Fulfilment of wishes is a very interesting and popular topic. Self help and psychology of human achievement is a much researched subject. Mythology, magic and fiction are filled with tales of secrets of how a human being achieved a power to fulfil wishes. Like many others, starting with the book The Secret, I also read a few of such books on the so called law of attraction, dreaming of a better life. I finally found a verse in Shri Guru Granth Sahib which promised this too. I was very excited and even wrote an essay on this topic in an unrelated book on my experience with atheism (Irrational), although completely unrelated, in hope of sharing the teaching with others (I am not an atheist anymore). I was surprised that not many mainstream teachings talk about this topic.
Since that time, I had a chance to read more of scripture, and was surprised at the frequency of times this topic is discussed, and how frequently it is ignored by mainstream teaching. This post presents a few of these verses, but there are many more. I have tried to cover some of the important aspects of this topic using reference to 20+ verses. Following are some key points:
1. God is the only One who fulfils desires. The final means may appear to be many, but they all come from God alone.
2. This world has been made such that a person receives or achieves whatever a person applies one's mind to, whatever a person asks for, whatever a person prays for, or even secretly wishes/longs for under certain conditions - this list is not complete, but these are the ones that I cover in this blog post. There are many different ways mentioned in following verses, perhaps because different people may have different preferences.
3. Spiritual practices like chanting Name of God, chanting praise of God, remembrance of God, listening to sermon of God help in fulfilling one's desires.
4. Most of the things in this world are impermanent, so unnecessary desires can also waste a person's time or life. So a person needs to be careful.
5. In this impermanent world, at least one worthwhile desire is to ask God to give the wealth of Name. Name of God can be an eternal companion to one's soul, and one should definitely pray to receive it.
==================================================================
Reference verses with commentary:
=1================================================================
==================================================================
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ਮੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਜੋ ਮਾਗਉ ਸੋ ਪਾਵਉ ਰੇ ॥ਨਾਮ ਰੰਗਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਾਨਾ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਕਤਹੂੰ ਧਾਵਉ ਰੇ ॥੧॥
-----------------
Translation:
By Guru's grace He rests in my mind, whatever I ask for, that I receive,Color of Name satisfies the mind, no need to run anywhere else.1.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 404:8-9]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse tells the basic criteria for wish-fulfilment. If remembrance of God dwells in one's mind, then one receives whatever one asks for. It really is as simple as this. I don't know how much time it will take before wishes are granted, or what is the method of asking. I believe each person will need to believe and discover based on one's own experience.
What if one asks for absurd things, like a desire to live on Jupiter? I don't know. Whatever we ask for in prayer, is directed at God, the Creator of world, Creator of everything. It is up to each person to decide for oneself. What if you do receive it? What if your ask is based on actions of other people, who also have free-will? Things can get complicated if one is reckless. And finally a parent will not give everything that a child asks for, so right asking in itself is a complex topic - this is my understanding, but the verse conveys a promise without any conditions, but there are three pre-conditions in this verse (in some of the other following verses these preconditions are not mentioned). First, the person has a Guru, second, that a person has received grace from True Guru, and third, the remembrance of God rests in the person's mind as a result of Guru's blessing**.
Our time on Earth is limited,
So what will happen if we plant a tree,
That will bear fruit only after we have passed on,
Passed on from this life?
Remembrance of God, and Color of Name of God, are related concepts. When a person remembers another person, then the name of the person is most common anchor that fixes a remembrance in one's mind. So it is with God's remembrance also.
If one remembers God,
The person also remembers the Name of God,
And if one remembers the Name of God,
Then the person remembers God also.
Finally this verse conveys that if we are doing it correctly, and God, and Name of God, truly rests in our mind, then we will experience contentment and will not need to chase after spiritual fads.
**I consider Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as my Guru, but the way I understand is that on meeting a Shabad-Guru (a Guru who instructs using words of knowledge), I need to understand the words of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to be a worthy student. Once I start understanding the words, thinking over them, then the understanding I receive is the grace of the Guru (Blessing). This is my understanding, and others may have a different opinion.
