Questions and Answers

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨ

Question:

Dhan Guru Nanak, Dhan Guru Nanak, Dhan Guru Nanak _/\_

I am writing about something I think others may have felt at some point as well. Sometimes, especially after attending a samagam, I feel a lack of motivation to study or work. I just feel like its useless, I would rather spend time listening to kirtan or doing paat or reading a lekh. I know these are the things I should do with my time. As gurbani says, remembering HIM is what we are born for. So how can I find motivation to move away from that and focus on studying.

I would appreciate any thoughts or helpful suggestions.

Dhan Guru Nanak waheguru ji 

I remember listening to a tape in which Bauji talked about the time he had to go back to work after an intense period of meditation of several months. He used to work as an accounting clerk and so had to deal with numbers. He said that as he tried to balance the accounts, all he could see were numbers that were floating in front of his eyes for several days. He could not concentrate, focus on anything, but after a short while it all settled down and he was able to do both things, both his work and his meditation. This small anecdote is an indication that with practice both things can be accomplished; studying (working) and meditation.

It is our duty to become instruments of His Divine Will in all that we do. For some it is in the form of studying and others it is a job. With studying you can acquire the skills you will require to further help the world. God works through his loved ones to bring harmony and comfort to the world. If you see studying as seva, you will remain in the ‘flow’ of His will even after a samagam. In fact you will perform even better (study better) because if you have been truly focused in His remembrance during the samagam then your brain being already focused and not distracted will be far more efficient than usual. You will get your work done faster too. That way you can make time to listen to kirtan, do, path or read a lekh.

All that we do in life requires His remembrance; all day and night!

How is this even possible?

We can only fulfill this if we learn to remain detached from the world while we are performing all the tasks. In other words, do everything but keep your inner eye focused on the shabad. Each samagam we attend helps us to recharge our batteries and go back into the world to learn this lesson. By and by this becomes possible with the Grace of His beloved enlightened Sant jan.

So dear loved ones, it is important that we employ our temple – our body- in worshipping Him not only by listening to kirtan, path and lekhs but by actually applying what we read and hear in our daily lives so that our lives become worthwhile.

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨ

Question:

A very good friend of mine was asking me why I waste my time going to samagams.

I gave her what I thought was enough and i simply told her faith. I have faith that God is guiding me on a path so that it is easier for me to reach him. She then told me that she doesn’t believe in God, so I started to tell her why I do, which led to her telling why she believes in evolution. And eventually she told me the reason why she stopped believing in God. It was that her dad was in the hospital for more than a month and she had prayed to God to help him. I told her that God ended up helping him because he eventually got out and was able to do all his normal activities. She expected for God to come sooner and help, and she said “but at the end of the day God wasn’t there, it was medicine and science.” The only reason I continued this argument was because she said to convince me into believing in God. Make me believe that there’s a greater entity out there. So I told her about faith but she’s still not convinced. To be honest I think she can go back to believing if she talked to a person with a greater knowledge about this matter, but nobody else in my home are really into sangat or I’ve already asked. So I have 2 questions:

A. Should I stop trying to make her believe even though I believe she can if she opens her mind up a little more?

B. If so, what would you tell her?
With love

Dear everyone – this question was asked recently and I feel that instead of me trying to formulate an answer it would be great if we can all contribute. Many of you have shown a deep understanding of love, devotion and faith and the role each plays in our conviction of a higher source that is all providing, all loving and ever forgiving. How does Gurbani guide us? Have you or someone you know ever been such a position? 

Please send your responses to me at jussrani@gmail.com and  i will then post them  here – (anonymously of course:))

RESPONSE #1 from one of you…..please respond to the repsonse

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh!

Dhan Guru Nanak! Dhan Guru Nanak! Dhan Guru Nanak!

 Dear Anonymous,

I believe the main reason why your friend stopped believing in God has to do with her personal experience with her father’s illness. She expected for God to come sooner and help, but when her father got better, she was firm that the recovery was solely due to science and medicine. 

In order to understand her thought process, we will take a look at what Bauji has written. In the lekh Bharam, Bhag 2, Bauji explains that we use God or God incarnations to relieve us of difficulties, secure cure for diseases, and seek protection from couriers from death. He then goes on to say that for these purposes, we become religious, recite paath and worship, and chant the Lord’s name. To clarify even further, Bauji says we treat God as a shopkeeper and we do our bargaining with him. Not only is this selfish, but this lacks utter faith. We discussed in Montreal Samagam that faith was 100% devotion and 100% belief in something/someone (God), NOT KNOWING THE CONSEQUENCES.

Bargaining: Belief in God and faith is DEPENDENT on Results

True Faith: Sabh kioh teyreh vas, tu sachaa shahu. Bhagat ratay rang ek keh, poora vaysahu.

(Everything is in your Power; You are the True King. The Devotees are imbued with the Love of the One Lord; they have perfect faith in him)

True Faith: Assan jor nahi, jay kich har hum sakay, jio bhaveh tive baksh. Keeta karnah sarab rajaee, kish keechai jay kar sakee-eh

(All that happens and will happen, is by your Will God! If we could do anything by ourselves, we would!)

True Faith: Kabeer! Joh tuhi saadh piram kee, sees kaat kar goay! Khaylath khaylath haal kar, jo kich hoee tha hoee!  

Sorry I can’t use the actual Punjabi keyboard to type these shabads! If you’re intrigued, it’d be great to read the full shabads as they definitely outline true, complete, and loving faith.

 So after addressing faith, let’s dive into the questions asked.

1.     Should I stop trying to make her believe even though I believe she can if she opens her mind up a little more? If so, what would you tell her?

A/B: I do not believe you should stop your efforts! However, I do believe you should stop trying to make her believe. We, are aspiring kids of sadh-sangat, but we, just like your friend, are still on the path. We are not at the finish line, and we do not have 100% utter faith and devotion as of yet. I am speaking for myself, but examples of God-men with 100% faith are our ten beloved Gurus, Bauji, Professor Puran Singh, Bhai Vir Singh etc.

This short story should help clarify what you should do. I have a friend who’s friend did not believe in God and had a lot of doubts about religion and spirituality. What he did was give her the Prof Puran Singh book “Spirit Born People”. Six months later, she took Amrit, tied a dastaar, and devoted the rest of her life to Sikhi. The divinity in his writings inspired her to take Amrit. We cannot fully influence someone on the path with sheer devotion, if we ourselves have not become an embodiment of Guru Nanak’s love.

 If you want her to believe in God or clear up doubts, give her an English writing of Bauji that you’ve read and kindly ask her to read it. By taking support of the saints that have dedicated their life to God, it would have a much greater impact on the individual because the saints have cultivated truth. 

In addition, just know that “Sadhsangat upjeh bisvaas”. In the Saadhsangat, faith wells up and at one point we will reach the loving stage of “meri preet gobind sio jin ghateh”.

Tell her to come to sadh-sangat and all her questions will be answered in the due course of time because “sadh sang miteh bharam andhaaray”.

If after reading the book and coming to sadh-sangat, she does not believe in God, then do not pursue it. In some cases, her doubt or intellectual questions can affect you in negative ways, where you start to question your own coming into sadh-sangat. If this happens, make a U-turn and start walking away from those influences. Saakat sio kar ultee ray.

 Just remember, Bin bhaaga satsang na labhai, bin sangat mehl bhareejeh jeeo!

Vadbhaagi har sangat paaveh! Bhagheen bhram chota khaaveh!

WE ARE SO LUCKY!

Dhan Guru Nanak! Dhan Guru Nanak!

I apologize if I have made any mistakes, please correct me and allow for better understanding.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa, waheguru ji ki fateh! 

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

Dhan Guru Nanak Dhan Guru Nanak Dhan Guru Nanak

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh

I have a personal question.

Let me start off by saying that I am so thankful for your blog. It is just amazing. Also, it took a lot of guts to send this email. I am about to ask what I have wondered long and hard for the past three years of my life.

For the past couple of months, I have just been feeling so down. Sometimes I am perfectly fine and sometimes I am just angry and unhappy. I often find myself asking “what’s wrong with me? Why am I this way? Why do I suck?” My life is beyond great. Everything is perfect. But this thought just never leaves me. And I keep wondering, “Will I ever be good enough?  Will I ever be in tune with that divine love?” I just don’t know what to do. These nasty thoughts cause me to be unhappy and angry. I feel disconnected all the time and unfocused. I am always consciously aware of my disconnectedness and it creates this discomfort and makes me lose focus even more. To avoid this discomfort I engage in mindless distractions like TV so that I can just stop thinking about my own faults. I am always just in a state of cognitive dissonance. I feel and do things that I know will only cause me to lose track and focus but I do them anyway. Sometimes when I feel unhappy, I criticize myself for feeling that way because I know I should not be feeling that way. Sometimes I just hate myself for being so egoistic. I can’t control my ego but I don’t want to feel this way. Feeling like this is horrible. Normally it is not bad at all but sometimes I just feel like I’m a mess. Everything I do and everything I think is wrong. I feel like I think too much. I don’t even know why I feel so angry with myself.

I really need some guidance. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you so much!!!

Dhan Guru Nanak

Dhan Guru Nanak

Dhan Guru Nanak

Dhan Guru Nanak

 

Dhan Guru Nanak
Waheguru 
 
First of all may i congratulate you for having the courage to reach out. Shabash!. 
 
We are all soul sisters travelling on a spiritual journey and we all have our moments when we fall or at least we ‘think’ we fall. This has happened to me several times and still does. 
 
Pyare geo, would you be kind enough to give me a little bit more information about you. How old are you? Boy or a girl? School or a job?
It will help me contextualize the above challenges you mention.
 
I take heart in you saying that “My life is beyond great. Everything is perfect” . Shukar hai. The other things are minor rocks and they can be examined and they will hopefully simply dissolve away.
 
So for the moment,  please know that Bauji Mataji love you unconditionally. We are all works in progress and self-examination is one criterion that allows to progress towards perfection. Just for today forgive yourself and be happy just in this knowledge.
Biggest hug full of nanak love coming your way 
 
Dhan Guru Nanak dhan guru nanak
 I am 18 years old and a girl. I will be going to university in the fall. I have the ideal life. My parents love and support me, I’m smart and good with academics, and I have a number of really good friends. And bauji was so nice and helped me find samagams when I was in 7th grade. I am so thankful for everything. I couldn’t have asked for a better life myself. Sometimes I get scared that I might wander off this beautiful path…although that seems highly unlikely. I can’t live without samagams. But sometimes I just feel helpless, like I can’t help myself to become a better person. 
 
Dhan Guru Nanak
Thank You soooo much <3
It means a lot to me
 
Hug right back at you! 🙂
Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru 
 
It is very helpful to know your background.Thank you. I am really happy to hear that all is well at home and that you have a supportive and a loving family and sangat. That’s a wonderful start, wouldn’t you agree?
 
So let’s look at how you are feeling right now and what might be a reason for it.
 
For the past couple of months, I have just been feeling so down. Sometimes I am perfectly fine and sometimes I am just angry and unhappy. I often find myself asking “what’s wrong with me? Why am I this way? Why do I suck?”
 
Is it possible that you are at a stage in your life when some conditions are changing that you may not be quite in agreement with? 
What might be the reasons that triggered these thought processes?

 Perhaps these are just what we call ‘growing pains”. Although self-examination and reflection are good instruments for spiritual growth it is also possible to take them to an extreme and they can become harmful. There has to be a balance.  What you are doing is called “self- flagellating”. In other words ‘beating’ up yourself for no reason.
 
