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My Notes(Up to Oct '03) My Notes(From Oct '03) |
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Farida
Je tu akal latif hai Kale Likh na lekh
Apnare Girivan Mahi Sir Neevan kar dekh
Lower your head and peep into your own lap.
Marig-Trishna, Kastoori Mirg
As repeatedly quoted in the Gurbani, the conduct of a deer (Marig) exhibits a very peculiar three-phased behavior. First, he is mentioned for his illusion of perceiving water in the mirage (Marig-Trishnaa); second, he is mentioned for his ignorance of searching musk (Kastooree) in the bushes instead of its own body; and third, he is mentioned for his sense-slavery whereby he gets hunted due to his misuse of his senses! Deer's behavior in all of these instances is equated to "ignorance" or "illusion", for there is neither water in the mirage, nor musk in the bushes, nor real joy in sense gratification. However, to the deluded mind of the deer all these situations appear to be very real!
In reality, the musk is stored within the deer's body, but in illusion, he searches for it outside in the jungle. The mirage is nothing but rising hot air in the desert, but the deluded deer perceives it to be a real river of water and chases it till he dies. Similarly, even though the world-appearance is no more than a long dream or illusion, we humans have taken it to be real; even though the Spirit, the source of Truth-Knowledge-Bliss, dwells within our body, we keep searching Him in the gross objects of the outer world! The important thing humans can learn from deer's deluded conduct is that what we deem a thing to be, in reality, it is not like that!
Our body has two sets of sensors — the sensor of nerves, and the sensor of sensory apparatus. The sensor of nerves keeps our organs, limbs, and muscles functional. The sensor of sensory apparatus keeps our brain informed of the outside world of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. A Self-realized being (Gurmukh) can control both sensors at will, because he never let them act independently. Through constant practice, he is able to control them according to his own plan. The best example or analogy can be given that of a tortoise. The tortoise's defense consists of his outer shell. He extends his six limbs (four legs, head and a tail) or senses out of the shell for particular purpose. However, as soon as he feels harm or danger, he immediately withdraws them within the armor of his shell.
Jaisaa kare so taisaa paavai. Aap beej aape he khavai: Man is rewarded according to his actions; as he sows, so does he eats or reaps (sggs 662).
The level of intelligence of an utterly foolish person is generally compared with that of a donkey. For example, if some one acts in foolishness, he takes the risk of being called "Gadhaa" or "Khotaa" (donkey). Also, if a child behaves or acts foolishly, parents or teachers may call him "Gadhaa" or "Khotaa" to make the point. It is interesting to note that, if you place liquor in front of a donkey, he will smell it but walk away without tasting it! Similarly, if the same donkey is offered a meat dish (dead animals), again, he will smell it but walk away without tasting it! However, the man, who thinks himself to be the most intelligent, will consume both!
Once upon a time... there was a
rich King who had 4 wives. He loved the
4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and
treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He
also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring
kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He
also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidante and was always kind, considerate
and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her
to help him get through the difficult times. The King's 1st wife was a very
loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and
kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife and although she loved him
deeply, he hardly took notice of her. One day, the King fell ill and he knew his
time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and pondered, "I now have
4 wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone. Thus, he asked the 4th wife,
"I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and
showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me
company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife
and she walked away without
another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad
King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm
dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the
3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His
heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always
turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you
follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this
time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to
your grave." Her answer came like a bolt of thunder and the King was
devastated. Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you and follow you no
matter where you go." The King looked up and there was his first wife. She
was so skinny, she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the King said,
"I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In Truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives ... Our 4th wife is our body. No
matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us
when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it
will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how
much they have been there for us, the
furthest they can stay by us is
up to the grave. And our 1st wife is