According to most of the religions if a person did good deeds (Karam) in previous life then one lives good life now and if one did bad Karam in previous life one suffers in this life. What Karam one does now will get the reward in next life. Guru Nanak’s philosophy has been different from other religions. Let’s see those differences.
In other religions God’s abode is in the sky on some planet. Guru says:
ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ AGGS 515
Wahu Wahu Banei Nirankar Hai Tis Jevad Avar N Koe ||
Bani (the word) is Guru and Guru is Bani and Bani is God. Bani is a philosophy, code of conduct which teaches how to live a perfect life. So God is a philosophy, code of conduct.
ਘਟ ਘਟ ਮੈ ਹਰਿ ਜੂ ਬਸੈ ਸੰਤਨ ਕਹਿਓ ਪੁਕਾਰਿ ॥ AGGS 1427
Ghat Ghat Mai Har Ju Basai Santan Kehiou Pukar ||
God’s abode is in each and every living thing, not in the sky, another planet. As God is a philosophy, a code of conduct, every living being is under that code of conduct, philosophy. Among all God’s creations, only human beings have the choice to go against or with the philosophy and code of conduct.
In other religions God punishes or rewards according to one’s deeds (Karam).
ਮਿਠ ਬੋਲੜਾ ਜੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਜਣੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਮੋਰਾ ॥ ਹਉ ਸੰਮਲਿ ਥਕੀ ਜੀ ਓਹੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਬੋਲੈ ਕਉਰਾ ॥ AGGS 784
Mith Bolarra Ji Har Sajan Suami Mora || Hao Sanmal Thaki Ji Ohu Kadae N Bolai Koura
ਕਉੜਾ ਬੋਲਿ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ਪੂਰਨ ਭਗਵਾਨੈ ਅਉਗਣੁ ਕੋ ਨ ਚਿਤਾਰੇ ॥ਪਤਿਤ ਪਾਵਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਬਿਰਦੁ ਸਦਾਏ ਇਕੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਨਹੀ ਭੰਨੈ ਘਾਲੇ ॥
Kaoura Bol Na Janei Pooran Bhagavanai Augan Ko N Chitare || Patit Pavan Har Birad Sadae Ek Til Nehi Bhannai Ghale |
ਘਟ ਘਟ ਵਾਸੀ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਨੇਰੈ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਨੇਰਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਰਣਾਗਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਜਣੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥੧॥
Ghat Ghat Vasi Sarab Nivasi Nerai Hi Te Naera | Nanak Das Sda Saranagat Har Amrit Sajan Mera ||1||
God’ Virtues are sweet and beneficial for all. God gives equally to everyone without looking at merits and demerits of anyone. God is nearest of the near as God’s abode is in everyone. As God is a philosophy, the teachings in that philosophy is, equal for all. Whoever lives life according to those teachings realizes that God is within.
Here again Guru Nanak’s philosophy is different from other religions that God is not biased and does not look at merits and demerits of anyone.
ਕਵਨੁ ਨਰਕੁ ਕਿਆ ਸੁਰਗੁ ਬਿਚਾਰਾ ਸੰਤਨ ਦੋਊ ਰਾਦੇ ॥ ਹਮ ਕਾਹੂ ਕੀ ਕਾਣਿ ਨ ਕਢਤੇ ਅਪਨੇ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੇ ॥੫॥ AGGS 969
Kavan Narak Kia Surag Bichara Santan Dou Radhe || Ham Kahu Ki Kan N Kadtate Apne Gur Parsade ||5||
ਅਬ ਤਉ ਜਾਇ ਚਢੇ ਸਿੰਘਾਸਨਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਹੈ ਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਨੀ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਕਬੀਰਾ ਏਕ ਭਏ ਹੈ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਪਛਾਨੀ ॥੬॥੩॥
Ab Tao Jae Chadte Singhasan Milae Hai Saringpani || Ram Kabira Ek Bhae Hai Koe N Sakai Pachani ||6||3||
The Guru (Sant) rejects both hell and heaven. By the Grace of my Guru I have no obligation to either of them. By the grace of the Guru (Guru’s spiritual teachings and wisdom) I am now truthful in my life. The God and Kabir have become one. No one can tell them apart.
ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਨਗਰੁ ਜਹਾ ਸੰਤ ਵਾਸਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ ਰਿਦ ਮਾਹਿ ਨਿਵਾਸਾ ॥੧॥ AGGS 742
Baikunth Nagar Jeha Sant Vasa || Prabh Charan Kamal Ridh Mah Nivasa ||1||
Heaven is in that mind (Mann) where God dwells in the form of spiritual teachings.
ਜਿਸ ਕੈ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਰਾਜ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਸੋ ਨਰਕਪਾਤੀ ਹੋਵਤ ਸੁਆਨੁ ॥ ਜੋ ਜਾਨੈ ਮੈ ਜੋਬਨਵੰਤੁ ॥ ਸੋ ਹੋਵਤ ਬਿਸਟਾ ਕਾ ਜੰਤੁ ॥ AGGS 278
Jis Kai Antar Raj Abhiman || So Narakpati Hovat Suan || Jo Janai Mai Jobanvant || So Hovat Bista Ka Jant ||
ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਕਰਮਵੰਤੁ ਕਹਾਵੈ ॥ ਜਨਮਿ ਮਰੈ ਬਹੁ ਜੋਨਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਾਵੈ ॥ ਧਨ ਭੂਮਿ ਕਾ ਜੋ ਕਰੈ ਗੁਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਸੋ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਅੰਧਾ ਅਗਿਆਨੁ ॥
Apas Ko Karamvant Kehavai || Janam Marai Bahu Jon Bhramavai || Dhan Bhoom Ka Jo Karai Guman || So Murakh Andha Agian ||
ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਜਿਸ ਕੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਬਸਾਵੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਈਹਾ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਆਗੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧॥
Kar Kirapa Jis Kai Hirdhai Garibi Basavai || Nanak Eha Mukat Aagai Sukh Pavai ||1||
One who has the pride of power, dwell in hell like a dog, now while living. One, who has pride in the beauty of youth, is always indulged in sensuality and is in hell like a maggot in the filth. One, who claims to act virtuously, is always in cycle of spiritual death and birth and never gets peace. One who takes pride in wealth and lands is ignorant fool. Nanak says one who is mercifully blessed with abiding humility is liberated while living (Eha Mukat) and obtains everlasting peace.
Some religions believe in rebirth.
ਸਗਲੀ ਬਣਤ ਬਣਾਈ ਆਪੇ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਕਰੇ ਕਰਾਏ ਥਾਪੇ ॥ ਇਕਸੁ ਤੇ ਹੋਇਓ ਅਨੰਤਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਏ ਜੀਉ ॥੯॥੨॥੩੬॥ AGGS 131
Sagali Banat Banai Apae | Apae Kare Karae Thape || Ekas Te Hoeiou Ananta Nanak Ekas Mahi Samae Jio ||9||2||36|
The whole universe is created by God and at the end everyone will merge into the One again.
ਪਵਨੈ ਮਹਿ ਪਵਨੁ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥ਜੋਤੀ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਰਲਿ ਜਾਇਆ ॥ਮਾਟੀ ਮਾਟੀ ਹੋਈ ਏਕ ॥ਰੋਵਨਹਾਰੇ ਕੀ ਕਵਨ ਟੇਕ ॥੧॥ AGGS 885
Pavnai Meh Pavan Samaya || Joti Meh Jot Ral Jaya || Mati Mati Hoi Ek || Rovanehare Ki Kavan Tek ||1||
ਕਉਨੁ ਮੂਆ ਰੇ ਕਉਨੁ ਮੂਆ ॥ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ</strong translate=”no” > ਮਿਲਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ਇਹੁ ਤਉ ਚਲਤੁ ਭਇਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Koun Mua Re Koun Mua || Breham Giayni Mil Karhu Bichara Eh Tao Chalat Bhya ||1|| Rehao ||
ਅਗਲੀ ਕਿਛੁ ਖਬਰਿ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥ਰੋਵਨਹਾਰੁ ਭਿ ਊਠਿ ਸਿਧਾਈ ॥ਭਰਮ ਮੋਹ ਕੇ ਬਾਂਧੇ ਬੰਧ ॥ਸੁਪਨੁ ਭਇਆ ਭਖਲਾਏ ਅੰਧ ॥੨॥
Agali Kich Khabar N Payi || Rovanehar Bh Uth Sidhai || Bharam Moh Ke Bandhe Bandh || Supan Bhya Bhakhlaye Andh ||2||
ਇਹੁ ਤਉ ਰਚਨੁ ਰਚਿਆ ਕਰਤਾਰਿ ॥ਆਵਤ ਜਾਵਤ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਅਪਾਰਿ ॥ਨਹ ਕੋ ਮੂਆ ਨ ਮਰਣੈ ਜੋਗੁ ॥ਨਹ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਹੋਗੁ ॥੩॥
Eh Tao Rachan Rachia Kartar || Avat Javat Hukam Apar || Neh Ko Mua N Marnai Jog || Neh Binsai Abinasi Hog ||3||
ਜੋ ਇਹੁ ਜਾਣਹੁ ਸੋ ਇਹੁ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ਜਾਨਣਹਾਰੇ ਕਉ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਉ ॥ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਿ ਭਰਮੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਆ ॥ਨਾ ਕੋਈ ਮਰੈ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇਆ ॥੪॥੧੦॥
Jo Eh Janhu So Eh Nahi || Jananehare Kao Bal Jao || Kahu Nanak Gur Bharam Chukaya || Na Koi Marai N Avai Jaya ||4||10||
When someone dies physical body of five elements merge with the five elements of earth, the breath merges into the air, the soul blends into the supreme soul, people lament in misconception for the dead. One can discuss with the Guru (Braham Giyani) that it is the body which dies but soul never dies. No one knows what happens after death. The one who is lamenting will also die one day. Mortal beings are bound by the bonds of doubt and attachment. The union of body and soul is for a short time like a dream. The Creator created this creation. Whoever is born will die one day according to the Command (Hukam) of the God, but the soul does not perish; it is immortal. It is not what you think of the soul that it reincarnates. Nanak says the Guru has dispelled my doubt that the soul does not reincarnate. I am a sacrifice to the one who knows this.
ਸੁੰਨਹੁ ਖਾਣੀ ਸੁੰਨਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਸੁੰਨਹੁ ਉਪਜੀ ਸੁੰਨਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ॥ AGGS 1037
Sunnhu Khaini Sunnhu Bani || Sunnhu Upaji Sunn Samani ||
Everything was created from Primal Void and will merge with Primal Void after death.
ਪਾਂਚ ਤਤ ਕੋ ਤਨੁ ਰਚਿਓ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਚਤੁਰ ਸੁਜਾਨ ॥ ਜਿਹ ਤੇ ਉਪਜਿਓ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਲੀਨ ਤਾਹਿ ਮੈ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੧੧॥ AGGS 1427
Panch Tat Ko Tan Rachiou Janahu Chatur Sujan ||Jih Te Opajiou Nanaka Leen Tahi Mai Maan ||11||
This body is made of five elements. When one die these five elements and the divine light will merge once again into the One it originated from. According to Gurmat there is no reincarnation. Everyone merges into God after death.
We have seen that Gurmat philosophy is different from most of the religions. If there is no previous life then what are Purable Karam? Now let’s see what is concept of Purable Karam in Gurmat. Where philosophy of other religions is against science Guru Nanak’s philosophy go hand in hand with science. So I’ll discuss Purable Karam both through science and Gurmat. There are three types of Purable Karam.
- In 1950 science accepted that this universe was created by big bang theory. According to this theory there was a big bang. From that came gas. From gas, water formed and all creations came from water. Almost five centuries ago Guru Nanak said:
ਸਾਚੇ ਤੇ ਪਵਨਾ ਭਇਆ ਪਵਨੈ ਤੇ ਜਲੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਜਲ ਤੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣੁ ਸਾਜਿਆ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੋਇ ॥ AGGS 19
Sache Te Pavana Bhaeia Pavanai Te Jal Hoe || Jal Te Thribhavan Sajia Ghat Ghat Jot Samoe ||
From God came gas. From gas water formed and all creation came from water. God permeated into all the creation. First living thing was a unicellular organism in water. Sun’s ultraviolet rays were harmful to it. So the organism would go down to the bottom of sea during day time and come up at night to feed. This created Circadian Rhythm (body clock). As evolution took place these genes of circadian rhythm were passed on. Even today human beings and all other species have that circadian rhythm (body clock). If it is disturbed as with jet lag or working shifts we suffer. Like this, what was learnt during the evolution from unicellular organism to being a human has been passed through genes and is affecting us. Those are Purable Karam.
ਕਈ ਜਨਮ ਭਏ ਕੀਟ ਪਤੰਗਾ ॥ ਕਈ ਜਨਮ ਗਜ ਮੀਨ ਕੁਰੰਗਾ ॥ ਕਈ ਜਨਮ ਪੰਖੀ ਸਰਪ ਹੋਇਓ ॥ ਕਈ ਜਨਮ ਹੈਵਰ ਬ੍ਰਿਖ ਜੋਇਓ ॥੧॥ AGGS 176
Kei Janam Bhae Keet Patanga || Kei Janam Gaj Meen Kuranga ||Kei Janam Pankhi Sarap Hoeiou | Kei Janam Haivar Brikh Joeiou ||1||
ਮਿਲੁ ਜਗਦੀਸ ਮਿਲਨ ਕੀ ਬਰੀਆ ॥ ਚਿਰੰਕਾਲ ਇਹ ਦੇਹ ਸੰਜਰੀਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Mil Jagadis Milan Ki Baria | Chirankal Eh Deh Sanjaria ||1|| Rehao ||
ਕਈ ਜਨਮ ਸੈਲ ਗਿਰਿ ਕਰਿਆ ॥ ਕਈ ਜਨਮ ਗਰਭ ਹਿਰਿ ਖਰਿਆ ॥ ਕਈ ਜਨਮ ਸਾਖ ਕਰਿ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਲਖ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਜੋਨਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਾਇਆ ॥੨॥
Kei Janam Sail Gir Karia || Kei Janam Garabh Hir Kharia || Kei Janam Sakh Kar Opaya || Lakh Chourasih Jon Bhramaya ||2||
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਭਇਓ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਭਜੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ॥ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਮਾਨੁ ਝੂਠੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰਹਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਰਵਾਨੁ ॥੩॥
Sadhsang Bhaeio Janam Parapat || Kar Seva Bhaj Har Har Guramat ||Tiag Maan Jhooth Abhimaan || Jivat Mareh Darageh Paravan ||3||
ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਹੋਆ ਸੁ ਤੁਝ ਤੇ ਹੋਗੁ ॥ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ਕਰਣੈ ਜੋਗੁ ॥ ਤਾ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਜਾ ਲੈਹਿ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਇ ॥੪॥੩॥੭੨॥
Jo Kich Hoa S Tujh Te Hog || Avar N Duja Karanai Jog || Ta Miliai Ja Laih Milae || Kahu Nanak Har Har Gunn Gae ||4||3||72||
In this Shabd Guru explains evolution from unicellular organism to human being. It has taken millions and millions of years from unaccountable number of species of insects, worms, birds, trees and different types of animals to be perfect creation of a human being. All these species were living in the jungle which has been imprinted in the genes and passed on to us human beings. That’s why when we go to nature we feel at peace. We are not supposed to be living in the concrete jungle. Even while living in the concrete houses we keep plants inside. Plants remind us of our evolution. This is our Purable Karams which are affecting us. More on this can be read in a paper written by Steve Hammons at Earthpages.org – Deep DNA memory theories: Can we remember our ancestors’ lives?
Guru used 8.4 million species in this Shabd because it was commonly known at that time. Guru said that there are, uncountable and endless number of species.
ਰਾਤੀ ਰੁਤੀ ਥਿਤੀ ਵਾਰ ॥ ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਗਨੀ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੀਅ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਕੇ ਰੰਗ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਨੰਤ ॥ AGGS 7
Rati Ruti Thiti Vaar || Pavan Pani Agani Patal || Tis Vich Jia Jugat Ke Rang || Tin Ke Naam Anek Anant ||
God created nights, days, weeks, seasons; air, water, fire and the nether regions. In the midst of these, God established earth as a home for Dharma. In this sanctuary, coexist uncounted and endless species of different colours, creed and habits, who have very diversified methods and principles for their survival, living styles, desires and ambitions of life.
ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਲਖ ਜੋਨਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਉਤਮੁ ਜਨਮੁ ਸੁ ਮਾਣਸਿ ਦੇਹੀ। Bhai Gurdas Vaar 1 Pauri 3
Chaurasih Lakh Joni Vich Utam Janam Su Maanas Dehi |
Bhai Gurdas says among all these countless species human being is the superior most creation.
It is a common saying “To err is human”. If human is liable to err then how can human be the superior most creation among all species. If human err then Guru says such humans, only belong to human species but they act like animals.
ਕਰਤੂਤਿ ਪਸੂ ਕੀ ਮਾਨਸ ਜਾਤਿ ॥ AGGS 267
Kartoot Pasoo Ki Maanas Jaat
To be the superior most creation, human have to act according to teachings of Guru otherwise we are like animals.
- Whatever our ancestors learnt has also been passed on to us through genes. For example a child is born with golden hair but neither parent has golden hair. Then they find out that the maternal great grandmother had golden hair. So that gene with golden hair has been passed on to this child. There are two types of genes, recessive and dominant. Gene with golden hair had been recessive in all but became dominant in this child. If a parent has dominant genetic disease, there are 50% chances of children inheriting the disease. In the same way two siblings are different. One is saintly and other is very playful. Relatives say his great grandfather was saintly. He is exactly like him. The other child is on her aunt who is playful. That means the boy got dominant genes from his great grandfather and girl got it from her aunt. That clearly shows that we are affected by our ancestors. These are our Purable Karam.
- Whatever we learn throughout our life becomes our Purable Karam. A child told by mother not to go in dark because there are ghosts there, develops fear of darkness and belief in the presence of ghosts. A child witness mother and siblings beaten by father develops fear of authority figure and might get rebellious as well. A child participating in religious activities becomes religious person in later life. These become our Purable Karam. Guru says:
ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਕਮਾਇਅੜੋ ਸੋ ਆਇਓ ਮਾਥੈ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਪਾਸਿ ਲੁਕਾਇਦੜੋ ਸੋ ਵੇਖੀ ਸਾਥੈ ॥ ਸੰਗਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਕਰਣਹਾਰਾ ਕਾਇ ਪਾਪੁ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥ AGGS 461
Din Raat Kamayarro So Ayou Maathai || Jis Paas Lukaeidharro So Vekhi Sathai || Sang Dekhai Karanehara Kae Paap Kamaiai ||
ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਕੀਜੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਲੀਜੈ ਨਰਕਿ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਐ ॥ ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਚਲੈ ਤੇਰੈ ਸਾਥੇ ॥ ਭਜੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਦਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਿਟਹਿ ਦੋਖ ਕਮਾਤੇ ॥੧॥
Sukirat Kijai Naam Lijai Narak Mul N Jaiai ||Ath Pehar Har Naam Simarhu Chalai Terai Sathe||Bhaj Sadhsangat Sda Nanak Miteh Dokh Kmate ||
The actions we perform day and night will influence us in our later life. So do good deeds and remember God all the time in the company of good people. These become our Purable Karam.
Can we change our Purable Karam? Guru says yes. Among all the countless creations only humans have the power of choice.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਧਰਤੀ ਧਰਮ ਹੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੇਹਾ ਕੋ ਬੀਜੇ ਤੇਹਾ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰਸਿਖੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਬੀਜਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਫਲੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਏ ॥ AGGS 302
Satgur Dharati Dharam Hai Tis Vich Jeha Ko Bije Teha Fal Pae || Gursikhi Amrit Beejia Tin Amrit Fal Har Pae
ਓਨਾ ਹਲਤਿ ਪਲਤਿ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਓਇ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਸਚੀ ਪੈਨਾਏ ॥ ਇਕਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਖੋਟੁ ਨਿਤ ਖੋਟੁ ਕਮਾਵਹਿ ਓਹੁ ਜੇਹਾ ਬੀਜੇ ਤੇਹਾ ਫਲੁ ਖਾਏ ॥
Ona Halat Palat Mukh Ojale Oe Har Darageh Sachi Painae || Ekanha Andar Khott Nit Khott Kamaveh Oh Jeha Beeje Teha Fal Khae |
True Guru is the field of Dharma; as one plants the seeds there, so are the fruits obtained. Those who plant seeds of good deeds, get ambrosial fruits (Everlasting Peace). Those plant seeds of cruelty get fruit of misery and sorrow. That means humans can obtain knowledge and change their Karam. That’s why Guru emphasized the company of good people.
ਕਰਿ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਿਮਰੁ ਮਾਧੋ ਹੋਹਿ ਪਤਿਤ ਪੁਨੀਤ ॥
Kar Sadhsangat Simar Madho Hohi Patit Puneet || AGGS 631
In the company of good people we can get good knowledge and change ourselves. In the bad company we get wrong knowledge and even fight with saintly people. 4th Guru Ramdas had three sons, Arjun, Prithi Chand and Mahadev. All three had different disposition. Arjun had dominant genes of his father and became Guru. Prithi Chand had wrong company. Instead of living in the same household of Guru Father, he continued fighting with him because of type of knowledge he was getting from his peers. That’s why Guru says do not associate with wrong type of persons. Run away from them.
ਕਬੀਰ ਸਾਕਤ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਦੂਰਹਿ ਜਾਈਐ ਭਾਗਿ ॥
Kabir Sakat Sang N Keejiai Dhooreh Jaiai Bhag || AGGS 1371
Behaviour can be learned from company (Sangat) one keeps or genetic as we learned from number 2 or 3 or both. The power of company (Sangat) can be seen from this example. If a raindrop falls in the mouth of pied cuckoo (Chatrik) will give life to the bird. If same rain drop falls in a dirty gutter, becomes useless. If same drop falls on a hot place will evaporate and lose its identity. If same drop falls on a petal of flower, will shine like a pearl. Same rain drop will have different fate and disposition according to the company.
ਪੂਰਬ ਕਰਮ ਅੰਕੁਰ ਜਬ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੇ ਭੇਟਿਓ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਰਸਿਕ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ॥ ਮਿਟਿਓ ਅੰਧੇਰੁ ਮਿਲਤ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕੀ ਸੋਈ ਜਾਗੀ ॥੨॥੨॥੧੧੯॥ AGGS 204
Purab Karam Ankur Jab Pragate Bhetiou Purakh Rasik Bairagi | Mitiou Andher Milat Har Nanak Janam Janam Ki Soe Jagi ||2||2||119||
Recessive saintly genes which were dormant for generations become active when we met Guru and got spiritual knowledge.
ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਦੇਹੀ ਮਹਿ ਇਸ ਕਾ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੁ ॥ AGGS 293
Nao Nidh Amrit Prabh Ka Naam || Dehi Meh Es Ka Bisram |
Virtues of the God which is equal to so called nine treasures of this world abide in the mind (Mann), in the form of recessive genes normally lying still, dormant and inert in human being. These Virtues can be activated by meeting Guru, getting spiritual knowledge and doing good deeds.
Conclusion: Gurmat goes hand in hand with science. There is no heaven, hell and Mukti after death. They are here and we have to achieve them now. There is no previous life and it’s Purable Karam. We are affected by Purable Karam in the form of what is passed on to us through genes during evolution, our ancestors and what we learn throughout our life. They all work collectively to make our Purable Karam. Whatever deeds (Karam) we did few moments ago become our Purable Karam a moment later. We get benefit or punishment of those deeds (Karam) now in form of peaceful (Heaven) or miserable (Hell) life now, not after death in next life. There is no reincarnation or after life because Gurmat says everything was created from Primal Void and will merge with Primal Void after death.
We can change our Purable Karam by meeting and getting spiritual knowledge and wisdom from the Guru. That’s the only difference between animals and human beings. Animals cannot obtain knowledge and change themselves, humans can.
Writer : Dr. Kala Singh