Fulfilment of wishes

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

The thing asked, same received, if mind is focused on Name.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 850:15]
=======================================
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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

Desires of the mind are fulfilled, when mind is brimming with word.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 34:34]
=======================================
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:

One who praises You, receives everything, one on whom You are merciful.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 555:1]
=======================================
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:

What mind wishes, it receives, by having loving faith in the true word.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 87:26]
=======================================
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.

=24===============================================================

==================================================================

ਕਬੀਰ ਬਿਕਾਰਹ ਚਿਤਵਤੇ ਝੂਠੇ ਕਰਤੇ ਆਸ ॥

ਮਨੋਰਥੁ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਪੂਰਿਓ ਚਾਲੇ ਊਠਿ ਨਿਰਾਸ ॥੨੦੫॥

-----------------

Translation:

Kabir! Those who think of evil and entertain false hopes -

None of their desires shall be fulfilled; they shall depart in despair. ||205||

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1375:20-21]

=======================================

Commentary:

A final reminder that if we are evil minded, then our hopes will not be fulfilled.

==================================================================

==================================================================

-x-

Purpose and benefits of chanting

Main points:

1. Chanting includes repeating words which include Name of God, or words praising God, either repeating mentally or repeating aloud.
2. God referred here is the Creator of all there is, and One who has no equal. I do not refer to other deities.
3. An intangible mind, over time, gets infected by intangible parasitic thoughts. Thoughts of negative feelings, like fear, greed, and others. Intangible words are clean, as no dust or dirt sticks to a spoken word, except possibly its negative meaning. So repeating powerful clean words are best way to clean parasitic thoughts of the mind.
4. Best and most powerful words are the words that refer to God, either the Name of God, or words praising God. I am not sure of the results of chanting words which have some other meaning, or which do not relate to One God. I would believe words with negative or lukewarm meaning, will have negative or lukewarm results respectively.
5. Chanting also helps revealing the reality, beauty, and sharpness of the mind. Chanting has power to transform mind for the better. Like polishing a stone to reveal a diamond, or churning cream to transform it into butter, chanting causes similar transformation of mind.
6. Chanting Name of God in a healthy state of mind, also helps a person receive the proverbial elixir (Amrit) for everlasting life of the soul (not the body). Soul is already eternal, and lack of everlasting life leads to transmigration or other undesirable consequences. The Name of God is the Elixir.
7. A person should spent normal life doing work and actions which are healthy, and which do not create a feeling of unnecessary pride or guilt. This puts mind in a healthy condition conducive for effective chanting.

=========================================================================
=1=======================================================================

ਕਰਮੀ ਸਹਜੁ ਨ ਊਪਜੈ ਵਿਣੁ ਸਹਜੈ ਸਹਸਾ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਨਹ ਜਾਇ ਸਹਸਾ ਕਿਤੈ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਰਹੇ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਏ ॥
ਸਹਸੈ ਜੀਉ ਮਲੀਣੁ ਹੈ ਕਿਤੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਧੋਤਾ ਜਾਏ ॥
ਮੰਨੁ ਧੋਵਹੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਾਗਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਰਹਹੁ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥
ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਸਹਜੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਇਹੁ ਸਹਸਾ ਇਵ ਜਾਇ ॥੧੮॥

-----------------
Translation:

Knowledge does not come from rituals, without knowledge doubt does not go.
Doubt does not go by any discipline, kept practicing rituals,
Soul is stained by doubt, what discipline can wash it,
Wash mind, attach to word, keep consciousness attached to God,
Nanak speaks, by Guru's grace, knowledge dawns, so this doubt goes.18.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 919:18-22]

=======================================
Commentary:

Different types of ritual and discipline do not bring knowledge. Without knowledge it is difficult to get rid of doubt. A primary hindrance to spiritual progress of a person is a doubting mind, which cannot be removed by practicing either rituals or disciplines. This verse recommends washing doubts of mind by attaching to words of a True Guru (ponder words of scripture which record the wisdom of a True Guru), and keep mind attached to remembrance of God. True knowledge dawns only by grace of True Guru (an aspect of God, which teaches and gives knowledge), and only with true knowledge can doubt in mind be removed.
=========================================================================
=2=======================================================================

ਮਨ ਕੇ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਮਿਟਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕੀ ਮੈਲੁ ਹਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

-----------------
Translation:

Disease of mind are washed away by contemplating God, dirt of many births is effaced.1.pause.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1152:19]

=======================================
Commentary:

Contemplating and remembering God removes sickness of the mind, and it also removes accumulated sins of many births. This verse gives two effects of remembering God either during chanting, or in prayer, or otherwise. Remembrance of God brings order to the mind, removing unwanted clutter, and is good for well-being and health of the mind. It also cleans the sin that mind (soul) has accumulated. As people seldom become a saint overnight, but keep sinning and accumulating unwanted thoughts, so regular chanting helps avoid the affects of accumulated dirt.
=========================================================================
=3=======================================================================

ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਧੋਵਹਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥
-----------------
Translation:

Wash mind and body by contemplating the word.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1059:48]

=======================================
Commentary:

The verse recommends cleaning mind and body by contemplating words of wisdom (words of a True Guru). The words to be contemplated are the words of a mentor, the teachings and speech of a spiritual mentor. Simplest way to contemplate a speech is to repeat a verse or word or teaching, all the while pondering on its meaning. Chanting is an easy way to repeat and also contemplate.
=========================================================================
=4=======================================================================

ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾ ਆਰਾਧਿ ਮਨ ਸਭਿ ਕਿਲਵਿਖ ਜਾਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥

-----------------
Translation:

O Mind, worship God's Name, the defects of sin will go.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 959:39]

=======================================
Commentary:

Simplest and surest way to get rid of sins is to remember and worship the Name of God. Sins are transgressions of the mind and soul. Why would this method work? The power is in the Name of God, that if we believe in the Name, and repeat the Name with reverence, the Name of God has power to wipe clean all our sins.

