I often wonder if time is linear and only moves forward, then why do our thoughts keep pacing backwards and forward? When we understand well that we can only live in the present moment, then why do we keep holding on to our past, and can’t stop worrying about our future? Do we believe that we are more powerful than time? We might have been, if we had the capacity to travel in multi-dimensions! But unfortunately, we don’t.

 

Our mind is a fine machine that knows the tactics to manipulate us in the way it wants, to keep us focused in the direction it steers, and to keep us entangled in the thoughts of the past or fears of the uncertain future. It requires a lot of focused effort to control the mind and direct it in the present moment. The past is irreparable, despite its gentle whispers and occasional storms in our lives, and the future is unpredictable and uncontrollable, so the only moment in which we can truly experience life is here and now.

 

Gurbani says:

 

ਵਰਤਮਾਨ ਵਿਚ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਹੋਵਣਹਾਰ ਸੋਈ ਪਰਵਾਣਾ॥

ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਤਾ ਜੋ ਕਰੈ ਸਿਰ ਧਰ ਮੰਨ ਕਰੈ ਸ਼ੁਕਰਾਣਾ॥ (Bhai Gurdas Ji, Vaar 18-21- Pauri 3 & 4).

 

Hindi: Varthman Vich Vartda Hovanhaar Soyi Parvanna.

Kaarann Karta Jo Karey Sir Dhar Mann Karey Shukraana.

 

English Meaning: The accepted Sikh of Guru Nanak lives in the present. He accepts whatever happens in the here and now with gratitude as the Creator’s will. (Bhai Gurdas Ji, Vaar 18-21- Pauri 3 & 4).

 

So, accepting the flow of life without being hassled by the storms of the past, and being grateful for all the events in our lives as the necessary experiences warranted for our growth, is the ideal way to live our lives. The great contemporary spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle also says, “The present moment is the field on which the game of life happens. It cannot happen anywhere else.”  

Gurbani also teaches us that this is the only moment to pay our reverence and gratitude to the Guru by reading, reciting and understanding divinity.

ਸੁਣਿ ਮਨ ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਮਿਲੁ ਵੇਲਾ ਹੈ ਇਹ ॥

ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਜੋਬਨਿ ਸਾਸੁ ਹੈ ਤਬ ਲਗੁ ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥

 

Hindi: Sunn Mann Mitr Pyariya Mil Vela Hai Eh.

Jab Lag Joban Saas Hai Tab Lag Eh Tann Deh. (SGGS, 20)

 

English Meaning: O beloved heart, listen! The time to realize the Creator is here and now. Divinity must be acquired and lived NOW while there is life and breath in me.

We spend most of our lives planning for the future, or deferring our happiness to a future moment, or just spending our lives doing the basic things necessary for survival, but we do not realise that we are losing time, and life is just slipping away from our hands.

 

ਰੈਣਿ ਗਵਾਈ ਸੋਇ ਕੈ ਦਿਵਸੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਖਾਇ॥

ਹੀਰੇ ਜੈਸਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਹੈ ਕਉਡੀ ਬਦਲੇ ਜਾਇ॥੧॥

ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਰਾਮ ਕਾ॥

ਮੂੜੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਪਾਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਹਿਰੇ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥

 

Hindi: Raein Gavaee Soe Kai Divas Gavaeia Khae ||

Heere Jaisa Janam Hai Kouddee Badlae Jae ||1||

Nam N Jania Ram Ka

Moorre Fir Pachhe Pachhutahire ||1|| Rehao ||

 

English Meaning: The nights get wasted sleeping, and the days get wasted eating. Human life is as precious as a diamond, but it is being lost in exchange for a mere shell. You do not know the name of the Lord. You fool–you shall regret and repent in the end!

This understanding and practice of the present moment awareness is a constant journey. We have no control over life’s events, which can push us miles away in the past, nor is it easy to tame our minds to not linger on the roads we have left behind, so I pray to the Lord Almighty to clear our paths and give us all the courage to stay focused on our present.

 

ਪਿਛਲੇ ਅਉਗੁਣ ਬਖਸਿ ਲਏ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਗੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥

 Hindi: Pichhlae Augun Bakhas Lae Prabh Aage Maarag Paave ||2||

 English Meaning: Please forgive my past actions, God, and place me on Your path for the future. ||2||

 

©Vandana Bhasin

12.11.2025