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.

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Reference verses with commentary:
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ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ਮੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਜੋ ਮਾਗਉ ਸੋ ਪਾਵਉ ਰੇ ॥

ਨਾਮ ਰੰਗਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਾਨਾ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਕਤਹੂੰ ਧਾਵਉ ਰੇ ॥੧॥

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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]
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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.

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ਜੋ ਮਾਗਉ ਸੋਈ ਸੋਈ ਪਾਵਉ ਅਪਨੇ ਖਸਮ ਭਰੋਸਾ ॥

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਭੇਟਿਓ ਮਿਟਿਓ ਸਗਲ ਅੰਦੇਸਾ ॥੨॥੧੪॥੪੨॥

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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]
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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.

 

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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॥

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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]
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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.

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ਜਿ ਵਸਤੁ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਸਾਈ ਪਾਈਐ ਜੇ ਨਾਮਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਈਐ ॥

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Translation:

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

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

If a person's mind is focused on the Name of God, then the person will receive whatever the person asks for.

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ਐ ਜੀ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਗਉ ਕਿਛੁ ਰਹੈ ਨ ਦੀਸੈ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਆਇਆ ਜਾਈ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਕੰਠਿ ਬਣਾਈ ॥੮॥੩॥

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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]
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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.

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ਪਿਤਾ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲਿ ਆਗਿਆ ਇਹ ਦੀਨੀ ਬਾਰਿਕੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਮਾਂਗੈ ਸੋ ਦੇਨਾ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਬਾਰਿਕੁ ਦਰਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਚਾਹੈ ਮੋਹਿ ਹ੍ਰਿਦੈ ਬਸਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਚਰਨਾ ॥੪॥੨॥

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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]
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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.

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ਮਨ ਕੀਆ ਇਛਾ ਪੂਰੀਆ ਸਬਦਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥

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Translation:

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

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 34:34]
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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). 

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ਜਿ ਤੁਧ ਨੋ ਸਾਲਾਹੇ ਸੁ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਕੇਰੀ ॥

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Translation:

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

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

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ਮਨੁ ਜੋ ਇਛੇ ਸੋ ਲਹੈ ਸਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥

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Translation:

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

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

By having faith in true words of wisdom (words of a True Guru), mind receives what it wishes for.

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ਜੋ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ਪੂਜੇ ਗੁਰ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਸੋ ਮਨ ਇਛੇ ਫਲ ਪਾਵੈ ॥

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Translation:

One who focuses & worships embodiment of Guru, receives fruit as per mind's wish.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 303:23]

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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).

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ਓਇ ਜੇਹਾ ਚਿਤਵਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਤੇਹਾ ਪਾਇਨਿ ਓਇ ਤੇਹੋ ਜੇਹੇ ਦਯਿ ਵਜਾਏ ॥

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Translation:

As one always thinks, so does one receive, so does God play one.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 303:2]

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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. 

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ਇਕੁ ਮਨੁ ਇਕੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਲਗੈ ਸੋ ਥਾਇ ਪਾਇ ॥

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Translation:

One mind, one task, finds success wherever applied.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 303:5]

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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. 

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ਮਨਿ ਚਿੰਦੇ ਫਲ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇ ॥੧੭॥

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Translation:

Receive as per mind's desire, Nanak, singing praise of God.17.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 300:22]

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Commentary:

Singing about qualities of God, words of praise, fulfils the desires of the mind.

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ਸੁਨਿ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਬਸਾਵਹੁ ॥

ਮਨ ਇਛੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਫਲ ਪਾਵਹੁ ॥੫॥

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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]

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Commentary:

Desires of the mind are fulfilled by listening and cherishing the true teaching, words of wisdom of True Guru.

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ਸੋ ਐਸਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੀਐ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਜੁ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਸਭ ਭੁਖ ਗਵਾਏ ॥

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Translation:

So chant such Name my mind, which removes craving, all hunger of mind.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 89:12]

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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.

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ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਕਥਾ ਰਿਦ ਮਾਹਿ ਬਸਾਈ ॥

ਮਨ ਬਾਂਛਤ ਸਗਲੇ ਫਲ ਪਾਈ ॥੨॥

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Translation:

Sermon of God, enshrine in heart,

Get all fruits, mind's desire.2.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 195:17-18]

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Commentary:

By focusing on sermons and stories about God, mind's desires are fulfilled. 

