(in the form of Conclusions) In the platter (The Granth) are found three subject matters truth, contentment and the wehar (discussion) – The elixir from the Almighty is also there, for which everybody has the desire to have it Whosoever adopt (Rhawe it and practices (blunche) it is saved.
These subject matters in no way can be ignored or discarded, keep them all the time in mind • The sea of darkness can be crossed by following the instructions (charan las) (recorded in the Granth). – Nanak says: The Almighty pervades everywhere AGGS, M5, 1429.
In the conclusions the Fifth Nanak, Guru Arjan, has clearly emphasized that there are three subject matters in the Granth: truth, contentment and vichar (discussion). A great importance has also been given to vichar in Gurbani at many places in the AGGS.
The pages of a few selected verses on Vichar are quoted in referenceR1113. The vichar has been interpreted differently by different writers. But according to the general meanings of vichar in Punjabi and the meaning given by Bhai Kahn Singh (21) ilus: The method to find out the truth. The method to find out the truth is by discussing the subject matters thoroughly in a group. The meanings of the word “discuss in English dictionaries are: To investigate by reasoning or argument: to discourse about something in order to arrive at the truth or to convince others of the validity of one’s position. Thus discussion of Gurbani is the most important characteristic feature of Sikhism. Suggestions to be Pondered Upon:
Now it is easy for me to sum up the whole discussion that Guru Dwara or Gurdwara is a gateway on passing through it one finds the Gurbani that has been enshrined in the Aad Guru Granth Sahib by the Fifth Nanak, Guru Arjan and Tonth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh. This Gurbani was revealed to the Sikh Gurus. Then after passing through the gateway it becomes the most important duty of the Sikh to vichar (discuss the Gurbani to find out the truth and to achieve the contentment ultimately to realize the Almighty to become most civilized citizen. When so much importance is given on the vichar (discussion) in the Gurbani then why it has not been adopted in the Gurdwara? It means the word, Gurdwara, was never understood properly before. It is never too late to amend and adopt the right path. The executive of every Gurdwara should immediately adopt the following procedure to achieve the above objectives
Ragi should recite Gurbani in the form of a kirtan with right explanation (vichar) Alter the kirtan 15-20 minutes should be devoted for discussion of the topic of the Kirtan, The discussion should be lead by the secretary himself to encourage the sangat to ask questions and explanations. The first question should be asked by the security to initiate the Vichar (discussion). Every member of the sangat has the right to ask questions and to give his/her opinion on that particular topic of the kirtan. A word of caution: Maintenance of scrupulosity is most important aspect of the discussion.
- Similar method should be followed for the Sants, preachers or the Sikh politicians when they are lecture on some topics. After their talks again it is the duty of the stage secretary to reserve 15-20 minutes for discussion and also to initiate the discussion as explained above (#1).
By this method a poorly prepared and unqualified Rangi or Sant or preacher or politician will not be able to face the sangat next time and he will be automatically eliminated from this easy-money collecting business. Readers are advised to read more about the dealings of Raagis and their deteriorating characters and their lust for money in S. Dalawari’s paper (18). By adopting this method beuer Raagis Sants, preachers and politicians will be produced, who could represent Sikhism in its real perspective,
There would be some brahmanized Sikhs under the dispose of Amritdhari Sikhs who would object to the discussion of Gurbani. But we have to decide ourselves whether we have to obey the Gurbani to vichar (discuss) to find out the truth and to achieve contentment or we have to follow the brahmanized Sikhs to remain In the darkness as before. REFERENCES supplied upon request Abbreviations: AGGS – And Guru Otanth Sahib. M Mahla, p=page.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 17, 1995
