Siddha Gosht for kids
As a young person I was surprised by the pictures and then the experience of seeing Tibetans bowing at the Golden Temple. The mystery became easier to understand when I began to read the Guru Granth Sahib. Between p.938-p.946 of the Guru Granth Sahig one finds the Siddha Gosht. This is an interfaith dialogue in a world scripture. It is the record of a question and answer session between Guru Nanak and members of the Ai Panth. He recalls them in a verse that is recited by Sikhs every morning, “Treat all humanity as your Ai religious sect”. What is significant is that there is no record with the Sikh scripture itself, the Guru Granth Sahib, of his meeting with Muslim or Hindu saints. Clearly, the relationship of his thought with that of contemporary Buddhists was more significant for him. Readers will realise that his thought differs because he emphases the force of Grace over individual efforts and social involvement over separation from worldly life. They will also realise that there is a degree of commonality; indeed, so much so that the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism call him Guru Rinpoche and regard him as an emanation of Guru Padmasambhava, who famously brought Buddhism from India to Tibet.
RAAKALI, FIRST GURU, SIDH GOSHT ~ DEBATE WITH THE SIDDHAS:
Unity of Being-Grace.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The Sidhs had gathered as a sabha or community in their yogic postures. Says Nanak, I offer jaikara to, I salute, this congregation of saints. I salute the 1 that is both Eternal and Everlasting — beyond time and the body of time. I dedicate mind and body and would sacrifice my life, cutting off my head and offering it to Him. Says Nanak, meeting saints, one encounters Reality and naturally improves our karmic account, our account of good and evil. 1.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
They ask, “Who are you? Give us your name? Which school of practice or religion do you follow? What is your purpose?” Nanak responds, “I would die for the saints that have achieved emptiness, Sunn, the Void.” The yogis continue, “Novice, where is your base and to where are you headed?” Nanak responds, “Detached Sidhs, what is your path?” 2.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
“He dwells deep within the nucleus of each and every heart. This is my seat and my home. I walk in harmony with the Will of the True Guru. I came from the Lord God; I go wherever He orders me to go. I am Nanak, forever under the Command of His Will. I sit in the posture of the eternal, imperishable Lord. These are the teachings I have received from the Guru, the Inner Tutor. As Gurmukh, facing the Light, I have come to understand and realize myself; I merge in the Being of beings.” 3.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
One yogi then takes over: “The world-ocean is treacherous and impassable; how can one cross over? Charpat says, O avadhuta[1] Nanak, think it over, and give us your true reply.” Guru Nanak responds: “What answer can I give to someone who claims to understand himself? I speak the truth; if you have already crossed over, how can I argue with you? 4.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The lotus flower floats untouched upon the surface of the water, and the duck swims through the stream without drowning. With one’s consciousness tuned to the Voice of the Inner Tutor and witness to Naam Presence, one crosses the terrifying world-ocean. If a person lives with the 1 enthroned in their heart, untouched by worldliness, purifying desire in the midst of desires, if one sees the Inaccessible and Unknowable, and inspires others to see Nanak would become that one’s slave. 5.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Master, hear our prayer for we want your knowledge. We mean no offense so tell us how can we find the door of the Guru? Nanak replies that with support of Naam the unsteady mind becomes fixed in its home. Inspired to love Reality the Creator Himself graces Union. 6.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Loharippa, the disciple of Gorakh, describes what he calls the real way of Yoga, the way of Union. Away from market towns and worldly paths we live among vegetation in the forest eating wild fruits and roots to live. Those who have obtained freedom from worldly desires speak of the enlightenment of such a path as we bathe as sacred places of pilgrimage and achieve joy as not even a spot of filth attaches to us. 7.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The true yogi may travel through market towns and worldly paths, so long as they are not inwardly sleeping, in denial of 1; nor fantasising about the homes, the lives of others.. Without Naam the mind lacks support and balance and says Nanak hunger for Reality remains unfilled. Grace has revealed to me the market place and city within where the trade in Being happens in spontaneous harmony. The essence of wisdom is to sleep the little you need and eat the little you need. 8.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. The Yogis cut in: “we ask you to adopt Yoga with its symbols of ear-rings, begging wallet and patched coat. Of the six systems adopt the Yogic system; of the twelve sects of Yoga ours is the best.” Nanak says that through Grace Reality is grasped but we say that if you control your mind through our rules you will achieve Yoga and unite with the Void. 9.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Constant focus on the Inner Tutor within are the ear-rings; discarding pride, attachment, lust, anger and self-obsession the message. Realization of the Unity of Being is the patched coat and begging bowl. Says Nanak, only the 1 sets us free. Through communion with the Inner Tutor know the truth and holiness of the Lord. 10.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. Turning away from worldliness is the begging bowl, receiving guidance from the five elements the cap. With disciplined body as meditation mat and mind as loin cloth truth, contentment and self-discipline will become your companions. Says Nanak, through the Inner Tutor we commune with Naam. 11.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The Sidhs ask, “Who is hidden? Who free? Who is united with Life, both inwardly and outwardly? Who is it that comes into the world, and who goes? Who pervades the three worlds?” 12.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Nanak replies, “He is hidden within each and every heart. The one who follows the Inner Tutor is free. Through the Inner Tutor, one is united, inwardly and outwardly. The self-willed who deny the call of the Inner Tutor come and go. Says Nanak, the Life-directed are united with Life. 13.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The Sidhs question the level of esoteric understanding, the understanding of hidden things, “How is one chained and eaten by the serpent[2] that circles the world? How does one lose the ideal and how does one find it? How does one become shining and pure, how remove the stain of darkness? One who can explain this essence of Reality we accept as a Master.” 14.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
People are chained by foul mindedness and eaten by worldliness, Maya. The self-obsessed has lost the ideal and the Life-directed have realised it. Communing with the Inner Tutor darkness lifts. Says Nanak, getting over self-obsession, becoming selfless, one merges in Life. 15.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Focussing and absorbed naturally in Sunnya, the Void, the swan of life does not fly off and the body does not collapse. When a person realises that the cave of poise is his real home, then the person becomes whole and holy and, says Nanak, finds favour with the Within and Beyond Time. 16.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The Sidhs now query, “Why did you leave your house and adopt the clothes of a wandering hermit, Udasi? What is your business? How will you help your disciples?” 17. I turned away from the world seeking the godly. To have darshan, sight of them and receive glance of grace from them, I adopted these clothes. I trade in truth. Says Nanak, with guidance of the godly I shall carry across my disciples. 18.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. The Sidhs now enquire, “How would you bring life changes? In what have you fixed your passions or drives? By what means have you eaten your desire? How did you find the Light deep within your being? How can you eat iron without teeth? Nanak, explain the truth of our statements.” 19
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Born into the House of the True Guru, my wandering in rebirth is ended. My mind is attached and attuned to the unstruck sound current. Through the Inner Tutor, my hopes and desires have been burnt away. Becoming godly I found the Light deep within the innermost part of my being. By over-writing the three qualities — raja, sattva, tamas — one eats the iron of worldliness. Says Nanak, from the Saviour comes freedom. 20.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The Sidhs ask, “How would you describe the Beginning? Where was the Void? What is the true asan — position/pose of yoga? Who pervades all? How can we avoid the clubbing of death? How can we enter the house that is without fear? How can we cut through our enemies?” To achieve this rest in natural authenticity and contentment as through the Inner Tutor self-obsession is overcome and one lives in the Home of Being. Nanak is the slave of whoever through the Inner Tutor realises the 1 who created the cosmos. 21.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
“Where does the self come from? Where does it go? In what does it remain absorbed? Someone who explains this concept is a Master, free from chains of desire. How can we get to the Essence of Reality?” Nanak replies, ‘The Creator is consciousness, Himself Grace. Through gift of Will the self is born, through Will goes and through following the Will is absorbed in the Real. Following the Perfect Guru, be real — through the Inner Tutor is achieved the highest states. 22.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Wonder, Wah, is the origin of the universe. The Absolute is present in every spot. To adopt the pose, asan, of enlightenment free the mind from its chasing and roaming. That 1 lives with and in each and every heart. Through the Inner Tutor one flows in the Formless and, fulfilling nature, intuitively receives the Essence. Says Nanak, that one who seeks and finds the Way does not serve any other. Wondrous is Will; one who flows with Will knows the praxis of Life. One who gets rid of self-obsession becomes free from worldly chains; flowing in Reality, that one may truly be called a Yogi. 23.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
From 0 arose 1, the Absolute became Essence of all, the Formless adopted form, matter. The supreme state is achieved through Grace as one is absorbed in the Inner Tutor. That one, the true Yogi, has realisation of the Inner Tutor and their heart lotus blooms as they cast of self-obsession and duality and witness the 1 Supreme Being. If one remains dead to worldliness while alive in the world and cultivates loving kindness for all sentient beings one realises Reality. Says Nanak, this being is raised on high and they see themselves in all sentient beings in creation. 24.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
From the Timeless Absolute Being arises time and in the Timeless time falls away. The pure beings merge into Being, the Master. The wasters come but find no rest; in duality, their comings and goings. These cycles of rebirth are ended through guidance of the Inner Tutor. Himself the Judge can grant release.
Through duality one suffers through forgetting and denying the Naam, the amrit, destroyer of death, mead of immortality. To whomever He gives enlightenment receives and achieves it; by following the Inner Tutor they become free. Says Nanak, the Liberator Himself frees and helps those seeking to eliminate self-obsession and duality. 25
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The self-obsessed, misguided, fall under the shadow of Yama. Seeking to seduce the wives of others they lose, driven mad by doubt they wander desolate places. Lost, they recite mantras in cremation grounds and lose their merit. They utter obscenities rather than witness the Inner Tutor, Says Nanak, happiness comes from connecting with Reality. 26.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The godly are moved by the Fear of God. The godly give shape to their unshaped lives under direction of the Inner Tutor. The godly, purifying their minds, offer glory. The godly achieve the supreme state. The godly meditate on the Real with every hair of their body. Says Nanak, the godly are merged in Reality. 27.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
To receive enlightenment is to achieve the purpose of contemplation of the Vedas. By enlightenment graced the godly is guided across the ocean of life. By enlightenment graced one receives the teaching of the Inner Tutor. By enlightenment graced one knows the way of the inward odyssey, the journey within. The godly reach the Inaccessible and Infinite. Says Nanak, the godly enter the door of freedom. 28.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The godly attempt to speak in words of that which cannot be contained in words, to express the Inexpressible. The godly live a God-centred life in the midst of their family commitments. The godly add devotion to mental contemplation. Following the guidance of the Inner Tutor they live virtuous lives. Those fixed by the Inner Tutor have realisation, and being themselves in this state inspire others. Says Nanak, by burning away self-obsession, the godly merge in Life. 29
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The Timeless fashioned the earth for the forging of the godly. All else in it, all creation and destruction, is like a pointless game. One dyed in Inner Tutor enshrines Joyful Love, attuned to Life returning home with honour. Without connecting to the Inner Tutor, no one receives honour. Says Nanak, without Naam, how can one be absorbed in Reality? 30
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
To the godly come the powers of the Sidhs and the enlightenments of the Buddhas. Guided by the Inner Tutor the godly understand how to steer across the awe-inspiring ocean of our lives. Guided by the Inner Tutor the godly distinguish right from wrong, ethics. Guided by the Inner Tutor the godly know the true nature of renunciation (piri) nd the true nature of living in the world (miri). The godly crosses safely and leads a convoy of others as well. Says Nanak, the crossing is made and freedom achieved by the direction of the captain, the Inner Tutor. 31.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Attuned to Naam self-obsession lifts, attuned to Naam they are connected to the Master, attuned to Naam they come to see the true way of yoga, attuned to Naam they find the gateless gate of freedom, attuned to Naam they understand the true nature of the threefold worlds Says Nanak, attuned to the Naam eternal happiness is found. 32.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Attuned to Naam-Presence, they can engage in Sidh Gosht — a sharing of testimony of experience with the Sidhs. Attuned to Naam-Presence they weave and are woven into Reality through letting the mind turn towards and follow Naam-Presence. Attuned to Naam-Presence they realise and practice the framework of Virtue. Attuned to Naam-Presence they experience and reflect on the goodness of the Master. All that is said is waste if it is not supported by experience. Says Nanak, attuned to Naam-Presence one enjoys victory and this victory is celebrated. 33.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
One attunes to Naam through the Complete Guru. The real yoga praxis is absorption in the Real. In duality and delusion yogis are divided into twelve sects and sannyassis into ten. The one who is martyred to the Inner Tutor, to the inner integrated framework of the Real, lives authentically and walks through the gateless gate of freedom. Without devotion to the Inner Tutor people are involved in duality. Reflect over this in your heart and see. Says Nanak, those who have enshrineded the Inner Tutor inscribing them into being, gateway of the Real, are really lucky. 34.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Those directed by Grace achieve the jewel through love. Those directed by Grace recognize the value of the jewel spontaneously, following our framework nature. Those directed by Grace put Spirit in action. Gurmukh practices Truth in action. Those directed by Grace have the heart of their being fixed on Being. Those directed by Grace have spiritual experiences when the Lord Wills. Says Nanak, those directed by Grace escape the punishments of the Yamas. 35.