Human beings thrive in a positive, joyful and encouraging environment. A ray of sadness or negativity can cast a shadow over our spirit.  But is it truly possible to have a peaceful and blossoming atmosphere at all times?

 

Life continually puts us in challenging situations to enable us to experience the full spectrum of emotions. We cannot evade the pain, suffering, hurt, regrets, and resentments, and these emotions are like a deep, dark pit that consumes us. We risk losing ourselves in their grip, if the dark dungeon in which we have fallen doesn’t get a light of hope.

 

Nature has blessed us with the Sun, the moon and stars that keep instilling the hope of life in us with their disciplined existence in our lives. Can we imagine our lives without these heavenly creatures?

 

The presence of Guru’s words through Gurbani is like these celestials in our lives. Gurbani is there to bless us at all times, shining with the light of its wisdom and never abandons us; it’s only we who choose to look away. Gurbani instils hope in us, and is our hope in the time of darkness.

 

ਆਸਾ ਇਤੀ ਆਸ ਕਿ ਆਸ ਪੁਰਾਈਐ ॥

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਭਏ ਦਇਆਲ ਤ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਈਐ ॥

ਮੈ ਤਨਿ ਅਵਗਣ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਕਿ ਅਵਗਣ ਛਾਇਆ ॥

ਹਰਿਹਾਂ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਭਏ ਦਇਆਲ ਤ ਮਨੁ ਠਹਰਾਇਆ ॥੫॥ ਫੁਨਹੇ (ਮਃ ੫) ੫:੩ – ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ : ਅੰਗ ੧੩੬੨ ਪੰ. ੧

 

Hindi: Aasaa Eitee Aas Ki Aas Puraaeeai || Satgur Bhae Dayaal Ta Pooraa Paaeiaa ||

Mai tan Avagan Bahut Ki Avgaan Chhaaeiaa || Harihaan Satgur Bhae Dayaal Ta Mann Thehraaeiaa ||5||

 

English Meaning: My hope is so intense that this hope alone should fulfill my hopes. When the True Guru becomes merciful, then I attain the perfect Lord. My body is filled with so many demerits; I am covered with faults and demerits. O Lord! When the True Guru becomes merciful, then the mind is held in place.

 

The hope that Guru will take care of me in every situation leads to a calm and content mindset, resulting in positive energy. Every element in this Universe exudes energy and responds to the energy, so once we radiate optimistic, hopeful energy, we attract positivity, and our faith in the scheme of the Universe strengthens.

 

ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਆਸਾ ਕਰਿ ਜਗਦੀਸ ਗੁਸਾਈ ॥ (ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ : ਅੰਗ ੮੫੯ ਪੰ. ੬)

ਜੋ ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਆਸ ਅਵਰ ਕਾਹੂ ਕੀ ਕੀਜੈ ਸਾ ਨਿਹਫਲ ਆਸ ਸਭ ਬਿਰਥੀ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

 

Hindi: Mere Mann Aasaa Kar Jagdeesh Gusaaee ||

Jo Bin Har Aas Avar Kaahoo Kee Keejai Saa Nihfal Aas Sabh Birthhee Jaaee ||1||

 

English Meaning: O my mind, place your hopes in the Lord of the World, the Master of the Universe. That hope which is placed in any other than the Lord,  that hope is fruitless and totally useless.

 

There is a section in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (page 462 line 17 to page 475 line 10) called “Asa Di Var,” literally meaning “A ballad of hope”. It is sung melodiously every day in every Gurudwara as part of the morning service. It is a practical guide to achieving a virtuous life through the Guru’s wisdom by emphasising the need for adopting truth and compassion, and letting go of our ego, selfishness, falsehood and pride.

 

It is believed that hope can move mountains. Once we place all our faith in the Guru, then the Guru will certainly hold our hand and guide us onto the path of righteousness.

 

ਹਉ ਆਇਆ ਦੂਰਹੁ ਚਲਿ ਕੈ ਮੈ ਤਕੀ ਤਉ ਸਰਣਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥

ਮੈ ਆਸਾ ਰਖੀ ਚਿਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਭੋ ਦੁਖੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥

 

Hindi: Ho Aaeiaa Doorau Chal Kai Mai Takee To Sarnaae Jeeo ||

Mai Aasaa Rakhee Chit Meh Mera Sabho Dukh Gavaae Jeeo ||

 

English Meaning: I have come from far, seeking the protection of your Sanctuary. Within my mind, I place my hopes in You. Please, take my pain and suffering away!

 

Let’s embrace the Guru’s words to keep guiding our path with its light. Only hope and faith in the Guru can liberate us from the labyrinthine pain and worries of this world, and help us achieve redemption in this lifetime. Let’s pray to the Lord Almighty to show us the path of enlightenment.

ਸੂਰਜ ਕਿਰਣਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਜਲ ਕਾ ਜਲੁ ਹੂਆ ਰਾਮ ॥

ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਰਲੀ ਸੰਪੂਰਨੁ ਥੀਆ ਰਾਮ ॥

 

Hindi: Sooraj Kiran mile jal kaa jal hoaa Ram ||

Jyoti jot ralee sanpooran theeaa Ram ||

 

English Meaning: The rays of light merge with the sun, and water merges with water.

When one’s light blends with the Light, one becomes totally perfect.

 

©Vandana Bhasin

15.11.2025