SERENITY/ਉਜਲਤਾ

ABSTRACT

CALMNESS of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in mind-control gained through God’s Grace. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought that are conducive to spiritual progress by discerning intellect (ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁੱਧੀ).

ਮੇਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਗਹਿਰ ਗੰਭੀਰ ॥

ਸੇਵਤ ਹੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸਰੀਰ ॥

Merā parabẖ sācẖā gahir gambẖīr. Sevaṯ hī sukẖ sāʼnṯ sarīr.

My God is True, deep and profound. Serving God, the body acquires peace and tranquility.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 301-19

It progresses by following the teachings incorporated in Sabd Guru says Guru Amar Das in Raag Basant:

ਭਗਵੈ ਵੇਸਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਬਹੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥

Bhagvai Vays Bharam Mukat Na Ho-ay, Baho Sanjam SaaNt Na Paavai Ko-ay, Gurmat Naam Paraapat Ho-ay.   

No one is liberated by wandering around in saffron-colored robes. Tranquility is not found by strict self-discipline, but by following the Guru's Teachings; one is blessed to receive, the Name of God.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1175-18

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An individual becomes calm to the degree that he or she understands himself or herself as a thought evolved being.  Such knowledge requires the understanding of others.   With this knowledge, one sees more and more clearly the internal relations of things through the operation of cause and effect.  One ceases to fuss and fume; worry and grieve and remains poised, steadfast, and serene.

A serene individual is one who has learned how to govern himself or herself and knows how to adapt to the others.  They, in turn, revere his or her spiritual strength and feel that they can learn from him or her and rely upon him or her. The more tranquil an individual becomes, the greater is his success, influence, and power for good.  Such an individual will prosper along with his self-control and equanimity.  People prefer to deal with an individual whose demeanor is consistently even.  One who considers everyone equal is religious.

ਜੋ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋਈ ਜੀਉ ॥

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੋਈ ਜੀਉ ॥
Jo Antar So Baahar Daykhhu Avar Na Doojaa Ko-ee Jee-o, Gurmukh Ayk Darisat Kar Daykhhu Ghat Ghat Jot Samo-ee Jee-o.

God is within -- see It outside as well; there is no one, other than It. As Guru oriented, look upon all with the single eye of equality; in each and every heart, the Divine Light is contained.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 599-2

The strong, calm individual is always loved and revered. He or she is like a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land or a sheltering rock in a storm. "Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet-tempered, balanced life? It does not matter whether it rains or shines, or what changes come to those possessing these blessings, for they are always sweet, serene, and calm. That exquisite poise of character, which we call serenity, is the calm individual, having learned how.

ਸਹਜੇ ਹੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਪਿਆਰਿ ਬੈਰਾਗਿ ॥

ਸਹਜੈ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਸੁਖ ਸਾਤਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਹਜੈ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਬਾਦਿ ॥੨॥

ਸਹਜਿ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਲਗਾਇ ॥

ਸਹਜੇ ਹੀ ਗੁਣ ਊਚਰੈ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥

Sėhje hī bẖagaṯ ūpjai sahj pi▫ār bairāg. Sahjai hī ṯe sukẖ sāṯ ho▫e bin sahjai jīvaṇ bāḏ. Sahj sālāhī saḏā saḏā sahj samāḏẖ lagā▫e.Sėhje hī guṇ ūcẖrai bẖagaṯ kare liv lā▫e.

In the state of intuitive balance, devotion wells up. In intuitive balance, love is balanced and detached.  In the state of intuitive balance, peace and tranquility are produced. Without an intuitive balance, life is useless. In the state of intuitive balance, praise God forever and ever. With intuitive ease, embrace Meditation. In the state of intuitive balance, chant God’s Glories, lovingly absorbed in devotional worship. ----Guru Amar Das, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 68-8

The finishing lesson of culture brings about the flowering of life and the fruition of spiritual knowledge. Wisdom thus acquired is more precious than gold.  Mere money pales in comparison to a serene life -- a life that is dwelt in the ocean of Truth, beneath the waves, beyond the reach of tempests, in the Eternal Calm!

ਮਨਹਠ ਬੁਧੀ ਕੇਤੀਆ ਕੇਤੇ ਬੇਦ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥

ਕੇਤੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਜੀਅ ਕੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰ ॥

ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥

Manhaṯẖ buḏẖī keṯī▫ā keṯe beḏ bīcẖār.Keṯe banḏẖan jī▫a ke gurmukẖ mokẖ ḏu▫ār. Sachoh Oorai Sabh Ko Ouper Such Aachaar.

There are so many stubborn-minded intelligent people and so many who contemplate the Hondu scriptures (Vedas). There are so many entanglements for the soul. Only as Guru oriented do we find the Gate of Liberation.  Truth is above all and above Truth is Truthful conduct. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sri, AGGS, Page, 62-11

ਸਚਾ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵਣੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ ॥

ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਦਿਖਾਏ ਤਿਤੁ ਨਾਤੈ ਮਲੁ ਜਾਏ ॥
Sachaa Tirath Jit Sat Sar Naavan Gurmukh Aap Bujhaa-ay, Athsath Tirath Gur Sabd Dikhaa-ay Tit Naatai Mal Jaa-ay.

True is that place of pilgrimage, where one bathes in the Pool of Truth, and achieves self-realization as Guru willed and understands his own self. God has shown that the Word of the Guru's Sabd is beyond the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage; bathing in it, filth is washed away.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 753-15,16

Too many people have soured their lives and ruined all that is sweet and beautiful by their explosive tempers. They destroy their poise of character, lose self-control, mar their happiness and make bad blood!  Very few people seem to be well balanced. Very few have that exquisite poise which is characteristic of the finished character!  A different kind of flow of spiritual wisdom from the higher worlds begins to animate those who dwell below as they begin to grow in spirituality. This flow of spiritual vitality may occur when one follows the esoteric principles given in AGGS.  Similar results may accrue to the followers of the other religions if their actions correspond to the tenets of their own faiths.   

Yes, humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumultuous with ungoverned grief, is blown about by anxiety and doubt.   Only a wise individual, whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the storms of the mind obey him.

ਸਭ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਮਤੁ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਸਭੁ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਨ ਜੀਉ ॥

ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਇਆ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਊਤਮ ਜਨ ਪਰਧਾਨ ਜੀਉ ॥
Sabh Ayk Darisat Samat Kar Daykhai Sabh Aatam Raam Pachhaan Jee-o, Har Har Jas Gaa-i-aa Param Pad Paa-i-aa Tay Ootam Jan ParDhaan Jee-o.

They look upon all as equals, and recognize the Supreme Conscience, the God, pervading among all. Those who sing the praises of God, obtain the supreme status; they are the most exalted and acclaimed people.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 446-12                                       

Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you may be, under whatsoever conditions you may live, know this:  In the ocean of life the isles of Blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your dreams await your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. Under the veil of lower instincts of your mind reclines the commanding Master; It does but sleeps; wake It and follow Its command and will. Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, "Peace, be still!" Guru Tegh Bahadur describes the nature of such a human in Raag Sorath and Kabir in Raag Kedara;

ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਦੁਖ ਮੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥

ਸੁਖ ਸਨੇਹੁ ਅਰੁ ਭੈ ਨਹੀ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਕੰਚਨ ਮਾਟੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥

ਨਹ ਨਿੰਦਿਆ ਨਹ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨਾ ॥

ਹਰਖ ਸੋਗ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਆਰਉ ਨਾਹਿ ਮਾਨ ਅਪਮਾਨਾ ॥

ਆਸਾ ਮਨਸਾ ਸਗਲ ਤਿਆਗੈ ਜਗ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਰਾਸਾ ॥

ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਜਿਹ ਪਰਸੈ ਨਾਹਨਿ ਤਿਹ ਘਟਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨਿਵਾਸਾ ॥

ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਜਿਹ ਨਰ ਕਉ ਕੀਨੀ ਤਿਹ ਇਹ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਪਛਾਨੀ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਲੀਨ ਭਇਓ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਪਾਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਪਾਨੀ ॥

Jo Nar Dukh Mai Dukh Nahee Maanai, Sukh Sanayhu Ur Bhai Nahee Ja Kai Kanchan Maatee Maanai, Neh Nindiyaa Neh Ustat Jaa Kai Lobh Moh Abhimaanaa, Harakh Soag Tay Rahai Niaarao Naaeh Maan Apmaanaa, Aasaa Mansaa Sagal Tiaagai Jag Tay Rahai Niraasaa, Kaam Krodh Jeh Parsai Naahin Tah Ghat Barahm Nivaasaa, Gur Kirpaa Jeh Nar Kaou Keenee Tah Aeh Jugat Pachhaanee, Nanak Leen Bhaio Gobind Sio Jio Paanee Sang Paanee.

