The term knowledge has a specific
meaning as indicated by the Gurbani; which is different than
the general meaning of this word as understood by many of us.
Generally the knowledge is connected to education; knowledge
and education have specific meanings. Education is the
collection of data or information by sense organs, which can
be imparted to a person by training. From spiritual
standpoint, knowledge is wisdom that can be discovered from
gurbani by a GurSikh, which has totality and completeness. The
purpose or use of gurbani knowledge is to bring about inner
transformation. When the mind is engaged in Wisdom, it sheds
all mental dispositions or conditioning and returns to its
Original Nature as Pure Consciousness (Mool). Such person, the
knower of the Truth is called Giaanee, Gurmukh, Enlightened or
God-conscious person, such person renounces his Ahambudh
(egotism) and eliminates falsehood.
In Japji Sahib while describing Panch Khand Guru Nanak said
“Giaan khand meh giaan prachand”. In the sphere of Knowledge,
knowledge becomes most powerful. In this domain one enjoys the
taste of all musical meters and other wonders. The Domain of
Giaan is full of knowledge and wisdom, that beautifies the
mind and consciousness, gives the pure understanding of what
is fair or unfair, good or bad, true or falls, real or akhoti,
the difference is automatically realized within.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the ocean of knowledge and wisdom,
but we become too comfortable with life in this world and have
no interest in preparing for the next. The best way to adapt
to change is to be willing to separate ourselves from
falsehood. This will not happen overnight, we have to study
Sri Guru Granth Sahib, again and again, the more we learn and
understand, more we feel the conviction within for the need of
change. Brave step to discard non-virtuous trait inside us is
necessary. Waheguru will fill this emptiness with His Amrit
Bani, the benefits of Guru’s wisdom. When we really enjoy the
contemplation of Shabad Guru, and more we appreciates Akal
Purakh the more attributes of God emulate from us. God’s
traits are countless, at the same time He is beyond any trait
at all.
I knew nothing of what is there in Sri
Guru Granth Sahib. What amazed me was how, logically starting
from Sri Raag gurbani takes us to Raag Asa where we can make
an 'effort' to reach out and then to Raag Bilaaval where there
is an element of 'happiness'. All this leads to proclaiming
victory at the end by Raag Jaijavanti. Guru Ji guides us so
beautifully!! I felt I had wasted so much time acting socially
right by going to the Gurdwara as a ritual, I started to go
deeper, and every step thereafter has been very joyous. And I
am thankful to Waheguru to have embraced me even though it is
very late in my life. By and large Gurbani is addressed to our
subtle body (mind & soul) in the form of Updesh (guidance and
suggestions - Jeevan Jach), and then there are hymns in praise
of Akal Purakh (Ustat-Wadiaaee) and shabads for prayers (Ardaas).
Remember gurbani is not for our physical body or sansarik
(mundane) jeevan, it is for parmarth (spiritual journey) just
try to understand through mind and soul and you will know our
Guru’s message. Extensive study of Gurbani, totally changed
me, and I realized what Guru Nanak said is true, “Sabh kurr
tamaasa”. Watch and feel it and try to be true Sikh from
within, remember Sikhi is from within that is a state of mind
and not just the outlook. We are stuck and attached to rob and
outlook. Turban with open beard and rob like kurta-pyjama for
so called Giani or Granthi, sadh, Sant or Brahmgiani! But in
reality the minds of all such so called akhoti Sikhs are
contaminated. Once you are attuned to Gurbani of Sri Guru
Granth Sahib you will automatically realize, Akal Purakh
Waheguru is within you and He will send you all signals,
believe me, there is a profound power within Gurbani and this
is the only ideal tool for Naam Simran. Mere repetitions of
Waheguru for hours together will not work or help, this
exercise is just a colossal waste of time and energy from
within, only gurbani is the simple way to practice spiritual
journey in life. When the mind glows with His Naam, unshakable
trust will built up in Him, trusting Him in full faith is
equal to bowing to Him. Whatever the ways of worshiping
prevail; contemplation of His Naam is absolutely necessary.
Today Sri Guru Granth Sahib is my world; Gurbani has answered
all the questions I had about Akalpurakh, the One God, of the
universe. While following our Guru, we need to think as our
Guru does; we need to believe only what our Guru says and
ignore all others who once fascinated us and influenced our
thoughts.
As you read Sri Guru Granth Sahib once
and again you will notice that Bani of Guru Nanak is further
elaborated by His successor, and therefore interpretation of
bani is easy to find from within gurbani. All you need is
utmost concentrations with conscious mind so as to contemplate
at the same time. As you proceed you will be able to buildup
unshakable trust in our Guru and the Creator (Waheguru), there
by toward a state of mind where His ordinance appears right;
in there, you will feel nothing but Him. It is really
important to understand Giaan khand as suggested by Baba Nanak
in japji, so just start reading Sri Guru Granth and you will
certainly enjoy your journey with peace and prosperity, Guru
will guide you the right path and will also tell you what is
fair and unfair, that is what happens in giaan khand!
