Guru Nanak observed that due to lack of spiritual knowledge people were directionless and suffering. Clergy for their own gains were exploiting them by preaching useless rituals. Whenever they suffered from some disease, loss in income, death, or other problems, the religious leaders always came up with some meaningless and irrational solution which would cost them money. If they refused, priests threatened them with more suffering. So, the poor masses were always caught in a no-win situation. Many a times they had to offer their services free to the corrupt rulers and the clergy as slaves. Most of the poor belonged to the lower castes, so on top of all their suffering they were also treated with disdain in the society. Same conditions still prevail in the society.
ਜਗੁ ਦੁਖੀਆ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਜਨੁ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਜਗੁ ਰੋਗੀ ਭੋਗੀ ਗੁਣ ਰੋਇ ॥ AGGS 413
Jag Dukhia Sukhia Jann Koe || Jag Rogi Bhogi Gunn Roe ||
Guru Nanak observed that the world is in agony; rarely someone is contented. The world is suffering spiritually because of indulgence and is yearning for spiritual wisdom.
ਨਾਨਕ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਕੈਸੀ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਸਾਲਕੁ ਮਿਤੁ ਨ ਰਹਿਓ ਕੋਈ ॥ AGGS 1410
Nanak Dunia Kaisi Hoi || Salak Mit N Rehiou Koi ||
There is no love even between close relations and are killing each other because of indulgence when he says:
ਭਾਈ ਬੰਧੀ ਹੇਤੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਆ ॥ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਦੀਨੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥੫॥
Bhai Bandhi Het Chukaya || Dunia Karan Deen Gavaya || 5 ||
O Nanak, what has happened to the world? There is no love, even among brothers and relatives. For the sake of worldly temptations ( Maya ) people have lost wealth of their spiritual consciousness and sanity.
ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਤੇ ਭੁਲਿਆਂ ਵਿਆਪਨਿ ਸਭੇ ਰੋਗ ॥ AGGS 135
Parmesar Te Bhulian Viapan Sabhe Rog ||
People are suffering because they have forgotten the Virtues of the God.
ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਅਰੁ ਲੋਭ ਮੋਹ ਇਹ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਰਸਿ ਲਪਟਾਧੇ ॥ ਦੀਈ ਭਵਾਰੀ ਪੁਰਖਿ ਬਿਧਾਤੈ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਜਨਮਾਧੇ ॥੩॥ AGGS 403
Kam Krodh Ar Lobh Moh Eh Endri Ras Lapatadhe || Deei Bhavari Purakh Bidhatai Bahur Bahur Janamadhe || 3 ||
Human being’s senses are beguiled by sensual pleasures of sex, by anger, greed and emotional attachment. Because of that one gets into the cycle of spiritual death and rebirth as per Hukam of the God. Still everyone remains intoxicated by these evil pleasures. These five thieves ( Panj Chor ) are causes of our sufferings.
ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਏਈ ਬੰਧਨਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੋਨੀ ਪਾਹਿ ॥ AGGS 466
Houmai Eha Jaat Hai Houmai Karam Kamah || Houmai Eei Bandhana Fir Fir Joni Pahi ||
ਹਉਮੈ ਕਿਥਹੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਕਿਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਇਹ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਏਹੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਪਇਐ ਕਿਰਤਿ ਫਿਰਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
Houmai Kithahu Opajai Kit Sanjam Eh Jae || Houmai Eho Hukam Hai Paeiai Kirat Firah || Houmai Diragh Rog Hai Daroo Bhi Es Mah ||
ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਜਨਹੁ ਇਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਦੁਖ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੨॥
Kirapa Kare Je Apani Ta Gur Ka Sabad Kamah || Nanak Kehai Sunahu Janahu Et Sanjam Dukh Jah || 2 ||
This is the nature of ego, that people perform their actions in ego to keep their individualism separate from God. This is the bondage of ego that they spiritually die and reborn again and again. Guru asks the question where does ego come from and how can it be eradicated? Guru then replies that ego exists by the Command of God (Hukam) and people perform actions in ego all the time. Ego is a chronic disease but it is not incurable. Nanak says ego can be eradicated if one works hard on the spiritual knowledge of the Guru and achieves Virtues of the God.
ਗਰੀਬੀ ਗਦਾ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥ AGGS 628
Garibi Gadha Hamari ||
Humility (Garibi) is my spiked club to control egotism. Most of our problems are because of our ego and humility (Garibi) is the weapon to control ego.
ਵਡੇ ਵਡੇ ਜੋ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਲੋਗ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਕਉ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗ ॥੧ ॥ ਕਉਨ ਵਡਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਵਡਿਆਈ॥ ਸੋ ਵਡਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਾਮ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥ AGGS 188
Vadde Vadde Jo Diseh Log || Tin Ko Biapai Chinta Rog ||1|| Koun Vadda Maya Vaddiai|| So Vadda Jin Ram Liv Lai ||
Those who seem to be rich and powerful are afflicted by the disease of anxiety, worry and apprehension. People are not great or powerful because of their worldly possessions, but those who are lovingly attached to the God. Goal was to be happy. We equated that with wealth. That became expectation which brought unhappiness and depression.
ਜਿਸੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਚਿੰਤਾ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਥੋਰੀ ਸੁ ਫਿਰੈ ਭ੍ਰਮੰਤਾ ॥ ਦੁਹੂ ਬਿਵਸਥਾ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਮੁਕਤਾ ਸੋਈ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ਭਾਲੀਐ ॥੧॥ AGGS 1019
Jis Grih Bahut Tisai Grih Chinta || Jis Grih Thori S Firai Bhramanta || Duhu Bivasata Te Jo Mukta Soi Suhela Bhaliai ||1||
Those who are rich and have everything in abundance, suffer from anxiety, worry and apprehension of losing it. Those who have less, wants more. Only those are happy and at peace, who are liberated from both conditions. So it is the attitude towards money which makes people happy or unhappy.
ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਜੋ ਅਨਹੋਨੀ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਸੰਸਾਰ ਕੋ ਨਾਨਕ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥੫੧॥ AGGS 1429
Chinta Ta Ki Kijiai Jo Anhoni Hoe || Eh Marag Sansar Ko Nanak Thir Nehi Koe ||51||
We should not worry about things on which we have no control. People should worry when something unexpected happens. Guru says nothing in this world is unexpected. We have no control on behavior of spouse, children and other relatives, and it is expected. Death in the family, loss of job, loss of loved one is expected. We should learn to live with that and change ourselves rather trying to change others.
ਨਾਨਕ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਹੇਇ ॥ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਇਅਨੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਭਿ ਰੋਜੀ ਦੇਇ ॥ AGGS 955
Nanak Chinta Mat Karhu Chinta Tis Hi Hae || Jal Meh Jant Opayan Tina Bhi Roji De ||
We should not worry about anything but work honestly. God has provided for everyone and takes care of all of Its creation.
ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਣ ਜਾਉ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ॥ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਸਬਦ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਹੈ ॥ AGGS 687
Tirath Navan Jao Tirath Naam Hai || Tirathh Sabad Bichar Antar Giyan Hai ||
ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਥਾਨੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਦਸ ਪੁਰਬ ਸਦਾ ਦਸਾਹਰਾ ॥ ਹਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਸਦਾ ਜਾਚਉ ਦੇਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਧਰਣੀਧਰਾ ॥
Gur Giyan Sacha Than Tirath Das Purab Sda Dasahara || Hao Naam Har Ka Sda Jacho Deh Prabh Dharanidhra ||
ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਰੋਗੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਮੈਲੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਚ ਬਿਨਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਵਾਕੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਸਦਾ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਨਿਤ ਸਾਚੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਮਜਨਾ ॥੧॥
Sansar Rogi Naam Daru Mail Lagai Sach Bina || Gur Vak Nirmal Sda Chanan Nit Sach Tirath Majna ||1||
Why should I bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage? The Virtues of the God (Naam) is the sacred shrine of pilgrimage. My sacred shrine of pilgrimage is spiritual wisdom within, and contemplation on the teachings in the Shabd. The spiritual wisdom given by the Guru is the True sacred shrine of pilgrimage, which the ten festivals for me. I constantly beg for the Virtues of the God (Naam) from the God, Sustainer of the world. The world is sick and suffering and the Virtues of the God (Naam) is the medicine to cure it; without it we are entangled in the filth of worldly temptations. The Guru’s spiritual knowledge is immaculate and pure which radiates a steady light of spiritual wisdom which is a true shrine of pilgrimage. That means cure of our sufferings is the Virtues of the God, not taking holy bath in holy rivers and Sarovars.
ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥ AGGS 1
Kiv Sachiara Hoiai Kiv Koorrai Tutai Pal || Hukam Rajai Chalna Nanak Likhia Naal ||1||
To live a perfect truthful life we should live life according to the code of conduct (Hukam) of the God. We should not expect anything from anyone, not even God. We can hope from others and God, but not expect. When our expectation is not met we get anxious and angry even at God. We then try to fulfil our expectation by other corrupt means and get into a vicious circle and always are in pain and in stress. To avoid stress we should learn to live in harmony with God’s Will. Acceptance of the situation on which we have no power is very important to live in blissful state. Cure of our sufferings is to accept the Will (Hukam) of the God.
ਨਰ ਚਾਹਤ ਕਛੁ ਅਉਰ ਅਉਰੈ ਕੀ ਅਉਰੈ ਭਈ ॥ ਚਿਤਵਤ ਰਹਿਓ ਠਗਉਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਫਾਸੀ ਗਲਿ ਪਰੀ ॥੩੮॥ AGGS 1428
Nar Chahat Kach Aur Aurai Ki Aurai Bhei || Chitvat Rehiou Thagour Nanak Fasi Gal Pari ||38||
ਜਤਨ ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਖ ਕੇ ਕੀਏ ਦੁਖ ਕੋ ਕੀਓ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨਿ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥੩੯॥
Jatan Bahut Sukh Ke Keeae Dukh Ko Keeou N Koe || Kahu Nanak Sunn Re Mna Har Bhavai So Hoe ||39||
People wish for something, but something different happens. So their mind (Mann) is always at unease and unhappy. They then try different corrupt means of achieving and never come out of it. People make all sorts of efforts to find peace and pleasure, but no one tries to earn pain. (Pain and failure is an opportunity to learn and improve). Nanak says we should be contented and happy with what we are and have. At the same time strive for more and better life by honest means. We should make our suffering as an opportunity to learn and avoid it in future.
ਦੁਖੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਭਇਆ ਜਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਤਾਮਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ AGGS 469
Dukh Daru Sukh Rog Bhaia Ja Sukh Taam N Hoi ||
Suffering is the medicine, and pleasure the disease, because where there is pleasure, there is no desire to learn and improve. So we should not feel unhappy when suffering. Living in harmony with Will of God (Hukam) and learning from the suffering to improve is an example of change of attitude towards problems of life. Suffering should be an opportunity for interospection and improvement rather crying and complaining.
ਮੰਗਣਾ ਤ ਸਚੁ ਇਕੁ ਜਿਸੁ ਤੁਸਿ ਦੇਵੈ ਆਪਿ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦਾਤਿ ॥੨॥ AGGS 321
Mangana T Sach Ek Jis Tus Devai Ap || Jit Khadhai Mann Tripatiai Nanak Sahib Daat ||2||
If one begs, then one should beg for the (Naam) Virtues of the God. Only those get the (Naam) Virtues of the God who adopt and assimilate (Eating this gift) these Virtues, their mind (Mann) get contented and satisfied from worldly passions (Maya). Nanak says this is the True Boon of the God.
ਵਿਣੁ ਤੁਧੁ ਹੋਰੁ ਜਿ ਮੰਗਣਾ ਸਿਰਿ ਦੁਖਾ ਕੈ ਦੁਖ ॥ ਦੇਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੀਆ ਉਤਰੈ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਭੁਖ ॥ AGGS 958
Vin Tudh Hor J Mangana Sir Dukha Kai Dukh || Deh Naam Santokhia Otarai Mann Ki Bhukh ||
To ask for any other than You, God is the most miserable of miseries. Please bless me with Your Virtues (Naam), and make me contented so that the hunger of my mind (Mann) for worldly desires is satisfied.
ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਅਉਖਦੁ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਕਲਿਆਣ ਰੂਪ ਮੰਗਲ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਮ ॥ AGGS 274
Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Naam || Kalian Roop Mangal Gunn Gam ||
ਕਾਹੂ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਧਰਮਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਧੁਰਿ ਕਰਮਿ ॥੫॥
Kahu Jugat Kitai N Paiai Dharam || Nanak Tis Milai Jis Likhia Dhur Karam ||5||
The Virtues of the God (Naam) is the panacea, the remedy to cure all ills. Remembering and imbibing those virtues in daily life brings bliss and emancipation from all ills of life. It cannot be obtained by any religious rituals.
O Nanak, he alone obtains it, who imbibes those virtues in the mind (Mann).
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਜਲੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਇਹੁ ਅਉਖਧੁ ਜਗਿ ਸਾਰਾ ॥ SGGS 659
Har Ka Naam Amrit Jal Nirmal Eh Aukhadh Jag Sara.
Virtues of the God (Naam) are the best medicine for all ills of worldly temptations in the world. By living life of truthful living, contentment, compassion (forgiveness), love of the God and Its creation (Seva) and righteousness (Dharam), we can get rid of worldly desires (Maya) and ego and get true happiness (Sukh, Blissful State).
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਕਹਤ ॥ ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਤੇ ਓਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਨੁ ਰਹਤ ॥ AGGS 281
Sadhasang Har Har Jas Kehat || Sarab Rog Te Ohu Har Jann Rehat ||
Such a devotee of the God is free of all ills who imbibe Virtues of the God in everyday life in the company of the Guru (Sadhsang).
ਏਕ ਆਸ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਿਟਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ AGGS 288
Ek Aas Rakhahu Mann Mahi || Sarab Rog Nanak Mit Jahi ||1||
Keep faith in the Virtues of the One God within your mind (Mann) and all ills shall then be dispelled.
ਗੁਣ ਸਮੂਹ ਫਲ ਸਗਲ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਪੂਰਨ ਹੋਈ ਆਸ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥ ਅਉਖਧ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਤੰਤ੍ਰ ਪਰ ਦੁਖ ਹਰ ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਖੰਡਣ ਗੁਣਕਾਰੀ ॥ AGGS 1388
Gunn Samuh Fal Sagal Manorath Puran Hoi Aas Hamari || Aukhadh Mantr Tantr Par Dukh Har Sarab Rog Khandan Gunkari ||
Adopting, assimilating and imbibing Virtues of the God I have been rewarded with fulfilling of all my wishes and desires of mind (Mann). Now I don’t wish for worldly temptations to be fulfilled. These virtues are the medicine to cure all sufferings and are like Mantras and Tantras (Magic Charm) which people use for their sufferings.
Conclusion: There are two types of illnesses- of mind (Mann) and physical body. Diseses of the body can cause diseases of the mind (Mann) and vice versa. Diseses of mind (Mann) are caused by indulgence in the three qualities of Maya and trying to fulfill our deisres of worldly temptations which can never be achieved. We suffer because of our nature of worrying, jealousness and expectations from our family, friends and even God. Gurbani cures all these diseses of mind (Mann). Gurbani teaches us to be contented with whay we have and work for more honestly. We cannot change others and our circumstances but we can change ourselves by imbibing Virtues of the God. Accept the situation which we cannot change and live in the Hukam of the God. We need to change our attitude to life by considering problem as an opportunity to learn and improve rather making problem as suffering.
Physical ilnesses are caused by envirnmental, physical activity and dietary habbits among others. Most of the illnesses of the body can be prevented by changing our habbits and cured with medication. Even 7th Guru Har Rai established Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Centre at Kiratpur Sahib. When Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan fell seriously ill and no physician could cure him, Guru Har Rai sent medicine which cured him. 5th Guru Arjun built a house for leprosy patients at Taran Taran Sahib. 8th Guru Har Krishan served patients of small pox and cholera epidemic in Delhi and ultimately died of small pox. Bhai Kanhaiya quenched thirst of the wounded soldiers and applied balm on their wounds in the battle of Anandpur Sahib in 1704 of Sikh as well as Moghul enemy soldiers. None of them advised patients to do Akhand Path or chant Waheguru or take holy dip in Sarovar at Darbar Sahib Amritsar, but gave medicines. Physical illnesses need medicine not chanting of one word or of Path. Even diseases of mind (Mann) need changing our attitude by imbibing Virtues of the God through spiritual knowledge and wisdom of the Guru, not by doing ritual Path, Akhand Path or bathing in Sarovars. Living life according to the spiritual teachings of the Guru and imbibing Virtues of the God in everyday life will take away all our ills, is the “Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Naam”.
Author : Dr. Kala Singh