LOOK IN –YOURSELF

ABSTRACT

ਜੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡੇ ਸੋਈ ਪਿੰਡੇ ਜੋ ਖੋਜੈ ਸੋ ਪਾਵੈ ॥

Jo barahmanḏe so▫ī pinde jo kẖojai so pāvai.

The One who pervades the Universe also dwells in the body; whoever seeks God, finds It there.-----Pipa, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, Page, 695-15

As humans, we have the unique opportunity to make spiritual progress.  Spirituality cannot be divorced from character. Spirituality is the knowledge of the spirit and not of intellect or material aspect of life.  Questions about spirituality and morality are far more numerous than those relating to the world we live in. A human being is born pure but must live in an impure world. We can’t all be saints but we can work for growth and progress towards spirituality if we recognize ourselves as part of the Universal self.

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Each of us is unique.  We have our own personal histories, our own sense of right and wrong, and our own way of experiencing the world that defines our realities.  One can stop searching outside of oneself and try to look in, to examine his individual character defects and identify the ways to develop humility. The following hymns are examples of humility and love for God as a source of spiritual growth.  One needs to consider oneself lowest of the lowly and abstaining from judging others.

ਤਉ ਦੇਵਾਨਾ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਧਰੇ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
ਮੰਦਾ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪ ਕਉ ਅਵਰੁ ਭਲਾ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
Ta-o Dayvaanaa Jaanee-ai Jaa Saahib Dharay Pi-aar, Manda Jaanai Aap Kou Avar Bhalaa Sansaar.

He alone is known to be insane, who falls in love with Eternal god. Who sees himself bad and all the rest of the world as good?-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 991-11                           

The answers to our personal questions can most often be found by looking within. When one realizes that one always has access to the part of the Self that always knows what one needs and acts as per this inner compass, one can stop searching outside of oneself. Trusting your inner wisdom may be awkward at first, particularly if one grew up around people who taught one to look to the others for answers. By looking inside, oneself for the answers to the life's questions, one is consulting his best guide, his consciousness, to find the Truth.  This is part of the Universal Consciousness.

ਹਮ ਨਹੀ ਚੰਗੇ ਬੁਰਾ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਪ੍ਰਣਵਤਿ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਾਰੇ ਸੋਇ ॥
Hum Nahee Channgay Burra Nahee Koey, Paranvat Nanak Taaray So-ay.

I am not good; but no body is bad. Prays Nanak, God alone saves us!-----Guru Nanak, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 728-13                                                     

ਨਾ ਹਮ ਚੰਗੇ ਆਖੀਅਹ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਦਿਸੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੀਐ ਸਚੇ ਜੇਹੜਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
Naa Hum Changay Aakheeah Buraa Na Dhisai Koey, Nanak Ha-umai Maaree-ai Sachay Jayhrhaa So-ay.

I am not called good, and I see none who are bad. O Nanak, one who conquers and subdues his ego, becomes just like the True God.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1015-12

ਪਰਵਿਰਤੀ ਨਰਵਿਰਤਿ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥

ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਘਰੁ ਜਾਣੈ ॥

ਕਿਸ ਹੀ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਸਚਿ ਖਰਾ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੇ ॥

Parvirtee Narvirat Pachhaanai, Gur Kai Sang Sabd Ghar Jaanai, Kis He Mandaa Aakh Na Chalai Such Kharaa Suchiaaraa Hay.

One who realizes what he has to possess, what he has to abandon and associates with the Guru, comes to know the Word of the Sabd, within the home of his own Self. Let us not call anyone else bad and follow the principle that no one is bad.  Those who are true are judged to be genuine by the True God.-----Guru Nanak Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1027-11

ਏਕੁ ਬੁਰਾ ਭਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਏਕੈ ॥

ਬੂਝੁ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਤਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਟੇਕੈ ॥

Ayk Buraa Bhalaa Such Aykai, Boojh Gi-aanee Satgur Kee Taykai.

