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The Morning Hukam:
A Meditation
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
INNI KAUR
Today’s Hukam, Darbar Sahib, Amritsar – Wednesday, November 13, 2013
That humble being, who knows even a little about loving devotional worship -- what surprises are there for him? Like water, dripping into water, which cannot be separated out again, so is the weaver Kabir, with softened heart, merged with his Creator. || 1 ||
O people of the Creator, I am just a simple-minded fool. If Kabir were to leave his body at Benares, and so liberate himself, what obligation would he have to the Creator? || 1 || Pause ||
Says Kabir, listen, O people -- do not be deluded by doubt. What is the difference between Benares and the barren land of Maghar, if the Divine is within one’s heart? || 2 || 3 ||
[Bhagat Kabir, Raag Dhanasari, GGS:692]
I have a deep desire to die in the land where the Guru walked (as if I have a choice).
For years, I have been struggling with this longing.
While the head says, Guru is everywhere; where you breathe your last is immaterial. The heart takes over and yearns to mingle with the dust where the Guru walked.
My struggle continues …
Today’s hukam touches my inner core.
Guru enlightens.
I am in awe of Guru.
Today’s hukam is connected to an event in the life of Bhagat Kabir. He lived in the city of Kashi (Benares). One day he relocated to the barren city of Maghar. But according to Hindu mythology, those that die in Kashi will be liberated upon their death.
How this myth came about fascinates me.
Here it is: When Shiva (Hindu demigod) created the city of Kashi, it was dedicated to him. However, when Vyas Muni, a revered sage, began teaching in Maghar, it began attracting a lot of people.
The focus from Kashi shifted to Maghar.
When Shiva realized what was happening, he was furious. He sent his son Ganesh (the elephant god) to turn the scenario around.
So Ganesh became a student of Vyaas, and asked him, “If one dies in Maghar, what will one become?”
Vyaas replied, “Liberated!”
Ganesh repeated the question, “If one dies here, what will one become?”
Vyaas replied, “Liberated.”
When Ganesh repeated the question, for the fourth time, Vyaas got angry and said, “He will become a donkey!”
As soon Ganesh heard that, he said, “thataas tu – May what you’ve just said come true.”
News of this exchange spread like wild fire!
People immediately left Maghar for Kashi. For no one wanted to be reincarnated as a donkey.
Bhagat Kabir knew this story. Therefore, he left Kashi for Maghar.
People questioned his wisdom.
He replied: “When one is connected to the Divine, it is immaterial where one lives or dies. For the greatest blessing, is to be connected to the Divine.”
My answer is so clear.
May it sink in my consciousness!
November 13, 2013
Conversation about this article
1: Ajit Singh Batra (Pennsville, New Jersey, USA), November 13, 2013, 2:58 PM.
Guru Gobind Singh says in 'Akal Ustat: The fire burns and million of sparks arise. While in rising, they remain separate and yet again, they merge in the same fire. Guru Sahib says Waheguru can absorb all beings unto Himself whenever it pleases Him. {If we review Guru Sahib's Chaupaee in 'Rehras', verse 15 describes a scientific fact viv-a-vis the forces known as 'centripetal' (udkarakh - expanding outwards) and 'centrifugal' ('aadkarakh' - attracting towards self). Waheguru controls both centripetal and centrifugal forces. It all depends on what pleases Him. Kabir ji in this shabad is telling us that all -- from lowest to the highest -- are filled with Waheguru and to reach Him, human beings have to ignite their soul.