ</span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Karam kar</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ū</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> bėl bisthārī rām nām fal hū¬ā, Ŧis rūp na rėk</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> anāha</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> vājai saba</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> niranjan kī¬ā.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The vine of good actions and character has spread out, and it bears the fruit of the Akal Purkh's Name. The Name has no form or outline; it vibrates with the unstruck Sound Current; through the Word of the Sabd, the Immaculate Akal Purkh is revealed. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 351-2</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Naam is every where and It self is Akal Purkh in lay terms says Guru Arjan in Raag Gond;</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਡੀਠਾ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥ </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Jal thal sab</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> mėh nāmo dī</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">I see the Naam, everywhere, in the water, and on the land. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gond, AGGS, Page, 863-6</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Caution; Mechanical recitation of Word with out mental focus, may be the first step on the path towards spirituality. But there is hardly any progress until one starts understanding, reflecting, and relishing the Sabd thus being lost in to it in devotional love. Guru Ramdas in Raag Sarang and Guru Arjan in Mundawani ponder on it;</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਗਣਤੈ ਸੇਵ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਥਾਇ ਨ ਪਾਇ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥ </span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਸਬਦੈ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਸਚਿ ਨ ਲਗੋ ਭਾਉ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Ga</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ai sev na hova▫ī kī</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā thā▫e na pā▫e. Sab</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ai sā</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> na ā&shy;i&shy;o sac</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> na lago b</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā&shy;o. </span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Service to the Akal Purkh is not performed by calculations, the deeds of such are not approved, who find no joy, neither attached, nor in love with the True Akal Purkh.-----Guru Ramdas, Raag Sarang Ki Vaar, AGGS, Page, 1246-8</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਭੁੰਚੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"> </span> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Amri</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> nām </span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ākur kā pa&shy;i&shy;o jis kā sab</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">as a</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">āro. Jė ko k</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">āvai jė ko b</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">unc</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ai </span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">is kā ho&shy;ė u</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">āro.</span></span></span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam of Akal Purkh and Master has been placed upon it as well; it is the Support of all.</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">One who eats it and relishes it shall be saved. -----Guru Arjan, Mundawani, AGGS, Page, 1429</span></span> & Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 4-12</span></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Charity (</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਦਾਨ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">)</span></strong></span></p> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">It is defined as a benevolent goodwill toward others or love of humanity. The charity that hastens to proclaim its good deeds, ceases to be charity, and is only pride and ostentation. One should be charitable before wealth makes him greedy. Charity begins at home. If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. In giving, a man receives more than he gives, and the more is in proportion to the worth of the thing given.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. -----Martin Luther King Jr.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Charity is one’s generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering with out asking or even thinking of a reward (Quid pro quo). God cannot be reached through charity and does not equal to Naam says Guru Nanak;</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਦਾਤਂੀ ਕੀਤੈ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਪੁੰਨਿ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">॥</span></span> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> <em>Na b</em></span></span><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ījai </span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">īʼn kī</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ai punn.</span></span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">God is not won over by giving donations in charity.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sarang AGGS, Page, 1237-13</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਕਿਛੁ ਪੁੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਅਨੇਕ ਕਰਣੀ ਨਾਮ ਤੁਲਿ ਨ ਸਮਸਰੇ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em>Kic</em></span></span><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖẖ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> punn </span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ān anėk kar</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ī nām </span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ul na samasrė.</span></span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Giving donations to charity, and performing various religious rituals are not equal to the contemplation of the Naam. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Vadhans, AGGS, Page, 566-9</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The place of charity in Sikh Thought is explained by Guru Nanak in Raag Sarang to a spiritual teacher;</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"> ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">G</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">āl k</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā&shy;ė kic</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> hathahu </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ė&shy;ė. Nānak rāhu pac</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">eh sė&shy;ė.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Those that eat the bread of their labor and give some in charity, says Nanak, truly recognize the way.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sarang, AGGS, Page, 1245-9</span></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Ishnan/Bath (</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਇਸਨਾਨ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">)</span></span></strong></span></p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">It is of two types;</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-size: 12px">1.</span> </span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-size: 12px">Hygienic to remove the outer filth.</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-size: 12px">2.</span> </span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-size: 12px">Spiritual to remove the internal filth.</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Hygeinic bath</strong>- Early morning cold bath or shower is recommended in Sikh Philosophy. It per se has no spiritual value but it promotes the body and mental conditions for a set up for meditation as it removes the night’s slumber as well external filth. The mind and body is freshened and become ready to be focused on the Word, followed by delibration, contemplation, and reflection on the message in the day ahead. This sets up a path for spiritual growth and a positive step for a wonderful day ahead for daily activities. The timing of taking of external bath depends on the individual’s need to cleanse the outer filth and his working shift in the western countries. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Spiritual bath- It is to clean the inner filth caused by the five lower instincts, through the teachings of Sabd Guru. Gurus Nanak in Japji and Guru Amardas in Raag Ramkali ponders on these baths;</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥ </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">B</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">arī&shy;ai hath pair </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">an </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ėh. Pā</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ī </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">o</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ai u</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ras k</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ėh. Mū</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> palī</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ī kapa</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṛ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> ho&shy;ė.</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'"> Ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ė sābū</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> la&shy;ī&shy;ai oh </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">o&shy;ė. B</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">arī&shy;ai ma</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> pāpā kai sang. Oh </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">opai nāvai kai rang. </span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty, water can wash away the dirt. When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, soap can wash them clean. But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name. -----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 4-11 & 12</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਏਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਸਰਵਰੁ ਹੈ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਕਰੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"> ਨਾਮਿ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਕਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਸਬਦੇ ਮੈਲੁ ਗਵਾਈ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥ </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Ėhu sarīr sarvar hai san</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ahu isnān kare liv lā▫ī. Nām isnān karahi se jan nirmal sab</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">e mail gavā▫ī.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">This body is a pool, O holy strivers; bathe in it, and enshrine love for the Akal Purkh. Those who cleanse themselves through the Naam are the most immaculate people; through the Sabd, they wash off their filth. -----Guru Amardas, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 909-3</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black">Guru Nanak and Guru Arjan differentiate in Raag Asa and in Raag Parbhati on both baths;</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸੂਚੇ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਏ</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਜਿ ਪਿੰਡਾ ਧੋਇ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸੂਚੇ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਨਕਾ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਜਿਨ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ </strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><strong>॥</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black"> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em>Soochay Ayh Na Aakheah Behn Jo Pinda Dhoey, Soochay Sayee Nanaka Jin Man Vasiaa Soey.</em></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">They are not called pure, who sit down after merely washing their bodies. Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the Akal Purkh abides.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 472-9 & 10</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਪਾਪ ਕਰਹਿ ਪੰਚਾਂ ਕੇ ਬਸਿ ਰੇ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਇ ਕਹਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਉਤਰੇ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'AnmolUniPr'"> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Paap Karahi PanchaaN Kay Bas Ray, Tirath Naa-ay Kaheh Sabh Utray.</span></span></em></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">They commit sins, under the influence of the five thieves. They bathe at sacred shrines, and claim that everything has been washed off. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Parbhati, AGGS, Page, 1348</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Outer cleanliness has to be associated with inner cleanliness carried out daily to progress in spirituality and not one day in a year or on some special occasion or bathing parts of the body such as <em>Panj Isanan</em> (</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਪੰਜ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਇਸਨਾਨ</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">).</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><strong>Internal bath</strong> consists of contemplation of the Naam 24 hours (8 Pahars) is the teaching of Guru Arjan in Siri Raag and Gauri;</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਸੁਖ ਸਹਜ</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਸੇਤੀ ਜਪਿ ਨਾਉ </span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">॥</span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਆਠ</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਪਹਰ</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਧਿਆਇ ਤੂੰ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਇੰਦ ਨਿਤ ਗਾਉ </span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">॥</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 15px"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Man mėrė suk</span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> sahj sė</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ī jap nā&shy;o, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Ā</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯẖ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> pahar parab</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></em> <em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">i&shy;ā&shy;ė </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ūʼn gu</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> go&shy;in</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> ni</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> gā&shy;o</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">.</span></em></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">O my mind, chant the Name with intuitive peace and poise. </span></span>Twenty-four hours a day, meditate on God. Constantly sing the Glories of the Creator of the Universe. -----Guru Arjan, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 44-13</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਸਿਮਰਉ ਦਿਨੁ ਰੈਨਿ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸਾਸ ਗਿਰ</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਾਸਾ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Simra&shy;o </span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">in rain sās girāsā.</span></span></span></em> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Remember the God in meditation, day and night, with every breath and every morsel of food.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 177-15</span></span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">It does not mean that one should not pay attention to his livelihood work as there can only be one thought in the mind at a time. It means one should make an honest attempt to remember God in 24 hours as much he can.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Kabir says in Raag Asa that here is no pilgrimage bath like service to the Guru:</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਪੂਜਹੁ ਰਾਮੁ ਏਕੁ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਹੀ ਦੇਵਾ </strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><strong>॥