Sant Baba Arjan Singh Ji

Message:
In the month of Assu both the temperature and rain subside. The season is pleasant and those that are engulfed in love for Paramatma yearn to meet with the Creator.
The mind becomes thirsty in the intense desire for the sight of, and meeting with, Paramatma. In such moments the Creator’s beloved, Sadhu Sant, act as teachers guiding the mind and helping to meet with Paramatma. One can not attain true peace and happiness without connecting with the Creator.
At this time, those that experience the sublime essence of the Creator’s love, remain satisfied and fulfilled. They are able to renounce their selfishness and worldly desires and pray only to be united with the Creator. They are blessed and are not separated from Paramatma, remaining in the Creator’s refuge and are always at peace. There is no other truth than Paramatma.

Reflection:
Duryodhana and Arjun both approached Krishan Bhagwan for help before the war began. Duryodhana arrived first and stood beside Bhagwan’s head as he was full of pride. When Arjun arrived, on the other hand, he stood beside Bhagwan’s feet as he had humility. Arjun didn’t see Bhagwan as his friend or cousin brother, but as his Guru. However, for Duryodhan Bhagwan was a mere king and relative. Both came with different intents.
While Duryodhana wanted Bhagwan’s army, Arjun was content in only having Bhagwan by his side even if though he knew Bhagwan would not lift a weapon. Arjun believed that by having his Guru by his side he was already victorious. Duryodhana was very happy and thought Arjun was foolish for having rejected such a large and strong army. He eagerly told Bhishma Pitamah what had happened. At that moment Bhishma Pitamah knew they had lost the war.
Those with an unwavering faith and longing for their Guru are never alone, they find their Guru alongside them at all times, becoming victorious even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Message:
The soul desires to be the dust from the feet of Sadhu Sant. By attending Sat Sangat, one obtains the most supreme status and becomes blessed with true wealth and vision with which to see the Supreme Soul, Paramatma, who is all-pervading.
Meeting with the True Guru, one finds peace and tranquility. The Guru removes all sins and painful karma. The divine light of the soul which is eclipsed and empty without the immaculate Lord, radiates and perceives the presence of Paramatma in everything and everywhere.
Through good fortune, one discovers Sat Sangat and the constant presence and remembrance of Paramatma fills the heart. Sat Sangat acts as a cleansing bath at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage.
When a being is attached to the illusions of the material world, the mind only sees falsehood and becomes evil and corrupt. Without good karma, one does not find Sat Sangat and engrossed in egotism, keeps wandering without peace. To overcome this, one begs for the dust from the feet of Sat Sangat and meeting with the Saints.

Reflection:
To be a Sevadaar is not a physical accomplishment, it is a great virtue; a state of mind which is nurtured and kept stable. Once, while riding through a bazaar, Abdul Kadir Sheik Gilani Ji came in close contact with a man who would not look at them. Abdul Kadi Sheik Gilani Ji’s sevadars were angered and felt he was being disrespectful. The man explained without looking up that he had already accepted someone else whole heartedly as his spiritual teacher and guide. He was doubtful that if he were to look up he may be tempted by Abdul Kadir Sheik Gilani Ji’s radiating divinity. He did not want to fail from his commitment he had made to himself and his Guru. Abdul Kadir Sheik Gilani Ji embraced the man and declared him a true seeker and disciple. The sevadars discovered their own weakness. Even though they were physically present with Abdul Kadir Sheik Gilani Ji, their minds had not surrendered in complete faith and humbleness. Only those that are unwavering in their faith and path reach the ultimate destination. Only those that are guided by their Guru are able to be steadfast and follow the path to Paramatma. As a servant is subservient to a master we must learn to be subservient to our Guru. Only then can we walk the spiritual path without falling astray. Through daily practice we can bring Paramatma’s presence into our lives.

Message:
Paramatma, abide in our heart forever and give us such a blessing that our mind is constantly in your remembrance and love. Such a blessing where we worship you with every breathe and desire the dust from the feet of your Sat Sangat.

By singing the great praises of Paramatma, even sinners become virtuous. Bless us such that, we are satisfied in all of Paramatma’s hukam, command. We hope for our mind to reach such a state of stability that whatever the condition the Creator chooses to keep us in, our mind and heart are gratified and remain at peace. We wish to find Paramatma close to us always.

One can connect with Paramatma through Sat Sangat and a true Guru. Our Guru is our guardian and we are the child. Just as a guardian raises their child by feeding it milk; our Guru blesses us in the same way by giving us the name of Paramatma. Paramatma’s name is food for our soul. Through this name our soul is enriched.

Reflection:
When we do Sat Sangat, engage in “Sat da Sang”, we gain knowledge that helps us rid our vikars and sins. Complete devotion to our Guru’s teachings helps eliminate the ignorance within us and connect to Paramatma. When we surrender ourselves to our Guru, we must humble ourselves as we are the ones in need.

Bhai Kamliya Ji was able to eliminate the ignorance within as they realized that it was their Guru, Baba Sri Chand Ji, for whom the murtis in the temple traveled outside. Their Guru was with them at all times and they need not to look elsewhere to find Paramatma. In addition, Baba Sri Chand Ji brought to the Pujari’s attention that their ego, envy and duality was causing their seva to be destroyed. When we do not follow Guru’s teachings and do not work on getting rid of our vices then even a lifetime of seva and simran does us no good, but instead we collect sin.

Message:
Those whose hearts in which Paramatma does not reside, their mothers would be better childless. Such individuals should not be born unto this earth who do not have the love of the Creator in their hearts. These souls wander lost and abandoned without Paramatma’s name. They fail to understand the true goal which is to become one with Paramatma. The true loved ones of Paramatma are those that keep Paramatma first no matter the situation they face, good or bad, all while fulfilling wordly responsibilities.
With the blessings of Paramatma and good fortune we meet with a true Guru and through Guru’s updesh, command and teachings, we gain spiritual knowledge through which the mind begins to understand life’s true goal. We implement our Guru’s teachings in our daily lives and all our sins are eliminated.
Those that connect with a true Guru are blessed such that the Guru imparts all of Paramatma’s virtues. These souls that Paramatma has bestowed his blessings upon, fill the heart and every breath with the name, love and remembrance of Paramatma. Dharamraj, the righteous judge, tears up the papers of all good and bad deeds. The account of karma is settled and liberation is attained. Such are the blessings granted upon meeting with a true Guru.

Reflection:
One who is blessed is able to connect with a true Guru and be in the constant remembrance of Paramatma. With the knowledge imparted by the Guru we learn how to control our desires and realize our final goal is to become one with Paramatma. Without walking the spiritual path lead by a true Guru we fail to understand how to overcome our temptations and desires; instead we become consumed by the power of hunger and desire. The more we attain, the more we want and before we know it we are caught in this vicious cycle.
Th Emperor tried very hard to fill the bowl the Fakhir had given him, but no matter what treasures and wealth he put in it, the bowl remained empty. Confused the Emperor asked the Fakhir what the bowl was made out of and the Fakhir replied it was made from the hunger of human desires which have no end. The Emperor’s eyes welled up with tears as he understood that the Fakhir was trying to teach him a lesson in letting go of desires and ego.
The devotees of Paramatma see their desires dissipate on their own. The thought process of the mind changes. The same mind that was after desires only yearns to walk the spiritual path and surrender to the Creator, resulting in true happiness and peace.

Message:
Through Guru’s updesh, command, I have reached the supreme status of Brahma Avastha. I have used the knowledge my Guru has given me to put into action changes in my life. I have implemented Guru’s teachings and have attained supreme status. Guru helped me with the struggles of vikars within myself and preserved my honour. Guru held my hand and showed me the path to Paramatma. On this path Guru laid the seeds of Paramatma’s name and through knowledge taught me how to grow this seed into a blossoming tree. Guru has given me a home; my true home where my soul will become liberated. My tongue sings the praise of my Guru. I no longer engage in gossip and my speech is filled with nectar. My ego has been destroyed. Through Guru’s updesh all my doubts have been dispelled. I am no longer entangled in the illusionary aspect of the material world. I see the Creator everywhere and in everything. With Guru’s support I was able to cross the worldly ocean. Those associated with a Guru are all saved. Through Guru’s updesh I received the treasure of naam, Paramatma’s name. Worldly treasures only stay with the body. The true treasure of naam will never leave me; it can not be stolen and will remain with me in the afterlife. Guru has awakened my good karma. By meeting with a true Guru I have connected to Paramatma.

