Qualities Of A Sikh

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਗੁਣ ਨ ਜਾਪਨੀ ਿਬਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਭਗਿਤ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
bin gur gun n jaapunee bin gun bhugath n hoe
Without the Guru, one's virtues do not shine forth; without virtue, there is no devotional worship.
(Ang 66)

To kill the five thieves (Panj chor) Kaam lust, Krodh anger, Lobh greed, Moh attachment, Ahankaar ego, one must sincerely try and love every being, sincere effort, truth and kindness, conquer fear, forgiveness, dealing with anger through patience, contentment, compassion for the feelings of others, accepting what happens in the world, giving, the largest thing one can give is ones time because we think that we never have enough of it, to stay away from worldly desires, never slander or quarrel, falseness, selfishness, gossip and jealousy, good conduct, speak sweet words, tolerance, humility. Keep an open mind, always act by understanding in the World, good virtue and keep smiling.

ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਦ ਮਤਸਰ ਏ ਖੇਲਤ ਸਭਿ ਜੂਐ ਹਾਰੇ ॥
kaam krodh maaeiaa mudh muthusur eae khaeluth sabh jooai haarae
Sexual desire, anger, intoxication with Maya and jealousy - I have lost all of these in the game of chance.
(Ang 379)

ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਸਚੁ ਇਹ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਗਿ੍ਰਹ ਭੀਤਿਰ ਵਾਰੇ ॥੧॥
Suth sunthokh dhaeiaa dhurum such eih apunai grih bheethar vaarae
Purity, contentment, compassion, faith and truthfulness - I have ushered these into the home of my self. 1
ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਚੂਕੇ ਸਭਿ ਭਾਰੇ ॥
junum murun chookae sabh bhaarae
All the loads of birth and death have been removed.
ਮਿਲਤ ਸੰਗਿ ਭਇਓ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਲੈ ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਤਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
miluth sung bhaeiou mun nirumul gur poorai lai khin mehi thaarae
Joining the Saints' Society, my mind has become pure; the Perfect Guru has saved me in an instant. 1Pause
ਸਭ ਕੀ ਰੇਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੈ ਮਨੂਆ ਸਗਲੇ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਮੀਤ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥
subh kee raen hoe rehai munooaa sugulae dheesehi meeth piaarae
My mind has become the dust of all, and everyone seems a sweet friend to me.

One should never judge the negatives of another; one should always look for the positives in all beings, as this is the sign of a humble being. These qualities can only be practiced by Guru’s teachings and meditation of Naam, which is very important. The only way we can practise qualities is if negativity comes our way for example, an angry parent, comfort with patience and love. Giving fills people’s hearts with love. A genuine smile causes an amazingly outwardly presence which changes the environment around us. Most of all don’t forget to find faith and let’s purify our filthy minds through meditation. There is always the option to talk to young like-minded people.

“win over the mind and you win over the world” – Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

(Ang 6)

Bhai Gurdaas Jee
ਬਾਵਨ ਚੰਦਨ ਆਖੀਐ ਬਹਿਲੇ ਿਬਸੀਅਰ ਿਤਸ ਲਪਟਾਹੀਂ॥
baavun chundhun aakheeai behilae biseear this luputtaahee
The snakes are said to be coiled around the sandal tree (but the tree is not influenced by their poison). Snakes manmukh, sandal tree gurmukh
pwrs AMdr pQrW pQr pwrs hoie n jwhIN]
paarus andhur puthuraa puthur paarus hoe n jaahee
The philosopher's stone exists among stones but does not turn out to be an ordinary stone. Philosophers stone gurmukh, ordinary stone manmukh
ਮਣੀਂ ਜਿਨਾਂ ਸਪਾਂ ਿਸਰੀਂ ਓਇ ਭੀ ਸਪਾਂ ਿਵਚ ਿਫਰਾਹੀਂ॥
munee jinaa supaa siree oue bhee supaa vich firaahee
The jewel-holding snake also roams about among the ordinary snakes. Jewel snake gurmukh, ordinary snake manmukh.
ਲਹਿਰੀ ਅੰਦਰ ਹੰਸਲੇ ਮਾਣਕ ਮੋਤੀ ਚੁਗ ਚੁਗ ਖਾਹੀਂ॥
lehiree andhur hunsulae maanuk mothee chug chug khaahee
From the waves of the pond, the swans pick up only pearls and gems to eat. Swans gurmukh with virtue, waves manmukh bad vibes
ਜ੍ਯੋਂ ਜਲ ਕਵਲ ਅਲਿਪਤ ਹੈ ਘਰਬਾਰੀ ਗੁਰਿਸਖ ਿਤਵਾਹੀਂ॥
juo jul kuvul aliputh hai ghurubaaree gurasikh thivaahee
As the lotus remains unsmeared in water, the same is the position of the householder Sikh.

Lotus flower is a beautiful Flower what sits on top of dirty water, similarly a Sikh stands out in the filth of world.

ਆਸਾ ਵਿਚ ਿਨਰਾਸ ਹੋਇ ਜੀਵਣ ਮੁਕਤ ਸੁ ਜੁਗਤ ਜਵਾਹੀਂ॥
aasaa vich niraas hoe jeevun mukuth s juguth juvaahee
He residing among all the hopes and cravings around, adopts the skill of liberation in life and lives (happily).
ਸਾਧ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਿਕਤ ਮੁਖ ਸਲਾਹੀਂ ॥
Saadh sungath kith mukh sulaahee
How could one eulogise the holy congregation.

This shabad is beautiful Bhai Gurdaas Jee explains how the Gurmukh stands out by miles even though he is surrounded by so much negativity. This is only possible through Naam. A Manmukh is a person who is a slave to ones mind, Gurmukh is a person who is constantly aware of ones subconscious mind and constantly follows Guru Sahibs teachings. What does Gurbani say about the qualities of a Gursikh, and how one should live as Gurmukh in this world.

Daas has received many e-mails lately on speeding up ones progression. Daas is amazingly happy many people are focussed on their Jeevans (life), one has to remember this filthy mind takes many life times to purify and one should find the stage of Sehaj (peace and poise). One should Jap Naam Ik Ras, constantly in one tune, rhythm or speed. One should do Athai Pehar (24,7) Simran with the breath in the mind but also be aware of ones mission in life, to liberate ones self (Jeevan Mukhat) and help liberate the World, on this journey one has to teach by example, one has to spread love, compassion, contentment, peace, tolerance, patience etc into the World and not be ignorant to the world, as one has to remember we are the ones practising to be pure minded human beings, if we are not going to spread love then who is? One has to also be very patient in spiritual advancement as patience it self will speed up progression, one also needs to learn how to accept and let be, this will make one a true Gurmukh.

(Ang 98)

ਖੋਜਤ ਖੋਜਤ ਦਰਸਨ ਚਾਹੇ ॥
khojuth khojuth dhurusun chaahae
I have searched and searched, seeking the Blessed Vision of His Darshan.
ਭਾਤਿ ਭਾਤਿ ਬਨ ਬਨ ਅਵਗਾਹੇ ॥
bhaath bhaath bun bun avugaahae
I travelled through all sorts of woods and forests.
ਨਿਰਗੁਣੁ ਸਰਗੁਣੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਰਾ ਕੋਈ ਹੈ ਜੀਉ ਆਣਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥
nirugun surugun har har maeraa koee hai jeeo aan milaavai jeeo
My Lord, Har, Har, is both absolute and related, unmanifest and manifest; is there anyone who can come and unite me with Him? 1
ਖਟੁ ਸਾਸਤ ਬਿਚਰਤ ਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨਾ ॥
khutt saasuth bichuruth mukh giaanaa
People recite from memory the wisdom of the six schools of philosophy;
ਪੂਜਾ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਤੀਰਥ ਇਸਨਾਨਾ ॥
poojaa thiluk theeruth eisunaanaa
they perform worship services, wear ceremonial religious marks on their foreheads, and take ritual cleansing baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage.
ਨਿਵਲੀ ਕਰਮ ਆਸਨ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਇਨ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
nivulee kurum aasun chouraaseeh ein mehi saath n aavai jeeo
They perform the inner cleansing practice with water and adopt the eighty-four Yogic postures; but still, they find no peace in any of these. 2
ਅਨਿਕ ਬਰਖ ਕੀਏ ਜਪ ਤਾਪਾ ॥
anik burukh keeeae jup thaapaa
They chant and meditate, practicing austere self-discipline for years and years;
ਗਵਨੁ ਕੀਆ ਧਰਤੀ ਭਰਮਾਤਾ ॥
guvun keeaa dhuruthee bhurumaathaa
they wander on journeys all over the earth;
ਇਕੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਜੋਗੀ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਉਠਿ ਧਾਵੈ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
eik khin hirudhai saath n aavai jogee buhurr buhurr outh dhaavai jeeo
and yet, their hearts are not at peace, even for an instant. The Yogi rises up and goes out, over and over again. 3
ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੋਹਿ ਸਾਧੁ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥
kar kirupaa mohi saadh milaaeiaa By His Mercy, I have met the Holy Saint.
ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਸੀਤਲੁ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
mun thun seethul dheeruj paaeiaa
My mind and body have been cooled and soothed; I have been blessed with patience and composure.
ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਬਸਿਆ ਘਟ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਗਲੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਗਾਵੈ ਜੀਉ ॥੪॥੫॥੧੨॥
prubh abinaasee basiaa ghutt bheethar har mungul naanuk gaavai jeeo
The Immortal Lord God has come to dwell within my heart. Nanak sings the songs of joy to the Lord. 4512

Guru Arjan Dev Jee explains the power of patience in this Shabad. If one learns to accept in patience one will become Gurmukh. Patience is not an excuse for laziness. One has to learn to meditate Athai Pehar (24,7) whilst living householder life i.e. laughing, playing, wearing, eating, driving, walking, working, studying etc and other worldly duties. One can only teach ones self-how to do this, as this is vital in ones life.

(Ang 522)

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਿਰ ਭੇਿਟਐ ਪੂਰੀ ਹੋਵੈ ਜੁਗਿਤ ॥
naanuk sathigur bhaettiai pooree hovai jugath
O Nanak, meeting the True Guru, one comes to know the Perfect Way.
ਹਸੰਦਿਆ ਖੇਲੰਿਦਆ ਪੈਨੰਿਦਆ ਖਾਵੰਿਦਆ ਿਵਚੇ ਹੋਵੈ ਮੁਕਿਤ ॥੨॥
husundhiaa khaelundhiaa painundhiaa khaavundhiaa vichae hovai mukath
While laughing, playing, dressing and eating, he is liberated. 2

If Guru Sahib wanted us only to keep Dhiaan (concentration) Sadhnaa (path), then Guru Sahib would not have questioned the Siddhs, Buddhs, Jains, Rishhi, Munni etc who spent their whole life in meditation in Monasteries etc away from society and did nothing for the World. Just Dhiaan Sadhnaa on its own will never make us into a Gurmukh, it will never strengthen our minds, and it will leave weaknesses in our practice. To become Gurmukh and strengthen our minds we have to live amongst these weak and narrow-minded people, this will also strengthen our character, nature and also spread the word of Guru Nanak Dev Jee.

ਉਦਾਰਉ ਚਿਤ ਦਾਿਰਦ ਹਰਨ ਿਪਖੰਿਤਹ ਕਲਮਲ ਤ੍ਰਸਨ ॥
oudhaaro chith dhaaridh hurun pikhunthih kulumul thrusun
You are open-minded and large-hearted, the Destroyer of poverty; seeing You, sins are afraid. (Ang 1392 Bhatt Kal)

Open- mindedness helps one to develop a relaxed mind and also stops one from being judgemental and helps one accept. Like Bhatt Kal says vice will not come near an open-minded person. Those people who hide themselves away from society to purify their minds will most definately fail when they come back in to society, as there are too many desires in society and one must purify ones mind in society to conquer the desires of ones mind.