I understand sin as an incorporeal account of our actions, which will in time result in undesirable fruit and suffering. Sin could also be understood as an act of disobedience to a scripture. I believe scripture teach us to avoid sin, because it will have a undesirable consequence for us, considering the natural laws that govern this world. From this perspective, sins to avoid are like rules of thumb for quick reference, so we know what to avoid. With either meaning of sin, the final effect of indulging in sin is an undesirable result.
=========================================================================
=5=======================================================================

ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਮੈਲੁ ਗਈ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਿਆ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਰਾ ॥੪॥੩॥

-----------------
Translation:

Dirt of foolishness goes by Chanting God, O Nanak, people cross over.4.3.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 799:30]

=======================================
Commentary:

The verse tells that Chanting the Name of God removes foolishness. It also helps people cross over successfully from this life to the life hereafter. An important aspect of foolishness is inability to understand things and concepts around us, probably because of lack of capacity to think, or presence of simplistic preconceived notions in mind. Cleaning the mind with chanting will help in clearing the incorrect preconceived notions, and improve acuity.
=========================================================================
=6=======================================================================

ਭਾਂਡਾ ਧੋਇ ਬੈਸਿ ਧੂਪੁ ਦੇਵਹੁ ਤਉ ਦੂਧੈ ਕਉ ਜਾਵਹੁ ॥
ਦੂਧੁ ਕਰਮ ਫੁਨਿ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਮਾਇਣੁ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਰਾਸ ਜਮਾਵਹੁ ॥੧॥
ਜਪਹੁ ਤ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮਾ ॥
ਅਵਰਿ ਨਿਰਾਫਲ ਕਾਮਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਈਟੀ ਹਾਥਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਫੁਨਿ ਨੇਤ੍ਰਉ ਨੀਦ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥
ਰਸਨਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਤਬ ਮਥੀਐ ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪਾਵਹੁ ॥੨॥
ਮਨੁ ਸੰਪਟੁ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵਣੁ ਭਾਵਨ ਪਾਤੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਕਰੇ ॥ 
ਪੂਜਾ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜੇ ਸੇਵੇ ਇਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਬਿਧਿ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਰਵਤੁ ਰਹੈ ॥੩॥
-----------------

Translation:

Wash vessel, anoint with fragrance, then go get milk,
Milk of actions, then rennet of consciousness, without hope let it curdle.1.
Chant the one Name,
Other actions are unfruitful.1.pause.
Make mind churning-stick handle, then churning-cord is not getting sleep,
Tongue chants Name, then churn, this way obtain elixir.2.
Make mind a container, where bathe in pool of truth, gives affection, honor, satisfaction,
Worships with breath, servant who serves, this way stay absorbed in God.3.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 728:2-9]

=======================================
Commentary:

This verse describes a method for chanting. This verse has a few difficult to understand metaphors, so I hope the interpretation is accurate. First recommendation is to wash vessel, anoint it with fragrance, get milk, add rennet and then wait.

Vessel stands for the vessel of body and mind, which contains our soul and thoughts. Fragrance stands for fragrance of good words. What flowers are to the physical world, words are to the spiritual world. Best and the most fragrant words are the Name of God, and words of God's praise. Milk of actions are actions which nourish our body, mind and soul. Milk is a nourishing, life-giving food, and a very nutritious food. Similarly milk of actions are actions which leave us feeling better about ourselves, without giving a tainted sense of pride, self-contempt or a lingering sense of guilt. Milk of actions would be healthy actions, not directed by our ego, which are constructive and nourishing for us and others. A clear, conscious and focused mind while doing an action is like a rennet, which helps in turning actions truly fruitful, help actions transform, like milk is transformed by rennet. And once an action is complete, it is time to move on, rather than hoping and waiting for results. Curdling is like giving time for actions to bear fruit. We don't need to forget or be careless about them, but give actions time to bear fruit. Results are important, but they come in their own time and an action is like a planted seed, which will bear results in proper time, much like farming.

So as per my understanding the first sentence of the verse, recommends a method to perform any action, spiritual or otherwise, or generally a recommendation of living our daily lives. Start with a clear mind and a bath, spend some time in remembering God (chant), and then go about the day doing healthy, fruitful actions, making effort to focus mind and consciousness on the action being performed (don't let the mind wander or hope of doing something else). And once an action is performed don't wait for results, but give time for results to appear in their own time (results will come in their own time, and we could be mindful when they come). This is also a recommended method to perform any action, including spiritual actions like worship, prayer, and others. And most important, if our actions are healthy, without invoking pride or guilt, nourishing like milk, then it will be easy to perform spiritual actions like chanting and prayer later, with a clear conscience.

