Sant Baba Arjan Singh Ji

Message:
By listening to the sermon of our Guru, our inner self is awakened. Even ordinary people can attain spiritual heights through listening. By listening to Guru’s words, one becomes aware that all of creation is supported by Paramatma. Listening frees us from the fear of death. Even evil minds are converted and motivated to emulate Guru’s virtues. We learn knowledge like the Shastras and the Vedas (scriptures). We are purified like the ceremonial baths of all pilgrimages. By listening to our Guru, we achieve the treasure of profound virtues and can attain the status of great spiritual heads. The blind find the way and the ignorant become aware by following Guru’s path. The once terrifying world ocean seems able to be sailed across.
A Guru gives us the knowledge and understanding of how to follow Paramatma’s divine command. Through the Guru’s guidance we are able to implement and practice what we hear. The Guru’s message helps us do away with Vikars of the mind. All our suffering, pain and sins are washed away, and we enjoy a constant state of bliss. Nothing can impede the path of devotees with such faith. Not only are the faithful liberated from the cycle of birth and death, but they are also able to show their families the same path and free them from this cycle as well.

Reflection:
“Sathguru Nanak pargateya miti dund jag chanan hoya”
With the emergence of Guru Nanak, the mist cleared and the whole world was illuminated.
When we do Sat Sangat, engage in “Sat da Sang” by listening to the praise of the Creator, we gain knowledge that helps us rid our Vikars and strengthen our faith. Complete devotion to our Guru’s teachings can help us connect to Paramatma. The Guru’s teachings are illumination for our soul that help clear the mist of confusion, worry, desires and ignorance within us.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught Bhai Moola what was true and false in the world. However, he could not understand how-to live-in service to Paramatma while fulfilling worldly responsibilities and not get stuck in Moh, attachment. Being Karma Yogi, means to continue to do Karam, fulfill duties, while also keeping yog, remembrance of Paramatma. When we can balance these two, Vikars disguised as snakes are not able to poison us.

Message:
The faithless cynics that do not stay true to Guru’s shabd are constantly in a state of restlessness and remain stuck in the cycle of birth and death. Those that meet a true Guru find the treasure of knowledge. Through Sat Sangat they are able to connect with Paramatma and eliminate all vices. Ego is a sign of weakness that distracts us from our spiritual journey by creating a false sense of superiority. Greed is another weakness. When greed occupies our mind we become more absorbed by it.
Gurmukhs, those that remain in Guru’s will, are constantly connected to their Guru and worship the name of Paramatma day and night. Through Sat Sangat they gain knowledge and peace of mind, through which Sehaj Avastha is attained. The state of mind of a Manmukh, one that follows one’s own desires, is similar to that of a dog. The Manmukh mind wanders in lust, anger, greed and ignorance and engages in slander of the one that was once their Guru. These Manmukhs wander lost and confused; stuck in reincarnation they obtain great suffering. Guru’s sermon is the only truth. Remain in Guru’s will. Never forget Paramatma’s name.

Reflection:
The habit of showing off becomes an obstacle in spiritual growth because it pampers greed and ego. One becomes arrogant and feels superior by showing of one’s possessions. Ego and greed do not allow our spiritual journey to progress. Superficial show of faith can also impede our spiritual journey as it is only circumstantial. It fluctuates based on the circumstances happening in our life.
True seva and simran can only be done when we adopt a selfless state of mind. Seva or contribution should not be done for personal gain or self glorification. Helping those in need without any expectation of reward or recognition is what leads to spiritual attainment.
Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani Ji taught us that no religious pilgrimage can be completed or accepted by Paramatma if we ignore those that are lose fortunate than us and suffering. Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani Ji stopped amid their pilgrimage and asked for offerings from the villagers to help the poor and hungary man and his family. Thus, exemplifying that devotion to Paramatma will only be accepted if we implement Guru’s Hukam, command, in our lives. This means helping those suffering around us without building false prestige. The only motive to offer assistance should be that of Guru’s Hukam.

