Bani Guru, Guru hai Bani...'
Comprising the text of Guru Granth Sahib, 'Gurbani' or 'Baani' is like a vast, deep ocean of knowledge and divinity. It teaches us how to follow the true path and live it on a higher plain.
Significantly, because of what it teaches, Gurbani is also a great teacher, healer and stressbuster.
Why do these religious scriptures profoundly calm and heal us? Certain thought and behaviour patterns have a profound effect on our mental and physical health. A positive attitude, a giving nature and kindness are considered effective health tools.
Spiritually rich Gurbani possesses all these attributes. Besides its universal message and profound appeal, it promotes general welfare through love and selfless devotional service to humanity. It espouses peace, amity, friendship, simplicity and forgiveness - virtues that transport us into a positive frame of mind and treat and heal us.
'Awal Allaha noor upaya kudrat ke sabh bande,' - regardless of our caste and creed, we are all children of God. Gurbani advocates coexistence, the best way to engender peace and harmony, so badly needed today. It makes us feel calm and fulfilled.
It preaches benevolence and kindness, as practised by Sikh gurus in exemplary fashion. The gurus embodied kindness throughout their lives, the level of their sacrifice is unparalleled.
The sermon is clear. Accept God's will. He is the creator, provider, friend, philosopher, guide and healer. Not only does He heal us, but He also teaches us to self-heal. 'Pavan guru paani pita, mata dharat mahat balihari kudrat vasaiya,' - Gurbani tells us that natural elements are akin to our parents. Today, the world has seen havoc unleashed through global warming and climate change.
Gurbani teaches us to avoid addictions. Addictions overpower us, then imprison us and eventually ruin our lives. Greed is a vice that engenders evil thoughts and actions. Avoiding these has a calming effect on us.
Guru Nanak Dev had strongly advocated gender equality. It also addresses family concerns and encourages us to develop altruism. Family concerns and problems create great stress. Addressing these helps us enormously.
Bani's hymns are spiritually, socially, culturally and poetically rich; they wean seekers away from hatred, bigotry, fanaticism and irrational impulses. Those who are devoted to Bani automatically learn about Self-realisation, introspection, self-discipline, simplicity and learn to steer their own paths. They attain spiritual bliss and solace through recitation of God's name, without ignoring their household duties, or losing their earthly touch. This meditation is the ultimate stressbuster.
Gurbani advocates jivanmukt way of life that means attaining salvation while alive. It also advocates renouncing one's pride, attachment and greed, and doing good for humanity through seva.
The messaging is simple. We can help ourselves and that will enable us to create a better world. The wisdom is here. We just have to ensure we don't miss it.
Authored by: Inder Raj Ahluwalia
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