One is bad, and another good, but the One True God is contained in all.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 905-1

Sikhism does not denigrate any religion.  It is opposed to empty rituals and urges one to follow the true tenets of one’s religion for his spiritual salvation. The religion of humanity has no boundaries.  Creator God created the whole universe and all are equal as explained by the hymn of Guru Nanak in Japji;

ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
Gura Ik Dayh Bujhaa-ee, Sabhna Jee-aa Ka Ik Data So Mai Visser Na Jaa-ee.

The Guru has enlightened me: that there is only One, Provider of all. May I never put God out of mind!-----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 2-10

The only requirements of union with the Creator in this universal religion of humanity are abandoning self-conceit and doing service of the humanity in really simple terms.

ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਉਰੁ ਕੈਸੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥
ਸਹੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਸੋ ਦਿਨੁ ਲੇਖੈ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਈ ॥
Aap Gavaaee-ia Ta Saaoh Paaee-ai Aour Kaisee Chaturaa-ee. Saho naḏar kar ḏekẖai so ḏin lekẖai kāmaṇ na▫o niḏẖ pā▫ī.

By discarding egoism is the spouse attained-No other device avails. When the Husband God looks upon the soul-bride with Gracious Glance, that day is historic - the bride obtains the nine treasures.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Tilang, AGGS, Page, 722 -13

ਭਾਉ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਏ ॥

ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੋਖੰਤਰੁ ਪਾਏ ॥

Bhaou Bhagat Kar Neech Sadaa-ay, Taou Nanak Mokhanter Paa-ay.

O, Nanak salvation is achieved with loving devotional worship in humility and calling oneself lowly.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-8

More questions are asked about spirituality and character than about the world we live in. A human being is born pure but lives in an impure world. We can’t be saints but we can work for our growth and progress towards spirituality. Character is formed by repeated habits. Habits in turn are formed by repeated right actions.  From good habits, a good character is formed.  Starting point of good thoughts are right words. In the Word, God established the three worlds. In the beginning was the Word, and The Word was with God. One cannot progress spiritually without good character. Character is a combination of qualities that makes an individual ethically admirable. One should be well settled in relation to feelings and actions. The moral law dictates that one needs strength of will and self-mastery to fulfill imperfect duties. One should have a belief in human equality.  We should reject caste, race, prejudice, and the use of images for spiritual God.  A display of external piety is useless without a commitment to an ethical life with absolute sincerity and love for God.  Then living even among the impurities of the world one can make spiritual progress. The concept of spirituality implies a good person living in the real world.  This world is full of pressures and temptations of desires, and evil inclinations.  It is subject to all the limitations and complexities of human nature and humanity with its failures and frailties. Guru Nanak advised a Yogi as follows:

ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਦੇਸਿ ਦਿਸੰਤਰਿ ਭਵਿਐ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਈਐ ॥
ਅੰਜਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਿ ਰਹੀਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਇਵ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
Jog na ḏes disanṯar bẖavi▫ai jog na ṯirath nā▫ī▫ai. Anjan Maaeh Niranjan Rahee-ai Jog Jugat Taou Paaee-ai.

Yoga is not wandering through foreign lands; Yoga is not bathing at sacred shrines of pilgrimage. Remaining unblemished in the midst of the filth of the world - this is the way to attain Yoga.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 730-18

If one can learn to hear, trust, and embrace the wisdom that lives in one’s consciousness, one will be able to confidently navigate the life with spiritual wisdom.

ਨਿੰਦਾ ਭਲੀ ਕਿਸੈ ਕੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੁਗਧ ਕਰੰਨਿ ॥

ਮੁਹ ਕਾਲੇ ਤਿਨ ਨਿੰਦਕਾ ਨਰਕੇ ਘੋਰਿ ਪਵੰਨਿ ॥

Ninda Bhalee Kisai Ki Nahee Manmukh Mugdh Krunin, Muh Kaalay Tin Nindkaa Narkay Ghor Pavann.

It is not good to slander anyone. Yet the foolish, self-willed still do it. The faces of the slanderers turn black, and they fall into the most horrible hell.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 755-3

ਬੁਰਾ ਭਲਾ ਕੋਈ ਨ ਕਹੀਜੈ ॥

ਛੋਡਿ ਮਾਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਨ ਗਹੀਜੈ ॥

Buraa Bhalaa Ko-ee Na Kaheejai, Choad Maan Har Charn Gaheejai.

