Guru Nanak's Moolmantra and the true self

Guru Nanak was a true wizard with lots of magical and psychic powers and yet the one that preached to not get involved in using them as they power the ego. He was a great social reformer who believed in the equality of man and woman and of all social classes. In his view, a person is better or worse not by his wealth or knowledge but the way we treat other beings. He believed in honest living and sharing of profits. In his ideal world all one needed to do was to produce food and basic necessity items, share them equally and meditate on God. He believed that music transcends anyone much easier than breath control techniques but also emphasised on chanting a word with the feeling of love and gratitude. This way to God is through the heart, the feeling centre. Guru Nanak described God in a few words -

Ik O Ang Kaar - one part of my being
Satnaam - that is truth
Karta purakh - that creates
Nirbhau - one that is without fear
Nirvair - without enimosity
Akaal Murat - that never dies
Ajuni - and never takes birth
Saibhang - forever continues and is self existent
Gur parsaad - is known with the grace of a spiritual master / inner guide.

Nanak further says

Jap - continuously remember / chant

Aad sach - the primal truth
Jugad Sach - will be true in the future
Hai Bhai sach - is the truth at present
Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach - O Nanak, will stay the truth.

In Nanak's view, there is a truth within us that has no enemies or fear, so it doesn't take sides and can't be set aside while we count our profits and rip others off a comfortable living standard. The truth within us is watching every injustice we commit in the name of looking after our family, improving our lot and whatever other notion we have created in the name of a capitalist economy. This primal truth is going to be with us forever, long after we have shed this body that we cherish and try to give all the luxuries and comforts to. This body is not going to thank us for all that we did to protect it, but a part of us that is truth and the one that creates bodies, life forms with a mere desire, and the one that seeks justice is the one we need to satisfy and answer to. That truth within us is the only master we need to serve.

Moments of wonder and awe can change your life

The nursery rhyme 'Twinkle 'Twinkle little star how I wonder what you are' expresses the feeling of wonder and awe and so does Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib. The wonder and awe expressed by Guru Nanak demonstrates that just like the little star spotted by the person who wrote it, Nanak saw light beings when he described

'Tithe Lowe lowe aakar,

 jiv jiv hukum tive tiv kaar

vekhe vigee kar veechar,

Nanak katana Karra Saar.

Just like nature fills us with the feeling of awe, so does a great meditation session but only when we first have the desire to know the truth behind this universe, this existence and we are absorbed deeply in this contemplation. Imagine the twinkle twinkle rhyme being sung by someone in a social setting and the same by someone actually watching the star, absorbed in the awe and you will realise the difference between attending a religious session in the Temple, Gurdwara, church, mosque and a quiet meditation session at home. The point is to be absorbed in the moment with the feeling. Without the feeling, the words can't do much magic and those who haven't had any first hand experience will not understand the power of those words. So recite your scriptures only to gain inspiration and to go inside yourself and dig out that feeling of wonder and awe to experience something special.  Find time to have a conversation with the universe and believe that it will provide wisdom in the moment of silence.

Gurbani

www.srigranth.org

Page 504, Line 3
ਊਂਧੈ ਭਾਂਡੈ ਕਛੁ ਨ ਸਮਾਵੈ ਸੀਧੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪਰੈ ਨਿਹਾਰ ॥੫॥
ऊंधै भांडै कछु न समावै सीधै अम्रितु परै निहार ॥५॥
Ūʼnḏẖai bẖāʼndai kacẖẖ na samāvai sīḏẖai amriṯ parai nihār. ||5||
Nothing can be contained in a vessel turned upside-down; Ambrosial Nectar pours into the upright one. ||5||

ਜੈਸੀ ਪਿਆਸ ਹੋਇ ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਤੈਸੋ ਜਲੁ ਦੇਵਹਿ ਪਰਕਾਰ ॥੬॥ जैसी पिआस होइ मन अंतरि तैसो जलु देवहि परकार ॥६॥ Jaisī pi▫ās ho▫e man anṯar ṯaiso jal ḏevėh parkār. ||6|| As is the thirst within their minds, so is the water which You give to them. ||6||

ਅਬ ਤਬ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਮਾਗਉ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਦੀਜੈ ਪਿਆਰਿ ॥ अब तब अवरु न मागउ हरि पहि नामु निरंजन दीजै पिआरि ॥ Ab ṯab avar na māga▫o har pėh nām niranjan ḏījai pi▫ār. I shall never ask anything else of the Lord; please, bless me with the Love of Your Immaculate Name.

ਨਾਨਕ ਚਾਤ੍ਰਿਕੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਜਲੁ ਮਾਗੈ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ॥੮॥੨॥ नानक चात्रिकु अम्रित जलु मागै हरि जसु दीजै किरपा धारि ॥८॥२॥ Nānak cẖāṯrik amriṯ jal māgai har jas ḏījai kirpā ḏẖār. ||8||2|| Nanak, the song-bird, begs for the Ambrosial Water; O Lord, shower Your Mercy upon him, and bless him with Your Praise. ||8||2||

A story of Nanak's dedication as told by OSHO

Source: http://www.messagefrommasters.com/Oshohindibooks/067_Ek_Omkar_Satnam.pdf

The gist of the story is that its not important whether you do Nitnem, meditation, kirtan or anything else. The main point is with how much effort and dedication, you do what you do. Just like in music its not how many songs a musician can sing or play, its the precision, (the accuracy, detail and devotion) with which he plays the notes and how much the musician himself is immersed in his own music. Same goes for any religious activity.

इक ओंकार सितनाम

करता पुरखु िनरभउ िनरवैर।

अकाल मूरित अजूनी सैभं गु$ %सा द।।

जपु:

आ द सचु जुगा द सचु।

है भी सचु नानक होसी भी सचु।।

पउड़): १

सोचे सोिच न होवई जे सोची लख बार।

चुपै चुप न होवई जे लाइ रहा िलवतार।

भु.खया भुख न उतर) जे बंना पुर)आं भार।

सहस िसयाणपा लख हो ह, त इक न चले नािल।

कव सिचयारा होइए, कव कूड़ै तुटै पािल।

हुकिम रजाई चलणा 'नानक' िल.खआ नािल।

एक अंधेर) रात। भाद3 क4 अमावस। बादल3 क4 गड़गड़ाहट। बीच-बीच म6 7बजली का चमकना। वषा9 के झ3के।

गांव पूरा सोया हुआ। बस, नानक के गीत क4 गंूज।

रात देर तक वे गाते रहे। नानक क4 मां डर)। आधी रात से <यादा बीत गई। कोई तीन बजने को हुए। नानक

के कमरे का द)या जलता है। बीच-बीच म6 गीत क4 आवाज आती है। नानक के =ार पर नानक क4 मां ने

द>तक द) और कहा, बेटे! अब सो भी जाओ। रात कर)ब-कर)ब जाने को हो गई।

नानक चुप हुए। और तभी रात के अंधेरे म6 एक पपीहे ने जोर से कहा, 7पयू-7पयू।

नानक ने कहा, सुनो मां! अभी पपीहा भी चुप नह)ं हुआ। अपने Aयारे क4 पुकार कर रहा है, तो मB कै से चुप

हो जाऊं ? इस पपीहे से मेर) होड़ लगी है। जब तक यह गाता रहेगा, पुकारता रहेगा, मB भी पुकारता रहूंगा।

और इसका Aयारा तो बहुत पास है, मेरा Aयारा बहुत दरू है। जDम3-जDम3 गाता रहूं तो ह) उस तक पहुंच

सकूंगा। रात और दन का हसाब नह)ं रखा जा सकता है। नानक ने फर गाना शुG कर दया।

नानक ने परमाHमा को गा-गा कर पाया। गीत3 से पटा है माग9 नानक का। इसिलए नानक क4 खोज बड़) िभDन है। पहली बात समझ लेनी जGर) है क नानक ने योग नह)ं कया, तप नह)ं कया, Iयान नह)ं कया। नानक ने िसफ9 गाया। और गा कर ह) पा िलया। ले कन गाया उDह3ने इतने पूरे %ाण से क गीत ह) Iयान हो गया, गीत ह) योग बन गया, गीत ह) तप हो गया।

जब भी कोई समJ %ाण से कसी भी कृHय को करता है, वह) कृHय माग9 बन जाता है। तुम Iयान भी करो

अधूरा-अधूरा, तो भी न पहुंच पाओगे। तुम पूरा-पूरा, पूरे Kदय से, तुLहार) सार) समJता से, एक गीत भी

गा दो, एक नHृ य भी कर लो, तो भी तुम पहुंच जाओगे। Mया तुम करते हो, यह सवाल नह)ं। पूर) समJता

से करते हो या अधूरे-अधूरे, यह) सवाल है।

Benefits of listening - Japji Sahib explained by Osho

Guru Nanak says in Japji Sahib - Suniyai - Listen - By listening ....

Osho explains in this pauri / sutra
Whenever your thoughts become silent, your breath changes, becomes slower. Then your body sits at 90 degree angle, you will notice light energy rising above from the base of spine and you will feel happy. That's why the base of spine is called Merudand. When your energy waves rise up from seventh chakra, you will become connected to universe / Braham.

Suniyai uthsath ka isnaan.
Within the body there are 68 points, from whom the sin is committed. Moving the light energy from one point and taking it to the other point, this is called pilgrimage, not traveling outside to various religious places.

The only bad companion is thought. Thought urges you to commit sin. All sin is committed by thought. Thought is an addiction, it does not have answers.

Listening has the answers. Listening is Dhyana, where there are no thoughts. Listening gives the state of Anand.

Thought is like a small spoon that you are using to measure an ocean. You will fail if you try doing so. Listening is the key.

click here is listen This link is now broken, I am trying to find another link to OSHO's katha of japji sahib.

Understanding of differnce between Religion and Spirituality by Osho Rajneesh

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the website with MP3 of Japji Sahib Katha / translation by Rajneesh Osho. I had heard years ago that Osho's explanation of Japji Sahib / writing of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak, the Guru of Hindu's and Pir of Muslims is by far the best. I loved Osho's way of weaving Guru Nanak's life stories within the explanation giving them new life. I truly appreciate and accept what Osho has said. I have only heard the first two MP3 so far.

Some of his sayings that I loved are as follows
Ek Onkar Satnam completes the Sikh religion. The rest of the Japji is an effort to explain God to people.

The reason we need a Guru is to destroy our ego that I am doing something. Gurprasad - whatever is happening is by God's Grace / Guru's Grace not by my effort.

Hukam means Total acceptance of God's Will.

Philosophy plays with words but the word 'water' can't quench the thirst, a map can't contain the country in it, a painting of a rising sun can't provide light in the darkness. Similarly God can't be found in any religious book as its only an effort to explain God in words and Guru Nanak says that God can't be described.

The website where I heard the MP3's of Osho's explanation of the Japji Sahib of Guru Nanak
http://www.gururavidassny.com/htmls/downloads/jjso.html doesn't exist anymore. Someone has written what Osho explained and posted it on http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?/topic/46438-oshos-discourse-japji-sahib/ (checked 2/12/11)

Guru Darshan in meditation

Its interesting to note the connection between the Sikh Gurus and their preferences. From personal experience I can say that when you are focused on the Nirankar - the formless God and his Darshan, Guru Nanak comes to help.

The days when I was in love with Guru Arjan Dev Ji's devotion to God by reading his shabads showing how he yearns for God's presence and wanted to see him and wanted to know what he really experienced when such a loving soul was made to sit on a hot plate and yet he didn't ask his followers to revolt but to stay calm and accept God's Will. I am impressed with his true devotion. One of these days, it was Guru Ram Das ji came and I was surprised and actually said that I was expecting Guru Arjan Dev ji. Guru Ram Das ji was extremely handsome and I couldn't resist thinning about his beauty even in meditation. He gave me a checked cotton sarape neatly folded and sat it on my right knee as I was in meditation pose. I realised later that it was Guru Ram Das ji's birthday that day.

When I was in Darbar Sahib Harmandir Sahib and prayed to Guru Ram Das ji to lookafter my son whom I was going to leave in India to study at Miri Piri Academy so he could be near Harmandir Sahib, learn about Amritvela and Sikh life and yet be proud of himself; Guru Hargobind ji gave Darshan.

Day before yesterday when during meditation I thought how Guru Nanak and his Bani will be automatically promoted when and if my husband becomes the first Sikh Member of Parliament (MP) in Australia, because of his Sikh appearance; and Guru Gobind Singh ji gave Darshan. He was very Gambhir / serious but he waited for me to wish for something. At that moment I first wished for Raagi Surinder SIngh's settlement in Grahast Jeevan with such a girl that he never abandon Sikh life to promote himself as a great singer and make money.

I believe we have not done justice to Guru Nanak and his Bani, overtime I see the name of Jesus and Buddha mentioned in the prominent religious figures and no mention of the Great Guru Nanak, the only person achieve enlightenment and yet not ask people to worship himself but the formless God and at the same time didn't ask people to convert but rather practice their own religion with truth.

Interesting how the Guru that you pray to is not the one to respond but the one that cares more about either the issue in your mind or the Guru that you are remembering. Why would Guru Arjan Dev ji not give me Darshan? Is it because I still don't accept the death of a person whom people made into Suhaga and took him around their fields so they could get rain in those field. I hold Guru Arjan Dev ji responsible for that persons death.

