When I first visited a Gurdwara Sahib, I was amazed at what I
saw in the diwaan; a large sangat seated with all eyes focused the speaker “katavachak,”
singers “raagis,” and especially a large textbook covered with intricate
beauty fabrics “ramaala” enshrined on a royal throne atop a platform. I
wondered why so many people were showing verbal expressions of respect
throughout the ceremonies throughout each day I visited the Gurdwara; being
that so very few of them actually have taken time to learn what is written.
At the most, people would recite hymns, “paath” and chant “Waheguru” over
and over again like in a healthy yoga exercise. As I studied Sikh Martyrdom
“Shaheed” History, I was even more curious why so many Sikh heroes suffered
to preserve education of Guru Granth Sahib. Even more interesting is how so
many so called Sikhs regress into blind faith of fake baba ji sants that
impose Hindu rituals, taboos, and superstitions on others instead of
partaking of the wisdom hiding under the glorious ramaala that awaits our
discovery.
The
darshan of Guru Ji resting on the palkee open has a very strong meaning to
me. This first impression depicts something most unique and beautiful for
all to see, the Glorious Guru for all time and all nations to partake of.
The throne motif represents the greatness, power, and authority of God, His
will “Huqam” and enlightening wisdom. The glittery ramaala symbolizes
respect and protection from defilement and filth, only to uncover Guru Ji at
appropriate occasions. This corresponds to enlightenment and awakening from
ignorance to illumination of the mind through “parkash” revelation via
education, namely, reading, studying, and reflecting on Gurbani, then the
mind and body unite in living a progressive life, empowerment over
challenges of life that raise one’s stress level or deliverance from fear,
suffering, anxiety, pain. It is the remedy for enslavement by the five
vices. There is still another meaning to darshan of this royal entity.
Just as Guru Granth Sahib is so precious to mankind, so is
the human race, each one of us, precious to the Creator. God’s entity or
space is the house in which all beings and furnishings of reality exist.
The sturdy palkee symbolized the strong foundation of His beautiful,
infinite Huqam to house us in. The colorful ramaala represents the glory,
caressing love, and protection of the Almighty surrounding us.
My
first experience gazing at Guru Ji on the palkee reminded of a special candy
wrapped up in a most beautiful, exquisite wrapper. A child at first glimpse
becomes excited and anxious, mouth watering to grab the candy when offered,
convinced that it is extremely delicious. This child would never give it up
to another child, but if there is plenty more, be willing to share after
tasting it. I was so curious as to why the Guru Granth Sahib is adorned so
elaborately, and this surely caught my attention. After reading an English
translations, I realized the greatness of Gurbani and understood the meaning
of life better than before. The sweetness of Guru Gian wisdom helps me
overcome my hurts and doubts, to think with a clearer mind and live more
productively. My physical and spiritual health improved. Despite this great
discovery, I am still confused by the majority Sikh masses.
Why is it that most Sikhs do not study Guru Granth Sahib, at
least little by little? Unlike the wise child that had enough sense to
accept the offer of candy by someone she trusted, many of us continue to
only watch and praise the sweets. That child had enough common sense to
know that unless you put the candy in your mouth, you can’t benefit from
it. The same is true with Guru Granth Sahib – unless we take the wisdom and
put it into our brain (education), then how can we benefit. Many fake
preachers impose rituals and kachee banee distractions to prevent study of
Guru Granth Sahib, in an attempt to strip us all of Guru Ji’s legacy. They
also oppress and exclude women from many religious functions to religious
male chauvinism imposed by religious (not spiritual at all) leaders that are
but power hungry and selfish, corrupt politicians.
The purpose of exposing Guru Granth Sahib on the palkee is
for a good reason- to catch our attention and inspire us to make a decision
to partake or ignore. It is similar to why someone would offer to another a
beautifully wrapped candy. Partaking is the blessing and ignoring is the
curse inflicted by ourselves (cause and reaction from the wrong decisions in
life). We can learn so much from that child who took the candy and
benefited. God is sharing His essence with each of us, and the correct
decision is to study Guru Granth Sahib, contemplate on it, and live by it.
