THE ETERNAL DILEMMA.

Like a traveller on the brink of the awesome ocean before undertaking his voyage, a jivatma is overwhelmed by the ultimate goal, liberation, which is believed to be his birthright. In his case, neither the distance to the destination nor the time to be taken to reach it can be guessed. But there are many options with regard to the mode of travel and also the possibility of seeking help and advice from co-travellers. Chasing the finite pleasures of this world which are attractive is known as choosing the path of Preyas. These are different in different people. The goals keep changing in an individual during one's lifetime. What seems attractive at one point of time is likely to sour in the course of time and new goals are pursued. The chase for this elusive happiness continues in every birth. But choosing to ignore the pleasures and attractions of the world and be determined to seek permanent release is known as the path of Sreyas which leads to freedom from the cycle of birth. Only a refined mind that is convinced about the ultimate goal and is steadfast to attain it can tread the path of Sreyas.

Nachiketas exemplifies the significance of detachment in all its fullness and only longs to gain the knowledge of what lies beyond death. Yama tempts him all the pleasures that men most desire - mighty kingdom, horses, chariots, celestial maidens, song and dance, etc. But Nachiketas turns his back on the desire for all these which he knows are ephemeral. He wishes to seek the knowledge of what confers immortality. He has internalised the basic lesson taught in the scriptures that 'there is no happiness in the finite and that the Infinite alone is the abode of happiness'.

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-  

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ARJAN DEV AND THE GURU GRANTH SAHIB.

Guru Arjan Dev is the fifth in the line of Sikh masters, starting from Guru Nanak Dev. The construction of Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar, the compilation of the Adi Granth, the establishment and development of new townships, the extension and consolation of the Sikh faith and sacrifice of his own life for a righteous cause are some of his exemplary achievements. The Golden Temple at Amritsar is an immortal tribute to his superb genius. The Guru Granth Sahib, which has been accorded the unique honour of 'Guru' in Sikh circles, was compiled and edited by Guru Arjan Dev and it continues to command the reverance of generations of countless disciples everywhere. The scripture is an invaluable treasure of Indian spirituality, culture, literature and language.

The company that Arjan Dev enjoyed from his early days consisted, apart from near relatives, Bhai Guru Das, a nephew of Guru Amar Das. His unique personality was the result of his own genius which evolved and flowered in the suitable atmosphere around him. An in-depth study of spiritual and philosophical literature gave a fillip to his scholarly attitude. Guru Arjan Dev not only undertook to study spirituality, but he also examined and evaluated the message of spirituality. He led his life in the tradition of Nanak Bani and supported it with the strength of his genius. Its most outstanding example is the compilation of the Adi Granth.

The establishment of townships, construction of the Harmandir, pools, baolies and wells - all these projects required a steady flow of money. In order to meet this requirement, another plan was mooted that proved highly successful. This was the custom of Daswandh - one-tenth contribution of one's income served to organise and unite the Sikh people. Jahangir, who ascended the Mughal throne during the lifetime of Guru Arjan Dev, in his 'Tuzaki-i-Jahangir' - in reference to the Goindval settlement of the Guru - makes a mention of the Guru in terms of 'Pir' and 'Sheikh' and presents him as leader of Hindus and Muslims. But Sheikh Ahmed Srihindi calls the Guru a qafir of Goindval and expresses happiness at his martyrdom.

On the other hand, people in close contact with the Guru and his followers have expressed their highest regard and respect for his genius and spirituality. Bhai Guru Das rates him as the 'loftiest light', the true creator, the transcendent knower and a being beyond the reach of human intellect and language. Bhai Guru Das had watched Arjan Dev from close quarters, and he had assisted in the compilation of the Adi Granth. In Bhai Guru Das's estimation, Guru Arjan was a great hero who did not fall short of Mahabharata's Arjuna or Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna in terms of spiritual heights.

Inshort, we can say that Guru Arjan Dev was not only the compiler and editor of the Adi Granth but an apostle. He promoted social equality, because he not only included the sayings and verses of the four Gurus and his own, but gave the same respect and regard to the Bani and verses of several other saints and sevaks. In his view, all men are equal because the spiritual jyoti (light) of Almighty God shines in every heart.

[Based on an article written by Balbir Singh Bhasin, published in The Speaking Tree column of Times of India dated 20th July, 2017 (Thursday)].

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GURU TEGH BAHADUR: 'HIND DI CHADAR'.

There was a fiery storm and a boat carrying expensive goods was shaking like a feather. Makkan Shah, a wealthy trader and a devout Sikh, fearing a huge loss, prayed and vowed that if he reached the port safely, he would make an offering of 500 gold mohars to the Guru. When his prayer was answered, he travelled to Bakala to meet the Guru. The next Guru was not yet discovered and the eighth Guru had only given an indication that "Baba Bakale" (Guru is at Bakala) before he breathed his last. When Makkan Shah reached Bakala, to his astonishment, he found 22 different sadhus claiming to be the next Guru. In order to discover the true Guru, Makkan Shah visited all the sadhus one by one and made an offering of two gold mohars, hoping that it would be noticed by the real guru. When he had lost hope, he was informed of one holy man who was confined to his room and absorbed in meditation. Makkan Shah went there, bowed and placed two gold mohars. Guru Tegh Bahadur blessed him but also reminded him of his promise of 500 mohars. Makkan Shah's happiness knew no bounds. He was so delighted that he ran upstairs and shouted from the roof, "Guru ladho re, guru ladho re" (I have found the guru, I have found the guru).

Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was born at Amritsar in 1621 in the month of April. As per the great Sikh tradition of Sant-Sipahi (saint-soldier), he was given the training of archery and horsemanship by Bhai Buddha and BhaiGurdas guided him in the religious knowledge. Guru Tegh Bahadur was a person of soft, contemplative and compassionate nature who regarded "forgiveness" as a way of liberation and the greatest pilgrimage. The Guru proclaims, "Forgiveness is the austerity most meritorious; forgiveness is the best of charities. Forgiveness is equivalent to all liberation...Forgiveness you must learn".

No wonder, Guru Tegh Bahadur is known as "Hind di Chadar".

[Based on an article written by Kulbir Kaur, lecturer of Sociology at Shyam Prasad Mukherji College, Delhi University, published in Deccan Chronicle].

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