“ਕਹਾ ਭੂਲਿਓ ਰੇ ਝੂਠੇ ਲੋਭ ਲਾਗਿ ॥ ਕਛੁ ਬਿਕਾਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਅਕਾਥਾ ਜਾਗਿ“
(ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ : ਅੰਗ ੧੧੮੭ ਪੰ. ੨)
“Why are you lost, O mortal, attached to false greed?
Nothing has been lost yet - there is still time to wake up!”
(Guru Granth Sahib: Ang 1187, 2)
In the sacred verses of “Kahaan Bhulyo Re Jhoothe Lobh Lag,” Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji delivers a profound wake-up call that resonates with humankind. This timeless shabad from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji emerges like a gentle yet firm hand shaking us from spiritual slumber, asking with divine compassion: “Where have you lost yourself in false greed, O soul?”
The Mirage of Material Pursuit
The human mind, by its very design traps itself in endless wanting, mistaking more possessions for genuine happiness. Money and comfort have their place in helping us live securely, but we must see beyond their illusion of permanence to understand what truly matters. When desire turns into greed, it creates a false sense of safety that quietly destroys our peace and integrity. We start chasing shadows, believing temporary things can satisfy the soul’s eternal longing. However, worldly wealth, like a dream fading at dawn, cannot bring lasting peace. One way or the other, it only deepens our fears and emptiness. True wisdom begins when we break this illusion and realize that no material gain can buy inner peace. Real contentment comes from within, a steady state of being untouched by what we own or lose.
The Rare Gift of Human Birth
This precious human form carries a divine purpose far beyond mere accumulation. Guru Ji reminds us that this rare birth is meant for God-realization, not the endless pursuit of temporary pleasures. When we mistake the temporary for the permanent, we squander the extraordinary opportunity to recognize the Divine presence dwelling within our very being.
The Path to Awakening
The remedy lies not in renouncing the world but in transforming our relationship with it. Through Simran, honest livelihood, and selfless service, we can channel our desires into compassionate action. Daily remembrance and reflective meditation reorient our minds from craving to gratitude, from possession to presence.
Your Sacred Invitation Awaits
Right now, in this very moment, Guru Ji’s voice calls to you personally. Feel the stirring within your heart, that gentle nudge urging you to pause and reflect. What false treasures are you chasing today? What anxieties would dissolve if you truly embraced non-attachment?
Begin where you are. Start your morning with five minutes of Simran. Choose gratitude over complaint today. Serve someone without expectation. Join sangat and let divine wisdom replace worldly chatter in your conversations.
The path to eternal fulfilment isn’t distant or complex—it starts with your next breath, your next choice, your next act of remembrance. Your soul already knows the way home; it’s simply waiting for you to stop running toward mirages and turn inward toward the Light that has always been yours. The Divine waits patiently for your return. Will you answer the call?
