ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪਰਵਾਹ ਛੁਟਕੰਤ ਸਦ ਦ੍ਵਾਰਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਗ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਨ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਮਲ ਸਰ ਸੰਤ ਸਿਖ ਨਾਈਐ ॥: The Stream of Amrit (-Giaan or spiritual Knowledge) flows constantly from the Door (of the Gur-Shabad). The Sikh Sant (Satsangee of the Gur-Shabad) bathe in the immaculate pool or Srovar of the Gur-Giaan (spiritual Knowledge). (sggs 1401).
Thus, one becomes a true Gursikh only when he has understood the spiritual secrets of the Gurbani or the mystery of the Gur-Shabad, or when he has solved the riddle posed to him by the the Satguroo.
ਥਾਲੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਤੈ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਹਰਿ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤੀਐ ਪਾਈਐ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਅਲਭੁ ਹੈ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਲਭੈ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਏਹ ਮੁਦਾਵਣੀ ਕਿਉ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਕਢੀਐ ਸਦਾ ਰਖੀਐ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਿ ॥ ਏਹ ਮੁਦਾਵਣੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਈ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾ ਲਧੀ ਭਾਲਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਸੁ ਬੁਝਾਏ ਸੁ ਬੁਝਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥੧॥: Upon the Plate (of the letters of the SGGS, ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਅੱਖਰਾ ਰੂਪ ਥਾਲ… You O Paarbrahm!) have placed the sublime food of Amrit (-Naam, Giaan: ਅੰਤਰ-ਆਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਰੂਪ ਭੋਜਨ, ਬ੍ਰਹਮ-ਗਿਆਨੀ ਦਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਭੋਜਨ…). Eating this (food of Wisdom…), the mind is satisfied, and the Door of liberation (from Maya’s hunger, Bikaar, doubt……) is obtained. O Saints! This food is difficult to obtain; it is obtained only by Reflecting on the Gur (-Shabad: Wisdom or Giaan of the Gur-Shabad). How can this riddle be searched within? It should be kept ever enshrined in the Heart (should not be forgotten that it is a riddle which needs to be understood through search, Shabad-Vichaar…). The Satiguroo has posed this riddle. By searching (Shabad-Vichaar…), the Gursikhs find it (i.e., understand or resolve the riddle…). O Nanak! He alone understands it who wants to understand; by becoming the Gurmukh, he (who wants to understand it) works hard (Shabad-Vichaar-ਘਾਲਣਾ, ਖੋਜ…) and realizes Hari (Mool…, within). ||1|| (sggs 645).
ਨਾਨਕ ਭੁਸਰੀਆ ਪਕਾਈਆ ਪਾਈਆ ਥਾਲੈ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਨੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਨਾਇਆ ਰਜਿ ਰਜਿ ਸੇਈ ਖਾਹਿ ॥੩॥: O Nanak! (Paarbrahm) has placed cooked or ripened (Giaan, spiritual Knowledge…) in the Plate (of the letters of the SGGS, ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਅੱਖਰਾ ਰੂਪ ਥਾਲ…). They, who obtained the Giaan of the Guroo, (their minds) eat it to their fill and satiation. (sggs 696).
Before we go further, let’s ask the Gurbani why the true contentment is placed on this Plate of the letters of the SGGS (ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਅੱਖਰਾ ਰੂਪ ਥਾਲ).
ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਕਰਿ ਭਾਉ ਤੋਸਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੇਇ ॥: Those who practice true contentment and love, obtain the supplies of the Naam (sggs 422).
ਰਤਨ ਜਵੇਹਰ ਨਾਮ ॥ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਗਿਆਨ ॥: Divine Naam is the Jewel and Ruby (i.e. very precious). The Wisdom of the true contentment (is obtained through it). (sggs 893).
ਸਚ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਨ ਪਾਵੈ ॥: Without the Truth, true contentment is not obtained (sggs 1040).
ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦੀਆ ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀ ਪਾਨਾਂ ਹੇ ॥੭॥: Satu santokhu deea guti poorae Naamu amritu pee paanan hae (sggs 1975).
Hence, Paarbrahm has placed the sublime Food (ਭੋਜਨ) of Amrit-Naam (Shabad, Aatam-Giaan, Spiritual Wisdom…) on the Plate of the letters of the SGGS for us to eat. That is, our challenge is to understand the true meanings of the Gurbani As Is (understanding the Mystery of the Gur-Shabad-“ਸਬਦ ਭੇਦੁ”), and then live it (i.e. Gurmukh Lifestyle).
ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਭੁੰਚੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥: (Through all the contributors of the SGGS, You O Paarbrahm!), have placed one Thing on this Plate (of the letters of the SGGS, ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਅੱਖਰਾ ਰੂਪ ਥਾਲ…) — contemplation or Reflection on the true contentment (i.e., ਸਤ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਦੀ ਵੀਚਾਰ — How to experience or realize through the true contentment). (This is) the Amrit Naam of the Divine that has been placed (upon the Plate of the letters of the SGGS); it is the Support of all. One who eats it (i.e., the spiritual food – ਆਤਮਕ ਭੋਜਨ) and enjoys it is delivered (freed from Maya, Bikaars…). (sggs 1429).
“ਸਬਦ ਭੇਦੁ” (Mystery of the Gur-Shabad) or the meanings of the Gurbani are not straightforward. However, the Gurbani tells us that a Gursikh can understand (ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ) them and Realize the Mystery of the Gur-Shabad through searching (ਖੋਜ) and Reflecting (Vichaar-ਵਿਚਾਰ…), and thus solve the riddle by becoming the Gurmukh (ਘਾਲਣਾ ਘਾਲ ਕੇ, by understanding the true meanings of the Gurbani-ਅਸਲੀ ਅਰਥ). Thus, the one who has become the Gursikh, he has also become the Gurmukh, the Giaanee (spiritually Wise), the Saadhoo (one who has accomplished perfect control on his mind), etc., who is totally free of all Bikaar (lust, anger, greed, etc.).
ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਸਬਦ ਭੇਦੁ ਨਹੀ ਆਇਆ ਤਬ ਲਗੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਸੰਤਾਏ ॥੩॥: Jab lag shabad bhedu nahee aaiaa… (sggs 1126).
ਏਨਾ ਅਖਰਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਲੇਖੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੨॥: Enaa akharaa mahi jo gurmukhi… (sggs 432).
ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਿਖੁ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਹਾਟੈ ॥: Gur kaa siku bikaar te haatai (sggs 286).
But, the truth is that the majority of us do not even know what the riddle is, let alone its solution!
ਕਹਾ ਬੁਝਾਰਤਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਡੋਰਾ ॥ ਨਿਸਿ ਕਹੀਐ ਤਉ ਸਮਝੈ ਭੋਰਾ ॥: How can a riddle be understood by the deaf? (With a sign if you) Say “night”, but still he thinks (you said) “day” (i.e., even he is constantly told, but still does not understand at all). (sggs 267).
ਅਬ ਪੂਛੇ ਕਿਆ ਕਹਾ ॥ ਲੈਨੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਰਸੁ ਨੀਕੋ ਬਾਵਰ ਬਿਖੁ ਸਿਉ ਗਹਿ ਰਹਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (O crazy man!) Now if you are asked, what can you say? O crazy man! (In this world) You was to gather the sublime essence of the Amrit Naam (Giaan-spiritual Knowledge), but instead, you are holding on to Maya-poison. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1203).
ਸਭੇ ਗਲਾ ਜਾਤੀਆ ਸੁਣਿ ਕੈ ਚੁਪ ਕੀਆ ॥ ਕਦ ਹੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨ ਲਧੀਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੜਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਦੇਇ ਬੁਝਾਰਤ ਸਾਰਤਾ ਸੇ ਅਖੀ ਡਿਠੜਿਆ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਜਿ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਲੋਭੀਆ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਸੁਣੀ ਕਹਿਆ ॥੨॥: (The Jeeva-individual being) hears and knows everything, but still he keeps silent (i.e., he does not care or listen-ਪਰਵਾਹ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਦਾ) Bewitched by Maya, he never regains (spiritual) Awareness. ||1|| The riddles and hints are given (by the Gurbani, Gurmukhs…), and he sees them with his eyes. But (the Jeeva) is foolish and greedy, and he never listens to what he is told. ||2|| (sggs 217).
ਪੜਿਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦੁ ਬੁਝਿਐ ਪਾਵਣਾ ॥: Not by reading (books), but through Understanding, is the Mystery Realized (sggs 148).
In nutshell, the Gurbani is the subject of searching (ਖੋਜ-Khoj), Reflecting (ਵਿਚਾਰ-Vichaar), and understanding (ਬੂਝਿ-Boojh). The Gurbani tells us that we should always remember this riddle, and try to understand it the same time through searching, reflecting, and understanding the Gurbani. As propagated by the greedy Pujaaree system, mere reading of the SGGS or mere seeing bowing down to it will not do the trick!
To understand exactly what the Gurbani says, or means, or intends, etc. is to solve the riddle. Once the Gurbani is understood (ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ), then the Gurbani wants us to constantly apply it in daily life (“ਅਮਲ”, “ਕਰਣੀ”…).
ਜਹ ਕਰਣੀ ਤਹ ਪੂਰੀ ਮਤਿ ॥: Jah karanee tah pooree mati (sggs 25).
Very well written. I read some of the verse before. However today I realized the riddle of day and night. Its easy to become deaf. I need to overpower the Body and mind.
Thank you Pally Singh Ji for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Powerful post T Singh Ji !
ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਸਾਚਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸੇ ਦੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਚਰਜੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥ ਕਲੀ ਕਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਏ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: True are the Guru’s Teachings, and True is contemplative meditation. God Himself forgives, and bestows contemplative meditation. ||1|| The Lord’s Name is wonderful! God Himself imparts it. In the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Gurmukhs obtain it. ||1||Pause|| (Raag Dhanaasree M. 3, GGS. 666-2).
Thank you Bhai Sahib Kirpal Singh Ji for taking the time to reply.
Thanks Vir Jio for yet another enormously insightful piece.
So we all need to be the puzzle / riddle solvers.
Our Gurus could have presented Gurbani as plain demystified solution set but that could have taken away from us the satisfaction of first making efforts and then reaping rewards. Anything we accomplish by dint of our hardwork is not only better cherished but also tends to stay with us. So let us all delve ourselves into reflecting on Gurbani and solve the life riddles and retrieve the precious messages Gurbani is so replete with.
Thansks again for your relentess endevours. Keep the guiding torch lit.
Thank you Veer Ji for taking the time to share your Vichaar. Also, thank you for the kind words and encouragement.
…So let us all delve ourselves into reflecting on Gurbani and solve the life riddles and retrieve the precious messages Gurbani is so replete with.