LUST is a big desire, Daas is sure one will be defeated by Lust, as Lust is not something one can run away from. Lust has to be faced head on through the teachings of Guru Sahib. All desires in society have to be faced head on.

(Ang 517)

ਆਸਾ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਇਸੀ ਿਜਿਨ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੋ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ ॥
aasaa munusaa mar jaaeisee jin keethee so lai jaae
Hopes and desires shall die only when He, who created them, takes them away.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਕੋ ਨਹੀ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਹਿਰ ਕੈ ਨਾਇ ॥੨॥
naanuk nihuchul ko nehee baajhuhu har kai naae O Nanak, nothing is permanent, except the Name of the Lord. 2

Guru Sahib says only the name of the Lord Vahiguroo can take away ones desires, why desire when nothing is here to stay. A Monk would struggle in society after many years away as he would not have trained his mind to control his desires, evils, senses etc. Daas had a Buddhist friend who used to go on many yearly retreats and when he came back he fell in to the trap of Lust, he talked openly about it to Daas and he really struggled in his practice as Buddhists believe in Celibacy. He failed in his practice as he started to date and go out. This is one of the main reasons that a Gursikh purifies ones mind in society and builds ones character, nature as a loving human being. Read this shabad carefully; one should find ones answer:

(Ang 835)

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਚੈ ਮਿਨ ਮੁੰਦ੍ਰਾ ਪਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਤਿਨ ਭਸਮ ਿਦ੍ਰੜਈਆ ॥
sathigur puruchai man mundhraa paaee gur kaa subudh than bhusum dhrirreeaa
My mind wears the ear-rings of the True Guru's acquaintance; I apply the ashes of the Word of the Guru's Shabad to my body.
ਅਮਰ ਪਿੰਡ ਭਏ ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਿਗ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਦੋਊ ਿਮਿਟ ਗਈਆ ॥੧॥
amur pindd bheae saadhoo sung junum murun dhooo mitt geeaa
my body has become immortal, in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. Both birth and death have come to an end for me. 1
ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਿਮਿਲ ਰਹੀਆ ॥
maerae mun saadhusungath mil reheeaa
O my mind, remain united with the Saadh Sangat.
ਕਿ੍ਰਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਮਧਸੂਦਨ ਮਾਧਉ ਮੈ ਿਖਨੁ ਿਖਨੁ ਸਾਧੂ ਚਰਣ ਪਖਈਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
kirupaa kuruhu mudhusoodhun maadho mai khin khin saadhoo churun pukheeaa
Be merciful to me, O Lord; each and every instant, let me wash the Feet of the Holy. 1Pause
ਤਜੈ ਗਿਰਸਤੁ ਭਇਆ ਬਨ ਵਾਸੀ ਇਕੁ ਿਖਨੁ ਮਨੂਆ ਿਟਕੈ ਨ ਿਟਕਈਆ ॥
thujai girusuth bhaeiaa bun vaasee eik khin munooaa ttikai n ttikeeaa
Forsaking family life, he wanders in the forest, but his mind does not remain at rest, even for an instant.
ਧਾਵਤੁ ਧਾਇ ਤਦੇ ਘਰਿ ਆਵੈ ਹਿਰ ਹਿਰ ਸਾਧੂ ਸਰਿਣ ਪਵਈਆ ॥੨॥
dhaavuth dhaae thudhae ghar aavai har har saadhoo suran puveeaa
The wandering mind returns home, only when it seeks the Sanctuary of the Lord's Holy people. 2
ਧੀਆ ਪੂਤ ਛੋਡਿ ਸੰਿਨਆਸੀ ਆਸਾ ਆਸ ਮਿਨ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਕਰਈਆ ॥
dheeaa pooth shodd sunniaasee aasaa aas man buhuth kureeaa
The Sannyaasi renounces his daughters and sons, but his mind still conjures up all sorts of hopes and desires.
ਆਸਾ ਆਸ ਕਰੈ ਨਹੀ ਬੂਝੈ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਿਨਰਾਸ ਸੁਖੁ ਲਹੀਆ ॥੩॥
aasaa aas kurai nehee boojhai gur kai subadh niraas sukh leheeaa
With these hopes and desires, he still does not understand, that only through the Word of the Guru's Shabad does one become free of desires, and find peace. 3
ਉਪਜੀ ਤਰਕ ਦਿਗੰਬਰੁ ਹੋਆ ਮਨੁ ਦਹ ਿਦਸ ਚਿਲ ਚਿਲ ਗਵਨੁ ਕਰਈਆ ॥
oupujee thuruk dhigunbur hoaa mun dheh dhis chal chal guvun kureeaa
When detachment from the world wells up within, he become a naked hermit, but still, his mind roams, wanders and rambles in the ten directions.
ਪ੍ਰਭਵਨੁ ਕਰੈ ਬੂਝੈ ਨਹੀ ਤਿ੍ਰਸਨਾ ਿਮਿਲ ਸੰਿਗ ਸਾਧ ਦਇਆ ਘਰੁ ਲਹੀਆ ॥੪॥
prubhuvun kurai boojhai nehee thrisunaa mil sung saadh dhaeiaa ghur leheeaa
He wanders around, but his desires are not satisfied; joining the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, he finds the house of kindness and compassion. 4
ਾਸਣ ਸਿਧ ਿਸਖਿਹ ਬਹੁਤੇਰੇ ਮਿਨ ਮਾਗਿਹ ਿਰਿਧ ਿਸਿਧ ਚੇਟਕ ਚੇਟਕਈਆ ॥
aasun sidh sikhehi buhuthaerae man maagehi ridh sidh chaettuk chaettukeeaa
The Siddhas learn many Yogis postures, but their minds still yearn for riches, miraculous powers and energy.
ਤਿ੍ਰਪਿਤ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਮਿਨ ਸਾਂਿਤ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਿਮਿਲ ਸਾਧੂ ਿਤ੍ਰਪਿਤ ਹਿਰ ਨਾਿਮ ਿਸਿਧ ਪਈਆ ॥੫॥
thripath sunthokh man saath n aavai mil saadhoo thripath har naam sidh peeaa
Satisfaction, contentment and tranquility do not come to their minds; but meeting the Holy Saints, they are satisfied, and through the Name of the Lord, spiritual perfection is attained. 5
ਅੰਡਜ ਜੇਰਜ ਸੇਤਜ ਉਤਭੁਜ ਸਭਿ ਵਰਨ ਰੂਪ ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਈਆ ॥
andduj jaeruj saethuj outhubhuj sabh vurun roop jeea junth oupeeaa
Life is born from the egg, from the womb, from sweat and from the earth; God created the beings and creatures of all colors and forms.
ਸਾਧੂ ਸਰਣਿ ਪਰੈ ਸੋ ਉਬਰੈ ਖਤ੍ਰੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਸੂਦੁ ਵੈਸੁ ਚੰਡਾਲੁ ਚੰਡਈਆ ॥੬॥
saadhoo suran purai so ouburai khuthree braahumun soodh vais chunddaal chunddeeaa
One who seeks the Sanctuary of the Holy is saved, whether he is a Kh'shaatriya, a Brahmin, a Soodra, a Vaishya or the most untouchable of the untouchables. 6
ਨਾਮਾ ਜੈਦੇਉ ਕੰਬੀਰੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਲੋਚਨੁ ਅਉਜਾਤਿ ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਚਮਿਆਰੁ ਚਮਈਆ ॥
naamaa jaidhaeo kunbeer thrilochun aoujaath ravidhaas chamiaar chumeeaa
Naam Dayv, Jai Dayv, Kabeer, Trilochan and Ravi Daas the low-caste leather-worker,
ਜੋ ਜੋ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਾਧੂ ਜਨ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਧਨੁ ਧੰਨਾ ਜਟੁ ਸੈਣੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਦਈਆ ॥੭॥
jo jo milai saadhoo jun sungath dhun dhunnaa jutt sain miliaa har dheeaa
blessed Dhanna and Sain; all those who joined the humble Saadh Sangat, met the Merciful Lord.
ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਹਰਿ ਪੈਜ ਰਖਾਈ ਭਗਤਿ ਵਛਲੁ ਅੰਗੀਕਾਰੁ ਕਰਈਆ ॥
sunth junaa kee har paij rukhaaee bhugath vushul angeekaar kureeaa
The Lord protects the honor of His humble servants; He is the Lover of His devotees - He makes them His own.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਰਣਿ ਪਰੇ ਜਗਜੀਵਨ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਰਖਈਆ ॥੮॥੪॥੭॥
naanuk suran purae jugujeevun har har kirupaa dhaar rukheeaa
Nanak has entered the Sanctuary of the Lord, the Life of the world, who has showered His Mercy upon him, and saved him. 847

