Guru Amardas ji states in Gurbani that Consumed by desires, the world is burning and dying; burning and burning, it cries out.
ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਦਾਧੀ ਜਲਿ ਮੁਈ ਜਲਿ ਜਲਿ ਕਰੇ ਪੁਕਾਰ ॥
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੀਤਲ ਜੇ ਮਿਲੈ ਫਿਰਿ ਜਲੈ ਨ ਦੂਜੀ ਵਾਰ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਕੋ ਨਹੀ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥੧॥
We find today the whole world burning in the fire of greed and hatred. Everyday we read the reports of bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives. There are some people in the world committing suicide to kill their opponents. So the cycle of revenge escalating evermore on a daily basis. The circle of casualty is increasing daily and it is coming in our direction. One day, it will hit us! What then?
Knowing this, still most people are too involved in their own everyday little problems and daily struggles to even take a few minutes to stop and think. You probably are thinking right now to stop reading this article. You are thinking I have many other things to do. I need to do X then Y then Z; I will read this later when I have finished X, Y and Z. Right!
Well, that is how the world has got into this diabolical state. Most people are too busy with their own lives they do not have even a few minutes to think clearly themselves and even less time to help anyone else. Half the readers will have stopped reading now – they will take this as a personal insult! “You think of wealth, and gather wealth, O my merchant friend, but you do not contemplate the Lord or the Lord’s Name.” (SGGS)
Gurbani tells us to meditate and to elevate our consciousness so that we are aware of our spiritual and moral duties in the world. Are you doing that?
Maharaj reminds us of our duty: “You do not remember the Lord, or vibrate upon Him in meditation, and you do not practice compassion; you shall be beaten on your face. (2)” (SGGS) It is important that we remember the Lord and contemplate our mission on Earth.
Many people are too entangled in their worldly affairs and do not know how to stop: “JHAJHA: You are entangled in the world, and you do not know how to get untangled.” (SGGS), Again Maharaj tells us, “Sing the Lord’s Praises, O mind; He is your only true companion. Your time is passing away; listen carefully to what I say. (1)(Pause). You are so in love with property, chariots, wealth and power. When the noose of death tightens around your neck, all your things will belong to others. (1)” (SGGS) So stop now and think; meditate; enlighten yourself – How can you make a better contribution to the world and improve the standard of your own spiritual life?
“O human being, search your own heart every day, and do not wander around in confusion. This world is just a magic-show; no one will be holding your hand hereafter. (1)(Pause).” (SGGS) Slow your life down and find time to connect to your higher consciousness; we all have our difficulties and our passions in life but…..as the Guru tells us, “Everyone has worries and cares. He alone finds peace, who thinks of the One Lord. When the Lord dwells in the consciousness, and one is absorbed in the Lord’s Name, one is liberated, and returns home with honour. (23)” (SGGS) Without connecting with the Lord, you will never find lasting peace! Take heed before time runs out. We all plan for your old age retirement but have you planned for your long journey hereafter? What contributions are you making to this final plan?
Don’t be stuck in the “rat-race” like the majority entangled with Maya “At the break of day, they take care of their affairs, and the poisonous entanglements of Maya. When night falls, they enter the land of dreams, and even in dreams, they take care of their corruptions and pains. (5)” (SGGS) Change your path – “You hold onto your body, mind and wealth as your own, and you do not meditate on the Creator Lord, even for an instant. (2)” (SGGS) Don’t let this be true anymore.
Change gear. Get into a higher plane. Study the word of the Lord and contemplate and understand. “But you gain nothing by reading and studying, O mad-man, if you do not gain the understanding in your heart. (2)” (SGGS) Daily remember the Lord, perform Simran and understand the message – “Remembering Him in meditation, a profound peace is obtained. Pain and suffering will not touch you at all.” (SGGS)
Take notice Now! and you will finding everlasting peace and deep tranquilly in your heart. You will have the energy to help yourself and many others.
NO PEACE
ਸੁਖੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਬਹੁਤੈ ਧਨਿ ਖਾਟੇ ॥
There is no peace in earning lots of money.
ਸੁਖੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਪੇਖੇ ਨਿਰਤਿ ਨਾਟੇ ॥
There is no peace in watching dances and plays.
ਸੁਖੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਬਹੁ ਦੇਸ ਕਮਾਏ ॥
There is no peace in conquering lots of countries.
ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖਾ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਏ ॥੧॥
All peace comes from singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, Har, Har. ॥1॥
ਸੂਖ ਸਹਜ ਆਨੰਦ ਲਹਹੁ ॥
You shall obtain peace, poise and bliss,
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ॥੧॥
ਰਹਾਉ ॥(SGGS)