The verse further recommends that chanting Name of God is the most fruitful action. I understand the word fruitful is applicable on an eternal time-frame. All actions bear some fruit, but most fruits would only last for a lifetime, and would disappear for a person when the person dies, making these actions ultimately unfruitful. But chanting Name of God is an action which will result in fruits which have an eternal value.

Next sentence continues with specifics of process of chanting. The milk of good actions has turned to curd, which is a person with a clear conscience, a healthy, satisfied, content mind and body, ready to practice chanting. Consider mind to be the churning stick, which is thinking over concepts being studied, remembered, and chanted. Churning-cord, which is used to move the churning stick, is not falling asleep. People sometimes fall asleep when performing activities of the mind, and falling asleep cuts the action of chanting or meditation mid-way, as if the churning cord is cut. So it is advised to make an effort to stay awake while chanting. Finally chant the Name of God with tongue, completing the process of churning to create butter, which spiritually is equivalent to creating elixir for the soul. This completes the metaphor of transforming milk to curd, and then churning to create butter, the elixir of God's Name.

Finally the mind itself is the container which will hold the elixir of chanted Name of God, and it is like a true pool, giving a person affection, honor, satisfaction here and hereafter. Chanting is a method of worship, in which a person offers breath for remembrance of God. Scriptures tell us that people have a limited number of breaths in a lifetime, and when a person uses few of the breaths to chant the Name of God then it is like making an offering to God, which helps a person stay absorbed in God's remembrance. Being in remembrance of God has many positive effects on a person, and some would be covered as part of other posts.
=========================================================================
=7=======================================================================

ਸਿਮਰਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਕਰਤੇ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਸਭਿ ਕਿਲਵਿਖ ਨਾਸ ॥

-----------------
Translation:

Remembering pristine Name of Creator, all sins of mind and body are destroyed.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 716:33]

=======================================
Commentary:

This is perhaps one of the most important affects of chanting God's Name, because we all have sinned and continue to do so. Sin and transgression of mind and soul are the corrupted negative thoughts and feelings that we continue to harbor in our hearts and mind. People sin under the influence of five basic qualities: anger, lust, greed, attachment and ego. Our fears, hate, envy, scheming and other lusts or weakness of the mind, the load of countless sins that we have accumulated since lifetime of the soul (since the beginning of time), they are all removed by remembering Name of God.

Spoken words have a purity, that a physical thing lacks, and no dust or dirt can stick to a word. This makes the Name of God, one of the purest things that we have, and like clean water washes the physical body, the Name of God washes the mind, body and soul. This is also one of the reasons why spiritual healing works. Disease of the mind affects health of body, and opposite is also true, so fixing one helps in healing the other.

Think about it, there is no cloth that could clean the mind, and if anything could clean the mind it had to be as intangible and as subtle as the mind itself. And pure words and the wisdom contained in the words is the pure water that cleans the mind. A person, mind, soul and body frequently cleaned by the holy water of the remembrance of God's Name is fit and healthy to be at peace, to be happy, and to achieve what it is destined to achieve.

And as with everything, cleaning lasts as long as we do not spoil it again, and this is the reason of taking care of our thoughts, keep the mind uncluttered. Do not harbor ill-will or bad feelings, to keep mind healthy. Chant often to remove the undesirable condition of our mind and thoughts.
=========================================================================
=8=======================================================================

ਨਾਮ ਤੇਰੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਧੋਵਣਾ ॥
ਜਪਿ ਜਪਿ ਤੁਧੁ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਭਰਮੁ ਭਉ ਖੋਵਣਾ ॥

-----------------
Translation:

Color of Your Name washes my folly,
Repeatedly chanting you God, removes my ignorance and fear.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 523:11-12]

=======================================
Commentary:

As we saw in the last verse, chanting cleans the mind, making it healthier. A healthy mind is sharper and less likely to be ignorant or act foolishly (as mind will be more aware and perceptive). Chanting also helps in removing fear from the mind (fear is also an undesirable condition of the mind, and is generally caused by attachment or lack of faith).
=========================================================================
=9=======================================================================

ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗੁੰਫਹੁ ਮਨਿ ਮਾਲ ਹਰਿ ਸਭ ਮਲੁ ਪਰਹਰੀਐ ॥

-----------------
Translation:

Weave garland of qualities of God in mind, God removes all dirt.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 320:42]

=======================================
Commentary:

Many of the Names of God tell of the different qualities of God. Chanting the Names, singing praise of God is like weaving a garland in the mind. It too helps in cleaning the mind.
=========================================================================
=10======================================================================

ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਹਉਮੈ ਮਮਤਾ ਨਾਸੁ ਹੋਇ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਕਢੈ ਧੋਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਗੁਣ ਉਚਰੈ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਧੁਰਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥

-----------------
Translation:

God, God, God, Name of God some blessed believer receives,
Ego and attachment ends, folly is washed away by Name,
O Nanak, they speak the Name always, for whom it is destined.1.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1313:10-12]

=======================================
Commentary:

Not many people would believe and chant the Name of God, and those who do, believing in the power of the Name are very lucky. Destiny is topic for another post, but people who receive the Name are destined for it. But anyone could pray to receive the same.