From what i  am hearing you are doing well in school. Am i right? So what exactly qualifies you for – 
“What’s wrong with me? 
Why am I this way? 
Why do I suck?” 
 
Could it be possible that you are comparing yourself with others and then coming to these conclusions? If this is the case, please stop comparing. You are one of the many different types of flowers in Guru Nanak’s garden. Each flower has a different purpose, and each has it’s own beauty.We are all born with inherent seeds of who we are and will become. Let Guru Nanak worry about you. Let Him be in the driiving seat. 
 
Bauji explains so well how are thoughts are responsible for how we make our own destiny.
 
“As you think so you become”  – Power of Thoughts – Bauji’s lekh (did you read the blog on Thinking about Thinking “)
 
 If you constantly think:

“Will I ever be good enough?     
Will I ever be in tune with that divine love?”  
 
  If you think that you will be good enough and that you will eventually be in tune with Divine Love , you most certainly will.
 But if you think that you are not  good enough and that you will never be in tune with Divine Love – then for sure you won’t.
 
There is nothing right or wrong, thinking makes it so (Bauji)
 

These nasty thoughts cause me to be unhappy and angry. I feel disconnected all the time and unfocused. I am always consciously aware of my disconnectedness and it creates this discomfort and makes me lose focus even more. To avoid this discomfort I engage in mindless distractions like TV so that I can just stop thinking about my own faults. I am always just in a state of cognitive dissonance. I feel and do things that I know will only cause me to lose track and focus but I do them anyway. Sometimes when I feel unhappy,
 
All these thoughts create a vicious cycle. The more you think of them, the more they become true. You say it yourself:
These nasty thoughts cause me to be unhappy and angry.
 
That is why Bauji tells us:
 
REPLACE EVERY NEGATIVE THOUGHT WITH A POSITIVE THOUGHT
 
You see we have to put these simple but hard rules into practice. When thoughts that cause you discomfort start to come, immediately become aware of them and stop. 
How? 
Inwardly pray to god, think of what you have to be grateful for, forgive others, do some seva/work which engrosses you physically. When i need to do this, I choose to read spiritual uplifiting books. Surround yourself with positive people. These are just some strategies. 
It is almost like you have to pluck your own self out of this cycle.Think happy thoughts and you will become happy.
 
Have you read the book THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne. In fact it explains in English what Bauji explained to us so many years ago in his lekh on Power of Thoughts. May i suggest that you read this book.
 
Yes feeling like this is horrible…….
 
 I criticize myself for feeling that way because I know I should not be feeling that way. Sometimes I just hate myself for being so egoistic. I can’t control my ego but I don’t want to feel this way. Feeling like this is horrible. Normally it is not bad at all but sometimes I just feel like I’m a mess. Everything I do and everything I think is wrong. I feel like I think too much. I don’t even know why I feel so angry with myself. 
 
So dear one, listen to Bauji – be comforted always that you are fine the way you are.
Stop worrying and just be thankful. Create a new thought pattern. 
Write daily a gratitude journal to start you thinking of positive thoughts. 
 
Hopefully we will get to meet each other soon at a samagam. Do come and introduce yourself to me. 
 
I know you are going to be fine. You might ask – how do i know? I know because we have great Masters and they are looking out for each and every soul. This is their way of reaching out to you and me.
 
With much love
Dhan Guru Nanak

Thank you so much!! I think  I needed to hear that from someone. I read power of thoughts about two years ago but I think it’s time I revisited it. Sometimes I know the answer but it’s still hard to put it into practice. All the things you said were right on target. Im glad I asked for your help.

I took your advice. I tried to engage myself in work and physically engaging activities and I felt so much better. I have tried not to worry and just let things be…best feeling in the world. I have a long and hard path ahead but hopefully one day I reach my goal.

Thank you thank you thank you

And I’m sure you know me, just not by name.

See you in Atlanta? 🙂

Waheguru gee,

Shabash – so happy to hear that you are feeling much better. I am always here, whenever you have a question. And yes we do have a wonderful journey ahead and we must enjoy every minute of it with the knowledge that we are loved unconditionally.

Much nanak love

DGN

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

How are you?

I love getting your advice and suggestions whenever i can and would appreciate some right about now. So here it goes…I’ve been working away at school which seems to be a never-ending process. It gets a little frustrating at times. As when you want to accomplish something it seems, either due to your own negativity from past experience or some kind of obstacle, rather difficult. I am treading on the path and in the right direction but feel the need for some reassurance. I feel it is the right thing to do and where Dhan Guru Nanak brought me back to after all the difficulties I was going through. Shukar hai, there is greatness for us in all that he does. My question is though, am i forcing something to happen and holding myself back from other great opportunities that would be available to me otherwise? Maybe I’m thinking about it wrong I don’t know.. Have been missing your classes as well. Love the inspiration it gives us all. Hope to attend one and see you soon!

Dhan Guru Nanak.

Much Love

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh

Dhan Guru Nanak

Let’s look at what you are asking…

...I’ve been working away at school which seems to be a never-ending process. It gets a little frustrating at times. As when you want to accomplish something it seems, either due to your own negativity from past experience or some kind of obstacle, rather difficult. 

I can definitely identify with that, having been in the same situation. However this is a game of perseverance. Even if we want to rush things, the universe wants us to learn something – you have to look for that lesson, learn it and it will move on. Let go. Don’t struggle. Take small baby steps towards completion, even if you have to redo and redo. I used to remind myself of Bhai Lehna. How many times did Guru Nanak ask him to build that wall? Everyone else gave up and left but not him. In his mind he knew that his Guru was wiser and knew what he needed to learn. So stay in His will, don’t try to change circumstances, let the circumstances change you. It’s okay. Let it take time. What exactly is the rush? The very fact that you have each day to get up is His gift, each day to get closer to Him. If your time is spent on trying to figure out why, when and how, you are not in His will but in me, mine and egoist will. 

I’m treading on the path and in the right direction but feel the need for some reassurance. I feel it is the right thing to do and where Dhan Guru Nanak brought me back to after all the difficulties I was going through. Shukar hai, there is greatness for us in all that he does. 

You see you know it already. Now apply it. Say shukar hai but mean it with your mind body and soul.

My question is though, am i forcing something to happen and holding myself back from other great opportunities that would be available to me otherwise? Maybe I’m thinking about it wrong I don’t know!!

I believe that by putting in your best efforts and giving yourself a full chance to complete what you have started is your attempt to stay in His Will. You have asked for this somewhere in your past thought process and it has now manifested. Now, any thoughts of doubts you have are also becoming your future. First stop thinking these thoughts. Instead concentrate on thoughts of happiness, completion and dreams of future. Think of success and you will succeed. If you sow thoughts of “I don’t know if i should be here….”, the vibrations you send out to the universe are mixed and therefore you stay in a perplexed state.

You already know about the Power of Thoughts. You are exactly where you should be right now. It’s His will, but along with it that’s what you willed somewhere before. All the Universe is doing is fulfilling your wishes.

So my sweet Nanak Child, get back on the bandwagon of positive thoughts. It’s okay, we all get off track but as long as we can monitor that we are off track and get back on, all is well.

ALL IS WELL! ALL IS WELL!!! Shukar hai shukar hai shukar hai.

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

Vaheguroojeekaakhalsa 

Vaheguroojeekeefatheh

 Dhan Guru Nanak

One of my dear sangat sisters wanted to convey a question anonymously to you, and they had asked me to do so. 

 Their question is as follows: 

Gurbani talks about how no one belongs to anyone else; everyone has a selfish interest. Even our own friends and family consider their own interest and continue to do things as gossip/nindhya/chuglee, or people will act sweet to your face but say horrid things behind your back. How can you still live in the world and give Nanak Love when you feel you can trust no one? 

Dhan Guru Nanak

Dhan Guru Nanak

Dhan Guru Nanak 

WJKK WKKF

Waheguru geo

Your sangat sister is asking exactly that what gurbani continously warns us against in so many shabads.

– no one belongs to anyone else;

– everone has a selfish interest

– our own friends/family are also selfish

– all are double faced 

That is all collectively maya – just in different masks. 

The entire world drama is based on this – that we are immersed in maya and that we have to learn to live in this without getting tainted. It is a given. The world as a whole is selfish and we are on our own but in spite of that we have to find within this desert of maya an oasis of love, which is within.  We must not expect others to change. The only person we can change is our selves and that is all that we need to do. The solution is to LOVE everyone in spite of all that they do. We were born alone and we will die alone.

It is my firm conviction that if we stay away from negativity as much as we can by not allowing it to affect us, by continuously praying for His Grace to tackle this drama and we give as much love as we can to those that slander us then things will eventually change. 

Circumstances around will change. First you have to believe in the god in them and the god in you is exactly the same.

It also helps to remember the line:  jo menh kiya so menh payea, dosh na deejeh avar jana.

If any fingers need to be pointed they should be at yourself. You somehow attracted those circumstances to yourself, perhaps past life (antishkaran) or your present thinking patterns or actions. Remember the Bauji tape we listened to in Ottawa. I think you were there.

When you ask this question: How can you still live in the world and give Nanak Love when you feel you can trust no one?

Get rid of this feeling that has come to descend on you. Believe that you can trust everyone, make the feeling that everyone is good and can be trusted prominent, let it wash over you and slowly you will see that you have only those people around you that you can trust. The whole thing has to begin with changing yourself – your thoughts. 

If you go the blog – Thinking about Thinking – maybe your friend can listen to the lekh parts on Power of Thoughts until the principle really sinks in.

Also one more thing – be patient with yourself. Change takes time, Love yourself. 

One thing that Bauji and Mataji taught us by their lives is that we have to practice and practice until it has been internalized as our own anubhav (experience). They patiently taught us the same lesson over and over again but we never did our homework (did not apply it in our lives) and kept going back totally disenchanted with the world, only to be embraced again by them in an ocean of love, which allowed us to go back into the world and try again and again. Dhan Guru Nanak…Dhan Guru Nanak…… shukar hai shuakr hai.

May we continue to be embraced with that love and may it wash over us totally.

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

Hi,

I don’t know if you remember me or not. I am from Vancouver and we met at Toronto Sangat and few samagams. I have no words to describe how thankful and grateful I am for receiving your emails. Unfortunately, I am too far to attend Toronto Sangat and not sure if there is one in Vancouver so I really miss it but it is so lovely to be connected through your emails. Toronto and Pennsylvania samagams is the time I will cherish my entire life and I wish I could attend some more in near future. But all I wanted to say in this email was THANK YOU! I wish Guru Nanak Dev Ji bless me with more sangat !

Hope you are well! 🙂 

Hi G

Dhan Guru Nanak

I certainly do remember who you are! 

Thank you for your kind words. I am also so very grateful that we have the technology now to stay in touch in spite of the distances between us. Shukar hai! I look forward to seeing you in person though and may Guru Nanak make your wish come true and give you lots of sangat. 

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

Wishing loads of Nanak love and blessings your way. Dhan Guru Nanak!
The time we get to spend in Sangat with our Sangat family is precious. It brings out the divinity in those things around us that we would normally perceive differently. Shukar hai! To count our blessings over and over. Without it I feel like we would’ve been lost as its so hard to maintain that internal peace and satisfaction with the infinite distractions this world has to offer. I am thankful GOD gave us this golden opportunity.

Without it I wouldn’t have met gracious souls ! Dhan Guru Nanak!
I look forward to seeing you soon!! (hint: LA samagam )

Dhan Guru Nanak.
Much love,
M

Waheguru jeee,

Thank you so much for your warm and kind thoughts, feelings and wishes. 

We truly are so blessed – sometimes when I start thinking of how much suffering there is in the world because of unawareness and ignorance I feel like falling at my masters’ feet again and again and thank them for their guidance. Shukar, shukar shukar hai. 

I am so happy to see this turn in you and again I feel like thanking Bauji and Mataji for their wonderful garden of roses, blooming now in full grandeaur. While all are beautiful in their own varying colours and fragrances, you M, sohne bache, are one of their  grandest one.

Keep growing, keep smiling, keep on going inwards.

DGN:))))))

There’s so many twists and turns in life. You never know where it will take you. It’s about having faith and staying strong and believing firmly in a higher power. Its what I’ve learned so far. I think that makes sense, right? Dhan Guru Nanak.

LA samagam was a truly beautiful weekend, very powerful all throughout. It’s interesting how the intensity of some samagams penetrates you more than others. Guru Nanak and his ways…Is it about your personal state of mind or the divine aura that has the bigger impact? Not that I’m looking for an explanation, but more insight would definitely deepen my understanding. Just curious about the dynamics of it all.

Dhan Guru Nanak.

Much Love, M

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

WGKKWGKF

I don’t know why but lately I have been feeling really depressed. My mind hasn’t been able to focus on anything, specially Simran. I really don’t know what to do anymore. I was hoping to talk to you about it for some guidance. B

Waheguru geo….

Stop worrying- you will be just fine. As soon as the samagam is over I will write more in detail. In the meantime, just stay in shukar. Even for this time. Dhan Guru Nanak!
Guru mere sang sadha hai naale.
Remember sadha. Even now.

Thank you . I try to do that, but will continue to keep that in mind. I need to bear in mind that it’s all hukam and all part of gods plan, and just need to keep my head up! Well I will stay in Shukar. I hope the samagam is going well! DGN

Dhan Guru Nanak Dhan Guru Nanak Dhan Guru Nanak Dhan Guru Nanak

First of all B, I would like to congratulate you. The reason is this. You have recognized that there is something not quite right with the way you are feeling and thinking. Just that in itself is to be applauded. This means that you are understanding a very vital lesson from gurbani. 

Let me assure you that you are not alone in this – the ups and downs are a vital part of our spiritual journey. You see if we never get the ‘valleys’ or the “downs” then how would be recognize and appreciate the “mountains” or the “downs”. Everyone has to go through these so that we can work harder to stay attuned and remain on the “ups”. The only people who stay forever in the upper or higher state of mind constantly are the saints or the mahapurakhs. We, ordinary people are given the opportunity of a life time to try and attain that state; sometimes even multiple life times.

Second, If possible start first by accepting that this state too is okay. It is necessary for growth. So just let it be. However, know it in your heart that NOTHING (good or bad) stays the same forever in this world. This too shall pass; another important lesson. All you have to develop in this stage is have some patience. Just let your mind play it’s tricks, stop struggling to get out of “quicksand”. I am sure you know that when someone falls into some quicksand, the more one moves around trying to get out, the more it pulls you in. but if you stay still, it pushes you up long enough for you to grab something and pull yourself out. This is an example Bauji gives. Maya – this world- this mind – is like quicksand. It sucks you in if you dwell on it.

Whatever thoughts are coming, see them and let them go. Try not to dwell on them. Instead occupy your mind with something else – like reading a great uplifting story, playing a sport or a game that absorbs you. When your mind gets diverted completely it has the time to get out of the vicious circle. When you get home from school, take a shower -this helps to get rid of any negative vibrations, then do something completely different from schoolwork. Before you begin your work, pray to your inner god – ask for Him to come and do the work. Simran will also come by itself.  

Most important of all, forgive yourself for not feeling “great” and all doubt will disappear. Just remember that positive thinking (feeling,shukar) is something we have to cultivate slowly.

I have trust in you. I believe that you are going to be just fine. It’s just a stressful period of a year with school starting and new things being bombarded your way. Be calm, be relaxed, be assured that you are loved by god just the way you are, and that you will be fine – you ARE fine. Concentrate on all your blessings.

I hope this helps you to put your mind at ease. I look forward to seeing you in NJ, and watch out – a very big hug is coming your way – full of Nanak Love.

Dhan Guru Nanak Dhan Guru Nanak Dhan Guru Nanak

I really wasn’t sure how to reply to such a beautiful message, I just want to thank you so much. I’ve been reading your email again and again, trying to make use of it. I have so much to be thankful, and most importantly for sangat. God has surrounded me with to many special people, I could not be more blessed. 

I will try to do these things, and will not worry about it. Jaa thoo maerai val hai the kiaa muhasanda. 

Shukar hai

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

Dhan Guru Nanak 

Long time no see:) It has been forever since I have emailed you because no important issue has occurred in my life for a while, but now, I do have something to ask.  For the past week or so, I feel as if my mind is feeling weak.  Anything I do, I feel intimidated doing it.  I have talked to some people and they said that this is happening because my faith in Waheguru is not strong enough.  They said if I do simran with a Sachaa Man, then I will be fine.  I don’t know why, but I feel as if it’s not working for me.  Take school for example.  I had a lot of work one day for homework, and I could get my mind to do it, because it kept telling me that I wasn’t capable of doing it.  Then I thought about other people that are in college and my mind told me that they were smarter than me and that’s why they’re successful, and I’m not as smart and that’s why I’m not going to succeed.  I don’t know why, but I can’t seem to control my mind either.  Even when I do Simran, my mind becomes so wrenched in my that it is ridiculous. Even when I’m just trying to get something done, I get completely distracted and I can’t seem to get anything finished efficiently.  Although I am surrounded by wonderful Sangat so much, I feel mentally wrecked, Auntie.  I don’t know why, but I really need help.

Please respond as soon as possible, and I hope we can talk about this at Toronto if I am able to go.

Thank You for you time.

Dhan Guru Nanak

N

Dear N,

Same response as the one above for B.

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

Dhan Guru Nanak Dhan Guru nanak
 
First and foremost, wishing you a very very Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas! Hope you had a wonderful Diwali & hope all is well. I meant to email you yesterday. Yesterday when I was wishing family and friends for Diwali, I randomly decided to search up “Diwali quotes” and came across a beautiful one, which I really loved! The moment I read it…it didn’t remind me of Diwali but rather the first thing that came to my mind was Gurbani & Bauji. The quote reminded me so much about what Gurbani tells us and about Bauji. Thus, I wanted to share it with you! The quote is as follows…..
 
Fill the Heart with the oil of Love.
Place in it the wick of single-pointed mind.
Light it with the Knowledge of Truth and remove
the darkness of ignorance around you.
Just as one lamp can light many lamps; .
let each youth kindle this Light in many hearts. 

 
It reminded me of how Bauji always reiterated the importance of Love & how he himself was an embodiment of love…how he filled everyone’s hearts with love & wanted us to fill our hearts with the Love of God. Love for all…Malice towards none! “Place it in the wick of single pointed-mind” …reminded me of meditating and vibrating with single-minded love on the One Word “Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru” and try to concentrate only on the Simran of Waheguru….also reminded me of “Merae man har bhaj sadha eik rang”
 
Then, “light it with the Knowledge of Truth”…reminded me of how Gurbani tells us to practice Truth and to live a truthful living as it is higher living. The knowledge of Truth which can only be blessed through Guru ji’s kirpa and grace…the Truth that is implanted within…and reminded me of Bauji’s lekh “Divine Love” where he beautifully talks about Divine Truth…Universal Truth of Divine Naam and Love, where the darkness of ignorance is removed with understanding bestowed from Waheguru ji.
 
This lovingly also reminded me of our pyaraeee pyaraeee Bauji as he being an illuminated soul reminded me of a lamp, that lit many other lamps and enlightened them with his beautiful lekhs, Gurbani, Nanak love, and Saadhsangat! Dhan Guru Nanak da shukarrrr hai! And then…Bauji, as he lovingly lit other lamps, he helped to kindle and awaken the Light in many many hearts! Dhan Guru Nanak!!!
 
As soon as I read that quote, this is what came to my mind and I immediately felt like sharing it with you because you are my inspiration. Every time I come to your Kids class, I learn so much that I don’t feel like leaving because that is the type of knowledge I need on this spiritual journey. Beautiful Saadhsangat uplifts my soul & truly makes me happy! So, I thank you soooooooooo much for that! Even thank you isn’t enough.
 
Wow, I seem to have written a lot.
 
Also, 3 other Gurbani lines that we can add to our “Things to Do” List are…
 
1.) Mitha bolehi niv chalehi – “Her speech is sweet, and her way of life is humble.” 
     – Always speak sweetly with kindness and remain humble 
 
2.) Sath santhook dhayaa kamaavai
     – Practice truth, contentment and kindness
 
3.) Man kee math thiaagahu
     – Renounce the intellectual cleverness of your mind
 
Did you make a poster for this last class with the kids? If not, I can write them out on chart paper and bring them to Montreal samagam. Let me know & it shall be done =)
 
With lots and lotssss of lovely Nanak Love,
MK

 

Thank you for the Diwali greetings – I wish you and all your family a Happy Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas too. The quote is indeed so meaningful.

It reminded me of Bauji right away – were you in the class when i told them about how bauji used to tell us – jot seh jot jagateh chalo, prem kee ganga bahateh chalo – it’s an old song – but it has entrenched itself in my heart, and when ever i see any candles and flames it comes to my mind. 

one lamp can light many lamps – vavavavava

The quote also reminds me of Bauji when he mentioned the story of the village lady called “bobee” – the keeper of the village fire -whenever anyone’s fire extinguishes, they go to her to get it back- do you know this story? And of course there are several shabads that talk about “divas” – “lights” .

I love this line: Light it with the Knowledge of Truth and remove  the darkness of ignorance around you – this is what gurbani tells us all the time.- gur sakhi jot jagaee…

You – MK – are Bauji’s flame! 

I can see it in your loving ways. Bauji, was (is) an embodiment of love – he infected all who love him with this love. We are indeed so very blessed.

Thank you a thousandfold for taking time to send me this quote – shabash – you have made so many beautiful connections.

I loved all the sweet nanak love you sent my way – it made my day even better:)

Dhan dhan sat sangat

Guru ang sang – sadha sadha

With Nanak Love

Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak

Awww thank you so so so much for the Nanak love you have sent me in your email! As soon as I read it, I felt so much love…such warmth of Guru Nanak’s love that I thank you from the depths of my heart. Aww no no please don’t thank me…I’m just very glad that you also loved the quote as much as I did and how beautifully you related it to Gurbani and it instantly reminded you of Bauji! This is the exact reason why I sent it you. You are the first person that came to my mind to share this quote with because I knew it would remind you our beloved Bauji too =)

Haanji I was in that class when you told us – jot seh jot jagateh chalo, prem kee ganga bahateh chalo – wow thank you for reminding me about that. It is so beautiful how Bauji has said that.

The story of the village lady called “bobee”? Nahi ji I do not know that story but would surely love to hear it! Haanji there are many wonderful shabads that talk about “divas” and “lights” – in fact we ourselves are the embodiment of Divine Light – Man thoo jot saroop hai apnaa mool pashan – but to recognize it within ourselves is very difficult. Well I speak for myself…not anyone else. You know, I really love this Gurbani line but at the same time have questioned it many times too. If everything is inside of us and we have that Divine Light within us that we all search for, how can we truly recognize it within ourselevs? At many times I would get so frustrated or sad because I didn’t understand this beautiful Gurbani line and it was just so hard to become an introvert (antarmukhi as Bauji says)…but have realized that everything falls into place (slowly with Sehaj) and understanding comes with Waheguru ji’s kirpa when we do more simran of Gurmantar…Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru! Hopefully, Waheguru ji shall make me understand one day  

Awwww so sweet of you to say! So very very sweet! When I read that…it brought tears to my eyes. That is too beautiful of a thing that you have said…too beautiful for me. Haanji we are soooooo blessed beyond belief to be a part of Guru Nanak’s loving family!

Bhaout sara pyaraaaa Nanak pyar for you pyareo!
Love you
MK

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

DGN

WJKK WJKF

After a great samgam, I had a couple questions, and when I was thinking about them, I realized, who else better to ask them to than you.  So here are a couple questions, and when you have free time, if you could just answer them, that would be greatly appreciated.

1.) When I was doing simran on Sunday morning at the samgam, I was having a little trouble concentrating.  This was the first simran in which my mind was really focused all on Waheguru, but then I would have a sub thought while singing Waheguru, like, “Wow.  I’m actually concentrating”, and then I would tell myself that I wasn’t concentrating on Waheguru anymore, I was just thinking about how I had had a sub- thought about concentrating on Waheguru.  How would I be able to stop the sub- thoughts?

2.)  I feel like there is always a mental aspect to everything.  If you have cancer, but you tell yourself that you don’t, your cancer will go away.  If you are hurt, but tell yourself that you feel no pain, you will not feel any pain.  Like this, yesterday, I had a post- samgam, upset stomach:)  I decided to give my mental aspect a try.  I kept telling my self, your stomach doesn’t hurt, it’s nothing.  But then again, a sub- thought came into my head, while I was telling myself that I wasn’t sick, and I said,” Although I’m telling myself something else, something else, in reality, my stomach does hurt, and there’s no mental way to fix it.  I got better with Tums, but I thought about what had happened, and this little incident, is something that could really help me in the future.  How can I get myself to believe the stuff I tell my self?

Very confusing they are, but I hope you can help me out a bit.  Thank you so much for your time and effort that you spend answering questions like mine to help all of this beautiful Sadh Sangat toward the path of Guru Nanak. 

Thank You

NS

Dear NS,

WJKK WJKF

DGN DGN DGN

It was indeed a great smagam – came back feeling greatly refreshed, charged and rejuvenated. Shukar hai.

Your questions are very valid. I will try to answer them always keeping in mind what Bauji has said in his lekhs about these things.

1.)  When I was doing simran on Sunday morning at the samgam, I was having a little trouble concentrating.  This was the first simran in which my mind was really focused all on Waheguru, but then I would have a sub thought while singing Waheguru, like, “Wow.  I’m actually concentrating”, and then I would tell myself that I wasn’t concentrating on Waheguru anymore, I was just thinking about how I had had a sub- thought about concentrating on Waheguru.  How would I be able to stop the sub- thoughts?

In his lekh – The Power of Thoughts – BAuji explains that although egoistic thoughts may arise, they themselves have no power until we activate them by dwelling on them. The more we think about them the more strength they gain. So if a sub thought such as the one you describe ‘pops’ up – disregard it. It will go away. Just bring your mind back to the word ‘waheguru’ and if the thought persists, say waheguru loudly or immediately replace it with a prayer to Guru Nanak and place this thought at His Divine feet ( read the previous 2 blogs on prayer too). So the key point here is – not to worry (think) about them. Replace the thought. Supressed thoughts will arise again and again but if you replace every negative thought with a positive one then they have no power in them.

2.)  I feel like there is always a mental aspect to everything.  If you have cancer, but you tell yourself that you don’t, your cancer will go away.  If you are hurt, but tell yourself that you feel no pain, you will not feel any pain.  Like this, yesterday, I had a post- samgam, upset stomach:)  I decided to give my mental aspect a try.  I kept telling my self, your stomach doesn’t hurt, it’s nothing.  But then again, a sub- thought came into my head, while I was telling myself that I wasn’t sick, and I said,”  Although I’m telling myself something else, something else, in reality, my stomach does hurt, and there’s no mental way to fix it.  I got better with Tums, but I thought about what had happened, and this little incident, is something that could really help me in the future.  How can I get myself to believe the stuff I tell my self?

You are very right. Everything that appears or manifests in our life, whether it is physical (disease,pain etc) or mental is a direct result of our previous thoughts. That is why we have to watch them at all times. Your recognition of this and your efforts to apply the power of thoughts antidote is to be applauded. Shukar hai, that you have this awareness. However the reasons why it did not work may be multifold: 1. You are still at a very beginning stage of practicing the power of thoughts. Remember results don’t come overnight. We have to practice and practice (plant the seeds) until they begin to sprout and eventually flower. The process is slow but sure. 2. The stomach ache was a manifestation of something you had thought or done much earlier so it could not be diverted. However, when such a thing happens – think carefully of what may have brought it on – stress, worry, food etc – it is there to ask you to stop, pause and think. That’s all. It is there to teach us a lesson. If you learn it it will go away otherwise it will come back either in the same manner or another form – let’s say a headache for example.

So N, do continue your concentration and if the sub thoughts arise try to disregard the, If it doesn’t happen right away don’t give them a second thought. Let the thought come and pass. Smile at it and say ‘thanks’ but ‘no thanks’. This is only the beginning – many other things will appear, because maya changes its forms to confuse us, but always remember that your Guru is more powerful.

I hope that this has helped in a small way. If I can be of any help please don’t ever hesitate to ask.

Guru ang sang

With warm nanak luv

DGN

DGN

DGN

These answers were very, very helpful.  Thank You so much. Sorry for the late response, but anyways, I have started reading Power of Thoughts, but understanding it is a whole new thing.  I only want to understand each paragraph at a time, so basically, I have another question.  What do you think vibrations are?  And how do they relate to doing Simran and Kirtan?

Again Thank You for the very helpful answers, and may we keep smiling!!!

Ps Oh, and the explanation was just perfect.  Not to hard to understand, but not to simple either.  Thanks again!!

DGN

NS

Hi NS,

My turn to apologize for the late response – sorry just been a little busy.

That’s all that is needed – a small baby step at a time – read the Power of Thoughts – slowly – as you read with the desire to understand, the universe will bend backwards to try and send you the understanding.

So what do i think vibrations are? – Hmmm…. Bauji uses a scientific model to explain these. 

Everything within us and without us is made up of particles of matter – carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. 

These particles can be broken down into  atoms and then even smaller particles within. They are all in constant motion thus causing  – vibrating Energy.

Our consciousness is capable of effecting change upon the vibrations of Energy.

Imagine your conscious thought like still water (not always easy), then add a thought to that stillness and you will find a ripple.

I think vibration is a type of living energy. Creative thoughts, feelings & actions raise life-promoting energy. Kirtan and Simran and the aura of sangat (which has enlightened souls who are at higher vibrational energies) can raise our vibrational energy.

We vibrate at very low energy frequency, while divine consciousness (universe/god) vibrates at a very high frequency. 

So the higher the energy level  the closer we feel to god. So vibrations give us feelings. When we are at a lower energy level we have negative feelings – envy, jealousy, anger, complains etc. When we are at a higher energy we fell shukar, gratefulness, joy. peace, love etc.

 Listening to gurbani (kirtan,simran) and engaging with it sincerely makes us concentrate on the higher level energies.

I hope this helps. I am not sure how old you are – if this is too complicated let me know. If it is too simple let me know. I will try to explain better.

May you vibrate at the higher frequencies (may you feel the presence of god) 

Lots of Love

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

ਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕਧਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ

 

7 thoughts on “Questions and Answers

  1. Question:
    This is a very simple question that I wish to ask a larger, knowledgeable crowd to avoid offending anybody in the future.

    What is the most appropriate response when one praise (complements) your keertan?

    Up to this point, I simply smile, which I believe is not polite, as far as I know.

    I have read the article on this topic, however, I want to clarify the appropriate response, preferably in Punjabi and English.

    Or maybe tell me I’m overthinking the situation.
    I’m not entirely sure.
    ~~
    ਧੰਨ ਧੰਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ
    ~~

  2. Waheguru ji ka khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh ji

    Dhan Guru Nanak, Dhan Guru Nanak, Dhan Guru Nanak _/\_

    I am writing about something I think others may have felt at some point as well. Sometimes, especially after attending a samagam, I feel a lack of motivation to study or work. I just feel like its useless, I would rather spend time listening to kirtan or doing paat or reading a lekh. I know these are the things I should do with my time. As gurbani says, remembering HIM is what we are born for. So how can I find motivation to move away from that and focus on studying.

    I would appreciate any thoughts or helpful suggestions.

    Dhan Guru Nanak waheguru ji 🙂

  3. Hi, I was reading a post on “Kaam” from the month of May, I believe. And I stumbled upon something which made me wonder. How does one wait for his true soul mate? In that discussion you have mention, “If you have chosen the spiritual path and you are serious about meeting your Divine Lover, your Beloved, then wait for Love – your true soul mate. This lover will not take you away from God but only towards Him.” My question is that, does one make any effort at all? If not, does he allow his parents to choose his life partner (arrange marriage)? As helpful as that post was, this was a question I wondered upon. I hope to hear from you soon, and any replies/comments by my fellow sangatees are strongly encouraged. Dhan Guru Nanak!

    • Our only effort is to be aware & awake. To be conscious of our thoughts as much as possible so that when any of the five thieves (kaam, krodh, lob, moh, hankar,) and their hidden armies (see each individual posts) are in the arena we recognize them in their disguise. When we consciously try to make this effort (which is really minuscule on our part) with His Grace we are pulled out of the quagmire of maya.

      Parents are our God appointed material world guides who nurture us through our childhood, adolescence and youth. This is a time when we are still learning to stand up on our own two feet (literally and spiritually). When parents allow their children space to grow they not only walk, but they (the children) learn to run and fly.
      There are two gifts that parents can give their children:
      Roots so that they feel grounded in love but also Wings so that they can fly (freedom to learn to be) and become the best they can be.
      So even if a marriage partner is being chosen for you they will hopefully respect your choice and feelings. If not, then you will have to have enough courage to let them know.
      Dhan Guru Nanak

  4. Dhan Guru Nanak ….. Dhan Guru Nanak Jio….

    Don’t have words to express the feeling every time i experience in and after Sangat because its always been new. Feelings changed with time and impacted differently every time.

    On reading one of the blog posted it was difficult to understand the difference between “Self Esteem” and “Egoistic Consciousness”.

    From dictionary- Self Esteem means “confidence in one’s own worth or abilities or self-respect”

    Wherever we talk about self confidence/ Self respect it gives a feel that we are separating our self from GOD. Because Self confidence/ Self respect comes from a feeling of “I CAN DO IT/ Meri Izzat Barkarar Rahe”.

    Nothing is that we are doing, its all happening to us in the Will of Dhan Guru Nanak. including the inner motivations that we get for doing all good things.

    Please Help understand this point.

    • Anonymous on August 8, 2015 at 9:59 am said: Edit
      Egoistic consciousness is when we believe that “I” am doing something.This leads to feelings of anger, frustration, irritation, hurt, betrayal, jealousy etc. When any of these feelings are present and something does not go the way “You” want it to go then EGO is on the field.
      Self Esteem is the feeling that you can do anything because you recognize that the “you” is not really “you” but the infinite power that resides in you. All you have to do is become consciously aware that it is the big “I” (God) and not the little “I” (you) that is the source. When something does not go your way, then instead of frustration you will become more determined because you know that it was God’s will and you bow before it and keep going.
      Dhan Guru Nanak!!!!

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