IDLE TALK/ਗੱਪਸ਼ੱਪ

ABSTRACT

ਗਲੀਂ ਅਸੀ ਚੰਗੀਆ ਆਚਾਰੀ ਬੁਰੀਆਹ ॥
ਮਨਹੁ ਕੁਸੁਧਾ ਕਾਲੀਆ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਚਿਟਵੀਆਹ ॥

Galīʼn asī cẖangī▫ā ācẖārī burī▫āh. Manhu kusuḏẖā kālī▫ā bāhar cẖitvī▫āh.

We are good at talking, but our deeds are unworthy. We are impure & black at heart, yet outwardly we appear white.-----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 85-1, 2

Every one wants to progress spiritually for a desire to a better future of some kind but actions does not match their words. The references to the hymns of Sabd Guru by individual’s subsequent actions contradict the words. But if the ideas of promoting are congruent with his/her core beliefs and values, these actions will come easily as one learns how to walk with the talk. “A strong passion for any object will ensure success, as the desire of the end will point out the means”

ਕਥਨੈ ਕਹਣਿ ਨ ਛੁਟੀਐ ਨਾ ਪੜਿ ਪੁਸਤਕ ਭਾਰ ॥
ਕਾਇਆ ਸੋਚ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਪਿਆਰ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਮੇਲੇ ਗੁਰੁ ਕਰਤਾਰ ॥੮॥੯॥

Kathnai Kahan Na Chhutee-ai Naa Parh Pustak Bhaar. Kā▫i▫ā socẖ na pā▫ī▫ai bin har bẖagaṯ pi▫ār. Nānak nām na vīsrai mele gur karṯār. ||8||9||

No one is saved by mere talk and speech, or by reading loads of books. The body does not obtain purity without loving devotion to God. O Nanak, never forget the Naam; the Guru shall unite us with the Creator. ||8||9|| -----Guru Nanak, Sri Raag, AGGS, Page, 59-4

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Words in the hymns of AGGS without understanding (Vichar/ਵਿਚਾਰ) and without right action provide no spiritual benefit for internal cleansing.  Realizing the Word is taking a bath at the feet of God/Sabd as a first step toward spiritual progress. To bathe in the Nectar of the Sabd, one needs understanding and relishing (ਭੁੰਚ) it with reflection on the message in daily life.  Active effort by an individual is called for as passive recitation may provide no spiritual benefit. For spiritual growth one must offer devotional love to the Absolute Supreme Principle with complete acceptance to live under Its Will.

There are hundreds of references in Sabd Guru on mere talk (ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ), understanding, and Grace of the God.  Mere talk with out walk bear no spiritual fruit says Guru Nanak in Siri Raag:

ਜਾਲਿ ਮੋਹੁ ਘਸਿ ਮਸੁ ਕਰਿ ਮਤਿ ਕਾਗਦੁ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਰੁ ॥
ਭਾਉ ਕਲਮ ਕਰਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲੇਖਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਪੁਛਿ ਲਿਖੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
ਲਿਖੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਲਿਖੁ ਲਿਖੁ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਰਾਵਾਰੁ ॥
ਬਾਬਾ ਏਹੁ ਲੇਖਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਜਾਣੁ ॥
ਜਿਥੈ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਤਿਥੈ ਹੋਇ ਸਚਾ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥
ਜਿਥੈ ਮਿਲਹਿ ਵਡਿਆਈਆ ਸਦ ਖੁਸੀਆ ਸਦ ਚਾਉ ॥
ਤਿਨ ਮੁਖਿ ਟਿਕੇ ਨਿਕਲਹਿ ਜਿਨ ਮਨਿ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਗਲੀ ਵਾਉ ਦੁਆਉ ॥

Jāl moh gẖas mas kar maṯ kāgaḏ kar sār. Bẖā¬o kalam kar cẖiṯ lėkẖārī gur pucẖẖ likẖ bīcẖār. Likẖ nām sālāh likẖ likẖ anṯ na pārāvār.Bābā ėhu lėkẖā likẖ jāṇ. Jithai lėkẖā mangī¬ai ṯithai ho¬ė sacẖā nīsāṇ. Jithai mileh vaḏi¬ā¬ī¬ā saḏ kẖusī¬ā saḏ cẖā¬o. Ŧin mukẖ tikė niklahi jin man sacẖā nā¬o. Karam milai ṯā pā¬ī¬ai nāhī galī vā¬o ḏu¬ā¬o.

Burn emotional attachment, and grind it into ink. Transform your intelligence into the purest of paper. Make the love of God your pen, and let your consciousness be the scribe. Then, seek the Guru's Instructions, and record these deliberations. Write the Praises of the Naam of God; write over and over again that It has no end or limitation. O holy man, write such an account, that when it is asked for, it will bring the Mark of Truth. Those on whom greatness, eternal peace and everlasting joy are bestowed, their minds are attuned to the True Name.  They are anointed with the Mark of Grace.  Only through God's Grace such honors are received.  Mere words bear no fruits.-----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 16-8

Following are some of the hymns from Sabd Guru given in chronological order on idle talk with out walk:

ਮਤੁ ਜਾਣ ਸਹਿ ਗਲੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
ਮਾਲ ਕੈ ਮਾਣੈ ਰੂਪ ਕੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਇਤੁ ਬਿਧੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥

Mat Jaan Seh Galee Paa-i-aa. Māl kai māṇai rūp kī sobẖā iṯ biḏẖī janam gavā▫i▫ā.

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, 24-2

Here Guru Nanak is pointing to the devotional love of the individual towards Immortal God.  It comes from the depths of the heart.  It represents God as husband, and individual conscience as bride.

ਗਲੀ ਭਿਸਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਐ ਛੁਟੈ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇ ॥
ਮਾਰਣ ਪਾਹਿ ਹਰਾਮ ਮਹਿ ਹੋਇ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲੀ ਕੂੜੀਈ ਕੂੜੋ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥

Galī bẖisaṯ na jā▫ī▫ai cẖẖutai sacẖ kamā▫e.Māraṇ pāhi harām mėh ho▫e halāl na jā▫e. Nanak Galee Koorhee-ee Koorho Palai Paa-ay.

By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth. By adding spices to forbidden foods, they are not made acceptable. O Nanak, from false talk, only falsehood is obtained.-----Guru Nanak, Vaar Majh, AGGS, Page, 141-3

ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਤਾਰਣਹਾਰੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਏਕੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਸਿ ਅੰਧਾਤਾ ॥
ਕਰਿ ਪਟੰਬੁ ਗਲੀ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਵਸਿ ਸੰਸਾ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਜਾਵਸਿਤਾ ॥
ਏਕਸੁ ਚਰਣੀ ਜੇ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਵਹਿ ਲਬਿ ਲੋਭਿ ਕੀ ਧਾਵਸਿਤਾ ॥੩॥

Ŧaribẖavaṇ ṯāraṇhār su▫āmī ek na cẖeṯas anḏẖāṯā. Kar Patamb Galee Man Laavas Sansaa Mool Na Jaavsitaa. Ėkas cẖarṇī je cẖiṯ lāvėh lab lobẖ kī ḏẖāvsiṯā. ||3||

The Savior Immortal God of the three worlds is never contemplated in blindness. Hypocritical Talk to attract people does not eliminate doubt. If you focus your consciousness on the Feet of the One God, what reason would you have to chase after greed? ||3||-----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 155-19

ਲਖ ਟਕਿਆ ਕੇ ਮੁੰਦੜੇ ਲਖ ਟਕਿਆ ਕੇ ਹਾਰ ॥

ਜਿਤੁ ਤਨਿ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸੇ ਤਨ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਛਾਰ ॥
ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਗਲੀਈ ਢੂਢੀਐ ਕਥਨਾ ਕਰੜਾ ਸਾਰੁ ॥
ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾ ਪਾਈਐ ਹੋਰ ਹਿਕਮਤਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥

Lakẖ taki▫ā ke munḏ▫ṛe lakẖ taki▫ā ke hār.Jiṯ ṯan pā▫ī▫ah nānkā se ṯan hovėh cẖẖār. Gi-aan Na Galee-ee Dhoodhee-ai Kathnaa Karrhaa Saar. Karam milai ṯā pā▫ī▫ai hor hikmaṯ hukam kẖu▫ār.

People wear earrings, and necklaces worth thousands of dollars. O Nanak, those bodies on which they are worn turn to ashes. Spiritual wisdom cannot be found through mere words. To explain it in mere talk is as hard as iron. When the God bestows Its Grace, then alone it is received; other tricks and orders are useless.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 465-1

ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਖਿੰਥਾ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਡੰਡੈ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਭਸਮ ਚੜਾਈਐ ॥
ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਮੁੰਦੀ ਮੂੰਡਿ ਮੁਡਾਇਐ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਸਿੰਙੀ ਵਾਈਐ ॥
ਅੰਜਨ  ਮਾਹਿ  ਨਿਰੰਜਨਿ  ਰਹੀਐ  ਜੋਗ  ਜੁਗਤਿ  ਇਵ  ਪਾਈਐ  ॥੧॥
ਗਲੀ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੋਗੀ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਈ ॥

Jog na kẖinthā jog na dandai jog na bẖasam cẖaṛā▫ī▫ai.Jog na munḏī mūnd mudā▫i▫ai jog na sińī vā▫ī▫ai.Anjan māhi niranjan rahī▫ai jog jugaṯ iv pā▫ī▫ai. ||1|| Galee Jog Na Ho-ee. Ėk ḏarisat kar samsar jāṇai jogī kahī▫ai so▫ī..

To become Holy is not wearing the patched coat, or walking with a stick or smearing the body with ashes or wearing the ear-rings, or shaving the head or  blowing the horn.  Remaining unblemished in the midst of the filth of the world - is the way to attain Holiness. ||1|| By mere words, Holiness is not attained. One who looks upon all with a single eye, and knows them to be one and the same – is alone known as Holy.    -----Guru Nanak, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 730-12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਉਪਜੈ ਖਿਨਿ ਖਪੈ ਖਿਨੁ ਆਵੈ ਖਿਨੁ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਸਬਦੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਰਵਿ ਰਹੈ ਨਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਸੰਤਾਇ ॥
ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਅਤੁਲੁ ਨ ਤੋਲੀਐ ਕਥਨਿ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥

Kẖin mėh upjai kẖin kẖapai kẖin āvai kẖin jā▫e. Sabaḏ pacẖẖāṇai rav rahai nā ṯis kāl sanṯā▫e.Saahib Atul Na Tolee-ai Kathan Na Paa-i-aa Jaa-ay.

In an instant, one is born, and in an instant, one dies. In an instant one comes, and in an instant one goes. One who recognizes the Sabd merges into it, and is not afflicted by death. God The Master is Unweighable; and cannot be found merely by talking.-----Guru Nanak, Sri Raag, AGGS, Page, 59-1

ਤੁਧੁ ਬਾਝੁ ਇਕੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਰਹਿ ਨ ਸਾਕਾ ਕਹਣਿ ਸੁਨਣਿ ਨ ਧੀਜਏ ॥
ਨਾਨਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਿਉ ਪ੍ਰਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਪੁਕਾਰੇ ਰਸਨ ਰਸਿ ਮਨੁ ਭੀਜਏ ॥

TuDh Baajh Ik Til Reh Na Saakaa Kahan Sunan Na Dheej-ay. Nānkā pari▫o pari▫o kar pukāre rasan ras man bẖīj▫e.

Without You O, God I cannot survive even for an instant; by merely talking and listening about You, I am not satisfied. Nanak proclaims, "O Beloved, O Beloved!" His tongue and mind are drenched with the Your sublime essence.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 436-5

ਸਮਝੈ ਸੂਝੈ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਅੰਤਿ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਸਾਚਾ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਮਾਲੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਾਚੇ ਜਗੁ ਕਾਚਾ ॥
Samjẖai sūjẖai paṛ paṛ būjẖai anṯ niranṯar sācẖā. Gurmukẖ ḏėkẖai sācẖ samālė bin sācẖė jag kācẖā.

If one understands, realizes and comprehends what he reads and studies, in the end shall realize that the True God dwells deep within his self. The Guru oriented sees and contemplates the True God; without It, the world is false.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali Dakhni, AGGS, Page, 930-4

ਵੇਦ ਕਹਹਿ ਵਖਿਆਣ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਵਣਾ ॥
ਪੜਿਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦੁ ਬੁਝਿਐ ਪਾਵਣਾ ॥

vėḏ kaheh vakẖi¬āṇ anṯ na pāvṇā. Paṛi¬ai nāhī bẖėḏ bujẖi¬ai pāvṇā.

The Vedas speak and expound on God, but do not know Its limits. It's Mystery is revealed by understanding only and not by mere studying. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 148-2    

ਛੋਡਿਹੁ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਤਾਤਿ ਪਰਾਈ ॥
ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਦਝਹਿ ਸਾਤਿ ਨ ਆਈ ॥
Cẖẖodihu ninḏā ṯāṯ parā¬ī. Paṛ paṛ ḏajẖeh sāṯ na ā¬ī.

Abandon slander and envy of others. Reading and studying, they burn, and do not find tranquility.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1026-1

ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਭਰਾਂਤਿ ॥
ਸੋ ਬੂਝੈ ਹੋਵੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਦਾਤਿ ॥
Kathnī baḏnī rahai nibẖrāʼnṯ. So būjẖai hovai jis ḏāṯ.

Undoubtedly, words fail me. He alone understands who is blessed.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Malar, AGGS, Page, 1256-10

ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਭਾਰੁ ॥

ਲੇਖ ਅਸੰਖ ਅਲੇਖੁ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥

Kathnī baḏnī paṛ paṛ bẖār. Lėkẖ asaʼnkẖ alėkẖ apār.