</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong> ਸਾਚਾ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਨਾਵ</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਣੁ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Pūjahu rām ėk hī </span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ėvā, Sāc</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā nāva</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> gur kī sėvā.</span></span></span></em> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Worship the One Divine Creator. The true cleansing bath is service to the Guru. -----Kabir, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 484-14 &15</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">In support of this tradition, a verse of the fifth Guru, under whom the work on the sacred <em>sarovar at Amritsar</em> continued, apparently condones belief in the purificatory powers of the <em>sarovar</em>:</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਰਾਮਦਾਸ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸਰੋਵਰ</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਿ ਨਾਤੇ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸਭਿ ਉਤਰੇ ਪਾਪ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਕਮਾਤੇ </strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><strong>॥</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਨਿਰਮਲ ਹੋਏ ਕਰਿ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਇਸਨਾਨਾ </strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><strong>॥</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਕੀਨੇ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਦਾਨਾ </strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><strong>॥</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸਭਿ ਕੁਸਲ ਖੇਮ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਧਾਰੇ </strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><strong>॥</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸਹੀ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਸਭਿ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਥੋਕ ਉਬਾਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ </strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><strong>॥</strong></span></span><strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'AnmolUniPr'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> -----</span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਮਲੁ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਲਾਥੀ </strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><strong>॥</strong></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Rām</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ās sarovar nā</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ė, Sab</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> u</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rė pāp kamā</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ė, Nirmal ho&shy;ė kar isnānā. Gur pūrai kīnė </span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ānā, Sab</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> kusal k</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ėm parab</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em> <em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ārė, Sahī salāma</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> sab</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> thok ubārė gur kā saba</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> vīc</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ārė, ---- Sā</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">sang mal lāthī.</span></span></span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Bathing in the nectar tank of Ramdas (his composed Gurbani and not the tank of Golden Temple IMHO) the residues of all sins are erased. One becomes immaculately pure, taking this cleansing bath. The Perfect Guru has bestowed this gift -- <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">everything is safe and sound, as we contemplate the Word of the Guru's Sabd.</span></span>..In the <em>Sadh Sangat</em>, the Company of the holy, filth is washed off.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 625-16</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The reference to the filth being washed off in the company of the holy is obviously metaphorical. It does not mean that all the bad acts of the past are removed and one can resume the old ways again. It also does not mean that one can do the Ishnan once a year and be all set for the remainder of the year. Guru Nanak clarifies in Siri Raag;</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਗੁਰੁ</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਸਰੁ</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਸਾਗਰੁ ਬੋਹਿਥੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਦਰੀਆਉ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ</span> <span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਊਜਲੀ ਸਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵਣ ਜਾਉ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Gur sar sāgar bohitho gur </span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">irath </span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">arī&shy;ā&shy;o, Jė </span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">is b</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">āvai ūjlī sa</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> sar nāva</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> jā&shy;o.</span></span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The Guru is the Boat to carry me across the world-ocean; the Guru is the Sacred Shrine of Pilgrimage, the Guru is the Holy River.</span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> If it pleases Him, I bathe in the Pool of Truth, and become radiant and pure.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 17-14</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">But, because pilgrims were expected to wash themselves in the water of a <em>sarovar</em> before approaching the Guru, bathing became one step <em>towards</em> meeting the Guru; the external bath became a prerequisite for the internal bath.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਕਰਿ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਪਨਾ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਭਏ ਅਰੋਗਾ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"> ਕੋਟਿ ਬਿਘਨ ਲਾਥੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੇ ਭਲੇ ਸੰਜੋਗਾ </span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Kar isnān simar parab</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> apnā man </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">an b</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">a&shy;ė arogā. Kot big</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">an lāthė parab</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> sar</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā pargatė b</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">alė sanjogā. </span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">After taking your cleansing bath, remember your God in meditation, and your mind and body shall be free of disease. Millions of obstacles are removed, in the Sanctuary of God, and good fortune dawns. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 611-11</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Over time, <em>ishnan</em> came to have both mundane and sacred connotations, implying both physical and spiritual purity. Both are mentioned in the Sikh scriptures. Real bath is the bath in the pool of the truth as referred to by Guru Amardas in Raag Suhi;</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਸਚਾ</span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਤੀਰਥੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵਣੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Sac</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā </span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">irath ji</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> sa</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> sar nāva</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> gurmuk</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> āp buj</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">ā&shy;ė.