Destiny is a difficult topic to understand and explain, but what I have understood is that it is a combination of multiple variable factors. Destiny is more like a system of natural laws (physical and spiritual laws) which govern this world, combined with result of our actions (actions, thoughts and prayers). A lot of it is based on our past actions (mental and physical), which are responsible for our current position in life; and future destiny would continue in same trajectory unless we deliberately change the course.

Sudden luck and fortune is generally a result of some past seed planted by someone. It could be said that a person could be destined to plant the seed in the past, and continuing this line of thinking is recursive and does not explain how it started. Only consolation is that this not the only thing that the human mind does not understand, but I believe we have enough information to move forward. Just plant the right seeds now (seeds of prayer, thoughts and actions), that is the important thing.
=========================================================================
=11======================================================================

ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਧੰਨੁ ਧਨੋੁ ਧੰਨ ਧੰਨ ਧਨੋ ਜਿਤੁ ਮਿਲਿ ਹਰਿ ਬੁਲਗ ਬੁਲੋਗੀਆ ॥
ਸਭਿ ਕਹਹੁ ਮੁਖਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਬੋਲਤ ਸਭਿ ਪਾਪ ਲਹੋਗੀਆ ॥੧॥

-----------------
Translation:

True congregation, of True Guru, blessed wealth, blessed, blessed wealth, meeting which, recite words of God,
All chant with mouth, Har, Har, Haray, Har, Har, Haray, speaking Har, all sins are removed.1.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1313:7-8]

=======================================
Commentary:

The company of true congregation, a gathering of people, who are gathered in Name of True Guru (True Guru is an aspect of God who instructs), to praise and remember God, is a wealth that a person should actively seek. Being part of such a congregation is same as being in possession of an intangible wealth (non-materialistic wealth). Characteristics of gathering of holy people is a topic of another article.

The verse instructs that on meeting such a congregation chant Name of God, recite words of God (scripture), and sing praise of God. Doing such actions will rid a person of all sins. Intangible sins are primarily a corruption of the intangible mind, and only way to clean them is by use of clean and powerful words, which are themselves as subtle and intangible as the mind, and are effective in getting rid of corruption in mind (sins).

=========================================================================
=12======================================================================

ਮਲੁ ਕੂੜੀ ਨਾਮਿ ਉਤਾਰੀਅਨੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੋਆ ਸਚਿਆਰੁ ॥

-----------------
Translation:

Name removes muck of lies, Chant Name become truthful.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 951:1]

=======================================
Commentary:

A lie is something that is false and does not exist. On an eternal timeline, a lie is also something that will eventually cease to exist, a temporary thing. A truth is an eternally permanent thing. A human mind is enchanted by lies, promise of temporary things and experiences, and only way to remove the illusion of lies is to view with a clear mind. Chanting the Name of God helps clear the mind. A truthful person could be understood as a person who not only speaks truth, but also perceives truthfully (perceives truth).

-

Mist of promising lies cloud the mind,

Chanting Name of God clears the mind.

A clear mind is truthful,

It appreciates the truth,

Not only speaks the truth,

But also perceives the truth.
Only that which is truly perceived,
Can then be truly explained.
A truthful person may still lie,
If the person fails to perceive the truth,

True mind sees though lies and their futility.
-

=========================================================================
=13======================================================================

ਬਸੰਤੁ ਚੜਿਆ ਫੂਲੀ ਬਨਰਾਇ ॥
ਏਹਿ ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਫੂਲਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥੧॥
ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਹਰਿਆ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੈ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਢੈ ਧੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

-----------------
Translation:

Spring comes, forests blossom,
This living being blossoms by remembering God in mind.1.
By this method, this mind enlivens,
God, Chanting Name of God, day and night, the blessed washes and removes ego.1.pause.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1176:53-54, 1177:1-2]

=======================================
Commentary:

By remembering God, and chanting the Name of God, a living being enlivens and blossoms. Chanting the Name of God also removes ego and washes oneself clean.
=========================================================================
=14======================================================================

ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਬਿਲੋਵਨਾ ਬਿਲੋਵਹੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ॥
ਸਹਜਿ ਬਿਲੋਵਹੁ ਜੈਸੇ ਤਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਤਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਮਟੁਕੀ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਬਿਲੋਈ ॥
ਇਸੁ ਮਟੁਕੀ ਮਹਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੰਜੋਈ ॥੨॥
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਬਿਲੋਵਨਾ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਧਾਰਾ ॥੩॥
ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਜੇ ਮੀਰਾ ॥
ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਲਗਿ ਉਤਰੇ ਤੀਰਾ ॥੪॥੧॥੧੦॥

-----------------
Translation:

Churn the Churn of God, my brother,
Spontaneously churn, so essence does not go.1.pause.
Make body the pot, churning stick in mind,
In this pot assimilate the word.2.
Churn of God is thinking of the mind,
Guru's grace gives stream of elixir.3.
Kabir says, when King gives grace,
Hold to God's Name, alight on shore.4.1.10.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 478:14-21]

=======================================
Commentary:

Deliberately thinking over concepts, pondering over words is a divine method of churning, which will produce knowledge, awareness, and higher consciousness. Words and concepts to be pondered need to relate to a scripture, or God, and not just be any word.