Guru Sahib tells us the only way a human can purify ones mind is to face life head on and not hide or run away, life is here to experience and make one stronger but only through Naam. As we live in this Roop we should always be subconsciously aware of what negative or positive steps we are taking for society, life is an experience the only time we will be aware of our subconscious mind is when we live in the Now, the present, not the past nor the future, the NOW.

If we as Gursikhs are not aware of our subconscious mind in society and do silly things it will be a dhaag (stain) to Gurus Roop. If we cannot commit positive actions one should be aware of ones negative actions in public. GURSIKH IS DOING SEVA ATHAI PEHAR 24 HOURS, Gursikhs cannot hide.

(Ang 3)

Bhai Gurdaas Jee
ਸਾਧ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਭਉ ਭਾਉ ਸਿਹਜ ਬੈਰਾਗ ਹੈ॥
saadh sungath bho bhaao sehij bairaag hai
Fear (of God) and love (for mankind) being diffused in the holy congregation the sense of non-attachment always prevails.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਸਹਿਜ ਸੁਭਾਉ ਸੁਰਿਤ ਸੁ ਜਾਗ ਹੈ॥
gurumukh sehij subhaao surath s jaag hai
By nature, the Gurmukhs remian alert i.e. their consciousness remains attuned to Shabad, the Word.
ਮਧੁਰ ਬਚਨ ਆਲਾਉ ਹਉਮੈਂ ਤ੍ਯਾਗ ਹੈ॥
mudhur buchun aalaao houmai thuaag hai
They speak sweet words and they have already expelled ego from their selves.
ਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਿਤ ਪਰਥਾਉ ਸਦਾ ਅਨੁਰਾਗ ਹੈ॥
sathigur math puruthaao sudhaa anuraag hai
Conducting themselves according to the wisdom of the Guru they always remain imbued in love (of the Lord).
ਪਿਰਮ ਿਪਆਲੇ ਸਾਉ ਮਸਤਕ ਭਾਗ ਹੈ॥
pirum piaalae saao musuthuk bhaag hai
They feeling fortunate quaff the cup of love (of the Lord).
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਜੋਤਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾਓ ਗ੍ਯਾਨ ਚਰਾਗ ਹੈ॥
brehum joth brehumaaou guaan churaag hai
Realising the light of the Supreme in their mind they become competent to light the lamp of divine knowledge.
ਅੰਤਰ ਗੁਰਮਤ ਚਾਉ ਅਲਿਪਤ ਅਦਾਗ ਹੈ॥
anthur gurumuth chaao aliputh adhaag hai
Due to the wisdom obtained from Guru they have unlimited enthusiasm and they remain untouched by maya and the dirt of the evil propensities.
vIh iekIh cVwau sdw suhwg hY ]ñó]
veeh eikeeh churraao sudhaa suhaag hai
In the context of worldliness, they always conduct themselves in a superior position i.e. if the world is twenty, they are twenty one.

What is the NOW? The NOW is Vahiguroo. We need to have Guru Sahibs name constantly in our mind, on our tongue, in our breath in order for us to be subconsciously aware, when we are positive and aware through Naam one will automatically do good deeds, give, help, etc. A positive mind brings positive actions, a negative mind brings negative actions which one will regret later. A positive mind through Naam in society is like a breath of fresh air, it creates an aura, presence for people to always want to be around and most of all people will stop being negative around us E.g. stop swearing, arguing, slandering etc because they think we might mind, but no, a Gursikh lives in Bhaana (Gods will) one lives and lets live. Gursikhs and Sikhee will be well respected, as we will be known as peace loving people. To earn respect one has to learn to give respect,

(Ang 6)
Bhai Gurdaas Jee
ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਮਿੱਠਾ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਜੋ ਬੋਲੈ ਸੋਈ ਜਪ ਜਾਪੈ॥
gurumukh mthiaa bolunaa jo bolai soee jup jaapai
The polite language of a Sikh brings out what he thinks in his mind and heart.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਅਖੀਂ ਦੇਖਣਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਧਿਆਨ ਧਰੇ ਆਪ ਸੁਆਪੈ॥
gurumukh akhee dhaekhunaa brehum dhiaan dhurae aap suaapai
A Sikh beholds God everywhere with his own eyes, and that is equal to a yogi's meditation.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਸੁਨਣਾ ਸੁਰਤ ਕਰ ਪੰਚ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਗੁਰ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਅਲਾਪੈ॥
gurumukh sununaa suruth kur punch shubudh gur shubudh alaapai
When a Sikh listens attentively to, or himself sings, the word of God, that is equal to the five ecstatic sounds in the brain of a yogi.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਕਿਰਤ ਕਮਾਵਣੀ ਨਮਸਕਾਰ ਡੰਡਉਤ ਿਸਞਾਪੈ॥
gurumukh kiruth kumaavunee numusukaar ddunddouth sinjaapai
Earning livelihood with his hands by a Sikh is equal to the obeisance and prostration (of Hindus).
ਰਮੁਖ ਮਾਰਗ ਚਲਣਾ ਪਰਦਖਣਾ ਪੂਰਨ ਪਰਤਾਪੈ॥
gurumukh maarug chulunaa purudhukhunaa poorun puruthaapai
When, the gurmukh, walks to behold the Guru, that is equal to an extremely holy circumambulation.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਖਾਣਾ ਪੈਨਣਾ ਜਗ ਭੋਗ ਸੰਜੋਗ ਪਛਾਪੈ॥
gurumukh khaanaa painunaa jug bhog sunjog pushaapai
When the Guru oriented person eats and clothes himself, that is equal to the performance of Hindu sacrifice and offering.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਸਵਣ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਹੈ ਆਪੈ ਆਪ ਨ ਥਾਪ ੳਥਾਪੈ॥
gurumukh suvun sumaadh hai aapai aap n thaap ouuthaapai
When gurmukh sleeps, that is equal to a yogi's trance and the gurmukh withdraws not his thoughts from the object (God the Guru) of his concentration.
ਰੀ ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਲਹਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਲਬ ਲੋਭ ਿਬਆਪੈ॥
ghurubaaree jeevun mukath lehur nehee lub lobh biaapai
The householder is liberated in life; he is not afraid of the waves of the world's ocean and fear does not enter his heart.
ਪਾਰ ਪਵੇ ਲੰਘ ਵਰੈ ਸਰਾਪੈ ॥ñø॥
paar puvae lungh vurai suraapai
He goes beyond the region of blessings and curses, and does not utter them.

Daas is aware most of the Shabads Daas has used in this article are Bhai Gurdaas Jees, the Mamaa (uncle) of Guru Arjan Dev Jee, Daas could not help this as Bhai Sahib explains beautifully a Gurmukh living a householders life. Bhai Sahib was known as the key to Gurbani. Amazingly Bhai Sahib was not Gristhee (householder), but he still said one will only become pooran through Grishstee.

(Ang 784)
ਮਿਠ ਬੋਲੜਾ ਜੀ ਹਿਰ ਸਜਣੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਮੋਰਾ ॥
mith bolurraa jee har sujun suaamee moraa
My Dear Lord and Master, my Friend, speaks so sweetly.
ਹਉ ਸੰਮਲਿ ਥਕੀ ਜੀ ਓਹੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਬੋਲੈ ਕਉਰਾ ॥
ho sunmal thukee jee ouhu kudhae n bolai kouraa
I have grown weary of testing Him, but still, He never speaks harshly to me.
ਕਉੜਾ ਬੋਲਿ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ਪੂਰਨ ਭਗਵਾਨੈ ਅਉਗਣੁ ਕੋ ਨ ਿਚਤਾਰੇ ॥
kourraa bol n jaanai poorun bhuguvaanai aougun ko n chithaarae
He does not know any bitter words; the Perfect Lord God does not even consider my faults and demerits.
ਪਤਿਤ ਪਾਵਨੁ ਹਿਰ ਿਬਰਦੁ ਸਦਾਏ ਇਕੁ ਿਤਲੁ ਨਹੀ ਭੰਨੈ ਘਾਲੇ ॥
pathith paavun har birudh sudhaaeae eik thil nehee bhunnai ghaalae
It is the Lord's natural way to purify sinners; He does not overlook even an iota of service.
ਘਟ ਘਟ ਵਾਸੀ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਨੇਰੈ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਨੇਰਾ ॥
ghutt ghutt vaasee surub nivaasee naerai hee thae naeraa
He dwells in each and every heart, pervading everywhere; He is the nearest of the near.
ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਰਣਾਗਤਿ ਹਿਰ ਅੰਿਮ੍ਰਤ ਸਜਣੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥੧॥
naanuk dhaas sudhaa surunaagath har anmrith sujun maeraa
Slave Nanak seeks His Sanctuary forever; the Lord is my Ambrosial Friend. 1

In this Shabad Guru Arjan Dev Jee explains the qualities of God. Guru Sahib has told us many times in Gurbani one must become one with the lord through his praises, so therefore if one becomes one with the lord one will adopt the qualities of the lord as shown above. Daas would like to confirm one can only adopt the qualities of a Sikh through Athai Pehar Naam Abhiyaas. In Kaljug it is very difficult to reach the stage of liberated whilst alive (Jeevan Mukhat), one of the reasons is being a householder and having so many responsibilities, family being one of them, so therefore one has to keep on tugging away at Naam in order to remember God in the last breath.

ਅੰਤਿ ਕਾਿਲ ਨਾਰਾਇਣੁ ਿਸਮਰੈ ਐਸੀ ਿਚੰਤਾ ਮਿਹ ਜੇ ਮਰੈ ॥
anth kaal naaraaein simurai aisee chinthaa mehi jae murai
At the very last moment, one who thinks of the Lord, and dies in such thoughts,
ਬਦਤਿ ਿਤਲੋਚਨੁ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਮੁਕਤਾ ਪੀਤੰਬਰੁ ਵਾ ਕੇ ਿਰਦੈ ਬਸੈ ॥੫॥੨॥
budhath thilochun thae nur mukuthaa peethunbur vaa kae ridhai busai
says Trilochan, that man shall be liberated; the Lord shall abide in his heart. 52

(Ang 526)

Daas will go deeper into individual virtues in later articles, as only virtue through Naam creates one to become Gurmukh.

*Next weeks article 'Rom Rom'*