</span></span></em></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">True is that place of pilgrimage, where one <strong>bath</strong>es in the pool of Truth, and achieves self-realization as a Guru willed. The Guru willed understands his own self.</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">-----<strong>Guru Amar Das, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 753-15</strong></span></span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The following hymns make it clear that the references to bathing in water are metaphorical:</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਗੁਰੂ</strong></span></span> <span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><strong>ਸਮੁੰਦ</strong></span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ੁ ਨਦੀ ਸਭਿ ਸਿਖੀ ਨਾਤੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਵਡਿਆਈ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Gurū samun</span></span></span></em></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> na</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ī sab</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> sik</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ī nā</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ai ji</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"> vadi&shy;ā&shy;ī.</span></span></em></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The Guru is the ocean, and all Its teachings are the river. Bathing within it, glorious greatness is obtained. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 150-6</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਕਾਇਆ ਕੂੜਿ ਵਿਗਾੜਿ ਕਾਹੇ ਨਾਈਐ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'">ਨਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਈਐ </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'">॥</span></span> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"> </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Kā&shy;i&shy;ā kū</span></span></em></span><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṛ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> vigā</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṛ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> kāhė nā&shy;ī&shy;ai. Nā</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā so parvā</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> sac</span></span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span></span></em><em><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> kamā&shy;ī&shy;ai. </span></span></span></em></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Why bother to wash the body, polluted by falsehood? One's cleansing bath is only approved, if he practices Truth.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">-----Guru Nanak, Raag Vadhans, AGGS, Page, 565-19</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Naam (Internal Bath) is all inclusive and takes precedence over charity and external bath;</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><em>ਮਜਨੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਭਾਈ ਦਰਗਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸੇਖੁ </em></span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><em>॥</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Majan </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ān c</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ang¬ā¬ī¬ā b</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ā¬ī </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">argeh nām visėk</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">In the Court of the Akal Purkh, the Naam is far superior to ritualistic cleansing baths, charity and good deeds, O Siblings of Destiny. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 635-19</span></span></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Conclusion;</span></span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Raavi'"><em>ਇਸਨਾਨ ਦਾਨ ਤਾਪਨ ਸੁਚਿ ਕਿਰਿਆ ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਧਾਰੀ </em></span><span style="font-family: 'Mangal'"><em>॥</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Isnān </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ān </span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṯ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">āpan suc</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> kiri¬ā c</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ara</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ṇ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> kamal hir</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ai parab</span></em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ẖ</span> </em><em><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma'">ḏẖ</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">ārī.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The merits of cleansing baths, charity, penance, purity and good deeds, are obtained by enshrining to the Lotus Feet of God (Hymns of Sabd Guru) within the heart.-----Guru Arjan, Sawaee-a, AGGS, Page, 1389-2</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Virinder</span></span></p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="vsgrewal48895, post: 118364, member: 8024"] [CENTER][CENTER][FONT=Times New Roman][B]NAAM, DAN, ISHNA[/B][B]N/[/B][/FONT][B][FONT=Raavi]ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ[/FONT][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][FONT=Raavi][/FONT][/B][B][/B] [/CENTER] [CENTER][B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]ABSTRACT[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT][/B] [/CENTER][/CENTER] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Sikh Gurus emphasized three religious practices as[B][I] a way of life [/I][/B]in Sikh congregational gatherings of the time, [I]Naam[/I] (remembering God's Name for internal purity), [I]Dan[/I] (contributing to the community), and [I]Ishnan[/I] (bathing in a sacred tank/[I]sarovar[/I] for external purity and in the Gurbani/Sabd for internal purefication). Among these three, external bath ([I]Ishnan)[/I] was regarded as a means to an end, not an end in itself, which erroneously has taken priority over the internal bath due to spiritual ignorance. Guru Nanak comments on the subject in Raag, Asa; [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਇਕਿ ਗਿਰਹੀ ਸੇਵਕ ਸਾਧਿਕਾ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਲਾਗੇ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਸੁ ਜਾਗੇ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥ [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] [I]I[/I][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][I]k girhī sėvak sā[/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]ikā gurma[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]ī lāgė. Nām [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]ān isnān [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]ari[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṛ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman] har b[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]aga[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/I][FONT=Times New Roman][I] so jāgė.[/I] [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Some are householders, servants, and seekers, attached to the Guru's Teachings. They hold fast to the Naam, to charity, to cleansing and purification; they remain awake in devotion to God. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 419-5 [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][B][FONT=Times New Roman]Naam ([/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Raavi]ਨਾਮ[/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Times New Roman][FONT=Raavi])[/FONT];[/FONT][/B][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Naam is much more than recitation of the word says Guru Nanak in Raag Asa and Guru Arjan in Raag Gond;[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਨਾਮੇ ਸੁਚਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਪੜਉ ਨਾਮੇ ਚਜੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Nāmė suc[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] nāmo pa[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṛ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]a­o nāmė c[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]aj āc[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ār. [/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [I][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/I] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Naam is inner cleanliness, Name is your study, and Akal Purkh's Name is your wisdom and way of life.