In saying all what I did, I would one day write about how there is difference between Dharshan as an image and Dharshan as a live person talking to you. I am sure anyone would understand that live Dharshan is so much more powerful.

What I worry about most is that my elder brother once said that my Dad (passed away) once told him that there is a difference of Bhagati of four lifetimes between doing Guru's Darshan and finding a place in Guru's feet. How is one suppose to cover that distance in one lifetime if one wishes? I can't wait four lifetimes. I want to be with Guru Nanak everyday, each day.

Emotion is the switch to God and DNA healing

Sick people generally wonder why they are one to get a chronic illness. I have always believed that we choose our own diseases by virtue of the emotions we hold in our body. Happy and loving emotions bring good health and long life and negative mentions bring illness.

Gregg Braden has explained how this happens in his audio book 'Beyond point zero'. He says that emotions we hold in our body create pressure in the body that determines which DNA cells are activated. Since positive emotions have higher vibrational frequency, positive emotions unlock more complex DNA. To turn on all DNA codes we need to have pressure on maximum number of pressure points. Compassion, he believes, touches most vibrational push points.

Greg further explains the difference between Emotion, Feeling and Thought. He says that Thought is the guidance system, Emotion is the the power system that moves the patterns of energy within the body and together Thought and Emotion create Feeling. He says that there is unique chemistry to carry each emotion. So what emotions you carry? How it might be affecting your body and mind?

Following website claims, "The one mystical key to unlocking your full potential is your vibrational energy. Every thought, every emotion, every belief transmits a measurable vibrational frequency. Clarity vibrates at the highest frequency."
http://www.chakramagic.com/solar_plexus.htm

Greg says that heart is the transformer made of seven layers of liquid crystal that perceives and sends the signal to brain. This is a great explanation. Most people believe that its the brain that sends the message to the heart and then the heart feels. Greg is right in saying that its the heart that perceives before the brain takes charge of the situation. You might have seen in drastic situations that you feel the emotion first and then ask yourself to pull your head together to handle the situation. Greg says, "Logic must be tempered with wisdom from the heart."

Gregg fosters compassion and suggests 3 codes of blessing, the positive, the negative and the witness (yourself). He asks us to bless three types of people - one's that are suffering, for they created the feeling of compassion in you. Secondly, those who perpetrated the crimes of making others suffer, for they were a part of that act which created compassion in you. Even though you don't condone what they did as right, you must acknowledge that they played a part in that event that created the feeling of compassion. Greg says, "Don't respond in polarity. Bless that which hurt you deeply. Acknowledge them even though you don't understand at this point why this happened. This is a blessing as it helps us change how we feel about it, to allow us to move forward and become available to love." Thirdly, you must thank yourself, the witness, for witnessing this event. He says, "witness without judgement, feeling without distortion and emotion without charge ..."

See the full details of Gregg Braden's audiobook 'Beyond point zero' on http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/32003925

Guru Nanak says 'Gobind Bhao Bhagat Ka Bhukha' God is hungry for Loving devotion. All his life Guru Nanak spread the message to not worry about the nitty gritty of Yoga practices etc, rather focus on loving God and his creation by meditating on his name, singing his praises and on sharing your honest earnings with the needy and by doing good work for the community as God resides within his creation as well as outside it.

Guru Nanak also asks us to not judge others as 'Na ko Moorakh, Na ko Syana' - nobody is clever and nobody is a fool. 'Jit Ko Laya Tit Hi Laga' each person is only engaged in whatever he/ she has been made to engage in.
Guru Nanak is considered the prophet of the heart for he believes that the heart is the central point that helps you meet God.

As they say, "Ask and it must be revealed". In one meditation session, I was desperate (Emotion) to meet God and see what Guru Nanak saw that made him utter the word 'WAHEGURU' - Indescribable teacher / master. In this session, Guru Nanak revealed himself and then showed me God himself in my third eye. Straight from the God's eye two rays reflected to my heart centre where a lotus blossomed. The feeling of emmence love that I felt during this experience lasted months. During this time, I couldn't see anyone as a bad person. I loved everyone trully from the heart, no matter if it was a stranger, a person I previously hated or the loved ones. I trully loved them all without judgement. That was all not by virtue of my goodness, but a result of a powerful meditation experience that generated this feeling. I use to the first person to judge others and was quite proud of this skill. I no longer judge people as good or bad. I accept that they are here to fulfil a purpose and if they have hurt me, then I have a lesson to learn. They have their own lessons to learn that I don't need to worry about. For a person like me who had extreme difficulty forgiving people, its so easy now because of the understanding of how it works and the positive consequesces of forgiving others for my own health and spiritual growth. I do get upset with people but soon as I realise what I am doing to myself, I consciously forgive people for their actions saying "only if they knew a better way to deal with the situation, they would." I also bless them and myself that may God give us understanding.

Saint Kabir's meditation experience

The following Shabad is by Bhagat Kabeer Ji in Siree Raag on Pannaa 92, is similar to what Guru Nanak experienced and what Eddie expalins in her near-death experience, that I have mention in my older blogs.

Siree Raag, Devotee Kabeer Jee:

acharaj eaek sunahu rae pa(n)ddeeaa ab kishh kehan n jaaee ||
Listen, O religious scholar: the One Lord alone is Wondrous; no one can describe Him.

sur nar gan ga(n)dhhrab jin mohae thribhavan maekhulee laaee ||1||
He fascinates the angels, the celestial singers and the heavenly musicians; he has strung the three worlds upon His Thread. ||1||

raajaa raam anehadh ki(n)guree baajai ||
The Unstruck Melody of the Sovereign Lord's Harp vibrates;

jaa kee dhisatt naadh liv laagai ||1|| rehaao ||
by His Glance of Grace, I was lovingly attuned to the Sound-current of the Naad. ||1||Pause||

bhaat(h)ee gagan si(n)n(g)iaa ar chu(n)n(g)iaa kanak kalas eik paaeiaa ||
The Tenth Gate of my crown chakra is the distilling fire, and the channels of the Ida and Pingala are the funnels, to pour in and empty out the golden vat.
Vat = A large vessel, especially one used for holding in an immature state, chemical preparations for dyeing, tanning or the like.


this mehi dhhaar chuai ath niramal ras mehi rasan chuaaeiaa ||2||
Into that vat, there trickles a gentle stream of the most sublime and pure essence of all distilled essences. ||2||

eaek j baath anoop banee hai pavan piaalaa saajiaa ||
Something wonderful has happened-the breath has become the cup.

theen bhavan mehi eaeko jogee kehahu kavan hai raajaa ||3||
In all the three worlds, such a Yogi is unique. What king can compare to him? ||3||

aisae giaan pragattiaa purakhotham kahu kabeer ra(n)g raathaa ||
This spiritual wisdom of God, the Supreme Soul, has illuminated my being. Says Kabeer, I am attuned to His Love.

aour dhunee sabh bharam bhulaanee man raam rasaaein maathaa ||4||3||
All the rest of the world is deluded by doubt, while my mind is intoxicated with the Sublime Essence of the Lord. ||4||3||

http://www.sikhitothemax.com/page.asp?ShabadID=267

Guru Nanak and Vibration theory on the creation of the Universe

Guru Nanak says
Jeta Kita Teta Nau / Nam
Vin Nave Nahin Ko Thao
Kudrat Kavan Kaha Veechar
Variya Na Java Ek Var

Everything created is Nau / Nam, there is no place without Nam.
Nam is a Word
Word is a Sound
Sound is a Vibration

Therefore, whatever is created is all vibration? There is no place without vibration?

Four ages explained by Maskeen ji

According to Maskeen, a famous spiritual speaker, the four ages considered under Eastern philosophy can be explained not only in terms of Time but also in terms of a person's goal and ambition in a particular point in life.

Guru Nanak explains in 'Asa Di War'
Sat yuga rath santokh ka
Satyug is the truthful stage when contentment is prominent in life.

Maskeen explains that within one age, different people are in different stages. When the majority of population is in a particular stage, then that time can be classified as of that Age.

If the mission is to attain more wealth and the person is not satisfied with what material wealth he has, then he is living in the Kal yuga, the dark age. The Age that is run by falsehood and deceit. If the majority of people are living in this state of mind then its the age of Kalyuga. But while living in this age there are people who have a goal and motivation that coinsides with one of the other ages. Therefore they are living in a different age.

Maskeen also classifies a persons age into four stages. First stage is the unborn child in a womb, 2nd stage is childhood, then middle age and then old age.

Sikiwiki explains the following at http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Asa_di_Var

O Nanak, the soul of the body has one chariot and one charioteer.
In age after age they change; the spiritually wise understand this.
In the Golden Age of Sat Yuga, contentment was the chariot and righteousness the charioteer.
In the Silver Age of Traytaa Yuga, celibacy was the chariot and power the charioteer.
In the Brass Age of Dwaapar Yuga, penance was the chariot and truth the charioteer.
In the Iron Age of Kali Yuga, fire[unfulfilled desire] is the chariot and falsehood the charioteer. ||1||

Praises of God - undescribable

Pauri 23

Salahi Salahi Eti Surti Na Payeea
Nadian Ate Vah Paveh Samund Na Janiah
Samund Sah Sultan Girha Seti Mal Dhan
Kiri Tul Na Hovani Je Tis Manhon Na Visre

Translation~~

Praise and adoration
Yet reveals not Thy infinite glory
Like streams and rivers upon merging
Know not the might of the Ocean
An emperor with treasurers and dominion
Vast like the Ocean
Is not equal to an ant
Whose heart retains the Love of God.

Pauri - 24

Ant Na Siphti Kahen Na Ant
Ant Na Karne Dein Na Ant
Ant Na Vekhan Sunan Na Ant
Ant Na Japey Kya Man Mant
Ant Na Japey Keeta Aakar
Ant Na Japey Paravaar
Ant Karan Kete Billahe
Ta Ke Ant Na Paye Jahe
Ehu Ant Na Janne Koye
Bahuta Kahiye Bahuta Hoye
Vadda Sahib Uncha Thaun
Unche Ooper Unchan Naun
Evad Uncha Hove Koye
Tis Unche Ko Janne Soye
Jevad Aap Janne Aap Aap
Nanak Nadri Karmi Daat

Translation~~
Infinite His praises endless expressions
Infinite His creation boundless His gifts

A limitless sight with endless sound
Incomprehensible is what is in His mind
Unfathomable is the extent of His creation
Unknowable is the boundary

Millions have vexed to determine the extent
Yet the boundless has remained unfound
None knows the limits and extent
More we describe, more becomes unfound

Great is the Master exalted His abode
Higher than that is His exalted Name
Of that stature one has to be
To truly know how great is He
His majesty only He alone knows
Says Nanak
His Grace and Bounty is what we may know.

Explanation~~

Is God comprehensible? Can infinity be measured? Is there an end to what "is"? These and similar questions are posed by Guru Nanak in this Pauri. Attributing God as the greatest Master, placing him in the most exalted conceivable abode and declaring His Name to be Supreme, Guru Nanak affirms that to comprehend and to realize this, one has to raise one's stature to that level.

The closing line of the Pauri underlines the central idea. God is beyond comprehension.

Pauri - 25

Bahuta Karam Likhia Na Jaye
Vada Data Til Na Tamaye
Kete Mangeh Jodh Apaar
Ketian Ganat Nahin Vichaar
Kete Khap Tutte Vekar
Kete Lai Lai Mukkar Pahin
Kete Moorakh Khahi Khahin
Ketian Dookh Bhookh Sud Mar
Ehi Bhi Daat Teri Dataar
Bund Khalasi Bhane Hoye
Hore Akh Na Sakkey Koye
Je Ko Khaik Akhan Payee
Ohu Janey Jetian Muhin Khayee
Aape Jane Aape Deyee
Akhain Si Bhi Keti Keyee
Jis Nu Bakshe Siphat Salaah
Nanak Patisahi Patisahu

Translation~~
One cannot record His abundant deeds
His benevolence has no iota of greed
Many valiant beg at His door
Uncountable remain many more

Many are consumed by evil deeds
Many negate after what they receive
Numerous fools obsessed with greed
Many remain afflicted with pain
This too is His divine plan
Liberation from bondage happens by His will

None can say more about this
Were a fool would otherwise say
Disgrace would only come his way
He alone knows what to dispense
Few only do yet confess
Whoever is bestowed by His grace divine
Says Nanak,
Surely is the king of kings.

Pauri - 26

Amul Gun Amul Vapar
Amul Vapariye Amul Bhandar
Amul Aaveh Amul Lai Jahin
Amul Bhayee Amula Samahi
Amul Dharam Amul Dibaan
Amul Tul Amul Parvan
Amul Bakhsis Amul Nisan
Amul Karam Amul Phurman
Amulon Amul Aakhia Na Jayee
Akh Akh Rahe Liv Layee
Akhain Ved Path Puraan
Akhain Pare Karhi Vakhiyan
Akhain Barme Akhain Ind
Akhain Gopi Te Govind
Akhain Isar Akhain Sidh
Akhain Kete Keete Budh
Akhain Danav Akhain Dev
Akhain Sur Nar Muni Jan Sev
Kete Akhain Akhan Pahi
Kete Kahi Kahi Uth Uth Jahi
Ete Keete Hore Karehi
Tan akh na sakke kei kei
Jevad Bhave Tevad Hoye
Nanak Janne Sacha Soye
Je Ko Akhai Bol Vigaar
Tan Likhiye Sir Gavaran Gavaru

Translation~~

Priceless attributes priceless dispensation
Blessed dealers of virtuous treasures
Innumerable visitors with blessed bounties depart
Precious is to love and get absorbed

Perfect laws of the divine court
Flawless scales graceful judgment
Priceless blessings with Thy mark thereon
Measureless generosity profitable commands
Beyond expression is the invaluable manifestation
Leading towards Thy wondrous adoration

Vedas and scriptures dwell on this
The learned too converse about this
So say Brahma and Indra
As do the maidens and Krishna
Shiva and Shivaites say this too
The innumerable Buddhas have said too

Demons and Deities bow to Thee
Sages, men, saints and of service also adore Thee
Many have attempted to describe Thee
And many have yet failed in expressing Thee
If He were to create as many more
Inexpressible yet remain will He
Thou art as wondrous as it pleases Thee

Says Nanak, Thy greatness is only known to Thee
If anyone claims that God can be described
Then declare him to be stupid among fools.

What happens where God resides? Guru Nanak explains

So Dar Keha So Ghar Keha Jit Bah Sarab Sambhale

Where is that wondrous mansion and where the door
From whence Thou watch and sustain us all?
The element of wonder is vivid in this very line. Simply stated, it would mean to me as saying, "Where are you O Lord, where?" The remaining lines of the Pauri 27 seem to be an attempt to resolve this question.

The answer and explanation of such a place is as follows

Where the innumerable melodies originate
Seemingly played by countless musicians
The countless "Ragas" sung by fairies
and other innumerable singers

Air, Fire and Water all Thy adore
With "Dharamraj" singing at Thy door
Where praising Thee "Chitragupt" records all human actions
For "Dharamaraj" to administer heavenly justice

Where Shiva, Brahma and Parvati also sing
Adorned and graced by Thee they eternally are nice
"Indra" Lording on his throne also sings
With host of Devas around
The ascetics in their trance also sing
And the holy too singing Thee
Where the celibate, the virtuous and contented
All sing with valiant heroes
Vedic scholars and great sages
Exalt Thee with their praises
Where the bewitching maids too sing

In heaven, earth and nether regions!
All gems created by Thee
Also sing with the 68 holy pilgrimages
Where all valiant warriors sing
As do the four sources of creation
(Egg, Womb, Sweat and Seed)

All regions and the Cosmic spheres
For their sustenance they too Thy revere
All those sing to Thee who are graced by Thee
Immersed deeply in devotion to Thee
How many more sing are beyond my reckoning
Says, Nanak, I cannot even think

Eternal is God, The Lord of Universe
His Name being so ever True
He "is" and will ever be
The One who is the cause of all creation
Of diverse colors, hues and shades
creating even the "Maya" (illusion)

Having created He watches his handiwork
As pleasing to His grandeur
He does what pleases to Him
None can give any orders to Him
Says Nanak, O King of Kings
I shall forever remain in Thy Will.

Pauri 35

Dharam Khand Ka Eho Dharam
Gyan Khand Ka Akhaho Karam
Kete Pavan Pani Vaisantar Kete Kaan Mahes
Kete Barme Gharati Ghariaye Roop Rang Ke Ves
Kietian Karam Bhumi Meru Kete, Kete Dhu Updes
Kete Ind Chand Sur Kete, Kete Mandal Des
Kete Sidh Buddh Nath Kete, Kete Devi Ves
Kete Dev Danav Muni Kete, Kete Ratan Samund
Ketian Khani Ketian Bani Kete Pat Narind
Ketian Surti Sevek Kete Nanak Antu na Antu

Translation~~
Such as above, is the Realm of Dharma
Now I dwell on the Realm of Knowledge
Countless are the forms of fire, air, water and many Krishnas and Shivas
Countless Brahmas creating myriad forms
Countless fields and mountains for action and countless sages
like Dhruva with sermons
Countless Indras, moons, Suns and countless the stellar and earthly regions
Countless Siddhas, Buddhas, Nathas and countless the forms of goddesses
Countless the deities, demons, sages and countless the jewels in oceans
Countless sources of creation, innumerable languages and
many dynasties of kings
Says Nanak
Countless are scriptures and their adherents, there is just no end.

Pauri 36

Gian Khand Mahin Gyan Prachand
Tithe Naad Binod Kaud Anand
Saram Khand Ki Bani Roop
Tithe Gharat Ghariye Bahut Anup
Ta Kian Gallan Kathian Na Jahi
Je Ko Kahe Pichhey Pachhutai
Tithe Ghariye Surti Mati Man Buddh
Tithe Ghariye Suran Siddhan Ki Sudh

Translation~~

In the domain of Knowledge, Enlightenment reigns supreme
There the primordial sound plays the heavenly melodies
In the Realm of Endeavor, Beauty is the attribute
There exquisite forms are shaped
Such happenings cannot be depicted
One who tries only ends up repenting
There are forged intuition, intellect, mind and insight
As is fashioned there the vision of angels and seers.


Pauri 37

Karam Khand Ki Bani Jore
Tithe Hore Na Koyee Hore
Tithe Jodh Mahabal Soor
Tin Mahin Ram Rahia Bharpoor
Tithe Sito Sita Mahima Mahin
Ta Ke Roop Na Kathane Jahin
Na Oh Maren Na Thage Jahin
Jin Ke Ram Vasen Man Mahin
Tithe Bhagat Vase Ke Loye
Karahin Anand Sacha Man Soye
Sach Khand Vase Nirankaar
Kar Kari Vekhe Nadar Nihal
Tithe Khand Mandal Varbhand
Je Ko Kathe Ta Ant Na Ant
Tithe Loye Loye Akaar
Jiv Jiv Hukam Tiven Tiv Kaar
Vekhe Vigse Kar Vichaar
Nanak Kathna Karra Saar

Translation~~
In the Realm of Grace, Spiritual powers prevail
Nothing else can there avail
They are the powerful warriors and heroes
With Ram inscribed in their hearts
There dwells Sita wedded to the Word Divine
Their exquisite graces are difficult to define
They neither die nor are enticed
In whose heart Ram resides

Devotees from all regions congregate there
Rapt in Bliss for their hearts are pure
In the Realm of Truth is the formless God
Watching His Creation with bounteous Grace
Countless orbs, regions and firmaments originate from there
Such an account is beyond description
Countless forms and worlds beyond worlds
All functioning as He ordains
He watches, beholds and contemplates
Says Nanak
Harder than steel, it is to relate.

Purpose of a Yogi / True image of a Sikh

According to Guru Nanak, in verse 29, the sole purpose of a Yogi should be a communion with the Divine spirit and not to be engaged in acquiring occult powers to perform miracles.