Body is like a churning pot which we use to collect words of knowledge by hearing, reading and discussing. Deliberate thinking is the churning stick in mind, which we use to assimilate meaning, shuffle thoughts, and extract knowledge contained in the words. We should make it a habit to spontaneously think over concepts and words of divine knowledge when we encounter them.

When we practice churning words of scripture, by God's grace we will receive elixir which will give soul everlasting life (everlasting life is one without transmigration). Soul holding fast to the Name of God will find salvation, which is referred to as alighting on a shore.
=========================================================================
=15======================================================================

ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਤਨੁ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਕੁ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਮੋਲੁ ਅਫਾਰਾ ॥
ਮੋਲਿ ਕਿਤ ਹੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥੫॥

-----------------
Translation:

This mind is a precious gem, it is of great value,
Any price will not buy Name, Obtain Name by pondering over teachings of Guru.5.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 754:25-26] 

=======================================
Commentary:

Mind is like a precious gem, and like any precious gem it needs work to make it shine. Its true value can be estimated, by evaluating what happens when one loses one's mind. The verse goes on to tell that person can receive (and accept) the Name of God only by thinking over the teachings of a Mentor. Thinking over teaching helps people convince themselves of the true nature of teaching, and make acceptance of teachings more permanent.

-

One who loses one's mind,
Loses almost everything else.
Children of unfulfilled promises,
Asylum tell their silent stories.
So do take care of your mind,
Do not feed it garbage,
Keep it in good company,
Of worthy words and worthy thoughts.

-

=========================================================================

=16======================================================================

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਤਤੁ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਪੂਜਾ ॥

-----------------
Translation:

In the remembrance of God, there is wisdom, meditation, essence of intellect,
In the remembrance of God, there is chanting, penance, prayer.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 262:44-45] 

=======================================
Commentary:

This verse tells us the essence of chanting and meditation. If we remember God, we get all the benefits of meditation and chanting. In fact, as I understand, remembrance of God is the real essence of meditation and chanting. The complete verse gives many other benefits of remembering God, but only the part related to meditation and chanting are highlighted here. I would encourage the reader to read the complete verse.
=========================================================================
=========================================================================

Additional Comments: 

Declutter the mind

Repetitive speaking of words or verses is the simplest form of chanting. The words which comprise a chant could mean just about anything, like name of a deity, verse praising a deity, a prayer or an invocation, and specific words denoting a feeling or quality.

I do not know the science behind the chants, but present a layman's perspective. Everything in this world needs tidying up. Garden weeds need to be pulled, rust from iron needs to be scrapped, houses need to be dusted frequently, we need to bathe and brush our teeth frequently. All these actions clear the physical layers of unwanted stuff which keep the underlying object from being healthy. It is in the nature of things in this world to become messed up, if periodic cleaning and maintenance is not done.

-
Everything is slowly dying,
Person begins moving closer to death,
Immediately after being born,
And some do die very young.

Dust starts to gather,
Immediately after it has been cleaned,
Cloths start getting crumpled,
Immediately after they have been ironed.

It is in the nature of things of this world,
To deteriorate with time,
To keep things healthy,
Regular maintenance is needed.

Weed your gardens occasionally,
Brush your teeth daily,
Bathe your body often,
Do not leave them as they are.

Civilization slowly descends into chaos,
If it is not cared for,
And so it is with the human mind too,
It takes regular effort to keep it from chaos.
 -

Similarly, during our day, words that we hear and speak, emotions that we feel during the day, good or bad, linger on in the mind. Cluttering the mind's capability to see, think and feel clearly. Much like a layer of dust covering our boots, or car, or furniture. Without cleaning the mental and emotional clutter, the mind becomes dull, and mental capabilities have difficulty in functioning at best possible level.

Chanting is like dusting the mental and emotional clutter from the mind. Specially the parasitic and negatives thoughts and words can stick to mind, and adversely affect mood and functioning of the mind.

Not much cleaning can be done by using a soiled cloth. Words and verses that we use for chanting are the dusting cloth for the mind, and the quality of cloth will affect the results. The most pristine and powerful words available to a human being are words that denote the Name of God, or words of praise of God (which many times are same words, as Names of God are actually praise of the various qualities of God).

Words with a negative connotation, if used, will be like a dusty cloth which soils the furniture or mind, rather than cleaning it. Words which express weak emotions or thoughts will be inefficient in de-cluttering the mind. Frivolous words may cause more problems than help.

We need to take bath regularly to keep the body clean, using repetitive almost ritualistic actions. Chanting does the same thing for the mind, cleaning any dirty parasitic thoughts that may be sticking to the mind. In a way chanting helps in maintaining good mental hygiene. If we apply attention while dusting furniture, it ensures quality of the resulting shiny furniture, similarly applying attention to the meaning of words, rather than mindless repetition, makes chanting more effective. Like a daily bath helps in keeping the body fresh and healthy, similarly few minutes of daily chanting of a positive verse will help to keep the mind fresh and healthy, by dislodging any unhealthy words or thoughts perched in our mind. To attain a proper mental state of mind for effective chanting, we need to perform healthy actions in our daily life, actions which do not create sense of pride or guilt in our mind.

Reveal the nature of mind 

Apart from maintaining mental hygiene, chanting also helps in revealing the quality of mind and spirit. It will not happen overnight, and will not be easily noticeable, but slowly and surely it will reveal the sparkle of the mind.

-

Polishing a stone reveals the diamond within,

Churning cream turns it into butter,

Chanting will reveal the sparkle of the mind,

Words are like chisel to an open mind,

Morphing mind to reveal its true nature. 

-

=========================================================================
=========================================================================

-x-

Which religion or sect to follow (the right conduct to practice)?

Main points:

1. Dharma is popularly translated as religion, but more specifically it could mean recommended conduct for proper living and other actions. Most religions have multiple sects and denominations with different practices for each sect or denomination. Many of the practices could be very different between sects and denominations, even within same religion.
2. The sect, or denomination which recommends building faith and chanting Name of God is best and safest to follow. There are many sects within different religions which recommend building faith in Name of God. 
3. God referred in this article and all other essays in this blog is One God, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, who is the Creator of all there is, and has no equal.
4. Any other actions or practices recommended by a particular sect may have its own purpose and may exist due to social, cultural or historical reasons. Such recommendations would have their own benefits or consequences, and evaluating them is beyond the scope of this article. Each person needs to decide for oneself. But developing belief in God's Name is minimum possible, necessary and effective recommendation. A note of caution, there are many systems built around many diverse concepts, with a lot of different practices mixed together for more effective proselytization and not for spiritual growth. 
5. Second part of recommendation is to do pure actions. The only measure of a pure action is whatever action is acceptable or liked by God. As per my understanding action performed under direction from one's ego is tainted and unlikely to be pure. Actions done without being under influence of ego are acceptable.
6. Ego, or a very proud and personal mental posturing, could be killed if one accepts teachings of a True Guru. Under effects of ego a person would have difficulty in accepting teachings of a particular scripture. 
7. The reason for performing above religious practice is not only obedience to scripture or God, as is popularly described in culture. But another important reason is that without performing the above actions, the natural laws would bind a person (soul), and may result in an unpleasant experience for a person, sometimes extending till eternity.

-x-

For people who might think that above practice is very self-centered, they should realize that world continues with or without any person or thing. A view to the contrary may be misplaced pride or conceit, making people think that the world depends on them, or that they have an obligation to the world. A lot of great people have come, done great work, and gone, but life continues without them. World will continue to have more people, but you and me may have only one life.

It is true that proper functioning of society is based on different work being performed by different people, and reasonable responsible action performed by each of us is good for us and society. But beyond basic constructive involvement, beyond natural calling, which could involve social service and sacrifice for some people, it may just be pride or exploitation, if there is a feeling of conceit or obligation. And everybody contributes in their own way for growth of society, and comparisons are mostly futile. A lone researcher developing a medicine, a banker raising money to finance mass-production of the medicine, or a social-worker administering medicine to the impoverished, everybody contributes.

=========================================================================
=1=======================================================================

Saraba dharama mahi srēsaṭa dharamu.
Hari kō nāmu japi niramala karamu.
Sagala kri'ā mahi ūtama kiri'ā.
Sādhasangi duramati malu hiri'ā.
Sagala udama mahi udamu bhalā.
Hari kā nāmu japahu jī'a sadā.
Sagala bānī mahi amrita bānī.
Hari kō jasu suni rasana bakhānī.
Sagala thāna tē ōhu ūtama thānu.
Nānaka jiha ghaṭi vasai hari nāmu.8.3.

-----------------
Translation:

Of all religions the foremost religion,
Chant Name of God, and pure actions,
Of all rituals, the best ritual,
Remove false thinking in company of holy,
Of all efforts, the best effort,
Chant the Name of God in mind always,
Of all speech, the elixir speech,
Listen God's praise and chant with tongue,
Of all places the best place,
Nanak, the place where Name of God lives.||8||3||


[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 266:40-49]

=======================================
Commentary:

This verse gives details of few desirable endeavors. The foremost religious and spiritual practice is to chant the Name of God and perform pure actions. Pure actions are actions done without the influence of ego or sense of ownership, or in other words, actions are pure if they are not corrupted and directed by ego.

The verse tells that best ritual is to remove false thinking by interacting with holy people. Best efforts that a person can make in life is chanting the Name of God. Best speech is God's praise. Best place is where God's Name is chanted and remembered.
=========================================================================
=2=======================================================================

Prānī ka'unu upā'u karai.
Jā tē bhagati rāma kī pāvai jama kō trāsu harai.1. Rahā'u.
Ka'unu karama bidi'ā kahu kaisī dharamu ka'unu phuni kara'ī.
Ka'unu nāmu gura jā kai simarai bhava sāgara ka'u tara'ī.1.
Kala mai ēku nāmu kirapā nidhi jāhi japai gati pāvai.
A'ura dharama tā kai sama nāhani iha bidhi bēdu batāvai.2.

