HEAVEN AND HELL/ਭਿਸਤੁ ਅਤੇ ਦੋਜਕੁ
ABSTRACT
The subject of Heaven & Hell is a common topic all over
the world. Religions basically use these concepts to control their
followers. These subjects are discussed
in detail from a perspective of the philosophy contained in Sabd Guru. Gurbani uses them as metaphors. One needs an open mind and rigorous honesty
to examine these. Dogma aside, no human has even an iota of knowledge as to the
presence or absence of these places, called heaven and hell where we supposedly
go after death. These are not as much the creation of God as they are that of
human consciousness at the time of death.
The consciousness at the time of death determines the supposed to be experience
after death, which in fact is solely dependent on the deeds done during life. If the consciousness is cheerful and
benevolent at the time of death, it will remain the same after death. Similarly, if it is one of violence and
anger, it will reflect accordingly as well. Guru Nanak describes this
phenomenon in Siri Raag in the following words:
ਅਮਲੁ ਕਰਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਬੀਜੁ
ਸਬਦੋ ਕਰਿ ਸਚ ਕੀ ਆਬ ਨਿਤ ਦੇਹਿ ਪਾਣੀ ॥
ਹੋਇ ਕਿਰਸਾਣੁ
ਈਮਾਨੁ ਜੰਮਾਇ ਲੈ ਭਿਸਤੁ ਦੋਜਕੁ ਮੂੜੇ ਏਵ ਜਾਣੀ॥
ਮਤੁ ਜਾਣ ਸਹਿ ਗਲੀ ਪਾਇਆ॥
ਮਾਲ ਕੈ ਮਾਣੈ ਰੂਪ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਇਤੁ ਬਿਧੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
Amal kar ḏẖarṯī bīj sabḏo kar sacẖ kī āb
niṯ ḏeh pāṇī, Ho¬ė kirsāṇ īmān jammā¬ė lai bẖisaṯ ḏojak mūṛė ėv jāṇī. Maṯ jāṇ
sėh galī pā▫i▫ā. Māl kai māṇai rūp kī sobẖā iṯ biḏẖī janam gavā▫i▫ā.
Make good deeds the soil, and let the Word of the Sabd be
the seed; irrigate it continually with the water of Truth. Become such a
farmer, and faith will sprout, and know it to be heaven and hell,
you fool! Do not think that your Husband God can be obtained by mere words. You
are wasting this life in the pride of wealth and the splendor of beauty.------Guru
Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 24
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Sikh thought does not believe in heaven & hell after
death. Instead, its emphasis is being a
better human being following and enjoying the God’s Word in the company of holy
people. One is advised to reach a mental poise through singing God’s praises
and meditating. One is urged to deliberate
and reflect upon Immortal god at each step in one’s daily life. While living, one should realize the God’s
light vibrating everywhere in Mother Nature.
The entire universe and every living thing resonate with this
vibration. To be living in heaven during
one’s earthly existence means living according to the will of the God and
singing the praises of Its virtues. Guru
Arjun describes in Raag Dhanasari, and Ramkali that reciting the Name of the
God in the presence of the Holy Company is tantamount to salvation and heaven.
Other metaphoric exemplary hymns of Sabd Guru:
ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਨਰਕ ਸਾਕਤੁ
ਭੋਗਾਈਐ ॥
ਜੈਸਾ ਕੀਚੈ
ਤੈਸੋ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ
ਬਾਝਹੁ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ਕਿਰਤਿ ਬਾਧਾ ਗ੍ਰਸਿ ਦੀਨਾ ਹੇ
॥੯॥
Chaurasy Narak Sakat Bhogaa-eeai, Jaisaa
Keechai Taiso Paa-eeai. Saṯgur bājẖahu mukaṯ na ho▫ī kiraṯ bāḏẖā
garas ḏīnā he.
