In our previous article, we explored the profound teachings of Gurbani and its potential to guide us toward a deeper understanding of our consciousness. We also understood the intrinsic divine nature of our mind ( ਜੋਤ ਸਰੂਪ).
Now, we delve further into the intricacies of the human mind and its struggle to connect with its true divine nature. Our third Nanak, Guru Amar Das ji unravels the reasons behind the mind’s inability to tap into its inherent divinity, while also shedding light on the path that leads to its awakening.
ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉੁ ਮਲੁ ਲਾਗੀ ਕਾਲਾ ਹੋਆ ਸਿਆਹੁ ॥
ਖੰਨਲੀ ਧੋਤੀ ਉੁਜਲੀ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਸਉੁ ਧੋਵਣਿ ਪਾਹੁ ॥
ਗੁਰਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜੀਵਤੁ ਮਰੈ ਉੁਲਟੀ ਹੋਵੈ ਮਤਿ ਬਦਲਾਹੁ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਨਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਪਾਹੁ ॥
The Tangled Mind - The Shabad begins by highlighting the malady afflicting the mind:
ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉੁ ਮਲੁ ਲਾਗੀ ਕਾਲਾ ਹੋਆ ਸਿਆਹੁ ॥ਖੰਨਲੀ ਧੋਤੀ ਉੁਜਲੀ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਸਉੁ ਧੋਵਣਿ ਪਾਹੁ ॥
Translated, it implies that the mind has been stained through countless lifetimes, becoming enmeshed with darkness, like a filthy and unclean cloth that cannot be washed clean. Metaphorical explanations reveal the deep-seated patterns, conditioning and negative tendencies that prevent access to the true divine nature of the mind. This darkness suggests that it comes from mind’s obsession with worldly desires and illusions. This means that materialism , ego and selfishness can destabilise the mind and lead to a state of spiritual ignorance. In such a state , the mind loses contact with its divine nature and becomes entangled in a cycle of suffering and darkness.
This dark side of the mind can manifest itself in many ways. Negative thoughts such as anger, jealousy, greed and hatred can come into play, and they impair your judgment and stain your interactions with others. These thoughts distort reality and create a veil that prevents us from experiencing true joy, peace and fulfilment.
In addition,the darkness of the heart can manifest itself as self-destructive behavior. Addiction, harmful habits, and toxic relationships are all examples of how the mind can give in to dark impulses, perpetuating the cycle of suffering and despair.
Evolution of Consciousness- ਗੁਰਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜੀਵਤੁ ਮਰੈ ਉੁਲਟੀ ਹੋਵੈ ਮਤਿ ਬਦਲਾਹੁ ॥ The third Nanak further states that with grace of Guru, an individual’s consciousness may undergo a process of transformation. The mind, which is currently trapped in its limited perception, can be elevated to a higher state where the false ego is weakened, and the way is opened for the emergence of true wisdom. This transformation occurs when a person surrenders his personal will to the will of God and realizes that he is merely a vessel through which God’s grace flows.
Breaking the Cycle of Birth and Death - ਨਾਨਕ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਨਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਪਾਹੁ ॥ Guru Sahib affirms with deep insight that merging with the Divine frees oneself from the cycle of birth and death. The mind is no longer bound by worldly attachments and delusions but attunes itself to its divine nature and transcends the limitations of the physical realm. Through this union with God the mind finds ultimate liberation and eternal bliss.
The Path to Awakening- To unlock the true divinity of the mind and break out of the cycle of birth and death, Gurbani suggests the next steps:
- Awareness: Recognise the conditioning and negative patterns that cloud your mind’s perceptions. Cultivate self-awareness to identify hindrances as they arise.
- Self-Reflection: Introspect regularly to uncover the root causes of your attachments, desires, and ego driven tendencies. This introspection allows for a deeper understanding of the self and paves the way for personal growth.
- Surrender: Surrender your individual will to the divine will. Develop a sense of humility, acknowledging that the mind’s limited understanding cannot compare to the wisdom of the divine. Trust in the divine guidance that flows through the Guru’s teachings.
- Meditation and Simran: Practice regular meditation and Simran (chanting the divine name) to still the mind, cultivate inner peace, and establish direct connection with the divine. These practices enable the mind to transcend ordinary state and merge with its divine essence.
- Seva (Selfless Service): Engage in selfless service towards others, recognizing the divine presence within all beings. By serving others, we dissolve our ego driven tendencies and cultivate compassion, which further nurtures the mind’s connection with its divine nature.
Guru Amar Das ji provides profound insights into challenges faced by the mind on its path towards realizing its true divine nature. By acknowledging the conditioning and negative patterns that obstruct our growth, surrendering our individual will, and engaging in practices that cultivate awareness and connection with the divine, we can embark on a transformative journey of awakening. Through these endeavors, we pave way for the mind to tap into its inherent divinity, ultimately breaking free from the cycle of birth and death and experiencing the eternal bliss of union with the divine.
In our next article in this series, we will try and understand from Guru Nanak Sahib about what are the virtues of the victorious mind and how this inner victory results in victory outside. ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥
