THE MARTYRDOM OF REVERED GURU SRI TEGHBAHADURJI
(ON 12TH DECEMBER 2018)

MARTYRDOMDAY of 9^th GURU

Whence death for a cause

Takes precedence

Over other causes considered dear

The bravest amongst us humans

Take the plunge

This supreme sacrifice may be for saving

The Mother Land of ours

Or to save the hapless humans amongst us

Who are oppressed unreasonably

By the tyranical powers that be

The most revered ones

 Embrace death for others

Rather than living for themselves

After seeing oppression and highhandedness

Such was the saga of martyrdom

Of 9^th Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Who sacrificed his today

To save the multitudes

From the slaughterers of humanity.

Came the oppressed Kashmiri Pandits

Leading the group was Pandit Kirpa Ram

Covering a distance so long

They wanted to see the revered Guru Ji at Anandpur Sahib

Very reverentially bowed to him

As they had known Guru Ji’s

For his benevolence

Besides well-known traits of coming to the rescue f oppressed

They entreated him to save them

From the tyranny of the emperor Aurangzeb

Who had given them the two alternative

Either convert or face certain death

Heard their voices so distressed patiently

He was moved by their plight

Though he followed Sikh traditions

But he followed the tradition of Sikh Gurus

To come to the succor of hapless and oppressed

During these conversations, do heart rending

Entered his son – mere 9 years of age (Guru Gobind Singh Ji)

After understanding the dilemma of Pandits

It was also mentioned during the discourse

That only a sacrifice

By a most revered and a holy man could avert these tyrannical decree

There and then came the wisdom filled intervention of Guru’s son

Who could be more holier than you (His father)

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Thus told the hapless Pandits

Tell the tyrant Governor

If he is able to covert the Guru Tegh Bahadur

They will follow suit

The Guru Ji noblest decision known to everyone

All present Sadh Sangat were deeply moved

An ordinary soul cannot take such decision

Of losing his life so that others amongst us could live

The Guru Ji considered all religions

And thought that only good deeds persist.

Thence afterwards

Bade farewell to his wisdom suffusing son

Along with Mata Nanaki

And loving Sadh Sangat

A holy Kirtan was recited

Before proceeding to Delhi for his final journey

To save others from the tyrannical decree

Before he was martyred

Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Dayala besides Bhai Sati Das were killed ruthlessly

Guru Ji saw suffered the pangs with serenity

Guru Ji was martyred finally

On the orders from the most ruthless emperor

This martyrdom would be remembered

Till Sun and Moon and stars remain till eternity

Our heart aches

For this Guru Ji of ours

Who showed that we can remain in the annals of history

Till eternity

If we absorb the principles of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

One of the Gurus amongst Gurus Sahibans

For whom our head bows with utmost  reverence

The most well-regarded ones

Who did much for humanity at large.

May the humanity at large learn from the supreme sacrifice

Which Guru Tegh Bahadur gave for others

Like Lord Jesus Christ

Who was crucified for us all

So that we live with peaceful co-existence

Distributing smiles and love amongst all without bias .

. 

THE MARTYRDOM OF REVERED GURU SRI TEGH BAHADURJI
(ON 12TH DECEMBER 2018)

Truthfully the one who is born here will have to die one day. Nobody is immortal / eternal when it comes to living world. Everybody has to die one day at the time fixed for this final journey yet some through their deeds acquire the status of martyrdom and thus immortalize themselves. Their name and fame in the annals of history is recorded for posterity for us mortals to draw lessons.

The level of sacrifice becomes all the more all-encompassing since it was for protecting the religious sentiments of all other religions. I shall call it a sacrifice unknown in the annals of history – to die for upholding the belief and sanctity of other religions. This sacrifice for others’ causes makes it amply clear that even the thinking of ‘self sacrifice’ is not a normal thinking. It is unpatrolled and unprecedented. It, I am sanguine, comes from our Akalpurakh. This thought is emancipation of consciousness / awareness to a level which catapults a personage (in this case Guru Tegh Bahadurji) to a level of highest spiritualistic ideals, highest moralistic ideals besides taking the religious homogeneity percepts to new heights – meaning all the religions are different pathways to a SINGLE SOURCE. This noble sacrifice is given by only ones who know the true meaning of a religion. Knowing one’s own faith is not a big deal, knowing about the common thread / common bond between different faiths makes all the difference.

To live and practice one’s own religion is done by everybody and is normal practice but there are a few exceptional who tend to protect other’s faiths which is really unique and one of the best examples of setting new moralistic yardstick for others to emulate. Devotion to one’s own religion is not so great as the protection and to give supreme sacrifice for others’ causes is creation of new standards in understanding the meaning of any religion. Guruji’s ideals is based on the precept: : “I believe in the right of others to practice their faith peacefully”

It is pertinent to mention here about the highhandedness with which Aurangzeb ruled this country from 1658 to 1707 for 49 years. He killed his three brothers and even imprisoned his father and came to power. During this rule he wanted to bring true Islamic governance in whole of his empire. Akbar adopted many un-islamic beliefs in his personal life and also on his empire. He visited Hindu temples and let others to follow their religious beliefs without let or hindrance.

Contrarily Aurangzeb had a strong religious convictions with, of course, a very simple lifestyle which he assiduously practiced and followed. He compiled a book of Islamic Laws. The historians tell us about his intolerance and oppression. He is said to have destroyed the religious places of other faiths; the Hindus and the Sikhs and it is an undisputed historical fact. He followed the policy of forceful conversions and those who disagreed were put to death. He even opposed veneration of Sufis.

Amongst other religions, in all his empire, he stressed implementing his dictum ‘convert or be killed’ strictly. Amongst these Kashmiri Pandits (a highly intelligent and regiously awakened community) were also the victims. The Kashmiri Pandits had a highest reverence for Sikh Gurus from Guru Nanak Dev Ji onwards. Pandit Kirpa Ram along with other community members came to Anandpur on 25 May 1675 to take Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s succor with a plea to save them from the tyranny of Aurangzeb who had given them the option; either convert to Islam or face a sure death. A decree which made the entire community helpless and thus they have sought the assistance of the Guru.

Guru Tegh Bahadur followed Sikh traditions and did not follow customs of Hindus but helping the hapless and oppressed being the mission of Sikh Gurus, the Guru was in deep thought with concern writ large on his face. Factually, the intolerance perpetrated by Aurangzeb moved the Guru immensely. During the time, revered Guru was in deep thought, meanwhile, his nine years old son (Guru) Gobind entered. Sensing the concern, he asked his father about the whole matter. After having known the predicament that Aurangzeb had issued a decree that all Hindus should be converted to Islam. It is because, according to him, his religion was the only true religion.

Along with other devout like also made known by the revered Guruji that a sacrifice by a holy man could avert all this. The great son of the greatest Guru replied: who could be holier than you(his father). Having pleased with the pronouncement of his son, subsequently, the Guru unambiguously told Kashmiri Pandits: Go and tell the State Governor that you people were ready to convert Kashmiris provided he was able to convert Tegh Bahadur, The Kashmiri Pandits felt relieved by this pronouncement. The Sadh Sangat present there was really saddened by this but they knew they could do nothing when the decision was finally made.

The message was finally conveyed to the emperor who knew the steadfast beliefs of Guru Tegh Bahadur. These principles being: All religions are pure and only noble deeds count ultimately. The emperor ordered that the Guru ought to be brought to Delhi. Then afterwards the Guru bade his farewell to his wisdom filled son, his wife Mata Nanaki and Sangat after recitation of holy Kirtan on 11 July, 1675.

On reaching Delhi after his visit to other places, he was asked to convert to Islam or face consequences. Guruji, without mincing any words, unequivocally replied that he loved his religion and will not forsake it. It was also told to him that if he refused to convert, his followers would be killed. In this, Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Dayala besides Bhai Sati Das were killed ruthlessly which the Holy Guru saw with utmost serenity because he thought if this was the Will of God then be it. Thence afterwards, Guru was kept in a cage. There too Guruji was absorbed in prayers. Utmost persuasion and persecution could not do any dent on the resolve of Guruji.

Finally, the emperor ordered that our revered Guruji be executed in Chandni Chowk. This order made the sadh sangat saddened/perturbed. On 11th November 1675 Guruji was brought to a selected place and made to sit on a specially made platform. All eyes were on Guruji. Then the orders of the emperor were complied (which I too find difficult to pen down – even now). Thus our revered Guruji attained martyrdom on this day. Such was the barbarity of the ruler. All present there were overwhelmed with this inhuman act. Not only this, even Mother Nature shed tears; a huge thunder storm followed.

Bhai Jaita picked up the severed head of the Guruji who had immortalized himself by his supreme sacrifice for a cause of protecting people of other religion! The head was cremated at Anandpur Sahib where a Gurdwara stands in the fond memory of our Guruji. The body of the Guruji was taken by Bhai Lakhi and his son immediately from the scene to their home most reverently, offered prayers to the memory of departed Guru and subsequently set the house on fire. Factually, an example not found anywhere! Thus, Guruji’s disciples exhibited a supreme courage in saving Guruji’s head and body from being disgraced. Gurdwara Rakab Ganj stands in the memory of the most revered Guruji,

LESSONS FROM THE SUPREME SACRIFICE OF GURU TEGH BAHADURJI

• The Laws of Nature are unalterable.

• Miracle has no place in religion (Guruji told the emperor when he was told to exhibit any miracle).

• All religions are pure and should be the binding force and not for division of humanity on narrow considerations,

• At the end of all, only noble deeds count,

• Freedom of worship should be allowed without any bias.

• All religions should be treated equally.

• No life is as precious as the principles one stand for, He made supreme sacrifice for upholding those principles only.

• Enlightenment through removal of ignorance should be our cornerstone in life.

• .The maxim; love begets love should never be forgotten.

TO KNOW OUR OWN SELF…..

There resides inside all of us ‘self’. The true me, the perceived me, the projected me, the desirable me, the real me, the ideal me, the unknown me, the conceived me, the perceived me, the known me and unknown me; so many version slike this. I have to know the true me. When I think of me, I am really baffled who I am. Sri Ramana Maharishi has described ‘I-am-ness’ or self emanates from our heart and is pure (Suddha) and  Rajasvic (independent activity) and Tamsic (Inertia) can contaminate it. ++++++++

It is essential that we’ve  knowledge about our own conscious self before we want knowing others. When we remain dark about our own self, we cannot advise others to rectify their way of thinking, acting or working since we could be countered by the cold realities of knowing our own self.

In our quest to know our own self, we should improve our habits, pattern of behavior, attitude towards many aspects in our life, our potentials, our weak areas and need to plug these areas. Our effort in this endeavor should be to adjust and be adaptive to the change and not for becoming perfectionist. The improvement in all aspects should be within some parameters set by the society besides these aspects should bestow us satiety and peaceful co-existence.

In Holy Quran it has been said that all good deeds and the ordained ways of worship, such as prayers, giving zakat (charity), and fasting, bring great benefits to the worshipper first, then to his/her family, community, and society at large. All these positive attributes make us empathetic, kind-hearted and we are known by the deeds we perform. If nobody knows about our good deeds then our God and my self know about these.

When we think about ourselves then we tend to focus about the following aspects in relation to our surrounding and the environs in which we are living. It is essential to know our own self first before knowing or judging others. Following are some of essential features in this exercise:-

• What I am, my position in the society including what I can do to improve my stature which gives me satisfaction?
•  It has been said that if we drop all ideas about self then we’ve found our self.
• When you accept yourself as you are without being judgmental about it, then you tend to have found our self.
• To reach the Truth is essential but following half-truth or ardh-sach could result in losing our own moorings or lose our own self and prove to be hindrance in our path for knowing our own self.
• Some may say: I am different at different places and at different times, different in different environs/situations then how can I know what we are destined and what we would be. Beliefs and faiths differ as a man differs in habit and attitude. I may say that self can be known but person with different beliefs may say different things at different times.
• My thoughts on spiritualism and their influences on me. We can have self-realisation through spiritual experiences. Only connectivity with God can help us know and ourselves. The habit of daily prayer can help us. We can realize God. God is our own and he remains with us ever. Self-consciousness and God-consciousness should work in sync. We should work in sync with our natural abilities. Everything should be performed in association with God. By doing so, we shall not deviate from our chosen path.

In Bhagwad Gita it has rightly been said that we should work in harmony with our natural abilities and we should make this work as an offering to God, who pervades this universe and from whom all creatures have arisen. Also, we should work as per our temperaments and interests and not try to imitate others which results in a feeling of guilt and sadness.

• We should always realize that God is the only TRUTH and every other thing has temporary value.
• If the force of desire is strong, the potency of Divine Will is the strongest. Purpose of human beings is to seek God’s connectivity.

• What habits or attitude we should have so as to adjust in the society we are living?

• My fears of unpredictable incidents and how best I can face if and when these will visit me – even without advance warning.

• What are our traits which allows us to fit in the environs in which we are living.

• What decisions we should take or should not take which are agreeable to us and others?

• Our personality traits which help us adjusting in the community we are living.

• What others will think about me if I behave in a particular manner?

• Fear of God in our life to be totally aware that if we commit sinful act, I shall have to suffer the pangs of our karma.

• We tend to limit ourselves when we transact anything without proper planning for fructification of our effort. .We should open our perspectives and work after giving serious thoughts for their execution. For this knowing self-goal

Bhagwad Gita emphasises the importance of Dharma (righteous way of living in accordance with the code of  conduct as described by Scriptures), Bhakti (Meditation) and Moksha (Liberation from births and deaths) as the three important constituents for living a life of spiritualism. The four paths which lead a person to to spiritualism are Jnana (Spiritual knowledge), Bhakti (Meditation), karma (Action) and Raja Yoga (independent and fearless like a king).  Following these principles we can understand relation of self and Brahma (Absolute Reality) – the relationship of Atama (Soul) and Brahman (God). These are different but non-different too through our thoughts and action thereto. Leading a life according to the Natural Universal Laws makes a person Janani (Self-realized) through learning and experience.

We should remove the ignorance which acts as a poison.  We do not realized our true nature, made in the image of God. His will should be accepted. Eliminate ignorance and you will get everything that you want. If I do not know my own self then I cannot blame others for not knowing myself. Therefore the following poem:-

KNOW THYSELF

WHEN  my own well-wishers and friends so dear

Feel uncomfortable and misunderstand me

Fault lies with me really

Not with my dear ones

Since I gave such negative cues

To them when clarity and sincerity was needed

To remove the misgivings just arisen.

WHEN nobody likes me

And don’t want to have any truck with me

That means there is a small bit or even more wanting in me

The reason for nobody wanting me

Would be quite a revelation for me

Through self-questioning, I’ve to be self-aware

And transform myself to the extent possible

To make myself likeable/lovable consequently

As nobody else will change for me

Change has to originate from within.

WHEN I pray or  perform meditation

Without proper concentration

My mind remains wandering in the wilds

Getting answer to my prayers is asking for the Moon on earth

Thence. Can I blame others?

Certainly not!

It lies squarely on me.

When I  commit mistakes

No problem, all commit mistakes

In one form or other everyone knows

Nobody is infallible in real sense

While transacting something

But fault lies, in essence

When I  heap lies after lies

Just tirelessly

All to justify

Having committed mistakes!

So brazen it becomes really

When my ego stops me from agreeing

To have committed mistake which is mistake most appalling!

WHEN I am ignorant about something important

Fault lies at my doorsteps

Not in others

Since I did not try getting knowledge

About the things to be known

While it was required to be known.

WHEN I get angry on reason so silly

I shall not attract anybody around me

Since nobody wants to have intimacy

With a man with inflexible- mentality.

WHEN I fail miserably

While others succeed easily

It is not the fault of the destiny.

WHEN I am ignorant about something important

Fault lies at my doorsteps

Not in others

Since I did not try getting knowledge

About the things to be known

While it was required to be known.

WHEN I lose my temper just for nothing

I shall not attract anybody around me

Since nobody want company with a stubborn

Fault lies with me for all this self-created situation

Here need is to change my attitude

The quicker I do the better for me

For a peaceful co-existence.

WHEN I go to my scheduled meeting at the time and date fixed

Fully conversant with the intricacies involved

Then I shall meet all contingencies without any pinpricks

Thereby remain affable and unruffled

While meeting the demands of the work at hand.

WHEN I did not get respect from others, as I desired

It is not somebody else fault at all

Since I did not pay respect to others whilst it was vital.

WHEN there is no harmony in our family

I am responsible for this undoubtedly

The mess is created by us only

Since it is all due to misunderstanding between the members

Who have conflicting views on anything which makes a sweet-home

A house is made home when all members

Work for each other and meet each others’ demands.

WHEN you have no ethical and  moral fiber

You cannot advice others to keep theirs

For you have yourself lost yours

By your behavior so indifferent.

WHEN I have not paid my taxes

The tax authorities will book me for the lapse

And  haul me up for this lapse

Fault lies with me solely

Not with others around me.

WHEN I have not done much in life substantially

Fault lies with me and not on somebody

I have to mend my ways.

WHEN I am not able to clear my loans on time

And the creditors are after me

For giving back the loaned amount

Then I have to face music of non-payment of dues

Since it is my liability than otherrs.

WHEN I am not able to adjust with the group

Fault lies with me and not the group

Since I have to be adaptive to change not the group

As nobody would like to change for me surely.

WHEN I am ignorant about something important

Fault lies at my doorsteps

Not in others

Since I did not try getting knowledge

About the things to be known

When it was required to know.

If I get angry on pretexts so silly

I shall not attract anybody around me

Since nobody wants to have intimacy

With a man with no accommodative way of thinking,

If I fail miserably

While others pass with easily

It is not the fault of the destiny

But my own lack of effort to succeed.

If I did not get respect from others

It is not somebody else fault

Since I did not pay respect to others.

If I pray /meditate

Without proper focus

And my mind dithering

Here, there and everywhere

Can I get something in that exercise

Definitely nothing substantial

Thence. Can I blame others?

Certainly not!

If there is no harmony in our household

Certainly my neighbor is not responsible for this

We are ourselves responsible for all this mess

Since it is all due to misunderstanding between the members

Who have conflicting views on anything which makes a sweet home

A house is made home when all members

Work for each other and meet each others’ demands.

If I have not paid my taxes

The tax authorities will book me for the lapse

If  I am hauled up for this lapse

Fault lies with me solely

Not with others around me.

If I have not done much in life substantially

Fault lies with me and not on somebody?

I have to mend my ways.

If I lose my temper just for nothing

Fault lies with me for so doing

Then need is to change my attitude

The quicker I do the better for me.

If I am not able to pay my

And the creditors are after us

For giving back the loaned amount

If I have to face music of not payment of dues

Thence is it else’s liability than mine.

If nobody loves me

That means there is something lacking in me

Through introspection

I’ve to be self-aware

And change myself accordingly

To make myself likeable consequently.

If I am not able to adjust with the group

Fault lies with me and not the group

Since I have to be adaptive to change not the group

As nobody would like to change for me surely

HOW A HABIT IS FORMED AND REFORMED?H

OUR HABITS

The habit we want cultivating

We’ve to get it by repeating

A number of times

Till it makes its lasting residency

In the conscious system of our

To make use of it

Without much effort

As and when needed

Thence there are the habits

Which lose their usefulness

And necessitate changes

With the change in life’s stages

Effective change takes place

When this change is tested and attested

By different practices and experiences

Under different sets of situations

Till it is firmed-up

And takes its place

In our consciousness

And bestows us self-confidence

And will to face state of affairs

As it comes

Without any notice to us.

Habit is tendency to act in a particular manner or pattern of our behaviour that we form after we’ve made in a particular way through practice. For a person to cultivate good habits, it is essential that he/she should have adequate guidance under a skilled Guru or Master who could transform the thought precepts or processes  of a particular person. If we are not able to do so on our own, we should take the help of a  Competent Master or Guru then we shall be forming our habit. Otherwise, we shall have to make our habit  by trial and error method in the environment  we are living. This learned habit may be good or not so good depends on utility or otherwise which this habit gives to the person concerned. Our formed habits form our behaviour pattern and we are respected or otherwise based on our habit, behaviour and attitude we imbibe.

SELF-REALIZATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR FORMING A POSITIVE HABIT

We should have self-realization first. In this our potentials and weak areas are to be known. Having realized this, we can bridge the weak areas and add the richness of our lives.

I am of the firm belief that while forming a habit we should learn it like Dhanshdhari Arjuna had learned by actually acting on the advice of Lord Krishna, to do our work without any claim of having done that i.e. without any attachment to the fruits of actions. While performing our duties we should maintain balance without any care for result of our actions. Also, we should make it a habit to see everything due to God. It may be good or not so good. Besides humans should realise everything is due to Him and He resides in us all. Need is to realise this fact through our routine habits that all beings are equal in suffering and in joy.  

It has rightly been  stressed in Bhagwad Gita: Always do your work, Arjuna, but do not claim its yield, neither think of yourself in charge, nor flee the battlefield. Balanced in your duty,    care to win or lose.

HABITS  KEEP ON CHANGING FROM ONE STAGE OF LIFE TO OTHER

Habit and its formation remain  changing  as we grow in various stages of our life through various experiences and practices/repetition.  We ought to be cautious, conscious with better perceptions we can refine our behavior pattern. This could also be possible by thinking and behaving in a particular manner so that we imbibe all the good habits.

HABITS CULTIVATED IN A BAD COMPANY OF FRIENDS

While we become prisoners of our own contradictions, we cultivate unethical and immoral or irrational habits, it is not possible that we have cultivated this habit merely by our own volition but could be influenced by our own kith and kin or our selfish friends. Today, I was deeply dismayed when I came to know about a student in our neighbourhood, who followed immoral way of life due to the lack of value system by the parents (The parents had occasional quarrels) along with appalling influence of classmates. All these dreadful influences had the telling effect on her and herself resorted to the habit of following immoral way of living, surprisingly at the tender age when a student should devote fulltime for studies. This habit formed proved very damaging for her.

Old habits die hard and if they are cultivated under the influence of our friends with doubtful integrity. Smoking, drinking and gambling habits do harm us physically. Then drug addiction is one of the worst habits which could prove very harmful.

HABIT OF DOWNSIZING OTHERS ON THE BASIS OF CASTE, COLOUR AND REGION

There are people who have the miserable habit of browbeat others on the basis of their caste, creed, colour and backward region or due to their profession.  This habit is absolutely unethical and uncalled for and should not be encouraged at all. Nobody has the right to discriminating others on the basis of ulterior considerations.  The sooner this habit is changed the better it is for inclusive growth and development.

HABIT OF CRITICIZING WITHOUT REHM OR REASON

In our routine life, we must have observed people who have the habit of criticizing others. When the matter is under controversial then criticism is welcome and wholesome but when the subject matter is simple and beyond reproach, then there are people who offer their criticism which are simply not called for. 

REPEATING A PARTICULAR ACTION

When we try to learn some good habit, we have to repeat it a number of times. It becomes a part of our daily routine then. But care and caution consciously should be exercised that this habit is not bad one – a bad habit is the one which is not liked by others. This bad habit could too be eliminated by consciously trying to eliminate it by good action model.

HABIT TO BE PERFECT

There are the people who want to be perfect instantly. We humans can be perfect through our perfect thoughts and actions. It should be our endeavour to reach to a level which is acceptable in the society we are living. By imbibing the habit of perfection in every act we perform, then, it may not be possible since we have our own level of intelligence, comprehension, acquired knowledge etc. A habit formed in haste, may sometimes be a futile exercise.  A habit formed with love as a necessary ingredient would prove to be a good exercise – an enjoyable process.

NEGATIVE HABITS

It has been observed that bad habits like abuse, telling lies, backbiting, criticising others without sufficient reason, exploiting, mistreating or ill-treating, etc. once cultivated get ingrained in our psyche and are hard to be eliminated.

There are the habits which give us a negative tag. The habits are:-

• Having the habit of showing anger on any pretext under the sun.
• Habit of having greed for having more worldly possessions.
• Habit of feeling jealousy on somebody else’s well-being.
• Having lust for anything more than what we actually require.

HOW BEST TO BREAK THESE HABITS

Once a bad habit has been formed, although it is not possible to easily eliminate these habit but if sincere efforts are made, slowly but surely, we can remove the gridlock of these dreadful habits by remaining constructive and realistic in approach. Care ought to be exercised that it is easily said than done but our sincerity in moving towards that end can make huge difference. Stopping giving more credence to negativity can help in uprooting a bad habit. This could better be done by analyzing a problem into small-pieces and dealt with accordingly with complete application and poise.

We should always embrace a positive change with our honest efforts for living a positive oriented life and get accountable for every change that happens with our self-effort.

In Holy Bible it has amply been enunciated: Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

CREATION OF SELF-BELIEF AND SELF-ESTEEM

It is in fitness of things to attribute our positive habits when we follow positive course of action. Positive habits enhance our self-confidence and thereby our self-esteem.

In conclusion, we can say that a positive habit can herald positive change in us physically, mentally and spiritually.

549^TH BIRTH DAY ANNIVERSARY (PRAKASH DIVAS) ON 23^rd  NOVEMBER 2018

(OUR HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ON GURU NANAK DEV JI’S PRAKASH UTSAV )

Guru Sri Nanak Dev Ji – (1469-1539 CE)

The Founder of Sikhism & The First of the Sikh Gurus

Observance of holy days and celebration of anniversaries
Have linkages with some important events or after the names of prominent personages

Who changed the eco-system where so ever they put their feet.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, our most revered Guru

An embodiment of Supreme Being

A harbinger of deliverance

From our pains and sufferings 

Through His gems of preaching

A Messiah who made a huge difference

In our viewpoints on spiritual values

And showed a clear cut path to the humans

By meditating on Divine Name

With all the devotion

Thus remove the all pervading ignorance

With his teachings. 

His birthday is celebrated as Prakash Utsav or Guru Purb

In essence, life is a festival (Utsav or Purb) of highest order
A Day of immense value for us all

For self-realization through love, faith and absolute devotion

Besides rendering assistance to the fellow beings without any expectation

And gain knowledge about the Divine Truth for our liberation

By realization of Divine within

By the union with the Divine

And attain Divine Peace within

Which is the sole purpose of humans

Thus realize the aim of Guru Granth Sahib.

On the Gurupurb Day Diwan
Starts early in the morning hours
With Asa-di-Var
And hymns from Guru Granth Sahib are sung
Followed by discourses and prayers (Ardas)
And finally Prashad in lines (Pangat)
By the devout (Sangat)
Called Langar served to all alike
People share it with great reverence
And make this day; a day to reminisce–

On the most auspicious full moon day – Pooranmashi
At a village named Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi
Now known as Nanakana Sahib
In the month of Kartik
15th day of April in the year 1469
When our most revered Baba Nanak Ji was born
To father Baba Kalu & Mother Tripta
No one but our beloved Akalpurakh (God)
His observable mission for this Special Messenger
Of spreading ‘EK NAAM’S’ pious Message
And that such a person will make huge difference
For causes most dear to the society in general
Indeed a Shining Star on the horizon was born!
Of the Sikhs & the ones who believe in(Khalas) purity
Way of living now or in future with certainty
Gurupurb lasts for three days
A pious Akhand Path in all Gurudwaras
With organization of Nagar kirtan
Procession (Kirtni Jatha) is led by Pious Fives

(Panj Piyaras – the Beloved Ones)
With Holiest Sri Guru Granth Sahib kept on the Palanquin
Hymns from It purifies the environs the most
Spreading Its Message – the most fragrant
Far and wide making the gentry mesmerized
Gatka Parties displaying their artistry
With their traditional weapons.

 Babaji – the most benevolent of all
Our earnest prayer to Thee our beloved One
Let the spirit of this day
Remain echoing in our memory
Spreading Thy Universal Message
Of Uniting the Humans without bias
And ridding society of all ills and malice
Engendering brotherly feelings amongst all

And make our life sublime..

GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 

GURU NANAK DEV JI

The Supreme Lord sends His Messengers to this earth to spread His Message so that such Messengers make difference with their preaching to the world at large and change their lives. His teachings are so relevant that there is a definitive imprint of His teachings on the psyche of people and that is why His influence remains centuries after centuries. Those sincere devotees who have attained the certain level of spirituality can seethe Divine Vision.

Guru Nanak Gurpurb also called Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm by all those who know about Guru Nanak Dev’s contribution to the humanity in general with His preaching.

On this day Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions or congregations) which are taken from the Gurdwaras in the early morning itself and cover almost all the lanes and by-lanes in the vicinity. People sing hymns in His glory in this procession.There is air of tranquility and peace in the environs around these processions.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on 15th April 1469 at Rai Bhoi-di-Talwandi of Shekhopura, presently in Pakistan. He was married to Sulakhani the daughter of Mool Chand of Pakhoke Randhawe village of Gurdaspur and had two sons named Shri Chand and Lakhmi Das.

Guru Nanak Deve Ji defines the traits of Divine Lord as: There is but One all-embracing and all-powerful Divinity, who manifests Himself first in the shape of all sacred words and then through the whole created Universe – Ik Onkar Sat Naam, Kartaa Purakh Nibhou Nirveir Akaal Moorat Ajoonee Saibha Bhaug Gur Parsaad. This is also termed as the Mool Mantra.

Divine Lord also is: The One who was real and self-existent before all Creations, who was real through all ages (Yugas), who is real and true now and who shall be true and self-existent for all times to come.  (Aad Sach, Jugaad Sach, Heibhee Sach Hanak Hosee  bhee Sach)

HIS LIFE SPANS FROM 1469 – 1539 A.D.

History is the guide to tell us that during this period many of the spiritualistic, cultural and progressive ideas came to the fore and fructified owing to the proactive role of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. These ideas are very much relevant for us to follow and get experiences in our lives. One thing unique in these ideas is that these are practical in nature and realistic; not based on mysticism and ritualistic. In many of His thoughts and deeds, during His sojourn to various parts of India and even in foreign lands, sheds light on His unstinted and clear philosophy that  AKALPURAKH  – SAT NAAM SRI WAHE GURU is the only TRUTH, a Truth which could be proved anywhere anytime.

THE PREACHING OF GURU NANAK DEV JI

• The universal message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was to reach a common understanding through dialogue and carry all along by understanding others viewpoints too without imposing his viewpoints on others.
• The human body is made of five elements; air, water, fire, earth and sky and within subtle body lives mind which remains in perpetual instability. The body consists of nine outlets and there is also the tenth one which is attained through intense meditation on Divine Naam. This way ego is destroyed and man merges with Divine.
• The old dogmas and unnecessary rituals prevailing amongst the masses gave place to progressive ideas. Service (Seva) and prayers (Simran) should be given more credence.
• The Divine pervades within the body which is termed as Soul (Atma). It enables the body to perform its functions. This Divine Power pervades in the Universe called as Universal Soul.
• He propagated the idea of goodwill and welfare of all without bias – for him all are the creations of Akalpurakh and therefore there should not be any difference on the basis of religion of caste.
• The God is the Divine Husband of Creation and all creatures are His brides to whom He looks after without bias.
• He taught that everybody should be truthful in words and deeds.
• Three miseries of humans are: miseries of mind, physical ailments due to bad deeds and miseries created by nature. These could be removed by God through realization of Truth by complete devotation.
• His preaching resulted in the intellectual and spiritual renaissance of the masses in general.
• Humanism was given more credence with the idea that human beings are considered good or bad according to the deeds one performs and not on the basis of birth, caste or colour or region.

• Religion should create harmony and not dissensions and hurdles in the path of masses.

• Complete surrender to the will of God for the spiritual forward march should be pursued.
•  
• He taught the philosophy of ONE GOD – EK NAAM.

• Bad traits such as ego, anger, greed, attachment, and lust should be shunned from our midst in order to lead a balanced life.
• We should always be in the quest/pursuit of knowledge for our enlightenment. Knowledge helps us to attain salvation too.

The Holy Gurbani is a sacred treasure and has universal appeal, every verse (Shloka) while recited suffuses and fills with fragrance in the environment it is spoken and cures the illness of our body, mind and soul. Almost all the prayers are for the praise of our Akalpurakh in one form or other.

For Example: Gun Biant Kimat Nahi Pae!! Nanak Jis Bhavai! Tis Lae Malae!

Endless are His virtuous qualities; His worth cannot be appraised. O Nanak, one who pleases Him is united with Him.

This is the holiest day in the history of Sikhism. It is celebrated not only by Sikhs but also by all those who believe in His Holy Words. Akhand Path, non-stop recitation from Guru Granth Sahibji, Asa Di Var (Collection of 24 Stanzas written by the revered Guruji). Gurdwaras are specially decorated tastefully on this occasion.

Devout pay respectful tributes to Sri Guru Nanak Devji and remember His contributions for the spiritual upliftment of the common masses and rid them from unnecessary rituals that prevailed.

Equality of all the faiths and religions is a reality. His disciples were from all castes and creeds.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s premise was that those who do not know the true meaning of scriptures, cannot differentiate between good and bad; are steeped in egocentric pursuits. These people are truly the ignorant ones. There is no exaggeration in saying that main thrust of Guru Ki Bani is to remove ignorance, superstition and complex customs bedeviling the masses This also helped in spreading the message of goodwill besides engendering brotherly feelings amongst them without any distinction. Guru Nanak’s stellar contribution is for the wellness of the humanity as a whole and for the spread of this message, He traveled length and breadth of our country and abroad.

All the incarnations Messengers of God suffered while they were living on this earth because people at that time could not understand them. Such incarnations suffered so that we may learn the lesson for a peaceful co-existence between all humans:

GURU NANAK PREACHING IS MORE RELEVANT NOW THAN EVER:

While pains and sufferings are, in essence,  part and parcel of our life but when it is inflicted by our own brethren then it is more painful. What has been happening around the world now is nothing but painful. Guru Nanak has himself mentioned this “Unto whom should I tie up and give the bundle of my pains? The whole world is suffering from pain and suffering. Wherever I see loads of pain and suffering – NANAK DUKHYA SAAB SANSAR.

Guru Nanak traverses lengths and breadths of India and in the foreign lands, so he mentioned about the ‘pain across the globe. This pain and suffering could be ameliorated through meditation, he mentioned. “Remembering Him in meditation, a profound peace is obtained. Oaub and suffering will not touch you at all – remain in the sanctuary of God and no pain and suffering will ever touch you at all.

All the humans are our Creator’s creations but they are born under different circumstances and different conditions and different locations. But from the same LIGHT, we are created. Then why people we interpret scriptural inscription differently. It really pains me immensely.

PROPHET MOHAMMAD

Prophet Mohammad suffered immensely at the hands of his opponents in Makkah and in other places like Al-Tayf and Madina who knew His exceptional intelligence and integrity. Although he was bestowed with very good business, a happy family and helpful relatives yet he preferred the path of pains and sufferings. His opponents raised every conceivable hurdle in His path but he did not care about His sufferings but wiped off the tears of downtroddens. Although like Christ, He forgave them and followed Allah ordained path for the welfare of mankind. He gave credence to compassion and kindness for the needy.

JESUS CHRIST PREACHING

• Jesus Christ preached the importance of having compassion for our fellow beings. He taught that kindhearted feelings should be there even for our enemies, Jesus was born in 7 – 2 BC and was crucified in 30-33 AD in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. He was born in Nazareth, Galilee to Parents Marry & Joseph. During his lifetime too he had to suffer at the hands of opponents on one pretext or other.

Christ preached forgiveness and mercy. He even forgave those who harmed him immensely. No ill-feelings for anyone absolutely that is the message given:

Jesus was the one who had won victory against material consciousness. He exists in the hearts and minds of His followers. He said, ‘I do nothing of myself, but as my Father hath taught me.’ Christians including numberless others who have indomitable belief in His preaching shun delusions and follow His ideals. His presence is felt through his teachings. Those who have self-realization know that in every speck of cosmos Christ Consciousness exists but only those who have vision can experience this. Christ Consciousness is a part of Cosmic Consciousness should never be lost sight of by us humans.

His teachings are so exhaustive, yet, if we care to follow the ones mentioned below, we can make our lives sublime.

LORD KRISHNA

• Lord Krishna – the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who appeared on this earth as the Avtar (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) more than 5,000 years ago had to put put up with so many pains and sufferings firstly at the hands of Demon King Kamsa (the most demonist of all Bhoja dynasty. Subsequently faced evils in the form of demons like Trnavarta, Bakasura, Aghasura, Dhenuksura, Pralambasura, Kesi in the form of the horse, besides serpent Kaliya to whom he forgave and finally besides serpent Kaliya to whom he forgave. So much so was he disturbed by the demons that for the safety of his subjects he had to establish his abode at Dwarka suffused with fortification etc. In Mahabharata, Lod Krishna played a stellar role in the annihilation of evil in the form of Dhritarashtra and his sons especially Duryodhana/ Though the battle between Kauravas and Pandavas took a heavy toll yet truth won and evil perpetrated and pampered by Kauravas was destroyed ultimately.

LORD RAMA

• Lord Rama an epitome of Dharma and peace. He was to be carbonated as King of Ayodhya but had to go for exile for 14 long years. During exile, he killed many demons who disturbed the hermits in their meditation. His consort Sita was abducted with deception by the demon king Ravana who represented evil. There was a ferocious battle between the two armies of Lord Rama and Ravana where the evil of Ravana was defeated.
  • Lord Budha who epitomized non-violence and peace throughout his life and spread his message of fair-play and tolerance through his disciples too faced many hurdles initially from his opponents while spreading the message of love and affection. Even his death is death after consuming a special delicacy offered by his generous host, the remains of which were buried.

It goes to show that our most revered ones suffered at the hands of their opponents then what we are? We should actually learn lessons out of their sufferings/sacrifices and live joyously and with empathy.

PROFOUND LESSONS THAT WE HUMAN SHOULD GET FROM THE MESSENGERS AND GOD INCARNATIONS.

We woefully opine that we are suffering pains at the hands of our opponents (those who do not agree with our viewpoints) just conveniently forgetting the untold sufferings undergone by the Messengers of God.

• Bestow us enlightenment by removing ignorance through spread of knowledge.
• The world of ours is in constant struggle between good and evil.. This is due to thrusting our opinions on others forcefully and consequent struggle. Then differing people resort to disproportionate violence result in loss of precious lives. No religion recommends this.
• There is a fight between the truth and falsehood. This difference may be due to the different interpretation of scriptures but the basic thrust of all religious scriptures is good of humanity as a whole without bias and feelings of compassion, empathy, cooperation, brotherhood, and goodwill to be encouraged between all humans.
• There are those who are the oppressor and those who are oppressed. The oppressor should introspect about his/her origin and should never identify himself/herself different from others.
• Bad things could happen to good ones. This is a fact, bad things have happened to the good people but when this injustice should stop and message of goodness that is codified in all the religious texts made applicable in letter and spirit? The sooner this happens the better for the humanity as a whole. No human loss, please.
• We should never forget that we have a common Creator meaning we are commonly related to our Him. Then why bloodletting for temporary gain – aagain which pains even our Creator!
• All the main scriptures exhort us for co-existing with mutual cooperation and with goodwill then why misunderstanding and killing? Where all this will lead the humanity?
• Be that as it may, let’s forget our small differences and live as creation created by our ONE Creator.
• The message of communal harmony that Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave should be followed by all the societies so as to remove the discriminations in the societies. He had his disciples from hindu and muslim – a clear message of communal harmony which is the need of the hour.

EId-e-Milad-un-Nabi

This day is of huge importance

Since on this day

In 570 CE

Holy Prophet Mohammad

In the holiest city of Mecca

Was born

The One

Who changed many a lives then

And has been changing lives

Even this day

With his sacred preaching

The richest in contents

Which enrich our lives the most.

On this day

Devout sing hymns

With great love and devotion

In the praise of Prophet Mohammad

Which are considered very promising

For getting worldly

Besides awards considered heavenly

People decorate their houses very tastefully

And observe this day

As the day of reckoning.

Prophet Mohammad who considered kindness and compassion

The pillars of our strength

For us all

For the needy

And should be pursued by us all very assiduously

People also take out processions

Where prayers are recited very reverently

Along with the distribution of sweets

To the poor and the disadvantaged ones

An act which the Prophet liked the most

Thence there is narration of the life and other stories

Connected with the Holy Prophet

The Most Benevolent One

Reminds us of the kindness and compassion

Which He espoused so dearly

And all the teachings of the Holy Prophet professed

We also show our love and respect

For our own Holy Prophet

May His teachings

Remain influencing

Us throughout our lives through His teachings.

OUR VULNERABILITIES

OUR VULNERABILITIES

The events which are unpredictable

Dangers may be lurking in any nook or corner

Waiting to strike us without any warning

How best to save us from this  happening most unexpected

Depends solely on our training

To face challenges without any whiff of air  of warning

As these are unpredictable

These are not avoidable

Lets therefore allow these come

And embrace our vulnerabilities

Rather than escaping from these

To feel connectivity

With the people of all hues

And open many vistas of opportunities

To cement our relationships

With unknowns

And remain honest with ourselves

For new learning and know-how

And strengthen our will to grow

By acceptance what comes in our life

Since avoidance

Makes us untouchable to change

That may have transformational effect on our system

Since embracing vulnerability may bring us experience

To reminisce till our life lasts

Enhancing our self-confidence

Brimming with self-love

Also to enhance self-esteem.

We tend to close our doors to unpredictable

Because of lack confidence

To face any event

That may befall unpredictable

By throwing fears and cautions to the winds

Face the unpredictable event head-on

Since the people in general

Will treat us the way we treat ourselves

On routine basis

Good intentioned ones

Treat others with respect

And distribute smiles

And embracing others with love

And not embarrassing with impunity

During their lifetime.

And those with ulterior motives

Distribute hate and snide remarks

During their lifetime

Best course is to let the current of happenings flow freely

Meet the contingency as it arises

Giving us experiences

Sometimes sweet and other times sour.

Our vulnerabilities are destined

Face them as we face the challenges of life

Instead of making these  adversaries

We should make them an asset

Thereby empowering us with love so deep

And take on thechallenges of life with self-assurance

Of course with God’s graces in abundance.

OUR VULNERABILITIES

Vulnerable means state of being harmed or attacked, physically or emotionally or both. There are so many incidents in our life which put us in dangerous position. For example, if we intervene in two warring parties, more often than not. We may be harmed or attacked by one party or the other. It so happened that an argument between husband and wife turned into physical beating. My friend tried to intervene and wanted to persuade the hostile couple to forget their differences. But what happened was not expected by my friend. The warring couple joined together and started abusing and beating my friend thereby giving a most relevant lesson to my friend not to intervene when fight is between spouses. We may be exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed which happened in case of my friend.

Vulnerabilities are unpredictable, that is, these cannot be ascertained beforehand and therefore cannot be fully staved off. However, if we have strong will or determination or strengthen ourselves mentally emotionally and spiritually, we can limit their effects. This way, we can take any call as inevitable, inescapable which cannot be ward off as it is destined to us. In other words, what would be cannot be avoided but we can just face the fact as it comes.

These vulnerabilities may also be due to our weaknesses. At times, we get entangled in unpredictable moral turpitude incident which may have unpredictable consequences for us; even impinging on our character and ancients. The recent revelations in ‘METOO’ incidences of the past are the fittest case in view in the context which may be due to due to muddled or tangled mindset.

SOME INSTANCES OF OUR VULNERABILITY

·        Breach of trust. All the business deals are done with mutual consent or trust between different parties. But when one party breaches the trust, we feel very perturbed. It so happened that I received a call that one company rep(with which we had made contract for providing us computer related services)had come to rectify the defect in the server room but this deceptive rep. crashed the entire system thus making the system dysfunctional thereby putting in limbo the important computer related functions. Thus a person to whom we trusted the most breached the trust and made the system unserviceable. This unexpected turn of event made me most disappointed since I had allowed the rep to have access to the server room but he breached the trust and also the clauses of the TERMS AND CONDITIONS. A lesson which I got from this unexpected turn of event.

LESSON LEARNED: We should never trust anybody and should not be taken in by others’ sweet sermons since we are always vulnerable at every step.  Many a times we could be victim from the unexpected quarters. Therefore we should always be wary and check the credentials of the person(s) who comes with mala-fide intent.

• We become vulnerable because of our trusting nature. Sometimes, we get victimized because of our trusting nature.Those to whom you trust most, may stab you on the back. A successful ladyentrepreneur, running a boutique (Tulsi Creations in Delhi) paid dearly becauseof her unsuspecting nature. She was unfortunately killed by her own trustedaides.

LESSON LEARNED: Keep your keep eyes and ears open always even when you deal with somebody to whom you trust most. We become vulnerable when we are gullible, weak besides being immature to handle unpredictable incidents. It is, therefore, essential that we remain cautious, remain resolute in our will power to face and fight any unpredictable happening which may have disastrous consequences as nobody would like to remain exposed to any unpredictable or impulsive thing in our life.

• Vulnerable witnesses in various cases. There are instances where the witnesses in criminal cases in the court of law get life threats and make their lives miserable. They do not come forward because of reprisals from the parties concerned.

·        Attack on our self-esteem by our own known people. When our self respect or self esteem gets punctured by our own nears and dears. We face unexpected and unpredictable attacks on our self-respect by our own friends and colleagues. This has double whammy since we lose friends and self-esteem.

·        When old and infirm are neglected. Our old people require our special care because of their old age or they could be risk of being harmed at their oldage or disability when they are not duly protected by their own love ones.They cannot defend themselves against attacks by burglars or thieves.  They remain vulnerable from all sides. It should never be forgotten that we tend to become exposed to the possibility of vulnerable after we reach our oldage due to physical weakness. When our own offspring to whom we have given our everything show no mercy on us. This makes us emotionally perturbed. .

·        When differently abled and gifted ones are not cared as desired. We have to be sensitive to the needs and aspirations of those who are not able to transact anything tangible on their own and are vulnerable at every step of their lives. It is the responsibility of those whose body and mind are sound to help those who are having some disability or other in the form of giving them needed care and protection including the right education so that they grow to be able to look after themselves and not to remain dependent on others till their lifespan. Such training could be training on computers, candle making, making of earthen items such as wicks, toys etc. making of bakery items and those who have attained proficiency could be trained to be trained cooks et al.

·        When our partner deceives us. In joint business deals, if one partner deceives or breaks the trust then the business venture becomes vulnerable and cannot flourish. For a joint business to be to be successful, it is pragmatic and practicable to repose the trust.

·        Government formed by different parties with different ideologies are Vulnerable. Similar is the case with the Governments constituted on the principles of COMMON MINIMUM PROGRAM to be reached which is agreeable to all its constituent parties. This sort of Government too is vulnerable by some parties for fulfillment of their political ambitions.

·        When our step-parents breach our trust. There are times when the step-children remain vulnerable to the whims of their step-father or step-mother.

·        When our own deceives us. We feel very concerned when our own relations to whom we trust the most deceive us and breach our trust which becomes disastrous for our wellbeing.   

·        When those whom we have looked after us delude us. Sometimes our own for whom we have given everything; our time, our finances, our energy deceive us thus erecting an artificial wall of distrust.

·        When some deceive their own country by selling the secrets to an enemy. We tend to feel let down when some of us selling state secrets to countries inimical to the country concerned for financial gains. Thus vulnerability to greed makes these people vulnerable or weak for some pecuniary gains.

·        When someone breaks the marriage bows for dowry. Then we have the cases of some women become vulnerable to the greed in the form of dowry and other precious gifts. Many a homes have broken by this vulnerabilities.

Conclusively, it could be said; while we cannot stave off what is store for us the next moment; we can at least face the fact and not just get frightened and lose our self-confidence along with our self-esteem. Who knows, facing our vulnerabilities may open new opportunities and new earn us more friends and well-wishers. We should live life as it comes and not live in fear of the unpredictable. Belief in self and belief on our GOD will make much difference.