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ਮਨਸਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਸਮਾਇਲੇ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਸਚਿ ਤਰਣਾ ॥

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Translation:

Stilling desires in mind, True, swim across dreadful ocean.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 419:14]

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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.

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ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਧਸੰਗੇ ਨਾਮ ਰੰਗੇ ਮਨਿ ਲੋੜੀਦਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

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Translation:

Meet Saadh Sangat, coloured with Name, receive desire of mind.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 459:3]

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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.

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ਹਰਿ ਚੇਤਿ ਅਚੇਤ ਮਨਾ ਜੋ ਇਛਹਿ ਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਹੋਈ ॥

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Translation:

Remember God, ignorant mind, what you desire, that is obtained.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 491:16]

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Commentary:

This verse reminds the ignorant mind to ever remember God, the Creator of all. Remembrance of God fulfils one's desires.

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ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਦਾਤਾਰੁ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਪੂਰਿਆ ॥

ਇਛ ਪੁੰਨੀ ਮਨਿ ਆਸ ਗਏ ਵਿਸੂਰਿਆ ॥

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Translation:

Remember, remember The Great Giver, desires fulfilled,

Wish accomplished,  mind's hope, sorrows depart.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 524:11-12]

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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.

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ਮਨ ਇਛੇ ਸੇਈ ਫਲ ਪਾਏ ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਕਥਾ ਸੁਹੇਲੀ ॥

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Translation:

Mind's desire, receive same fruits, listening to delightful sermon of the Lord.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 616:26]

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Commentary:

Listening to sermon and stories of God, a person receives fruits as per mind's desire.

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ਜੇ ਮਨਿ ਚਿਤਿ ਆਸ ਰਖਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਊਪਰਿ ਤਾ ਮਨ ਚਿੰਦੇ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਨੇਕ ਫਲ ਪਾਈ ॥

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Translation:

If mind remembers, places hope on God, then mind's wish,  many many fruits received. 

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 859:3]

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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.

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ਸਭ ਸੁਖ ਦਾਤਾ ਰਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਦੂਸਰ ਨਾਹਿਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨਿ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਤਿਹ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਗਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥੯॥

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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]

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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.

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ਕਬੀਰ ਬਿਕਾਰਹ ਚਿਤਵਤੇ ਝੂਠੇ ਕਰਤੇ ਆਸ ॥

ਮਨੋਰਥੁ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਪੂਰਿਓ ਚਾਲੇ ਊਠਿ ਨਿਰਾਸ ॥੨੦੫॥

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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]

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Commentary:

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

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-x-

Miracles

Main points:

