Haumai (Leena Kaur) and Japji p. 33 (Jessi Kaur) – March 1st, 2015
Haumai – Sdn Leena Kaur
Abstract:
We will look at the concept of Haumai in Gurbani. The basic need is to first familiarize oneself with one’s Haumai (often translated as Ego) and then work on getting rid of it to attain realization, as Haumai is the only blocking factor for Grace to occur and to be seen in one’s life. In the light of Gurbani, how can we get rid of Haumai?
Slide Presentation
According to Gurbani, one has to unlearn more than to learn. The role of Gurbani is a focus on ‘ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ’:-
The symptoms of a person who is in the awastha of “Aapaa Cheenanaa/Aapaa Pachhananaa” is governed by the total belief, faith and trust in the following message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:-
ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ (Jap Ji, Guru Nanak, GGS. 1-9).
Hukamai Andhar Sabh Ko Baahar Hukam N Koe ||
Everyone is subject to His Command; no one is beyond His Command.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥
Naanak Hukamai Jae Bujhai Th Houmai Kehai N Koe ||2||
O Nanak, one who understands His Command, does not speak in ego. ||2||
Thus the result of ‘Aapaa Cheenanaa/Aapaa Pachhananaa” amounts to a total loss of one’ haumai/ego and inviting Divine Enlightenment (with an awareness of the Driving Force of Waheguru in ALL aspects of one’s life) as experienced and promised by Guru Nanak Sahib:-
ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਉਰੁ ਕੈਸੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥ (Raag Tilang M. 1, GGS. 722-13).
Aap Gavaaeeai Thaa Sahu Paaeeai Aour Kaisee Chathuraaee ||
Give up your selfhood, and so obtain your Husband Lord; what other clever tricks are of any use?
ਸਹੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਸੋ ਦਿਨੁ ਲੇਖੈ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਈ ॥
Sahu Nadhar Kar Dhaekhai So Dhin Laekhai Kaaman No Nidhh Paaee ||
When the Husband Lord looks upon the soul-bride with His Gracious Glance, that day is historic – the bride obtains the nine treasures.
The Nadr factor is a must.
When one’s ego is lost then Waheguru takes over the Driving Seat.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji would like us to learn to become ‘ਸੇਵਕ’ by giving up their haumai to open the professional doors of their liking (sounds miraculous but it does happen):-
ਸੇਵਕ ਕਉ ਨਿਕਟੀ ਹੋਇ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ॥(Raag Asa M. 5, GGS. 403-15).
Saevak Ko Nikattee Hoe Dhikhaavai ||
The Lord appears near at hand to His servant.
ਜੋ ਜੋ ਕਹੈ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਪਹਿ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਤਤਕਾਲ ਹੋਇ ਆਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jo Jo Kehai Thaakur Pehi Saevak Thathakaal Hoe Aavai ||1|| Rehaao ||
Whatever the servant asks of his Lord and Master, immediately comes to pass. ||1||Pause||
ਤਿਸੁ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੈ ਹਉ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਜੋ ਅਪਨੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵੈ ॥
This Saevak Kai Ho Balihaaree Jo Apanae Prabh Bhaavai ||
I am a sacrifice to that servant, who is pleasing to his God.
ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਸੋਇ ਸੁਣੀ ਮਨੁ ਹਰਿਆ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਸਣਿ ਆਵੈ ॥੨॥੭॥੧੨੯॥
This Kee Soe Sunee Man Hariaa This Naanak Parasan Aavai ||2||7||129||
Hearing of his glory, the mind is rejuvenated; Nanak comes to touch his feet. ||2||7||129||
Finally: “aap tiag saran gurdev” (Sukhmani Sahib).
With Waheguru’s blessings.
Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand