Keeping Negativity in our Mind
Do you have a grudge against someone in your life right now? Maybe someone you hate and seek revenge upon constantly in your mind? This could be because they have done something just unforgivable in your life. But does this hatred benefit your mental wellbeing? Guru Granth Sahib Ji says:
prkwburwnrwKhucIq]
Do not keep bad thoughts about others in your consciousness.
qumkauduKunhIBweImIq]3]
(Then) You shall not be troubled (in this life or the next), O brothers, O friends. ||3||
(Raag Aasaa - Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Ang 386)
Gurbani helps us to shape our way of life to benefit us best. These psychological teachings will only help us because when we keep evil intentions against others in our minds, it is us that is responsible for causing more stress and pain to our mind. Not only will this teaching protect us from potentially taking the law into our own hands, but it will stabilise our mind in a position to focus on the remembrance of God. So why lose out on benefits for us?
One Father for All
Some people claim that religion divides the world. Do you agree with this statement? It may be true that some religions do divide the world. However, Guru Granth Sahib Ji states:
eykuipqweykskyhmbwirkqUmyrwgurhweI]
The One God is the father of all; we (all beings) are the children of the One God. You are my (the whole creation’s) Guru (Divine Enlightener).
(Raag Sorath - Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Ang 611)
So according to the Sikh way of life, we all have the same creator, and that source is the common father for all the creation. This is the case regardless of who we are. So let us all unite under this great banner as the children of God! Just one big happy family.
Marriage & Loyalty
Are you married in a loving relationship? Did you know that Sikhs would be made to make a promise during their weddings to pledge their loyalty to their spouse? The bride would pledge:
jykrughihipAwrVyquDunCofwmUil]
If you are taking my hand (in marriage) beloved, then I shall never forsake you (without any fault of yours).
The husband is then made to promise:
hirCofinsydurjnwpVihdojkkYsUil]2]
If I was to forsake you (without any fault of yours), then may the Lord know me to be a bad person and send me into the pains of hell. ||2||
(Raag Gauree - Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Ang 322)
Where Gurbani is understood for its intricate meanings to guide our spiritual path to God, the literal meanings are used to guide our physical path in life. This means the same words have deeper divine meanings for our soul and simple bolder meanings for our body which are applicable in our worldly ceremonies. So, will you control your senses and remain loyal to your loving spouse?
Avoiding Adultery
Did you know that Guru Gobind Singh Ji has certain expectations from us regarding our commitment to our spouse? In his teachings, he has revealed:
suiDjbqyhmDrIbcngurdeyhmwry]
Since I have developed understanding, my Guru (Tegh Bahadar Ji) gave me (the following) words.
pUqiehYpRnqoihpRwnjblgGtQwry]
“Son, this is a commitment for you, for long as there is breath in your body.
injnwrIkyswQnyhuquminqbFYXhu]
(You may) Extend love with your own wife daily.
prnwrIkIsyjBUilsupnyhUMnjYXhu]51]
(However) Never by mistake should you go to bed with another woman in your dreams.” (51).
(Charitro Pakhyan – Dasam Guru Ka Granth Sahib Ji - Pannaa 836)
Guru Ji teaches us to have an ever-expanding love relationship with our spouse but strictly condemns a sexual relationship with someone who is not lawfully married to us. These are the words that Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji gave to Guru Gobind Singh Ji as soon as he was of a certain age. These are the exact teachings that Guru Gobind Singh Ji shared with a woman called Roop Kaur who was physically attracted to Guru Ji out of lust. In that situation, Guru Ji remained steadfast in his Guru’s teachings and guided the woman on to a moral path. The question is, will we remember these teachings in our lives too?
The Perfect Creation
Have you ever wondered why the only time a female produces milk from her body is when she has given birth? Before that, Colostrum is produced halfway through pregnancy which is perfect for a baby’s small stomach to consume after birth. There forth, the more the baby suckles, the more it triggers a hormone called Prolactin in the mother’s body to produce heavier volumes of milk effortlessly. The body only stops producing milk when the baby stops drinking it. Do you think this is a coincidence? Why is this the only time in life that a female can produce milk? Guru Granth Sahib Ji says:
pihlodyqYNirjkusmwhw]
First (before creation) you provide (in abundance) nourishment (for the beings).
ipCodyqYNjMquaupwhw]
After that, you create the beings.
quDujyvfudwqwAvrunsuAwmI
lvYnkoeIlwvixAw]6]
There is no other giver (of gifts) as great as you my master, none can be equalled to you. ||6||
(Raag Maajh - Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 130)
This means that Vaheguru created the provisions for our nutrition first and then brought us into this world after! If this whole universe was a coincidence and happened by the most insane chance possible, how do we explain such perfectly organised events in life? The ultimate truth is that this whole creation is systematically organised to perfection by a creator and the quicker we realise this, the better life will shape out for us.
Hiding Sins
The Epstein files are the centre of talking point today because they involve so many high-profile personalities committing hideous crimes. Those people may have thought that they could keep their sins hidden forever because they had wealth or power to do so. The same applies to so many of us who think we can perform sickening acts, and nobody will ever find out. However, Guru Granth Sahib Ji says:
AMdirkmwxwsrprauGVY
BwvYkoeIbihDrqIivickmweI]
Actions that are committed inside (in secrecy) are most definitely exposed, even if someone commits them sitting (hiding) within the ground.
jnnwnkudyiKivgisAwhirkIvifAweI]2]
Guru Ji states: The servants blossom in joy, beholding the greatness of the Lord. ||2||
(Raag Gauree - Guru Ram Das Ji - Ang 316)
These Epstein files link to a secret Island where child trafficking took place. Gurbani makes it clear that even actions committed secretly within the ground will be exposed one day. So, will we keep this in mind here forth?