A materialistic falls and suffers in 84 hells. As he acts,
so does he suffer Without the True Guru, there is no liberation. Bound and
gagged by his own actions, he is helpless. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1028-6
Ignoring the development of virtues and suffering by
indulging in five lower instincts is living in Hell. In the teachings (ਦੀਖਿਆ) contained in
Sabd Guru, there is no place called Heaven or Hell where people are destined to
go after they leave the world. Other religions do believe that God created
eternal heaven for the comfort of faithful in Islam or people with higher
social status among the Hindus or those saved by Christ in Christianity, after
their death. They also believe in Hell
where all non-believers or the low caste persons who ignore God’s commandments
will suffer forever. Sikhism does not believe in castes here or after death. An
individual who considers every one equal is religious.
ਅਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਜੋਰੁ ਹੈ
ਅਗੈ ਜੀਉ ਨਵੇ ॥
ਜਿਨ ਕੀ ਲੇਖੈ
ਪਤਿ ਪਵੈ ਚੰਗੇ ਸੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥
Agai Jaat Na
Joar Hai Agai Jeo Navay, Jin Kee Laykhai Pat Pavai Changay Say-ee Kay-ay.
In the world hereafter, social status and power mean
nothing. The soul is new, in the eager.
Those few, whose honor is confirmed, are good.----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa,
AGGS, Page, 469-6
ਗਲੀ ਭਿਸਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਐ
ਛੁਟੈ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇ ॥
ਮਾਰਣ ਪਾਹਿ ਹਰਾਮ
ਮਹਿ ਹੋਇ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲੀ ਕੂੜੀਈ ਕੂੜੋ
ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥੨॥
Galee Bhisat Na Jaa-eai Chutai Such
Kamaey. Māraṇ pāhi harām mėh ho▫e halāl na jā▫e.Nānak galī
kūṛī▫ī kūṛo palai pā▫e.
One does not get a passage to heaven by mere talking. It is achieved by living a truthful life. By adding spices to forbidden foods, they are
not made acceptable. O Nanak, from false talk, only falsehood is obtained. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 141-2
ਗਗਨੰਤਰਿ ਵਾਸਿਆ ਗੁਣ
ਪਰਗਾਸਿਆ ਗੁਣ ਮਹਿ ਗਿਆਨ ਧਿਆਨੰ ॥
ਨਾਮੁ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਕਹੈ ਕਹਾਵੈ ਤਤੋ ਤਤੁ ਵਖਾਨੰ ॥
ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰ ਪੀਰਾ ਗਹਿਰ ਗੰਭੀਰਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਜਗੁ ਬਉਰਾਨੰ ॥
ਪੂਰਾ
ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਗੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੰ ॥੮॥੧॥
Gagnantar Vaasiaa GouN Pargaasiaa GouN
Meh Giaan DhiaanaN. Nām man bẖāvai kahai kahāvai ṯaṯo ṯaṯ
vakẖānaʼn.Sabaḏ gur pīrā gahir gambẖīrā bin sabḏai jag ba▫urānaʼn.Pūrā bairāgī
sahj subẖāgī sacẖ Nānak man mānaʼn.
When one pays attention to spiritual wisdom, then the wisdom
is enshrined in mind. This is the state
of dwelling in heaven. The Naam is pleasing to his mind; he speaks it, and
causes others to speak it as well. He speaks the essential essence of wisdom.
The Word of the Sabd is his Guru and spiritual teacher, profound and
unfathomable; without the Sabd, the world is insane. He is a perfect
renunciate, naturally at ease, O Nanak, whose mind is pleased with the True God. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 635-5
ਮਨਮੁਖ ਤੇ ਅਭ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ
ਹੋਵਸਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਪਚਹਿ ਦਿਵਾਨੇ ॥
ਇਹੁ ਮਨੂਆ ਖਿਨੁ ਊਭਿ ਪਇਆਲੀ ਜਬ ਲਗਿ ਸਬਦ ਨ ਜਾਨੇ ॥
Manmukẖ ṯe abẖ bẖagaṯ na hovas ha▫umai
pacẖėh ḏivāne. Ayh Manoo-aa Khin Oobh Pa-eaalee Jab Lag Sabad Na Jaanay.
The self-willed do not know loving devotional worship; they
are insane, rotting away in their egotism. Human mind wanders about, in one
moment it seems as if it is in heaven, and at the next moment it finds itself
in hell. This pattern keeps repeating
until one understands the meanings in the Sabd.-----Guru Nanak,
Raag Parbhati, AGGS, Page, 1345-13
ਅਗੀ ਪਾਲਾ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਵੈ
ਖਾਣਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਵਾਉ ॥
ਸੁਰਗੈ ਦੀਆ ਮੋਹਣੀਆ ਇਸਤਰੀਆ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਭੋ ਜਾਉ ॥
ਭੀ ਤੂਹੈ ਸਾਲਾਹਣਾ ਆਖਣ
ਲਹੈ ਨ ਚਾਉ ॥
Agī pālā kapaṛ hovai kẖāṇā hovai vā¬o,
Surgai ḏī¬ā mohṇī¬ā isṯarī¬ā hovan Nānak sabẖo jā¬o, Bẖī ṯūhai salāhṇā ākẖaṇ
lahai na cẖā¬o.
If fire and ice were my clothes, the wind was my food, and
even if the enticing heavenly beauties were my wives; O, Nanak-all this shall
pass away! Even then, I would worship and adore You (God), and my longing to chant Your
Praises would not decrease.-----Guru
Nanak, Vaar Majh, AGGS, Page, 142-5, 6
ਮੁਕਤਿ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ
ਸੰਗਤਿ ਜਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਧਾਮ॥
ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕੀ ਥਾਤੀ ਕੋਟ ਸੂਖ ਬਿਸਾ੍ਮ ॥
Mukat Bakunth Sadh Ki Sangat, Jan Payeou
Har Ka Dhaam, Charan Kamak Har Jan Ki Thaati Kot Sookh Bisraam.
Liberation and heaven are found in the Company of the Holy
and the humble servant finds the home of the Immortal god. God’s lotus feet are
the treasure of Its humble servant, where one finds millions of pleasures and
comforts.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, Page, 682-10
ਜਹ ਰਾਖੈ ਸੋਈ ਮੁਕਤਿ
ਥਾਨੁ ॥
ਜੋ ਜਪਾਏ ਸੋਈ
ਨਾਮੁ ॥
ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ
ਜਹ ਸਾਧ ਪਗ ਧਰਹਿ ॥
ਤਹ ਬੈਕੁੰਠੁ ਜਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਚਰਹਿ ॥
Jah rākẖai soī mukaṯ thān.Jo japāė
soī nām. Athsath Tirath Jeh Saadh Pug Dhareh, Teh Bakunth Jeh Naam Ouchreh.
Wherever God keeps me that is the place of liberation for
me. Whatever It makes me chant, is Its Name. Wherever the saint puts his feet,
there are 68 pilgrim stations. Where
ever the Name of the God is uttered, there is heaven.-----Guru Arjun Raag Ram kali, AGGS, Page
890-14, 15
The Sikh Gurus denied that beyond this earth, somewhere else
in the universe, there existed a particular place known as heaven, with all the
earthly comforts such air-conditioned bungalows having a free flow of wine,
women, meats, and slaves etc. Nor is
there a hell with drums of burning oil to singe our souls.
The reason most of us believe in religion is that after
death we want to get admission to heaven and are frightened of being thrown
into hell. The goal of human life should not be to qualify for admission into a
non-existent heaven or being scared of a mythological hell but to become a
better God fearing person. Hell and heaven are right here on this earth during
one’s lifetime.
If one disconnects from one’s consciousness and the sense of
justice, truth, and fair play he is in hell.
If one stays in touch with God, he is in heaven. A person is
judged by his deeds and not by his beliefs. God is nobody's private
inheritance. Nobody can claim a franchise
in Immortal God. The followers of the major world religions claim: My religion
is the only true faith; people believing in any other faith will go to hell.
Conversion of non-members to my faith will `save' them. It seems that they claim to be the only chosen
people of God, as if God discriminates against the billions of other people
living on this earth. In fact we are all
children of God and have equal rights.
One creates one’s own inner state of being happy or sad. Sikhism does not have missionaries. It is a faith of attraction and not of
promotion but it respects all faiths.
The following are metaphorical examples of heaven of gods:
ਸਿਵ ਪੁਰੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ
ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਪੁਰੀ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਕੋ ਥਾਉ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ
ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਹੋ ਸਾਕਤ ਆਵਹਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
ਜੈਸੋ ਗੁਰ
ਉਪਦੇਸਿਆ ਮੈ ਤੈਸੋ ਕਹਿਆ ਪੁਕਾਰ ॥
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ
ਸੁਨ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਕਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥
Siv Puri
Braham Inder Puri Nehchal Ko Thauo Naaeh, Bin Har Sayva Sukh Nahi Ho Saakat Aaveh
Jaaeh, Jeso Gur Oupdesia Mai Taiso Kahia Pukaar, Nanak Kahai Sun Ray Mana Kar
Kirtan Ho-ay Oudhaar.
No place is permanent including the realm of Shiva, Brahma,
and Indra (Hindu gods), with out serving the True Immortal God, there is no peace
at all, and the materialistic keeps coming and going. Says Nanak, listen, people:
sing the praises of God, and you shall be saved.-----Guru Arjun, Gauri Malva, AGGS, Page, 214-9, 10
Guru Arjan in Raag Gauri, Sukhmani, and in Raag Asa
elaborates in a negative way, urging us to let go of the ego.
ਅਨਿਕ ਤਪਸਿਆ ਕਰੇ
ਅਹੰਕਾਰ ॥
ਨਰਕ ਸੁਰਗ
ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਅਵਤਾਰ ॥
Anek Tapasia Karay Ahnkaar, Nark Surag
Fir Fir Avtar.
If after much austerity one is inflated with ego, he
transmigrates repeatedly in Hell and Heaven.-----Guru Arjun, Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 278-13,14
ਤਿ੍ਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਮਹਿ ਵਰਤੈ
ਸੰਸਾਰਾ ॥
ਨਰਕ ਸੁਰਗ
ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਅਉਤਾਰਾ ॥
Treh Goun Meh Vartai Sansara, Nark Surag
Fir Fir Autara.
The world deals in three modes: Transmigrating repeatedly, going to hell or
to heaven.-----Guru
Arjun, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 389-7
ਨਰਕ ਘੋਰ ਬਹੁ ਦੁਖ ਘਣੇ
ਅਕਿਰਘਣਾ ਕਾ ਥਾਨੁ ॥
ਤਿਨਿ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਮਾਰੇ ਨਾਨਕਾ
ਹੋਇ ਹੋਇ ਮੁਏ ਹਰਾਮੁ ॥੧॥
Narak Ghor Bhau Dukh Ghanay Ekirtghana
Ka Thaan. Ŧin parabẖ māre nānkā ho▫e ho▫e mu▫e harām.
There are many sufferings in the horrible hell, the abode of
ungrateful people. They are struck down by God, O Nanak, and they die a most
miserable death. ----Guru Arjun, Sloke Vaar Gauri Mahala 4, AGGS, Page, 315-9
ਜੋ ਸਿਮਰੰਦੇ ਸਾਂਈਐ ॥
ਨਰਕ ਨ ਸੇਈ
ਪਾਈਐ ॥
ਤਤੀ ਵਾਉ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਜਿਨ
ਮਨਿ ਵੁਠਾ ਆਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
Jo Simrande Saan-eeai, Narak Na Sayee
Paa-eeai. Ŧaṯī vā▫o na lag▫ī jin man vuṯẖā ā▫e jī▫o.
Those who remember God, they do not go to hell. Even the hot
winds shall not touch them. God has come to dwell within their minds. -----Guru
Arjun, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 132-9,10
ਅਠੇ ਪਹਰ ਭਉਦਾ ਫਿਰੈ
ਖਾਵਣ ਸੰਦੜੈ ਸੂਲਿ ॥
ਦੋਜਕਿ ਪਉਦਾ ਕਿਉ ਰਹੈ
ਜਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ਰਸੂਲਿ ॥
Aṯẖė pahar bẖa¬uḏā firai kẖāvaṇ sanḏ¬ṛai
sūl, Ḏojak pa¬uḏā ki¬o rahai jā cẖiṯ na ho¬ė rasūl.
