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n this article of the Barah Maha series, we will delve into the message that Guru Arjan Dev Ji shares with us for the month of Assu.
Composed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, The Barah Maha Baani takes us on a journey throughout the year, allowing us to focus on a different aspect of spirituality each month.
Imagine a situation!
Imagine a child going to a fun fair with his parents. He becomes so absorbed in the games and entertainment that he gets separated from them.
In one scenario, the child realizes he's lost and cries for help. An adult stays with him until he finds his parents. In another scenario, the child is so engrossed in the fun that he doesn't notice he's alone, and because he doesn’t call out, no one helps him.
This month, Guru Arjan Dev Ji reminds us that the first step is realizing we are separated from our Creator, which sparks the longing and calling out for Vaheguru.
The message of Assu - Introduction
ਅਸੁਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਉਮਾਹੜਾ ਕਿਉ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
In the month of Assu, my love for the Lord overwhelms me. How can I go and meet the Lord?
ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਪਿਆਸ ਦਰਸਨ ਘਣੀ ਕੋਈ ਆਣਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ਮਾਇ ॥
Guru Sahib Ji says that in the month of Assu, I am filled with love for Vaheguru and wonder how I can meet my Creator. Guru Sahib Ji explains that my mind and body long for Vaheguru's vision. I call out for someone to help me, to show me the path and guide me, just as the child calls out to reunite with his parents. This means I express gratitude to the one who shows me the path to Vaheguru.
Who can help you reunite?
ਸੰਤ ਸਹਾਈ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੇ ਹਉ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਲਾਗਾ ਪਾਇ ॥
The Saints are the helpers of the Lord's lovers; I fall and touch their feet.
The saints, those who have found Vaheguru, have reached self-realization and are full of love. Their vessels overflow with love, and they can fill the vessels of others as well. They guide us and show us the path. We bow to these saints, who lead us to Vaheguru. Inspired by them, we too can develop a loving relationship with Vaheguru.
The Pursuit of Happiness
ਵਿਣੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਿਉ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਦੂਜੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਾਇ ॥
Without God, how can I find peace? There is nowhere else to go.
In this world, everyone is searching for Sukh (happiness). We try new things every day, hoping to find it. We think that buying a house or achieving financial stability will bring us happiness. But Guru Sahib Ji reminds us that true Sukh is not dependent on temporary things.
The ultimate bliss can only be received from the one who created it - Vaheguru. Permanent Sukh is found only through Vaheguru!
Signs of those who are at peace
ਜਿੰਨੑੀ ਚਾਖਿਆ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਰਸੁ ਸੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਰਹੇ ਆਘਾਇ ॥
Those who have tasted the sublime essence of His Love, remain satisfied and fulfilled.
Guru Sahib Ji says that the first sign of someone in love with Vaheguru is that they become desireless. They are already one with Vaheguru and no longer attached to worldly outcomes in order to achieve peace.
ਆਪੁ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਬਿਨਤੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਲੜਿ ਲਾਇ ॥
The next sign is that they see themselves as the lowest of the low, remaining in humility. Their only Ardaas (prayer) is for Guru Sahib Ji to keep them close and never let them forget Vaheguru.
Guru Amardas Ji served Guru Angad Dev Ji selflessly for 12 years, with no personal desires. His only Ardaas was to remain close to Guru Angad Dev Ji.
ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਕੰਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਈਆ ਸਿ ਵਿਛੁੜਿ ਕਤਹਿ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
Those whom the Husband Lord has united with Himself, shall not be separated from Him again.
The final sign is that when the true union between us and Vaheguru takes place, there is no separation. This union means no more downfalls. If we have truly found Vaheguru, there will always be *Chardikala* (ever-rising spirit).
Upon meeting Vaheguru in this way, we realize that everything is a part of Vaheguru Himself.
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਵਿਣੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣਾਇ ॥
Without God, there is no other at all. Nanak has entered the Sanctuary of the Lord.
When we come to this realisation, we become non-judgemental. We realise that even sinners have souls, and that we are all walking each other back home. We start seeing Vaheguru in everyone.
Closing thoughts..
In the end Maharaj says,
ਅਸੂ ਸੁਖੀ ਵਸੰਦੀਆ ਜਿਨਾ ਮਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ॥੮॥
In Assu, the Lord, the Sovereign King, has granted His Mercy, and they dwell in peace. ||8||
The final sign is that when the true union between us and Vaheguru occurs, there is no separation. This union signifies no more downfalls. If we have truly found Vaheguru, we will always be in Chardikala (ever-rising spirit).
Upon meeting Vaheguru in this way, we realize that everything is a part of Vaheguru Himself.
Taking Action
Ask yourself: Do I have this realization of separation yet? If not, then start doing more Simran and Seva. If yes, then cry out for Vaheguru and call upon the Saints. Vaheguru will send Sangat to you, and they will surely reunite you with Vaheguru. Let's keep the desire alive and continue calling out!
This article is a transcribed version of Bibi Gurprit Kaur Ji’s video: Reunite with God.