Message:
On Diwali we light oil lamps at night which after some time burn out. The stars, big and small, can be seen at nightfall; however come sunrise they all disappear. A garden has many types of flowers, but what happens after they are plucked? They dry out. Many pilgrims travel to holy places, alas, they return to their homes. Villages like Hari Chandauree are settled in and then deserted. All these are symbolic of momentary happiness. The Gurmukhs, those who follow their Guru, are the ones who receive true and everlasting happiness.

Pilgrimages and spiritual rituals are of no use until we don’t connect with Pramatma’s light within us. Why celebrate Diwali for external happiness. We should be looking for happiness that will remain with us forever. True happiness comes from Sehaj Avastha.

Reflection:
Many religions celebrate Diwali and in each faith it marks a different historical event. However, the festival has the same symbolic meaning in every religion. Diwali is the victory of the inner light over darkness, good over evil, hope over despair, and represents the eradication of sin within us and society. Gurus in various religions defeated evil on this day and showed us the path of enlightenment.

In Hinduism it is celebrated for various reasons; including, the birth of goddess Lakshmi from the ocean, the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, and the day Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing fourteen years of exile. Jains celebrate Diwali as the day Mahavira Ji received enlightenment and attained liberation. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas on this day to commemorate Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from Gwalior Fort.

This day serves as a reminder that we need to focus on extinguishing any darkness within us and embracing our inner light. As humans we are guilty of many vikars. Let us not get lost in the darkness of our vikars, but instead illuminate the light of Pramatma within our soul. Guru’s love will light our path and not let the entanglement of worldly responsibilities and affairs darken it. Thus showing us the way to liberation.

Message:
Just as one can not dance without music, sing without a voice and play the guitar without a string; without The Creator all is useless. Without a tongue one can not speak, without ears one can not hear and without eyes one can not see. In the same way, without Naam, reciting Paramatma’s name, one can not obtain liberation. Without knowledge one can not call themselves wise and likewise without an understanding of The Creator one can not reach Sahej Avastha, a state of complete stability. Without controlling the five vices one can not subdue the mind. A mind lacking Naam, is never at peace. Without the teachings of a true Guru, one can not obtain spiritual wisdom.

Reflection:
A human life lived in the exclusion of Paramatma’s name is meaningless. The purpose of life is connecting with Paramatma. This is done by taking part in Sat Sangat, through which we obtain spiritual wisdom. We then develop Viraag, freedom from desires other than a true yearning for Paramatma. Followed by prem, love for the Creator. We then finally reach Naam Avastha, the state of being in constant remembrance. Naam, is similar to a seed which we plant and take care of. Prior to planting a seed we need to prepare the soil and make sure we have the correct environment for it to thrive. Similarly, before we reach Naam Avastha, we must prepare our mind which is akin to the soil and take time to understand, commit and surrender ourselves to Paramatma.
A king in the habit of sleeping on a bed of flowers, badly beat up his maid for falling asleep on his bed. The maid, who was not accustomed to a life of luxury, fell asleep on the bed after she prepared it for the king. When the king started to beat up the maid, the maid started laughing uncontrollably and was questioned by the king as to why. The maid stated that she endured pain after sleeping on the flowers for just a few moments. She wondered what suffering the king would endure as he slept like that every night.
The king renounced his kingdom as he realized that he had forgotten Paramatma by focusing on worldly pleasures. Thus, he lost sight of the true purpose of life. The maid who was connected to Paramatma through Naam, did not require excessive comforts and was able to show the king the true path. It is important to create balance between worldly responsibilities and our spiritual goal. When we forget Paramatma we lose ourselves. Without Paramatma, human wisdom is meaningless as are all materialistic possessions.

Message:
Through Guru’s word one obtains liberation. By implementing Guru’s teachings, we reach a place of spiritual rest where our conscience is at peace, the mind at ease, and the soul is able to reach a state of tranquility and stability. We realize that all good qualities with in us are due to our Guru’s blessings. Guru’s shabad acts as protection against all vices and we are able to overcome our shortcomings. Our ego diminishes and we reach a place of inner peace. All doubts and superstitions disappear. By implementing Guru’s Updesh we begin to see Paramatma in everything and everyone. We acquire the true treasure that can never be taken away, Guru’s love and Guru’s word. Those that have taken the refuge of their Guru, receive salvation and honour. They are no longer afraid and are liberated from birth and death.

Reflection:
Our ego comes into play when we want to prove that we are better than someone else. What are we needing to prove and why? Do we not compete with others to gain superiority? Arjun felt he was a better archer than Karan and was often confused as to why Lord Krishna would praise Karan over him. Arjun wanted everyone to acknowledge him as being the better one. Bhagwan described Karan as benevolent, due to his generosity. He went as far as to giving in charity the sandalwood pillars from his palace, knowing his palace would fall apart. His generosity and commitment to his virtue forced even Arjun to accept why Lord Krishna was fond of Karan’s virtuous deeds.

Message:
Iron changes its qualities when it comes in contact with Paras, the philosopher’s stone, and is transformed into Gold; Similarly, when we meet a true Guru and walk on Paramatma’s path, we too begin to imbibe and reflect the qualities of our Guru. When we seek Paramatma as our true sanctuary, we are in constant remembrance of the Creator. Just as Bhagat Prahlaad was protected, because he followed his Guru’s teachings, those that obey Guru’s Updesh are always protected. They are forever guarded in Guru’s sanctuary and their enemies in turn suffer. Such a sevak for which Guru’s wisdom is like the Vedas, becomes one with Paramatma and receives honour in this life and in the next. In contrast, those that are detached from a true Guru lack stability and Sehaj Avastha. They are constantly in a state of greed. Sadh Sangat helps us reach stability and connect to Paramatma’s name.

Reflection:
When we are not connected to our Guru from within, our physical proximity does not matter; we are not attuned to our Guru. Our Guru is like the paras. Those that truly connect are able to assimilate Guru’s teachings by making efforts to understand, absorb and learn from them. Guru’s Updesh is of utmost importance. We must take Guru’s teachings to heart by fully imbibing them and making them apart of our everyday life and perspective.
Bhagat Ambrik was a great king and a great devotee of Bhagwan Krishna. He absorbed the many virtues of his Guru and continually meditated to Paramatma and motivated others to do so as well. It was his deeply rooted connection with Bhagwan Krishna that saved him from the wrath of Rishi Durwassa. In a turn of events, Rishi Durwassa had to ask for forgiveness from Bhagat Ambrik in order to be saved from Bhagwan Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakar. Those that seek refuge in Guru’s sanctuary are forever guarded.

Message:
Worship your Guru and immerse yourself in Guru’s remembrance and teachings. Our true giver and support system is our Guru. All else will only stand by us when it is of benefit to them. Our Guru will guide and protect us not only in this life, but thereafter as well. When we make Guru our support we gain spiritual strength, self-confidence, and stability, helping us reach Sahej Avastha, a state of mental and spiritual balance. To earn Guru’s blessings, we must not only listen to the teachings, but also implement the spiritual knowledge in our everyday life and follow Guru’s path. When we do not implement our Guru’s teachings and forget Sat Sangat, we get entangled in worldly attachments and relations which are of no use to us. Through Sat Sangat, our Guru dwells in our hearts and we learn to live in Paramatma’s command. Paramatma is all-powerful and omnipotent. Fortunate are those that are in the presence of a true Guru. The Guru is the Creator, and nothing is beyond the Guru. Walking on Guru’s path we receive true praise. History is evidence that straying from Guru’s path will lead us down a path of destruction. Those that seek Guru’s refuge are protected from destruction; vikars can not destroy the soul. Liberation from birth and death is then obtained.

Reflection:
Those that have an unwavering faith in their Guru and a true yearning for Paramatma are the ones that obtain spiritual growth. For our faith to become strong and steadfast, we must cultivate and exercise it by focusing on Guru’s teachings and commands and then implementing them in our life. When we fail to do this, our belief staggers and we find ourselves surrounded by suffering. We must realize any shortcomings are within us and not in our Guru.
Duryodhan and Arjun both approached Krishan Bhagwan for help before the war began. However, for Duryodhan Bhagwan was a mere King and for Arjun his Guru. While Duryodhana wanted Bhagwan’s army, Arjun was content in only having Bhagwan by his side even if Bhagwan would not lift a weapon. Arjun believed that by having his Guru by his side he was already victorious. In this way, those with an unwavering faith and longing for their Guru are never alone, they always find their Guru alongside them.

Message:
The Lord, Paramatma, the Supreme Soul is one and all pervading, obtained only with the blessings of a Guru. With Paramatma’s grace allow yourself to be humble as if only the dust of Saints who yearn in Paramatma’s love.
Through Sat Sangat and the meeting with Paramatma’s Saints, one obtains supreme status and connects with Paramatma. A true Guru is met, sins and pain of lifetimes are taken away. The blessings of the Guru invoke a state of ultimate tranquility and the soul radiates with divine light. One is able to see the presence of Paramatma in all and everything.
By great and good fortune, one obtains Sat Sangat and fills the heart with the nectar of Paramatma’s love. In Sat Sangat one bathes in the dust of the congregation and gains the benefits as if taking the cleansing bath of sacred shrines of pilgrimage. Without casting Paramatma’s love in the heart, through Sat Sangat, the mind remains evil, corrupt, and attached to enticement and falsehood. Blessed are those who find and attend Sat Sangat.

Reflection:
We are able to change the course of our life through Sat Sangat. With our Guru’s guidance we can make better and more positive choices that help us break our bad habits and vices. In the same way as the burglar who went to the dera of Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani to steal. He went with the intent to burgle but was able to turn his life around with the blessings of Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani Ji.
If our actions follow what we learn in Sat Sangat, we are able to gain from this experience, spread the teachings to others, and affect their lives positively too. Essentially in the same way that the Chief of the thieves was able to do by becoming an officer in a great kingdom and extending the King’s job offer to all in his Village. The Chief had once met with a Sadhu and decided to follow his teachings henceforth. The Sadhu had told him to never steal from those in need and to always remember that one becomes indebted to those who’s salt one eats. By following the Sadhu’s guidance ultimately, the entire village was able to give up stealing, a generational tradition in their village.
Our Guru will take upon our pain in order to bless us. But we often forget our Guru’s grace. We should always remain grateful and humble.

Message:
Ego and Paramatma’s name cannot dwell in the heart together. Paramatma’s love requires a humble heart, and a humble heart has no room for ego or pride. It recognizes that all we have and all we are comes from the Creator. When we follow Guru’s updesh, teachings, we learn how to eliminate our vikars and work on inner purity through Satsang and Seva. It is through Seva that we gain and practice humility. Seva teaches nirmata, humility, and abolishes our ego.
Haumai, ego, leaves one entangled in the cycle of birth and death. Haumai creates darkness and we are unable to understand Guru’s teachings, thus our suffering continues. Through the meeting of a true Guru and staying in Guru’s hukam, command, we eliminate our haumai and are able to become one with Paramatma.

Reflection:
We must remain humble and not forget the times when we suffered, and Paramatma was the healer of our pain. In order to be in harmony with the will of Paramatma and obtain inner purity we first need to eliminate our pride.
When Arjun’s pride took over, Bhagwan Krishna along with Hanuman Ji had to teach Arjun the lesson of humility. Arjun thought he was an invincible warrior, but forgot it was due to Bhagwan Krishna’s blessings. Bhagwan Krishna had to intervene, to save Arjun from drowning in his ego. In doing so they also put themselves in great pain.
Our Guru will take upon our pain in order to bless us. But we often forget our Guru’s grace. We should always remain grateful and humble.