Reflection:
Karna, is known as Daan Veer, daan, meaning charity and veer, referring to someone who is mentally and physically strong. Bhagwan Krishna was fond of Karan for his many virtuous deeds, especially his generosity. Karan’s shortcoming was that he sided with adharm, unrighteousness and immorality, which caused his demise. Bhagwan explained to Karna that if he had been in their hukum and sided with dharm, righteousness, then things would have ended differently. With Karna near death, Bhagwan Krishna stepped off their chariot and wept; they felt extreme sorrow and stated that there would never be another Dhaan Veer like Karna. Arjan was skeptical and was confused to see Bhagwan so emotional. In order to clear Arjuna’s doubts, Bhagwan Krishna and Arjuna disguised themselves like Bhramins. They asked Karna for some donation. A wounded Karna broke his golden tooth, using his bow and arrow to puncture the earth and wash the tooth clean, and then offering it to Bhagwan. Bhagwan Krishna was so impressed by Karna, that they showed him their Virat Swaroop, true identity showing all forms, and called on Karna to ask for any blessing he desired. Karna asked for mukti, liberation. In all his genriousity and sacrifices Karna never had any ego and was always humble; thus, getting the title of Maha Dhani, the greatest one who donates.

Message:
Those who do not serve their Guru and thus do not act on Guru’s command are devoid of spiritual wisdom and are caught in the repetitive cycle of life, death and rebirth.
One who is given the ability and opportunity to serve their Guru are only able to do so with Paramatma’s blessing, as a result of desiring it and working towards it. It is one’s Guru that possesses the real treasure of Paramatma’s constant remembrance through which one can attain moksha and be one with Paramatma. Guru shares this treasure with those who attune themselves to Guru’s teachings and command. Through following and putting Guru’s teaching into action, one’s love for Paramatma becomes true and everlasting. They are united and do not become separated from Paramatma ever again.

Reflection:
Without focusing on the length or outcome of the journey, we should keep a clear focus on acting on Guru’s teachings. As Param Sant Ram Singh Ji explained, Paramatma always stands with the truth. Truth can be delayed but it is never undiscovered and in the end truth prevails with Paramatma’s blessings.
When one has complete faith and is equally true in one’s thoughts and actions Paramatma’s love is attained. We can not give up and fall short of our duty towards Paramatma by feeling that it is without purpose as did Hassan Basri.
The mind will try to mislead us to wander as that is the mind’s enate nature. But we must use our intelligence and wisdom gained from Guru’s teachings to remain still and steadfast in our faith. Only then can we progress on the spiritual path and liberate ourselves from our struggles just as Bhai Mukhtiar was able to do. He got past his initial hesitation and obtained the desired result, from the challenge he was facing, by keeping complete faith towards Param Sant Ram Singh Ji’s spiritual guidance.

Message:
A Shahukar, banker, had all the wealth one could desire, but peace evaded him. He collected all his riches in a bag and left in search of a true Guru that could show him how to obtain peace. After some time he came upon a Fakir whom he thought could help him end his search. The Fakir took the bag of riches and ran off on the Shahukar’s horse. The confused Shahukar thought the Fakhir was a thief. When he found the Fakir sitting some distance away with the horse tied up and the bag of riches beside him, he let out a huge sigh of relief and was thankful to have found them. The Fakir taught the Shahukar that if you want true peace you need to be thankful for what you have.

Peace of mind is true wealth, which comes from being grateful for what Paramatma has given us. This gratitude helps us foster sabar, patience. Once we have patience, stability follows. Both on the journey of your personal and spiritual path, we must remember to be thankful and have patience.

Reflection:
Similar to the father, who slipped a note for his son who was traveling alone, Param Sant Ram Singh Ji has placed a special note of love, support, truth, command, and spiritual blessings, in the heart of each of their sevadars. Whenever you feel alone, remember this note in your heart. You will feel at peace. The boy was afraid, because his support and strength, which was his father, was not by his side. Without Guru’s support it is difficult to live. If we have true support then no matter what difficulties may come, we have the strength to face them.
Param Sant Ram Singh Ji guided us on the importance of being in Guru’s hukam and always having Guru’s asara, support which gives us adoltha, steadfastness.

