Humans have been searching for answers to existential questions since time immemorial. From the great scientist Einstein to the enlightened Buddha, and the Rishis meditating in the Himalayas to the contemporary spiritual gurus, each one of them has felt the presence of a Supreme power that orchestrates the rhythm of the Universe.
A lot has been written, researched, taught and experienced in the field of spirituality, and this, coupled with our belief systems, family traditions, environment, and social media, offers us a wide range of options to experiment with, to determine what resonates with us. Some of us are drawn to our ancestral beliefs, while others feel connected to some other religion. Some choose to find themselves beyond the boundaries of religion, and some others follow spiritual leaders. No matter what we choose to follow, one thing that I truly appreciate is the fact that most of the religions are opportune to have received guidance in the form of a Holy book–The Bhagvad Gita, Vedas, Upanishads of the Hindus, The Bible of the Christians, Sri Guru Granth Sahib of the Sikhs, The Quran of Islam, The Tripitaka of Buddhism, The Tao Te Ching of Taosim, etc.
In addition to these, there are profound words of wisdom of various saints like Kabir, Surdas, Namdev, Bulleh Shah, Meerabai, Rumi, Tulsidasa, Shankaracharya, Lao Tzu, Dalai Lama, and the like to guide us on our journeys.
The path of a spiritual seeker is full of awe, joy, miracles, introspection and contentment. I was led onto this path since childhood when I was introduced to the Holy book of Sikhism, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
It was customary in my family to offer prayers in the morning and the evening in the form of Japji Sahib Path and Rehraas Sahib Path, which I had memorised at an early age as I would listen to these being recited every day. I was taught Gurmukhi at the age of nine, and soon I was allowed to read the book most revered by my family, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, after a ceremony called “Charni Lagna”, which literally means “attaching to the feet of the Guru”. It is the traditional name of the event where a Sikh formally begins reading from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Listening to path, reading the Guru Granth Sahib, listening and humming Gurbani shabads, and Gurbani vichar was a part of my upbringing, so it soon became a part of my routine, my identity, my sadhana, and my connect to myself and the Lord Almighty–that one supreme power that was holding everything in order, as taught by the very first phrase of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ek Onkar (There is only one God).
I found myself drawn to Gurbani verses and Gurudwaras, and experienced an innate sense of calmness, assurance, and contentment. The aura of soulful Gurbani kirtan was almost electrifying, and it would instantly pull me away from the worldly chaos. I began to comprehend the meaning of the verses and kept reminding myself during challenging times, but Sri Guru Granth Sahib is such a lengthy and voluminous guide that it’s impossible for me to imbibe it fully in this lifetime.
To elevate my journey to the next level, I am intrigued to understand and embrace the meaning of as many profound spiritual verses as I can, and in the coming days, I will keep sharing my learnings. I feel the Gurus have blessed us with a sea of knowledge, and if we dive into its depths by discerning the true meaning of their words, it will guide us on the path of self-awareness. What more can we ask the Gurus, if they have offered us a compendium of their lifelong, precious learnings! The holy books have all the answers we seek; we just need to focus with faith and reverence.
A Guru never leaves His children and continues to hold their hands, doing innumerable unfathomable things to protect them. We just need to place our trust in Him. I would like to quote these words from Gurbani to reiterate the love and care of the Almighty.
Gurmukhi:
ਤੂ ਕਾਹੇ ਡੋਲਹ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਰਾਖੈਗਾ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
ਜਿਨ ਪੈਦਾਇਸ ਤੂ ਕੀਆ ਸੋਈ ਦੇਇ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥
Hindi:
Tu Kaahae Doley Praaneeaa Tudhh Raakhaigaa Sirjanhaar ||
Jin Paidaeish Tu Keea Soee Daee Aadhhaar ॥੧॥
English (Meaning):
Why do you waver, O mortal being? The Creator Lord Himself shall protect you.
He who created you will also give you nourishment. ||1||
©Vandana Bhasin
01.11.2025
PC: Google
Beautiful explanation & faith in Guru Granth Sahib ji
Thank you so much Neera 🙂