Rehansbhaee Keertan

Daas would like to confirm, Daas is not trying to promote any Jathebandee (organisation), Keertan is Guru Sahibs Vadiyaee (praise) of God, anyone is welcome to sit and join in. Those Gurmukhs who think Keertan belongs to a certain Jathebandee are deluded by self ego. Daas is only trying to help progression in ones Jeevan with Gurus Kirpa (benevolent grace).

ਕਲਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਪਰਧਾਨਾ ॥
kulujug mehi keeruthun purudhaanaa
In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises are most sublime and exalted.
gurumukh jupeeai laae dhiaanaa
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਪੀਐ ਲਾਇ ਧਿਆਨਾ ॥
Become Gurmukh, chant and focus your concentration.
ਆਪਿ ਤਰੈ ਸਗਲੇ ਕੁਲ ਤਾਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਜਾਇਦਾ ॥੬॥
aap thurai sugulae kul thaarae har dhurugeh path sio jaaeidhaa
You shall save yourself, and save all your generations as well. You shall go to the Court of the Lord with honor. 6
(Ang 1075)

Guru sahib has shown the importance of Keertan in this Shabad.

(Ang 10, Bhai Sahib Gurdaas Jee)

ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਰਾਤੀਂ ਕਰੈ ਭਲਕੇ ਰਾਜ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਜਾਈ॥
praem bhugath raathee kurai bhulukae raaj dhuaarai jaaee
In the night he would immerse in loving devotion and in the morning he would serve at the door of the king.
ਆਏ ਸੰਤ ਪਰਾਹੁਣੇ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਹੋਆ ਰੈਣ ਸਬਾਈ॥
aaeae sunth puraahunae keeruthun hoaa rain subaaee
On one night some sadhus came to him and the whole night was spent in singing the Lord's praises
ਪਰਗਟ ਕਰੈ ਭਗਤ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
purugutt kurai bhuguth vaddiaaee
God himself manifests the grandeur of the devotee.

Like Daas has said in previous posts, one has to read the Shabads in full in order get the full essence and to realize the full true meaning of the Shabads. In this Shabad Bhai Sahib Gurdaas Jee says that Bhagat Sain saw the loving devotion of Bhagat Kabir towards Vahiguroo, God and similarly became a disciple of Bhagat Ramanand, in the night he would immerse in loving devotion towards God and in the morning he would serve the King. One night some Saints came to visit Sain Jee and they sung the Lords praises (Keertan) all night, he was imbued in the love of these Rangley Sajjan (divinely coloured friends) he did not want them to leave. Sain Jee did not perform service at the King’s palace the next morning. God in Sains manifestation served the King, and the King was overjoyed with Sains service. The time came and the Saints had to leave, Bhagat Sain Jee bid them fairwell and returned to the Kings palace, the King saw him from a distance and shouted him nearby and offered his own robes to the Bhagat, he said “you have overpowered me” these words were heard by everyone at the palace.

ਭਗਤਾ ਕੀ ਪੈਜ ਰਖਹਿ ਤੂ ਆਪੇ ਏਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਵਿਡਆਈ ॥
bhuguthaa kee paij rukhehi thoo aapae eaeh thaeree vaddiaaee
You Yourself save the honor of Your devotees; this is Your Glory, O Lord.
ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕੇ ਕਿਲਿਵਖ ਦੁਖ ਕਾਟਿਹ ਦੁਿਬਧਾ ਰਤੀ ਨ ਰਾਈ ॥੩॥
junum junum kae kilavikh dhukh kaattehi dhubidhaa ruthee n raaee
You cleanse them of the sins and the pains of countless incarnations; You love them without even an iota of duality. 3
ਹਮ ਮੂੜ ਮੁਗਧ ਕਿਛੁ ਬੂਝਿਹ ਨਾਹੀ ਤੂ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਿਹ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥
hum moorr mugudh kish boojhehi naahee thoo aapae dhaehi bujhaaee
I am foolish and ignorant, and understand nothing. You Yourself bless me with understanding.
(Ang 1155)

This is the power of singing the Lords praises all night in the company of the Saints. The word Rehan subha aee means from night day has come, alternately serving the lord all night the day has arrived. Rehan=night, subha=day, aee=arrived.

Why is it important to sit through a Rehansbaaee Keertan all night without leaving the Darbaar (Hall in where sangat sit)?