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 355-3[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੇ ਜੀਅ ਕੀ ਰਾਸਿ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਨਾਮੋ ਸੰਗੀ ਜਤ ਕਤ ਜਾਤ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਨਾਮੋ ਹੀ ਮਨਿ ਲਾਗਾ ਮੀਠਾ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਡੀਠਾ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥ [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Nām hamāre jī▫a kī rās. Nāmo sangī ja[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] ka[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] jā[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]. Nāmo hī man lāgā mī[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā. Jal thal sab[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] mėh nāmo dī[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā.[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The Naam is the wealth of my conscience. Wherever I go, the Naam is with me. The Naam is sweet to my mind. I see the Naam in the water, land, and everywhere,-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gond, AGGS, Page, 863[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The way of life of a Sikh is altruism, which actually is devotional worship of the Akal Purkh says Guru Nanak in Japji and Raag Asa;[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਵਿਣੁ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਗੁਣ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Vin Goun Keetay Bhagat Na Ho-ay.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]Without virtue, there is no devotional worship.[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]-----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 4-16[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤੂਤਿ ਬੇਲਿ ਬਿਸਥਾਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਫਲੁ ਹੂਆ[/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਤਿਸੁ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਅਨਾਹਦੁ ਵਾਜੈ ਸਬਦੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਿ ਕੀਆ[/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Karam kar[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ū[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] bėl bisthārī rām nām fal hū¬ā, Ŧis rūp na rėk[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] anāha[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] vājai saba[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] niranjan kī¬ā.[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The vine of good actions and character has spread out, and it bears the fruit of the Akal Purkh's Name. The Name has no form or outline; it vibrates with the unstruck Sound Current; through the Word of the Sabd, the Immaculate Akal Purkh is revealed. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 351-2[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Naam is every where and It self is Akal Purkh in lay terms says Guru Arjan in Raag Gond;[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਡੀਠਾ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥ [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Jal thal sab[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] mėh nāmo dī[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā.[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I see the Naam, everywhere, in the water, and on the land. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gond, AGGS, Page, 863-6[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Caution; Mechanical recitation of Word with out mental focus, may be the first step on the path towards spirituality. But there is hardly any progress until one starts understanding, reflecting, and relishing the Sabd thus being lost in to it in devotional love. Guru Ramdas in Raag Sarang and Guru Arjan in Mundawani ponder on it;[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Raavi][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਗਣਤੈ ਸੇਵ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਥਾਇ ਨ ਪਾਇ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥ [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਸਬਦੈ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਸਚਿ ਨ ਲਗੋ ਭਾਉ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Mangal] [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Ga[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṇṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ai sev na hova▫ī kī[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā thā▫e na pā▫e. Sab[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ai sā[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] na ā­i­o sac[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] na lago b[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā­o. [/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [I][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/I] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Service to the Akal Purkh is not performed by calculations, the deeds of such are not approved, who find no joy, neither attached, nor in love with the True Akal Purkh.-----Guru Ramdas, Raag Sarang Ki Vaar, AGGS, Page, 1246-8[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਭੁੰਚੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Mangal][/FONT][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]Amri[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] nām [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ākur kā pa­i­o jis kā sab[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]as a[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]āro. Jė ko k[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]āvai jė ko b[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]unc[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ai [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]is kā ho­ė u[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]āro.[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam of Akal Purkh and Master has been placed upon it as well; it is the Support of all.[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]One who eats it and relishes it shall be saved. -----Guru Arjan, Mundawani, AGGS, Page, 1429[/FONT][/COLOR] & Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 4-12[COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [CENTER][CENTER][SIZE=3][B][FONT=Times New Roman]Charity ([/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Raavi]ਦਾਨ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman])[/FONT][/B][/SIZE][/CENTER][/CENTER] [B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]It is defined as a benevolent goodwill toward others or love of humanity. The charity that hastens to proclaim its good deeds, ceases to be charity, and is only pride and ostentation. One should be charitable before wealth makes him greedy. Charity begins at home. If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. In giving, a man receives more than he gives, and the more is in proportion to the worth of the thing given.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. -----Martin Luther King Jr.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Charity is one’s generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering with out asking or even thinking of a reward (Quid pro quo). God cannot be reached through charity and does not equal to Naam says Guru Nanak;[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਦਾਤਂੀ ਕੀਤੈ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਪੁੰਨਿ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] [I]Na b[/I][/FONT][/COLOR][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]ījai [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]ā[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]īʼn kī[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]ai punn.[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][COLOR=black][/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]God is not won over by giving donations in charity.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sarang AGGS, Page, 1237-13[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਕਿਛੁ ਪੁੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਅਨੇਕ ਕਰਣੀ ਨਾਮ ਤੁਲਿ ਨ ਸਮਸਰੇ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][I]Kic[/I][/FONT][/COLOR][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] punn [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]ān anėk kar[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]ī nām [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]ul na samasrė.[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][COLOR=black][/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Giving donations to charity, and performing various religious rituals are not equal to the contemplation of the Naam. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Vadhans, AGGS, Page, 566-9[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The place of charity in Sikh Thought is explained by Guru Nanak in Raag Sarang to a spiritual teacher;[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]G[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]āl k[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā­ė kic[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] hathahu [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ė­ė. Nānak rāhu pac[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]eh sė­ė.[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Those that eat the bread of their labor and give some in charity, says Nanak, truly recognize the way.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sarang, AGGS, Page, 1245-9[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [CENTER][CENTER][SIZE=3][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]Ishnan/Bath ([/FONT][/COLOR][/B][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਇਸਨਾਨ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman])[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/CENTER][/CENTER] [COLOR=black][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]It is of two types;[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]1.[/SIZE] [/COLOR][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Hygienic to remove the outer filth.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]2.[/SIZE] [/COLOR][COLOR=black][SIZE=3]Spiritual to remove the internal filth.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][B]Hygeinic bath[/B]- Early morning cold bath or shower is recommended in Sikh Philosophy. It per se has no spiritual value but it promotes the body and mental conditions for a set up for meditation as it removes the night’s slumber as well external filth. The mind and body is freshened and become ready to be focused on the Word, followed by delibration, contemplation, and reflection on the message in the day ahead. This sets up a path for spiritual growth and a positive step for a wonderful day ahead for daily activities. The timing of taking of external bath depends on the individual’s need to cleanse the outer filth and his working shift in the western countries. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Spiritual bath- It is to clean the inner filth caused by the five lower instincts, through the teachings of Sabd Guru. Gurus Nanak in Japji and Guru Amardas in Raag Ramkali ponders on these baths;[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥ [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]B[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]arī­ai hath pair [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]an [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ėh. Pā[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ī [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]o[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ai u[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ras k[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ėh. Mū[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] palī[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ī kapa[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṛ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] ho­ė.[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma] Ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ė sābū[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] la­ī­ai oh [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]o­ė. B[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]arī­ai ma[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] pāpā kai sang. Oh [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]opai nāvai kai rang. [/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty, water can wash away the dirt. When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, soap can wash them clean. But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name. -----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 4-11 & 12[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਏਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਸਰਵਰੁ ਹੈ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਕਰੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] ਨਾਮਿ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਕਰਹਿ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਸਬਦੇ ਮੈਲੁ ਗਵਾਈ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥ [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Ėhu sarīr sarvar hai san[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ahu isnān kare liv lā▫ī. Nām isnān karahi se jan nirmal sab[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]e mail gavā▫ī.[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]This body is a pool, O holy strivers; bathe in it, and enshrine love for the Akal Purkh. Those who cleanse themselves through the Naam are the most immaculate people; through the Sabd, they wash off their filth. -----Guru Amardas, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 909-3[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]Guru Nanak and Guru Arjan differentiate in Raag Asa and in Raag Parbhati on both baths;[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸੂਚੇ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਏ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਜਿ ਪਿੰਡਾ ਧੋਇ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸੂਚੇ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਨਕਾ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਜਿਨ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B]॥[/B][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black] [/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][/COLOR][I]Soochay Ayh Na Aakheah Behn Jo Pinda Dhoey, Soochay Sayee Nanaka Jin Man Vasiaa Soey.[/I][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][I][/I][COLOR=black][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]They are not called pure, who sit down after merely washing their bodies. Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the Akal Purkh abides.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 472-9 & 10[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਪਾਪ ਕਰਹਿ ਪੰਚਾਂ ਕੇ ਬਸਿ ਰੇ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਇ ਕਹਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਉਤਰੇ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr] [/FONT][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][/FONT][/COLOR][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]Paap Karahi PanchaaN Kay Bas Ray, Tirath Naa-ay Kaheh Sabh Utray.[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][B][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]They commit sins, under the influence of the five thieves. They bathe at sacred shrines, and claim that everything has been washed off. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Parbhati, AGGS, Page, 1348[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]Outer cleanliness has to be associated with inner cleanliness carried out daily to progress in spirituality and not one day in a year or on some special occasion or bathing parts of the body such as [I]Panj Isanan[/I] ([/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਪੰਜ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਇਸਨਾਨ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]).[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][B]Internal bath[/B] consists of contemplation of the Naam 24 hours (8 Pahars) is the teaching of Guru Arjan in Siri Raag and Gauri;[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਸੁਖ ਸਹਜ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਸੇਤੀ ਜਪਿ ਨਾਉ [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਆਠ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਪਹਰ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਧਿਆਇ ਤੂੰ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਇੰਦ ਨਿਤ ਗਾਉ [/FONT][FONT=Raavi]॥[/FONT] [FONT=Raavi][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4][/SIZE][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Man mėrė suk[/FONT][/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman] sahj sė[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]ī jap nā­o, [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Ā[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯẖ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman] pahar parab[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]i­ā­ė [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman]ūʼn gu[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman] go­in[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman] ni[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman] gā­o[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman].[/FONT][/I] [I][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/I] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]O my mind, chant the Name with intuitive peace and poise. [/FONT][/COLOR]Twenty-four hours a day, meditate on God. Constantly sing the Glories of the Creator of the Universe. -----Guru Arjan, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 44-13[/FONT][/SIZE] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਸਿਮਰਉ ਦਿਨੁ ਰੈਨਿ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸਾਸ ਗਿਰ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਾਸਾ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]Simra­o [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]in rain sās girāsā.[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Remember the God in meditation, day and night, with every breath and every morsel of food.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 177-15[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]It does not mean that one should not pay attention to his livelihood work as there can only be one thought in the mind at a time. It means one should make an honest attempt to remember God in 24 hours as much he can.[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Kabir says in Raag Asa that here is no pilgrimage bath like service to the Guru:[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਪੂਜਹੁ ਰਾਮੁ ਏਕੁ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਹੀ ਦੇਵਾ [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B]॥[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B] ਸਾਚਾ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਨਾਵ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਣੁ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]Pūjahu rām ėk hī [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ėvā, Sāc[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ā nāva[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] gur kī sėvā.[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Worship the One Divine Creator. The true cleansing bath is service to the Guru. -----Kabir, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 484-14 &15[/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]In support of this tradition, a verse of the fifth Guru, under whom the work on the sacred [I]sarovar at Amritsar[/I] continued, apparently condones belief in the purificatory powers of the [I]sarovar[/I]:[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਰਾਮਦਾਸ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸਰੋਵਰ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਿ ਨਾਤੇ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸਭਿ ਉਤਰੇ ਪਾਪ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਕਮਾਤੇ [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B]॥[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਨਿਰਮਲ ਹੋਏ ਕਰਿ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਇਸਨਾਨਾ [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B]॥[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਕੀਨੇ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਦਾਨਾ [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B]॥[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸਭਿ ਕੁਸਲ ਖੇਮ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਧਾਰੇ [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B]॥[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸਹੀ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਸਭਿ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਥੋਕ ਉਬਾਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B]॥[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] -----[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਮਲੁ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਲਾਥੀ [/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal][B]॥[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]Rām[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ās sarovar nā[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ė, Sab[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] u[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]rė pāp kamā[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ė, Nirmal ho­ė kar isnānā. Gur pūrai kīnė [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ānā, Sab[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] kusal k[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ėm parab[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ārė, Sahī salāma[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] sab[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] thok ubārė gur kā saba[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] vīc[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ārė, ---- Sā[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]sang mal lāthī.[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Bathing in the nectar tank of Ramdas (his composed Gurbani and not the tank of Golden Temple IMHO) the residues of all sins are erased. One becomes immaculately pure, taking this cleansing bath. The Perfect Guru has bestowed this gift -- [COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]everything is safe and sound, as we contemplate the Word of the Guru's Sabd.[/FONT][/COLOR]..In the [I]Sadh Sangat[/I], the Company of the holy, filth is washed off.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 625-16[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]The reference to the filth being washed off in the company of the holy is obviously metaphorical. It does not mean that all the bad acts of the past are removed and one can resume the old ways again. It also does not mean that one can do the Ishnan once a year and be all set for the remainder of the year. Guru Nanak clarifies in Siri Raag;[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE] [FONT=Raavi]ਗੁਰੁ[/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਸਰੁ[/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਸਾਗਰੁ ਬੋਹਿਥੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਦਰੀਆਉ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਜੇ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ[/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=4] [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Raavi]ਊਜਲੀ ਸਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵਣ ਜਾਉ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT] [FONT=Mangal][/FONT][SIZE=4][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]Gur sar sāgar bohitho gur [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]irath [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]arī­ā­o, Jė [/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]is b[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman]āvai ūjlī sa[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] sar nāva[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] jā­o.[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]The Guru is the Boat to carry me across the world-ocean; the Guru is the Sacred Shrine of Pilgrimage, the Guru is the Holy River.[/FONT][COLOR=black][FONT=Times New Roman] If it pleases Him, I bathe in the Pool of Truth, and become radiant and pure.[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Times New Roman] -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 17-14[/FONT][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]But, because pilgrims were expected to wash themselves in the water of a [I]sarovar[/I] before approaching the Guru, bathing became one step [I]towards[/I] meeting the Guru; the external bath became a prerequisite for the internal bath.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi]ਕਰਿ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਪਨਾ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਭਏ ਅਰੋਗਾ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][FONT=Raavi] ਕੋਟਿ ਬਿਘਨ ਲਾਥੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੇ ਭਲੇ ਸੰਜੋਗਾ [/FONT][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Kar isnān simar parab[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] apnā man [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]an b[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]a­ė arogā. Kot big[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]an lāthė parab[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] sar[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā pargatė b[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]alė sanjogā. [/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]After taking your cleansing bath, remember your God in meditation, and your mind and body shall be free of disease. Millions of obstacles are removed, in the Sanctuary of God, and good fortune dawns. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 611-11[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Over time, [I]ishnan[/I] came to have both mundane and sacred connotations, implying both physical and spiritual purity. Both are mentioned in the Sikh scriptures. Real bath is the bath in the pool of the truth as referred to by Guru Amardas in Raag Suhi;[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਸਚਾ[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਤੀਰਥੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵਣੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Arial] [/FONT][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]Sac[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ā [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]irath ji[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] sa[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] sar nāva[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] gurmuk[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] āp buj[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][FONT=Times New Roman][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]ā­ė.[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]True is that place of pilgrimage, where one [B]bath[/B]es in the pool of Truth, and achieves self-realization as a Guru willed. The Guru willed understands his own self.[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]-----[B]Guru Amar Das, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 753-15[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][B][/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]The following hymns make it clear that the references to bathing in water are metaphorical:[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਗੁਰੂ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=black][FONT=AnmolUniPr][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][B]ਸਮੁੰਦ[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ੁ ਨਦੀ ਸਭਿ ਸਿਖੀ ਨਾਤੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਵਡਿਆਈ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR] [FONT=Times New Roman][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]Gurū samun[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/FONT][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] na[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ī sab[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] sik[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ī nā[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ai ji[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][FONT=Times New Roman][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial] vadi­ā­ī.[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]The Guru is the ocean, and all Its teachings are the river. Bathing within it, glorious greatness is obtained. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 150-6[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਕਾਇਆ ਕੂੜਿ ਵਿਗਾੜਿ ਕਾਹੇ ਨਾਈਐ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi]ਨਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਈਐ [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Mangal]॥[/FONT][/COLOR][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi] [/FONT][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black][FONT=Raavi][/FONT][/COLOR][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial]Kā­i­ā kū[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/FONT][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṛ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] vigā[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṛ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] kāhė nā­ī­ai. Nā[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman]ā so parvā[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] sac[/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][/COLOR][/I][I][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial][FONT=Times New Roman] kamā­ī­ai. [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/SIZE][COLOR=black][FONT=Arial] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Why bother to wash the body, polluted by falsehood? One's cleansing bath is only approved, if he practices Truth.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]-----Guru Nanak, Raag Vadhans, AGGS, Page, 565-19[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Naam (Internal Bath) is all inclusive and takes precedence over charity and external bath;[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi][I]ਮਜਨੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਭਾਈ ਦਰਗਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸੇਖੁ [/I][/FONT][FONT=Mangal][I]॥[/I][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Majan [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ān c[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ang¬ā¬ī¬ā b[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ā¬ī [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]argeh nām visėk[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman].[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]In the Court of the Akal Purkh, the Naam is far superior to ritualistic cleansing baths, charity and good deeds, O Siblings of Destiny. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 635-19[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Raavi][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT] [B][FONT=Raavi][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Conclusion;[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/B] [I][FONT=Raavi][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/I] [SIZE=3][FONT=Raavi][I]ਇਸਨਾਨ ਦਾਨ ਤਾਪਨ ਸੁਚਿ ਕਿਰਿਆ ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਧਾਰੀ [/I][/FONT][FONT=Mangal][I]॥[/I][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I][FONT=Times New Roman]Isnān [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ān [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṯ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]āpan suc[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] kiri¬ā c[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ara[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ṇ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] kamal hir[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ai parab[/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/I][I][FONT=Tahoma]ḏẖ[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman]ārī.[/FONT][/I][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The merits of cleansing baths, charity, penance, purity and good deeds, are obtained by enshrining to the Lotus Feet of God (Hymns of Sabd Guru) within the heart.-----Guru Arjan, Sawaee-a, AGGS, Page, 1389-2[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Virinder[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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