Raas 5th , Adaiy 42nd
Tulsia , Dargah , takhtu Dheer , and Tirith Uppal got to together with mansha {heart’s desire} to meet Guru Ji. {1}
They did bandana {paying respect} and sat near Guru Ji. They did benti {humble request} with clasped hands , “Heh sachay Patshah {true king}! We listen to the arth {meanings/interpretations} which are done by anek {many} Sikhs.” {2}
Even after listening ,the mann {mind} does not become shant {peaceful} , the birti {concentration} wanders from place to place and does not remain sathir {focused}. Nivla and Nihalu both do Katha.” {3}
“After listening to their Katha we become frightened about vicar {sins} , bahedi budhi {bad thoughts} are removed from the heart. Chit {mind} attaches to Gurmat {Guru’s teachings}. Anek {many} gunn {good attributes} arise in the hirda {heart}.” {4}
Upon hearing this , Sri Hargobind Ji said “the Shabad of Satguru is mahan {great} like Amrit {sweet nectar}. The bulara {speaker/preacher} has fourteen gunn {attributes} , many achieve gyan {knowledge} by listening to them.” {5}
“In the same way the sarota {listener/audience} too has fourteen gunn {attributes} , they listen and turt {quickly} obtain gyan. If both lack the fourteen gunn then turt {quickly} gyan {knowledge} cannot be acquired.” {6}
“If all the gunn {attributes} are present in the vakta {speaker/preacher} then the listeners too will obtain these gunn {attributes}.” Then they started to ask Guru Ji , “please impart the knowledge regarding these gunn {attributes}.” {7}
“Consider us yours and show mercy on us , please describe in depth the differences.” Then Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji stated , “listen all the Sikhs dharan karoh {act upon it}.” {8}
“The first changa vakta {good speaker} is the one whose avaz {voice} and bani {words} are sundar {pleasant} , has knowledge of the subject , speaks loudly enough to be heard but not more than that , only speaks according to the subject matter.” {9}
“The second gunn {attribute} is that the speaker should be aware of visthar {depth} and sankoch {where it ends}. Should see where the saresht rass {point of interest} lies. When the concentration of the audience is captivated , then do the arth {meanings/translations} in depth.” {10}
“Wherever the birti {concentration} is udas {unfocused} , only speak in sankhep {brief} there. Should have the ability to make the katha rauchik {interesting} , consider this the fourth gunn {attribute} of the vakta {speaker}.” {11}
“Should speak in a sweet voice that pleases all. The fifth gunn {attribute} is that the words spoken should be sachay {truthful} which are imbued with upashna {devotion} and gyan {wisdom/knowledge}.” {12}
“The sidhant {core/central theme} of the shabad should be spoken of , the arth should be done with nirna {logic/rationality}. The sixth gunn is that shanka {doubt} should be removed , the answers should be known if someone asks any questions.” {13}
“The sakhi {story} example should coincide with the ashah {direction} of the shabad. In a way which the listener can easily comprehend. It should be portrayed in that way.” {14}
“The seventh attribute is that they should be proficient in all matt {religions/philosophy etc.}, should know the contents of shaastars {ancient Indian religious text}. The eight attribute is that they should not do vikhaep {incompatibility} in katha , the story being told should reflect the core/central theme of the Shabad. Stay within the boundary of the shabad.” {15}
"They should understand the fundamental principles of the other faiths before discussing them. The ninth is "Avingh" , sit up straight and keep the mind focused." {16}
"The tenth attribute is that the speaker should have the ability to please the hearts of the sarotay {listeners}. As the audience listen they should be captivated , in this way attract the sabah {congregation/gathering}." {17}
"The eleventh attribute is that the speaker should be able to mohit {attract in a magnetic way} the audience , should win them over. The audience should become keen and eager, listening with fervour. Their ears and eyes should be drawn to the speaker. They should be eager to find out what he's going to say next, what will be the next words etc.? {18}
"The twelfth attribute is that the speaker should be without hankar {ego}, removes all ego from the heart and keeps his heart mind the humblest of all. Should not hurt anyone's feelings by considering that he is above or better than others." {19}
"The thirteenth attribute is that the speaker should be of a theology nature , should practise what he preaches. The fourteenth attribute is that he should be santokhi {patient}, just accepts what he is given and considers that to be his bhaag {fortune}." {20}
"Should accept what they are given with happiness and consider that without asking for anything the gift that is given is akin to Amrit {sweet nectar}. Should have no desires for additional goods, just use what is given." {21}
These are the fourteen gunn {attributes} of a good vakta {speaker}. The listener {sarota} will acquire these attributes too. Now listen to the attributes of the sarota {listener}. The first gunn {attribute} is that they should be the bhagat {devotee} of the good knowledge being imparted by the speaker." {22}
Note:- The arth {meanings} of the fourteen gunn {attributes} are as follows; 1. Vaghmy {speaks in a pleasant and coherent manner}. 2. Vyas {have the ability to convey the subject in depth}. 3. Samas vutt {being concise when needed}. 4. Prya katha prastav {speaking interestingly}. 5. Sapasht vak {speaking clearly and coherently}. 6. Sandeh shidr {be able to remove any doubts}. 7. Ashek Shastar kushl {have knowledge of all the shaashtars}. 8. Nakyaht vikaep krit {keeping the katha consistent with the core/central theme}. 9. Avyango {Sitting up straight}. 10. Jan ranjko {please the hearts of the listeners}. 11. Jit sabho {having an attracting influence on the audience i.e. winning them over}. 12. Na hankrto {without ego}. 13. Dharmiko {practice what you preach}. 14. Santokhi {non-greedy}.
"The mann {mind} should be free of hankar {ego} , should realise that I am doing a big seva. Thirdly there should be an eagerness to listen, do not make the mind uchat {impatient}." {23}
"Fourthly do not attempt to outsmart the speaker. Fifthly should be able to comprehend the arth {meanings} given by the orator." {24}
"Sixthly they should know how to ask a prashan {question}, seventh they should listen very attentively to the Granth. Eight do not be in a alass {tired/lazy} state. Ninth keep the sleep in control." {25}
"Tenth absorb the katha in the hirda {heart}, whatever you possess share with others. If the subject matter is in accordance with Guru Sidanth {Guru Ji's core/central message} then listen to it in a shant {peaceful} manner." {26}
"If it is ult {against} Guru Sidhant {core/central theme} then do the tiagh {rejection} of such. Thirteenth maintain sucham {cleaniness} of the tann {body}. Fourteenth do the tiagh {rejection} of all pakhand {falsehoods}, keep the mann {mind} attached at all times to the Prabhu's {Waheguru Ji's} shabad. Listening in this way will give rise to Anhad Naadh." {27}
"The vakta {orator} and sarota {listener} can both obtain gyan in this manner. Whosoever adopts these lashan {characteristics}, that Sikh becomes Nihal {blissfuuly satisfied}." {28}
"Always do the sangat {company} of this Sikh , you too will acquire these attributes. Listen to sundar {beautiful} katha {preaching} from their mukh {mouth} , then why won't you achieve mukti {liberation} [rhetorical question]." {29}
Everybody became ecstatic by hearing this from Guru Ji, they adopted all of the characteristics. Kishna Janju and Pammu Poori both came to the hazoor {presence} of Sri Hargobind. {30}
After bandana {paying respect} they spoke "hey gareeb nivaz {bestows glory to the poor} please do our udhar {salvation}." Sri Guru Ji gave updesh {divine guidance}, in kalyug {this era} the Naam of Prabhu {Waheguru's Name} is the big Jahaz {ship}." {31}
"After reading Shabad do abyhas {put into practice}, climb aboard the Sukha di poonji {abundance of happiness} Jahaz {ship} of Naam {Waheguru Simran}." Upon hearing this they both said "one Sikh adopts reading listening." {32}
"Does the tiagh {rejection} of khotay {bad} karam {actions/deeds}. One adopts vikar {vices} after reading. Creates immense virodh {opposition} between them. Does not let go of krodh {anger} just as a line drawn in a rock remains persistent." {33}
"Adopts hankar {ego } in the hirda {heart} that we are big. The mann {mind} becomes trapped in the chikadh {quicksand} of kaam {lust} and lobh {greed}. How will they attain saresht padhvi {superior status}?, please do kirpa {mercy} and tell us." {34}
"Upon hearing this Guru Ji remarked "Shabdh is the only udhar {saviour} for everyone. In time kalyan {liberation} is attained by whosoever reads/listens by taking it to the dil {heart} i.e. attentively." {35}
