Naam Realization – Part 4 of 4 (concluding part)
Read Part I here
Read Part II here
Read Part III here
Step 3: Sehaj
Let us circle back to Anand Sahib again. So far, we know Anand or Naam realization happens through Satguru. Now, the question is what it would take for us to meet with Satguru. Then Guru ji states,
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਹਜ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਵਜੀਆ ਵਾਧਾਈਆ ॥
Sehaj state is enabler for meeting with Satguru for naam realization.
Sehaj is a state whereby Haume has dissolved into Naam. Dissolution of Haume in form of mann filled with five vices is possible when we stop listening to virtue less mann. Instead, we start listening and acting in accordance with path of Satt shown by Satguru. Walking the path of Satt shown by Satguru is meeting with Satguru. As one walks on the path of Satt, defying all trishnas or desires of mann, one rises above five vices. As state of Sehaj deepens, influence of Haume diminishes signifying conquering of mind by Satguru. In such a state, it feels as if there is music of bliss playing loud: a state whereby one is immune to ups and downs of life.
To further express this state of Sehaj, Guru ji states, ਰਾਗ ਰਤਨ ਪਰਵਾਰ ਪਰੀਆ ਸਬਦ ਗਾਵਣ ਆਈਆ ॥ Virtue-less mind become quiet and still in state of Sehaj, due to song of Shabad playing from inside. Guru ji has beautifully articulated the magnificence of the song of Shabad by stating celestial melodies and harmonies play song of Shabad. All noises from virtue-less mann are deafened by song of such a Shabad. Song of Shabad is Braham Gyan or Eternal Truth about universe that dissolves all illusions, whereby one does not rely on intellect acquired through five senses. The song of Shabad, is song of Gyan, beyond five senses that is internally soothing, calming and joyous beyond bliss, beyond the very comprehension of virtue-less mann. The song of Shabad in this context is inner Shabad of song that erupts like a fountain of supreme wisdom or Gyan from within the mann. Upon revelation of Song of Shabad, our thoughts or vichars arise from Song of Shabad, whereby Shabad vichar takes on totally new meaning. Shabad vichar upon realization of Shabad results in all our thoughts or vichars originating from inner Shabad or Gyan. Our vichars are filled with Gyan, instead of being filled with agyan when we relied on our intellect or mann. Our reliance shifts from virtue-less mann to virtuous mann. Song of Shabad can also be called Shabad realization, meaning there is no difference between your thoughts and thoughts arising from Shabad.
Step 4: Shabad
Shabad realization is an intrinsic process that leads to Sehaj and Sehaj leads to Satguru, and Satguru leads to naam realization. The question that shall arise at this point is how Shabad realization happens. At this point, the process becomes extrinsic whereby five senses come into play.
ਸਬਦੋ ਤ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਹਰੀ ਕੇਰਾ ਮਨਿ ਜਿਨੀ ਵਸਾਇਆ ॥
The Lord dwells within the minds of those who sing the Shabad.
ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਧਰਹੁ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥
Says Nanak, listen, O Saints; enshrine love for the Shabad.
Those who sing the Shabad, Lord in form of Naam realization, dwells in their mann. Nanak says, listen O saints you should enshrine love for Shabad. Let us understand what does singing of Shabad means and how one falls in love with Shabad and realization of Hari’s dwell inside is revealed to them.
Shabad as Guru is the vehicle that transforms mann from a state of Huame to Naam Realization. Naam realization if revelation of Shabad is Gyan or Guru that carries us in form of our mann or surt or Dhyan on this journey of transformation of mann. Guru Nanak Dev ji on Ang 943 states,
ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥
Nanak’s Guru is Shabad and Nanak as surt or mann or Dhyan is the chela of Shabad Guru.
Through this meditation, Nanak realized Naam. For anyone who follows Nanak path, should meditate upon Shabad. Shabad Guru is the vehicle that takes us as mann to the other end of Naam realization. Meditating upon Shabad, naam is revealed that lifts veil of illusion or Maya. In another Shabad on Ang 687 Guru Nanak ji states:
ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਣ ਜਾਉ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ॥
ਤੀਰਥੁ ਸਬਦ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਹੈ ॥
Naam realization is the teerath or pilgrimage that cleanses mann of all vices and frees it from Maya. Tirath is Shabad Vichar or contemplation of Shabad that reveals from inside supreme wisdom or Naam.
8. Key points
Let me state a fact before providing a summary. I do not write with intent of teaching or changing someone. My writings are actually my own conversations with my mann. In this process my transformation from Manmukh to Gurmukh, as my Haume diminishes through process of Naam realization, I just happen to share this inner dialogue. So, here are the key points.
- Naam realization is a subtle process whereby our Haume dissolves in Naam for us to become one with our mool or creator.
- Knowing Naam implies existence of Naam and I, thus absence of realization of Ek Onkaar
- Naam is obtained from Satguru, which is evoled form of Shabad Guru
- Naam realization is an inner process, therefore it cannot be given or taken
- Shabad as Guru is the vehicle that out Surt of Dhyan has to ride, for Naam realization.
- Ek Onkaar is essence of SGGS of which SGGS is an elaboration and our Ek Onkaar is abode of whole universe.