Words, spoken and read again and again, are useless loads. There are innumerable writings, but the Infinite God remains unwritten.----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 412-14

ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪੰਡਿਤੁ ਬਾਦੁ ਵਖਾਣੈ ॥

ਭੀਤਰਿ ਹੋਦੀ ਵਸਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ॥

Paṛ paṛ pandiṯ bāḏ vakẖāṇai. Bẖīṯar hoḏī vasaṯ na jāṇai.

The Pundits, the religious scholars, read and read endlessly; they stir up arguments and controversies, but they do not know the secret deep within.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 152-6

ਸੋ ਪੜਿਆ ਸੋ ਪੰਡਿਤੁ ਬੀਨਾ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਕਮਾਣਾ ਨਾਉ ॥

ਪਹਿਲੋ ਦੇ ਜੜ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਜੰਮੈ ਤਾ ਉਪਰਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਛਾਂਉ ॥

So paṛi¬ā so pandiṯ bīnā jinĥī kamāṇā nā¬o. Pahilo ḏė jaṛ anḏar jammai ṯā upar hovai cẖẖāʼn¬o.

He alone is learned and wise, and he alone is a scholar, who practices the Name. First, the tree puts down its roots, and then it spreads out its shade above.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Malar, AGGS, Page, 1288-6

ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪੋਥੀ ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਪਾਠਾ ॥

ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਣ ਪੜੈ ਸੁਣਿ ਥਾਟਾ ॥

ਬਿਨੁ ਰਸ ਰਾਤੇ ਮਨੁ ਬਹੁ ਨਾਟਾ ॥

Paṛ paṛ pothī simriṯ pāṯẖā. Bėḏ purāṇ paṛai suṇ thātā. Bin ras rāṯė man baho nātā.

You may read, recite and study the scriptures, the Simritees, and read Vedas and Puraanas until tired; but without being imbued with the God's essence, the mind wanders endlessly.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 226-3

ਪੜਿਆ ਬੂਝੈ ਸੋ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥

ਸਿਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਕਾ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥

Paṛi¬ā būjẖai so parvāṇ. Jis sir ḏargeh kā nīsāṇ.

One who reads and understands is acceptable. Upon his forehead is the Insignia of the Court of the God.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, Page, 662-15

ਆਖਣੁ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਰਜਿਆ ਸੁਨਣਿ ਨ ਰਜੇ ਕੰਨ ॥

ਅਖੀ ਦੇਖਿ ਨ ਰਜੀਆ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਹਕ ਇਕ ਵੰਨ ॥

ਭੁਖਿਆ ਭੁਖ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਗਲੀ ਭੁਖ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਭੁਖਾ ਤਾ ਰਜੈ ਜਾ ਗੁਣ ਕਹਿ ਗੁਣੀ ਸਮਾਇ ॥

Ākẖaṇ ākẖ na raji▫ā sunaṇ na raje kann.Akẖī ḏekẖ na rajī▫ā guṇ gāhak ik vann. Bhukhi-aa Bhukh Na Utrai Galee Bhukh Na Jaa-ay. Nānak bẖukẖā ṯā rajai jā guṇ kahi guṇī samā▫e.

The mouth is not satisfied by mere talking, and the ears are not satisfied by hearing. The eyes are not satisfied by seeing-each organ seeks out one sensory quality. The hunger of the hungry is not appeased by mere words. O Nanak, hunger is relieved only when one utters the Glorious Praises of the Praiseworthy Immortal God.-----Guru Angad, Vaar Majh, AGGS, Page, 147-2

ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ॥

ਏਕ ਘੜੀ ਮਹਿ ਥਾਪਿ ਉਥਾਪਿ ॥

ਕਹਿ ਕਹਿ ਕਹਣਾ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥

ਜੇ ਸਉ ਘਾਲੇ ਥਾਇ ਨ ਪਾਏ ॥

Jo kicẖẖ kare so āpe āp.Ėk gẖaṛī mėh thāp uthāp. Kahi Kahi Kahnaa Aakh Sunaa-ay, Jay Sa-o Ghaalay Thaa-ay Na Paa-ay.

Whatever the God does, It does all by Itself. In an instant, God establishes, and disestablishes. Merely speaking, talking, shouting and preaching about Immortal God, even hundreds of times, one is not approved.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 364-11

ਅਗੋ ਦੇ ਸਤ ਭਾਉ ਨ ਦਿਚੈ ਪਿਛੋ ਦੇ ਆਖਿਆ ਕੰਮਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥

ਅਧ ਵਿਚਿ ਫਿਰੈ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਵੇਚਾਰਾ ਗਲੀ ਕਿਉ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥

Ago ḏe saṯ bẖā▫o na ḏicẖai picẖẖo ḏe ākẖi▫ā kamm na āvai. ADh Vich Firai Manmukh Vaychaaraa Galee Ki-o Sukh Paavai.

At first, one did not show respect to the Guru; later, he offered excuses, but it is of no use. The wretched, self-willed wander around and are stuck mid-way.  How can they find peace by mere words?-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 305-13

ਆਖਣਿ ਆਖੈ ਬਕੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਇ ॥

ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ਸੋਇ ॥

ਕਹਣੈ ਕਥਨਿ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥

Ākẖaṇ ākẖai bakai sabẖ ko▫e. Āpe bakẖas milā▫e so▫e. Kahnai Kathan Na Paa-i-aa Jaa-ay, Gur Parsaad Vasai Man Aa-ay.

Everyone talks and speaks through speech; the God Itself forgives, and unites us with Itself. By merely speaking and talking, Immortal God is not obtained but comes to abide in the mind by Guru’s Grace.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 362-4

ਇਕਿ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਘਨੇਰੇ ਕਰਹਿ ਗਲਾ ਗਲੀ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੋਹਿਲਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਣਾਇਆ ॥

Ik Fireh Ghanayray Karahi Galaa Galee Kinai Na Paa-i-aa. Kahai Nānak sabaḏ sohilā saṯgurū suṇā▫i▫ā.

Some wander around, babbling on and on, but none obtains God by babbling. Says Nanak, the Sabd song of praise, has been spoken by the True Guru.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 919-6

ਕਹਿਐ ਕਥਿਐ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਰਹੈ ਸਦਾ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਇ ॥

ਵਿਣੁ ਕਰਮੈ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਭਉਕਿ ਮੁਏ ਬਿਲਲਾਇ ॥

Kahi-ai Kathi-ai Na Paa-ee-ai An-din Rahai Sadaa Gun Gaa-ay. viṇ karmai kinai na pā▫i▫o bẖa▫uk mu▫e billā▫e.

God is not found by merely talking and speaking, but by singing Its glorious praises day and night. Without Its Merciful Grace, no one finds It; many have died barking and bewailing.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Bihagrha, AGGS, Page, 551-12

ਗਗੈ ਗੋਬਿਦੁ ਚਿਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਮੂੜੇ ਗਲੀ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਵਸਾਇ ਮੂੜੇ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਗੁਨਹ ਸਭ ਬਖਸਿ ਲਇਆ ॥

Gagai Gobid Chit Kar Moorhay Galee Kinai Na Paa-i-aa. Gur ke cẖaran hirḏai vasā▫e mūṛe picẖẖle gunah sabẖ bakẖas la▫i▫ā.

Gagga: Keep the Creator of the Universe in your mind, you fool; no one has ever attained It by mere words. Enshrine the Guru's feet within your heart, you fool, and all your past sins shall be forgiven.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 435-12 

Merely talking does not lead us anywhere till we understand, (ਵਿਚਾਰ) and reflect on the meaning of the Sabd, (ਵਿਵੇਕ, ਅਸਲੀਅਤ ਜਾਣਨ ਦੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਆ, and ਤਤ੍ਵ ਦਾ ਨਿਰਣਾ) in life. Majority of the Sikhs believe erroneously that just mechanical reading or reciting the Gurbani can lead to spiritual growth and salvation, which is untrue.  Understanding and living a life according to the teachings truthfully constitute reflection (ਵਿਚਾਰ) on the concept. The following references from Sabd Guru elaborate these concepts:

ਪੜਣਾ ਗੁੜਣਾ ਸੰਸਾਰ ਕੀ ਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਵਿਕਾਰੁ ॥

ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਭਿ ਪੜਿ ਥਕੇ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥

ਸੋ ਪੜਿਆ ਸੋ ਪੰਡਿਤੁ ਬੀਨਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

ਅੰਦਰੁ ਖੋਜੈ ਤਤੁ ਲਹੈ ਪਾਏ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥

ਗੁਣ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਹਜਿ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

ਧੰਨੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਧਾਰੁ ॥

ਵਿਣੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਰੇ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸਿਝਈ ਵੇਖਹੁ ਕੋ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥

ਭੇਖਧਾਰੀ ਤੀਰਥੀ ਭਵਿ ਥਕੇ ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਜਾਇ ॥

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਜੀਵਤੁ ਮਰੈ ਸਚਿ ਰਹੈ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮਲੁ ਇਉ ਉਤਰੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇ ॥

Paṛ¬ṇā guṛ¬ṇā sansār kī kār hai anḏar ṯarisnā vikār. Ha¬umai vicẖ sabẖ paṛ thakė ḏūjai bẖā¬ė kẖu¬ār. So paṛi¬ā so pandiṯ bīnā gur sabaḏ karė vīcẖār. Anḏar kẖojai ṯaṯ lahai pā¬ė mokẖ ḏu¬ār. Guṇ niḏẖān har pā¬i¬ā sahj karė vīcẖār. Ḏẖan vāpārī Nānkā jis gurmukẖ nām aḏẖār. viṇ man mārė ko¬ė na sijẖ¬ī vėkẖhu ko liv lā¬ė. Bẖėkẖ¬ḏẖārī ṯīrthī bẖav thakė nā ėhu man māri¬ā jā¬ė. Gurmukẖ ėhu man jīvaṯ marai sacẖ rahai liv lā¬ė. Nānak is man kī mal i¬o uṯrai ha¬umai sabaḏ jalā¬ė.

Reading and studying are just outwardly pursuits as long as desire and ill will reside within. Reading in egotism, all have grown weary.  Through the love of duality, they are ruined. He alone is educated, and he alone is a wise scholar (Pundit), who contemplates the Word of the Guru's Sabd. He searches within himself, and finds the true essence.  He finds the door to salvation. He finds the God, the treasure of excellence, by peaceful contemplation. O, Nanak, blessed is that reader who, as Guru oriented, takes the Name as his only Support. Without conquering his mind, no one can be successful. See this, and concentrate on it. The wandering holy men are tired of making pilgrimages to sacred shrines because they have not been able to conquer their minds. The Guru oriented has conquered his mind, and remains lovingly absorbed in the True Immortal God. O, Nanak, this is how the filth of the mind is removed; the Word of the Sabd burns away the ego.------Guru Amar Das, Raag Sorath Ki Vaar, AGGS, Page, 650-16

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੋ ਬੁਝੈ ਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਏ ਸਚੁ ॥

ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ ਕਰਤਾ ਫਿਰੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਬੂਝੈ ਸਚੁ ॥

Nānak hukmai jo bujẖai so fal pā¬ė sacẖ. Kathnī baḏnī karṯā firai hukam na būjẖai sacẖ.

O, Nanak one who realizes God's Command, obtains the fruit of Truth and the one who merely mouths the words, does not understand the It's Command.-----Guru Amar Das, AGGS, Page, 950-13, 14, 15

ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਜੋਤਕੀ ਵਾਦ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

ਮਤਿ ਬੁਧਿ ਭਵੀ ਨ ਬੁਝਈ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਲੋਭ ਵਿਕਾਰੁ ॥

Paṛ paṛ pandiṯ joṯkī vāḏ karahi bīcẖār. Maṯ buḏẖ bẖavī na bujẖ¬ī anṯar lobẖ vikār.

After all their reading, the religious scholars, and the astrologers argue and debate. Their intellect and understanding are perverted; they just don't understand being filled with greed and corruption.-----Guru Amar Das, Sri Raag, AGGS, Page, 27-6                                                                         

ਪੰਡਿਤ ਪੜਹਿ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਪਾਵਹਿ ॥

ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਨੁ ਭਰਮਾਵਹਿ ॥

ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਸਭ ਸੁਧਿ ਗਵਾਈ ਕਰਿ ਅਵਗਣ ਪਛੋਤਾਵਣਿਆ ॥

Pundit paṛeh sāḏ na pāvahi. Ḏūjai bẖā¬ė mā¬i¬ā man bẖarmāveh. Mā¬i¬ā mohi sabẖ suḏẖ gavā¬ī kar avgaṇ pacẖẖoṯāvaṇi¬ā.

The religious scholars read, but they do not taste the essence due to unfocussed mind in the love of duality and Maya. The love of Maya has displaced all their understanding; making mistakes, they live in regret.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 116-18 

                                                                                                                           

ਪਾਠੁ ਪੜੈ ਨਾ ਬੂਝਈ ਭੇਖੀ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇ ॥

ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਪਾਇਆ ਰਸਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਸਮਾਇ ॥

ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਆ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥

Pāṯẖ paṛai nā būjẖ¬ī bẖėkẖī bẖaram bẖulā¬ė. Gurmaṯī har saḏā pā¬i¬ā rasnā har ras samā¬ė. Mā¬i¬ā moh cẖukā¬i¬ā gurmaṯī sahj subẖā¬ė.

God cannot be understood by reading scriptures; the deceitful pretenders are deluded by doubt. It is always found through the Guru’s teachings, and the tongue is permeated with Its Sublime Essence. Emotional attachment to Maya is shed with intuitive ease, through the Guru's Teachings.-----Guru Amar Das, Sri Raag, AGGS, Page, 66-17, 18, 19

                                                                                                                 

ਤ੍ਰਿਬਿਧਿ ਮਨਸਾ ਤ੍ਰਿਬਿਧਿ ਮਾਇਆ ॥

ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੋਨੀ ਥਕੇ ਚਉਥੇ ਪਦ ਕੀ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਪਾਵਣਿਆ ॥

Ŧaribaḏẖ mansā ṯaribaḏẖ mā¬i¬ā. Paṛ paṛ pandiṯ monī thakė cẖa¬uthė paḏ kī sār na pāvṇi¬ā.

The mind is bound by the three dispositions -- the three modes of Maya. Reading and reciting, the religious scholars, and the silent sages have grown weary, but they have not found the supreme essence of the fourth state.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 117-3

                                                                                                             

ਗੋਵਿਦੁ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥

ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਜਾਇ ॥

Goviḏ guṇī niḏẖān hai anṯ na pā¬i¬ā jā¬ė. Kathnī baḏnī na pā¬ī¬ai ha¬umai vicẖahu jā¬ė.

                                                              

The God of the Universe is the Treasure of Excellence.  Its limits cannot be found. It is not obtained by mouthing mere words, but by rooting out ego from within.-----Guru Amar Das, Sri Raag, AGGS, Page, 32-19

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਫਿਰੈ ਦਿਵਾਨੁ ॥

ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਚੀਨੈ ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ ਕਰੇ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਨੁ ॥

Bin saṯgur mukaṯ na pā¬ī¬ai manmukẖ firai ḏivān. Sabḏ na cẖīnai kathnī baḏnī karė bikẖi¬ā māhi samān.

Without the True Guru, the self-willed do not find liberation.  They wander around like lunatics. They do not contemplate the Sabd; engrossed in corruption, they utter only empty words.-----Guru Amar Das, Sri Raag, AGGS, Page, 39-2

ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਥਾਕੇ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਨ ਆਈ ॥

ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਜਾਲੇ ਸੁਧਿ ਨ ਕਾਈ ॥

Paṛ paṛ thākė sāʼnṯ na ā¬ī. Ŧarisnā jālė suḏẖ na kā¬ī.

People read and recite until they grow weary, but they do not find peace. Consumed by desire, they have no understanding at all.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 120-6

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਬੁਝਿ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਹੋਇ ਤਾ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਸਚੁ॥

ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ ਕਰਤਾ ਫਿਰੈ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਬੁਝਈ ਅੰਧਾ ਕਚੁ ਨਿਕਚੁ ॥

Nānak hukam bujẖ parvāṇ ho¬ė ṯā fal pāvai sacẖ. Kathnī baḏnī karṯā firai hukmai mūl na bujẖ¬ī anḏẖā kacẖ nikacẖ.

O, Nanak, by understanding God's Command, one becomes acceptable, and then obtains the fruit of Truth.  Those who wander around babbling and speaking, does not understand the God's Command at all. He is blind, the falsest of the false.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Gujri Ki Vaar, AGGS, Page, 509-8

ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ ਜੇ ਕਰੇ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਘਟਿ ਚਾਨਣਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਸੋਇ ॥

Kathnī baḏnī jė karė manmukẖ būjẖ na ho¬ė. Gurmaṯī gẖat cẖānṇā har nām pāvai so¬ė.

The self-willed babbles on and on, but he does not understand. One, whose heart is illumined, by Guru's Teachings, obtains the Name of the God.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Gujri, AGGS, Page, 492-4

ਕਹਨ ਕਹਾਵਨ ਇਹੁ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਕਰਲਾ ॥

ਕਥਨ ਕਹਨ ਤੇ ਮੁਕਤਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕੋਈ ਵਿਰਲਾ ॥

Kahan Kahaavan Ih Keerat Karlaa, Kathan Kahan Tay Muktaa Gurmukh Ko-ee Virlaa.

People talk on and on about God; and they consider this to be Its praise. But rare is the Guru oriented, who is above this mere talk.-----Guru Arjan, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 51-15

ਗਲੀ ਗਰਬਹਿ ਮੁਖਿ ਗੋਵਹਿ ਗਿਆਨ ॥

ਸਭ ਬਿਧਿ ਖੋਈ ਲੋਭਿ ਸੁਆਨ ॥

Galee Garbeh Mukh Goveh Gi-aan. Sabẖ biḏẖ kẖo▫ī lobẖ su▫ān.

You have destroyed all the virtues in pride by mere discourses by your mouth. The dog of greed has ruined you in every way.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 374-3

ਗਲੀ ਸੈਲ ਉਠਾਵਤ ਚਾਹੈ ਓਇ ਊਹਾ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਧਰੇ ॥

ਜੋਰੁ ਸਕਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਛੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਸਰਣਿ ਪਰੇ ॥

Galee Sail Uthaavat Chaahai O-ay Oohaa Hee Hai Dharay. Jor sakaṯ Nānak kicẖẖ nāhī parabẖ rākẖo saraṇ pare.

People want to lift up the mountain with mere words, but it just stays there. Nanak has no strength or power at all; O God, please protect me - I seek Your Sanctuary.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Todi, AGGS, Page, 714-9

ਙੰਙਾ ਙਿਆਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਮੁਖ ਬਾਤਉ ॥

ਅਨਿਕ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਸਾਸਤ੍ ਕਰਿ ਭਾਤਉ ॥

ਙਿਆਨੀ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਦਿ੍ੜ ਸੋਉ ॥

ਕਹਤ ਸੁਨਤ ਕਛੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਹੋਊ ॥

Ńańā ńi¬ān nahī mukẖ bāṯa¬o. Anik jugaṯ sāsṯar kar bẖāṯa¬o. Ńi¬ānī so¬ė jā kai ḏariṛ so¬ū. Kahaṯ sunaṯ kacẖẖ jog na ho¬ū.

NGANGA: Spiritual wisdom is not obtained by mere words of mouth. It is not obtained through the various debates of the Shaastras and scriptures. They alone are spiritually wise, whose minds are firmly fixed on the God. Hearing and telling stories, no one attains holiness (Yoga).-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 251-5                                                                                                     

ਕਹਨ ਕਹਾਵਨ ਨਹ ਪਤੀਅਈ ਹੈ ॥

ਤਉ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ਜਾ ਤੇ ਹਉਮੈ ਜਈ ਹੈ ॥

Kahan Kahaavan Nah Patee-a-ee Hai, Ta-o Man Maanai Jaa Tay Ha-umai Ja-ee Hai.

By mere talk, the mind is not appeased. The mind is only appeased, when egotism is conquered.-----Kabir, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 325-9,10

ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ ਕਹਨੁ ਕਹਾਵਨੁ ॥

ਸਮਝਿ ਪਰੀ ਤਉ ਬਿਸਰਿਓ ਗਾਵਨੁ ॥

ਕਹਤ ਕਬੀਰ ਪੰਚ ਜੋ ਚੂਰੇ ॥

ਤਿਨ ਤੇ ਨਾਹਿ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਦੂਰੇ ॥

Kathnī baḏnī kahan kahāvan. Samajẖ parī ṯa¬o bisri¬o gāvan. Kahaṯ Kabīr pancẖ jo cẖūrė. Ŧin ṯė nāhi param paḏ ḏūrė.

All preaching, ranting and raving, and arguing, are forgotten when one comes to understand. Says Kabir, those who conquer the five demons of the body passions (ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ), for them the state of supreme dignity is never far.-----Kabir, Raag Rasa, AGGS, Page, 478-12

ਗਲੀ ਸਾਦ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਮੁਹੁ ਖਾਲੀ ।

ਮੁਹੁ ਭਰਿਔ ਕਿਉਂ ਬੋਲੀਐ ਰਸ ਜੀਭ ਰਸਾਲੀ ।

Galee Saad Na Aava-ee Jichar Moh Khaalee.Mooh bhria keon bolia ras jibh rasali.

So long as a tasty object enters not the mouth talking about taste cannot bring any joy. How could one talk when the mouth is full and tongue is full of taste and delight?-----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar, 13, Pauri, 6-1

ਗਲੀ ਤਿ੍ਪਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਖੰਡ ਖੰਡ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਉ ਨ ਭੋਵੈ ।

ਮਖਨੁ ਖਾਇ ਨ ਨੀਰ ਵਿਲੋਵੈ ।

Galee Tripat Na Hova-ee Khand Khand Kar Saou Na Bhovai, Makhan Khaa-ey Na Neer Vilovai.

By mere talking, none gets satiated, as by mere uttering the word “sugar” one’s moth does not turn sweet.  If one is to eat butter, one should not go on churning water.   Mere talk cannot produce the right results.-----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar, 17, Pauri, 17-6, 7 

Conclusion:

It isn't enough to talk about spirituality but one must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it but must work at it. Do as much as possible, and talk of yourself as little as possible. Those who talk don't know what is going on and those who know what is going on won't talk. Individuals talk and talk, but do not act on it. Wisdom does not show itself so much in precept as in life - in firmness of mind and a mastery of action, which teaches us to do as well as to talk; and to make our words and actions all at  the same tune.  Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action, and we have trusted only to rhetoric.

If we are really followers of a Universal Sikh Faith, we must not merely talk; but must act on the teachings of Sabd Guru.