Twenty-four hours a day, one wanders about, driven by his
hunger for food. How can he be saved from hell, who does not keep the prophet
in mind?-----Guru Arjun,
Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page 319-20
ਹਕੁ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਬਖੋਰਹੁ
ਖਾਣਾ ॥
ਦਿਲ ਦਰੀਆਉ
ਧੋਵਹੁ ਮੈਲਾਣਾ ॥
ਪੀਰੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ
ਭਿਸਤੀ ਸੋਈ ਅਜਰਾਈਲੁ ਨ ਦੋਜ ਠਰਾ ॥
Hak Halal Bakhoroh KhaNa, Dil Daree-aou
Dhovoh MailaNa, Pir Pachanai Bhisti Soyee Azraa-eell Na Doj Thara.
Let what is earned righteously be your blessed food. Wash
away pollution with the river of your heart. One, who realizes the Prophet
attains heaven and the Azrael Messenger of Death, does not cast him into
hell.------Guru Arjun, Raag
Maru, AGGS, Page, 1084-7
ਰੋਜਾ ਧਰੈ ਨਿਵਾਜ
ਗੁਜਾਰੈ ਕਲਮਾ ਭਿਸਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
ਆਪੁ ਜਨਾਇ ਅਵਰ ਕਉ ਜਾਨੈ ਤਬ ਹੋਇ ਭਿਸਤ ਸਰੀਕੀ ॥
ਕਹੈ ਕਬੀਰਾ ਭਿਸਤ ਛੋਡਿ
ਕਰਿ ਦੋਜਕ ਸਿਉ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਾ ॥
Roza Dharai Niwaz Guzarai Kalma Bhist Na
Hoi, Aap Jnaaey Avar Kou Janai Tub Hoi Bhist Sirikee, Kahai Kabir Bhisat Chodh
Kar Dozak Seo Man Manaa.
Keeping your fasts, reciting your prayers, and reading the
Kalma (the Islamic creed), shall not take you to paradise. As you see yourself,
see others as well; only then will you become a partner in heaven. Says Kabir,
I have abandoned paradise, and reconciled my mind to hell.-----Kabir, Raag
Asa, AGGS, Page, 480-5, 8, 9
Kabir lived until last years of his life in Banaras, where
alone in the estimation of Hindus deliverance may be obtained. Those who died
in Magahar town have no hope of ultimate beatitude. To beat the superstition
and using common sense, Kabir moved to Magahar and died there.
ਤੂੰ ਨਾਪਾਕੁ ਪਾਕੁ ਨਹੀ
ਸੂਝਿਆ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਮਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥
ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ
ਭਿਸਤਿ ਤੇ ਚੂਕਾ ਦੋਜਕ ਸਿਉ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥
Toon Napaak Paak Nahin Soojhai Tis Ka
Maram Na Jania, Keh Kabir Bhist Tat Chooka Dozakh Seo Man Mania.
You are impure and are not conscious about the True Immortal
God; you have not known Its secret. Says Kabir I have just missed heaven and my
mind is in consonance with hell.-----Kabir, Raag Parbhati, AGGS, Page, 1350-9, 10
Kabir clearly states that for a man of God, heaven is the
place in Holy congregation, where the name and praises of God are sung:
ਜੋ ਜਨ ਪਰਮਿਤਿ ਪਰਮਨੁ
ਜਾਨਾ ॥
ਬਾਤਨ ਹੀ
ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਸਮਾਨਾ ॥
ਨਾ ਜਾਨਾ
ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਕਹਾ ਹੀ ॥
ਜਾਨੁ ਜਾਨੁ
ਸਭਿ ਕਹਹਿ ਤਹਾ ਹੀ ॥
ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਮਨਿ
ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਕੀ ਆਸ ॥
ਤਬ ਲਗੁ ਹੋਇ
ਨਹੀ ਚਰਨ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ ॥
ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਇਹ
ਕਹੀਐ ਕਾਹਿ ॥
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ
ਬੈਕੁੰਠੈ ਆਹਿ ॥
Jo jan parmiṯ parman jānā, Bāṯan hī
baikunṯẖ samānā, Nā jānā baikunṯẖ kahā hī, Jān jān sabẖ kaheh ṯahā hī, Jab lag
man baikunṯẖ kī ās, Kaho Kabīr ih kahī¬ai kāhi, Sāḏẖsangaṯ baikunṯẖė āhi.
