Sant Baba Arjan Singh Ji

Message:
The month of Chet marks the beginning of spring, the season of renewal. Nature blossoms as buds become leaves and flowers bloom. As the earth renews, we celebrate and feel a sense of joy. However, true, and sustained happiness can only be felt as we develop our union with Paramatma. This is achieved through Sat Sangat and in the company of the humble Saints. Those that live without remembering Paramatma, even for a moment, are living a futile life. Those that see Paramatma in all of creation are the fortunate and blessed.

Reflection:
Paramatma is one; Paramatma’s names and manifestations are many. Every spiritual path is different; however, the objective is the same. The common goal being to merge with Parmatma. Param Sant Ram Singh Ji would say if we keep changing our paths then we can never reach the final destination. Once we choose a path, we should stick to it with dridhta, determination. It is the perseverance, faith, and the devotion with which we walk on our spiritual path that counts. Paramatma’s path is never easy. The trials and tribulations we face are designed as tests and opportunities for learning to help us reach our goal. The young granddaughter of Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani Ji’s sevadar grew up listening to sakhi’s and katha (spiritual and historical discourse) from her grandfather. In doing so, she developed a strong longing to meet Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani Ji and a profoundly rooted faith. As she saw her life ending before her, it was her determination and trust she had for her Guru that protected her.

Message:
When the mind is attuned to loving and respecting Paramatma’s beloved Saints, we are able to flourish with the hue of Paramatma within us.
Kabeer seva kao doye bhaley ek Sant ek Ram. Ram jo daata mukhat ko Sant japaavai naam. One must perform selfless seva for both Paramatma and Paramatma’s Saints. Paramatma is the liberator, and the Saint inspires us to meditate on Paramatma.
If one is able to perform Sadh Sangat with patience then surely one is able to benefit. This is difficult, as we tend to fall into the hurry of achieving something. We lack patience and upon meeting with the Holy Saints we feel that spiritual gain is immediately imminent. However, as Param Sant Ram Singh Ji explained, it is important to cleanse. First, we must cleanse ourselves of our inner vices before we can begin to gain.

Reflection:
Satsang provides opportunities for spiritual growth and development. As we implement what we learn through Satsang in our daily lives and everyday actions, we realize the shortcomings that trouble us and learn ways to eliminate them.
Paramatma tests the strength of our belief through difficult times. By remaining unwavered in our belief and through relentless patience we are able to pass these tests. Those that walk the path shown by the Saint with trust and patience are never alone. Countless Sanghi’s of Param Sant Ram Singh Ji have exemplified through patience and steadfast belief that even the most impossible situations can be changed. Those who remain humble and grounded in their faith are guided safely through life’s tribulations.

Message:
The month of Phalgun carries bliss to those that manifest Paramatma within their minds and hearts. This manifestation happens through the meeting of a Guru and Satsang. Through Satsang we are connected with Paramatma’s loved ones, our true friends, and are attuned to the praise and adoration of the almighty Creator. With the help of our Guru, the darkness within us is dispelled and the veil of vices are lifted. We remember Paramatma daily, and through constant reverence we receive Moksh, saving us from the cycle of birth and death.

Reflection:
Phalgun, the arrival of spring, makes the mind happy as the weather gets warmer, days longer and nature blooms. However, our true state of happiness is achieved through the manifestation of Paramatma within us. This happens through the meeting of a Guru. A Guru can show us the path of Satsang and guide us towards Paramatma. Through Satsang we are able to eliminate our vices and implement changes in our lives shown to us by our Guru. As we bring about these changes, all of our Vikars and troubles disappear, and we begin to connect with Paramatma. Bhagat Beni Ji remained stable, in Sthir Avastha, through his personal struggles, with the guidance from his Guru and was able to meet Paramatma; thus, changing his life forever.

Message:
Guru’s reflection must be harbored in one’s mind so that Guru’s teachings can be remembered as a mantra and etched like footprints in our hearts. We can not attain moksha without Guru’s grace. When our minds stray due to our vices it is Guru’s guidance that brings us back on the spiritual path.
The true Guru empowers us to renounce worldly attachments and connect ourselves to Paramatma. The fear of birth and death is thus defeated. There are no words to describe the glory and greatness of one’s Guru. Through our Guru we get to know the almighty, Paramatma, who created us. Through Guru’s guidance and grace, we are convinced of the Creator’s existence. Guru lays the seed of knowledge within us and has the power to nourish this seed and guide us to Paramatma. Guru in this way is the true reflection of Paramatma itself, because without a Guru liberation is not obtained.

Reflection:
The knowledge that we gain from our Guru is key. Keeping our Guru as a conscious thought in our mind illuminates it and dispels darkness. Guru’s teachings allow us to overcome our own vices and inspire others around us; just as the villagers inspired the Sanyasi Sadhu Yogi who came to their village looking for a place to stay. The yogi had commenced his journey with ideologies set in inequality and pride. He wanted to stay only with the best person in the village. The villagers, however, were sevadars of sadhus. They did not hold themselves better than anyone else. Each household responded by saying that the other was better. This way, they showed the Yogi the importance of being humble.
If we start to look at shortcomings in others, our thought process becomes like that of an ant who is always looking for cracks in the ground. The best virtue is to keep oneself below others and look at others as better than oneself. This virtue helps to eliminate ego, anger, and jealousy; thus, bringing a state of peace to the mind.

Message:
Our focus must be balanced simultaneously on both loving Paramatma and removing our vices, vikars. We connect with Paramatma to gain spiritual strength that allows further self awareness and development. This spiritual strength should be spent on removing our vikars and enhancing our universal virtues not on proving ourselves better and others less.

Our spiritual strength should be like a flower whose color and fragrance has the ability to remove all bad smells and darkness in its presence. Instead of wasting our efforts on bringing other’s weaknesses to light, why not focus on developing our own spiritual strength and sharing it with others without any feelings of ego or jealousy

Reflection:
Raja Parikshat ruled a glorious kingdom and was known for being just, fair and immensely knowledgeable. Despite his love for Paramatma, his kingdom, and his people, eventually he let his anger and perhaps some form of ego become his demise.

Idyllic environments and circumstances in life are a result of Paramatma’s blessings at Paramatma’s chosen time. We must be grateful and guard these blessings with great care, not letting them lay the seed of ego and other vices in our mind. By comparing ourselves and judging others we do not allow ourselves to embrace Paramatma’s grace with the gratitude and humbleness that we should. We should remind ourselves to replace feelings of pride with feelings of immense gratitude. It is only possible for us to carry out our work and efforts due to Paramatma’s will and grace that creates conducive circumstances

Message:
Our Guru acts as a boat and ferries us across this worldly ocean. Our souls are the sailors in this boat. Guru’s shabad carries us across terrifying waves and provides stability. Those Gurmukhs who follow Guru’s teachings and remain connected to Paramatma are safely carried across to the other side. These Gurmukhs are liberated once they reach the shore and their souls become one with the Creator, merging into Paramatma’s Jyot, light.
A snake may be shut in a basket; however its poison and anger remains. Similarly, no matter how much we attempt to change ourselves from the outside it is irrelevant until we change ourselves from the inside. If we follow Guru’s teachings then all vikars, which are like poisons are eliminated.
A Manmukh is like a crocodile caught in a net. He is trapped in the net of Moh Maya. He remains trapped as he does not understand birth and death and keeps getting caught in this cycle.
A talking parrot caught in a cage only speaks the words that are taught to him by his owner. The cage is our body and the parrot our soul. Paramatma is symbolized by the owner. Similar to how an owner is pleased when the parrot mimics him, Paramatma is pleased by those reciting Guru’s shabad. Guru’s shabad provides the gift of liberation. A parrot released from a cage is the representation of our soul being released from the cycle of rebirth.

Reflection:
Although Bhai Sawan Mal was the nephew of Guru Amar Das Ji he never let his worldly relationship get in the way of his spiritual relationship with Guru Ji. Bhai Sawan Mal followed the teachings of his Guru and never deviated from the tenets and principles taught to him by his Guru. Spreading his Guru’s message remained his priority as he travelled to Gobindwal in search of wooden materials.
When we get stuck in Moh Maya and put our focus on worldly relationships, we get stuck in Vikars and let ourselves deviate from our spiritual journey; thus breaking away from Paramatma. Through meeting our Guru we come to know Paramatma and a deep connection and love is formed. This leads us to the doors of liberation.

Message:
Our Guru is our true friend. The one to connect us to Paramatma. Through the teachings of our Guru, we obtain knowledge of Paramatma and learn how to praise and appreciate Paramatma.

We must seek the company of those that are close to our Guru. Devoting ourselves to those who live under Guru’s guidance, obey Guru’s will and carry out Guru’s seva. Our Guru shows us the divine path through which we are liberated from vices and find ourselves in a constant state of remembrance of Paramatma. Paramatma’s name destroys all pain and suffering. Through Guru’s Seva and Satsang we obtain the ultimate blessing of Moksh, liberation

Reflection:
We ask Paramatma to bless our home and families. We seek blessings for wealth, health, and fame. However, those whose souls are connected with Paramatma go a step further than this. While remaining committed to their worldly duties they ask for Paramatma’s union. Such a person never gets stuck in Moh Maya, greed and illusion. They complete their worldly responsibilities in all ways while remaining emersed in Paramatma’s love. A constant state of yearning reminds them of the real reason for human life. This is the spiritual state and strength that we should all aspire to.

Guru Sahib did not ask for the sacrifice of worldly duties and responsibilities, but for the sacrifice of worldly attachments, vices and greed. Guru Sahib had gone back multiple times to liberate the soul of the man that had once fed them. However, being stuck in Moh Maya he was unable to let go of his attachment towards his sons. As a result, he became stuck in the cycle of birth and death. Finally, rebirthed as an ant he realized that this Moh had only caused him pain and suffering. Often distracted by worldly attachments we forget our Guru’s teachings and as a result face many challenges. By following the teachings of our Guru and implementing them in our daily lives through Satsang, Seva and Simran we find the strength to avert those difficulties.

Bhagwan Krishna also reminds us in the Bhagavad Gita that duties should be fulfilled without being attached to the results. When we are attached to the end result, we become deluded, because there is some kind of greed attached to it. The real purpose of human life is Moksh, liberation. This can only be obtained after we sacrifice our worldly attachments, desires, and greed.

Message:
In the month of Poh, the cold does not touch those who are embraced by Paramatma. Their minds are affixed on Paramatma and long only for Paramatma’s blessed darshan, vision. They seek only the protection of the Creator whose service is fruitful. They seek out the company of holy Sadhu Sant and extol the virtues of the all-powerful Creator so that worldly illusions can not take hold and corrupt their minds.

The soul can solvate into the all-pervading Creator, from where it originated, as it is absorbed in its true love. These souls are held in hand by Paramatma and can never suffer separation.

Paramatma’s exuberance is unapproachable and virtues unfathomable, to which we must renounce, and Paramatma will uphold our honor and protect us. Poh will be beautiful, all comforts will be attained with Paramatma’s blessing when we are in Paramatma’s sanctuary.

Reflection:
The poison of illusions does not cause harm and we are able to cross the life journey with ease when we have the company of Guru’s shabad and teachings in our hearts. Just as Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji helped Bhai Mardana cross the river, we too can overcome our challenges if we stay true to our Guru’s direction.

Doubts and uncertainty in our minds do not allow us to be affixed in the sanctuary of Paramatma or to our Guru’s teachings. Instead, we waver to our minds’ illusions and create challenges for ourselves. In the katha of Bhai Gurdas Ji we see how the sangat was taken in fear and uncertainty when they reached the Beas River in cold and darkness. The sangat was ill prepared for the weather and everyone was concerned as they did not know how they would cross the river. At this time Bhai Gurdas Ji reminded the Sangat of Guru Ji’s teachings. When they followed the teachings of Guru Ji and affixed their minds on Paramatma, they were able to conquer their fears and step into the uncertain terrain under Paramatma’s refuge. When they entered the river, it was shallow, and they were able to cross. We must constantly remind ourselves to act on our Guru’s teachings as Paramatma is the only and true savior.

Message:
Let Guru’s shabad be the adornment of your ears. Allow the melody of Guru’s shabad to sing within your ear’s day and night, forsaking all desires and disorders of the mind and longing only to be in Paramatma’s constant presence. Understand that whatever Paramatma does is best. The soul that is connected with Paramatma is eternally a Yogi and remains forever united to the Creator. One who has obtained this state, stabilizes the mind in their Guru’s feet, making it their throne. One’s mind acts as a bowl to collect Guru’s message and uses the knowledge therein as a walking stick to help do away with vikars of the mind. This eliminates all jealousy and bitterness and is the biggest support for the soul. To live as a Gurmukh is one’s true religion. One gains spiritual wisdom and sees Paramatma in all.

Reflection:
“Sathguru Nanak pargateya miti dund jag chanan hoya”
-With the emergence of Guru Nanak, the mist cleared and the whole world was illuminated.

Working on our inner purity by detaching ourselves from vices and remaining completely stable in both times of joy and difficulties will help us reach sahaj avastha, feeling of eternal peace. The souls that can reach a state of sahaj avastha are liberated from the cycle of birth and death. These enlighted souls become one with Paramatma, freeing themselves from the fight within. We must ask for Guru’s chanan, illumination, to overcome ignorance and desires and help remove us away from the darkness in the world. To someone looking from the outside, a person smiling and with all the worldly pleasures may seem completely content. However, as Bhai Mardana Ji learnt, we cannot know the true condition of someone from the inside and only our Guru can take us out of this darkness that consumes us within.

Message:
We must connect our soul to Paramatma by focusing our mind and heart on the Creator. In doing so, we make ourselves similar to a raft, in which we are able to carry the lamp of Paramatma’s light safely across the water into the next world. In order to keep the raft afloat we must liberate ourselves from the fire of desires and vikars within us. Then the lamp made of Paramatma’s love and knowledge will forever be lit within us. This lamp can not be extinguished by water or wind; these forces represent the difficult and challenging circumstances in life. Those that light such a lamp will be guided in this world and the next and eventually be released from the cycle of rebirth.

Reflection:
When we light lamps, string lights and candles on Diwali it is as a mark of respect. However, this illumination only gives us temporary happiness. Why not burn the light of Paramatma’s love and knowledge within our souls, whose flames can never be extinguished and will forever illuminate within us and provide liberation? We need such illumination in our lives because the darkness of ignorance and desires make it difficult for us to free ourselves from vices such as lobh (greed), ahankar (ego), and moh (attachment). Thus, even in times of joy and peace we are unhappy. Until we are able to light the lamp of Paramatma’s knowledge and love and remove the vikars within us, we are unable to see Paramatma sitting on the throne of our hearts. With the illumination of this lamp Paramatma’s presence becomes clear.

Message:
Through Guru’s shabad so many sages have been liberated, including Lord Brahma and Indra. Guru’s shabad acts as protection and saves us similar to the way the four sages and sons of Lord Brahma, were carried across and given access to Lord Vishnu’s abode. Without Guru’s shabad one is not able to gain access to cross over to the heavenly world and remains entangled in the cycle of birth and death. One becomes knowledgeable about the Creator only through Guru’s seva. The mind is then reformed and sings praises of Paramatma. After reaching this state and with Guru’s blessings and shabad one can reach liberation.

Reflection:
Although challenging, it is not impossible to walk the path of Guru’s shabad and reach liberation. Why do we in our minds decide that it can not be done and not even try? We often look for shortcuts to reach the destination quickly and then stray as we realize that shortcuts are not possible. Yet if we make an honest endeavour, we will find that we have progressed and at least reached somewhere. Once we make up our mind and walk the path our Guru has shown us, all our vikars will begin to dissipate. Noor Din was protected because he was clear and truthful in walking the path his Guru, Hazrat Abdul Kadir Gilani Ji, had shown. Like Noor Din, we may face challenges and difficult situations through life’s journey; however, those that have dridh sankalp, determination, along with purity and truth at heart will find Paramatma with them in those trying times.

Message:
In the month of Katak the weather turns mild and gives peace. Only those that have forgotten Paramatma feel uneasy and discontent. They do not accept that the challenges one faces are because of one’s own karma and instead blame others. Those who do not remember Paramatma are separated from the Creator and are left to cycle through the journey on earth over and over again. The materialistic desires for which we separate ourselves from Paramatma make the mind ill; one can not enjoy happiness as all pleasures feel bitter. There is no one to turn to and no one to assist. By one’s own actions, destiny is preordained. Only by meeting with Paramatma can all pains vanquish. In the month of Katak, with Paramatma’s grace one is blessed with the company of Sadh Sangat from which all anxieties dissipate.

Reflection:
We focus our energy on dwelling on our struggles; why am I going through this, what have I done to deserve this? Why not use our energy to motivate ourselves and tackle our challenges. When the tide is strong it is difficult to fight. Cutting across the tide gives exhaustion and eventually the exertion fails us, but if we accept the tide’s strength and focus on floating with it, it will eventually take us to shore. Similarly, when we accept The Creator’s will and allow ourselves to try to float with the Creator’s will and through our challenges, Paramatma’s grace carries us through. Even the near and dear saints of Paramatma face challenges as Paramatma has made them exemplary. Remembering their struggles helps us to accept our own while remaining true to Paramatma and continuing to do good deeds.