=2================================================================
==================================================================
ਜੋ ਮਾਗਉ ਸੋਈ ਸੋਈ ਪਾਵਉ ਅਪਨੇ ਖਸਮ ਭਰੋਸਾ ॥ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਭੇਟਿਓ ਮਿਟਿਓ ਸਗਲ ਅੰਦੇਸਾ ॥੨॥੧੪॥੪੨॥
-----------------
Translation:
Translation:
Whatever I ask, so and so I receive, I have faith in my Master,Nanak says, meeting Complete Guru, all anxiety is removed.2.14.42.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 619:23-24]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse again conveys a promise that a person receives whatever a person asks for. Such is the faith of a devotee. This promise is for a person who has accepted Supreme God, Creator of the world, as his Master and Lord.
The verse then tells us that on meeting the Complete Guru all anxiety is removed.
=3================================================================
==================================================================
==================================================================
ਰਸਨਾ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਨਿਧਿ ਗਾਇਣ ॥ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸਹਜੁ ਰਹਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਉਪਜਿਓ ਸਗਲੇ ਦੂਖ ਪਲਾਇਣ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ਜੋ ਮਾਗਹਿ ਸੋਈ ਸੋਈ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਸੇਵਿ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਰਸਾਇਣ ॥ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣ ਦੁਹਹੂ ਤੇ ਛੂਟਹਿ ਭਵਜਲੁ ਜਗਤੁ ਤਰਾਇਣ ॥੧॥ਖੋਜਤ ਖੋਜਤ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿਓ ਦਾਸ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਪਰਾਇਣ ॥ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਖੇਮ ਚਾਹਹਿ ਜੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦਾ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਨਾਰਾਇਣ ॥੨॥੫॥੧੦॥
-----------------
Translation:
Translation:
Singing, with tongue, good qualities of treasure God,Peace, knowledge, bliss appear in mind, all sorrows depart.1.pause.Whatever I ask, same, same I receive, serving at feet of the God of treasures,Escaped both birth & death, crossed over the whirlpool of the world.1.Searching, searching, reflect on the essence, servant of God depends on Him,If you want eternal joy, Nanak, always remember God.2.5.10.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 713:37-38::714:1-4]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse gives a lot of useful and actionable knowledge that a person can apply in one's life. First, singing praise of God (good qualities), the mind of a person finds bliss, and also sorrows of the person depart.
Serving at the feet of God, a person receives whatever a person asks from God. Serving God is also the method of attaining salvation. How can a person serve God, the Creator of the world, who few have met? But we do have words of God in scripture. In fact the scriptures tell us that God exists within us in form of speech (words of wisdom). "ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ / Speech is Guru and Guru is Speech, within Speech is all elixir (982:18)". In scripture God and Guru have been considered synonyms (Guru is an aspect of God who teaches us). Then one form of service to God is to listen to the words of the scripture (Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji), respect them, to think them over, try to understand the words, follow them, and share them with others respectfully.
Imagine meeting a wise man, but paying no attention to his words, not considering them wisdom. Then it would be a disrespect to the wise man. If the wise man is in no need, then paying respect to the wise man's body and his words is a form of service that a common person can do. Obeying his commands is also a form of service, and not following the commands is disrespect. Similarly trying to understand words of scripture, and living a life based on the teachings and commands is a form of service to God. This is my understanding, but others may have a different view. But the commands and instructions in scripture are for our benefit, which we will realize in due course. The commands in scripture are not for purpose of satisfying whims of God, but the commands are based on rules applicable in this life and world, and would benefit anyone who follows them.
Finally, the verse tells that that Servant of God depends on God, and if any person wishes for eternal peace, then the person should always remember God. Remembrance of God brings peace and joy.
=4================================================================
==================================================================
==================================================================
ਜਿ ਵਸਤੁ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਸਾਈ ਪਾਈਐ ਜੇ ਨਾਮਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਈਐ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Translation:
The thing asked, same received, if mind is focused on Name.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 850:15]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
If a person's mind is focused on the Name of God, then the person will receive whatever the person asks for.
=5================================================================
==================================================================
==================================================================
ਐ ਜੀ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਗਉ ਕਿਛੁ ਰਹੈ ਨ ਦੀਸੈ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਆਇਆ ਜਾਈ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਕੰਠਿ ਬਣਾਈ ॥੮॥੩॥
-----------------
Translation:
Translation:
O sir, what to request, nothing seems permanent, in this world whatever comes goes,Give wealth of Name to Nanak, to adore heart and neck.8.3.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 504:28-29]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse points out that most of the things in this world are transitory, so benefit of asking them from God is limited. Then the verse recommends that a person should ask for wealth of Name of God. At least a person should request for wealth of the Name of God, if nothing else.