-----------------
Translation:

What efforts should a mortal make,
To receive devotion for God, and remove fear of death.||1||Pause||
What actions, tell which knowledge, what religion to practice,
Which Name of which Guru to remember, to swim across the sea of life.||1||
In Kali yug One Name, is mercy and treasure, chanting which one gets salvation,
Other religion does not compare, this method Veda tells.||2||

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 632:16-21]

=======================================
Commentary:

In this verse some important questions are asked and answered. Questions like, what efforts should one make, how can a person develop devotion to God, what is right religious practice, what Name to chant? The verse specifies that the Vedas answer above questions, and also tell the most effective way of achieving salvation. The answer is to chant the Name of God.
=========================================================================
=3=======================================================================

Kalijuga kā dharamu kahahu tuma bhā'ī kiva chūṭaha hama chuṭakākī.
Hari hari japu bēṛī hari tulahā hari japi'ō tarai tarākī.1.
Hari jī lāja rakhahu hari jana kī.
Hari hari japanu japāvahu apanā hama māgī bhagati ikākī. Rahā'u.

-----------------
Translation:

Brother tell the dharma for kaliyug, how can we desiring of release be released,
Chant God, God, God is boat and raft, chanting God the swimmer swims across.||1||
Dear God save honour of your people,
Make me chant God, God, I beg for devotion to One God.||Pause||

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 668:13-16]

=======================================
Commentary:

This verse begins with question regarding most effective conduct for present age, for a person who desires salvation. Again chanting the Name of God is recommended. The Name of God will act as a raft for the soul, which will preserve honor of a person. If a person lacks devotion or faith in Name of God, a person could pray for receiving the same.
=========================================================================
=4=======================================================================

Nāmu guri dī'ō hai apunai jā kai masataki karamā.
Nāmu driṛāvai nāmu japāvai tā kā juga mahi dharamā.1.
Jana ka'u nāmu vaḍā'ī sōbha.
Nāmō gati nāmō pati jana kī mānai jō jō hōga.1. Rahā'u.
Nāma dhanu jisu jana kai pālai sō'ī pūrā sāhā.
Nāmu bi'uhārā nānaka ādhārā nāmu parāpati lāhā.2.6.37.

-----------------
Translation:

Guru gives Name, one who has such destiny written on forehead,
Implants Name, makes us chant his Name, the dharma for this age.||1||
Name is greatness and beauty for people,
Name is salvation, Name is honor for people, who accept whatever happens.||1||Pause||
Person who has God's Name is perfect king,
Nanak deals in Name, Name is support, obtain profit of Name.||2||6||37||

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 680:13-18]

=======================================
Commentary:

This verse reiterates importance of Name of God, and also introduces an important concept of accepting things as they are. Another article would cover the details of accepting things as they happen. Accepting things that are fortunate or unfortunate for us personally, or for others, or for larger society and civilization. Last statement is a view point easily misunderstood, and sometimes can be abused in arguments. But the fact is that there is no choice in things that have already occurred, as past events cannot change, but can ruin our present and future if people carry a grudge. People can act to change things for present or in future, but for past there is no choice except mentally accepting them.
=========================================================================
=5=======================================================================

Hari hari karata miṭē sabhi bharamā.
Hari kō nāmu lai ūtama dharamā.

-----------------
Translation:

Chanting God, God, removes all ignorance,
Taking Name of God is noble religion.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 874:16-17]

=======================================
Commentary:

This verse introduces another concept of one of the benefits of chanting the Name of God, which helps mind get rid of ignorance, and would be covered in detail in another article. It is important to note that not all chanting and meditation is equal, and the object or words of meditation and chanting make all the difference.
=========================================================================
=6=======================================================================

Ihu nidhānu japai mani kō'i.
Sabha juga mahi tā kī gati hō'i.
Guṇa gōbida nāma dhuni bāṇī.
Simriti sāsatra bēda bakhāṇī.
Sagala matānta kēvala hari nāma.
Gōbinda bhagata kai mani bisrāma.
Kōṭi aprādha sādhasangi miṭai.
Santa kripā tē jama tē chuṭai.
Jā kai masataki karama prabhi pā'ē.
Sādha saraṇi nānaka tē ā'ē.7.

-----------------
Translation:

One whose mind chants this treasure,
In every age he finds salvation,
Names of God's qualities, tune and speech,
Smritees, Shashtras, and Vedas speak,
Complete doctrine is only the Name of God,
It resides in the mind of devotees,
Crores of sins are erased in holy company,
By saint's blessing one escapes messengers of death,
On whose forehead God puts blessing,
Nanak, such people come in saint's refuge.||7||

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 296:8-17]

=======================================
Commentary:

Some of the different Names of God actually describe different qualities of God, and all are good. Any Name of God can bring salvation to a person in any age or time. Ancient Indian scriptures describe that the complete essence of dharma is contained in the Name of God. I understand it as respecting Name of God, building faith in God's Name, and chanting the Names in praise of God. Why this would work would be covered in some other articles.

It is true that religion and spirituality teaching today has become much more complicated than the essence, and it is up to individual person to decide what path to follow. A person is free to decide and choose for oneself, and the consequences of personal choice are also for the person alone, to enjoy or to suffer.
=========================================================================
=7=======================================================================

Sādhasangami hari arādhē sagala kalamala dukha jalē.
Mahā dharama sudāna kiri'ā sangi tērai sē calē.
Rasanā arādhai ēku su'āmī hari nāmi manu tanu bhīnā.
Nānaka jisa nō hari milā'ē sō saraba guṇa parabīnā.4.6.9.