Bhugat Gian Daiya Bhandaran
Ghat Ghat Vaje Naad
Aap Nath Nathi Sabh Ja Ki
Ridh Sidh Avra Saad
Sanjog Vijog Dui Kaar Chalavahi
Lekhe Avahi Bhaag

Make Divine knowledge as food and compassion thy steward
Taste the celestial melody that vibrates in the heart
He is the Lord who rules the whole universe
Miracles and occult powers are simply useless
Union and separation are the two wheels
That churn our share of destiny

Pauri - 28

Munda Santokh Saram Pat Jholi
Dhyan Ki Karhi Bibhut
Khintha Kaal Kuari Kaya
Jugat Danda Parteet
Ai (Aayee) Panthi Sagal Jamati
Man Jeethe Jag Jeet
Ades Tise Ades
Aad Anil Anand Anahat Jug Jug Eko Ves

Translation~~
Let contentment become the ear-rings and modesty the begging bowl
Smearing thyself with contemplation deep
Fear of Death as garment of thy chaste body
Determined faith thy sectarian staff
The only path is of universal brotherhood
Conquer the mind to conquer the world
Hail unto the Universal Lord
Primal, Pure and Eternal -Who forever is the same.

Explanation~~
In this Pauri, Guru Nanak redefines the persona of a Hindu yogi or a sanyasin. Even today the Hindu yogis wears ear-rings (munda), adorns the loin cloth (jholi), carries a begging bowl (khappar) and a staff (danda). He also smears himself with ashes (vibhuti).

Rebuilding the image of a "Sikh" (one who is in search of Truth) Yogi, Guru Nanak asserts that contentment, modesty, contemplation, fear of death and a determined faith are necessary ingredients that guide a person to understand the path of Universal brotherhood and love. Conquering one's mind (the oscillation of thoughts) and by becoming determined only one can conquer the world. For what is conquering the world, if not conquering oneself.

Guru Nanak's explanation of God

In Pauri 31, Guru Nanak asserts that God pervades in the entire universe that is his own creation. And this universe is real and not an illusion to be shunned. Jo Kich Paiya Su Eka Var clearly is the explanation that He created the Universe (the storehouse) in such a manner that in its own cyclic way, it is filled always with infinite bounties. This pauri also clarifies that the entire Universe is but the infinite form "Viraat Swarup" of God. http://forum.spiritualindia.org/japuji-sahibwith-meaning-t22915.0.html

Asan Loi Loi Bhandar
Jo Kich Paiya Su Eka Var
Kar Kar Vekhey Sirjanhar
Nanak Sache Ki Sachi Kar
Ades Tise Ades
Aad Anil Anand Anahat Jug Jug Eko Ves

Translation~~

He pervades in every store
Stocked but once, it forever endures
He creates and beholds the view
Says Nanak
From Truth exists the creation True
Hail unto the Universal Lord
Primal, Pure and Eternal -Who forever is the same.


In Pauri 30 Guru Nanak clearing defining God as ONE only, explains in this Pauri that the Triad too is under the One Universal God - the Silent One, the Knowable yet Unknown. He touches upon the Hindu Trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Sustainer) and Shiva (the Destroyer). The trinity also stands for the three Gunas (attributes) prevalent in the entire Cosmos; these being Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. In Hindu traditions, the Triad is worshipped as three individual Gods.

Eka Mai Jugat ViyaeeTin Chele Parvan
Ik Sansari Ik Bhandari I Lae Diban
Jiv Tis Bhave Tivey Chalavey Jiv Hove Phurman
Ohu Vekhe Ona Nadar Na Avey Bahuta Ehu Vidan

Translation~~
The Supreme spirit manifested Maya
Who conceived and delivered the Holy Triad
The Creator, the Sustainer and the Destroyer (Judge)
Yet He ordains as pleases Him for the Triad to act
Even they see Him not who Sees all
This remains the greatest wonder of all

Guru Nanak and life after death

From last two days, I have been passionately reading the book "Embraced by the light." where Betty has explained what she saw in the spiritual world where God met her. The descriptions of people, the plants and flowers and the God himself are fascinating. These descriptions resemble what Guru Nanak described in Japji Sahib.

My little girl woke up and wanted milk just then. As I walked up to the kitchen in my sleep, these lines of Guru Nanak, describing the spiritual world, poped up in my head - Thithe Gharat Gariae Bahut Anup. There they design and build meserisingly beautiful things. In Betty's account of Different rooms she mentions how lots of people there were making different things. She also wrote that she realized that all things of importance were first created spiritually then physically. When Guru Nanak mentions things being created there, he must be referring to the same process that he saw.

All the verses in Japji Sahib that start with Tithe are a description of what Nanak saw in the mysterious world after death. Nanak mentions of not just God but other beings in there doing different things just like Betty's explanation.

I now wonder if Guru Nanak was disappointed with the politics of work where people kept dobbing him in. When he was checked by the supervisors the third time if he was measuring too much grain and his organization was at loss, although he was found not guity once again, he decided to leave his job. Resigning from a job at the age of 33 with two little children and a wife at home can't be easy. Did he actually go in the river with the frame of mind to ask the Divine what was God doing to protect the poor public from injustice and may be attempted to drown himself and was literally taken to this world that Betty is mentioning? Obviously, it wasn't his time to die and he was doing the right things by loving all and living by Truth that God was compelled to show him all what He does up there while also living within his creation. In Verse / Pauri 33 of Japji Sahib, Guru Nanak wrote we have no control over our life or death - Jor Na Jivan Maran Na Jor.

Aakhan Jor Chupey Nahi Jor
Jor Na Mangan Den Na Jor
Jor Na Jivan Maran Na Jor
Jor Na Raj Mal Man Sor
Jor Na Surti Giyan Vichar
Jor Na Jugati Chutte Sansar
Jis Hath Jor Kar Vekhey Soyee
Nanak Uttam Neech Na Koyee

Translation~~
Powerless are we to speak or remain silent
Powerless are we to receive or bestow
Life and Death is beyond our power
Neither riches nor mental turbulence is in our power
Awareness and awakening is not in our power
The path of liberation is also not in our power
Only God has power so He beholds
Says Nanak, in himself none is high or low

Explanation~~

In our day to day life, we are governed by our Ego and ever changing moods. This is so as we are bound by Time, Space and Causation. Yet, we in our ignorance feel that we have "power" to do this or do that and become boastful of our "power". This ignorance leads us to feel ourselves superior to others. In this Pauri, Guru Nanak categorically explains that nothing is in our power. And no one in himself is superior or inferior.

Guru Nanak came out and made the first statement "Na hum Hindu, Na hum Muslalman" Neither am I Hindu nor a Muslim. This definitely explain to me that he asked God why were these Muslim rulers cheating the Hindu public. He was merely trying to do his job diligently and not keep the poor people's share to make himself rich like other officials. Then he must have asked God if he was doing the right thing by doing justice to people of both faiths. God must have then shown him that in His realm, there is no religion but Love and Truth. Guru Nanak lived his life by both those traits. He had no hatred or bias for man of any religion which he declared in his statement that day.

While reading Betty's account I wondered if people's beliefs and expectations affect what and who people see in that mysterious world, to some extent? Betty mentions that she was surprised to see God as a separate being from Jesus, contrary to her belief that Jesus himself was God. But Jesus was very close to God as she herself is Christian. Guru Nanak mentioned many Hindu Gods and said there were many others like them some creating like Brahma, the God according to Hindu's that creates, many Sita and Ramas praising God, all obeying God's Will. Why didn't Guru Nanak say that the only way to God was through Jesus? Betty herself didn't had to see God through Jesus then why is she distorting the truth? In my meditations, Guru Nanak showed me the way to realise God as he is the one I trust. So may be its simply because Betty trusts Jesus that she saw him standing there next to God to convince her that she is at the right place! So whoever you remember as your God, Guide or Guru, he will be the one standing there confirming that it is the right door not because they are the one through which you must know God but they are the one that you trusted will show you the right way.

Betty saw a Council of 12 men who came to judge her. Gurbani says Panch Parvan Panch Pardhan. I may not know what this line actually referes to but since five comes so many times that I would have imagined that if there actually were more than one person, according to Hinduism at least Dharamraj who judges, then it would be the five accepted once that are the leaders (pardhan) not 12.

Below is the translation of verses around that line that God revealed in my head to contemplate. This translation is done by someone for people of Hindu faith as you will notice if you visit the actual site.
Source: http://forum.spiritualindia.org/japuji-sahibwith-meaning-t22915.0.html

Pauri 36

Gian Khand Mahin Gyan Prachand
Tithe Naad Binod Kaud Anand
Saram Khand Ki Bani Roop
Tithe Gharat Ghariye Bahut Anup
Ta Kian Gallan Kathian Na Jahi
Je Ko Kahe Pichhey Pachhutai
Tithe Ghariye Surti Mati Man Buddh
Tithe Ghariye Suran Siddhan Ki Sudh

Translation~~

In the domain of Knowledge, Enlightenment reigns supreme
There the primordial sound plays the heavenly melodies
In the Realm of Endeavor, Beauty is the attribute
There exquisite forms are shaped
Such happenings cannot be depicted
One who tries only ends up repenting
There are forged intuition, intellect, mind and insight
As is fashioned there the vision of angels and seers.

Pauri - 34

Rati Ruti Thiti Var
Pavan Pani Agni Patal
Tis Vich Dharti Thaap Rakhi Dharamsal
Tis Vich Jia Jugat Ke Rang
Tin Ke Naam Anek Anant
Karmi Karmi Hoi Vicharu
Sacha Aap Sacha Darbaru
Tithe Sohan Punch Parvaanu
Nadri Karam Pavey Nishanu
Katch Pakayee Othea Paye
Nanak Gayia Jappe Jaye

Translation~~

Having created nights, dates, days and seasons
Air, water, fire and nether regions
The Lord amidst them installed Earth -
The place for Karma and Dharma
Wherein abide the multitude of species
of infinite hues and forms
Their actions are to be judged
In the True court of the True Lord
The approved there look respectful
Bearing the Mark of Master graceful
True from the False is screened there
Says Nanak, Ye shall know
When your case is presented there

Explanation~~

In this Pauri, Guru Nanak establishes the concept of "Karmbhoomi". Man's very sojourn on Earth is one of action and experience. One has to justify his very existence on earth through faithful performance of duties assigned and march towards his onward spiritual journey. All actions will be judged is again meant to help us cultivate virtue and a persistent endeavor to win the Divine Grace.

I saw my Inner Temple in meditation

I just randomly opened a page and came to p. 264, Penczak mentions what is in an inner temple.

I am so shocked. The huge empty water well with old bricks on the walls with green growth, with me sitting in the middle, on a flower with a long stem holding me, three weeks ago, just after I saw Buddha, was not a non-sense. It was my inner temple. I tried to look down, it was too far down, so I decided to not worry about down side. According to the author, I should have tried to go down. I did try, it was too dark, far down and so I felt scared and unsure.

In the next scene, I was in a cylinder shape huge new seven story building with the nice clean water falling from the top, as a main feature of the interior. Was it me, a 23 year old, lean young boy without the top on, in the middle floor of the building on one side watching the water fall and enjoying the trickling sound while meditating? In real life, I am much older.

I looked three stories up and saw the water coming down from the dome shaped roof of the building which was in the center, but around it there was just clear sky, no roof. I wondered what was holding the beautiful white dome. From around it I noticed the water was falling down.

I had the urge to see what was in the three stories below. I started to look and go down but it was too dark and far below, so I abandoned the plan. Instead I wondered that there must be rooms around here. So I went into one of the rooms. It was huge. Then I was meditating in this room and saw a big circle of flame. All the individual little flames within this circle were beautiful and perfect lotus petal shaped. The petals of flame were too many to count. Then the flames started to become little bigger and burn more like fire. I wondered if the flames could be dangerous, as they were all around and realised there was nothing to fear. They were beautiful and were in control, giving warmth. As I started worrying about the fire, the flames became bigger and uneven.
So in my inner temple, I saw the earth, water, sky, air and fire, all five elements. Three stories above and below make me sitting in the heart chakra.

Hang on, Is Golden Temple / Harmandir Sahib built by Guru Ramdas ji, based on his vision of his own inner temple? As mentioned by Penczak, everyone's inner temple is different. By God, I was inspired to build in real life what I saw in the meditation.

Another realisation, when I saw Guru Ramdas ji a week earlier, after he gave me a cloth as gift, I had requested him to show me what he saw, that inspired him to build Golden temple. As I heard from my parents, Golden temple is an exact image of the God's House. I have always been puzzled over it, as we Sikhs believe that God is omnipresent. So the God's house is one's own inner temple and Guru Ram Das ji built what he saw in his meditation.

I can't believe, it takes me so long to work things out. That day Ramdas ji started to take me towards a arch-like double door sized doorway leading downwards. I was puzzled as I was hoping to go upwards. The vision finished there.

After the session, I realised how dumb I was. Guru has always preached to become humble and built the Golden Temple some feet below the normal level to represent the humbleness, not higher. So I missed out on having a complete tour with him, because of my late realisation and questioning his way, when I stopped on the earthy doorway made with brick and mud. I didn't feel the concrete on the doorway wall, I smelt the muddy earthy smell. Also, now I understand why it wasn't golden and shiny. Off course, that's not how it was in his time. It was Maharaja Ranjit Singh who put Gold on the building not the Guru.

I only realise things much later but its Ok. Samuel has suggested to not try to interpret while you are having an experience. Enjoy the experience and interpret it later. That doesn't stop you from asking the questions to the Guru / Guide but don't stop the process to ask it. Be gentle while asking and don't doubt that its not what you want to see. Guides know what to show, we don't. We put our wrong expectations in front and then they can't help. I still love Guru Nanak dev ji. He didn't leave me when I told him that that wasn't what I wanted to see. Every time I think about it, it puts a smile on my face and I giggle. He scolded me and told me to be quiet and just enjoy the experience. Love you Guru Nanak, please scold me everyday when I interpret something wrong and drag me to the right direction. I don't want you to leave me if I question something. Please don't get offended. I am only trying to clarify things in my thick head. You know me anyway, what am I worried about. Guru Ramdas ji, please accept my apology, I didn't mean to be rude that day when I questioned everything you gave me and showed me. I am silly. Please help me get wiser!
Je Gur Chirke Tan Mitha Laage,
Je .....

Misunderstood Shiva and Shiva nagari mentioned by Guru Nanak

Based on my personal experience during a meditation session, I believe that the Hindu God shiva is grossly misunderstood. I will first explain my experience and then with refrence to a website giving probable meanings associated with shiva and the items he carries, I will try to explain what the real meaning, as I now believe is.

My experience

I had the most impressive and confusing experience ever. I firmly believe in Guru Nanak and the Sikh religion that he started. I do not have the slightest doubt that he can ever lead me astray about anything. So in my meditation, when I was yearning to see the formless God, I prayed to Guru Nanak to show me what he saw. The next minute Ifirst saw Guru Nanak, a 65 year old Sikh man, with a white round turban and white robe looked like a kurta from the neck, on my right hand side. Then Guru Nanak moved in the background to show me what he saw. I saw someone sitting in meditation pose far away on a mountain. I noticed the hair tied up, resembled the perfect temple dome. Since I have seen Hindu calendars of Shiva in India, I associated this figure as Shiva. As I am not a Hindu, I questioned Guru Nanak, "I asked you to show me what you saw. This is not what I want to see. I am a sikh, I do not intend to change my religion". I probably was trying to spell it out just in case Guru Nanak has misunderstood me just because I am meditating. Guru Nanak stopped me right there and indicated to become quiet and said thats exactly what I am showing you, just see. I realised that I was arguing with Guru Nanak! How foolish of me. I became quiet to see whatever he was showing me without judging and analysing. I will have time for that later.

Then that far away shiva came closer and I saw a very beautiful big eye with pink shaded outline of the eye. It was truly beautiful. Then my mind said, "Hey, its not angry at me!"According to myth, when shiva opens his third eye during meditation, beacuse it was disturbed, he burns everything in his way. Then I realised that it is not angry, on the contrary, its very pleased with me. While I was admiring it, I saw two rays of light came out of the eye. I have mentioned the rest of experience in an earlier post.

Guru Nanak's shabad on page 901 of Guru Granth Sahib ji in Raag Ramkali reads, line 8, Shiva nagari meh asan audhu, alakh agam apari.

Guru Nanak made it very clear in the MoolMantra that the God he talks about and sang the praises of is a formless God. Then what does Shiva Nagari meh asan means? According to Hindu facts on the website http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Shiva#encyclopedia

Shiva is the god of the third eye. I was meditating on the third eye at that time after reading the first chapter of the book opening the third eye by Samuel Sagan. I recommend this book to everyone interested in meditation without any religious jargon or baggage.

All the symbols mentions in the website as linked to Shiva have a symbolic meaning like the snake, a symbol of kundalini energy which I felt rising and hissing like a snake upto my neck, in another session. Then I couldn't figure out where it should go afterwards. I sang all day that day. May be because it rested in the neck area. As is the nature of the energy, a couple of days later this energy went back in the base. The nine snakes that shiva is shown to wear is infact the energy points where the energy resides in everyone's body. Read some articles on meridians and pressure points and you will find out.

So shiva is basically the energy of the third eye. Once the third eye is opened, naturally it will help the throat chakra open as it is the one next to it. The colour of the throat chakra is Blue, hence the blue neck of the Shiva depicted in the paintings. So shiva bhaktas should really meditate on the third eye rather than do idol worship of a human figure shiva. The symbols have a deeper meaning than the physical objects. I am sure the serious bhaktas would know all this anyway. As much as I would love to paint what I saw, I think the paintings lead the ignorant ones astray. Without the personal spiritual experience, its very hard to tell in words the serenity and beauty of the formless.

So Guru Nanak has advised us to meditate on the third eye in his words "Shiva nagari meh asan audhu."

Another website mentioning the symbols worn by shiva http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/festivals/mahashivratri/

My understanding again is very different of these symbol, based on my meditation experiences. The River ganga flowing from Shiva's head is a symbol of the Pranic energy that flows like a river, gushes from above into your body. If you had the experince of this energy, you will agree with what I am saying.

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23rd June, 2010

I discussed my experience of Guru Nanak showing me something with Baba Thakur Singh ji yesterday. I am so glad that he clarified to me that I misunderstood God's nirgun saroop with Shiva. Thakur Singh ji said that God wears a white turban. The moment he said that I recalled the image I was shown by Guru Nanak. His head was the same shape as the dome of a Sikh temple. I then tried to remember the other things that would ensure me that it was not Shiva. This prompted me to remember that I didn't see all those things that are shown on a Shiva's calendar - the snake around his neck, the three edged sword -trishool, or any other things that would indicate that he was Parvati's husband shiva, the father of the elephant head lord Ganesh.

May be Hindu mythology has degraded God's Nirgun Saroop and created this mythical God Shiva who has a wife and a son etc, which does not exist. If that is true then someone truly mislead the Hindu people, while whoever first invented those symbols of snake etc was trying to explain the stage when a person is ready to see God's Nirgun Saroop. To be ready to see that image a person's kundalini should have risen upto the neck, revealed by the symbol of snake around the neck.

Its clear to me that without the perfect Guru I wouldn't have been able to see God in his Nirgun Saroop. I now understand why Guru asked me to not argue, just see and said that he is showing me exactly what I asked him to show. I had asked him to show me the formless God. In that experience straight after the Nirgun Saroop, I then was able to see the third eye, one dot that turned into two rays and then developed in to one triangle and then another bigger triangle appeared followed by the light coming out of my temples onto my hands etc. The whole thing probably would have gone for nearly 40 days, if I wasn't disturbed by the family. What a pity, it didn't happen that way. I am sure its not family's fault but predestined as I hadn't done my share of meditation to be able to see the whole show. But the Guru took pity on me as I was desperate and showed me enough to help me believe in him and God. Now I must work on my meditation so I can have my 40 day experience.