Some Pass Their Lives...... Some Improvise

The first frame in a film had the camera focused on a ceiling in a room. Two minutes gone the camera still focused on the ceiling no sound and the audience begins to wonder that perhaps a wrong film is loaded or the reel got stuck. 5 minutes nothing changed on screen but restlessness in audience activates. Some youngsters started abusing and throwing popcorn around, few got up to speak to management. Suddenly the camera moves away from the ceiling on to a person lying down in bed and in background a voice describing the man’s state in paralysis, since last 2 years. The camera now kept alternating between the ceiling and the person lying down. My take on it; for over 2 years the man has been just seeing the ceiling day in and out, but the audience went restless within 2 minutes and by 5minutes almost all seemed agitated. The man lying down has but one choice to stare at the ceiling which he does patiently and in acceptance.

Normal people pass their lives with multiple choices yet have loads of complaints for anything and everything and often lack the patience or competence to cope with slightest discomfort. Ever wondered what mix must be our choices to pass our lives? In Gurbani Ang 913-914 there are verses in expressions for us to learn, seek clarity and improvise how to pass our lives.

“kaahoo bihaavai rang ras roop”…… Some pass their lives enjoying pleasures and beauty. Some pass their lives with their mothers, fathers and children. Some pass their lives in power, estates & trade. The Saints pass their lives with the support of the Lord's Name.

The world is the creation of the True Lord. He alone is the Master of all.

Some pass their lives in arguments and debates about scriptures. Some pass their lives tasting flavors’. Some pass their lives attached to women.

The Saints are absorbed only in the Name of the Lord.

Some pass their lives gambling. Some pass their lives getting drunk.

Some pass their lives stealing the property of others.

The humble servants of the Lord pass their lives meditating on the Naam.

Some pass their lives in Yoga, strict meditation, worship and adoration. Some, in sickness, sorrow and doubt. Some pass their lives practicing control of the breath.

The Saints pass their lives singing the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises.

Some pass their lives walking day and night. Some pass their lives on the fields of battle. Some pass their lives teaching children.

The Saints pass their lives singing the Lord's Praise.

Some pass their lives as actors, acting and dancing. Some pass their lives taking the lives of others. Some pass their lives ruling by intimidation.

The Saints pass their lives chanting the Lord's Praises.

Some pass their lives counselling and giving advice. Some pass their lives forced to serve others. Some pass their lives exploring life's mysteries.

The Saints pass their lives drinking in the sublime essence of the Lord.

The saint (sant) in above verses is our state of improvisation. The root of the word SANT is Satt-(meaning Truth or Creator who is in existence), the meaning of Sant is 'one seeking to connect with SATT – Truth or Creator. So with our exalted status, being the ideal human we must consider living the manner advised to us.

Do not let the mind be awake to falsehood, corruption and attachment, gathering assets of sin and greed. Swim across the river of life O my mind, with the sacred Name of the Lord.