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ਪਿੜਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਭਦ ਬਿਝਐ ਪਾਵਣਾ : Not by reading (religious books), but through Understanding, is the Mystery Realized. - sggs, 148

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Gurmati Bhagti
by T. Singh

Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) emphasizes on how to live life — how to properly utilize the time between the birth
and death.

Accordingly, the Teaching of the SGGS rather emphasizes on Awakening the Divine Wisdom (Giaan) or Virtues
(“ਗਣ”) within. Because — according to the SGGS — the Divine cannot be realized by remaining without the Divine
Wisdom or the Divine Virtues (truth, contentment, mercy,  patience, Dharma, Sahaj…).

ਮਧ ਇਆਣੀ ਪਈਅੜ ਿਕਉ ਕਿਰ ਹਿਰ ਦਰਸਨ ਿਪਖ : While in this father’s home (i.e., in this human life), if a soul-bride
remains ignorant, (then) how can she obtain the Divine Vision? (i.e., remaining ignorant, she CANNOT obtain
the Divine Vision!). (sggs 78).

Removing our ignorance (doubts, attachment to Maya, foolishness..), the Divine Wisdom or Virtues of the SGGS
transforms our nature into the Divine Nature (Virtuous Soul – “ਗਣਵਤੀ”).

ਗਣ ਵੀਚਾਰ ਿਗਆਨੀ ਸਇ ਗਣ ਮਿਹ ਿਗਆਨ ਪਰਾਪਿਤ ਹਇ : (One who) contemplates the Divine Virtues is spiritually
Wise. Spiritual Wisdom is obtained through the Divine Virtues (sggs 931).

Hence, the Gurbani repeatedly reminds us to engage in “Bhagti“. But —

What’s “Bhagti” in Sikhi? according to the SGGS — what is “Bhagti” in Sikhi? Let’s ask the Gurbani:

ਗਰ ਕੀ ਮਿਤ ਤ ਲਿਹ ਇਆਨ ਭਗਿਤ ਿਬਨਾ ਬਹ ਡਬ ਿਸਆਨ : You ignorant fool, take the Gurmati (i.e., Divine Wisdom or
Aatmic-Giaan of the Gur-Shabad); without (this) Bhagti, even many clever have drowned (in perplexity). (sggs
288).
ਸਚੀ ਭਗਿਤ ਗਰ ਸਬਦ ਿਪਆਿਰ : True Bhagti consists of love for the Gur-Shabad (sggs 158).
ਿਵਣ ਗਣ ਕੀਤ ਭਗਿਤ ਨ ਹਇ : Without acquiring Virtues, Bhagti can not be performed (sggs 4).

Hence, as emphasized by the SGGS, for a Sikh (learner or student of the SGGS), “Bhagti” is to thoroughly
Understand the Wisdom (Giaan) of the SGGS through the Shabad-Vichaar, and then persistently live it in daily life
(Sikhee Sikhiaa Gur Veechaari, SGGS 465).

Now, before we go any further, let’s ask the SGGS as to why it’s essential to obtain the Divine Wisdom:

ਗਰ ਮ ਹੀਣਸ ੍ਯ ਜ ਾਣੀ ਿਧਗਤ ਜਨਮ ਭਸਟਣਹ ਕਕਰਹ ਸਕਰਹ ਗਰਧਭਹ ਕਾਕਹ ਸਰਪਨਹ ਤਿਲ ਖਲਹ ॥੩੩॥: Cursed and
corrupt is the life of that mortal who lacks the Gur-Mantra (Divine Wisdom or Upadesh of the Gur-Shabad…).
Know such wicked (or fool) to be just like a dog, a pig, a donkey, a crow, a snake. ||33|| (sggs 1356).

In fact, Giaan (Divine Wisdom, Spiritual Knowledge, Bibek…) is called Dharma and Guru in the SGGS. Hence, the
life-span is considered fruitful only to those who have Awakened the Spiritual Wisdom within.

ਕਬੀਰਾ ਜਹਾ ਿਗਆਨ ਤਹ ਧਰਮ ਹ ਜਹਾ ਝਠ ਤਹ ਪਾਪ  : O Kabeer! (Within a person, if) there is Giaan (Spiritual Wisdom,
Divine Knowledge, Aatm–Giaan…) there is Dharma; (if within him) there is falsehood, there is sin (corrupt
thinking). (sggs 1372).
ਕਹ ਕਬੀਰ ਮ ਸ ਗਰ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ਿਬਬਕ  ॥੪॥੫॥: Says Kabeer, I have found that Guru, whose Name is Bibek
||4||5|| (sggs 793).