When Daas first came in to Sikhee, Daas was introduced to Rehansbhaaees by some Gurmukhs, Daas still remembers Daas' first Rehansbhaaee; Daas will never forget this it was like being in heaven. Daas was more familiar with doing all nighters at clubs, never went to a Gurdwara and all of a sudden was doing an all nighter sitting in Guru Sahibs hazooree singing the praises of the Lord in amongst the Saints.

Wow heaven on hell, Guru Sahib has called the Sangat Saints where the Lords praises are being sung.

ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸੂਖ ਸਹਜ ਧੁਿਨ ਉਪਜੀ ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਿਗ ਿਨਵਾਸਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥
saath sookh sehuj dhun oupujee saadhoo sung nivaasaa jeeo
The music of intuitive peace, poise and tranquility wells up within; I dwell in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. 1
(Ang 105)

Daas struggled through the Rehansbhaaee, Daas had to leave the Darbaar 2 to 3 times. As Daas continued attending Rehansbaaees Daas noticed a few Gurmukh Sajjan who sat all night (7pm to 5am) Daas was totally amazed, after experiencing this Daas did Ardaas (prayer) to Guru Sahib asking him if he would please bless Daas with the Anand (ecstasy) and effort to sit through full Rehansbhaaees and every Darbaar Daas attended, this Ardaas came true through the blessings of Guru Sahib. One has to be subconsciously aware of Guru Sahib when one does Ardaas, when the Ardaas comes true one has to thank Guru Sahib as we can not do anything through personal effort.

ਬਿਰਥਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਿਜ ਆਵੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਿਹ ॥੯॥
biruthaa koe n jaae j aavai thudh aahi
Those who come to You with love and faith are never turned away empty-handed. 9
(Ang 961)

Daas' personal opinion is that it is very important for one to attend Rehansbhaaees above this it is more important to sit through the full Rehansbhaaee. Before we enter the Darbaar Sahib one should use the lavatory and eat if one is hungry therefore there will be no physical hindrances or excuses for one to leave the Darbaar. When we leave the Darbaar once, it becomes very difficult to focus afterwards as one gets stuck in indreaan de ras (taste of five senses).

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਹੋਰਿ ਅਨ ਰਸ ਸਿਭ ਵੀਸਰੇ ਜਾ ਹਿਰ ਵਸੈ ਮਿਨ ਆਇ ॥੩੨॥
kehai naanuk hor an rus sabh veesurae jaa har vusai man aae
Says Nanak, all other tastes and essences of the 5 senses are forgotten, when the Lord comes to dwell within the mind. 32
(Ang 917)

When we come to Guru Sahibs Darbaar there should only be one focus - this is only of Naam and Baanee anything else is a delusion of ego, we should not come to meet friends, have meetings, discussions, socialize etc as these are of no use to our mind and soul, and one will loose focus of the true reason why one is here. Before one sits down one should greet Guru Sahib with Fateh (Vahiguroo Jee Kaa Khalsaa, Vahiguroo Jee Kee Fateh), the Khalsa (pure beings) belong to God, victory is Gods. Daas usually does a little Ardaas (prayer) here to Guru Sahib asking Guru Sahib for Anand in the Keertan and his support for Daas to sit through the full Rehansbhaaee in total Anand, if this Ardaas is done in full faith it will always come true, as Daas is aware what is going on outside the Darbaar is a waste of time.

Daas is aware of three ways in which will help sit through a full Rehansbhaaee Keertan, ten hours of constant praising the lord. Firstly one focuses ones concentration single mindedly on the Gurmantar (Vahiguroo) and practices a ten hour Abhiyaas on Naam, using their tongue, breath or mind, depending on what stage one is at.

ਪੰਚਾ ਕਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਏਕੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥
punchaa kaa gur eaek dhiaan
The chosen ones meditate single-mindedly on the Guru.
(Ang 3)

Secondly, one can train ones mind to listen to the Keertan and listen to the Gurmantar at the same time, this takes a lot of practice.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਸਮਝਾਈਐ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਿਰ ॥੨॥
gurumukh mun sumujhaaeeai aathum raam beechaar
The Gurmukhs train their minds to contemplate the Lord, the Supreme Soul. 2
(Ang 18)

Thirdly, one can focus ones concentration in the crown Chakra in ones head and sing along with the Keertan loud all night, doing this one will be aware of Guru Sahib (Saabhdhaanee) because ones concentration will be Tikkhee (poised) above in the crown Chakra of the head and one will not be distracted by anything as all one will hear is the praises of the Lord.

Daas' personal advice is only use one of the three through the full Rehansbhaaee at any one time, if we chop and change we will loose our focus. Praatan (olden day) Singhs are seen singing Keertan with their head in the air in many photographs (the head in the air is a sign of concentration in the higher consciousness). Ones stays in Anand for 1 hour with ones head in the air then gets tired lack of Abhiyaas and concentration. Praatan Gurmukhs lived in the higher consciousness and constantly had their heads raised in the air through Keertan as this naturally happens when one is in the state of Bliss; Gursikhs live in this Anand. The length of time it happens for is down to an individual’s Jeevani (earning of Naam and Baanee in ones life)

ਰਾਜਾ ਰਾਮ ਅਨਹਦ ਕਿੰਗੁਰੀ ਬਾਜੈ ॥
raajaa raam anehudh kinguree baajai
The Unstruck Melody of the Sovereign Lord's Harp vibrates;
ਜਾ ਕੀ ਦਿਸਿਟ ਨਾਦ ਿਲਵ ਲਾਗੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jaa kee dhisatt naadh liv laagai by His Glance of Grace, we are lovingly attuned to the Sound-current of the Naad. 1Pause
ਭਾਠੀ ਗਗਨੁ ਸਿੰਿਙਆ ਅਰੁ ਚੁੰਿਙਆ ਕਨਕ ਕਲਸ ਇਕੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
bhaathee gugun sinngiaa ar chunngiaa kunuk kulus eik paaeiaa
The Tenth Gate of my crown chakra is the distilling fire, and the channels of the Ida and Pingala are the funnels, to pour in (naam) and empty out the golden vat.
(Ang 92)

Obviously we will struggle at first as our concentration will be weak but with Abhiyaas (practice) if we hang on in there the concentration becomes a lot stronger (total anand) all night. The mind forces us to get up and makes weak excuses this is the battle we have to conquer, we should not struggle in one position, if one needs to move around one should feel free, as pain will take away Anand of Keertan, one should feel free to do Chohar Sahib Sevaa (Sevaa behind Guru Sahib) or even switch legs but main focus is to stay in Darbaar Sahib; this is where the true blessings are. With Abhiyaas this practice becomes very easy and our account of Naam and Baanee rises. With practice and blessing one will sit through Rehansbhaaees all night in one Chawnkrda (position), again personal Jeevanee and concentration.

(Ang 872)
Kabir gond
ਕੂਟਨੁ ਸੋਇ ਜੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਕੂਟੈ ॥
koottun soe j mun ko koottai
He alone is a pimp, who pounds down his mind.
ੰਨ ਕੂਟੈ ਤਉ ਜਮ ਤੇ ਛੁਟੈ ॥
mun koottai tho jum thae shoottai
Pounding down his mind, he escapes from the Messenger of Death.
ਖੁਟਿ ਕੁਿਟ ਮਨੁ ਕਸਵਟੀ ਲਾਵੈ ॥
kutt kutt mun kusuvuttee laavai
Pounding and beating his mind, he puts it to the test;
ਸੋ ਕੂਟਨੁ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਬਹੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧॥
so koottun mukath buhu paavai
such a pimp attains total liberation. 1
ਕੂਟਨੁ ਕਿਸੈ ਕਹਹੁ ਸੰਸਾਰ ॥
koottun kisai kehuhu sunsaar
Who is called a pimp in this world?
ਸ਼ਗਲ ਬੋਲਨ ਕੇ ਮਾਹਿ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
sugul bolun kae maahi beechaar
In all speech, one must carefully consider. 1Pause
ਨਾਚਨੁ ਸੋਇ ਜੁ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਨਾਚੈ ॥
naachun soe j mun sio naachai
He alone is a dancer, who dances with his mind.
ਝੁਠਿ ਨ ਪਤੀਐ ਪਰਚੈ ਸਾਚੈ ॥
jhooth n putheeai puruchai saachai
The Lord is not satisfied with falsehood; He is pleased only with Truth.
ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਆਗੇ ਪੂਰੈ ਤਾਲ ॥
eis mun aagae poorai thaal
So play the beat of the drum in the mind.
ਇਸੁ ਨਾਚਨ ਕੇ ਮਨ ਰਖਵਾਲ ॥੨॥
eis naachun kae mun rukhuvaal
The Lord is the Protector of the dancer with such a mind. 2
ਬਜਾਰੀ ਸੋ ਜੁ ਬਜਾਰਹਿ ਸੋਧੈ ॥
bujaaree so j bujaarehi sodhai
She alone is a street-dancer, who cleanses her body-street,
ਪਾਂਚ ਪਲੀਤਹ ਕਉ ਪਰਬੋਧੈ ॥
paach puleetheh ko purubodhai and educates the five passions.
ਂਉ ਨਾਇਕ ਕੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥
no naaeik kee bhugath pushaanai
She who embraces devotional worship for the Lord
ਸੋ ਬਾਜਾਰੀ ਹਮ ਗੁਰ ਮਾਨੇ ॥੩॥
so baajaaree hum gur maanae -
I accept such a street-dancer as my Guru. 3
ਤਸਕਰੁ ਸੋਇ ਜਿ ਤਾਿਤ ਨ ਕਰੈ ॥
thusukur soe j thaath n kurai
He alone is a thief, who is above envy,
ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਕੈ ਜਤਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਚਰੈ ॥
eindhree kai juthan naam ouchurai
and who uses his sense organs to chant the Lord’s Name.
ਖਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਹਮ ਅੇਸੇ ਲਖਨ ॥
kuhu kubeer hum aisae lukhun
Says Kabeer, these are the qualities of the one
ਧਮਨੁ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਅਤਿ ਰੂਪ ਿਬਚਖਨ ॥੪॥੭॥੧੦॥
dhunn gurudhaev ath roop bichukhun
I know as my Blessed Divine Guru, who is the most beautiful and wise. 4710

In this shabad Bhagat Kabir Jee talks about beating ones mind physically and mentally as this filthy mind does not understand any other language, it is always stuck in the taste of the senses, this is when the Gurmukh is liberated.

Why does Daas recommend Rehansbhaaee Keertans?

Firstly, this is a practice in which definitely takes place once a month if not more. Secondly, one will not receive this type of Sangat in Ghirastee Jeevan (house holder in society) regularly as often as once a month, Daas' personal opinion is that they should be held more often. In this Sangat are spiritually blessed spirits with an amazing Jeevan and Nitnem (daily routine), sitting in the same Sangat as these Gursikhs one has to be truly blessed (Vadbhagee).

ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਮਿਲੁ ਸੰਗਤੀ ਸਚਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਿਵਸਾਹੁ ॥
vuddubhaagee mil sunguthee suchaa subudh visaahu
O most fortunate ones, join the Sangat, the Blessed Congregation; purchase the True Word of the Shabad.
(Ang 46)

Thirdly, Rehansbhaaees are attended by Naujvaan (young) and older, mostly Amritdhaaree Gursikhs from many Jathebandeeaan (organizations) as these Gurmukhs realize the true essence of Keertan.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੁਢੇ ਕਦੇ ਨਾਹੀ ਿਜਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਅੰਤਿਰ ਸੁਰਿਤ ਿਗਆਨੁ ॥
gurumukh budae kudhae naahee jinuaa anthar surath giaan
The Gurmukhs never grow old; within them is intuitive understanding and spiritual wisdom. ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਰਵਿਹ ਅੰਤਿਰ ਸਹਜ ਿਧਆਨੁ ॥
sudhaa sudhaa har gun ruvehi anthar sehuj dhiaan
They chant the Praises of the Lord, forever and ever; deep within, they intuitively meditate on the Lord.
ਓਇ ਸਦਾ ਅਨੰਦਿ ਿਬਬੇਕ ਰਹਿਹ ਦੁਿਖ ਸੁਿਖ ਏਕ ਸਮਾਿਨ ॥
oue sudhaa anundh bibaek rehehi dhukh sukh eaek sumaan
They dwell forever in blissful knowledge of the Lord; they look upon pain and pleasure as one and the same.
ਤਿਨਾ ਨਦਰੀ ਇਕੋ ਆਇਆ ਸਭੁ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਨੁ ॥੪੪॥
thinaa nudhuree eiko aaeiaa subh aathum raam pushaan
They see the One Lord in all, and realize the Lord, the Supreme Soul of all. 44
(Ang 1413)

Daas used the word older Gursikhs, subconsciously Daas felt bad so used this Shabad to prove Gursikhs might look older physically but mentally and spiritually are a lot healthier and wiser, ONLY the ones who live in Guru Sahibs hukum of Athe Pehar Naam Abhiyaas (24/7 Naam Jap). Last of all every Human being has the potential to sit through a full Rehansbhaaee but one does not believe in ones self, sitting through a Rehansbaahee makes a Gurmukhs Amrit velaa a lot stronger, as one thinks if I can do it in Sangat, then I can most certainly do it at home, one needs to have faith and always needs to be positive, ones Nitnem (daily routine and Kamaaee meditating during the day becomes a lot stronger and focused). Daas would like to say some bitter words - if one can not sit through full Rehansbhaaees or does not attempt to, it will become very difficult for ones concentration and Jeevan (life) to develop further and one might not receive Jeevan Mukhatee (liberated whilst alive) in this life.

Bentee: Please if one comes to Rehansbhaaee sit through the full Rehansbhaaee and one will realize an amazing change in ones Jeevan, Bhull Chuk Maaf. Praatan Singhs sat through full Akhand Paaths; 48 hours of Abhiyaas. Rehansbhaaee is only a fifth of an Akhand Paath, we are decreasing in Abhiyaas as time goes on.

ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਰੈ ਅਪੁਨਾ ਮੁਕਤੀ ਕਾ ਦਰੁ ਪਾਵਿਣਆ ॥੩॥
subadh murai mun maarai apunaa mukuthee kaa dhur paavaniaa
Those who die in the Shabad and subdue their own minds, obtain the door of liberation. 3
(Ang 116)

ਸੰਤ ਸਭਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਧੇਣੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
sunth subhaa gur paaeeai mukath pudhaaruth dhaen
In the Society of the Saints, the Guru is found. He is the Treasure of Liberation, the Source of all good fortune. 1Pause
(Ang 18)

It is very rare you get so many Amritdhaaree Gursikhs together at any one time, so earn Lahaa (profit).

ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਤੂੰ ਆਇਆ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈਣਿ ॥
praanee thoon aaeiaa laahaa lain O mortal, you came here to earn a profit.
ਲਗਾ ਕਿਤੁ ਕੁਫਕੜੇ ਸਭ ਮੁਕਦੀ ਚਲੀ ਰੈਿਣ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
lugaa kith kufukurrae subh mukudhee chulee rain
What useless activities are you attached to? Your life-night is coming to its end. 1Pause
(Ang 43)

When Guru Sahib talks about a profit in this Shabad, Guru Sahib refers to Naam and Baanee, Guru Sahib says ones night is passing away in vain. Lets earn our profit of Naam and Baanee and sit through full Rehansbhaaees for one to progress a lot further in ones personal Jeevan (life). Rehansbhaaee Keertans helped Daas amazingly in Daas' Jeevan as ones concentration most certainly develops further. One should attend Naam Abhiyaas camps, Keertan Darbaars, camps in general, divaans in general and persuade ones mind not to get up until after smaapthee (end), the mind will make many excuses as it is ones enemy until it is liberated. Rehansbhaaee Keertans are once every month in different cities and there is usually transport available if one wants to know more please visit the a.k.j. Site: www.akj.org.

(Ang 190)

ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸੁਣੈ ਹਿਰ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਗਾਵੈ ॥
har keeruthun sunai har keeruthun gaavai
Listening to the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises, and singing the Lord's Kirtan,
ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਦੂਖੁ ਿਨਕਿਟ ਨਹੀ ਆਵੈ ॥੨॥
this jun dhookh nikatt nehee aavai misfortune shall not even come near you. 2
ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਟਹਲ ਕਰਤ ਜਨੁ ਸੋਹੈ ॥
har kee ttehul kuruth jun sohai
Working for the Lord, His humble servants look beautiful.
ਤਾ ਕਉ ਮਾਇਆ ਅਗਨਿ ਨ ਪੋਹੈ ॥੩॥
thaa ko maaeiaa agan n pohai
The fire of Maya (attachment to materialistic pleasure) does not touch them. 3
ਮਨਿ ਤਿਨ ਮੁਿਖ ਹਿਰ ਨਾਮੁ ਦਇਆਲ ॥
man than mukh har naam dhaeiaal
Within their minds, bodies and mouths, is the Name of the Merciful Lord.
ਨਾਨਕ ਤਜੀਅਲੇ ਅਵਰਿ ਜੰਜਾਲ ॥੪॥੫੨॥੧੨੧॥
naanuk thujeealae avar junjaal
Nanak has renounced other worldly entanglements. 452121

Vahigurooooooooooooooooo!

If anybody is aware of regular Abhiyaas programs that take place around the world please confirm to the Sangat by replying in the comments box as one will only reach higher planes of spirituality by single mindedly sitting through lengthy Abhiyaas programs (practices).

Next weeks article is *Qualities of a Sikh*