This article will largely focus on Kirat, Sukirat (Honest Living and good deeds).
ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਕੀਤਾ ਰਹਸੀ ਮੇਰੇ ਜੀਅੜੇ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਵਾਰੀ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 114}
Sukrit keetaa rehsee mairai jeea-rhai Bahurh(i) na aavei vaaree.
(O my soul, the good deeds will remain with you. This precious opportunity may not come again.)
ਦੁਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਮੰਧੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਸਗਲਾਣਾ ॥ ਦੁਹਹੂੰ ਤੇ ਰਹਤ ਭਗਤੁ ਹੈ ਕੋਈ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਜਾਣਾ ॥{ਪੰਨਾ 51}
Dukrit sukrit mandhai sansaar(u) saglaanhaa. Duh-hoon tai rehat bhagat(u) hei koee virlaa jaanhaa.
(The whole world is engaged in good and bad deeds but the Seeker of Truth is above both. Such blessed souls are very rare indeed.)
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhi, shunned ascetic living away from home and family in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The way to enlightenment, he said was right within and there was no need for running to the forest or indulge in punitive body Aasanas. He rejected methods of self-inflicted pain to appease God.
The Oxford dictionary defines an honest person as someone who is morally correct, truthful, sincere and free of any deceit. Other attributes of an honest person are integrity, righteousness and rectitude. In this day and age, it’s extremely rare to find all these qualities in one person. If one aspires to higher spiritual goals, he must imbibe these values. The journey of a person with these qualities is a difficult one, often fraught with pain and setbacks. These are divine qualities, sadly not compatible with the modern ‘go-get’ world. However, a true believer will place his absolute trust in the One, Ik Onkar, the Eternal Force. This trust can sustain us in extreme circumstances of adversity and struggle.
Let us see what Guru Amardas tells us:
ਭਗਤਾ ਕੀ ਚਾਲ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ॥
ਚਾਲਾ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ਭਗਤਾਹ ਕੇਰੀ ਬਿਖਮ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਚਲਣਾ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 918}
Bhagtaa kee chaal niraalee.
Chaalaa niraalee bhagtaah kairee Bikham maarag(i) chalnhaa.
(The lifestyle of devotees is quaint. While their lifestyle is distinctively pious, they tread a lonely and difficult path.)
ਖੰਨਿਅਹੁ ਤਿਖੀ ਵਾਲਹੁ ਨਿਕੀ ਏਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਜਾਣਾ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 918}
Khanneauh tikhee vaalauh nikkee Ait(u) maarag(i) jaanhaa.
The path of the spiritually inclined is a lonely one, fraught with extreme difficulties. Sometimes one has to walk on razor sharp walls and crawl through tunnels finer than hair. It’s all worthwhile for a glance of the Beloved, Ik Onkar.
In that same Pauri, the Guru offers advice and hope:
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜਿਨੀ ਆਪੁ ਤਜਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਵਾਸਨਾ ਸਮਾਣੀ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 918}
Gur parsaadee jinnee aap(u) tajeaa Har(i) vaasnaa samaanhee.
(Those who, with Guru’s Grace, renounce their self-interest, shed all worldly desires in their remembrance of the One and withstand all trials and tribulations that the mortal life throws at them.)
Guru Ram Das also observes that when the going gets extremely tough, Lord’s help is always at hand, for the believer:
ਜਿਥੈ ਅਵਘਟ ਗਲੀਆ ਭੀੜੀਆ ਤਿਥੈ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕਰਾਇ ॥੧॥
ਮੇਰੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਾ ਮੈ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇ ॥{ਪੰਨਾ 996}
Jithei avghat galeeaa bheerheeaa Tithei Har(i) Har(i) mukat(i) karaae.
Mairai Sat(i)guraa Mei Har(i) Har(i) Naam(u) drhiaae.
(When the life’s path narrows down to a degree, impossible to progress, the Lord opens up horizons of hope and freedom. Providing, one has unshakable faith in the True One, there is nothing to fear.)
Thus, Guru Nanak’s concept of Kirat (honest living) must not be tainted with greed and other negative attributes, like jealousy and deceit. {ਪੰਨਾ 918???}
A true believer places his absolute trust in the One. This trust can sustain us in extreme circumstances of adversity and struggle (as alluded above). Our faith in God must be an unshakable conviction. Remember, He even takes care and provides sustenance for life inside stones…. we just need to believe:
ਸੈਲ ਪਥਰ ਮਹਿ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਏ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਰਿਜਕੁ ਆਗੈ ਕਰਿ ਧਰਿਆ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 11}
Seil pathar meh jant upaae Taa kaa rijak(u) aagei kar(i) dhareaa.
Fruits of Honest Living
These are always sweet, although at times it may not seem so. Honest living, and clean dealings with others, generate humility within, a virtue which a Sikh must nurture in his day to day work and social activities. Humility is considered as the hallmark of the House of Nanak. It’s the pivotal virtue towards attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Sadly, the world is besotted with egotism, the exact opposite of humility. The two cannot co-exist. The battle between the two has been raging on since time immemorial. There are numerous examples of humility’s victory over egotism. Prominent ones that come to mind are:
(1) Guru Nanak chose Bhai Lalo’s hut over Malik Bhago’s mansion. He relished honest Lalo’s dry bread, and rejected egoistic Malik Bhago’s, a high ranking government official’s, ostentatious, scrumptious dishes. Bhai Lalo (born in 1452) was an honest, humble carpenter of Saidpur (presently known as Eminabad, now in Pakistan).
Malik Bhago expressed displeasure at Guru Nanak declining the invitation to his rich feast. To allay his doubts, Guru Nanak took Bhai Lalo’s dry Chapati in one hand and Malik Bhago’s rich fried bread in the other. When he squeezed the hands, milk dripped from Bhai Lalo’s bread, while blood trickled from Malik Bhago’s rich food. Thus, Guru Ji deflated Malik Bhago’s over-blown ego.
(2) Another famous example is that of Shri Krishan staying at humble Bidar’s house rather than Duryodhan’s palace. Sri Krishan preferred Bidar’s meal of Saag (curry dish of various greens) and Chapati to Duryodhan’s spread of scrumptious food.
Sadly, in contrast, most of today’s Sants and Babas, masquerading as spiritual guides, make a beeline for the rich and famous.
Three Cornerstones of Sikhi
Three cardinal disciplines feature heavily in Guru Nanak’s approach to honest living and spiritual piety. There are as follows:
(1) Naam Japo or Naam Japna (meditate upon Naam)
We hear this phrase so often, but what does it really mean? Basically, the instruction is to meditate on the One, Eternal Force, Ik Onkar, to imbibe divine values and godly characteristics.
For many its meaning is personal, as is also the way they may follow their faith. But, regardless of the differences of approach and opinion, one aspect, for a Sikh, is unquestionable, that is the unconditional allegiance to Guru Granth Sahib. Any amount of recitation, singing, Simran means little if we don’t assimilate and incorporate the divine values in our practical lives.
(2) Kirat Karo or Kirat Karna (honest work and clean living)
Guru Nanak recommends the life of a householder as opposed to retreating to forests, hills and caves to seek enlightenment and liberation. The life of a householder puts to test one’s resolve to resist worldly temptations, pits and traps triggered by Maya’s condition of duality. Gradually, the grip of the five negative traits (lust, rage, greed, attachment, egotism) tightens, like a noose, around our mind, body and soul. Guru Nanak’s three cornerstones form a boundary line around an honest householder’s person to repel the evil intentions of Maya and its army of detractors.
ਚਉਗਿਰਦ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਰਾਮ ਕਾਰ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਗੈ ਨ ਭਾਈ ॥{ਪੰਨਾ 819}
Chaugirad hamaarei Ram kaar Dukh(u) lagei na bhaaee.
(On all four sides, the Lord has erected a circular boundary of defence, O brother, no pain can afflict me, no harm can reach me.)
(3) Vand Chhako or Vand Chhakna (share fruits of your honest work)
This discipline constitutes Seva (service to humanity). Simran (remembrance, meditation), without Seva is akin to eating without exercise. Excessive food without toil and exercise causes indigestion and constipation, which is the mother of all diseases. Similarly, heavy bouts of Simran without Seva causes spiritual ailments.
The concept of sharing food and honest earnings with humanity, at large, has progressed into a worldwide crusade by the Sikh Panth, in particular by the Sikh Diaspora. Guru Nanak’s investment of 20 rupees, to feed hungry Sadhus meditating for days, has grown exponentially and is still growing. This, True Bargain as Guru Nanak called it, has taken form of an international dimension. A plethora of Sikh organisations, charities and NGOs are active globally, feeding, clothing, offering medical treatment and many other forms of help to the needy. Sikhs, today, are found on the front line of disaster and war torn areas offering every kind of help that is feasible under the circumstances.
Good Points of Advice
It’s true, in this day and age, where greed and corruption dominate the world, maintaining an honest lifestyle is a daunting task. All the reason why we must incorporate, into our lives, certain disciplines which are conducive to an honest, clean living. The following are a few valuable essentials:
Nitnem (Daily Recital and Prayers): Reading, interpreting and contemplating our scriptures are the prime requirement and duty of every practising Sikh. Gurbani offers a solution to every question a Seeker may ask. Committing Gurbani to memory helps in recalling the Pankti (Guru’s Word) relevant to the situation and circumstances we may find ourselves in.
Seek good company: Friends, associations and relationships react on each other. Just as polluted environment is harmful for our physical health, so is the company of those whose thoughts and lifestyles are contrary to Gurmat and clean, honest living. Our minds, unless reined in, are so fickle (Chanchal) that worldly temptations can easily lead us astray. Recovery, thereafter, may take years or, often, may never happen.
Read Scriptures and Good Literature: Guru Granth Sahib must be at the top of a Sikh’s core reading list. Effortless focus on Guru’s Word, 24/7, must be every Sikh’s resolve. It’s not easy at first, but perseverance and the daily Nitnem regime will not only help but will also transform into a way of life, that is, we practice what we recite, as opposed to just parroting Gurbani.
Reading up on the lives and works of our Gurus and prominent Sikhs is a boon for inspiration and for interaction with like-minded people of all faiths.
Being worldly people, we must also build our general knowledge of events influencing our working and social lives. A good library of books of intellectual thought and philosophy (of authors of various backgrounds) will aid our discerning intellect (Bibek Buddhi). It adds another dimension to a Gursikh’s persona.
Eat simple healthy food: Food and drink not only react on our bodies but also impacts our minds, temperament and spirit. Certain foods, for example, intoxicants, are prohibited under the Sikh Code of Conduct (Rehat Maryada). It’s common sense that we follow a strict regime of time, quantity and quality of our daily intakes. Any food which is harmful to the body, mind or our spiritual indisposition must be avoided. Some foods may be off the menu for medical reasons.
Think Positive: Don’t let negativity, within or without, derail you from the righteous path. The inner strength, with a resolute will, can overcome any form of obstacle or setback.
Sikhs are blessed with the disposition of Charrdi Kala: This is a Sikh discipline referring to a mental state of joy, optimism and perseverance, even in times of extreme adversity.
It’s also an expression of submission to the Will of Ik Onkar, the Timeless Energy without fear or foe.
Conclusion
We often hear the phrase ‘life is no bed of roses’. Life of a mortal is a concoction of happy and sad moments. Without hardship we will never appreciate the good times. Adversity strengthens our resolve and spurs us on to greater heights. One who can sustain the twists and turns of adversity and hardship will emerge like purified gold out of a furnace.
Gurmat teaches us to accept the Will of God with grace and persevere under all circumstances.
ਜੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਅਰਾਧੀ ਦੁਖਿ ਭੀ ਤੁਝੈ ਧਿਆਈ ॥੨॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 757}
Jai sukh(u) daih(i) ta tujheh(i) araadhee Dukh(i) bhee tujhei dhiaaee.
(I will worship and adore You, O Lord, in good times. Even in bad times, I will focus on You.)
ਜੇ ਭੁਖ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਇਤ ਹੀ ਰਾਜਾ ਦੁਖ ਵਿਚਿ ਸੂਖ ਮਨਾਈ ॥੩ ॥{ਪੰਨਾ 757}
Jai bhukh daih(i) ta it hee Raja Dukh vich(i) sookh manaaee.
(Even if You bestow hunger and poverty upon me, I will feel so satiated that I will rejoice in the midst of sorrow.)
In Sant Avastha (saintly state of mind, body and spirit), pain and joy are equally acceptable.
ਗ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਨੰ ਸਮ ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖੰ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਿਰਵੈਰਣਹ ॥
Gyaan(m) sam dukh sukh(m) jugat(i) nirmal nirveirnheh.
(A Sant is neutral to pain and pleasure (perceives both with equal acceptance) and leads spiritually elevated life, free of vengeance and grudge.)
An honest, spiritually orientated soul is usually a contented soul.
ਬਿਨਾ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਊ ਰਾਜੈ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 279}
Binaa santokh nahee ko-organised raajei.
Without contentment, our hunger can never be satiated. In short, contentment is the key to Bliss. Happiness is a shallow term, denoting short-lived peace.
As they say in the west, honesty is the best policy. Insure yourself, subscribe to this policy.