One who performs this “Bhagti” and “persistently” (“Nirantari Bhagti“) lives his daily life by it (i.e., the Wisdom or
Virtues of the SGGS) is called Bhagt in the Gurbani (Gurmukh, Daas Jan…).

In essence, “Gurmati Bhagti-ਗਰਮਿਤ ਭਗਿਤ”  =  “Gurmukhi Bhagti-ਗਰਮਿਖ ਭਗਿਤ”…

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According to the SGGS, such Bhagt  (Gurmukh, Daas, Jan…)  is the Knower of the Spiritual Essence (“Tattu
Giaanee-ਤਤ ਿਗਆਨੀ”, Brahm-Giaanee…), immersed in Truth (Sach), Divine Virtues (ਗਣ)…

ਸ ਭਗਤ ਸ ਤਤ ਿਗਆਨੀ ਿਜਨ ਕਉ ਹਕਮ ਮਨਾਏ : They are the Bhagt, they are the knower of the Spiritual Knowledge
of the Divine, who live by the Hukam (sggs 506).

SGGS asserts that the true Bhagti and Bhagts are very “rare”. Because, the challenges in this quest (the Way of
Sach-ਸਚ, Truth…) are many, which need courage to surmount them.

ਗਰਮਿਤ ਭਗਿਤ ਪਾਵ ਜਨ ਕਈ ॥੧॥: A rare “Janu” (Gurmukh, Bhagt, Daas…) obtains the “Gurmati Bhagti”
(understanding of the Gur-Shabad, Naam, Hukam…) ||1|| (sggs 879).

Why “rare”? Because, the SGGS tells us that this “Gurmati Bhagti” (i.e.,
“Gurmukhi Bhagti” ) is “Niraalee” (unique, unparalleled…). In other words, Gurmati Bhagti is unique
it’s different than the ancient tradition prescribed by Brahamanic practices. (“Niraalee”). Those who
Our Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) does not subscribe to the old engage in it are also unique!
practices prescribed or given by the crafty or illiterate or self appointed
clergy (ਪਜਾਰੀ ਲਾਣ ), Deraavaad (fraud Baabaa…), and so on.

ਿਨਰਮਲ ਭਗਿਤ ਹ ਿਨਰਾਲੀ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਧਵਿਹ ਸਬਿਦ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ : Bhagti that purifies (mind…) is “Niraalee” (unique).
(Through this unique Bhagti) wash the mind, and the body (i.e., senses: eyes, ears, etc.) with Shabad-Vichaar
(sggs 1059).
ਭਗਤਾ ਕੀ ਚਾਲ ਿਨਰਾਲੀ : Bhagtaa kee chaal niralee (sggs 918).

Thus, the “Gurmati Bhagti” is not just repetition of some “Mantra”, or singing of the Gurbani; or sitting in some
peculiar posture (“ਬਗਲ ਸਮਾਿਧ”), or counting beads (ਮਾਲਾ ਫਰਨੀ) with Maya infatuated mind (Bikaar: lust, anger,
greed, etc.)…

ਮਾਇਆ ਮਹ ਪਰਤ ਹ ਕਾਮ ਧ ਅਹਕਾਰਾ : Attachment to Maya, lust, anger, and egotism is the goblin (ghost, ਤ,
ਭਤ…). (sggs 513).

To the contrary, it is to thoroughly Understand the Wisdom of the SGGS through the Shabad-Vichaar, and then
“persistently” live it in daily life (Gurmukh Lifestyle, Divine Life…). This is what the Gurbani calls “Gun Gaawaa Nit”
(“ ਗਣ ਗਾਵਾ ਿਨਤ”) — Living the Divine Wisdom or Virtues in daily life (i.e., the Gurmukh Lifestyle)!

ਗਰਮਤੀ ਪਰਗਾਸ ਹਆ ਜੀ ਅਨਿਦਨ ਹਿਰ ਗਣ ਗਾਵਿਣਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ : The Divine Light (i.e., Divine Wisdom) dawns within
by the “Gurmatee” (i.e., Divine Wisdom of the SGGS), and one lives the Divine Virtues in daily life. ||1||Pause||
(sggs 110).

In essence, “Bhagti” is the way of searching the mind and Understanding

Bhagti in Sikhi is to die in ownself to Realize the Mool (Source…) within. So, the SGGS asks us to
the Shabad. become the Gurmukh and thus engage in the “Gurmati Bhagti”. 

ਗਰਮਿਖ ਭਗਿਤ ਕਰਹ ਸਦ ਾਣੀ : O mortal, constantly engage in “Gurmukhi Bhagti” (sggs 880).
ਗਰਮਿਖ ਅਨਿਦਨ ਸਬਦ ਰਾਤਾ : The Gurmukh night and day remains attuned to the Shabad (sggs 125).

Thus a Gurmukh‘s whole life becomes “Bhagti“. In other words, whatever he does in daily life is “Bhagti“.

ਿਜ ਗਰਮਿਖ ਕਰ ਸਾਈ ਭਗਿਤ ਹਵ : Whatever the Gurmukh does, is Bhagti (sggs 1422).

This is also called “Nirantari Bhagti” in the Gurbani — persistent Bhagti (uninterrupted, unbroken, unceasing, “ਏਕ
ਿਲਵ ਤਾਰਾ”…), etc. It is said that persistence can grind a steel beam into a needle! The Gurbani urges us to apply
persistence in “Bhagti” as well for here the target is to grind the crazy, iron-like stubborn mind (“ਮਨ ਲਹਟ”)!

Sri Guru Granth Sahib urges that this true “Bhagti” should be the target of a Sikh in life, which makes us pure ones
(i.e., “Khaalsae-ਖਾਲਸ”):

ਕਹ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਭਏ ਖਾਲਸ ਮ ਭਗਿਤ ਿਜਹ ਜਾਨੀ : O Kabeer! Those persons become “Khaalsae” (ਖਾਲਸ) who have
realized the Prem Bhagti (ਗਰਮਤ ਦਾ ਪਰਾ ਿਗਆਨ; Perfect Understanding of the Gur-Shabad, Gur-Giaan, or Divine
Wisdom of the Gurbani…). (sggs 655).

In nutshell, according to the Wisdom of the SGGS, “Gurmat Bhagti” in Sikhi is to die in the Shabad.  As a result,
one gets connected to his Mool within, becomes living liberated (Jeevan Mukt). 

ਸਬਿਦ ਮਰ ਭਗਿਤ ਪਾਏ ਜਨ ਸਇ ॥੩॥: One who dies in the Shabad, obtains Bhagti ||3|| (sggs 159).

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ਏਹਾ ਭਗਿਤ ਜਨ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰ : This is Bhagti, (by which) “Janu” (Gurmukh, Daas…) remains dead while yet alive
(sggs 364).

Bhagts of Gurmati dwell in the state of Divine Wisdom — Prachand Giaan Avastha, Sahaj, Truth, etc. They
transcend Bhavsaagar (i.e., go beyond Maya, reincarnations or Joonis…) and their mind remains intuitively Stable
(Thir). In this state they are essentially Joti Saroop (“Loa” = Joti or Light, Niraakaaree Saroop…). The SGGS also
calls this State  “Sachkhand“. Furthermore, SGGS tells us that such Bhagts cannot remain concealed, secret, or
hidden — they become public (apparent, open…).

ਿਤਥ ਭਗਤ ਵਸਿਹ ਕ ਲਅ : The Bhagts dwell there (Prachand Giaan Avasthaa…) as “Loa” (Joti Saroop). (sggs 8).
ਹਿਰ ਕਾ ਭਗਤ ਗਟ ਨਹੀ ਛਪ : Hari Bhagt becomes open (undisguised, clear… ) – does not remain concealed
(secret, hidden…). (sggs 265).

The SGGS asks us in a very simple language:

ਏਹੜ ਤਹੜ ਛਿਡ ਤ ਗਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦ ਪਛਾਣ : Abandon your crooked or quarrelsome ways (nonsense this and that
talk…); realize the Gur-Shabad (instead). (sggs 646).

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COMMENTS LEAVE A COMMENT

G Preet Aman Singh

Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh.

Veerji i really wanted to ask you that is there any way i can meet kalgidhar pita like actually experience his
presence and if so how ? How should i be focusing while doing the nitnem ?
And i know the words of guru granth sahib ji Maharaj’s words are his words but i want to feel his presence what
should i do ? Veere i have been following you for a long time you are the ocean of gurbani knowledge , so i thought
of asking this from you ! Thank you
Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh !

Reply

G T. Singh Post author

Thank you Veer Preet Aman Singh Ji for taking the time to respond to this post. Welcome to the Gurbani
Blog!
Some suggested reading, for example:
http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/gurbani-defines-form-of-god/
http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/there-is-no-second/
http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/where-is-god-2/
http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/recognize-god-within/
http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/glimpses-of-god/
http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/dying-through-the-shabad/
http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/what-is-dying-in-the-shabad/

Reply

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G A kaur

Yeh it’s so important to understand the value of time in a Gurmukhs Jeevan. There’s not much left for them to
merge into Mahraaj. A lot of work and effort to do.

Reply

G T. Singh Post author

Thank you A Kaur Ji for taking the time respond to this post.

Reply

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