Who in the midst of pain does not feel pain?  Who is not affected by pleasure, affection or fear, and who looks alike upon gold and dust? Who is not swayed by either slander or praise nor affected by greed, attachment or pride; that remains unaffected by joy and sorrow, honor and dishonor?  Who renounces all hopes and desires and remains desire -less in the world?  Who is not touched by sexual desire or anger?  Within the heart of such a person, God dwells.  That person, blessed by Guru's Grace, understands God’s way. O Nanak, he merges with the Creator of the Universe, like water with water.-----Guru Tegh Bahadur, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 633

ਉਸਤਤਿ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਦੋਊ ਬਿਬਰਜਿਤ ਤਜਹੁ ਮਾਨੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨਾ ॥

ਲੋਹਾ ਕੰਚਨੁ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਨਹਿ ਤੇ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਭਗਵਾਨਾ ॥

ਤੇਰਾ ਜਨੁ ਏਕੁ ਆਧੁ ਕੋਈ ॥

ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਬਿਬਰਜਿਤ ਹਰਿ ਪਦੁ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਸੋਈ ॥

ਰਜ ਗੁਣ ਤਮ ਗੁਣ ਸਤ ਗੁਣ ਕਹੀਐ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਭ ਮਾਇਆ ॥

ਚਉਥੇ ਪਦ ਕਉ ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਚੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਹੀ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

ਤੀਰਥ ਬਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਸੁਚਿ ਸੰਜਮ ਸਦਾ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਹਕਾਮਾ ॥

ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਅਰੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਚੂਕਾ ਚਿਤਵਤ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮਾ ॥

ਜਿਹ ਮੰਦਰਿ ਦੀਪਕੁ ਪਰਗਾਸਿਆ ਅੰਧਕਾਰੁ ਤਹ ਨਾਸਾ ॥

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹੇ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਭਾਗਾ ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਦਾਸਾ ॥
Usṯaṯ ninḏā ḏo­ū bibarjiṯ ṯajahu mān abẖimānā. Lohā kancẖan sam kar jāneh ṯė mūraṯ bẖagvānā. Ŧėrā jan ėk āḏẖ ko­ī. Kām kroḏẖ lobẖ moh bibarjiṯ har paḏ cẖīnĥai so­ī. Raj guṇ ṯam guṇ saṯ guṇ kahī­ai ih ṯėrī sabẖ mā­i­ā. Cẖa­uthė paḏ ka­o jo nar cẖīnĥai ṯinĥ hī param paḏ pā­i­ā. Ŧirath baraṯ nėm sucẖ sanjam saḏā rahai nihkāmā. Ŧarisnā ar mā­i­ā bẖaram cẖūkā cẖiṯvaṯ āṯam rāmā. Jih manḏar ḏīpak pargāsi­ā anḏẖkār ṯah nāsā. Nirbẖa­o pūr rahė bẖaram bẖāgā kahi Kabīr jan ḏāsā.

Those who ignore both praise and slander, who reject egotistical pride and conceit, who look alike upon iron and gold - they are the very image of  God. Hardly anyone is a humble servant of Yours, O God. Ignoring sexual desire, anger, greed, and attachment, such a person becomes aware of  God's Feet. Rajas, the quality of energy and activity; Tamas, the quality of darkness and inertia; and Satvas, the quality of purity and light, are all called (3 qualities of Maya) the creations of Maya, Your illusion. That man who realizes the fourth state - he alone obtains the supreme state. Amidst pilgrimages, fasting, rituals, purification, and self-discipline, he remains always without thought of reward. Thirst and desire for Maya and doubt depart, remembering  God, the Supreme Soul. When the temple is illuminated by the lamp, its darkness is dispelled. The Fearless God is All-pervading. Doubt has run away, says Kabir, the God's humble slave.-----Kabir, Raag Kedara, AGGS, Page, 1123

Conclusion:

Tranquility is within one’s self.  Peace and Happiness is an inside job.  All that you look for or seek outside is within you. People have an innate yearning to achieve serenity. It looks that it is impossible to attain tranquility of the mind in this world that we live in and the culture we have embraced. There are eight factors found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability serenity:                                                                                                                                           
There are eight factors found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability serenity:

1) The absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness.                                                                                                                                                     2) Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression.                                                                                                                                              3) Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it.                                                                                                                  4) Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress.                                                                               5) Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal. Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune.

6) Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues: love, humor, compassion, and loyalty.                              

7) Do not expect too much of yourself. When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of inadequacy are inevitable.                                                                                                                                                                                                   8) Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Self-centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness.