Man v Ego: The above applies equally to me than to others. We spend our entire lives burning in the fire of egotism. The irony is that Shabad alone can extinguish the destructive fire of egotism.
ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਇਆ ਜਿਸ ਦੀ ਸਾਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 768}
Further, on Ang 943 Guru Nanak blesses:
ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥
Shabad is our Guru, my consciousness, the disciple, is attuned to his divine teachings and guidance.
The Shabad brings about equipoise (Tikau – Sehaj Avastha) in the realm of our minds and souls.
Following the Shabad Guru, inculcates humility and hence destroys egotism.
All this is easily said than done as observes Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji:
Salok M 9 SGGS 1427:
ਨਿਸਿ ਦਿਨੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾਰਨੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਡੋਲਤ ਨੀਤ ॥ ਕੋਟਨ ਮੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੋਊ ਨਾਰਾਇਨੁ ਜਿਹ ਚੀਤਿ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 1427}
Day and night the mortal wanders in search of wealth. Only one in crores, says Nanak, keeps Ik Onkar (God) in his consciousness. (1427)
Shabad, in general, has more than one meaning. The various discourses that we sing in Gurdwaras, are called Shabads (eg, often we comment “Ragi ji ney bahut sohna shabad gayaa.”).
But, Shabad, more relevant to spiritual enlightenment is the Word, ie Shabad Guru.
Guru Granth Sahib is our Shabad Guru, every Pankti uttered by the Shabad Guru guides us towards enlightenment, eg, by restraining the Five Thieves, the negative traits that lead us astray. There are many Panktis in SGGS telling us it’s only with the blessings of the Shabad that we can spiritually enrich our lives:
ਏਸ ਨਉ ਹੋਰੁ ਥਾਉ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਾਗਿ ਸਵਾਰੀਆ ॥(ਪੰਨਾ 917)
There is no refuge, except the sanctuary of Your Name. Embracing the Shabad (Word) is the only way to enlightenment. (917)
ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਜਿਨ ਕਾ ਮੋਹੁ ਤੁਟਾ ਤਿਨ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਚੈ ਸਵਾਰਿਆ ॥ (ਪੰਨਾ 917)
The Shabad adorns (elevates) those who are able to detach themselves from the grip of duality. (917)
The blessing that the Shabad extinguishes the fire of ego and other ills, is repeated many times in SGGS.
By following the Shabad Guru, SGGS, we imbibe good habits and eliminate the bad ones, cultivate humility, and keep our egotism in check.
Best Wishes on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
7/9/21
💐arshiwaves💐