1. Miracles is a controversial topic. Many, if not all, scriptures are filled with description of miracles. Rationalists could consider miracles as an illogical and unrealistic aspect of religion.
2. A miracle by definition is an event which cannot be explained by natural or physical laws. Not all laws are known today, and many will be discovered in future. So common knowledge of tomorrow may appear a miracle today.
3. I believe miracles is a non-issue. Miracles are done by God. Once a person has accepted existence of God, the Creator of all there is, then possibility of miracles is always there. There will not be much that a Creator of world is incapable to doing.
4. In fact, by definition, a God should be able to work miracles, and bend the natural laws. Anyone unable to create or bend laws of nature is not God.
5. If a person has not accepted existence of an Omnipotent God then the person would not believe in miracles. In this case, belief in existence or non-existence of God has to be resolved first, which is an unsolved and much more important problem than finding out whether miracles exist.
6. Miracles are not done by human beings (or spirits or other possible entities, if they exist). I believe anyone claiming to work miracles should be met with scepticism. Miracle working by human beings is most likely work of tricks (which is team work, or sleight of hand) or just use of obscure or hidden technology. When a scripture describes a miracle, it always points out that it was a work of God, and not a prophet or saint. A saint or prophet always describe unexplained incidents (miracles) as a work of God.
7. Having said all of the above things, I believe there still remains a grey area, because my knowledge is limited. There are stories of miracles as an answer to prayers, stories of healing, curses, or other spiritual powers. I believe whatever they are, if they are true, they are based on working of laws not yet clearly known to me and also not known to most other people. Some people claim to understand them, some people claim to have some powers, but there is nothing conclusive in this area, and it is a matter of experimenting oneself and finding out. If these things are true they will be just like building muscles or practising an art form, the more you practice, the better you get. There are laws of prayer, laws of healing, or laws of breathing, etc. Whatever one decides to explore, one should remember that a life is short, and it is better to use it well, than waste it in chasing mirages. I have personally tried prayers and healing, but here too the actual miracle, if it happens, is done by God, as an answer to a prayer. Anybody can pray, but not all prayers are answered - A parent does not buy every toy that a child asks for!
8. Regarding spiritual powers, I personally believe their only value, if they exist, is satisfying curiosity or performing unexplained tricks in this lifetime (without any eternal value); none of the prophets or saints spent time doing them nor widely taught them, so probably they are not worth spending time on, in my opinion. 
9. A final word on miracles - there is a concept in eastern spirituality called "Riddhi-Siddhi", which are a group of miraculous spiritual powers. Theoretically, there are many different ways for achieving them, like breath control, meditation, etc, but their utility is limited to current lifetime. They do not bring any eternal benefit to the practitioner, and instead could cause occurrence of incidents which may have adverse consequences for the practitioner in the long term. From a technical perspective these are not miracles, but just practices that have not been widely understood, and there are specific steps of achieving them. But few would be willing to explore and share the learning, as most such systems are based on secrecy, and as with all such things secret, the efficacy of such teachings is doubtful. The best way to achieve these spiritual powers, as per Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is by hearing and contemplating the Name of God (related verses given in this article). The best protection from such powers is also prayer and chanting the Name of God. From practical perspective it is very unlikely that we will come across a person who possesses these powers, nor is it likely that any of us would come to possess them (maybe not because the methods do not work, but because of lack of trying, motivation, and practice). I have never met such a person (who possesses any such powers), nor I expect to meet anyone. We only hear stories that cannot be verified. Hankering for them is pointless as their utility is limited, and this hankering should be actively avoided as it could actually become a roadblock to real useful spiritual progress, and is more like a unhealthy fixation or ambition. For a monotheistic believer, the Name of God, is the miraculous spiritual power.

-
Following verses from Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji present different perspectives on miracles, and my understanding of the same. In recent years there has been a practice of some religious community members to appear practical and rational, and thus they either ignore references to miracles in their own scripture, or say that the text describing miracle is symbolic (and not literal). In an attempt to appear scientific, some ignore their own scripture. Appearing scientific seems fashionable, but science too has plenty of unanswered questions.

But I personally believe anyone who believes in a Monotheistic, All powerful Creator of the world, God, cannot deny possibility of miracles done by God. Surely the Creator of the world should be able to do anything in His creation, bend the laws at will, and answer any prayers should He choose to! But we should always doubt the possibility of a miracle done by a human being, as a human being is bound by natural and physical laws, and for most part there is no reason why a human being can transcend a natural or physical law. 
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Reference verses with commentary:
=1================================================================
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ਮਿਰਤਕ ਕਉ ਜੀਵਾਲਨਹਾਰ ॥

-----------------
Translation: 

Gives life to the dead.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 283:30]
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Commentary:

In this verse God is described as someone who is capable of giving life to the dead. If we think about it, God, who is someone who has created the entire world and all the life in it, will obviously be able to influence life and death. 

If a person thinks that God is incapable of making life and death decisions for a person, or is unable to reverse these states, then probably the person does not believe in a God (as per monotheistic faith). A God bound by rules and laws of this world is not God as per monotheism (I have no knowledge of polytheism, and cannot comment on deities of polytheism).

=2================================================================
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ਸੰਡਾ ਮਰਕਾ ਜਾਇ ਪੁਕਾਰੇ ॥

ਪੜੈ ਨਹੀ ਹਮ ਹੀ ਪਚਿ ਹਾਰੇ ॥

ਰਾਮੁ ਕਹੈ ਕਰ ਤਾਲ ਬਜਾਵੈ ਚਟੀਆ ਸਭੈ ਬਿਗਾਰੇ ॥੧॥

ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮਾ ਜਪਿਬੋ ਕਰੈ ॥

ਹਿਰਦੈ ਹਰਿ ਜੀ ਕੋ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਧਰੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

ਬਸੁਧਾ ਬਸਿ ਕੀਨੀ ਸਭ ਰਾਜੇ ਬਿਨਤੀ ਕਰੈ ਪਟਰਾਨੀ ॥

ਪੂਤੁ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦੁ ਕਹਿਆ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੈ ਤਿਨਿ ਤਉ ਅਉਰੈ ਠਾਨੀ ॥੨॥

ਦੁਸਟ ਸਭਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਮੰਤਰ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕਰਸਹ ਅਉਧ ਘਨੇਰੀ ॥

ਗਿਰਿ ਤਰ ਜਲ ਜੁਆਲਾ ਭੈ ਰਾਖਿਓ ਰਾਜਾ ਰਾਮਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਫੇਰੀ ॥੩॥

ਕਾਢਿ ਖੜਗੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਭੈ ਕੋਪਿਓ ਮੋਹਿ ਬਤਾਉ ਜੁ ਤੁਹਿ ਰਾਖੈ ॥

ਪੀਤ ਪੀਤਾਂਬਰ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਧਣੀ ਥੰਭ ਮਾਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਖੈ ॥੪॥

ਹਰਨਾਖਸੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਖਹ ਬਿਦਾਰਿਓ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਰ ਕੀਏ ਸਨਾਥਾ ॥

ਕਹਿ ਨਾਮਦੇਉ ਹਮ ਨਰਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਵਹ ਰਾਮੁ ਅਭੈ ਪਦ ਦਾਤਾ ॥੫॥੩॥੯॥

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

 

Sanda, Marka, go and proclaim,

Does not study, even we are tired, spent,

Says Ram, claps to tune, spoiled all students.1.

Says, I will chant Name,

In heart, keeps remembrance of God.1.pause.

King brought all Earth under control, queen entreats,

Son Prahlad you do not obey, he decided something else for you.2.

Meeting in company of wicked, resolved to increase his age immensely,

Plunged, under water, fire, fear, King Ram protected, transforming nature.3. 

Pulling sword, death, fear, terrible, tell me, who protects you,

The Yellow Robed, Lord of three worlds, within pillar God speaks.4.

One who tore Harnaakash with nails, reassured demigods and men, 

Namdev says, I remember the same Narhar (God), Ram, giver of fearlessness.5.3.9.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1165:18-30] 
=======================================
Commentary:

This verse tells story of a devout devotee, Prahlaad. Prahlaad did not focus on learning prescribed by the powerful king, his father, and instead devoted time in practicing devotion to God. The king, Harnaakash, tries to kill his son for disobedience by throwing him off a cliff, into water and into fire. But each time God changes the laws of nature to protect Prahlaad. Finally the king tries to kill Prahlaad with his sword, but God appears and kills the king.

This is a famous story about Bhagat Prahlaad in Indian scriptures, and it has been recounted in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji also. I believe multiple versions of story exit. The reason to include this story here is to convey the point that miracles, like divine protection in this story, is the work of God and not of a human being. Second reason to include this story is to illustrate the point that scriptures do talk about miracles.

=3================================================================
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ਸੁਲਤਾਨੁ ਪੂਛੈ ਸੁਨੁ ਬੇ ਨਾਮਾ ॥

ਦੇਖਉ ਰਾਮ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਰੇ ਕਾਮਾ ॥੧॥

ਨਾਮਾ ਸੁਲਤਾਨੇ ਬਾਧਿਲਾ ॥

ਦੇਖਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਬੀਠੁਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

ਬਿਸਮਿਲਿ ਗਊ ਦੇਹੁ ਜੀਵਾਇ ॥

ਨਾਤਰੁ ਗਰਦਨਿ ਮਾਰਉ ਠਾਂਇ ॥੨॥

ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹ ਐਸੀ ਕਿਉ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਬਿਸਮਿਲਿ ਕੀਆ ਨ ਜੀਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥੩॥

ਮੇਰਾ ਕੀਆ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਕਰਿ ਹੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਹੋਇ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥੪॥

ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹੁ ਚੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਓ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਿ ॥

ਗਜ ਹਸਤੀ ਦੀਨੋ ਚਮਕਾਰਿ ॥੫॥

ਰੁਦਨੁ ਕਰੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਕੀ ਮਾਇ ॥

ਛੋਡਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਕੀ ਨ ਭਜਹਿ ਖੁਦਾਇ ॥੬॥

ਨ ਹਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਪੂੰਗੜਾ ਨ ਤੂ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਇ ॥

ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪੜੈ ਤਉ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇ ॥੭॥

ਕਰੈ ਗਜਿੰਦੁ ਸੁੰਡ ਕੀ ਚੋਟ ॥

ਨਾਮਾ ਉਬਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਓਟ ॥੮॥

ਕਾਜੀ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਕਰਹਿ ਸਲਾਮੁ ॥

ਇਨਿ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਲਿਆ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੯॥

ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਸੁਨੇਹੁ ॥

ਨਾਮੇ ਸਰ ਭਰਿ ਸੋਨਾ ਲੇਹੁ ॥੧੦॥

ਮਾਲੁ ਲੇਉ ਤਉ ਦੋਜਕਿ ਪਰਉ ॥

ਦੀਨੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਕਉ ਭਰਉ ॥੧੧॥

ਪਾਵਹੁ ਬੇੜੀ ਹਾਥਹੁ ਤਾਲ ॥

ਨਾਮਾ ਗਾਵੈ ਗੁਨ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥੧੨॥

ਗੰਗ ਜਮੁਨ ਜਉ ਉਲਟੀ ਬਹੈ ॥

ਤਉ ਨਾਮਾ ਹਰਿ ਕਰਤਾ ਰਹੈ ॥੧੩॥

ਸਾਤ ਘੜੀ ਜਬ ਬੀਤੀ ਸੁਣੀ ॥

ਅਜਹੁ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਧਣੀ ॥੧੪॥

ਪਾਖੰਤਣ ਬਾਜ ਬਜਾਇਲਾ ॥

ਗਰੁੜ ਚੜ੍ਹ੍ਹੇ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਆਇਲਾ ॥੧੫॥

ਅਪਨੇ ਭਗਤ ਪਰਿ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲ ॥

ਗਰੁੜ ਚੜ੍ਹ੍ਹੇ ਆਏ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥੧੬॥

ਕਹਹਿ ਤ ਧਰਣਿ ਇਕੋਡੀ ਕਰਉ ॥

ਕਹਹਿ ਤ ਲੇ ਕਰਿ ਊਪਰਿ ਧਰਉ ॥੧੭॥

ਕਹਹਿ ਤ ਮੁਈ ਗਊ ਦੇਉ ਜੀਆਇ ॥

ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਦੇਖੈ ਪਤੀਆਇ ॥੧੮॥

ਨਾਮਾ ਪ੍ਰਣਵੈ ਸੇਲ ਮਸੇਲ ॥

ਗਊ ਦੁਹਾਈ ਬਛਰਾ ਮੇਲਿ ॥੧੯॥

ਦੂਧਹਿ ਦੁਹਿ ਜਬ ਮਟੁਕੀ ਭਰੀ ॥

ਲੇ ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹ ਕੇ ਆਗੇ ਧਰੀ ॥੨੦॥

ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹੁ ਮਹਲ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥

ਅਉਘਟ ਕੀ ਘਟ ਲਾਗੀ ਆਇ ॥੨੧॥

ਕਾਜੀ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਬਿਨਤੀ ਫੁਰਮਾਇ ॥

ਬਖਸੀ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੈ ਤੇਰੀ ਗਾਇ ॥੨੨॥

ਨਾਮਾ ਕਹੈ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹ ॥

ਇਹੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਤੀਆ ਮੁਝੈ ਦਿਖਾਇ ॥੨੩॥

ਇਸ ਪਤੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਹੈ ਪਰਵਾਨੁ ॥

ਸਾਚਿ ਸੀਲਿ ਚਾਲਹੁ ਸੁਲਿਤਾਨ ॥੨੪॥

ਨਾਮਦੇਉ ਸਭ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ ॥

ਮਿਲਿ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਸਭ ਨਾਮੇ ਪਹਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੨੫॥

ਜਉ ਅਬ ਕੀ ਬਾਰ ਨ ਜੀਵੈ ਗਾਇ ॥

ਤ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਕਾ ਪਤੀਆ ਜਾਇ ॥੨੬॥

ਨਾਮੇ ਕੀ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਰਹੀ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥

ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾਂ ਲੇ ਉਧਰਿਆ ਪਾਰਿ ॥੨੭॥

ਸਗਲ ਕਲੇਸ ਨਿੰਦਕ ਭਇਆ ਖੇਦੁ ॥

ਨਾਮੇ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦੁ ॥੨੮॥੧॥੧੦॥

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Translation: 

Sultan asks, listen O Nam Dev,

Show your Ram's works.1.

