n this article of the 'Reminders from Guru Sahib' series, we will delve into Gurbani that can help you move forward from your past and navigate toward a better present.

This series draws lessons from Gurbani to help win over various emotional and practical challenges that a Sikh may face in their day to day life. 

‍

Don’t Turn Backwards

‍

ਡਖਣੇ ਮਃ ੫ ॥

Dakhanay, Fifth Mehla:

ਆਗਾਹਾ ਕੂ ਤ੍ਰਾਘਿ ਪਿਛਾ ਫੇਰਿ ਨ ਮੁਹਡੜਾ ॥

Look ahead; don't turn your face backwards.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿਝਿ ਇਵੇਹਾ ਵਾਰ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਨ ਹੋਵੀ ਜਨਮੜਾ ॥੧॥

O Nanak, be successful this time, and you shall not be reincarnated again. ||1||

‍

Some of us might have done things in the past that we now regret, while others might have faced painful experiences that are difficult to move forward from. Guru Arjan Dev Ji inspires us to walk forward and not turn backward again.

‍

Imagine someone trying to navigate a rocky road ahead but constantly looking back. This will only lead to more falls, preventing them from focusing on the obstacles of the present moment. Similarly, if you are hiking, it's essential to keep your baggage light. Carrying the weight of past mistakes and experiences only makes the journey ahead more difficult.

‍

Guru Sahib Ji encourages us to live life with love, devotion, and complete surrender to Guru Sahib Ji so that we may achieve our purpose of oneness with Vaheguru and not be reincarnated again.

‍

Learn the Lesson and do Better! 

‍

ਪਿਛਲੇ ਅਉਗੁਣ ਬਖਸਿ ਲਏ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਗੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥

Please forgive my past actions, God, and place me on Your path for the future. ||2||

As humans, we are all bound to make mistakes. Gurbani tells us that only the Guru and Vaheguru are perfect.

ਭੁਲਣ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਅਭੁਲੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਕਰਤਾਰੁ ॥

Everyone makes mistakes; only the Guru and the Creator are infallible.

‍

We are full of imperfections, but as long as we can learn from our mistakes and offer Ardaas to Vaheguru to help us overcome our shortcomings, we will progress on the path. Discipline becomes key in improving the habits that cause us to stumble, and Ardaas is crucial, as it is only through Guru Sahib Ji’s Kirpa that we achieve improvement.

‍

ਹਮ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਮੁਗਧ ਇਆਨ ਪਿਤਾ ਸਮਝਾਵਹਿਗੇ ॥

I am a foolish and ignorant child; Father, please teach me!

ਸੁਤੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਭੂਲਿ ਬਿਗਾਰਿ ਜਗਤ ਪਿਤ ਭਾਵਹਿਗੇ ॥੧॥

Your child makes mistakes again and again, but still, You are pleased with him, O Father of the Universe. ||1||

‍

Nothing has been Lost Yet

‍

ਅਜਹੂ ਕਛੁ ਬਿਗਰਿਓ ਨਹੀ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵੈ ॥

Even now, no harm has been done, if you will only sing God's Praises.

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਹ ਭਜਨ ਤੇ ਨਿਰਭੈ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥੧॥

Says Nanak, by meditating and vibrating upon Him, you shall obtain the state of fearlessness. ||2||1||

‍

Guru Teg Bahadur Ji tell us that as long as we have breath, there is still a chance. Vaheguru’s forgiveness is greater than your past. Even if you begin now to recite Vaheguru’s name, engage in Simran, Seva, and Sangat, you can achieve a state of fearlessness and calm. Guru Sahib Ji will always be ready to accept you with open arms. The only question is, are you willing to surrender and walk in Vaheguru’s will? Let’s not allow our past to encroach upon our present. With Guru Sahib Ji’s love and our efforts, we still have a chance.

‍

ਹਰਿ ਜਪਦਿਆ ਖਿਨੁ ਢਿਲ ਨ ਕੀਜਈ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏ ਮਤੁ ਕਿ ਜਾਪੈ ਸਾਹੁ ਆਵੈ ਕਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਰਾਮ ॥

Do not hesitate for an instant - meditate on the Lord, O my soul; who knows whether he shall draw another breath?

‍

To move beyond your past, it is essential to make the most of the opportunities presented by the present. Let’s not postpone uniting with Vaheguru, for we do not know how long we have here.