Who is a Non-believer: per Gurbani
ਤਿਸੁ ਸਿਉ ਬੇਮੁਖੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਦੀਨਾ ॥ ਕੋਟਿ ਜਨਮ ਭਰਮਹਿ ਬਹੁ ਜੂਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਸਾਕਤ ਕੀ ਐਸੀ ਹੈ ਰੀਤਿ ॥ ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰੈ ਸਗਲ ਬਿਪਰੀਤਿ ॥੨॥
ਜੀਉ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਧਾਰਿਆ ॥ਸੋਈ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਮਨਹੁ ਬਿਸਾਰਿਆ ॥੩॥
Above Panktis outline the definition of Sakat, a non –believer. A non-believer is one whose understanding cannot comprehend that the Body and soul are given by Omnipresent God. Further, a non believer takes birth and dies numerous times and whatever a non believer does is the opposite to the will of the creator. A non-believer cannot comprehend that when the Soul was given breath, it wore mind and body. Furthermost, a non-believer does not know what is mine, is not me. Body, Mind and breath are mine, but I am not these.
This article relies on Gurbani to clarify the fundamentals for those seeking salvation from all sufferings of the past and future.
Without clear fundamentals, it is similar to taking first step towards South, whereas the destination is in the North. No matter how many steps one might take in wrong direction, the output is null. Let us explore the supreme path
Let us explore the path by refering to a pankti from Gurbani.
ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
Sikhi Sikhea: Sikhi is the process of learning. Remember learning is an activity of the mind, body is a mere tool. Mind has no form, neither mind is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or else. Gurbani is universal. What is true is universal. A learner has the ability to learn. Ability to learn stems from letting go of all beliefs, hearsay and non-authenticated information and become empty to receive. For a learner, Gurbani is the authentifier, Guru authentifies information, if we follow Guru. Guru in this context is Gurbani.
Gur Vichar: This can be interpreted in two ways.
First meaning is to give your perspective (vichar) about Gurbani. The end product is accolades, saropas, recognition from others, or other riches of the world. Conflict is another product of this form of Gur Vichar, as it creates divisiveness and conflict.
This is not the path to salvation (if one is seeking) as it does not banish Haume (Ego).
The other meaning of Gur Vichar is to drop your knowing and embrace Gur-Vichar to become the embodiment of Gurbani, to dissolve oneself in Guru, whereby no difference remain between you and Guru. For this blessing, one has to take Vichar from guru.
Example,
ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥.
Guru’s vichar says, O Mind, you are Jot saroop. Whereas, Mind says that I was born and I will die. In saying so, the mind believes that I am this physical body, without physical body, I will die. This is an illusion, Maya. Therefore, you are maya.
Guru Vichar is “you are jot, you have to realize your essence”.
Guru’s vichar is, “you exist with and without body, mind and breath”.
ਜੀਉ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ ਜਿਨਿ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਧਾਰਿਆ ॥.
You are Jio/Jot, you are given this breath and you are bearing, mind and phsyical body.
Now, let us get to the fun part. This is call for action. Let us do this simple exercise.
Ask your mind, “Are you the one that exists with and without body, mind and breath? Are you the one that is neither born, nor it dies?”
Don’t be startled to find, that you follow your mind. Mind will say, there is birth and there is death. If you have taken birth, the reason is you have followed the mind in past. In fact, birth is result of Manmukhta. Though, here in lies a great opportunity for you to avail. The opportunity to change direction, and become Guru Wala.
Until next time, complete self check, be honest with youself, acknowledge to write the most awesome chapter with Guru’s grace combined with commitment and personal effort.
