VICHAAR – 11:00 am Sunday March 29th, 2014 at San Jose Gurdwara
VICHAAR
ਡਿਠੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Study Group
Brought to you by The Chardi Kalaa Foundation, IGS Now and Sikh Gurdwara San Jose.
Date: Sunday March 29th, 2014
Location: Sikh Gurdwara San Jose – Sahibzada Fateh Singh Room in the Khalsa school area.
Time: 11:00 AM
Duration: 2 Hours
Format: Conference Room
Medium: English
Program:
S. Pritam Singh Kohli will speak on “Gurmat Perspectives On Maya”.
Abstract: The Term Maya occurs in SGGS hundreds of times which enables one to explore its various aspects, dimensions, features, functions, and roles etc.
The Presentation will explore interactively with Saadh Sangat some of the important issues listed below along with those likely to be raised during discussions.
The Presentation will explore interactively with Saadh Sangat some of the important issues listed below along with those likely to be raised during discussions.
1. What is Gurmat’s conception of Maya?
2. What is the metaphysical thought on which it is based?
3. Who created Maya?
4. What was the purpose for Maya’s creation?
5. Did Gurus used the term as in earlier traditions?
6. If not, how did they expand its application and enriched the concept?
a. Use of metaphors and specific expressions?
b. Linkage with other metaphysical concepts?
7. Through which means does Maya function?
8. which are its malignant influences?
9. How to escape or dispel those influences?
As always, we look for active participation by the Sangat in an environment that encourages interactive discussion.
Dear S. Pritam Singh Ji,
Sat Sri Akal
Please treat the following as my humble supplementary contribution to your the various pointers that you have indicated to cover in your enlightening talk.
What is Maya?
ਏਹ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮੋਹੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਭਾਉ ਦੂਜਾ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ – Duality is Maya – that takes us away from Waheguru.
ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਸਭੋ ਜਗੁ ਸੋਇਆ ਇਹੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਿਉ ਜਾਈ? ॥੧॥ (Raag Gauri Poorbee M. 5, GGS> 205-1).
Maaeiaa Mohi Sabho Jag Soeiaa Eihu Bharam Kehahu Kio Jaaee ||1||
In emotional attachment to Maya, all the world is asleep. Tell me, how can this doubt be dispelled? ||1||
ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹਿ ਸਭ ਸੁਧਿ ਗਵਾਈ ਕਰਿ ਅਵਗਣ ਪਛੋਤਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੨॥ (Raag Maajh M. 3, GGS. 116-18).
Maaeiaa Mohi Sabh Sudhh Gavaaee Kar Avagan Pashhothaavaniaa ||2||
The love of Maya has displaced all their understanding; making mistakes, they live in regret. ||2||
“How to escape or dispel those influences?”
ਮੋਹ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਨ ਲੇਪੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287-13).
Moh Maaeiaa Kai Sang N Laep ||
He is not polluted by emotional attachment to Maya.
ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਖੈ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਏਕੁ ॥
Man Mehi Raakhai Har Har Eaek ||
In his mind, he cherishes the One Lord, Har, Har.
When the influence of Maya is dispelled, one becomes ‘Jivan Mukt’ (the topic of your last talk). So a common denominator in both cases is: “ਜਿਸੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਭਗਵੰਤੁ”
ਓਹੁ ਧਨਵੰਤੁ ਕੁਲਵੰਤੁ ਪਤਿਵੰਤੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 294-19).
Ouhu Dhhanavanth Kulavanth Pathivanth ||
He is wealth and prosperous, and of noble birth.
ਜੀਵਨ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਜਿਸੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਭਗਵੰਤੁ ॥
Jeevan Mukath Jis Ridhai Bhagavanth ||
He is Jivan Mukta – liberated while yet alive; the Lord God abides in his heart.
Maya is a play of Karta (Waheguru):-
ਜੈਸੀ ਅਗਨਿ ਉਦਰ ਮਹਿ ਤੈਸੀ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਮਾਇਆ ॥(Raag Raamkali M. 3, GGS. 921-2).
Jaisee Agan Oudhar Mehi Thaisee Baahar Maaeiaa ||
As is the fire within the womb, so is Maya outside.
ਮਾਇਆ ਅਗਨਿ ਸਭ ਇਕੋ ਜੇਹੀ ਕਰਤੈ ਖੇਲੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ॥
Maaeiaa Agan Sabh Eiko Jaehee Karathai Khael Rachaaeiaa ||
The fire of Maya is one and the same; the Creator has staged this play.
ਜਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਣਾ ਤਾ ਜੰਮਿਆ ਪਰਵਾਰਿ ਭਲਾ ਭਾਇਆ ॥
Jaa This Bhaanaa Thaa Janmiaa Paravaar Bhalaa Bhaaeiaa ||
According to His Will, the child is born, and the family is very pleased.
ਲਿਵ ਛੁੜਕੀ ਲਗੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਅਮਰੁ ਵਰਤਾਇਆ ॥
Liv Shhurrakee Lagee Thrisanaa Maaeiaa Amar Varathaaeiaa ||
Love for the Lord wears off, and the child becomes attached to desires; the script of Maya runs its course.
ਏਹ ਮਾਇਆ ਜਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮੋਹੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਭਾਉ ਦੂਜਾ ਲਾਇਆ ॥
Eaeh Maaeiaa Jith Har Visarai Mohu Oupajai Bhaao Dhoojaa Laaeiaa ||
This is Maya, by which the Lord is forgotten; emotional attachment and love of duality well up.
ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਜਿਨਾ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਗੀ ਤਿਨੀ ਵਿਚੇ ਮਾਇਆ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨੯॥
Kehai Naanak Gur Parasaadhee Jinaa Liv Laagee Thinee Vichae Maaeiaa Paaeiaa ||29||
Says Nanak, by Guru’s Grace, those who enshrine love for the Lord find Him, in the midst of Maya. ||29||
Remedy lies in Gurparsad i. e. Sabd Vichaar:-
– ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maajh M. 3, GSS. 120-2).
Maaeiaa Mohu Sabadh Jalaaeiaa ||
Through the Shabad, I have burned my emotional attachment to Maya.
Wishing you all the best.
With regards.
Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand