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n this article, we will delve into Saakhi #10 of the Sikha Di Bhagat Maala series to understand the four blessings mentioned in Gurbani and the way to receive them.
This series explores the life stories of Gursikhs from the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, as written by Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
The Story of Bhai Sihan Bhai Gajjan Uppal
ਸੀਹਾਂ ਉਪਲੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਗਜਣੁ ਉਪਲੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਭਾਵੈ ॥
Sihan, and Gajan Uppal were very dear to the true Guru.
Bhai Sihan and Bhai Gajjan, the sons of two brothers, approached Guru Nanak Dev Ji one day with a plea. They said, "Guru Sahib Ji, please impart teachings that can help us break free from the cycle of life and death, allowing us to attain the four blessings mentioned in Gurbani."
What are the Four Blessings?
ਧਰਮ ਅਰਥ ਅਰੁ ਕਾਮ ਮੋਖ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਨਾਥ ॥
The Guru bestows these blessings: righteous faith, wealth, desire, and salvation.
ਸਗਲ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਪੂਰਿਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਮਾਥ ॥੧॥
Gurbani talks about the four blessings of righteous faith, wealth, desire, and salvation.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji says in Sri Sukhmani Sahib,
ਚਾਰਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਮਾਗੈ ॥
One who prays for the four cardinal blessings,
ਸਾਧ ਜਨਾ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥
should commit himself to the service of the Saints.
Guru Ramdas Ji says,
ਚਾਰਿ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਚਾਰੇ ਪਾਏ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਹੁ ॥੪॥੪॥
Therefore, the four blessings are obtained by following the Guru’s teachings, meditating on Vaheguru Ji and serving the Saadh Sangat.
The Word ‘Vaheguru’
Guru Nanak Dev Ji explains to Bhai Sihan and Bhai Gajjan that the four blessings are attained through chanting and meditating on the name 'Vaheguru.' Intrigued, they seek the meaning of the term Vaheguru, which Sikhs use to refer to God.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji elucidates that 'Vahe' denotes the wondrous, describing the indescribable Creator. 'Gu' signifies darkness, representing ignorance, while 'Ru' stands for light, signifying wisdom and self-knowledge. Thus, 'Vaheguru' means the Wondrous One who illuminates with wisdom, dispelling the darkness of ignorance.
As the illusion of Maya dissipates, revealing the temporary nature of the world that distracts us from Vaheguru Ji, we recognize our true self as a part of Parmaatma. This realization unveils the transient and ever-changing nature of the the world, highlighting life's true purpose: to reunite with Vaheguru.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Learning
Bhai Sihan and Bhai Gajjan ask Guru Sahib Ji how chanting Vaheguru Ji’s name leads to attainment of the four blessings.
- Dharam: Guru Sahib Ji emphasizes that when a Gursikh walks toward the Sadh Sangat (Holy Congregation), the fruits and blessings for each step are equivalent to performing hundreds of Asumedh Yag, an ancient ritual where a white horse was sacrificed to gain power over the world - a ceremony only the greatest kings could conduct.
ਚਰਨ ਸਰਨ ਗੁਰੁ ਏਕ ਪੈਂਡਾ ਜਾਇ ਚਲ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੋਟਿ ਪੈਂਡਾ ਆਗੇ ਹੋਇ ਲੇਤ ਹੈ ॥
In the Guru’s Sangat, we learn Simran and fulfill our life's purpose. Bhai Gurdas Ji explains that with each step we take towards the Guru, whether through practiving Amritvela, Sewa, or going into Saadh Sangat, the Guru takes a million steps forward to welcome us with love and joy.
- Arth: Guru Sahib Ji explains that everyone in the world is pursuing wealth, working tirelessly, only to realize that, in the end, this wealth doesn't accompany us. Interestingly, this wealth often ends up at the feet of the saints. Individuals who amass wealth bring it to the saints and place it at their feet. True saints harbor no desire for money; they concentrate solely on meditation, and wealth naturally gravitates towards them. Guru Sahib Ji says that if you focus on Bhagti (devotional worship of Vaheguru), wealth itself comes to you without you having to worry about it.
- Kaam: In this context, Kaam refers to desire. Vaheguru fulfills whatever desires arise in the devotee's mind. One might question the possibility of ill desires, but the truth is that once you become a true Bhagat (devotee), negative desires cease to enter your mind. Your sole wish becomes the well-being of everyone as you perceive the light of Vaheguru in all.
- Mokh: When a Sikh understands the meaning of this life and Vaheguru Ji's existence, they obtain the knowledge of their true inner self and attain liberation by lovingly focussing their minds on Guru Sahib Ji.
Therfore, the four blessings are in the hands of Vaheguru. Vaheguru can bless these gifts to anyone who meditates on them.
Rehat (Code of Conduct)
Guru Sahib Ji then elucidates the Rehat (Code of Conduct) for a Sikh to attain these blessings. Guru Nanak Dev Ji explains that one should rise at Amrit Vela (before sunrise), take a bath, and read Gurbani. Throughout the day, engage in honest work to earn a living. While performing your duties, practice Simran in your mind. During Simran, inhale and say 'Vahe,' and exhale while saying ‘Guru.’ This way, you use your breath as a constant reminder to remember Vaheguru while navigating the challenges of this world.
ਨਾਮਾ ਕਹੈ ਤਿਲੋਚਨਾ ਮੁਖ ਤੇ ਰਾਮੁ ਸੰਮੑਾਲਿ ॥
Naam Dayv answers, O Trilochan, chant the Lord's Name with your mouth.
ਹਾਥ ਪਾਉ ਕਰਿ ਕਾਮੁ ਸਭੁ ਚੀਤੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੨੧੩॥
Guru Sahib Ji also emphasized that on Sangrand (the beginning of a new month), Massia (new moon day), Vaisakhi, Diwali, and other special occasions, engage in Bhagti, prepare Karah Prashad and Langar, and serve it to the Sangat.
Bhai Sihan and Bhai Gajjan practised the teachings given by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The Guru Will Save Your Honour!
On the eve of Bhai Sihan's daughter's wedding, a large group of Sikhs en route to Kartarpur Sahib, to meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji, unexpectedly visited Bhai Sihan's home. Despite the imminent arrival of the marriage party, Bhai Sihan generously served the prepared food to the traveling Sikhs. Concerned, Bhai Sihan's wife wondered how they would feed the marriage party the next day. Bhai Sihan assured her, saying, "Do not worry; Guru Sahib Ji will protect our honor."
The following day, as the marriage party arrived, Bhai Sihan approached the room where the food was stored. Locking the door, he stood outside, offering an Ardaas to Guru Nanak Dev Ji to safeguard their honor. Upon reopening the room, it was miraculously replenished with food. Throughout the five days the party stayed at Bhai Sihan's home, the food never ran out, leaving everyone delighted.
This way, Guru Sahib Ji protects the honour of their Sikhs. The Sikhs who have faith in Guru Sahib Ji are graced by the support of Guru Sahib Ji.
-End of Sakhi Bhai Sihan and Bhai Gajjan Uppal, Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji-
