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Speech of Inder Raj Ahluwalia on the 15th World Confluence of Humanity, Power and Spirituality on 27th December 2024

‘Baani Guru, Guru hai Baani...’

Comprising the text of the holy Guru Granth Sahib, with contributions from several exalted spiritual people of different religions, ‘Gurbaani’ or ‘Baani’ is like a vast and deep ocean of knowledge and divinity. It is actually an ‘all in one’ road-map to follow the true path of life, and live it on a higher plain. 

Very significantly, because of what it teaches, Gurbaani is also a great teacher, a great healer and the ultimate ‘stress-buster’. It’s a ‘self-help’ doctor. It provides the diagnosis, the prescription and the treatment. So, why is this so? Why do these religious scriptures have such a profound calming and healing effect on us. Is there a secret? No! There is no secret. Just goodness!

It is now generally believed around the world that certain thought and behaviour patterns have a profound effect on our mental and physical health. A positive attitude, a giving nature, and kindness are considered effective health tools.

The spititually-rich Gurbaani possesses all these attributes, and a thousand others. It’s universal message and profound appeal apart, it promotes general welfare through love and selfless devotional service to humanity. It espouses love, peace, amity, friendship, simplicity and forgiveness, among other virtues. These are exactly the virtues that transport us into a positive frame of mind, and treat and heal us. These are exactly the virtues which can make the world a better place for all of us.

Co-existance

“Awal Allaha Noor Upaya. Kudrat Ke Sabh Bande”. Regardless of our caste or creed, we are all children of God. Gurbaani advocates co-existence. Live and let live. This is the only way to live. This is the best way to engender peace and harmony, two things the world needs very badly today. It makes us feel calm and good. It gives us a sense of fulfilment. 

Being benevolent

It extols the virtues of being benevolent. The example of being benevolent and kind was set by the Sikh Gurus themselves in exemplary fashion. They disbursed kindness throughout their lives, and the level of their sacrifice is unparalleled in world history.

Aaccepting divinity

The sermon is clear. Accept the will of God All- mighty. He is the creator. He is the provider. He is the friend, philosopher, and guide. He is the healer. Not only does he heal us, He teaches us to ‘self-heal’.

Protecting the environment

“Pavan Guru Paani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat. Balihari Kudrat Vasaiya”. The Gurbaani tells us that the natural elements are akin to our parents. Today the world has realised the folly of deforestation and water wastage, and the havoc thus unleashed in the world. The sad truth is that whatever is now being done is a case of  ‘too little, too late’. The message was there but we chose to ignore it.

Avoiding addictions and greed

Gurbaani teaches us to avoid addictions. Addictions overpower us, then imprison us and eventually ruin our lives. Greed is a vice that leads to evil thoughts and actions. Avoiding these has a calming effect on us.

Being kind to women 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji had strongly advocated being nice to women. His was the first, strong message for this cause. The Gurbaani tells us to treat women with equality.

Family Concerns

It also addresses family concerns, dispels suspicions and doubts, and develops altruism, unity and common betterment. Imagine how much better the world would be if these values were practiced more, and by more people. Family concerns and problems create great stress. Addressing these helps us in every possible way.

Weaning us away from negativity

So spiritually, socially, culturally and poetically rich are the hymns of the Baani, that they wean seekers away from the negative and damaging characteristics of human nature-hatred, bigotry, fanaticism and irrational impulses. By doing this it soothes our nerves and brings out the best in human beings. It is therapy in its purest form. People are good. Gurbani teaches us how to put that good to good use.

Understanding ourselves

Those who understand and are devoted to the Baani automatically learn about self-realisation, self-introspection, self-discipline and simplicity. Armed with such knowledge, they learn to steer their own paths. They attain spiritual bliss and solace through recitation of God’s name, without ignoring their house-hold duties, or losing their earthly touch. This meditation is the ultimate stress-buster.

The Gurbaani advocates the ‘jeevan mukta’ way of life which means attaining salvation while alive. It also extols the virtue of renouncing one’s pride, attachment and greed, and focusing on doing good for humanity through sewa.

The messaging is strong and clear. We CAN be our own doctors, psychiatrists, and consultants. We CAN help ourselves. And that WILL enable us to help others and thereby, create a better world. The wisdom is all there. We just have to ensure we don’t xmiss it...