Oneness is a unique form of energy, distinct from elements like water, fire, and wind. While these elements are inanimate, Oneness is conscious, imbued with awareness and presence.
In our Ardaas, the term "ਭਗੋਤੀ" (Bhagoti) refers to this Cosmic energy, symbolized by the sword. This energy is exquisitely articulated by Guru Nanak in the Mool Mantra:
ੴ ਸਤਿਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ
This mantra encapsulates Oneness as the primal force: the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Terminator of all life. Oneness has a name and is eternal, without beginning or end. It is the cause and effect of everything, omnipresent and devoid of fear or enmity. Timeless and formless, Oneness is self-born and self-illuminated, recognized through the Guru's grace.
In Sikhism, this Oneness is revered as Waheguru.
Guru Gobind Singh ji further elaborates on this concept in the opening stanza of Jaap Sahib:
ਚੱਕ੍ਰ ਚਿਹਨ ਅਰੁ ਬਰਨ ਜਾਤਿ ਅਰੁ ਪਾਤਿ ਨਹਿਨ ਜਿਹ ॥
ਰੂਪ ਰੰਗ ਅਰੁ ਰੇਖ ਭੇਖ ਕੋਊ ਕਹਿ ਨ ਸਕਤਿ ਕਿਹ ॥
ਅਚਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਨਭਉ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ ਅਮਿਤੋਜ ਕਹਿੱਜੈ ॥
ਕੋਟਿ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਇੰਦ੍ਰਾਣਿ ਸਾਹਿ ਸਾਹਾਣਿ ਗਣਿੱਜੈ ॥
ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਮਹੀਪ ਸੁਰ ਨਰ ਅਸੁਰ ਨੇਤ ਨੇਤ ਬਨ ਤ੍ਰਿਣ ਕਹਤ ॥
ਤ੍ਵ ਸਰਬ ਨਾਮ ਕਥੈ ਕਵਨ ਕਰਮ ਨਾਮ ਬਰਨਤ ਸੁਮਤਿ ॥
Oneness is beyond any physical markers, caste, or creed. Its form and color are beyond description. It embodies an amazing shape, brilliant light, and infinite radiance. Oneness is the supreme ruler, the king of kings, and the lord of all beings across the three worlds, defying all description. It is known by various names, each reflecting its myriad virtues.
Bhagat Kabir also offers a beautiful portrayal of this Oneness in his Shabad:
ਤੂੰ ਮੇਰੋ ਮੇਰੁ ਪਰਬਤੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਓਟ ਗਹੀ ਮੈ ਤੇਰੀ ॥
ਨਾ ਤੁਮ ਡੋਲਹੁ ਨਾ ਹਮ ਗਿਰਤੇ ਰਖਿ ਲੀਨੀ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੧॥
ਅਬ ਤਬ ਜਬ ਕਬ ਤੁਹੀ ਤੁਹੀ ॥
ਹਮ ਤੁਅ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ਸੁਖੀ ਸਦ ਹੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉੁ ॥
Kabir compares Oneness to a mountain, a sanctuary of stability and support. With Oneness as his refuge, he declares he will never falter. He sees Oneness as ever-present, affirming that through its grace, he remains perpetually joyful.
In essence, Oneness is the conscious energy that pervades everything, the ultimate source of stability, light, and joy, known through the grace and wisdom of the Guru.
