Kirtan in nature is always soothing and blissful. The Gurus words enhance the beauty and serenity of the surroundings even more which aids us to a great extent in our spiritual journey. Even if we look at our history, Kirtan in the outdoors, amidst greenery and natural surroundings has been quite common. Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj along with Maradana sang besides rivers, in forests, near mountains and at several other place while they were on their travels.
The vastness and richness of nature serves as a reminder of the wonderful creative powers of the Guru, as Gurbani says.
ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਵਸਿਆ ॥
बलिहारी कुदरति वसिआ ॥
I am a sacrifice to Your almighty creative power which is pervading everywhere.ਤੇਰਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
तेरा अंतु न जाई लखिआ ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
Your limits cannot be known. ||1||Pause||
It also teaches us to remain steady, humble and calm at all times; just like the trees, mountains and hills which stand still and tall amidst heat, cold and rains. Another important lesson that we get from nature is the idea of non-favoritism and oneness; looking at all alike, helping and serving everyone without the distinction of rich and poor, cast, creed and color; just like the sun, trees and clouds which provide light, shade and rains to everyone alike without any distinction and partiality.
Gurbani reminds us of the same thing:
ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੋਗੀ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
एक द्रिसटि करि समसरि जाणै जोगी कहीऐ सोई ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
One who looks upon all with a single eye, and knows them to be one and the same - he alone is known as a Yogi. ||1||Pause|
In this video a short excerpt from a beautiful Shabad, "Satgur Aayo Saran Tuhari" is shared, played to the tune of the ukulele in the beautiful hills of Shillong, a hill station in the northeast of India.
ਟੋਡੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
टोडी महला ५ ॥
Todī mėhlā 5.
Todee, Fifth Mehl:ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਆਇਓ ਸਰਣਿ ਤੁਹਾਰੀ ॥
सतिगुर आइओ सरणि तुहारी ॥
O True Guru, I have come to Your Sanctuary
ਮਿਲੈ ਸੂਖੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਭਾ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਲਾਹਿ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
मिलै सूखु नामु हरि सोभा चिंता लाहि हमारी ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
Grant me the peace and glory of the Lord's Name, and remove my anxiety. ||1||Pause||