Message:
It is the Soul’s duty to worship the Divine Soul, by personifying Guru’s poise and teachings. Once the Soul gains knowledge of the Supreme Soul through Guru’s updesh, teachings, it is able to kindle the love of the Supreme Soul internally and one becomes steady, and unwavering.
Without a Guru one can not be tuned into wisdom; it can not escape from the filth of greed. If Paramatma’s remembrance abides within the mind, for a moment or even for an instant, it is equivalent to bathing at all sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage. Filth of one’s vices do not stick to those who remain steadfast in faith, but filth attaches itself to those who are not true to their love for Paramatma. This filth then cannot be washed off with physical rituals such as bathing at shrines. By following the mind instead of Guru’s updesh one acts with ego and earns only pain. One is only enlightened by following Guru’s teachings and putting them in practice.

Reflection:
Love is not bound to differences that humans have created. It is pure and unifying. Through this pure love and faith for Paramatma one gains everything. It is Guru’s teachings and guidance that show us this path towards Paramatma’s love and remove all the obstacles of our karmas. Through Sat Sang one gains knowledge and is able to nurture Paramatma’s remembrance.
Just as Mai Saleema’s unwavering faith in Guru Nanak Shah Fakir and her commitment to Sat Sang overturned her husband’s malicious fate, we too can positively affect our own life and those we care about. Mai Saleema followed Guru Ji’s guidance and remained untroubled by her husband’s reaction. She knew that it was Sat Sang and Guru Ji’s grace that had saved her husband from his fate. Ultimately, it was her stability and intuition that she had gained from Guru Ji’s Sat Sang that helped her husband transform his doubt into true love for Guru Ji.

Message:
Those that manifest Paramatma within their minds and hearts receive true happiness in the month of Phalgun. As the temperature gets warmer and the weather blossoms, we feel joy in many things; however, true happiness is that which is everlasting. Such happiness is blessed upon us when Paramatma manifests inside us. The Saints show us the path and guide us towards Paramatma. As we walk this path, Satguru manifests in our soul and there is no room for pain; all of our Vikars and troubles disappear. There is no one equivalent to the Creator. Fortunate are those souls that unite with Paramatma. Satguru saves us from Sansaar Sagar, the ocean of vices and we reach Stir Avasta, a stable state and Moksh, liberation from birth and death. In the month of Phalgun be thankful, praise the Creator and be in constant remembrance.

Reflection:
“Milat piaro paran nath kavan bhagat te. Sadhsangat Pai Param Gate. Rahaao.”
Bhagat Ravidas Ji
Bhagat Ravidas Ji asks how can I meet with Parmatma and what path should I choose? They then answer themselves that through Sadh Sangat and Saints such a state can be reached where one unites with Parmatma.
How do Saints help? If someone sits near only fire wood in the cold weather they can not expect to receive warmth until the fire wood is lit or burned. This process must be followed in order to get the result. Similarly, butter exists in milk but we can not enjoy it until it is churned. Likewise, Saints teach us and put us on the right path. However, until we don’t follow the process, be in Guru’s hukam and learn to implement changes in our life that lead to inner purity, we can not reach our end goal of uniting with Parmatma.
In order to be in Guru’s hukam we must first learn sabar, patience. There was a Saint who had a disciple that would serve jal, water, in a brass pot. He would listen to katha and do seva but he had very little patience. The saint would remind him to have sabar. One day the Saint said that if we keep asking for something over and over again, there is a moment in 24 hours when Paramatma grants our wish. The disciple heard this. He started to wish for his pot to turn into gold and recited this same wish all day and night, until the last few moments of the 24 hours, when he became besabara, impatient. In his impatience he asked for it to turn into dirt. In the end it turned into dirt and he learned an important lesson on patience. When we have sabar our mind makes correct decisions and will not make mistakes in haste. On the spiritual path this is important too. If we have sabar on Paramatma’s path then we are able to reach our destination on the journey to unite to Parmatma.

Message:
Many seek the Creator but in different ways. Some travel to forests and jungles in search of Paramatma while others perform worship, wear religious marks on their foreheads, and take ritual cleansing baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage. As the Creator is both intangible and tangible at the same time, one seeks the blessed company of those that can help one meet with Paramatma. Many wander about this world performing various rituals, however still, finding no spiritual peace in any of these. How is it then that can one find the Creator? With Paramatma’s blessings one is able to unite with a true Guru and all wandering comes to an end. The mind and body become at peace. One is guided and by following Guru’s path, the journey towards Paramatma is fruitful.