"If a manukh {man/woman} is trapped in gyan bandan {trap of knowledge} then no one can do their kalyan {liberation}. If agyani {not trapped by knowledge} listens to the shabad then all their paap {sins} are removed." {36}
"Further along they attain Jagyasa {spiritual awakening}, with abyhas {practise} sukhala {easily} gyan is obtained. The bhagti {devotion} of bhagats {devotees} becomes dridh {stronger}. The gyani {trapped in knowledge alone} become stuck in gyan {trap of knowledge alone}." {37}
"The person who reads for ego, commits vikar {sins} secretly. They do not have nischa {belief/faith} in obtaining gyan {knowledge} , but call themselves gyani {knowledgeable} in public." {38}
"The hankari {egoistic} does not engage in Satsang {truth congregation}. Only adopts status and materialism in the mann {mind}. They never achieve gyan {knowledge}, how will they obtain maan {honour} in Dargah {Waheguru's court} [rhetorical question]." {39}
"Those who desire to go to Sri Amritsar but don't know the way will ask for directions. Agyani will take ishnan {bathing} there too, they acquire mahan {great} sangat {gathering}." {40}
"They come to do ishnan {bathing} in Amritsar. They are accompanied by anjan {unknown} too who join them. In this way the Jagyasi {spiritual awoken} arrives there. Receives Anand {bliss} after ishnan {bathing}." {41}
"The gyani {knowledgeable} who knows the way very well, reaches there whenever their mind desires. The one who knows the way and has seen it but takes a different direction." {42}
"Goes in the ult {opposite} direction of Amritsar, does not listen to anyone. Has hankar {ego} in the hirda {heart} that I know the way. Has faltered and does not recognise the heart." {43}
"In the same way those who don't ask Sants, think that we have read everything, those Ghumandhy {highly egoistic} do not do Satsangat {true gathering}. They will never become Brahm-Gyani {having divine knowledge}." {44}
Whatever Guru Ji said all the Sikhs listened, they adopted sharda {utmost faith} and engaged in it in a very humble manner. Thingan and Madhu were both tirkan {carpenters}, they were very competent in their work. {45}
They stayed with Guru Ji , always cutting firewood for the langar. They made many manjay {beds} and chaunkia {low stools} and then placed them in Satguru Ji's abode. {46}
Even if another Sikh required any carpentry they would happily oblige. They would abandon everything in order to listen to Katha , Kirtan , and Shabad with great love. {47}
They would become savdhan {alert and ready} at pishli raat {amrit vela}. First they would do ishnan {bathing} themselves but retrieving water from the kooh {well} and then they would fetch water for the other Sikhs to do ishnan {bathing}. They would place their liv {concentration} in Satguru day and night. {48}
When their antt sama {final time} arrived they first did ishnan {bathing} in the Amrit Sarovar, whatever goods they possessed they distributed them by hand to all the poor and needy."{49}
They didn't abandon Waheguru Simran , did not lose concentration on Guru Ji. When the Sikhs took them to the chita {funeral pyre}, Sri Guru Hargobind Ji also arrived there.{50}
They cremated with their own hands. Afterwards Guru Ji told the sangat that"these two Sikhs were the reincarnation of Null and Neel {from Satyug during Sri Ram Chandar's era}, they once requested." {51}
"Please impart bhagti {devotion} to us so that we can have Brahm-Gyan {divine knowledge} and infuse ourselves in mahan {great} Anand {bliss}. At that time we said a bachan {divine words}, your kamana {heart's desire} will be fulfilled and you will become nihal {immensley satisfied}." {52}
"Now they did the kamaiee {practise} of the Satguru's shabad, and even after attaining Brahm-Gyan no one recognised them. They attained Abchall Padhvi {eternal bliss} and lost all the karam phall {deeds fruition}." {53}
Upon hearing this all the Sikhs were awe struck, as they said "your gatt mitt {philosophy/greatness} cannot be comprehended. No one can know your complete mehma {greatness}, the likes of which is ujjagar {lightened up} in the three worlds." {54}
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Dear Mokham Singh,
ReplyDeleteYou have done a marvelous and very long awaited sewa for the Panth. Hope Guru Ji bless you with His glimpse to continue this sewa. Keep it up.
Regards,
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy (Malaysia)