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Those directed by Grace receive connection with the Naam, share the flow of abundance through charitable disposition and purify desire through washing off the waste blockage. Those directed by Grace weave and are woven through meditation on Naam easily and spontaneously. Those directed by Grace receive honour at the Gate. The Supreme Lord, Destroyer of the fear of Yama, receives those directed by Grace. Those directed by Grace live virtuous lives and inspire others as role models. Says Nanak, those directed by Grace unite with the Master of Life. 36.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Those directed by Grace are enlightened about the teachings of Simritis, Shastras and Vedas. Those directed by Grace have realisation of Being in the heart of all beings. Those directed by Grace wipe away hatred and sense of enemy. Those directed by Grace do not try to calculate whether what is received is good or bad. Those directed by Grace are dyed in love of the Naam-Presence. Says Nanak, those directed by Grace have realisation of the Master. 37
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
One who ignores the direction of the Inner Tutor wanders in cycles of rebirth. Ignoring the direction of the Inner Tutor one’s purpose is not achieved. Ignoring the direction of the Inner Tutor one’s mind is unbalanced. Ignoring the direction of the Inner Tutor one remains hungry, feeding on poison. Ignoring the direction of the Inner Tutor one is bitten by the poisonous snake, maya, and dies en route. Says Nanak, ignoring the direction of the Inner Tutor, one suffers increasing losses. 38.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Whoever meets the Guru is carried to the other shore. Bad habits are erased and cultivating virtue they are liberated. The ultimate bliss and freedom come from reflecting on the Inner Tutor. The godly do not suffer as the body is the shop and the mind the merchant spontaneously and in harmony with Reality dealing with the real. 39.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
By direction of the Inner Tutor have the godly erected the bridge of devotion. Crossing to the heart of evil, the Sri Lanka within, they have beaten the demons. The guidance of the Inner Tutor is like Bibikana telling Ram Chander about a secret passage in Ravan’s castle that enabled Ram Chander to destroy that proud one. The godly enable sinners who are like stones to cross the oceans, the godly bring freedom to millions. 40.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The cycle of rebirth of the godly ends, the godly are honoured at the doorway, the clearing ground of reality. The godly discriminate between good and bad. The godly easily and naturally engage in meditation. Through praise the godly cross over the threshold of the gate. The godly face no blocks. 41.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The godly get the Presence of the Perfect. Through the Inner Tutor self-centredness is burnt away. The godly sing praise of the Timeless Being. The godly remain absorbed in the Timeless Being. Through the Presence the godly are honoured and raised up. Says Nanak, the godly have clear intuitive understanding of all realms. 42.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
What is the source? What is the religious guidance appropriate to this age? Who is the Guru of whom you are the disciple? What is the teaching that keeps you free from the stain of Maya? Said the Yogis, ‘listen young boy, you novice, explain about the Inner Tutor that brings freedom!’ 43.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Air/breath is the source of existence and being. This is the age of the teachings of the True Guru. The Inner Tutor is the Guru the disciple focuses on devotedly. By speaking about the Unspeakable I remain free from the stain of Maya. Says Nanak, the Inner Tutor Guru’s Presence fills all ages and it is through this that people know the Master and put out the fire of self-centredness and doubt. 44.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
“How can one eat iron with these teeth of wax? What should we put in our mouths to take away the illness of pride? People live in igloos wearing robes on fire. In what cave can they live unshaken? Whom is it possible to know living at all places? By which meditative technique does the mind remain mindful and achieve the non-dual state of absorption?” 45.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Setting aside pride and self-centredness from within, rubbing out duality be absorbed in 1 Being. The world is hard on those who ignore the imperatives of common sense but following the Inner Tutor one eats iron. Realise the 1, inside and out. Says Nanak, the fire of negative desires is put out by following the undeniable common sense of the Inner Tutor. 46.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