-----------------
Translation:

Remembering God in company of holy, all distress and affliction are burnt,
This is great religion, good charity, actions which will go with you,
Tongue remembers one Master, mind, body are enraptured by God's Name,
O Nanak, whom God unites, they have all qualities and wisdom.||4||6||9||

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 548:15-18]

=======================================
Commentary:

Remembering God in company of other believers helps people to sail through grief and sorrows. This is considered good conduct, great dharma. It is also an act of charity as people spend some moments of their limited lifetime in holy company, collectively remembering the Name of God for mutual benefit.
=========================================================================
=8=======================================================================

Gura kī sēvā sabadu vīcāru.
Ha'umai mārē karaṇī sāru.7.

-----------------
Translation:

The service to a Guru is pondering over His word,
Kill your ego, essence of action.||7||

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 223:40-41]

=======================================
Commentary:

This and the next verse cover the second part of the recommendation. What is a pure action? The verse recommends killing one's ego, the sense of doership for performing pure actions. The point that I have understood about action is that many actions are inevitable, and are needed for proper functioning of body, and society. For voluntary actions also creating a list of actions that are good or bad is not possible, because use and purpose of action changes with situations.

What one thing could we change about action, that would be applicable to all actions, is changing our perspective. Some of the most important functions of body we do involuntarily without actual control, like digesting food, beating heart, and others. The spiritual perspective is to extend that concept to all actions, because soul and body are two different things. We, the person or the soul, are responsible and in control of our thoughts and mind, but a lot of actions of the body are out of our control, much like a lot of actions of a vehicle are out of our control, even if we are riding the vehicle. More details in next verse.

Another important concept is discussed in the above verse. True service of a spiritual teacher and mentor, is to ponder over the teachings of the teacher and learn from them. Many people would give external respect to a mentor, but few make efforts to understand the teachings. Specially if a teacher has passed on, while words of the teacher remain with us, if such is the case then respectfully pondering and learning from the teaching and words of the mentor is an important service to the teacher.
=========================================================================
=9=======================================================================

Jaba lagu jānai mujha tē kachu hō'i.
Taba isa ka'u sukhu nāhī kō'i.
Jaba iha jānai mai kichu karatā.
Taba lagu garabha jōni mahi phiratā.
Jaba dhārai kō'ū bairī mītu.
Taba lagu nihacalu nāhī cītu.
Jaba lagu mōha magana sangi mā'i.
Taba lagu dharama rā'i dē'i sajā'i.
Prabha kirapā tē bandhana tūṭai.
Gura prasādi nānaka ha'u chūṭai.4.

-----------------
Translation:

Till one thinks "I cause something to happen",
Then one has no peace,
Till one thinks "I do something",
Till then one wanders in womb,
When one believes some are friend and foe,
Till then consciousness is not stable,
Till one is attached and intoxicated by maya,
Till then righteous judge gives punishment,
By God's grace these fetters break,
O Nanak, by Guru's grace, ego ends.||4||

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 278:49-58] 

=======================================
Commentary:

My understanding of the concept of actions presented in above verse is different from few popular concepts of performing actions. The basic point is that soul being a intangible entity, soul's actions are also intangible, which are thoughts, words, feelings, prayers, ambitions, and other mental activities. A person, or intangible soul, is only responsible for its intangible actions, unless it takes ownership of the actions performed by its body, becomes attached with them.

Physical actions performed by physical body only count in the physical realm. A soul is responsible and suffers due to actions of the body only if the soul is attached to the actions performed by the body, else the physical actions are just part and parcel of the natural bodily existence. A soul which binds itself to things of this world will face transmigration, and also suffer when things do not go as desired. Till a person thinks that a person does something, till then a person would be unstable, vacillating between joy and suffering

A person is as responsible for actions of own body, as the activities of a vehicle or a cab that it is riding. Person is only inside a cab until the end of a ride, and as long as the person does not cause any laws to be broken during the ride it is all OK at the end of the ride to leave the vehicle. But a soul is responsible for everything that goes on in the mind. If we think about it, the relationship between a rider and driver is very complicated to that of a vehicle that it is riding/driving, with multiple choices at multiple levels. Question of free will and achievement become very complicated if we consider the above analogy.

Soul is on a very mortal ride with its body,
The body will last for a single lifetime.
When a trip is over, or the life is at an end,
The body leaves the cab, and soul leaves the body.

That is all there is to it,
Unless a soul ties itself,
With mindless attachments,
To the body or the cab.

When a person becomes over-ambitious and uses the body for non-essential activities, as an expression of unreasonable personal ambitions, sometimes unnatural, then the actions and their consequences, called karma, eventually bind the person (soul).

To stab someone is a crime of the body,
An unkind word is a crime of the soul,
To kill someone is a crime of the body,
Breaking a heart is a crime of the soul.

Discipline of the body will not fix the soul,
Nor will flight of soul be hindered by a body,
Unless the soul seeks to bind itself,
To the limits and actions of the body.
Thoughts, words, attachments, feelings,
Bind the mind and the soul.

=========================================================================
========================================================================
------------------------------------------------------------------
-x-