Reflection:
No matter how hard we try, without a Guru, our wandering will not come to an end. Guru’s guidance shows us the path that leads to Paramatma. A young Fakir was without a Guru and didn’t realize the reason why he was bestowed with special blessings. Instead of using them to help mankind he would make a spectacle of his powers. He would travel on a lion wherever he went and in every city he visited he would ask for a cow as a meal for his lion. One day he thought he would visit Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani Ji and amaze them with his acts. When he arrived at Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani’s darbar he once again asked for a cow for the lion but to his dismay, a stray dog that lived outside the darbar pounced on the lion as it went to attack the cow and at once all the fakir’s powers were gone. The fakir then made Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani Ji his Guru and realized that gifts from Paramatma are not to show others lower but to help people. Those that are blessed exist to help others but such knowledge is only enlightened upon meeting with a Guru. Through Guru’s grace and guidance all obstacles are resolved and we are guided towards Paramatma and a better version of ourselves.

Message:
In the month of Maagh, take a cleansing bath in the company of the holy, Sadh Sangat.
Meditate and listen to the name of Paramatma. Give to those in need and in this way, the filth from lifetimes of karma is removed. Ego and shallow pride disappear from the mind and one is no longer held in temptation by desires and anger. The mind is freed from greed and one receives worldly praise. Through kindness and compassion towards all beings one ultimately becomes more credible than bathing in holy shrines and giving in acts of charity. Upon those the Lord, Paramatma, bestows mercy, only they become wise. Bestowed with virtues, they become kind, humble and pure; to be able to merge with Paramatma through their Guru’s grace and guidance.

Reflection:
Just as Bhishma Pitamah endured the pain of a bed of arrows as a result of his karmas, before reaching moksha one must endure the pain of all past and present karmas. The soul must be pure and cleansed before it can merge with Paramatma. We intentionally and unintentionally fall into karmic debt and are not capable of freeing ourselves from the pain our mind and soul experience due to these karmas. Only the generosity of the forgiving and compassionate Lord, Paramatma, can exempt us from these troubles.

Message:
Through Sat Sangat true peace is obtained. Here, one meets with the Holy Saints, Paramatma fills our consciousness and we become forever immersed in the remembrance of the Creator. As one humbly bows and touches the feet of the Holy Saints with one’s forehead their grace is bestowed. The support of the Holy Saints is obtained and one is able to live in harmony, all shortcomings are hidden under the veil of their blessings, vikars are relinquished and fears are vanquished.
Only with Paramatma’s blessings can we connect with Holy Saints. With the help of these Holy Saints, we gain understanding and enlightenment, connecting us with the Creator. The darkness that covered our mind through many births is removed and is replaced with divine light. We can never praise Paramatma enough. Paramatma is the creator and care taker of all beings and creatures. Paramatma is captivated through those Holy Saints near and dear. Our goal in this life is connecting to a true Guru and engaging in Sat Sangat which will ultimately lead to a union with Paramatma.

Reflection:
When Hazrat Abdul Qādir Gīlānī Ji left home to begin their travels in Baghdad, their mother had sewn 40 dinars hidden in their coat. As she bid farewell, she reminded them to always speak the truth and never lie. Some time into their journey they were attacked by a gang of robbers. These robbers asked if Dastgir Peer had any valuables. Dastgir Peer, Hazrat Abdul Qādir Gīlānī Ji, told them that they had 40 dinars. The robbers laughed and walked away. They then informed their Chief. When questioned by the Chief, Dastgir Peer again spoke the truth and showed where the money was stitched. The Chief, puzzled, asked why Dastgir Peer had told him as he would never have been able to find the hidden money. Hazrat Abdul Qādir Gīlānī Ji responded that they had promised their mother never to lie and that they could never break this promise for the sake of money. The Chief felt remorseful and ashamed as he realized that Hazrat Abdul Qādir Gīlānī Ji had been so loyal to the promise made to their mother and yet he himself had been disloyal to the promise he made with the Creator. This reminds us to stay steadfast in the promises we make to our Guru and how important it is to remain committed to our Guru’s command.