One dyed in truth and fear would lose their pride, by reflection on the Inner Tutor would realise the 1 Master. If the Inner Tutor comes to rest in the core of the heart, then the flames of lust and anger are put out and the mind and body become cool and are dyed in the colour of Love. Says Nanak, such a one lives in the glance of Grace of the Beloved. 47.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The mind is like the moon eclipsed in shadow — by what method does the Sun of.enlightenment rise? How can we stop being followed by death? By what wisdom is.the honour of the God-directed left intact? Who is the hero that conquers death?.Nanak, thinking about these new questions answered as follows. 48.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. By repeating the Inner Tutor, the Inner Tutor, the moon of the mind is bathed in the limitless Sun of enlightenment. As it lives in the mind, the darkness vanishes. By adopting support of the Presence one is neither absorbed in pain or pleasure, then the Master Himself graces freedom. By keeping faith with the Master the mind absorbs in Being. Says Nanak in humbleness: then is a person protected from the jaws of death. 49.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Naam is the supreme physical object and without devoted attention to it one is lost in sufferings and death. As our sense of being reconnects with Being Itself faith awakens in the mind. The mental map that separates the spiritual and physical worlds is torn up by the clear vision of one reality. Eternal union with the One that powers the chamber of the heart no less than the roar of thunder comes through enlightenment. 50.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Within me Sunn, outside me Sunn, in the three worlds Sunn-Sunn. Whoever realizes Sunnya, the Void, Emptiness in the fourth state overcomes the struggle between good and evil within, for whoever knows Emptiness in all beings is image of the First Being, the Pure and Perfect Person. Whoever is attached to the purifying Naam, says Nanak, is the image of the Supreme Being. 51.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Everyone has questions to ask about Sunn: “How can you achieve it? What are the people devoted to achieving Sunnya like?” The devotees are like the Person to whom they are attached and connected and who is the source that flows through them. They are not subject to coming nor going, nor rebirth. Through the guidance of the Inner Tutor they instruct their minds. 52.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
When the nine pools have been cleansed of impure desires and the tenth is filled with pure desires, in this, the Void, trumpets unstruck blast. Then the seeker seeing the Timeless right next, seeing that Being pervades and permeates each
and every heart becomes absorbed through the connection. The hidden meanings of sacred verse become clear. Says Nanak, such a person has got Reality. 53.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. Happiness comes when we find our connection through sahaj-bhae, natural spontaneous love. The godly are ever wakeful, never lost in the sleep of ignorance of the Real. They are attached to the Infinite Creator through the Inner Tutor that embodies No-thing. Those who affirm the Inner Tutor find freedom and help others also. Those who obey the Inner Tutor are devoted to Reality. Says Nanak, those who set aside the block of self-centredness meet the Real and doubt no longer makes sense. 54.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. Where is the shelter for one who gives witness to their foul thoughts? Who shouldn’t one who has refused to witness the Essence be knocked about? No one helps those bound in the land of Yama. Without devotion to the Inner Tutor one receives neither honour nor credit. How can one know the Essence and safely navigate the ocean of life? Says Nanak, the self-centred ignoramus is without realisation of Being. 55.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
By reflecting on the Inner Tutor foul understanding is cleaned off. By meeting the Guru the door of freedom is seen. The self-centred, lost without realisation of the Essence, are burnt like cinder.Then summoned because of their foul thinking they are knocked about. By obeying the Hukm, the Will, Law and base of common sense, one receives merits and enlightenment. Says Nanak, such a person receives honour at the Door. 56.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Whoever packs the wealth and merchandise of being real saves themselves and others. Developing their understanding through devotion to the Perfect Person they are honoured. No one can work out the value of such being. Wherever I look is the Master present. Says Nanak, through devotion to reality comes freedom. 57.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. Where is the Inner Tutor by which we can cross the ocean of existence? What powers the
breath that is ten-fingers wide? How can we bring harmony to the life that plays and sounds inside of us? How can we know the Unknowable? ‘Listen, great Yogi’, says Nanak in humility and truth, ‘to my testimony of how I taught my self. If the seeker is sincere and fixed in devotion to the Inner Tutor, then showing grace the Master will re-connect. All-knowing, all-seeing, through the best luck ever comes unity with Him. 58.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The unspeakable Word, the Inner Tutor lives undamaged in all being — wherever I look, I
see Him. The breath of life lives in the Perfect that lies beyond words and is supported by invisible Power. Through grace the Inner Tutor lives in the self and the mind becomes free from illusion or duality. Mind and body are purified, so also the speech and the Naam takes home in the heart. By the teaching of the Inner Tutor is the ocean of existence navigated and the seeker gets that the Master lives in all space-time. Says Nanak, through the Inner Tutor you get to know Him who is beyond feature or form, and above the plays in the shadow that is maya, space-time. 59.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Listen, ascetic — the Perfect Person and holy reality support the breath of ten finger widths. One speaking under the common sense guidance of the Inner Tutor churns out the essence of holiness and knows the Perfect Person who cannot be described
fully in words and who is without limits. If a person fixes the Inner Tutor in their mind in place of the trio of ambitions, desire drives and fears, pride is lifted away. If one knows the 1 to live both within and without, then devotion to the Naam-Presence follows. If the Master beyond words reveals Himself the experient receives the sort of realization promised by the joining together of the three Yogic channels, the Sukhmana, Ida and Pingala. Says Nanak, the 1 beyond space-time is above the trio of ambitions, desire drives and fears, and is known through absorption in the Inner Tutor. 60.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Preachers say that the life of the mind is the breath, but what is the life of the breath? Hermit Nanak, what is the pose through which we will become enlightened? By which effort will we become Sidhs?
Says Nanak, ‘hermit, without connecting to and becoming absorbed by the Inner Tutor there is neither happiness, nor is the thirst of self-centredness relieved. The mead of immortality comes from
devotion to the Inner Tutor and the seeker is filled with sacred Being.’ Through which wisdom do we become stable? What feeds being? Says Nanak, ‘those who follow the teachings of the Master through thick or thin, controlled neither by pleasure or pain, are free from death.’ 61.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The one who ignores the teaching of the Inner Tutor is not dyed in Love, nor high on Joy; rather, they feel burn and agony. They have neither controlled themselves, nor witnessed the Inner Tutor; neither watched their breathing, nor devoted themselves
to the real. But if such a person, following nature, dialogued with the Inexpressible, then they would receive the Perfect Person. 62.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The flow of grace dyes one in love and drinking this elixir of life one is high on being alive. Through the guidance of the Inner Tutor the fire of insatiable desires that has charred lives is put out, by drinking the elixir of life one’s innermost core overflows with joy. By devotion to life and through the guidance of the Inner Tutor is the ocean of life navigated. Says Nanak, few are those who
reflect the Inner Tutor, few those who achieve this. 63.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. “Where does the rogue elephant of the mind live? Where is the ‘breath’, the seat of being? Hermit Nanak, where is this Inner Tutor which can still the roaming of the mind?” Through grace He unites the person with the Inner Tutor and living in the seat of being
a person finds the throne of Being Itself. By leaving self-obsession and not churning the self becomes purified as the filth settles. “How can the self know the First Cause, being know Being? How can the Sun of enlightenment come to light up the unlit moon of the unenlightened?” Says Nanak, if the seeker follows the voice of the Inner Tutor, the Master, they will cast aside the block of self-obsession. In natural, common sensical, spontaneous harmony will they be connected. 64.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The mind connected to the Real lives in the heart and then the seeker communes with the Being of being alive. The breath of life sits in its home in the navel and the seeker realises the essence of life by having their quest guided by the Inner Tutor. The Inner Tutor lives beyond space-time in its own kingdom from which light shines across the three worlds. Hunger for the Eternal eats up pains and when the Real comes the hunger ends. The unstruck melody is heard through the voice of the Guru — how rare the one who gets this? Says Nanak truthfully, one who is just real and speaks with truth becomes dyed in the colour that never fades. 65.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. “When the body did not exist where was the mind? Without the navel lotus to support the breath of life, on what support did it survive? How can we fix our attention on the Perfect Person when there is no form to visualise?” Without the body made up from blood and sexual fluids there was no way to appreciate the
worth and wonder of the Holy. How is the Eternal known when qualities of colour, dress and form cannot be seen — says Nanak, those dyed in the Presence are the true hermits who see at all times the Unity of Being. 66.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. Listen to me, hermit. Before the heart and body the mind rested in Sunn
nothingness, in the state of bairagi detachment. Before the navel’s lotus, the breath of life lived in its own place connected to grace and love. Before form, shape or caste the Inner Tutor or Essence was the unmanifested form of the Perfect Person.
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Before earth and sky, the Formless Light filled the three worlds. All colour, appearance and form existed in the wonderful 1 Being. Nanak says the unspoken discourse: no one achieves purity without reality, the Presence, Naam. 67.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. “Being, how was the world made and how come it is filled with suffering?” In self-centredness we make our worlds and ignoring the Presence we suffer. The godly contemplate the essence of wisdom; by the Inner Tutor, source of common sense, they burn away self-obsession. Body and mind are purified by their absorption in the Inner Tutor. Through connection with the Presence, they are detached from the world, treasuring in their heart the real. Says Nanak, without the Presence one can never achieve yoga or union; look at what your heart is saying. 68.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. Rare are the godly reflecting on the Inner Tutor, speaking truthfully. Rare are those whose hearts are drenched by the Inner Tutor and who have experience of what I am talking about. The godly have their home in the Being of being. The godly are the true Yogis and know the real practise of yoga, union. Says Nanak, the godly know the 1, the one without a second. 69.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
Without serving the Real Guru there is no yoga, union. Without meeting the Real Guru there is no freedom. Without meeting the Real Guru there is no realisation of the Presence. Without the guidance of the Real Guru one is involved in suffering. Without the grounding of the Real Guru the mind blows. Says Nanak, one rejecting the wisdom of the Real Guru dies having wasted this life time opportunity. 70.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus.
The godly by beating self-centredness conquer their minds. The godly in their heart are attached to reality. The godly conquer the world and take apart and destroy the Yamas, agents of death. The godly are not turned away at the doorway, the clearing ground of reality. Only those who are graced and embrace union with the real understand. Says Nanak, the godly receive realisation through the Inner Tutor. 71.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. Listen you hermit to the conclusion of this dialogue: without the Naam Presence there is no yoga, union. Those dyed in the Naam are always devoted in drunken ecstasy, from this devotion comes overflowing joy. From the Presence is all creation aligned and realisation given. Those without the Naam carry on many acts — the Perfect Person Himself has strayed them. Listen, you hermit: as the Inner Tutor, Inner Tutor, grace guides you to the Naam Presence is the real yoga practised. Says Nanak, this about this — without attention to the Presence there is no freedom. 72.
What is the use of roaming about when purity only comes through authenticity? Without following the Inner Tutor there is no freedom. 1. Chorus. Only You know Your state and range — what more can anyone say? You are hidden and You reveal Yourself. You enjoy every joy. Yoga masters, saints and seekers seek the Will and the Way. Begging for Your Presence as charity, offering to die for You for just a glimpse. Through the guidance of the Inner Tutor it becomes undeniably clear that the Perfect Person has staged this drama. Says Nanak, in all space-time is His Presence, Unity of being. 73.1.
1 Avadhuta refers to a person who has passed beyond the ego and is pure consciousness in human form. Therefore, they act without concern for worldy rules and enjoy a child-like innocence.
2 In the esoteric spirit of the Sidhs’ questions it was tempting to characterise Maya as the Midgard serpent, a beast that in Norse myths circles the world but which is killed and kills Thor, a character that represents human progress and evolution towards divinity, as god of lightning and fire enlightened and invigorated using the intellect to evolve beyond base matter.