=6================================================================
==================================================================
==================================================================
ਪਿਤਾ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲਿ ਆਗਿਆ ਇਹ ਦੀਨੀ ਬਾਰਿਕੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਮਾਂਗੈ ਸੋ ਦੇਨਾ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਬਾਰਿਕੁ ਦਰਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਚਾਹੈ ਮੋਹਿ ਹ੍ਰਿਦੈ ਬਸਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਚਰਨਾ ॥੪॥੨॥
-----------------
Translation:
Translation:
Merciful Father has given this command, to give whatever child requests with mouth,Nanak child desires vision of God, may His feet always rest in my heart.4.2.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1266:25-26]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
Merciful God, our Father, has given this command that whatever a child asks with mouth, should be given to the child. We are the children of God. As per this verse whatever a person asks with mouth will be given to the person. This is how this world has been setup, like a law. A person, a child, cannot command, but can only humbly ask. This verse goes on to point another thing that we should ask, a chance to see and meet God, the Creator of all.
=7================================================================
==================================================================
==================================================================
ਮਨ ਕੀਆ ਇਛਾ ਪੂਰੀਆ ਸਬਦਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Translation:
Desires of the mind are fulfilled, when mind is brimming with word.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 34:34]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse tells that when mind is filled with the word of God (Guru), then the wishes of the mind are fulfilled. Another interpretation is that the mind becomes content, and is not troubled by desires anymore. A mind brimming with the word, is a mind which is aware of the words and teaching of the Guru, thinks about them, chants the word, tries to understand the word, and share it with others when possible (a cup filled to the brim, overflows sometimes).
=8================================================================
==================================================================
==================================================================
ਜਿ ਤੁਧ ਨੋ ਸਾਲਾਹੇ ਸੁ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਕੇਰੀ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Translation:
One who praises You, receives everything, one on whom You are merciful.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 555:1]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
A person who praises God receives everything, and God is merciful to such a person (I believe God is merciful, therefore the person chants).
=9================================================================
==================================================================
==================================================================
ਮਨੁ ਜੋ ਇਛੇ ਸੋ ਲਹੈ ਸਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Translation:
What mind wishes, it receives, by having loving faith in the true word.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 87:26]
=======================================
Commentary:
=======================================
Commentary:
By having faith in true words of wisdom (words of a True Guru), mind receives what it wishes for.
=10===============================================================
==================================================================
==================================================================
ਜੋ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ਪੂਜੇ ਗੁਰ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਸੋ ਮਨ ਇਛੇ ਫਲ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
One who focuses & worships embodiment of Guru, receives fruit as per mind's wish.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 303:23]
=======================================
Commentary:
One who worships embodiment of Guru with dedication, receives what one wishes for. As per my understanding, the embodiment of a Shabad-Guru is the written and spoken word (Although one of the the literal meaning of word ਮੂਰਤਿ/muurat is idol, but I believe for a Shabad Guru, the embodiment is the written and spoken word).
=11===============================================================
==================================================================
ਓਇ ਜੇਹਾ ਚਿਤਵਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਤੇਹਾ ਪਾਇਨਿ ਓਇ ਤੇਹੋ ਜੇਹੇ ਦਯਿ ਵਜਾਏ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
As one always thinks, so does one receive, so does God play one.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 303:2]
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse is the closest version to the basic law of attraction. Here it states that as one regularly thinks, so does God play one (as a musical instrument), and so does one receive.
=12===============================================================
==================================================================
ਇਕੁ ਮਨੁ ਇਕੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਲਗੈ ਸੋ ਥਾਇ ਪਾਇ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
One mind, one task, finds success wherever applied.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 303:5]
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse tells about the nature of mind. At a time mind can be applied on one task, and wherever it is applied sincerely it finds success.
=13===============================================================
==================================================================
ਮਨਿ ਚਿੰਦੇ ਫਲ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇ ॥੧੭॥
-----------------
Translation:
Receive as per mind's desire, Nanak, singing praise of God.17.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 300:22]
=======================================
Commentary:
Singing about qualities of God, words of praise, fulfils the desires of the mind.
=14===============================================================
==================================================================
ਸੁਨਿ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਬਸਾਵਹੁ ॥ਮਨ ਇਛੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਫਲ ਪਾਵਹੁ ॥੫॥
-----------------
Translation:
Listen to teachings, cherish in heart,Receive fruit, Nanak, as per mind's desire.5.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 293:10-11]
=======================================
Commentary:
Desires of the mind are fulfilled by listening and cherishing the true teaching, words of wisdom of True Guru.
=15===============================================================
==================================================================
ਸੋ ਐਸਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੀਐ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਜੁ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਸਭ ਭੁਖ ਗਵਾਏ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
So chant such Name my mind, which removes craving, all hunger of mind.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 89:12]
=======================================
Commentary:
A mind troubled by unnecessary desires will find that one's mind becomes free from craving and desires, finds contentment, by chanting the Name of God.
=16===============================================================
==================================================================
ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਕਥਾ ਰਿਦ ਮਾਹਿ ਬਸਾਈ ॥ਮਨ ਬਾਂਛਤ ਸਗਲੇ ਫਲ ਪਾਈ ॥੨॥
-----------------
Translation:
Sermon of God, enshrine in heart,Get all fruits, mind's desire.2.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 195:17-18]
=======================================
Commentary:
By focusing on sermons and stories about God, mind's desires are fulfilled.
=17===============================================================
==================================================================
ਮਨਸਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਸਮਾਇਲੇ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਸਚਿ ਤਰਣਾ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Stilling desires in mind, True, swim across dreadful ocean.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 419:14]
=======================================
Commentary:
Stilling desires of mind, attach mind to Truth, everlasting God, and you will successfully live your life in this world (cross over). This verse is also a word of caution against having unnecessary desires.
=18===============================================================
==================================================================
ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਧਸੰਗੇ ਨਾਮ ਰੰਗੇ ਮਨਿ ਲੋੜੀਦਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Meet Saadh Sangat, coloured with Name, receive desire of mind.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 459:3]
=======================================
Commentary:
Meeting company of holy, remember the Name of God, and receive fruits as per minds desire. Saadh Sangat, the company of holy, is a gathering where Name of God is remembered, discussed, praised and chanted.
=19===============================================================
==================================================================
ਹਰਿ ਚੇਤਿ ਅਚੇਤ ਮਨਾ ਜੋ ਇਛਹਿ ਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Remember God, ignorant mind, what you desire, that is obtained.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 491:16]
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse reminds the ignorant mind to ever remember God, the Creator of all. Remembrance of God fulfils one's desires.
=20===============================================================
==================================================================
ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਦਾਤਾਰੁ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਪੂਰਿਆ ॥ਇਛ ਪੁੰਨੀ ਮਨਿ ਆਸ ਗਏ ਵਿਸੂਰਿਆ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Remember, remember The Great Giver, desires fulfilled,Wish accomplished, mind's hope, sorrows depart.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 524:11-12]
=======================================
Commentary:
Desires of a person are fulfilled if a person remembers God, the Great Giver. The hopes of the mind are received. Sorrows of a person also depart when a person remembers God.
=21===============================================================
==================================================================
ਮਨ ਇਛੇ ਸੇਈ ਫਲ ਪਾਏ ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਕਥਾ ਸੁਹੇਲੀ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
Mind's desire, receive same fruits, listening to delightful sermon of the Lord.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 616:26]
=======================================
Commentary:
Listening to sermon and stories of God, a person receives fruits as per mind's desire.
=22===============================================================
==================================================================
ਜੇ ਮਨਿ ਚਿਤਿ ਆਸ ਰਖਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਊਪਰਿ ਤਾ ਮਨ ਚਿੰਦੇ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਨੇਕ ਫਲ ਪਾਈ ॥
-----------------
Translation:
If mind remembers, places hope on God, then mind's wish, many many fruits received.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 859:3]
=======================================
Commentary:
If mind remembers God, and places hope exclusively on God, then many wishes of mind are fulfilled. This verse also indirectly reminds us that it is fruitless to place hopes on anyone else except God.
=23===============================================================
==================================================================
ਸਭ ਸੁਖ ਦਾਤਾ ਰਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਦੂਸਰ ਨਾਹਿਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨਿ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਤਿਹ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਗਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥੯॥
-----------------
Translation:
God is Giver of all joy, there is no other,Speaks Nanak, listen mind, remembering Him find emancipation.
[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1426:34-35]
=======================================
Commentary:
This verse reminds us that whatever way we use to receive something, the only One who gives is God alone. What we receive can come from many different paths, but the original giver is God alone. When we remember God we find emancipation, liberation, and salvation.
==================================================================
==================================================================
-x-
