Simro Raam Naam Ath Nirmal Awar | ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ

[findingmyway]

]This is a shabad mentioned by respected member Gyani ji a few times so I was keen to explore further. I have given the shabad and literal word meanings. Please have a go at putting these together and share your understanding of what you think the shabad is telling us. Please share how the message impacts your life and what you will do to incorporate the message in day to day living.


ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ Aasaa Mehalaa 1 ||
Written by Guru Nanak ji in Raag Aasaa.

ਮਨੁ ਮੈਗਲੁ ਸਾਕਤੁ ਦੇਵਾਨਾ ॥ Man Maigal Saakath Dhaevaanaa ||


ਮਨੁ = mind
ਮੈਗਲੁ = elephant
ਸਾਕਤੁ = someone too attached to worldly matters rather than spiritual ones
ਦੇਵਾਨਾ = crazy


Could crazy elephant be exchanged with howling wolf for the same message?


ਬਨ ਖੰਡਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਹੈਰਾਨਾ ॥ Ban Khandd Maaeiaa Mohi Hairaanaa ||


ਬਨ ਖੰਡਿ = in the jungle like world, in a section of the jungle
ਮਾਇਆ = illusion
ਮੋਹਿ = attachment
ਹੈਰਾਨਾ = to be confused/bewildered/befuddled


ਇਤ ਉਤ ਜਾਹਿ ਕਾਲ ਕੇ ਚਾਪੇ ॥ Eith Outh Jaahi Kaal Kae Chaapae ||


ਇਤ ਉਤ = here and there
ਜਾਹਿ = goes, wanders aimlessly
ਕਾਲ = fear of death, spiritual death
ਕੇ ਚਾਪੇ = is pressed down

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਜਿ ਲਹੈ ਘਰੁ ਆਪੇ ॥੧॥ Guramukh Khoj Lehai Ghar Aapae ||1||


ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ = someone who understand and feels Ik Oankaar, someone who follows the Gurmukh way
ਖੋਜਿ = to seek
ਲਹੈ = to find
ਘਰੁ = home/house
ਆਪੇ = inside oneself

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੈ ਮਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਠਉਰਾ ॥ Bin Gur Sabadhai Man Nehee Thouraa ||


ਬਿਨੁ = without
ਗੁਰ = Guru
ਸਬਦੈ = shabad
ਮਨੁ =mind
ਨਹੀ = doesn’t
ਠਉਰਾ = stay in one place



ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਉਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Simarahu Raam Naam Ath Niramal Avar Thiaagahu Houmai Kouraa ||1|| Rehaao ||


ਸਿਮਰਹੁ = remember
ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ = Ik Oankaar’s message
ਅਤਿ = very very
ਨਿਰਮਲੁ = clean, pure
ਅਵਰ = more sweetness, nectar
ਤਿਆਗਹੁ = to forsake/give up
ਹਉਮੈ = ego
ਕਉਰਾ = bitter

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮੁਗਧੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਿਉ ਰਹਸੀ ॥ Eihu Man Mugadhh Kehahu Kio Rehasee ||


ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ = this mind
ਮੁਗਧੁ = foolish, stupid
ਕਹਹੁ = tell me
ਕਿਉ = how
ਰਹਸੀ = stay calm

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਮਝੇ ਜਮ ਕਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਸਹਸੀ ॥ Bin Samajhae Jam Kaa Dhukh Sehasee ||


ਬਿਨੁ ਸਮਝੇ = without understanding
ਜਮ ਕਾ ਦੁਖੁ = the pain/devastation of spiritual death
ਸਹਸੀ = to suffer

ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਲੈ ॥ Aapae Bakhasae Sathigur Maelai ||


ਆਪੇ = by self
ਬਖਸੇ = blesses
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ = true guru (Ik Oankaar)
ਮੇਲੈ = to meet

ਕਾਲੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਮਾਰੇ ਸਚੁ ਪੇਲੈ ॥੨॥ Kaal Kanttak Maarae Sach Paelai ||2||


ਕਾਲੁ = fear of death, spiritual death
ਕੰਟਕੁ = thorn
ਮਾਰੇ = to kill/hurt
ਸਚੁ = truth
ਪੇਲੈ = to cover

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਧਰਮਾ ॥ Eihu Man Karamaa Eihu Man Dhharamaa ||


ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ = this mind
ਕਰਮਾ ਧਰਮਾ = religious rituals

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਪੰਚ ਤਤੁ ਤੇ ਜਨਮਾ ॥ Eihu Man Panch Thath Thae Janamaa ||


ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ = this mind
ਪੰਚ ਤਤੁ ਤੇ ਜਨਮਾ = born of the 5 elemnets, i.e. is part of the cycle of life

ਸਾਕਤੁ ਲੋਭੀ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮੂੜਾ ॥ Saakath Lobhee Eihu Man Moorraa ||


ਸਾਕਤੁ = someone who is attached to worldly matters too much rather than spiritual


ਲੋਭੀ = greedy
ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮੂੜਾ = this mind is stupid

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੈ ਮਨੁ ਰੂੜਾ ॥੩॥ Guramukh Naam Japai Man Roorraa ||3||


ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ = Gurmukh
ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੈ = remembers Gurbani
ਮਨੁ ਰੂੜਾ = beautiful mind

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਅਸਥਾਨੇ ਸੋਈ ॥ Guramukh Man Asathhaanae Soee ||


ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨੁ = the mind of the Gurmukh
ਅਸਥਾਨੇ = finds a place to stay still
ਸੋਈ = with Ik Oankaar

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣਿ ਸੋਝੀ ਹੋਈ ॥ Guramukh Thribhavan Sojhee Hoee ||


ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣਿ = God’s three worlds (sky, land and water)
ਸੋਝੀ ਹੋਈ = becomes understanding


ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਜੋਗੀ ਭੋਗੀ ਤਪੁ ਤਾਪੈ ॥ Eihu Man Jogee Bhogee Thap Thaapai ||


ਜੋਗੀ = yoga master
ਭੋਗੀ = sufferer/enjoyer
ਤਪੁ ਤਾਪੈ = punishment

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪੈ ॥੪॥ Guramukh Cheenaih Har Prabh Aapai ||4||


ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ = to search
ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ = ever present Akaal
ਆਪੈ = within onself

ਮਨੁ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਤਿਆਗੀ ॥ Man Bairaagee Houmai Thiaagee ||


ਮਨੁ = mind
ਬੈਰਾਗੀ = sect of Hinduism
ਹਉਮੈ = ego
ਤਿਆਗੀ = recluse

ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਮਨਸਾ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਲਾਗੀ ॥ Ghatt Ghatt Manasaa Dhubidhhaa Laagee ||


ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ = in every measure
ਮਨਸਾ = desire, longing
ਦੁਬਿਧਾ = to wander in duality
ਲਾਗੀ = proximity



ਰਾਮ ਰਸਾਇਣੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚਾਖੈ ॥ Raam Rasaaein Guramukh Chaakhai ||


ਰਾਮ = Ik Oankaar
ਰਸਾਇਣੁ = house of nectar
ਚਾਖੈ = to sip



ਦਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਮਹਲੀ ਹਰਿ ਪਤਿ ਰਾਖੈ ॥੫॥ Dhar Ghar Mehalee Har Path Raakhai ||5||


ਦਰਿ = at the door
ਘਰਿ = in the house
ਮਹਲੀ = head of the palace
ਹਰਿ = Waheguru
ਪਤਿ = husband lord
ਰਾਖੈ = to keep



ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਾਜਾ ਸੂਰ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਾਮਿ ॥ Eihu Man Raajaa Soor Sangraam ||


ਰਾਜਾ = king
ਸੂਰ = blind
ਸੰਗ੍ਰਾਮਿ = war



ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮਿ ॥ Eihu Man Nirabho Guramukh Naam ||


ਨਿਰਭਉ = fearless
ਨਾਮਿ = Gurbani



ਮਾਰੇ ਪੰਚ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਵਸਿ ਕੀਏ ॥ Maarae Panch Apunai Vas Keeeae ||


ਮਾਰੇ = for the sake of
ਪੰਚ = panchayat leader
ਅਪੁਨੈ ਵਸਿ = to control own will
ਕੀਏ = to do



ਹਉਮੈ ਗ੍ਰਾਸਿ ਇਕਤੁ ਥਾਇ ਕੀਏ ॥੬॥ Houmai Graas Eikath Thhaae Keeeae ||6||


ਹਉਮੈ = ego
ਗ੍ਰਾਸਿ = eating
ਇਕਤੁ ਥਾਇ = in one place



ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਾਗ ਸੁਆਦ ਅਨ ਤਿਆਗੇ ॥ Guramukh Raag Suaadh An Thiaagae ||


ਰਾਗ = musical meter
ਸੁਆਦ = taste
ਅਨ = more
ਤਿਆਗੇ = forsake, renunciate



ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਭਗਤੀ ਜਾਗੇ ॥ Guramukh Eihu Man Bhagathee Jaagae ||


ਭਗਤੀ = devotion
ਜਾਗੇ = awakens



ਅਨਹਦ ਸੁਣਿ ਮਾਨਿਆ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ Anehadh Sun Maaniaa Sabadh Veechaaree ||


ਅਨਹਦ = unstruck
ਸੁਣਿ = listen
ਮਾਨਿਆ = to develop a habit
ਸਬਦੁ = shabad
ਵੀਚਾਰੀ = ideas



ਆਤਮੁ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥੭॥ Aatham Cheenih Bheae Nirankaaree ||7||


ਆਤਮੁ = soul
ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ = to search
ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ = becomes formless



ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਦਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥ Eihu Man Niramal Dhar Ghar Soee ||


ਨਿਰਮਲੁ = clean, pure
ਦਰਿ ਘਰਿ = inside and outside
ਸੋਈ = the same Waheguru



ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਉ ਧੁਨਿ ਹੋਈ ॥ Guramukh Bhagath Bhaao Dhhun Hoee ||


ਭਗਤਿ = devotee
ਭਾਉ = love
ਧੁਨਿ = sound
ਹੋਈ = to have



ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ Ahinis Har Jas Gur Parasaadh ||


ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ = day and night
ਹਰਿ = Ik Oankaar
ਜਸੁ = fame
ਗੁਰ = teacher
ਪਰਸਾਦਿ = compassion



ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਦਿ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ॥੮॥ Ghatt Ghatt So Prabh Aadh Jugaadh ||8||


ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ = everywhere
ਸੋ = so
ਪ੍ਰਭੁ = Ik Oankaar
ਆਦਿ = from the start of the earth
ਜੁਗਾਦਿ = from the beginning of time



ਰਾਮ ਰਸਾਇਣਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਤਾ ॥ Raam Rasaaein Eihu Man Maathaa ||


ਰਾਮ ਰਸਾਇਣਿ = the nectar of Ik Oankaar
ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ = this mind
ਮਾਤਾ = intoxicated


ਸਰਬ ਰਸਾਇਣੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ Sarab Rasaaein Guramukh Jaathaa ||


ਸਰਬ = whole
ਰਸਾਇਣੁ =
ਜਾਤਾ = known


ਭਗਤਿ ਹੇਤੁ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣ ਨਿਵਾਸਾ ॥ Bhagath Haeth Gur Charan Nivaasaa ||


ਭਗਤਿ = devotee
ਹੇਤੁ = love
ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣ = feet of the Guru
ਨਿਵਾਸਾ = residence



ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕੇ ਦਾਸਨਿ ਦਾਸਾ ॥੯॥੮॥ Naanak Har Jan Kae Dhaasan Dhaasaa ||9||8||


ਨਾਨਕ = Nanak instructs us
ਹਰਿ = Ik Oankaar
ਜਨ = person
ਕੇ ਦਾਸਨਿ ਦਾਸਾ = humble servant

Please correct any meanings I may have got wrong.
:feedback:

 

[Kanwaljit.Singh]

Elephant vs Wolf - Mind in state of elephant has a badly bloated ego and total loss of wisdom. It exerts huge power and brute force force but it is more random hitting in all directions. Whereas a wolf is smart, cunning, observes its enemy and attacks at the right time, rarely missing. Wolf will also attack in packs.

An elephant state of mind means you are so lost in your ego, you are cut off from the world. You don't listen to good advice. As a wolf, your mind could be in control of itself, but still cunning and trying to bring harm, attacking in a wolf pack.

The elephant here has been released in grasslands of Maya. And it is so bewildered it has forgotten its purpose, it is running from point to point, tasting all the sweet patches of grass.

 

[harmanpreet singh]

bful shabad

 

[spnadmin]

The elephant! The elephant in Gurbani is a study unto itself. Unlike the camel mind which has a bad case of becoming lost in his own cleverness and willful temper, the elephant mind has a bad case of mental fixation upon the pleasures of the flesh, and is given to marauding rage. So he becomes spiritually lost to the Sat and tempts spiritual death.

Guru Amardas ji describes it :

ਮਨੁ ਮੈ ਮਤੁ ਮੈਗਲ ਮਿਕਦਾਰਾ ॥
Man mai maṯ maigal mikḏārā.
The mind is like an elephant, drunk with wine.

ਗੁਰੁ ਅੰਕਸੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਜੀਵਾਲਣਹਾਰਾ ॥੨॥
Gur ankas mār jīvālaṇhārā. ||2||
The Guru is the rod which controls it, and shows it the way. ||2|| Ang 159

And an elephant intoxicated goes on uncontrollable rampages causing destruction around him. The elephant is a slave to maya. Kabir ji describes the attachment of elephant mind to kam/lust on Ang 335

ਕਾਮ ਸੁਆਇ ਗਜ ਬਸਿ ਪਰੇ ਮਨ ਬਉਰਾ ਰੇ ਅੰਕਸੁ ਸਹਿਓ ਸੀਸ ॥੧॥
Kām su▫ā▫e gaj bas pare man ba▫urā re ankas sahi▫o sīs. ||1||
Attracted by the lure of sexual desire, the elephant is captured, O crazy mind, and now the halter is placed around its neck. ||1||

Moreover, the elephant has a hard time freeing himself of his attachments; he wallows in the mud of maya which entraps him. Guru Arjan dev ji on Ang 213 describes this elephant mind as one completely disconnected from the divine which can preserve him. He has forgotten all about the fearless and formless Sat.


ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਨਹੀ ਚੀਨਿਆ ਜਿਉ ਹਸਤੀ ਨਾਵਾਏ ॥੩॥
Nirbẖa▫o nirankār nahī cẖīni▫ā ji▫o hasṯī nāvā▫e. ||3||
But you do not remember the Fearless, Formless Lord - you are like an elephant bathing in the mud. ||3|

In background to 2 shabads of Guru Teg Bahadur, the elephant is depicted so 'stuck' in the mud of maya that he ignores he the crocodile who has latched onto his foot (attachment). He was so fixated on sexual attachment to the gopis that he was not paying attention to the real possibility of his destruction (in the shabad his spiritual death). So elephant is lost in the jungle of desires of the body.

It is the elephant's undisciplined mind which becomes spiritually lost. Guru Tej Bahadur's shabad on Ang 219 repeats the theme and describes the way back. Remained focused on Gobind.


ਸਾਧੋ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਕੇ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵਉ ॥
Sāḏẖo gobinḏ ke gun gāva▫o.
Holy Saadhus: sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe.

ਮਾਨਸ ਜਨਮੁ ਅਮੋਲਕੁ ਪਾਇਓ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਕਾਹਿ ਗਵਾਵਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Mānas janam amolak pā▫i▫o birthā kāhi gavāva▫o. ||1|| rahā▫o.
You have obtained the priceless jewel of this human life; why are you uselessly wasting it? ||1||Pause||

ਪਤਿਤ ਪੁਨੀਤ ਦੀਨ ਬੰਧ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਨਿ ਤਾਹਿ ਤੁਮ ਆਵਉ ॥
Paṯiṯ punīṯ ḏīn banḏẖ har saran ṯāhi ṯum āva▫o.
He is the Purifier of sinners, the Friend of the poor. Come, and enter the Lord's Sanctuary.

ਗਜ ਕੋ ਤ੍ਰਾਸੁ ਮਿਟਿਓ ਜਿਹ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਤੁਮ ਕਾਹੇ ਬਿਸਰਾਵਉ ॥੧॥
Gaj ko ṯarās miti▫o jih simraṯ ṯum kāhe bisrāva▫o. ||1||
Remembering Him, the elephant's fear was removed; so why do you forget Him? ||1||

ਤਜਿ ਅਭਿਮਾਨ ਮੋਹ ਮਾਇਆ ਫੁਨਿ ਭਜਨ ਰਾਮ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਵਉ ॥
Ŧaj abẖimān moh mā▫i▫ā fun bẖajan rām cẖiṯ lāva▫o.
Renounce your egotistical pride and your emotional attachment to Maya; focus your consciousness on the Lord's meditation.

ਨਾਨ, htaਕ ਕਹਤ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪੰਥ ਇਹੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਇ ਤੁਮ ਪਾਵਉ ॥੨॥੫॥
Nānak kahaṯ mukaṯ panth ih gurmukẖ ho▫e ṯum pāva▫o. ||2||5||
Says Nanak, this is the path to liberation. Become Gurmukh, and attain it. ||2||5||

The way back to the Har, that we we have forgotten, says Guru Amardas ji, is in seva to that divine principle. The elephant mind once disciplined offers it head (ego) to Guru, this is a willing offering and the path to liberation. So Guru ji is saying offer the ego and attain that liberation.


ਹਸਤੀ ਸਿਰਿ ਜਿਉ ਅੰਕਸੁ ਹੈ ਅਹਰਣਿ ਜਿਉ ਸਿਰੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
Hasṯī sir ji▫o ankas hai ahraṇ ji▫o sir ḏe▫e.
The elephant offers its head to the reins, and the anvil offers itself to the hammer;

ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਆਗੈ ਰਾਖਿ ਕੈ ਊਭੀ ਸੇਵ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
Man ṯan āgai rākẖ kai ūbẖī sev kare▫i.
just so, we offer our minds and bodies to our Guru; we stand before Him, and serve Him.

Anyway, this image of the elephant is so powerful that it frames the meaning of the shabad in a powerful and dramatic way. The image itself found in so many shabads, too many to post here, so I only posted a few tuks to describe the journey of the elephant from with his mind fixated on his earthly desires and uncontrollable emotions, to the better result, that of willing discipline of the mind in service to the Guru.

 

[Tejwant Singh]

The interesting part is that our mind is as big in size of an elephant for all of us. Its grandeur is in one's own imagination.This elephant sized mind claims to be invincible. Having this big size and inflated ego, makes it absent of any goodness and sweetness. Its destructive nature creates havoc for all of us. We become our worst enemies with this giant elephant in our head whose tusks start puncturing everything good that we may have left within.

Kabeer ji says on page 972, but there is a hope for you my elephant sized mind, provided you lose this grandeur of being high and mighty. You must become as small as an ant so that you can pick the scattered sugar from the sand. In this way, you can wallow yourself in sweetness rather than in mud.

Literal Translation by Sant Singh Khalsa:
ਹਰਿ ਭਇਓ ਖਾਂਡੁ ਰੇਤੁ ਮਹਿ ਬਿਖਰਿਓ ਹਸਤੀ ਚੁਨਿਓ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
Har bẖa▫i▫o kẖāʼnd reṯ mėh bikẖri▫o hasṯīʼn cẖuni▫o na jā▫ī.
The Lord is like sugar, spilled onto the sand; the elephant cannot pick it up.
ਕਹਿ ਕਮੀਰ ਕੁਲ ਜਾਤਿ ਪਾਂਤਿ ਤਜਿ ਚੀਟੀ ਹੋਇ ਚੁਨਿ ਖਾਈ ॥੨॥੩॥੧੨॥
Kahi kamīr kul jāṯ pāʼnṯ ṯaj cẖītī ho▫e cẖun kẖā▫ī. ||2||3||12||
Says Kabeer, give up your ancestry, social status and honor; be like the tiny ant - pick up and eat the sugar. ||2||3||12||

 

[findingmyway]

My understanding below:


ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ Aasaa Mehalaa 1 ||

ਮਨੁ ਮੈਗਲੁ ਸਾਕਤੁ ਦੇਵਾਨਾ ॥ Man Maigal Saakath Dhaevaanaa ||


When the mid loses its way from the Gurbani path, it becomes like a crazed elephant.

ਬਨ ਖੰਡਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਹੈਰਾਨਾ ॥ Ban Khandd Maaeiaa Mohi Hairaanaa ||


It is trapped by the love of illusion/temptation, and drifts round the world jungle aimlessly.

ਇਤ ਉਤ ਜਾਹਿ ਕਾਲ ਕੇ ਚਾਪੇ ॥ Eith Outh Jaahi Kaal Kae Chaapae ||


Due to attachment to illusion, the mind becomes crushed by spiritual death, and wanders here and there without direction. Batakna in Panjabi describes this state better but I cannot come up with an adequate English translation to describe the mindlessness and despair of this wandering. It is a word often used for ghosts-hopefully that adds perspective of its meaning!



ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਜਿ ਲਹੈ ਘਰੁ ਆਪੇ ॥੧॥ Guramukh Khoj Lehai Ghar Aapae ||1||


A person who becomes a Gurmukh, follows the Guru’s way, will search out Ik Oankaar’s home within themselves and leave the wandering behind.

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੈ ਮਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਠਉਰਾ ॥ Bin Gur Sabadhai Man Nehee Thouraa ||


Without guidance from the Guru’s instructions, the mind cannot rest, cannot remain calm.

ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਉਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Simarahu Raam Naam Ath Niramal Avar Thiaagahu Houmai Kouraa ||1|| Rehaao ||




Always remember the Sat/ Akaal, with the help of the pure Shabad Guru – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Forget other forms of nectar which are also bitter and only serve to increase the ego.



Pause and reflect here. Think about your life. What other bitter sweet pills are you swallowing that get in the way of your spiritual path?

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮੁਗਧੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਿਉ ਰਹਸੀ ॥ Eihu Man Mugadhh Kehahu Kio Rehasee ||


The mind stuck in the wonderment of illusion loses its intellect. So tell me, how can it be the foolish mind be stilled and kept calm?

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਮਝੇ ਜਮ ਕਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਸਹਸੀ ॥ Bin Samajhae Jam Kaa Dhukh Sehasee ||


Without true understanding, this mind suffers the pains of spiritual death.

ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਲੈ ॥ Aapae Bakhasae Sathigur Maelai ||


The person who makes the effort to find Ik Oankaar within themself, is blessed.

ਕਾਲੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਮਾਰੇ ਸਚੁ ਪੇਲੈ ॥੨॥ Kaal Kanttak Maarae Sach Paelai ||2||


The hurt soul is looked after and nurtured, and gains protection from the Truth. I.e. Anyone can be rescued, it’s never too late!

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਧਰਮਾ ॥ Eihu Man Karamaa Eihu Man Dhharamaa ||


These minds that are engrossed by the attachment of illusion, perform ever more religious rituals.

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਪੰਚ ਤਤੁ ਤੇ ਜਨਮਾ ॥ Eihu Man Panch Thath Thae Janamaa ||


This mind is trapped in the cycle of spiritual (not physical) birth and death.

ਸਾਕਤੁ ਲੋਭੀ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮੂੜਾ ॥ Saakath Lobhee Eihu Man Moorraa ||


Illusion causes this mind to become foolish and greedy.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੈ ਮਨੁ ਰੂੜਾ ॥੩॥ Guramukh Naam Japai Man Roorraa ||3||


The mind that endeavours to come closer to Ik Oankaar (Gurmukh), that mind becomes beautiful.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਅਸਥਾਨੇ ਸੋਈ ॥ Guramukh Man Asathhaanae Soee ||


The mind of the Gurmukh gives Waheguru a home within themself.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣਿ ਸੋਝੀ ਹੋਈ ॥ Guramukh Thribhavan Sojhee Hoee ||


The Gurmukh finds the true Guru who lives within all 3 worlds (sky, land and water).

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਜੋਗੀ ਭੋਗੀ ਤਪੁ ਤਾਪੈ ॥ Eihu Man Jogee Bhogee Thap Thaapai ||


This mind that is entranced by the attachment of illusion, sometimes perform yoga (or meditation), sometimes enjoys the gluttony of temptation and sometimes punishes the body, but never attains peace.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪੈ ॥੪॥ Guramukh Cheenaih Har Prabh Aapai ||4||


The mind that walks the way of a Gurmukh understands that Ik Oankaar is found within themself.

ਮਨੁ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਤਿਆਗੀ ॥ Man Bairaagee Houmai Thiaagee ||


Sometimes the mind that is entranced by the attachment of illusion, renounces the word to try and rid themselves of ego and becomes a Bairagi.

ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਮਨਸਾ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਲਾਗੀ ॥ Ghatt Ghatt Manasaa Dhubidhhaa Laagee ||


In every body, desire and duality are present.

ਰਾਮ ਰਸਾਇਣੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਚਾਖੈ ॥ Raam Rasaaein Guramukh Chaakhai ||


The mind who becomes a Gurmukh drinks in the sweet nectar of Ik Oankaar’s guidance.

ਦਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਮਹਲੀ ਹਰਿ ਪਤਿ ਰਾਖੈ ॥੫॥ Dhar Ghar Mehalee Har Path Raakhai ||5||


The Gurmukh mind sees the king of the castle (Ik Oankaar) inside and outside, and that preserves the Gurmukh’s honour by breaking the attachment to duality.

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਾਜਾ ਸੂਰ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਾਮਿ ॥ Eihu Man Raajaa Soor Sangraam ||


This mind that is blinded to the attachment of illusion, sometimes is blinded by fancies of being a king and sometimes the hero of battles.

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮਿ ॥ Eihu Man Nirabho Guramukh Naam ||


When this mind becomes attached to Gurbani in order to become a Gurmukh, it becomes fearless and escapes fear from duality.

ਮਾਰੇ ਪੰਚ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਵਸਿ ਕੀਏ ॥ Maarae Panch Apunai Vas Keeeae ||


The Gurmukh mind becomes leader of the 5 passions and is able to control them.

ਹਉਮੈ ਗ੍ਰਾਸਿ ਇਕਤੁ ਥਾਇ ਕੀਏ ॥੬॥ Houmai Graas Eikath Thhaae Keeeae ||6||


By eradicating ego, everything is kept in held in one place.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਾਗ ਸੁਆਦ ਅਨ ਤਿਆਗੇ ॥ Guramukh Raag Suaadh An Thiaagae ||


The Gurmukh finds no pleasure in other music and tastes.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਭਗਤੀ ਜਾਗੇ ॥ Guramukh Eihu Man Bhagathee Jaagae ||


When the mind seeks the support of Ik Oankaar, and becomes a Gurmukh joined in the devotion of the Sat, the mind awakens to the shackles of illusion.

ਅਨਹਦ ਸੁਣਿ ਮਾਨਿਆ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ Anehadh Sun Maaniaa Sabadh Veechaaree ||


The mind that incorporates Guru’s shabad or gurbani into their way of thinking, their spiritual soul blooms inside, the music of Ik Oankaar is heard and the mind becomes to this way.

ਆਤਮੁ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥੭॥ Aatham Cheenih Bheae Nirankaaree ||7||


By searching inside oneself, the mind takes on the qualities of Ik Oankaar.

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਦਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਸੋਈ ॥ Eihu Man Niramal Dhar Ghar Soee ||


When the mind of a Gurmukh becomes pure, it see’s Ik Oankaar inside and outside.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਉ ਧੁਨਿ ਹੋਈ ॥ Guramukh Bhagath Bhaao Dhhun Hoee ||


The Gurmukh shows devotion through serving Ik Oankaar and this awakes the love of Waheguru inside.

ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ Ahinis Har Jas Gur Parasaadh ||


With the Guru’s blessing, this mind remains in remembrance of Ik Oankaar night and day.

ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਦਿ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ॥੮॥ Ghatt Ghatt So Prabh Aadh Jugaadh ||8||


The Ik Oankaar that is from the beginning of creation and the beginning of time, is present in each and every mind and body.

ਰਾਮ ਰਸਾਇਣਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਤਾ ॥ Raam Rasaaein Eihu Man Maathaa ||


This mind of a Gurmukh becomes intoxicated with the sweet nectar of Ik Oankaar.

ਸਰਬ ਰਸਾਇਣੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ Sarab Rasaaein Guramukh Jaathaa ||


The Gurmukh recognises the true nectar (separate from the illusion).

ਭਗਤਿ ਹੇਤੁ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣ ਨਿਵਾਸਾ ॥ Bhagath Haeth Gur Charan Nivaasaa ||


When a Gurmukh makes Satguru’s charan their home, the love of Creation awakens inside.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕੇ ਦਾਸਨਿ ਦਾਸਾ ॥੯॥੮॥ Naanak Har Jan Kae Dhaasan Dhaasaa ||9||8||


Nanak says, that is when the mind becomes the humble servant of the slave of Gurmukhs.


Do you agree? Any other thoughts?

 

[ravneet_sb]

Sat Sri Akaal.

Elephant is powerful. How the power animal is tamed and gets in trap. to leave jungle and falls prey to Maya.

So Power of Human Mind as metaphor with Elephant power. But as Elephant is crazy for Maya. and has to.leave jungle. and lead life in grasslands.ĺ

ਬਨ ਖੰਡਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਹੈਰਾਨਾ ॥
Like I am puzzled how such a powerful gets in trap of Maya. MAYA is more powerful than elephants power.

How Elephant power is tamed for use by Humans.

Gurmukhs understand this by realizing self within your Mind.

 

[ravneet_sb]

Sat Sri Akaal,

Topic say Contemplate on Pure. Free from impurity.
Translations are authors perception may be personalised perception or get a mixed. Contemplating on Pure and practice makes Pure.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh