Ardaas - The True Prayer

~~~ The following are excerpts from "the miracle of Ardaas" - translation of Saint Scholar Bhai Naranjan Singh Ji's punjabi text: hopefully this summary will inspire you to read the whole book and experience the words at a deeper more meaningful level ~~

It is utterly important to awake early in the morning in time of serenity and quiet

This awakens within the spirit the great Bairag - intense love

Katha has the following attributes:
Giann - Knowledge
Vusion - Darshan
Sharda - Faith

The purpose of which is to unite the thought-waves (Surat) to the Shabad. We need to bathe our Surat in the lake of Katha. The aim of katha is to obtain the Grace of Guru Ji.

The duty (Kartav) requires us to live Truthfully. This is achieved by the way of True life (Jeevan Jugat), and one pointedness of Surti. The Guru's Glance of Grace sorts out our life (Lok-parlok). This awakens True Love, Intense longing and affection. In this way, desire (Bhavnee) awakens and mental strength increases.

Naam
Obtaining Naam Nivaas - This is the stage, after meditating (Abiyas Kamaee), that being that controls thoughts (Furniya Nu Lai Karda Hoiya), arrives at the door of state of Bliss.

Only rare ones, aspirants (Jachak), obtain this stage. A devotee (Abiyasee) attempts to reach this, and only through the Ardaas by Gurus Grace is it achieved.

Prayer to the Lord is a vital aspect in the journey towards God. In this journey deeds (Karnee) are recognised as being important. However, they are not the key to success. For ultimate success, Grace (Nadar) of Guru Ji is supremely important. Dependent on the blessings (Meher) of Guru Ji.

Gurmat
Ardaas has an unseen strength (Gupat Shaktee), which can unveil all mysteries of life. Ardaas is a master key.

One that can iron our all of life's issues:
- Godly (Parmarath)
- Self interest (Smarath)
- Worldly (Vihaarkaar)
- Spiritual wisdom and meditation (Giann Dhiann)

For these, Ardaas is the key solution, and obtained via His Grace.

"It is observed that some people go to the Gurdwara Sahib and do not bow to Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the correct manner. Their body does not bow low. Normally their exterior is a mirror of the interior. Both the mind and body must show signs of humility"

Even Jesus proclaims:

"So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have Faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them" [Mark 11:22-26 NKJV]

For success we should take the support (Ouat Aasra) of Akaal Purakh.

The three fevers are removed by the One Lord:
- Aadhi: disease of mind
- Biadhi: disease of body
- Upadhi: disease of doubt

Saadh Sangat
God is Almighty, Merciful, and Cause of causes (Karan Kaaran Samrath), but Gurmat recognises that Sadh Sangat is the medium (Praikar)

"The All-Powerful God who is the cause of all cause, does everything according to the will of the holy congregation. The stores of that Bestower are full, but He gives according to the wishes of the holy congregation" [Bhai Gurdaas Ji Vaar 6, Pauri 2]

Ardaas done by Sadh Sangat is more powerful than an individual's Ardaas, especially, if a Gurmukh (someone imbued in the Lord's Name) is present in the Sangat.

True Sangat is where:
- Only Naam is discussed
- efforts are made to achieve Naam
- there is a shower of Divine vibrations (Agmee Schoe) deep within our soul (Antar Atmai)

The True Perspective
What is the main aim of prayer? It is to free us from the shackels of fate (Karam) and place us under the Grace of Akal Purakh, by whatever means possible. To be God-conscious at all times in all thoughts.

"Before Embarking on any endeavour, perform an Ardaas. Never recognise anyone other than Guru Ji" [Rehatnama Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji]

"A Gursikh, when going anywhere (local or overseas), Should perform an Ardaas before starting his journey" [Rehetnama]

IN this way become a Harjan

Successful Ardaas
RULE ONE:
* Absolute Faith in the legitimacy of the desire
(Nishchit Taur Taei Mang Da Yog Hona)

The person's conscious knows whether the justification is appropriate. There may be doubt (Dochita) or distrust (Dhilapan) within ones mind and alter the legitimacy of the desire.

It is vital to conquer duality (Dubidha) and earn Raj Yog.

"How rare is such a person, who kills and casts off duality. Killing it, he attains Raj Yog: Pause" [Ang 237]

Do not let the state of duality be impurity (Mael) upon the mind.

For the success of Ardaas, the first irrevocable rule is: Absolute faith in the legitimacy of the desire.

RULE TWO:
* Faith in the existence and power of Guru Ji and Akaal Purakh
(Guru Akaal Purakh De Hastee Atai Samratha Vich Bharosa)

The Lord is ever present (Hazar Nazar), and the Guru's perspective is ever firm and Directive. The human mind is fickle and can not meet this. Faith allows the human to meet this level.

Having undoubted faith in Guru Ji is the highest of the high.

For the success of the Ardaas, the second important rule is: Faith in the existence and power of Guru Ji and Akaal Purakh (Guru Akaal Purakh De Hastee Atai Samratha Vich Bharosa)

Gurbani
Guru Ji's word (Bachan) is PURE TRUTH.

Guru Ji's Bani, which is embodied in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is not only for reading or singing. It should also be meditated upon, internalised, contemplated upon and believed in. Only then can we achieve the highest spiritual state.

In Gurbani, the miraculous power (Kala) of Satguru is at play. All our difficulties vanish with full concentration and faith in Gurbani.

"When a Sikh of the Guru encounters any extreme difficulty, then, at Amritwela he should do 5 Japji Sahib Paaths, keeping his focus on Satguru Ji. Get Gursikhs to do Ardaas. Perform as much sewa as possible. Waheguru will solve the problem" [Rehatnama Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji]

Chacharee Chhand || Tav Prasaad ||
Gobindai, Mukandai, Odarai, Aparai, Hareeang, Kareeang, Nirnamai, Akaamai.
Sustained, Liberator, Enlightener, Infinite, Destroyer, Creator, Nameless, Desireless.

"Gurmukhs work as a boat in the world-ocean and each one ferries across millions. The altruist Sikhs always meet with a smile" [Bhai Gurdaas Ji Vaar 6, Pauri 14]

~ End of Part 1

-Canuck Singh

Satguru

The miraculous powers (Kala) of Akaal Purakh are present ONLY in the Bani of the True Guru. Other banis are incomplete (Kacheea), or hollow (Dokheea) and lacking in power.
In reality, Satguru and Akaal Purakh are two forms of the same essence. The Soul (Antar Ataam) of Satguru and Akaal Purakh are one and the same.

Therefore, when Guru Ji speaks, He is actually sharing with us the Order (hukam) of Akaal Purakh. These are the support of our life.

Grasp onto the support of Akaal Purakh and have faith in Him because it is only He, who can be with us till the end. This is the essence of Guru Ji's teachings.

Some schools of thought and western thinking emphasize self-confidence. However, in Gurmat, emphasis is on God-confidence.

To walk towards Guru Ji, under His guidance, is to walk the path of Optimism, Success, and Illumination.
It is important that a person becomes becomes a Sikh of the Guru and not remain without a Guru. A person without a Guru does not find shelter anywhere.

Only that being (Our Guru) is one with God from the very beginning (Aad Jugaad), and is considered the True Guru. He gives support and protection in this world and the next (Lok Parlok)

This is emphasized in the following:
Aad Gurae Nameh - Obeisance to that Divine Light which is from the beginning. The beginning was that stage before the ages and time
Jugaad Gurae Nameh - Then when time and the ages started, the conscious soul of that light manifested. Obeisance to that stage
Satgurae Nameh - Obeisance to that True knowledge that came with the entry of the New Age
Siri Gurdevae Nameh - Obeisance to that Guru as God, through whom, the true knowledge is obtained

'When one's thoughts are always in tune with God, then all shortcomings vanish and there is always success'

Qualities required for an Ardaas
- Truthfulness (Sat)
- Abstinence (Jat)
- Compassion (Daya)
- Contentment (Santokh)
- Righteousness (Dharam)
- Egolessness (Nirhungta)
- Penance (Tap)

1. Truthfulness (Sat)
Truthfulness preserves the energy of a person and makes him capable of facing negative circumstances

2. Abstinence (Jat)
Again preserving pure energies of the person "Let abstinence be the furnace, and patience the goldsmith" (Ang

3. Compassion (daya)
"Gurmukhs always imbibe altruism in their heart, and in the sphere of compassion they melt like wax" [Bhai Gurdaas Ji Vaar 18, Pauri 17]

4. Contentment (Santokh)
It is the law of nature that before any seed can germinate and grow, it has to pass through many stages and it will bear fruit at the time nature has planned for it.

Similarly, when a seed of desire is sown by way of Ardaas, we have to remain hopeful, with the right attitude, staying patient and contented in order for the desire to materialise.

5. Righteousness (Dharam)
"The one who commits sins lives in fear, while the one who lives righteously rejoices" (Ang 84)

6. To be egoLess (Nirhangta)
One of the secrets of success is to be egoless
A person who realises the secret of the ego lives beyond his bodily needs. He makes use of the nine doors (Nao Duarai) but keeps his thought-waves (Surti) focused within themself.
(note: Nine doors = 2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 ears, mouth, genital organ and anus)

Such a person attains the level (Avista) of being able to understand the ego (Haumai Buujhai).
When one has completed effaced ego, Akaal Purakh himself comes and showers His blessings.

7. Penance (Tap)
This means to restrain our mind from moving towards negativity. Including states of sadness or disappointment. This penance is to be performed Internally.
The sound current of the Shabad inside us manifests over time, through continuous practice (Abhiyas). As the thought waves (Surti) of a practitioner goes deeper within himself and rises above his positive thoughts (Sanklap) and negative thoughts (Viklap), he is moving towards this sound current and comes nearer to the Divine Shabad - from which everything is obtained.

God resided in the pure, deep recesses within our soul. In order to get whatever we desire, the secret of a successful Ardaas is to go into the depths of our soul as per the guidance (Jugati) of Guru Ji.

Ardaas and a highly spiritual Soul

Diving illumination occurs when there is a union of the thought-waves (Surat) and the Shabad.

When a fully blossomed spirit (Puga Hoyea Purash) connects internally with Ardaas, it is manifest for that person.

Just as the sun has no reason to declare its rising in the morning, such saints illumine the world without dramatising their saintliness.

This is a state obtained by:
- reciting (Jap)
- listening (Sunan)
- Adhering (Manan)
- being absorbed in remembrance (Livleenta)

This stage is obtained only when there is a huge wave of God's Love inside the devotee (Abiasee)

Language and Sentiments in Ardaas

Ardaas does not depend on words The Lord knows without our speaking

God listens to the sentiments of our hearts

Congregational Prayer

A prayer sends out vibrations from one person to another and to God. All of the Universe is in vibration. There are vibrations in the molecules of a table. The air is filled with vibrations. The reaction between human beings is also in vibrations.
When we send out a prayer for another person, we employ the force inherent in a spiritual universe. We transport ourselves from to the other person, a sense of love, helpfulness, support, a sympathetic and powerful understanding - and in this process, we awaken vibrations in the universe through which God brings to pass the good objectives prayed for.

Ardaas and Cleverness

Cleverness (Chutaraee) does not direct Ardaas, simplicity and humility however do

The impossible becomes possible

There have been cases where Doctors have given up on their patients, but the family and relatives have not, and hung onto the support of Ardaas. What happened? The patient got well and disease left the body.

Noble Laureate, Dr Alexis Carrel says,
Prayer is the most powerful energy one can generate. It is a force as real as terrestrial gravity. As a physician, I have seen men, after all their therapy had failed, lifted out of a disease and melancholy by the serene effort of prayer...
Prayer, like radium, is a source of luminous self-generating energy. In prayer, human beings seek to augment their finite energy by addressing themselves to the infinite source of all energy. When we pray, we link ourselves to the infinite source of all energy. When we pray, we link ourselves with the inexhaustible motive power that spins the universe, we ask that a part of this power be apportioned to our needs. Even in asking, our human deficiencies are filled, and we arise strengthened and repaired...
Whenever we address God in fervent prayer, we change both soul and body for the better. It could not happen that any man or woman could pray for a single moment without some good result.

The Lord can choose to keep a person alive even without breath (Svaas)

In difficult times we should do Ardaas. However, we should not forget that when times get better, we should continue to rely on the support of Ardaas so that difficult situations do not arise again.

Reliance on Only One Support

If we rely on more than one source for support, ultimately none will hold our hand.

Seeking support from more than one source is like a person trying to cross a river by putting each of his feet in two different boats. Such a person would eventually drown. Similarly, a person who seeks the support of others and the One, will eventually drown.

An illustration:

Bhai Phewa Ji and Roop Chand both lived in Sirhand. They used to spend their free time in the company of Gursikhs. They also spent whatever money they had to purchase groceries for the langar. They ran a shop similar to todays safe deposit boxes run by the bank

One day, A mughal gave a large purse full of gold coins to them for safe keeping. He was going to Delhi and told them that he would collect it upon his return. They kept the purse safely but forgot to make a record in their books.

Five years later, the mughal returned and asked for his purse. Bhai Phewa Ji checked his books but of course could not find any such records. Also, he could not remember any such incident. This caused an argument and they both agreed to make a case and bring it to the notice of the local Nawab.

The Nawab ordered that they should both put their hand into a pot of boiling oil. He said that the person who was correct would not get his hand scolded.

Before he put his hand into the oil, Bhai Phewa JI did and Ardaas to Siri Guru Arjan Dev Ji to come to his rescue and promised 5 Gold coins and Prasaad as thanksgiving.

Similarly the mughal prayed to his Pirs and promised all the gold coins

Both then placed their hands into the hot oil. The mughals hand got scalded while nothing happened to Bhai Phewa Jis hand. The nawab passed the judgement that the mughal was not telling the truth and the case was dismissed.

Bhai Phewa Ji returned to his ship and informed his colleague, Roop Chand, about the incident. Roop Chand decided to look around the shop for the purse and managed to find it.

Being honest Sikhs, they located the mughal and returned the purse to him. The mughal said he would give them 5 coins which Bhai Phewa Ji had promised to Guru Ji. He also requested that they take him to Guru Ji.

Bhai Phewa Ji took the mughal to see Guru Ji. The mughal asked Guru Ji "Why is it that Bhai Phewa Ji, being wrong, was proved right. On the other hand, I was right but was proved wrong?"

Guru Ji replied: "While doing Ardaas, Bhai Phewa Ji had his faith in one and Only one Guru. However, you had placed your faith on a large number of Pirs. A wife with only one husband is always safe and secure"

Bhai Phewa Ji is mentioned in Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaaran

The Truly devoted and close Sikhs are Bhai Phewa, Shih Chand and Roop Chand (Bhai Gurdaas Ji Vaar 11, Pauree 26)

To solve our problems, we often put our hopes on a person holding a wordly position or rank. However, if we rely on Guru Ji for support, we can achieve the impossible and yet ensure that Guru Ji will be there for us even in the next world. Of course, unwavering faith is essential.

Ardaas and Devotion

Ardaas Marg strongly recommends us to live in the Will of the One Lord, living a humble life, dedicating our mind and soul to the Lord and nurturing life's journey towards devotion (Arit)

Aarti, which is normally sung after the completion of an Akhand Paat, is not some religious ceremony as many people think it to be. This is actually a way to emphasize our devotional feelings. It is a medium.

There are many kinds of Bhagti such as:
- Arth Bhagti: Bhagti that dwells into meaning
- Gian Bhagti: Bhagti of knowledge
- Aart Bhagti: devotional Bhagti

Aart Bhagti is when we faithfully humble ourselves and do Ardaas. In reality, to humbly devote oneself, ie. removing the I and mine from within is ture devotional worship.

Suitable time for Ardaas

Ardaas it the cry (Pukar) of the heart

When does this cry awaken?

Anytime is appropriate for Ardaas

We do Ardaas in times of sorrow as a cry to Guru Ji to rid the suffering. Ardaas done in happier times is a show of our gratitude to the Lord.

Although all times are auspicious for Ardaas, the experiences of highly spiritual souls recommend that out of the 24 hour day, there is one time slot (Pehar), known as Amritvela, which is especially auspicious. A cry (pukar) done during these ambrosial hours is heard faster in God's court.

The study of Gurmat believes Amritvela to be ~ 3 hours 45 minutes before sunrise (Sava Paher Raat Rehindee). It is such a time where there is absolute calm in nature. This time is also known as Brahm Moorat (God's moments)
At this auspicious hour, the souls of all meditative people are immersed in seeking unison with God. They also give support to each other in an unseen (Gupat) way.

The correct time for Thine praises is at Amritvela (Bhai Gurdaas Ji Vaar 7 Pauri 20)

Bowing before the primeval Pursh (God) at Amritvela, they (Gursikhs) chew the Word (Gurbani) (Bhai Gurdaas Ji Vaar 11, Pauri 2)

Another suitable time for Ardaas is at sunset.

For Ardaas to be heard, it is extremely important that it be done with passion.

Best Place for Ardaas

All negative influences as well as thoughts are dissipated from that place where we site daily to do our simran, paath, and Ardaas.

It is necessary to have a spiritual head (Eisht) for Ardaas. Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is that spiritual head: the embodiment of Satgurus (Siri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji to Siri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji). That is why it is necessary to stand before Guru Ji and do Ardaas.

Shabad is Guru

Even during the time of the Living Gurus, Shabad was the form of the Guru.

Guru + Physical embodiment

Today... Shabad Guru + Manifestation of Guru in Khalsa panth (ie. Panj Pyare)

Sakhi:

Pirtha and Kheyda were Khatris of the Soeni caste. They came to Kartarpur for the darshan of Siri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. When they sat in the presence of Guru Ji, their minds became one-pointed.
They did Ardaas, 'Guru Ji, refuge of the poor, please keep us in the sanctuary (Sharan) of your lotus feet (Charan)

Guru Ji replied: "My feed (Charan) always remain in the Sadh Sangat. My physical body is my form (Sargun Roop). Shabad is my spiritual heart (Hirda). If you associate with the body, then there will be separation one day. But if you connect to the Shabad, then there will never be seperation."

In his rehatnama, Bhai Nand Lal Ji tells the Order of Siri Guru Gobind Singh Ji:

There are three forms of mine; O Nand, listen attentively, Formless, Physical Form and Gurshabad. Let me explain further... (Rehatnama Bhai Nand Lal Ji)
My first form is Formless (beyond the qualities of rajo, tamo, sato)
Many many times, this has been discussed in sacred scriptures.
The second form is Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Consider the pages of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as My limbs.
Let this be written on each and every of your body-hair,
And this is a factual declaration I make to you.
The Sikh who wishes to have Darshan of the Guru,
Should go and have the Darshan of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
At Amritwela, after taking a bath (shower)
Three times circumambulate around
the All-knowing Lord... (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) (Rehatnama Bhai Nand Lal Ji)
With hands folded respectfully,
sit in My presence
Pay obeisance to Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji,
and listen to the Divine Sermon... (Rehatnama Bhai Nand Lal Ji)
Hearing the Shabad with concentration, and with love of Guru Ji,
Listen and make others to heed to the enlightening Shabad.
One who wishes to communicate with Me,
should read and ponder over Bani of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Those who wish to listen to My sermons,
Should listen & understand the Bani of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Deem Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as my embodiment,
There is Absolutely no difference
between Me and Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. (Rehatnama Bhai Nand Lal Ji)

Guru Gobind Singh Ji himseld speaks:

Salvation is not achieved by seeing My physical body.
Salvation is achieved by acting on My Orders.

Just like fragrance is contained in a flower, the essence of everything is contained or merged in a physical body. The formless (Nirgun) image of God is contained within the physical form (Sargun).

Suppose we say, "I want the fragrance from the flower but not the flower," or "I want the fragrance from the flower but I don't believe in the flower." This is not possible. Likewise, the awareness of the essence of Truth is found in Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and nowhere else. That's why, Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the spiritual head of Everyone.

Much strength, power, bliss, prosperity and success we need is All found in the Shabad. This is the essence of Gurmat.

Shabad is the Omnipresent form of Akaal Purakh.

We are trapped in the cycle of actions (Karam Chakar) as long as we have ego (Haumai) in us. When ego vanishes from within us, the cycle of actions also ends.
To bow before the spiritual head (Eisht), is to tread on the path towards eradicating ego and striking off our karams.

We should always have respect in our hearts for Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and in His presence, there should be love (Bhaao) as well as fear (Bhou). The mood and attitude of our mind and body should be overflowing with respect and humility such that it clearly portrays our deepest respect for Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

How to Beg in Ardaas

Gurmat's perspective is that we should beg (Jachna) according to our individual spiritual state of mind (Avastha)
- Meaning we may beg for material things, as well as for Naam

However, be cautious in this aspect: Ask and enjoy worldly things BUT don't get so immersed in them that we forget our purpose in life.

We should accept life's daily issues and challenges (Kirat-Karam)

It is best to live a meditative life and whatever we ask for should be done with an attitude of being carefree (Bakhdee) and accepting God's Will (Raza)

Gurmat tells us, that whatever our objective we wish to achieve, we should get down to working on it rather than continuously thinking and contemplating about it (meaning to Stop procrastinating). We should ask for Akaal Purukh's support before embarking on our objective. Whatever the outcome, we should be contented and accept it as God's Will.

The greatest example of struggle and battle in the history of the world is that of Siri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He was the personification of carefreeness and lived in the Will of God. Guru Ji's Ardaas for battle was:

hae rav hae sas hae karnaanidh maeree abai bentee sun leejai ||
O Provider of the light to the Sun! O Provider of the light to the Moon! O merciful Lord! listen to a request of mine,

aur na maangat hau tum tae kachh chaahat hon chit main soee keejai ||
I am not asking for anything else from you; whatever I wish in my mind, by that with Thy Grace;

shastran son at hee ran bheetar joojh maron t-oo saach pateejai ||
If I fall a martyr while fighting with my enemies then I shall think that I have realised Truth;

sant sahaae sadaa jag maae kripaa kar sayaam eihai bar deejai ||1900||446||
O Sustainer of the Universe ! I may always help the saints in this world and destroy the tyrants; bestow this boon on me.1900.

Make the mind immerse in sublime essence (Ras), do meditation (Abiyas Kamaee), and manage the thought waves (Suratee), while avoiding the direction of the 9 doors (Nao Duaray)

Do this by entering a state of subtleness (Sookhmata). A fully blossomed spiritual soul (Poga Hoiya Purash) sees God in everyone. There are no words to describe their state of mind.

Generally most are affected by ego (Khudee Di Seema Vich), and as a result, it is best to add a prayer when asking for things:

Dear God, whatever you give, give it in Your Will and whatever You make us do, make us do it in Your Will as we do not have the full knowledge and understanding of good or bad

Ardaas and Naam Nivaas

Having a care-free (Bakhdee) attitude meas moving towards Actuality.

The structure of the human body is amazing. The brain is the most delicate organ and full of wonder. According to an estimation, there are 20 billion storage cells in the brain and it is the vast storehouse of thought-waves from which, according to another estimation 125 000 types of thoughts can arise.

Out of the 10 Pranas that function the body, there is one important prana which is in the brain. Nature has provided a skill, covered with hair, to protect this important prana.

The various functions of the 10 Pranas are roughly:
1. Blinking of eyes
2. Beating of heart
3. Flatulence
4. Burping
5. Sneezing
6. Breathing in
7. Breathing out
8. Distributing energy throughout the body
9. Flow of the blood
10. The most essential prana is inside the brain and the basic source of Current of Life.

It is though this tenth prana that the energy of God's rays enter the body; causing everything to be alive. here, the Anthekaran* becomes alive and the mind starts its life. Actually, mind is the root, and soul is God Himself.
------------------------
* Anthekaran: (in Mahan Kosh by Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha)

The ideal of one's life, as Gurmat tells us the way (Jugat) by which we can be freed from the noose of these desires whilst laughing, playing and enjoying life.

The basic source of all creation is Shabad.

Jesus Christ called it the Word:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... All things were made by Him, and nothing was made without Him (John 1-1:3)

The energy ray of Shabad enters the human brain from above the 10th Essential Prana. That is why, to reach our source, we should divert the energy of our thoughts (Manbirthee) to our brain and hold it there. This is right above the tenth essential prana, behind the eyes (where the breath pranas (Svaas) hit and return), and where the gate (Taloo) of the Tenth door is located.

Firm commitment in action (Karnee Kartoot) is needed, most importantly 1. Ardaas, and 2. The daily practice (Abiyas) of tuning-in with the support of Gurshabad.

This is a journey we have to travel Alone, by going within ourselves. The company of Saint Gurmukhs can only give us inspiration and encouragement but we still have to do the walking ourselves.

The Treasure of Naam

Four qualities reside in that person who has achieve (Ardaas Kala), and resides in Naam, these being:
1. Contentment (Santokh)
2. Free of anxiety (Achinttata)
3. Independence (Baymotajee)
4. Victory over the mind (Man Pur Vijai)

'no-thought' becomes their state, that Gap between thoughts of past and future becomes prominent.

Ardaas and thanksgiving reside in the thoughts of such a person. Every moment of his life is a prayer. Every word he speaks is a prayer. The spiritual heart (Hirda) of such a person is always pumping; Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru, Waheguru, Waheguru.

If any son or Sikh serves the True Guru,
then all of his/her affairs will be resolved.
He obtains the fruits of his desires
-children, wealth, property,
union with the Lord and emancipation (Shabad Guru, Ang 307)

Timeless

That person who is blessed by Guru's Grace,
understands this way.
O Nanak, he merges with the Lord of the Universe,
like water with water. (Shabad Guru, Ang 633)

There are countless examples in the traditions of India where sanyas (leaving the home) is encouraged to obtain freedom form miseries, arguments, entanglements and difficulties. However, in the above shabad, Siri Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib Ji is not giving such advice. Guru Ji is revealing that a person must have such a state of mind whereby, despite the presence of miseries, he does not allow his mind to be overpowered by thoughts of misery. He keeps himself free from the desires of happiness. Fear is not able to shake him/her. That person does not consider fold to be superior or dust as inferior. His thoughts are free from the burden of hopes and desires and the mind is free from the evils and bondages of the world.

To experience the perfect enlightenment of Akaal Purakh, or to manifest the presence of Waheguru in the spiritual heart (Hirda), one has to stop chasing the shadows of worldliness.

That person must obtain Atam Ras:

O Nanak, he merges with the Lord of the Universe,
like water with water (Shabad Guru, Ang 633)