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n this article, we will explore the second Salok of the Salok Mahala 9 Baani written by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
The First Question..
Guru Sahib Ji begin this Salok by asking why we become so engrossed in the poison of negativity, greed, and attachment instead of praising Vaheguru Ji (God).
ਬਿਖਿਅਨ ਸਿਉ ਕਾਹੇ ਰਚਿਓ ਨਿਮਖ ਨ ਹੋਹਿ ਉਦਾਸੁ ॥
Why are you engrossed in sin and corruption? You are not detached, even for a moment!
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਜੁ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਾ ਪਰੈ ਨ ਜਮ ਕੀ ਫਾਸ ॥੨॥
This poison, referred to as ‘Bikhian’, translates to negativity and impurity. It encompasses behaviors such as slander and harboring ill thoughts about others. Just like consuming poison slowly deteriorates our physical health, indulging in negativity slowly corrodes our mental well-being.
Poison, in its essence, exists in two forms. Some poisons are swift and deadly, causing immediate harm, while others slowly damage our inner being. In our lives, we often consume the latter without realizing it. For instance, just as refined sugar may seem pleasurable but harmfully affects our health over time, engaging in slander and negativity gradually erodes our peace and happiness.
The Power of Words and Thoughts
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji emphasizes the significance of our words. They remind us that failing to recite God's name and instead uttering impure words cuts our spiritual connection, much like slicing our tongues into pieces.
ਰਸਨਾ ਜਪੈ ਨ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਕਰਿ ਕਟੀਐ ॥
The tongue which does not chant the Naam ought to be cut out, bit by bit.
Just like sugar coated desserts seem sweet at the moment of consumption but later damage the body, engaging in gossip and jealousy often leaves us with an uncomfortable, regretful and heavy feeling.
ਅਸੰਖ ਨਿੰਦਕ ਸਿਰਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਭਾਰੁ ॥
Countless slanderers carry the weight of gossiping on their heads.
Being Udaas - The True Detachment
Udaas is commonly understood as being sad. But here, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji teaches us about Udaas as a state of detachment. It is a state where you longer depend on a certain external outcome for your contentment. Rather, you find a state of stability within yourself regardless of what is happening outside. You realize that everything within this world is changing, and stability can only be found in Vaheguru. An end is put to the frantic search of happiness outside, as one discovers eternal bliss inside.
ਬਾਹਰਿ ਢੂਢਨ ਤੇ ਛੂਟਿ ਪਰੇ ਗੁਰਿ ਘਰ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ਦਿਖਾਇਆ ਥਾ ॥
I have quit searching outside; the Guru has shown me that God is within the home of my own heart.
It is also worth noting that this detachment is not what traditional monks might do, renouncing marriage or societal ties; rather, it is about inner freedom. Guru Gobind Singh Ji advises us to maintain detachment within our minds while living our household lives. The key is to remain focused on the Divine and find a state of stability within, amidst your daily life. This balance allows us to walk the Guru's path while fulfilling our responsibilities.
Take some Precautions!
In the second line of the Salok, Guru Sahib Ji gives us the solution to break free from this poisonous grip of negativity, urging us to meditate on Vaheguru Ji. However, this spiritual journey requires us to discipline our lives. We cannot expect to progress spiritually while not letting go of the habits that damage our soul.
Bhai Gurdaas Ji describes that just as when a doctor prescribes medicine, we are also asked to take certain precautions. One cannot complain that the medicine doesn’t work if he hasn't taken the required precautions. Similarly, as we begin our journey of doing Naam Simran or reading Gurbani, we have to take the precautions of not slandering, not lying and not having ill thoughts for others. These are levels that we slowly reach with consistent effort and intention.
What Ardaas can we do?
ਹਮ ਅੰਧੁਲੇ ਅੰਧ ਬਿਖੈ ਬਿਖੁ ਰਾਤੇ ਕਿਉ ਚਾਲਹ ਗੁਰ ਚਾਲੀ ॥
I am blind, totally blind, entangled in corruption and poison. How can I walk on the Guru's Path?
ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਰੇ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਹਮ ਲਾਵੈ ਆਪਨ ਪਾਲੀ ॥੧॥
The best way to break free from this poison is to make a humble plea to Guru Sahib Ji every day, saying that we can only conquer our minds by Guru Sahib Ji’s mercy. Another way is to do Sangat (company) and understand the way of life from them.
ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਗੁਰਸਿਖੜਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਿਵਿ ਨਿਵਿ ਲਾਗਉ ਪਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥
When I see a Sikh of the Guru, I humbly bow and fall at his feet.
ਆਖਾ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜੀਅ ਕੀ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਜਣੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਮਿਲਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥
I tell him the pain of my soul, and beg him to unite me with the Guru, my Best Friend.
To Fly, Let Go of what Weighs You Down!
When we surrender in this manner, even the beatings of death can’t touch us. As Gurbani explains, we depart comfortably, because there are no more bondages of attachment that are holding us back. There is no resistance, and only bliss.
ਜੇ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮਨਹੁ ਨ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਤਾ ਸਹਿਲਾ ਮਰਣਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
If I do not forget the Lord Master from my mind, then my death will be easy.
Let us remember Guru Ji's words and strive to detach ourselves from the worldly attachments that weigh us down, finding true liberation in the process.
This article is a summarized version of the video Why are you attached to poison - Salok Mahala 9 #2 by Baljit Singh.
