(Simran Healing)
The devout
Sikhs have all along been taking recourse to Ardass and Gurbani to bring their
body back to health. A compilation of Shabads from Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji “Dukh bhanjani sahib” also exists. These
Shabads build up the faith in those who recite them, in the power of Naam to
heal.
The state of
disease in the physical body is a result of presence in our mind of thoughts
and feelings which create blocks and barrier for the power of Naam to keep body
in balance and healthy. These are emotional blocks of anger, resentment,
anxiety, fear, blame, victim, judgmental, insecurity, inadequacy, grief, ego
etc. The reasons of disease are varied and at times the cause is difficult to
pinpoint.
The state of
Naam is opposite of all these. There is peace, love, contentment and above all
awareness of presence of a Truth that supports the web of creation. In this
world of Naam there is awareness about the transient nature of physical
reality. The Gurbani call it “Maya” also called by some as grand illusion. On
the one side is maya which keeps one involved in the physical world and its
varied enticements. On the other side is the world of truth and actual reality.
The door of this world is gradually opened up when we focus our mind inward.
Gurbani
explains that the way to live in the world of maya is to live with Naam. Touch
of Naam is also the way to heal the diseased body back to health. Gurbani
enables one to vibrate at a level that is nearer to Naam.
The way of
healing (broadly speaking) is a three step process:
Step one is to reflect for the purpose of finding a possible cause of disease.
This cause is different from the one that the medical reports and the doctors
state. The other cause is to be located in the mind. The mind and body are
closely interlinked. These two are not separate but one. In fact we are a
single bodymind while living in this
physical world. Every part of our body and its shape and functioning is an
expression of mind. Our mind is reflected in our body. (There is enough evidence and detailed knowledge available to
corroborate this point on the Net and also in so many books .Interested person
can do further research to quite any doubts.) The truth is that all our
thoughts and feelings get translated into chemicals that affect the chemical
composition and behaviour of the body’s cells. Both our sad and good feelings
influence the cells. Growing body of medical research shows that both mind and
body respond to each other.
When we look and do vichar (contemplation) on Gurbani we
find that the scientific evidences being found now are already accounted for in
the gurbani’s principles for living.
The cause of this mind-body
disease as per Gurbani is connected with the five vikars (weaknesses of human personality) or thieves or passions or
engrossments. The group
of five comprises Kama (lust/addiction), Krodh (anger
/rage/wrath), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment/worldly infatuation)
and Ahankar (ego/pride).
The first step towards healing
through Naam Aukhad is to find the mind related cause of disease. This can be
done through a quite intuitive reflection. Here are two ways through which
these can be found.
First by watching the physical
effects in the body of different situations, thoughts and feelings. Observe
yourself. Observe what is happening in the body when there is anxiety or worry.
Watch body reactions when irritated, frustrated or angry. Look for the part of the body being affected.
Where pain is being felt. Which body part muscles are tight? See what is
happening to your breathing, shoulders, back, stomach, legs and other parts.
And also what happens to body afterwards. All these would give a clue to the
behaviour and thoughts that are causing the problem.
Second way is to recall
through memory the bad situations and past events. See what feeling in the body
these evoke. Ask questions.
Is there any suppressed anger.
Is there a person is connected with disagreeable situation? Is some situation
or thought keeps awakening fear. Are you stuck with old belief systems? What is
there which you are finding disagreeable? Am I judgmental? Am I blaming other
without accepting responsibility? Is there an unnecessary guilt feeling?
The answers can be found if
you sit quietly and reflect .The intuition would definitely bring you the
answer. Look back to the time when the symptoms of the disease begin to appear
and even before. Look at what was happening in your life and your reactions.
The cause would be connected
with one or the other five vikars. These
vikars appear in our thoughts in subtle way and are when the behaviour is
repetitive these then get reflected as disease in the body. When a possible
cause is found then the next step is to let go and release the same.
For example, let us see how
anger gets reflected in the physical body.
Medical evidence suggests that
accumulated anger and grudges encourage formation of stones in the body. These
can be said to be solidified anger. Anger would not have remained if one had
forgiving attitude as well as Guruji advises.
Persisting Anger, irritation,
frustration, bitterness, resentment and overly critical attitude is associated
with the disease Arthritis. These people have slowly moved away from joy and
appreciation. If caring, sharing, tolerance and appreciation comes back in
their life then the disease would definitely stop troubling them.
Long time repressed anger is
also associated with liver and digestive problems.
Changing and embracing the new
is the difficult part. Well if you need the cure then you have to change.
What is needed in life are
positive attitudes which Gurbani advises and asks one to bring in their life.
Some of these attitudes are.
Some of the positive qualities that need to be developed
are sharing, truthfulness, accountability, contentment, non-threatening or
nonjudgmental behavior, fairness, trust, sacrifice, love, compassion, selfless service
(Nishakaam Sevaa) , humility, friendliness, mercy, tolerance,
forgiveness, mutual respect, seeking spiritual wisdom, development of faith,
etc.
The spiritual guidelines of
the Gurbani are meant to be applied or lived.
For healing to start one guidance
of SGGSji has to be applied first which is “to forgive and to forget”.
ਜਹਾ ਲੋਭੁ ਤਹ ਕਾਲੁ ਹੈ ਜਹਾ ਖਿਮਾ ਤਹ ਆਪਿ ॥
jehaa lobh theh kaal hai jehaa
khimaa theh aap ||
Where there is greed, there is
death. Where there is forgiveness,
there is God Himself.
sggs 1372
*
ਖਿਮਾ ਗਹੀ ਬ੍ਰਤੁ ਸੀਲ ਸੰਤੋਖੰ ॥
Khimaa gahee brat seel
santokh.
To practice forgiveness is the
true fast, good conduct and contentment
sggs 223
*
ਖਿਮਾ ਗਹੀ ਸਚੁ ਸੰਚਿਓ ਖਾਇਓ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮ ॥
ਖਰੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਭਈ ਅਨਦ ਸੂਖ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥
Khimaa gahee sach sanchio
khaaio anmrit naam.
Kharee kirapaa thaakur bhee
anad sookh bisraam.
(One who) Adopts an attitude
of forgiveness, gathers truth, and partake of the Amrit Naam, the Lord bestows
upon him His Great Mercy, and he finds Peace, Happiness and Bliss.
sggs 261
*
ਖਿਮਾ ਵਿਹੂਣੇ ਖਪਿ ਗਏ ਖੂਹਣਿ ਲਖ ਅਸੰਖ ॥
Khimaa vihoonae khap geae
khoohan lakh asankh.
Without patience and
forgiveness, countless hundreds of thousands have perished. - sggs 937
The healing of disease in the
body would start when forgiveness removes the blocks caused by stored anger,
resentment, bitterness, irritation, grievance, shame, or pain. It must be understood that forgiveness
isn’t about condoning an action that caused pain for us or others but is an act
that releases the impact of that event on us. This release has to occur by
forgiving others including self while doing Ardas in step two below. This
process is thus very important for healing process.
This release makes way and
opens up space for Naam.
Second important step is to
seek good positive quality and attitude. Positive
attitude has a higher vibration. From the level of a positive vibration it
is easy to shift towards state of Naam where one feels the presence of Karta.
So seek the positive attitudes advised in Gurbani. These have to be sought during
Ardas and then brought into practice in life.
Step two is Ardaas. Ardaas (prayer) is the Guru’s specified way
connecting with the creator. Ardaas also enables us to present our issues and
problems to the Karta (creator). In Ardaas we seek Naam so that the issues and problems get resolved.
The disease
is persisting in the bodymind because
of continued state of unforgiveness.
In the state of Ardaas we seek forgiveness and forgive
others. We assert our state of oneness so as to align with Naam. We seek peace
so as to be in state of connectedness with naam.
Through
Ardas we communicate with the divine. In Ardas one asks for pardon of mistakes, fulfillment of objectives,
company of likeminded souls, and prosperity of all the persons.
Do a Short
personal Ardas. (A full panthic
ardas can also be done). The precursor to Ardas comprise recitation of
lines from gurbani. So the first part is to recite Gurbani lines and
surrender to the Guru. Know that Waheguru (God) is ever with you and is in
everything. Everything is happening perfectly and in love as per HIS Hukam
(command).
Some
Gurbani Shabads or pungtees to recite are.
In the state of Ardaas we seek forgiveness and forgive others. We assert our state of oneness so as to align with Naam. We seek peace so as to be in state of connectedness with naam.
1) ਮੈ ਤਾਣੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ਤੂਹੈ ਮੇਰੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਮੈ ਤੁਧੁ ਆਗੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥
ਮੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਥਾਉ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਪਹਿ ਕਰਉ ਬੇਨੰਤੀ ਮੇਰਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਤੁਝ ਹੀ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੨॥
Mai Thaan Dheebaan Thoohai Maerae Suaamee Mai Thudhh
Aagai Aradhaas ||
Mai Hor Thhaao Naahee Jis Pehi Karo Baenanthee
Maeraa Dhukh Sukh Thujh Hee Paas ||2||
You alone are my strength, and my Court, O my
Master; unto You alone I pray.There is no other place where I can offer my
prayers; I can tell my pains and pleasures only to You. ||2||
sggs 735
2) ਦੁਇ
ਕਰ ਜੋੜਿ
ਕਰਉ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ
॥ ਤੁਧੁ
ਭਾਵੈ ਤਾ
ਆਣਹਿ ਰਾਸਿ
॥
Dhue Kar Jorr Karo
Aradhaas || Thudhh Bhaavai Thaa Aanehi Raas ||
Pressing my palms
together, I offer my prayer; If it pleases You, Lord, please bless me and
fulfill me.
Sggs 737
3) ਤੀਨੇ
ਤਾਪ ਨਿਵਾਰਣਹਾਰਾ
ਦੁਖ ਹੰਤਾ
ਸੁਖ ਰਾਸਿ
॥ ਤਾ
ਕਉ ਬਿਘਨੁ
ਨ ਕੋਊ
ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾ
ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ
ਆਗੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ
॥੧॥
Theenae Thaap
Nivaaranehaaraa Dhukh Hanthaa Sukh Raas || Thaa Ko Bighan N Kooo Laagai Jaa Kee
Prabh Aagai Aradhaas ||1||
The Lord is the
One who removes the three fevers; He is the Destroyer of pain, the warehouse of
peace. No obstacles block the path of one who prays before God.
Sggs 714
4)
ਤਾਤੀ ਵਾਉ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥ ਚਉਗਿਰਦ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਰਾਮ ਕਾਰ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਗੈ ਨ ਭਾਈ ॥੧॥
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਭੇਟਿਆ ਜਿਨਿ ਬਣਤ ਬਣਾਈ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਉਖਧੁ ਦੀਆ ਏਕਾ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਰਾਖਿ ਲੀਏ ਤਿਨਿ ਰਖਨਹਾਰਿ ਸਭ ਬਿਆਧਿ ਮਿਟਾਈ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਭਈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਏ ਸਹਾਈ ॥੨॥੧੫॥੭੯॥
Thaathee Vaao N Lagee Paarabreham Saranaaee
|| Chougiradh Hamaarai Raam Kaar Dhukh Lagai N Bhaaee ||1|| Sathigur Pooraa
Bhaettiaa Jin Banath Banaaee || Raam Naam Aoukhadhh Dheeaa Eaekaa Liv Laaee
||1|| Rehaao || Raakh Leeeae Thin Rakhanehaar Sabh Biaadhh Mittaaee || Kahu
Naanak Kirapaa Bhee Prabh Bheae Sehaaee ||2||15||79||
The hot wind does not even touch one who is
under the Protection of the Supreme Lord God. On all four sides I am surrounded
by the Lord's Circle of Protection; pain does not afflict me, O Siblings of
Destiny. I have met the Perfect True Guru, who has done this deed. He has given
me the medicine of the Lord's Name, and I enshrine love for the One Lord.
||1||Pause The Savior Lord has saved me, and eradicated all my sickness. Says
Nanak, God has showered me with His Mercy; He has become my help and support.
sggs 819
( The above Shabads/ lines are suggestive
only . There is often personal choice and other Shabads/ lines can be chosen
from SGGSji as well. )
The
ardas is Spoken with feeling and reflection.
2) Waheguru Simran
Waheguru
Simran meditation should also be done for Naamaukhad. Amrit vela (ambrosial
hours in the early morning) is ideal for the Simran although when it can be
done undisturbed as the worldly activities are standstill in the outside world.
Otherwise it can be done any time.
Some tips
are as below:
- The
Waheguru Jap being done mentally has also to be listened to. This pulls and
keeps the awareness within.
- The
physical body has to be relaxed so that it does not create disturbances. This
activity also keeps awareness within. For relaxing the body the method used by hypnotherapists
is quite useful. They use mind triggers for achieving this. The trigger here is
the suggestion to the body part to relax
and then feel it relaxing.
Start by
placing the awareness (surt) in the head. Be aware of the scalp and tell it to
relax and then feel it relaxing. Feel the stress leaving the body part. Then
shift awareness to forehead. Repeat the above suggestion and then feeling the
relaxation and release of any stress. Repeat this process one by one next with
nose, mouth , chin , cheeks , ears , whole head , neck , right shoulder , right
arm , right hand , then left shoulder , left arm , left hand . Then shift
awareness to chest, organs within chest (name them) and ask them to relax, then
back, lower back, abdomen, this and legs. Do the same with all body parts.
- After this
body relaxation do short Waheguru Simran and be aware that all the body parts
are working as per Hukam of the Karta in harmony and perfection. Waheguruji has
made a beautiful perfect human body as a dwelling place of the soul. This soul
has a personality with a self-identity (haume). As per Gurmat we are just self
identities with personalities. The body is also a part of physical world
created by Wheguruji with naam as support. The jyote within the body observes
and knows. The jyote is part of the supreme jyote. This awareness of our body
is a Simran to be done as many times as possible. At least two times a day.
During this Simran meditation be aware that jyote is present in all parts of
the body and in each cell. The whole play is as per structure created by
Waheguruji. Know that with naam this harmony is restored .The change in body
was brought due to our mind’s negative thoughts, feelings and our behaviour.
3 ) “Hukam Razai Chalna”
Naam
blossoms when the thoughts in the mind are positive and so also the feelings.
So along with listening to the Gurbani Shabads another step is commitment
towards the Gurmat principles. These must be followed and lived, unceasingly,
every single day. This is the Simran meditation of the Shabad. Step by step the
thoughts and feelings are mastered, and Naam would enter your life.
Your whole
future life relies on your action now - whether it is health or circumstances
in life.
One main
Gurmat principle is “Hukam Razai Chalna”
meaning to walk the path of seeing flow of Hukam
(command) of creator (karta) in creation and to be in the state of Raza (positive acceptance). This has
been stated by Guruji in the beginning of Japji Sahib in answer to the most
common and most important spiritual question – how to become sachiara (pure) and how the veil of
illusion (false in the material world).
ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ
ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ
ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ
ਪਾਲਿ ॥
ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ
ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ
ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ
॥੧॥
Kiv
Sachiaaraa Hoeeai Kiv Koorrai Thuttai Paal ||
Hukam
Rajaaee Chalanaa Naanak Likhiaa Naal ||1||
So how can one
become truthful? And how can the veil of illusion be torn away? Says Nanak,
walk in the way of Hukam and Raza. This would get written as your destiny.
sggs 1
It is
important to understand Hukam and Raza.
Hukam is the
command of the karta (creator), the
underlying laws that make for the world as it is and keeps it moving. Whatever
we see is as per Hukam. All interplay
of matter is as per hukam. Our body and its working is as per hukam. There is
preciseness and ever accuracy in creation. Law of Karma is also a hukam.
As Naam is
the support of the creation so Hukam
is thus associated with Naam.
Raza is a mind state of acceptance and
neutrality. Normally in the behaviour there is resistance and anger towards
circumstances. There is judgment and criticism in our behaviour. Raza is a
neutral state where the situation or circumstance or person (s) are accepted as
such. This acceptance is as such despite the position of whether we agree or do
not agree. In the state of acceptance there is peace.
In ‘hukam razai’ we see the hukam in all
situations. We see the Hukami (the
creator) through observing the Hukam’s
so there is love in our acceptance. This is a form of Simran. This Simran is a
way towards becoming Sachiar (pure).
Here mind has changed. Here the five passions do not trouble. In this state
there is love and peace. There is acceptance.
The problem
of ill health and body’s disease is a reflection of impure state of mind due to
presence of behaviour effect of Kama (lust/addiction), Krodh (anger
/rage/wrath), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment/worldly infatuation) and Ahankar
(ego/pride). Apart from these there is Haume (self-identity).
The tools
that bring the change away from such a state is forgiveness, tolerance,
patience which are to be made a part of behaviour while doing Simran .
This simran
for healing can be done by following steps given below:
-
Chose
a time when you would be undisturbed. Recite a few shabads.
-
Next
close your eyes and become antermukh
i.e mind is inward.Be quiet and do Waheguru Simran or Mool Manter Simran to
keep the minds focus within.
-
Think
of the disease or illness. Now accept the fact that your body is experiencing
this illness. This experience is a result of you’re your own actions and
purpose is to correct you. This Dukh(trouble) is Daru( Drug) and is there to correct your thought and behavior. Naam
Simran would bring right thinking and behavior. Accept that you are committed
to change and so the disease would go.
-
Now
visualize or imagine the picture of persons in your life one by one . The image
may not be clear here. Ask forgiveness from all for any action during dealing
with them. Trust your mind to tell you. Ask forgiveness from people you do not like,
from enemies even and friends too. Here you may not agree with them but purpose
here is that the negative effect on yourself has to go. Forgive yourself also.
This Simran
gives instant result. Do and experience the start of change.
4. Practicing state of Nirbau and Nirvair.
Gurbani ever
asks us to do ‘Sat Sangat’ i.e to
associate with Sat (truth and
purity). ‘Sat Sangat’ also changes us
and restores our health.
‘Sat Sangat’ has two aspects. One not to
associate with that which is increases impurity of mind and second to keep
associating with that which adds to the minds state of purity reflected by
presence of love , appreciation , helpfulness , patience , acceptance , peace ,
joy etc.
The Sat which is naam is Nirbau (there is no fear) and Nirvair (there is no enemity).
The quality
or power of creation that creates is naam and the quality that conceals the
truth or viels it is called by Gurbani as Maya.
Fear is a
part of maya and so it is associated with that part of creation which is not
permanent, ever changing and is an illusion. Love is associated with naam.
When we are
in anxiety or fear then we are under influence of maya. When we perceive distinctness
in creation as compared to oneness (Eka or one)
then there are enemies. In naam there is no distinction so there are no others
and so there is no vair or enmity.
The best way
to associate with Nirbau and Nirvair is to keep a check on your
thoughts and feelings. Do not use words which have fear resonance but used
words which are associated with love, peace and joy. Know that we are
influenced by the words we use and hear. In Japji Sahib guru ji has clarified
the importance of Akhar (word) and how these words write our destiny. The
destiny written on our forehead is by the words and sentences which are part of
us in usage and beliefs.
If we keep
on talking and thinking about sadness, anxiety, problem, difficulty, criticism,
judgment, irritation, egoist, jealousy , frustration , lies etc. then so would
these persist.
The
gurbani’s way is that of Chardikalan (an
uplifted way of thinking and action). Guru’s Sikh talks of hope, confidence,
action, togetherness, peace, tolerance, forgiveness, sharing, contentment,
acceptance, truth etc.
- Our mind is influence by what we see, read, hear
and then think about in our thoughts. Do not dwell much of negative images
and news on TV. Do not go through negative and graphical accounts given in
newspapers. A cursory information is sufficient if at all any information
is a need. The mind gets influenced by these and so our health keeps
getting a subtle poison through negative emotions in our mind.
- Keep away from persons whose behaviour and values
are bad and negative. Seek and keep company of good people. So company of
people who do seva, do Gurbani
vichar should always be preferred. Best of all is the Company of SGGSji
and Gurbani in gurdwara and
outside.
- Keep a check on your thoughts and the words being
used. Immediately change these. The words used should be positively
worded. What is being said should not reflect anxiety, fear or a bad
outcome. But these sentences should be restated to reflect confidence and
a positive outcome.
- Sangat of gurbani vichar ( contemplation) is the best sat sangat.
***
ਅਉਖੀ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਦੇਖਣ ਦੇਈ ਅਪਨਾ
ਬਿਰਦੁ ਸਮਾਲੇ
॥
ਹਾਥ ਦੇਇ ਰਾਖੈ
ਅਪਨੇ ਕਉ
ਸਾਸਿ ਸਾਸਿ
ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲੇ ॥੧॥
Aoukhee Gharree N Dhaekhan Dhaeee Apanaa Biradh Samaalae ||
Haathh Dhaee Raakhai Apanae Ko Saas
Saas Prathipaalae ||1||
HE does not let His devotees see the difficult times; this is His innate
nature.
Giving HIS hand, HE protects HIS devotee; with each and every breath, HE
cherishes him.
SGGS 682
Aoukhee Gharree N Dhaekhan Dhaeee Apanaa Biradh Samaalae ||
HE does not let His devotees see the difficult times; this is His innate nature.
Giving HIS hand, HE protects HIS devotee; with each and every breath, HE cherishes him.
