In Search of Naam - Part 1
In Search of Naam - Part 2
In Search of Naam - Part 3
In Search of Naam - Part 4
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In Search of Naam - Part 5
In the previous articles, we have so far understood that Naam is the most valuable asset for any one on the spiritual journey. We also examined that only Shabad Guru can enshrine Naam in our minds and it is the outcome of Gurparsad - Guru’s blessings. We also reflected on ways of getting Gurparsad and figured out following equation;
Prayer + Efforts + Respectful obedience + Loving devotion +
Patience + Poise + Loving immersion + Faith = Guru’s Blessings
Finally, in the last article we discussed about Haumai and five vices which prevent us from attainment of Naam. We discussed the model of a chariot which is driven by uncontrolled five horses and creates havoc in our minds, thereby keeping us away from our root - Jot Swaroop. Guru ji helped us in understanding that if Satguru becomes the charioteer, our spiritual journey becomes more joyful.
In the modern times, the predominant issues bothering us are stress, anxiety and worries. It is very crucial for us to get a clarity of how Naam can help us in overcoming them. I sought the guidance from Guru Sahib and through various reflections got following pointers.
Stress, anxiety and worry are only symptoms of a deep underlying disease. This disease is Haumai Rog - having a separate identity, disconnected from Waheguru.
Naam is the only way of getting rid of this ailment and it is important for us to understand the language of Waheguru who is the bestower of Naam.
Guru Nanak has in Japji Sahib given us a clear message about the language in which Akal Purakh communicates;
ਸਾਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਾਚੁ ਨਾਇ ਭਾਖਿਆ ਭਾਉੁ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥
True is the Master, True is His Name-speak it with infinite love.
He says that the only language of Waheguru is ਭਾਉੁ ( love) and loving devotion is the only thing we need for receiving his Naam. Guru Ram Das says that all the fears, worries and anxieties will disappear if we have loving devotion for Akal Purakh. He writes
ਜੀਵਨੋ ਮੈ ਜੀਵਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਾਏ ਰਾਮ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇਵੈ ਮੇਰੈ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਿ ਵਸਾਏ ਰਾਮ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਿ ਵਸਾਏ ਸਭੁ ਸੰਸਾ ਦੂਖੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
ਅਦਿਸਟੁ ਅਗੋਚਰੁ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨਿ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥Life - I have found real life, as Gurmukh, through His Love.
The Lord's Name - He has given me the Lord's Name, and enshrined it within my breath of life.
He has enshrined the Name of the Lord, Har, Har within my breath of lfe, and all my doubts and sorrows have departed.
I have meditated on the invisible and unapproachable Lord, through the Guru's Word, and I have obtained the pure, supreme status.
We will seek guidance of Satguru in helping us understand various dimensions of Prabhu Prem and how to use our faculties to build this most critical element in our spiritual practice. We will examine in this in subsequent articles. Meanwhile, I will close this article with wishing Sikhnet Sangat a very happy Diwali. We seek Guru Sahib’s blessings in enlightening our minds and taking us close to our spiritual goals.
ਦੀਵਾਲੀ ਦੀ ਰਾਤਿ ਦੀਵੇ ਬਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਤਾਰੇ ਜਾਤਿ ਸਨਾਤਿ ਅੰਬਰਿ ਭਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਫੁਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਬਾਗਾਤਿ ਚੁਣਿ ਚੁਣਿ ਚਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਤੀਰਥਿ ਜਾਤੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਨੈਣ ਨਿਹਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਹਰਿਚੰਦਉੁਰੀ ਝਾਤਿ ਵਸਾਇ ਉੁਚਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖ ਫਲ ਦਾਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮ੍ਹਾਲੀਅਨਿ ॥Lamps are lighted in the night of divali festival;
Stars of different variety appear in the sky;
In the gardens the flowers are there which are selectively plucked;
The pilgrims going to pilgrimage centres are also seen.
The imaginary habitats have been seen coming into being and vanishing.
All these are momentary, but the gurmukhs with the help of the Word nourish the gift of the pleasure fruit.
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