Salok Mahalla Novan – Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Naanak

ਨਿਜ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖਿਓ ਜਗਤੁ ਮੈ ਕੋ ਕਾਹੂ ਕੋ ਨਾਹਿ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਥਿਰੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਹੈ ਤਿਹ ਰਾਖੋ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੪੮॥

Nij Kar Dekheo Jagat Mai Ko Kaahu Ko Naahe |

Naanak Thir Har Bhagat Hai Teh Raakho Man Maahe | 48 |

Having seen closely in the world every night and day,

Truly no-one is thine and mine, for nobody will forever stay.

O Naanak, only Lord’s devotion will always remain,

Let thy heart and mind humbly it with love maintain.

Commentary:

Guru Ji is not being pessimistic, here. He is declaring a fact that everything is temporary, for one day we will leave this body and acquire another. And the relationships of this life will not be the same in the next life, therefore know the Truth, which is beyond the body. Let’s behold around us, as we move to a new house, leaving thus behind the previous one, is it not that our heart, first startled, then settles down in the new house. In front of us Swami Ji is a living example, who moved to Australia, leaving behind his family and attained success, after he pursued what mattered to him the most – to know and feel Divine Mother within his heart and soul. So Swami Ji fully lived this Salok. That is what Guru Ji implores us to do, that devotion and prayer can be helpful to acquire this spiritual wisdom. Only things that will remain are the love for God and his true devotee, who becomes eternal, even after his body perishes away, because people will remember him and his devotion for God. And Guru Ji’s wisdom is there to always guide the true seeker to attain the reality. Therefore, Guru Ji wants us to be in love with divine name, so we become worthy recipient of the Divine and spiritual wisdom and be compassionate towards others.   

Satnaam Sri Waheguru and Jai Sri Hari. 

P.S. 

God bless you all.