There are, supposedly, about 8.7 million living species in this world, and each one is unique in its own way. Communication and expression, I believe, are key to the growth of any species. The human species has devised numerous ways and means of communication and expression, and it has been a real contributor towards our evolution and development. But have we truly been able to explain and unravel the mysteries of this Universe? Are we capable of establishing a meaningful connection/ communication line with our inner world? Have we been successful in spelling out answers to the secrets underlying our existence?

 

Sant Kabir’s words have captured this reality in one of his verses in Gurbani titled Baavan Akhri (52 alphabets), referring to the 52 alphabets/letters of the traditional Sanskrit (Devanagari) alphabet.

 

ਬਾਵਨ ਅਛਰ ਲੋਕ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਛੁ ਇਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

ਏ ਅਖਰ ਖਿਰਿ ਜਾਹਿਗੇ ਓਇ ਅ ਖਰ ਇਨ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੧॥

 

Hindi: Baavan Achhur Lok Trey Sabh Kich In Hee Mahe,

Ey Akhar Khir Jahegey Oey A Khar En Mein Nahe. (SGGS 340)

 

English Meaning: There are fifty-two alphabets/letters and three worlds (heaven, earth, and the underworld), and everything about these three worlds can be explained using these 52 alphabets/ letters. These letters (akhar) will perish or get exhausted, but the other “a khar” (imperishable/the Divine) cannot be contained within these transient words.

  

Kabir says that the entire knowledge and wisdom of our past, present and future or the three realms (Lok Trey), as well as human thoughts and emotions, can be encapsulated in the 52 alphabets, yet our language lacks the vocabulary to explain the eternal divine, the ultimate reality. How can something transient (language) explain the eternal (Almighty)?

 

Despite this truth, we keep striving to know ourselves and our connection with the Universe, in a bid to move from the transient (akhar) to the eternal (a-khar). This journey is challenging but deeply fulfilling. As we shed our layers, a deep understanding of worldly possessions emerges–the one that reveals the destructive nature of our desires in the form of Panj Vikar (5 evils) as listed in Sri Guru Granth Sahib as kaam, krodh, lobh, moh, ahankar (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride).  

 

ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਅਰੁ ਲੋਭ ਮੋਹ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜਾਇ ਅਹੰਮੇਵ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾਗਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥੧॥

 

Hindi: Kaam krodh ar lobh moh binas jaye ahnmev

Nanak prabh sarnagti kar prasad gurdev.

 

English Meaning: Lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment and egotism–may these go away. Nanak seeks the Sanctuary of God, “Please bless me with Your Grace, O Divine Guru.”

 

Gurbani also enlightens us on the importance of ridding ourselves of these vikars, and harps upon Simran/ Jap/ Tap/ prayer/ meditation as the ultimate means. It proclaims that Simran done with Sat sangat (group of devotees) can enable one to cleanse oneself of all the evils.

When we meditate in a room full of devotees chanting prayers to the Lord Almighty and asking for enlightenment, the aura of such a place is incomprehensible. The light, the energy, the calmness, and the mystical effect of such a congregation are a blessing that only the fortunate ones can enjoy. It is like cleansing your soul by walking in a field of light that is being emanated from each such devotee, like walking through a field of fireflies that emit light and also illuminate the space around them.

 

ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਲੋਭ ਮਦ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਮਿਟਿਆ ਅਭਿਮਾਨ ॥

ਐਸੇ ਸੰਤ ਭੇਟਹਿ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਸਦ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ॥੨॥੩੯॥੫੨॥

 

Hindi: Kaam Krodhh Lobh Mad Nindaa Saadh sang Mittia Abhimaan,

Aise Sant Bhaetteh Vadbhaagee Nanak Tin Kai Sad Kurbaan ||2||39||52||

 

English Meaning: Lust, anger, intoxication, egotism, slander and egotistical pride are eradicated in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. By great good fortune, such Saints are met. Nanak is forever a sacrifice to them.

 

©Vandana Bhasin

03.11.2025