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Talking Stick

The Ideal Man and Woman:
The Talking Stick Colloquium # 92

Convenor: AMRIT KAUR

 

 

 

Though I’ve been born into Sikhi, it is with each passing day that I become more enamoured by its beautiful simplicity.

It excites me like school and university have always done to me. Each day brings something new. And the ultimate goal is always within sight, always reachable.

And when you reach it, it empowers you to reach for even greater heights.

The regimen required is always one of discipline, but it’s never herculean. It’s always do-able. 

The map is easy to read, easy to follow. The dragons look fierce from a distance. But as you approach them with steadfast resolve, they self-immolate, and the way is clear again.

Guru Tegh Bahadar, the Ninth Master, whose life and death are the perfect examples for us to follow, has clearly laid out the road map for us. I have printed it out and framed it … it is on the wall next to me, as I sit by the computer, and I try to focus on a different line each day.

It has held me in good stead.

Here is the verse:

Jo nar dukh mai dukh nahi manai

He who in adversity grieves not
He who is without fear
He who falls not in the snare of sensuality
Who has no greed for gold knowing it is like dust.

He who does not slander people when their backs are turned 
Nor flatters them to their faces.

He who has neither gluttony in his heart
Nor vanity nor attachment with worldly things.

He whom nothing moves,
Neither good fortune nor ill,
Who cares not for the world’s applause,
Nor its censure,
Who ignores every wishful fantasy
And accepts what comes his way as it comes.

He whom lust cannot lure
Nor anger command …

In such a one lives God Himself.

On such a man does the Guru’s Grace descend,
For he knows the righteous path.

O Nanak, his soul mingles with the Lord
As water mingles with water.  [GGS:633.15]

POINTS TO PONDER

Does this verse work for you the way it works for me? For me, it spells out the ideal man and woman.

Do you find some of these principles easy to follow, others more difficult? Which ones? Why?

Which verse(s) or teaching(s) do you use to guide you through the day?

 

 

September 30, 2012

Conversation about this article

1: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), September 30, 2012, 4:50 PM.

This shabad is a classic message not just for Sikhs but for all human beings.

2: Sangat Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), September 30, 2012, 4:57 PM.

Amrit Kaur jio, this is one of the finest, simplest pieces on Sikhi in its intrinsic form. It is one of "hasandi-aa(n) khaylandi-aa(n) painandia-aa(n), khaavandia-aa(n) vichay hovai mukat" [GGS:522.10] - "While laughing, playing, dressing and eating, one is liberated." May I add to this road map, especially for those armchair travelers who have no time to read in Punjabi and explore the treasure. Thanks to the unsung Guldeep Singh of America who has produced these nuggets superbly recorded in audio waiting to be given free. The recent addition is Baba Naud Singh, first produced by Bhai Vir Singh in 1907 and remains an extant handbook on Sikhi. To download please go to the following site: http://maskeensahib.com/?p=p_51&sName=Baba-Naudh-Singh Blessings for Amrit ji ... may you keep spreading fragrance for ever.

3: Bhai Harbans Lal (Dallas, Texas, USA), October 01, 2012, 1:34 AM.

Besides Guru Sahiban, my ideal Sikhs are Baba Buddha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Nand Lal, Bhai Dya Singh.

4: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), October 01, 2012, 6:23 AM.

sikhchic.com is a great magazine with such short and concise articles, features and comments which can change one's life.

5: Prakash Singh Bagga (Indore, India), October 15, 2012, 12:00 AM.

According to gurbani, 'gurmukh' is the ideal person, and 'manmukh' the opposite.

6: Manjit Singh (Seattle, Washington State, USA), January 24, 2015, 2:49 PM.

Very insightful! Guru Tegh Bahadar's saloks are the most inspiring pieces of gurbani that inspire me personally. Giani Jaswant Singh Parwana has written an excellent book on them titled 'Dharam di Chaadar.' Each salok is interpreted in 2-3 pages with insightful thoughts. It's a must read, if you haven't already.

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The Talking Stick Colloquium # 92"









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