That mortal who claims to know the Immortal God, is beyond
measure and beyond thought. By mere words, he plans to enter heaven. I do not
know where heaven is. Everyone claims that he plans to go there. As long as the
mind is filled with the desire for heaven, he does not dwell at the Immortal
God's Feet. Says Kabir, unto whom should I tell this? The Company of the Holy
is heaven.-----Kabir, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page,
325
ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਚਲਨ ਕਹਤ ਹੈ
ਊਹਾਂ ॥
ਨਾ ਜਾਨਉ
ਬੈਕੁੰਠੁ ਹੈ ਕਹਾਂ ॥
ਆਪ ਆਪ ਕਾ
ਮਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਾਂ ॥
ਬਾਤਨ ਹੀ
ਬੈਕੁੰਠੁ ਬਖਾਨਾਂ ॥
ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਮਨ
ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਕੀ ਆਸ ॥
ਤਬ ਲਗੁ ਨਾਹੀ
ਚਰਨ ਨਿਵਾਸ ॥
ਖਾਈ ਕੋਟੁ ਨ ਪਰਲ ਪਗਾਰਾ ॥
ਨਾ ਜਾਨਉ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਦੁਆਰਾ ॥
ਕਹਿ ਕਮੀਰ ਅਬ
ਕਹੀਆ ਕਾਹਿ ॥
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ
ਬੈਕੁੰਠੈ ਆਹਿ ॥
Sabẖ ko¬ī cẖalan kahaṯ hai ūhāʼn, Nā
jān¬o baikunṯẖ hai kahāʼn, Āp āp kā maram na jānāʼn, Bāṯan hī baikunṯẖ bakẖānāʼn,
Jab lag man baikunṯẖ kī ās, Ŧab lag nāhī cẖaran nivās. Kẖā¬ī kot na paral
pagārā, Nā jān¬o baikunṯẖ ḏu¬ārā“Keh Kamir Ub Kaheyai Kaaeh, Sadh Sangat
Baikunth Aaeh.
Everyone speaks of going there. But I do not even know where
heaven is. One who does not even know the mystery of his own self? He speaks of
heaven, but it is only talk. As long as the mortal hopes for heaven, he will
not dwell at the God's Feet. Heaven is not a fort with moats and ramparts, and
walls plastered with mud. I do not know what heaven's gate is like. Says Kabir,
now what more can I say? The Company of the Holy is heaven itself.-----Bhagat Kabir, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1161-10, 12, 13
He further asserts in a neutral mood; why worry, whatever
will be after death, will be?
ਸੁਰਗ ਬਾਸੁ ਨ ਬਾਛਇਐ ਡਰੀਐ
ਨ ਨਰਕਿ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ ॥
ਹੋਨਾ ਹੈ ਸੋ
ਹੋਈ ਹੈ ਮਨਹਿ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ਆਸ ॥
ਰਮਈਆ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਈਐ ॥
ਜਾ ਤੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਪਰਮ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Surg Baas Na Bacheyai Darai Na Narik
Nivaas, Hona Hai So Hoyee Hai Maneh Na Keejai Aas. Rama▫ī▫ā gun
gā▫ī▫ai.Jā ṯe pā▫ī▫ai param niḏẖān.
Don't wish for a home in heaven, and don't be afraid to live
in hell. Whatever shall be will be? So
don't let your hopes go up too high in your mind. Sing the Glorious Praises of
the God, from whom the most excellent treasure is obtained. -----Kabir, Raag Gauri Poorbi,
AGGS, Page, 337-10
ਹਰਿ ਸੋ ਹੀਰਾ ਛਾਡਿ ਕੈ
ਕਰਹਿ ਆਨ ਕੀ ਆਸ ॥
ਤੇ ਨਰ ਦੋਜਕ
ਜਾਹਿਗੇ ਸਤਿ ਭਾਖੈ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ॥
Har So Hira Chaad Kai Kareh Aan Ki Aas,
Te Nar Dozakh Jahegay Sat Bhakhai Ravidas.
Forsaking the diamond like Immortal God, if people rely on
the others, they will go to hell, Ravidas says this truth.-----Kabir Sloke # 242, AGGS, Page, 1377
Hindu Understanding:
Deva Loka is heaven where only the pure souls go.
Patala is hell.
Pitri Loka is the world where ancestors go after
death to live continuously.
Mythological story in Mahabharata, compiled by the Brahmin
sage Vyasa, depicts heaven as the place of Hindu God VISHNU located on Mount Meru
Brahma’s heaven: called Braham-puri is 800 miles X
400 X 40 miles high. It contains all the excellences of heaven. All the beings
created on earth are found there. The world of Brahma extends over 10,000
Yojanas -- one Yojana being equal to four miles -- on the Mahameru Mountain
Indra’s heaven:
Indra is the king of gods. His heaven is called Amaravati located east
of the Manavati, city of Brahma Eternal City
Heaven for Sikhs: AGGS describes the eternal city as
Abichal Nagar 9 times or everlasting city of the God and Begumpura is the city
of bliss.
ਸੋ ਵਸੈ ਇਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਜਿਸੁ
ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਸੇਵ ॥
ਅਬਿਚਲ ਨਗਰੀ ਨਾਨਕ
ਦੇਵ ॥੮॥੧॥
So vasai iṯ gẖar jis gur pūrā sev. Abicẖal nagrī Nānak
ḏev.
One who serves the True Guru dwells in this house. O Nanak,
the Divine City is Eternal. ------Guru Nanak, Raag Asa,
AGGS, Page, 430
ਬੇਗਮ ਪੁਰਾ ਸਹਰ ਕੋ ਨਾਉ
॥
ਦੂਖੁ ਅੰਦੋਹੁ ਨਹੀ ਤਿਹਿ ਠਾਉ ॥
ਤਸਵੀਸ ਖਿਰਾਜੁ ਨ ਮਾਲੁ ॥
ਖਉਫੁ ਨ ਖਤਾ ਨ ਤਰਸੁ ਜਵਾਲੁ ॥੧॥
Begam purā sahar ko nā▫o.Ḏūkẖ anḏohu nahī ṯihi
ṯẖā▫o.Nāʼn ṯasvīs kẖirāj na māl.Kẖa▫uf na kẖaṯā na ṯaras javāl.
Begumpura, 'the city without sorrow', is the name of the
town. There is no suffering or anxiety there. There are no troubles or taxes on
commodities there. There is no fear, blemish or downfall there. -----Ravidas, Gauri Bairagan, AGGS, Page 345
In Hindu literature 28 different divisions of hell are
described.
In Christianity and in the Old Testament metaphorically
speaking, heaven is the transcendent dwelling-place of the living God.
The Christian belief in the existence of Heaven as a reward
for the righteous, and Hell as a place of punishment for the unrepentant is
rooted in the abstract principles:
a) Do not store treasures on earth but in heaven
where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not steal. (Matthew 6:19-20.)
b) Fear
not those who are not able to kill the soul but fear who can destroy both soul
and body in hell (Matthew 10:28.)
However the biblical metaphor makes it clear that God does
not identify himself with heaven, nor can he be contained in it (cf. 1 Kgs
8:27); and this is true, even though in some passages of the First Book of the
Maccabees "Heaven" is simply one of God's names (1 Mc 3:18, 19, 50,
60; 4:24, 55).
The depiction of heaven as the transcendent dwelling-place
of the living God is joined with that of the place to which believers, through
grace, can also ascend, as indicated in
the Old Testament accounts of Enoch (cf. Gn 5:24) and Elijah (cf. 2 Kgs 2:11).
Thus heaven becomes an image of life in God. In this sense Jesus speaks of a
"reward in heaven" (Mt 5:12) and urges people to "lay up for you
treasures in heaven" (ibid. 6:20; cf. 19:21). The New Testament amplifies
this idea of heaven in relation to the mystery of Christ. To show that the
Redeemer's sacrifice acquires perfect and definitive value, the Letter to the
Hebrews says that Jesus "passed through the heavens" (Heb 4:14), and
"entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one,
but into heaven itself" (ibid. 9:24). Since the Father loves the believers
in a special way, they are raised with Christ and made citizens of heaven.
Hell is the State of Those who Reject God.
At the General Audience of Wednesday, 28 July 1999, the Holy
Father reflected on hell as the definitive rejection of God. In his catechesis,
the Pope said that care should be taken to interpret correctly the images of
hell in Sacred Scripture, and explained "hell is the ultimate consequence
of sin itself... Rather than a place, hell indicates the state of those who
freely and definitively separate themselves from God, the source of all life
and joy".
Purgatory is a place Necessary for cleansing and
Purification; In the Catholic view, people who repented sinful activity, but
have not yet been completely purified are sent here to be purged, after which
they eventually enter heaven.
Before humans enter into full communion with God, every
trace of sin within them must be eliminated and every imperfection in their
souls must be corrected
At the General Audience of Wednesday, 4 August 1999,
following his catechesis on heaven and hell, the Holy Father reflected on
Purgatory. He explained that physical integrity is necessary to enter into
perfect communion with God therefore "the term purgatory does not indicate
a place, but a condition of existence", where Christ "removes ... the
remnants of imperfection".
Muslim understanding:
Islam teaches that, on the Day of Judgment, Known only to
Allah, each human being will be held accountable for everything he or she have
done, said, made, intended, and thought during the course of earthly life. Each
person’s record will be judged by Allah, and according to the person’s good or
evil deeds, the individual will be sent to either to Paradise
or hell.
Evil doers who are engulfed in sins are the companions of
hell fire where they will live for ever. As for righteously striving believers,
they will be among the people of Paradise
where they will live for ever. (The Qur’an, Surah 2:81-82.)
Hell or Dozakh: Muslims have categorized hell in to seven
divisions and souls are sent to different hells according to their actions. The
punishment of disbelief in Allah is laid out in terrifying detail in the Qur’an
in a variety of hells e.g. being chained and consumed with fire etc.
1. Johunum: The purgatory hell.
2. Laza:
Blazing fire.
3. Al-Hutamah: An intense fire.
4. Saerr: A flaming fire.
5. Saqar: A scorching fire.
6. Al-Jahim: A huge hot fire.
7. Hawayah: A bottomless pit.
Bahista or Heaven:
The paradise of Muslims described in Quran is a place that
gives pleasure through each of the senses. The faithful meets the young
beautiful damsels known as Houris or Apsaras. They are presented as a reward to
the heroes fallen in the battle.
Heaven’s inhabitants shall have the most desirable and the best of the
fruits. They will also have plenty of
the flesh of fowl to their heart’s desire.
Whoever does good works and believe in Lord, will be offered
gardens, rivers, and pure companions. -----Ref
Qur’an, Surah IV-57 and 70-35
Wahhabism and radicals in peace loving Islam have hijacked
this sentence from Qur’an.
Conclusion:
Hell and heaven are right here on this earth, depending upon
how one is leading his life. Once
someone is on the spiritual path and the veil of illusion of the lower self is
lifted through God’s Grace, and one visualizes the Higher Self, life on earth
becomes a life in heaven. Divine
Knowledge makes this possible with the eradication of doubt and duality. Harmonies of heaven resound in one’s divine
nature. Otherwise one lives in hell,
detached from God’s name hidden by the veil of illusion of lower instincts.
ਨਿੰਦਾ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਬੈਕੁੰਠਿ
ਜਾਈਐ ॥
ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ
ਮਨਹਿ ਬਸਾਈਐ ॥
Ninḏā ho¬ė ṯa baikunṯẖ jā¬ī¬ai., Nām
paḏārath maneh basā¬ī¬ai.
If I am slandered, I go to heaven; the wealth of the Naam,
the Name of the Immortal God, abides within my mind.-----Kabir, Gauri,
AGGS, Page 339-3
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