Wednesday, November 14, 2012

48.Waheguru simran : Anhad Shabad (The Celestial Sound)



The awareness (surt) of the persons who do regular Simran or mediation develops an inward focus. The cloudiness of the thoughts and emotions is thinner and then they easily hear the celestial sound . This sound is known as naad.  Gurbani calls it Anhad Shabad.  . Anhad means the sound that is not produced by striking of two objects. This sound exists as such and has divine origin.

Linkup with the Celestial Sound is an ancient spiritual jugat (technique) of the saints to reach the highest state of merger with their origin – the creator Lord. This method was referred to by Guru Nanak Dev ji ), the founder of Sikhism during his meeting with sidhas and this conversation account is described in Sidh Gosht.

There are references to the Celestial Sound in all the religions however description of the method of Surt-Shabad is scant. I have come across persons who have been doing yoga and meditation and hear the celestial sound. They were searching for enlightenment and next step.


The way that Guru Nanak explained is an integrated one with unfolding of the Mool and the Naam. The spiritual path through the Shabad ( celestial Sound) is described in the hymns in Shri Guru Granth Saheb ji.
This spiritual path of the Shabad-surt can be appreciated only when the “shabad” is understood well. For this we have to see how Gurmat explains the creation.


The world is a creation of Nirankar.

Nirankar means without form or formless and in the Guru Granth Sahibji reference is to this aspect of God. The God has the power or ability meaning kala to exist as form and support the form without appearing to have any connection with the form. Continuing with the same way of expression, the Ekankar is God being one appearing as many. The Nirankar through ‘kala dhar’ created the universe. The creation is oneness- Ekankar. HE is both the Creator and the Creation. This is HIS “Akl kala”.HE also has taken “Shabad Roop” to create and sustain creation.
Among the aspects of the Shabad one is sound. This is celestial sound.


Here is an illustration to explain the creation process:




 In the material world the  sound is created due to striking of two objects so this form  of sound is called ‘Ahat Naad’ , whereas the celestial sound heard during meditation is called ‘Anahat Naad’ which is not  caused by striking of objects. Gurmat explains that this Shabad is everywhere and in everything.




And here below some  Gurbani lines from Shree Guru Granth Sahibji  are given to clarify the above explanation:


ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰਿ ਆਕਾਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਬਣਾਇਆ
 ਆਪੇ ਖੇਲ ਕਰੇ ਸਭਿ ਕਰਤਾ ਸੁਣਿ ਸਾਚਾ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਇਦਾ
-         SGGS 1066

The Formless Lord created the universe of form. He created Maya ( the illusion to sustain separate identities ), Attachment ( to the world ) and Hukam ( HIS command ). The Creator Himself stages all the play; Listen and place the true one in the mind (here path is being referred to).
-         SGGS 1066


ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਆਕਾਰ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰਗੁਨ ਸਰਗੁਨ ਏਕ
ਏਕਹਿ ਏਕ ਬਖਾਨਨੋ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕ ਅਨੇਕ
-         SGGS 250
Nirankar Himself is form, and as Nirgun (without attributes), Sargun ( with attributes ) is One.  Describe the One Lord as One, and Only One;
 says Nanak, HE is the One, and the many.
-         SGGS 250

ਜਾਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਤਾ ਅਕਲ ਕਲਾ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ
-         SGGS 469
HIS Light is in the Created and Creation is in HIS Light; know that
Through HIS almighty power, HE is pervading everywhere.
-         SGGS 469

ਨਿਰਗੁਨੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਰਗੁਨੁ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ
ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਮੋਹੀ
-         SGGS 287
HE Himself is Nirgun; HE Himself is Sargun.
This manifestation is His power (kala dhar), the entire world is  fascinated.
-         SGGS 287


ਉਤਪਤਿ ਪਰਲਉ ਸਬਦੇ ਹੋਵੈ
ਸਬਦੇ ਹੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ

-SGGS 117
Creation and destruction happen through the Shabad.
Through the Shabad, creation happens again.

--SGGS 117

The Question in Sidh Gost -

ਸੁ ਸਬਦ ਕਾ ਕਹਾ ਵਾਸੁ ਕਥੀਅਲੇ ਜਿਤੁ ਤਰੀਐ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੋ
  Where is the Shabad said to dwell? Which will carry us across the terrifying world-ocean?

The Answer by Guru Nanak in  Sidh Gost –

ਸੁ ਸਬਦ ਕਉ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਵਾਸੁ ਅਲਖੰ ਜਹ ਦੇਖਾ ਤਹ ਸੋਈ
That Shabad dwells  unknown , within everything .
 wherever I look, there I see the Shabad(HIM).
-         Sidh Ghost SGGS 944


Shabad that pervades the entire creation has also taken the form of words and is Gurbani. This is why Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is known as Shabad Guru. The Shabad Roop Gurbani is  the first place where the Sikh focuses his Surt (conscious awareness) .

The Gurbani changes the state of mind of the Sikh. The Gurbani guides and gives direction and knowledge. As the Sikh progresses spiritually, so does this level of guidance. The Sikh does Waheguru Simran as well. The knowledge of The Mool (Naam) unfolds. The Naam starts to permeate the psyche of the Sikh.

The Sikh hears the Anhad Shabad. The Sikh perceives HIS presence and starts to live in Hazuri. The Sikh has many spiritual experiences and is able to manage the five passions. The Shabad Guru is perceived within as a guide and companion. There is communion with the Shabad Guru. The Anhad Shabad shows its different roops and ever pulls the Surt upward.


The illustration below explains the path of shabad-surt as per Gurmat.

 
The Gurmat path of Shabad-Surt is an integrated one. There are references to the celestial sound in scriptures of other religions as well.The Celestial sound is mentioned as primodal sound of creation .
This sound is surely a sound of creation. The meditators hear it in various forms.  It has sound of the five elements and is thus also known as panch shabad. It also comprises sound of all the 84 lac created beings.

The Shabad is coming from the tenth Gate (Dasam Dwar).

Gurmat way is to listen to the Anhad Shabad and keep doing Simran. As this meditation is continued the quality of sound changes.This Shabad is a transformer and ever pulls the Surt inward or rather upward. The Sikh's mind is in raza,The haume is waning through the  simran .The Surt ( conscious awareness)of the Sikh is subtle due to regular Simran and is thus able to connect well with the Anhad Shabad. For the Sikh Anhad Shabad is Guru Roop and thus has preet (feeling of love).  The integrated path of Gurmat enables the Sikh to feel His presence, to see the oneness and to be one.



ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਥੰਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਆ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਆਏ
ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਹਾਝੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਲਏ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਹੇ ਸਮਾਏ
ਧਾਵਤੁ ਥੰਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਦਸਵਾ ਦੁਆਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ
ਤਿਥੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਸਹਜ ਧੁਨਿ ਉਪਜੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਥੰਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਰਹਾਇਆ
ਤਹ ਅਨੇਕ ਵਾਜੇ ਸਦਾ ਅਨਦੁ ਹੈ ਸਚੇ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਏ
ਇਉ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਥੰਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਆ ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਆਏ

-         SGGS 441

Meeting the True Guru (shabad guru), the wandering mind is held steady; it comes to abide in its own home.  It trades in the Naam, does jap of  the Naam, and remains absorbed in the Naam.  The outgoing, wandering surt, upon meeting the True Guru, finds the Tenth Gate.  There, Ambrosial Nectar is food and the celestial music resounds; the shabad that is keeping the world supported.  The many strains of the unstruck melody resound there, as one experiences the merger with the true one.  Thus says Nanak: by meeting the True Guru, the wandering mind becomes steady, and comes to dwell in the home of its own self.
-         SGGS 441

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would like to say that you explain things very well. How much waheguru simran one should do daily? Is it very hard to keep going on a spiritual journey? I noticed my journey is up and down. One week I do simran and the other week I don't. I used to be in love with waheguru and I don't know what happened. What I can I do to bring waheguru's love back into my life?

gurmit singh said...

WJKK WJKF

There is no limit to Simran. It should be done as much as possible.
Spiritual journey is directed by Kirpa. Simran has several variations. One can do Waheguru Simran , Simran of Gurbani Lines , Shabads , listen to Kirtan and even Shabad Vichar.

Feeling stuck means a change in effort is required.So do gurbani vichar , listen to kirtan etc .

Amanpreet said...

Satsriakal !
Could you please explain more on Anhad naad. As per Yoga, the two currents or pranic forces(prana and apana) enter sushumna and are united and start rising upward and when they arrive at heart chakra or anahat chakra , the celestial sound is heard within. But yogis do all kinds of things for this to happen. They do many pranayama or breathing exercises , meditation techniques etc. What about the Gursikhs? Do they only do Naam simran and is that all one needs to do or there are other things that are not being talked about. Could you please throw some light on this subject. Thank you very much.
Amanpreet

gurmit singh said...

Dear Amanpreet ji
WJKK WJKF

The method of yoga you are referring to is for raising of Kundalini. The celistial sound is heard in meditation.

Sikhi is to directly go for meditation - simran.

Hearing Celestial Sound is part of Surt-Shabad meditation method of SIkhs.
Sikh meditation is known as Simran. There are very basic subtle differences in what our Guru tells us and what other religious beliefs are.
SGGSji tells us that it is our sleeping mind that has to awake.The mind is awake towards material world and maya ( the illusion of separate identity, involvement in the world , etc ). Maya prevents us from knowing about Naam. Waheguruji presence and existence is not visible and is veiled.. The spiritual direction of Sikhi is to change the mind through knowledge. The mind then awakens towards spiritual reality as well.
Sikh Simran is a subtle meditation practice . This is what is needed to go within to hear the Anhad Shabad . The gurbani is a form of Shabad. The Shabad within is perceived and heard by the Surt. As the haume recedes there is jyote meeting the jyote in oneness.This is broader direction but involves subtle insights.
Keep reading and doing vichar of gurbani. Gurbani states the truth . With gurbani as base look at examiner explanations about reality.
With vichar which is part of simran doors are opened towards insights.

Gurmit Singh

Amanpreet said...

Thank you for your reply Gurmit Singhji.
I read today on sikhphilosophy.net that "the Sikh way of raising the Kundalini is the "pull" method (Kundalini rising naturally through pull of Gurbani) rather than the "push" method (desperate personal efforts) of a Yogi"
i have seen Maskeen ji's videos on youtube on kundalini and how the jeevan shakti rises upward naturally piercing the chakras as a result of Jap, tap, sadhana and kirtan.
I was confused earlier regarding raising the kundalini but now I am quite clear. It should not be forced or pushed like the yoga practioners do. This shakti will rise on its own as you put it "As the haume recedes there is jyote meeting the jyote in oneness". Thank you.

gurmit singh said...

Amanpreet ji

WJKK WJKF

The Chakras have qualities which are both positive and negative. Devotion, love, compassion

for example with ist chakras associated attitude is steadfast, courage, loyalty on positive side and stubborn , judgmental, etc on negative side.
Sikhi develops love with GOD.
Sikh develops attitudes which makes them Nirbhau and Nirvair. These are states where fear and any attitude which fear develops are not there. In Nirvair there is no enmity and no feeling of separateness. It is same source same branches.
The direction is towards waheguruji with waheguruji.

Forced kundalini has limited purpose. You get powers.
Mind has still to be cleaned.

Anonymous said...

wjkk wjkf ji, I really don't know how to ask this question, but i will still try. what type of sound is the Anhad naad? instruments?

Anonymous said...

wjkk wjkf, I have heard in Sant Maskeen Singh ji's Katha that before Creation, a Naad took place and that naad was "Onkar". From that Naad a big bang took place and many planets such things came into existence. Sant ji said that the "Onkar" Naad is still repeating in the Universe. Is this the Anhad Naad? And how can this be Heard?

Anonymous said...

Wjkk wjkf, in one of Sant Maskeen Singh Ji's katha, i heard that when the Surt and Dhun meet, the mind dies. They even said that when this happens, often people get scared because everything goes really dark and they think they think its death.
What happens when the mind dies? Why does it go black?

gurmit singh said...

WJKK WJKF
(This is in reply to the three comments posted above)

1.The sound of Anhad Naad is not a sound of instruments as we know it.
It can be likened to self-created vibration or a movement in stillness.

We are in a physical body and part of created world. This created world has its origin Shabad. The Shabad is there in the whole creation.
In Gurbani mentions Shabad , Naam and Hukam and all the three are connected with waheguruji the Karta and creation. Naam is the presence of Waheguruji in creation and our origin. When we do Naam Simran then we connect with waheguruji. Hukam is the command or the law that makes the creation work. Everything is under the Hukam. Hukam is behind the flow of creation. Shabad is intelligence ,the universal consciousness that pervades everywhere . All three are intermingled and hidden. Also are difficult to perceive.

When we go within and do Naam simran then our Surt encounters the Shabad ever resounding as Naad. In the physical world these are heard as sound bur not like the sound heard by ears from outside.

2.Big Bang is a scientific theory and some evidences point towards its validation.
There is a similarity in that prior to Big Bang there was simgularity ( as science says). Gurbani says about state before creation : "Arabadh Narabadh Dhhundhhookaaraa || For endless eons, there was only Dhund(mist)."
Creation came when Waheguruji willed it to happen. In creation there is underlying oneness.

Gurbani also states that there is no time. Waheguruji's presence is timeless. In fact time is part of creation as Mool Manter staes. " Aadh Sach Jugaadh Sach. Hai Bhee Sach Naanak Hosee Bhee Sach ||1||"

The sound of Big Bang logically is that which is part of creation. These occured when large heat bangs were creating the suns and planets etc.
Gurbani talks about Shabad which is part of waheguruji and the cause or base of creation. logically the Shabad and sound of creation are not same.

3. Our surt is entangled with thoughts and the material world. We can live in this world reality only when out mind is focused in the material world and worldly affairs. Surt connection with Dhun is a way to pull out of the flow of thoughts. Darkness and light are the opposites being part of creation. As per what I have read and heard the experience of darkness and being afraid is the experience of those not doing Naam simran . The Naam Simran brings one proximity of waheguruji. A feeling of HIS presence. There is love too. The Anhad Shabad pulls and takes Sikh to a state of stillness.

4. Our structure is : Physical Body - Mind - Haume - Soul.
Haume is our feeling of self identity. This Identity is a perception of individuality. Separateness from Waheguruji is created by haume. Mind is a flow of thoughts and memories. These is stored memories of many births as different personalities. We are not these personalities. Our personality during present life is also not real us. We are all jyote Swarope . Does the mind really dies ? As long as we are soul we would have awareness. Waheguruji is formless and all form. We are ever connected and part of waheguruji. Gurbani does not talk about death of mind rather of control of mind.

Anonymous said...

Wjkk Wjkk, thank you for replying ji. Does listening to songs bring the surt down? What is the destination of the surt, is it the tenth door (dasam duar)?

gurmit singh said...

WJKK WJKF

Listening to songs would bring in material world affair thoughts/words in mind. Focus gets shifted. We get involved in the worldly affairs.

A balance between the two worlds have to be kept. Gradually the attraction of songs would go.
The Sikh lives within this world but keeps trying again and again to keep surt within. Feeling presence of Waheguruji.
Gradually it is developing awareness of haume .Simran is of Physical body and everything as his.

The Shabad Dhun is the real player.
Shabad is the Guru.
Shabad guides.
Shabad pulls the surt towards Dasam Duar.

Before that there are many understandings and changes.

Guru fateh

Anonymous said...

With Waheguru ji'S kirpa when one do naam simran (waheguru) in sangat and keep listening dhun. If they control their thoughts and keep their mind in waheguru simran dhun, eventually they will hear anhad naad. It is an internal sound which can not be explained. When one starts listening shabad they should listen to it thoughtless. If thoughts are still coming one should start simran again.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Anhad Naad -is un stuck -beyond matter -un limited -self-existent sound -( Aadd -Aniil -Anaadi -Anahat-)
Niraakarr + Oangkaar =Nirankaar..
Yes -This Anahad naad is Naam -its Sabad -Baani -Guru -or God itself..
& it sounds like sound Of bell -Tan..nn..Nn..-like an echo -Thats Why ...-maatraaa on Ourraa Of Oangkaar -depicts That ..-echo or Say actual sound is -Oang" or as in Vedas mantra is -OM -chant OM & m sounds as -Oang ...& Kaar depicts echo or continous celestial sound Of Oang"... -Oangkaar -Chant Oangkaar -everything will be clear when u go deep into That sound Of Ur own chant ...
Actually -true simran is to do or abhyaas -not by chanting fast fast but slowly slowly in a melody & to listen to That melody -if practiced together in sadh-Sangat -chant Of -Waheguru mantra or Ram mantra or Onam mantra -or -Oangkaar mantra -slowly its màgic al effects are instant...-Thats Why domes are constructed so That chanted mantra sound should hit chanters back as echo -which is very powerful in meditation ...-Sikh philosphy is -Naad Yog..& chakras in human body is our endocrine glands which changes t'he biochemistry Of our body with Naam simran..-!
Its all physical - reactions ....
& sound Of Tanpuraa will explain true sound Of Oangkaar -continuity
-Sound Oangkaar Is creater -God
...Now read -Mool mantra again -everything u will understand -& big bang itself is - Oangkaar ...

Unknown said...

MORE THAN LOTS OFTHANKS TO YOU
EXPLAINED IN EASY LANGUAGE

Unknown said...

I had the anhat Naad experience last year while doing sehaj path.I'm so uncomfortable with body heat and headache.life seems very dull now.No desire to live long.is there any way to come out ?

Anonymous said...

namaste can i ask

gurmit singh said...

Wjkk wjkf
Sure you can ask. Even email me at naamaukhad@gmail.com