Restoring 'Ik' in our lives ... part 2

A second post celebrating Guru Nanak Devji Birth anniversary; learning from His teachings.

Having introduced ‘Ik’ to our minds a state comes when God is looking for God and that is the condition when your mind is talking to the inner. This helps disqualify unnecessary discrimination and labelling; man-women, rich-poor, love-hatred and then a friend - enemy becomes ‘Ik’.

Gurbani says “Sabh Gobind Hai Sabh Gobind hai Bin Gobind Nahi Koi”. SGGS485 God is everything, God is everything , without God, there is nothing at all.

Guru transforms our experience of life something that is fundamentally different from those who are not exposed to His Teachings. Imagine a state of mind that has detached influence of sadness, an anger that does not control you.

Than Maan Dhan Sabh Soap Gur Ko Hukam Manniai Paaeeai SGGS917

Surrender, body mind, wealth and everything to the Guru, obey the order of His will and you will find Him.

Keeping him around in your times of challenges is seeking strength to overcome His Hukum. All pain and suffering are then short lived, overcoming them and seeking happiness within from Him, rather than worldly attachments.

‘Ik’ in respect to other religions is evident in Gurbani as there is mention of Hindu deity’s names as well as Allah when referring to God in Gurbani and inclusion of the writings of spiritual writers from other faiths (Sufi, Bhagats, Sant) alongside the Sikh Gurus in the Guru Granth Sahib.

To quote Bhagat Namdeo ji “Eaek Anaek Biaapak Poorak, Jath Dhaekho That Soee” SGGS485 “In the one and in the many, He is pervading and permeating; wherever I look there He is.

Influenced by Guru Nanak Dev ji they practiced it, they lived it, they shared achieving their bliss on the path of the Guru and want us to follow the same.

The scientists at NASA admit that apart from being a spiritual enlightener the living guru of Sikhs Sri Guru Granth Sahebji is full of scientific wealth too. An English translation of Gurbani Swaroop is in their library. The Library of Congress Washington DC has 7 floors where literal contents are kept on the basis of importance i.e higher the status of reading material, higher is its place in the library. Guru Granth Sahebji is on the top level with all religious honors.

Guru Nanak ji described the dangers of egotism, falsehood, and hypocrisy, and called upon the people to engage in worship through the "Naam" (the name of God). He rejected the path of renunciation (Tyaga), emphasizing a householder's (family) life based on honest conduct, selfless service (Sewa), and constant devotion and remembrance of God's name. Guru Nanak Dev ji promoted the equality of all mankind and upheld the causes of the downtrodden and the poor, laying special emphasis to assert the equality of women. The ‘Ik’ concept reflects in many Sikh traditions and historic events. Among others, these include langar, where everyone sits together and eats a meal without any distinction of religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, social status, race, caste. The ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, sacrificed his life so that Hindus could freely practice their own faith. The ‘Ik’ understanding by Bhai Ghanhaya became an honourable act even though he was giving water and tending to the wounds of injured enemy soldiers who were fighting to kill his brethren Sikhs.

When you are grateful to God, you will be great and you will be full. Let His teachings influence our mind.

Jhim Jhim Varsai Amrit Dhhara, man Peevai Sun Sabadh Beechara SGGS102

Gently drop by drop, the stream of nectar trickles within. Mind drinks it in, hearing and reflecting on the word shabad.