DEVOTION/ਭਗਤੀ/ਸਾਧਨਾ
ABSTRACT
an addiction. Such feelings toward God can be appropriately expressed by acts of worship;
devoutness and commitment.
ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਨੁ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰੈ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਤਰੈ ॥
Ėhā bẖagaṯ jan jīvaṯ marai. Gur parsādī bẖavjal ṯarai.
Ėhā bẖagaṯ jan jīvaṯ marai. Gur parsādī bẖavjal ṯarai.
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Devotion is an ardent affection, which can be directed toward a person or a principle. It can be a pious dedication or love of religious observance. One should lay aside the difference between him and others and feel no anxiety for things of this world. Contempt of the world should be in mind as an unchanging companion. One may bring eager feelings towards God and express them through acts of worship with devoutness. Devotion is one of the necessary perfections required in Sikhism for spiritual growth. It requires real dedication to Naam Simran/ ਸਿਮਰਨ (Contemplation) and the Truth. It is characterized by Willingness. In daily life, it is reflected in true humility from the core of one’s heart and in rigorous honesty one aims to attain God’s Grace. The Grace is required in controlling the mind to stay focused on devotion. Sikh Gurus have rejected rituals like the worshiping of stone sculptures as God. God could be unveiled in one’s self through devotion.
ਪਾਥਰੁ ਲੇ ਪੂਜਹਿ ਮੁਗਧ ਗਵਾਰ ॥
ਓਹਿ ਜਾ ਆਪਿ ਡੁਬੇ ਤੁਮ ਕਹਾ ਤਰਣਹਾਰ ॥
Pāthar lė pūjeh mugaḏẖ gavār. Ohi jā āp dubė ṯum kahā ṯaraṇhār.
ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਮੇਟੇ ਚਉਥੈ ਵਰਤੈ ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਰਾਰੀ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੋਗ ਸਬਦਿ ਆਤਮੁ ਚੀਨੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਏਕੁ ਮੁਰਾਰੀ ॥
Tarai Gun Maytay Cha-uthai Vartai Ayhaa Bhagat Niraaree, Gurmukh Jog Sabd Aatam Cheenai Hirdai Ayk Muraaree.
Tarai Gun Maytay Cha-uthai Vartai Ayhaa Bhagat Niraaree, Gurmukh Jog Sabd Aatam Cheenai Hirdai Ayk Muraaree.
ਸਚੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਲੁ ਥੀਆ ਰਤਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮਨੁ ਮੋਹਿਆ ਕਹਣਾ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
Sacẖī bẖagṯī man lāl thīā raṯā sahj subẖāė. Gur sabḏī man mohiā kahṇā kacẖẖū na jāė.
Sacẖī bẖagṯī man lāl thīā raṯā sahj subẖāė. Gur sabḏī man mohiā kahṇā kacẖẖū na jāė.
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens to us. We are not enriched by what life brings to us, but by the attitude, we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. Our purpose in life is, perhaps, to be useful, to be responsible, and to be compassionate while we lead a fuller life. This prospect is canceled, however, once greed appears in the mind.
Love of God has nothing to do with what one is expecting to get. It is more about what you are expected to give -- which is everything. Devotion is the immortal flow of energy that nourishes, extends and preserves life. Its chief goal is to enhance the spiritual life.
ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਬੂਝ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
ਸਦਾ ਅਨੰਦਿ ਰਹੈ ਦਿਨ ਰਾਤੀ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਰਹੈ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥
ਨਕ ਸਹਜੇ ਹਰਿ ਵਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਾ ਧਨ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਈ ॥੪॥੩॥
Prem Pareet Bhaey Bhagtee Paaee-ai Satgur Boojh Bujhaaee. Saḏā anand rahai ḏin rāṯī an▫ḏin rahai liv lā▫ī.Nānak sėhje har var pā▫i▫ā sā ḏẖan na▫o niḏẖ pā▫ī.
One can make time for any accomplishment, one chooses in life. However, the modern man demands scientific proof of the validity of any practice, before he can be persuaded to accept them. They must serve the welfare of the individual or of society. This is true of values patronized in ancient spirituality as well. This indeed is a Herculean task, given the intellectual and scientific evolution in the past millennium. There has been almost a simultaneous deterioration in religious and cultural life. The result is nearly a total neglect of spirituality and the emergence of blind faith. Misconceptions, prejudices, and superstitions abound. Until and unless the principles of faith are truly understood, there cannot be a true devotion to it. What are the prospects for an individual at the present in this regard?
ਪਾਖੰਡਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਬੋਲੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
ਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਰਲਾਇਆ ਨਾ ਰਲੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
Pakhand Bhagat Na Hova-ee Dubidhaa Boal Khuaar, So Jan Ralaa-i-aa Naa Ralai Jis Antar Bibayk Beechaar.
Newer generation seems inclined to accept the New Leftist atheistic ideologies in the West. God and religion tend to be regarded as phantom creations of the sick and fearful minds. The human body is seen merely as a chemical combination of inert elements. The very existence of immortal consciousness is denied, A few in modern society also flirt with atheism like Dr. Dawkins, who claims God to be a mental delusion of the mortal. They view the worship of God as futile because God did not respond to their selfish prayers and demands made in their distress. As a consequence, even a long-held religiosity is discarded.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਕੀਜੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਆਪੈ ਆਪੁ ਮਿਲਾਏ ਬੂਝੈ ਤਾ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
Gurmukh Kirpaa Karay Bhagat Keejai Bin Gur Bhagat Na Hoay, Aapai Aap Milaa-ay Boojhai Taa Nirmal Hovai Ko-ay.