Do not say that anyone is good or bad.  After shedding our ego we should ask for the support of God’s feet (Sabd Guru)?-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 186-6

If you are not confident that following your inner wisdom will prove reliable, you may want to think of a time when you did trust your instincts and all turned out well, because you were relying on the tools made available to you as incorporated in AGGS:

ਮੰਦਾ ਨਾਹਿ ਕੋਇ ਹਾਂ ॥

ਸੰਤ ਕੀ ਰੇਨ ਹੋਇ ਹਾਂ ॥

Mandaa Naa-eh Koey Haan, Sant Kee Rayn Hoey Haan.

No One is bad.  One needs to become the dust of the feet of the Saints.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Asavari, AGGS, Page, 410-16

ਖੁਦੀ ਮਿਟੀ ਤਬ ਸੁਖ ਭਏ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਭਏ ਅਰੋਗ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟੀ ਆਇਆ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਕਰਨੈ ਜੋਗੁ ॥

Khudee Mitee Tab Sukh Bha-ay Man Tan Bha-ay Aroag, Nanak Dristee Aa-eaa Ustat Karnai Joag.

When selfishness and conceit are erased, peace comes, and the mind and body are healed. O Nanak, then God comes to be seen -- the One who is worthy of praise.-----Guru Arjun, Gauri Bawan Akhri, AGGS, Page, 260-9

How does all this work? The selfless service of humanity with love and humility leads one to be blessed by the God’s Grace and the mind gets focused on God.

ਦਸ ਦਿਸ ਖੋਜਤ ਮੈ ਫਿਰਿਓ ਜਤ ਦੇਖਉ ਤਤ ਸੋਇ ॥

ਮਨੁ ਬਸਿ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੇ ਪੂਰਨ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
Ḏas ḏis kẖojaṯ mai firi▫o jaṯ ḏekẖ▫a▫u ṯaṯ so▫e. Man Bus Aavai Nanaka Jay Pooran Kirpa Hoey.

I have wandered, searching in the ten directions - wherever I look, there I see God. By God’s grace only, we can control our minds.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Thiti Gauri, AGGS, Page, 298-18               

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਖਾਲਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਲਕ ਵਸੈ ਰਬ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹਿ ॥

Faridaa Khaalak Khalak Meh Khalak Vasai Rab Maahi, Mandaa Kis No Aakheeai Jaan This Bin Koee Naa-eh.

Farid, the Creator is in Its Creation, and the Creation abides in God. Whom can we call badly? There is none without God.-----Sloke Sheikh Farid, AGGS, Page, 1381-17

ਕਿਸੈ ਜਿਵੇਹਾ ਨਾਹਿ ਕੋ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਔਦਰਿ ਮੰਦੀ ਚੰਗੀ ॥

ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨਿਰਲੇਪੁ ਹੈ ਪੂਰਨੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਹਲੰਗੀ ॥

Kisai Jivayhaa Naa-eh Ko Dubidhaa Andhar Mandee Changee, Paarbraham Nirlayp Hai Pooran Sada Sahlangee.

None resembles anyone and the psyche is good or bad according to the ratio of perplexity within. Being transcendent, God is detached from every thing and being perfect Brahm, is always with everybody^.-----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar, 18, Pauri, 10

All the above hymns are true examples of humility.  It is better to call oneself bad and regard everyone, even the lowest of the lowly as good.  Once it is accepted that God is present in everyone then how we can call someone bad?  It is also true that even the worst individual in the world does have a little good in him and vice versa. Kabir in his slokes states that once we have accepted the fact that God lives in every one -- then why was the chicken killed?

Conclusion:

God is loving, kind, compassionate, caring, and omnipresent, but difficult to fathom. Those who fathom God cannot behold It, and those who behold God cannot fathom It. We should not try to intellectualize God. Everyone regarding himself to be spiritual should realize that each one of us is at a different stage of spiritual growth. Sikhism would do well to keep faith as a personal preference and not to institutionalize spiritual growth.   Let it be subject to universal attraction. Only an individual can know the how's and why's of his life. The answers that one seeks can be found within when one starts looking.