Gurmukh Kirpaa Karay Bhagat Keejai Bin Gur Bhagat Na Hoay, Aapai Aap Milaa-ay Boojhai Taa Nirmal Hovai Ko-ay.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਐਸਾ ਸੰਜਮੀ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਕਿ੍ਆ ਵਿਸੇਖ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
ਔਤਰਿ ਲੋਭੁ ਮਨੁ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
ਓਇ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਕੈਸੇ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
Jay Ko Aisaa Sanjmee Hoey, Kirya Visaykh Poojaa Karaey, Antar Lobh Man Bikhiya Maa-eh, Oeay Niranjan Kaisay Paa-eh.
Someone practices self-discipline, compassion and devotional worship; but if he is filled with greed and if his mind is engrossed in corruption, how can he find the Immaculate God?-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1169-8
Activation of the subtle centers in the brain and the endocrine system can unleash the miraculous powers of the inner mind. It can reveal the extrasensory mental faculties in us. Sincere devotion in following the Sabd Guru makes this possible. Using these powers to produce miracles, however, is forbidden.
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਗਾਵਿਆ ਥਾਇ ਪਵੈ ਸੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
ਜੋ ਬਿਨੁ ਪਰਤੀਤੀ ਕਪਟੀ ਕੂੜੀ ਕੂੜੀ ਅਖੀ ਮੀਟਦੇ ਉਨ ਕਾ ਉਤਰਿ ਜਾਇਗਾ ਝੂਠੁ ਗੁਮਾਨੁ ॥
Jis No Parteet Hovai Tis Kaa Gaavi-aa Thaa-ay Pavai So Paavai Dargeh Maan, Jo Bin Parteetee Kapttee Koorhee Koorhee Akhee Meetday Oun Kaa Outar Jaaigaa Jhooth Gumaan.
The Spirit or Conscience is patiently waiting within each individual to be awakened. It can reach the highest level of awareness through one’s dedication and earnest devotion. One only has to follow the teachings of Sabd Guru:
ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਬਚਨੁ ਜਪਿ ਮੰਤੁ॥
ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਾਰ ਤਤੁ ॥
Gur kā bacẖan jap manṯ. Ėhā bẖagaṯ sār ṯaṯ.
Gur kā bacẖan jap manṯ. Ėhā bẖagaṯ sār ṯaṯ.
But Bhagat Dhanna got God out of the stone with Innocent devotion, given to him by a local Brahman.
ਇਹ ਬਿਧਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਕੈ ਜਾਟਰੋ ਉਠਿ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਗਾ ॥
ਮਿਲੇ ਪ੍ਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਸਾਈਆ ਧੰਨਾ ਵਡਭਾਗਾ ॥
Ih biḏẖ sun kai jātro uṯẖ bẖagṯī lāgā. Milė parṯakẖ gusāīā ḏẖannā vadbẖāgā.
Although Dhanna began life as an idol worshipper, he eventually became devoted to the contemplation of Naam. Similarly other Bhagats Tirlochan, Beni got enlightened.
ਧੰਨੈ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਬਾਲ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
ਤ੍ਰਿਲੋਚਨ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਭਈ ਸਿਧਿ ॥
ਬੇਣੀ ਕਉ ਗੁਰਿ ਕੀਓ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ॥
ਰੇ ਮਨ ਤੂ ਭੀ ਹੋਹਿ ਦਾਸੁ ॥੫॥
Ḏẖannai sėviā bāl buḏẖ. Ŧarilocẖan gur mil bẖa▫ī siḏẖ. Beṇī ka▫o gur kī▫o pargās.Re man ṯū bẖī hohi ḏās.
What an individual is looking for in his life?
There is something inside telling us that there is more to life than meets the eye. We may sense that there are better ways to interact with our reality with deference. We want to open something inside but aren't sure what that something is. Each of us on this earth is at a different stage of a spiritual journey. Others can preach to us, but they themselves may be unable to live according to what they profess.
ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਕਰੇ ਕਰਿ ਲੋਕ ਦਿ੍ੜਾਵੈ ॥
ਅਪਨਾ ਕਹਿਆ ਆਪਿ ਨ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥
Upḏės karė kar lok ḏariṛāvai. Apnā kahiā āp na kamāvai.
You preach to others to have faith, but you do not practice what you preach.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 887-18CONCLUSION:
The spiritually enlightened mind is said to be a source of divine potentials. Hidden beneath the core of the conscious mind, there lie the prodigious powers of the unconscious mind. Devotion is the key to success in any project but more so in the life of the spirit. It is manifested in an ardent selfless affection, hope, faith, and dedication. It is filled with God’s love. It gives a spiritual boost to the principle. In it, one commits oneself in personal and private religious supplication to God and prays for understanding.
ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਆਨੰਦੁ ॥
ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪਾਏ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦ ॥
Har Kee Bhagat Mukat Aanand, Gurmat Paa-ay Parmaanand.
Har Kee Bhagat Mukat Aanand, Gurmat Paa-ay Parmaanand.
ਏਹਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਚੂਕੈ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵਿਐ ਹਯਵੈ ਪਰਵਾਨ ॥
ਜਿਨਿ ਆਸਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਤਿਸ ਨੋ ਜਾਨ ॥
Ayhaa Bhagat Chookai Abhimaan, Satgur Sayvi-ai Hovai Parvaan, Jin Aasaa Keetee Tis No Jaan.
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