Sultan arrested Nam Dev,

Show your God Bithula.1.pause.

Restore life to body of slaughtered cow,

Otherwise I will cut your neck immediately.2.

King how can this happen,

None slaughtered can live again.3.

By my action, nothing can happen,

Actions of Ram, only that happens.4.

King puffed up in pride,

Using ankus, enraged elephant.5.

Nam Dev's mother weeps,

Leave Ram, why not chant Khuda.6.

Neither I am your son, nor you my mother,

Body falls, even then I will sing glory of God.7.

Elephant tries to hit with trunk,

Nama Dev was saved by God's protection.8.

Qazi, Mullah, salute me,

This Hindu trampled my pride.9.

King listen our request,

Take gold equal to Nam Dev's weight.10.

Taking wealth, then fall in Hell,

Leaving faith, amassing world.11.

Fetters on feet, keeping beat with hands,

Nam Dev sings glory of God.12.

If Ganga, Jamuna, flow in reverse,

Then too, Nam Dev, will keep chanting Har.13.

When seven gharhi were heard to pass,

Even now the Lord of the three worlds has not come.14.

Playing the instrument of wings,

Riding eagle God came.15.

Protects His own devotee,

Riding eagle came God.16.

If you say, I will tilt ground sideways,

If you say, I will take and overturn it.17.

If you say, I will give the dead cow life,

Everyone will see and be satisfied.18.

Nam Dev supplicates, fastens hind legs,

Milked cow, uniting calf.19.

Milking milk, when pitcher filled,

Took and kept in front of the king.20.

King goes in the palace,

Time of difficulty came along.21.

Qazi, Mulla, conveyed royal request,

Forgive me Hindu, I am your cow.22.

Nam Dev said, listen king,

This test of faith, did I manifest.23.

This test is only acceptable,

Emperor, walk in truth, humility.24.

Nam Dev saved, pervaded everywhere,

Meeting, all Hindus, go to Nam Dev.25.

If this time, cow did not revive,

Then faith in Nam Dev would have gone.26.

 

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1165:31-51, 1166:1-37] 
=======================================
Commentary:

This is another story in Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji illustrating a dead cow coming back to life. An apparent miracle, but it was work of God. The king, sultan, challenges Bhagat Nam Dev to show works of his God. King gets a cow killed and challenges Bhagat Nam Dev to bring the cow back to life. King notes that if the cow does not come to life, then he would get the saint killed.

Bhagat Namdev tells the king that only God can do miracles. Finally God appears and brings cow back to life. As king asks for forgiveness, Bhagat Nam Dev tells the king that this test is acceptable only if the king learns to walk and live in truth and humility. This verse also emphasises that miracles are done by God.

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ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖਦਾਈ ॥

ਜਾ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਅਜਾਮਲੁ ਉਧਰਿਓ ਗਨਿਕਾ ਹੂ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

ਪੰਚਾਲੀ ਕਉ ਰਾਜ ਸਭਾ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਸੁਧਿ ਆਈ ॥

ਤਾ ਕੋ ਦੂਖੁ ਹਰਿਓ ਕਰੁਣਾ ਮੈ ਅਪਨੀ ਪੈਜ ਬਢਾਈ ॥੧॥

ਜਿਹ ਨਰ ਜਸੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਿਧਿ ਗਾਇਓ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਭਇਓ ਸਹਾਈ ॥

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੈ ਇਹੀ ਭਰੋਸੈ ਗਹੀ ਆਨਿ ਸਰਨਾਈ ॥੨॥੧॥

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Translation: 

Name of God forever gives peace,

Remembering whom Ajamal was emancipated, Ganika found salvation.1.pause.

Paanchali in king's court, realized Name of Ram,

Taking away her grief, in His mercy, increased His respect.1.

The person who sings praise of God, The treasure of mercy, God is his succourer,

Speaks Nanak, relying on this, I have come to His protection.2.1.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1008:11-16] 

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Commentary:

This verse highlights another miracle that is widely documented in scriptures of different religions in the Indian sub-continent. Paanchali, a queen, was wagered by her husband in a game of dice and lost. The winners planned to disrespect Paanchali in front of the court, but she prayed to God for help, and God protected her. The details vary from scripture to scripture, and have not been documented in Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. But all scriptures agree that God performed a miracle to save a helpless woman in front of the king's entire court. 

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ਨਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਾਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

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Translation: 

Nine treasures, supernatural powers come by contemplating the pure Name.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 220:33] 

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Commentary:

This verse gives the best way to gain different spiritual powers is by contemplating the Name of God. All Names of God which refer to the supreme creator are precious, and effective. The details of the miraculous powers is given in the next verse commentary.

=6================================================================

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ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ॥

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

Translation: 

In the remembrance of God, there is supernatural powers, miracles, nine treasures.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 262:43] 

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

This verse tells that by contemplating and remembering God in meditation, a person can receive the supernatural powers known as Ridh Sidh and Nidh. It may be noted that remembering Name of God, Praising God, remembering God are similar tasks and complementary to each other. These powers have been described as:

(Following details have been taken from this forum post here: https://gurmatbibek.com/forum/read.php?3,36418)

Ridh - This power brings success, progress, and affluence.

Sidhis are 18, and divided into major and minor:

Minor Sidhis (10):

Door-Darshan - to see all, clairvoyance.

Door-Sarvan - to hear all, clairaudience.

Par-Kaya Parvesh - ability of soul/consciousness  to enter other’s body.

Annuram - freedom from hunger and thirst.

Kaamroop - adopt desired form, ability to change the form to that of another person.

Savichhatt-Mirtu - to die at will, to die the way one wants to.

Sankalap Sidhi - to get desires fulfilled, to have all that one wants.

Apprittehatt-Gatee - ability to go anywhere without any hindrance or obstruction.

Mano-Veg - to go anywhere at the speed of thought.

Sur-Kareera - to have enjoyment along with demi-gods.

Major Sidhis (8):

Anima - ability to become very small.

Mahema - to become big.

Garima - to become heavy.

Laghima - to become light.

Praptee - to get success.

Prakamya - to read the minds of other people.

Eeshihta (Isatva) - power to persuade others.

Vashihta (Vasitva) - to control other’s mind, and self control.

Nidh - Nine treasures

Padam-Nidhi - attainment of sons, grand sons, gold, silver, precious metals.

Mahan-Padam - one gets diamonds, rubies and other gems and jewels (precious stones).

Kharab - riches of all kinds.

Kund - trading in gold.

Nil - trading in precious stones, jewels, and gems.

Sankh - delicious food.

Kachhap - clothes and food-grains in abundance.

Mukund - mastery in arts, music, and poetry.

Makar - gives the art of using weapons and sovereignty on others.

=7================================================================

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ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਭ ਸਿਧਿ ਹੈ ਰਿਧਿ ਪਿਛੈ ਆਵੈ ॥

ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਮਨ ਚਿੰਦਿਆ ਪਾਵੈ ॥

ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਹੋਇ ਕਵਲਾ ਚਰਨ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥

ਨਾਇ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਹਜੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਹਜੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥

ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ॥੭॥

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Translation: 

Hearing Name, all supernatural powers are, miraculous powers come follow,

Hearing Name nine treasures are obtained, acquire mind's wish,

Hearing Name, contentment comes, god of wealth meditates at one's feet,

Hearing Name, divine knowledge appears, easily finds peace,

Obtain Name from Guru's teaching, Nanak sings virtues.7.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1240:25-29] 
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Commentary:

This verse tells the benefits of hearing the Name of God, and that it results in material as well as in spiritual benefits to a person (including supernatural powers). The Name of God is obtained from Guru's teaching. For Sikhs the Guru is Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and Guru Granth Sahib Ji gives details of different Names of Supreme God. 

It is my belief that anyone willing to accept and respect the teaching of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is welcome to consider Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their own Guru. I am not a very religious person, but I have found that words of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji have been very helpful for me, and have provided me guidance during my times of need and at other times also. Readers can search and access the translation and original verses online.

Some of the Names of Supreme God used in Guru Granth Sahib Ji are Satnam, Ram, Allah, and many others, and can be found in the following Youtube videos: https://youtu.be/DEKgmvT0cZk and https://youtu.be/OF7fNxSKtKk. Reader is encouraged to read Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to know the different Names of God.

=8================================================================

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ਜਿਹ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਿਮਰੰਥਿ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥

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

Translation: 

They who remember the True Guru, receive miraculous powers, supernatural powers, and nine treasures.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1405:28] 
=======================================
Commentary:

This verse highlights the same point as described in previous points. There are many verses in Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji which highlight these points, and I have included some of them here.

A True Guru, or teacher, is considered same as God. The definitions are nuanced and beyond the scope of current article, but remembering the True Guru is same as remembering Supreme God. 

These verses give details of complementary actions like chanting Name of God, Praising God, hearing the Name of God, remembering God or True Guru, among others, all of which result in the practitioner gaining miraculous powers. How much time and effort would be needed for these powers to manifest? I am not sure.

=9================================================================

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ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਬੁਧਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇ ਪਾਇਆ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਸਰਣਿ ਪਇਆ ॥੧੧॥

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

Translation: 

Miraculous powers, supernatural powers, wisdom, knowledge received from Guru, wealth of salvation found in His refuge.11.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 907:4] 
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Commentary:

This verse highlights that one receives supernatural powers from the True Guru and teacher.

=10===============================================================

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ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਪਾਈ ਜੋ ਤੁਮਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵਨਾ ॥੫॥

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

Translation: 

They who are pleasing to Your mind, receive nine treasures, miraculous powers, supernatural powers.5.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1018:31] 
=======================================
Commentary:

This verse highlights that God grants these powers when he wishes to grant them to someone with whom He is pleased. These verses show different ways in which a person can come to possess supernatural powers. Some of the methods are related or have some overlap.

=11===============================================================

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ਜਉ ਹਰਿ ਬੁਧਿ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਚਾਹਤ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੁ ਕਰੁ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ॥੫॥੯॥

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

Translation: 

My mind, if you wish for all wisdom, miraculous, spiritual powers, do Guru Guru Gur.5.9.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1400:4] 
=======================================
Commentary:

This verse instructs the mind to chant 'Guru', or Name of the Guru, to receive supernatural powers and wisdom. The True Guru is an aspect of Supreme God which instructs and guides us.

Wisdom (Budhi) is again characterized by following qualities or aspects (List and explanation taken from https://gurmatbibek.com/forum/read.php?3,36418):

Bharosa - faith and dependence on God.

Leenta - an absolute attachment (absorption) to God.

Santokh - contentment.

Detachment - from the dear ones and the worldly possessions.

Hukam - acceptance of the will of God. It is total surrender to Him.

Sehaj - equilibrium, equipoise.

Anand - perpetual delight, permanent joy.

Vismaad - ecstasy, joy plus wonderment.

Nidar - benevolence of God. He believes in the mercy of God as an instrument of his attainments, and that his own efforts mean nothing. 

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

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ਕਰਿ ਅਨੁਗ੍ਰਹ ਰਾਖਿ ਲੀਨੇ ਏਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਧਾਰ ॥

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

Translation: 

By grace He protects those who take support of Name.2.103.126.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1228:24] 
=======================================
Commentary:

This verse tells that people who take support of God's Name are protected by God. This protection includes all protection, protection from physical or supernatural things or powers. I understand words, "take support", as believing in God, believing in power of Name of God, chanting and remembering the Name of God, specially in one's time of distress or need, and in prayer.

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

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ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਏਹਾ ਸਿਧਿ ਏਹਾ ਕਰਮਾਤਿ ॥੨॥

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

Translation: 

Nanak, God's Name rests in the mind of the Gurmukh, this is occult power, this is a miracle.2.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 650:16] 
=======================================
Commentary:

This verse tells that when God's Name rests in a person's mind, then this in itself is a occult power and a miracle (By resting in mind means, accepting Name of God as a Supreme support). 

This verse is difficult to understand, without more context and information, and I only present the translation of verses related to supernatural powers.

=14===============================================================

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ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਸਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥

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

Translation: 

Miraculous powers, occult powers are all worldly attachments, Name does not rest, or come to mind.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 593:32] 
=======================================
Commentary:

Final verse in this post deals with the risks of pursuing supernatural and miraculous powers. If a person tries to possess them, then they are worldly attachments which can hinder a person's spiritual progress. They can result from spiritual life of a person, but in themselves they are just worldly attachments or possessions which will not benefit the soul, as they deal with physical and material attainments only. 

People could feel that pursuing these powers is a spiritual or religious path, but in fact it is not, as this verse warns. By going after these powers, a person risks losing attachment to Name of God, which is a terrible misfortune. So this verse guides a spiritual person to understand and accept the Name of God, and stay away from pursuing (or using) spiritual and miraculous powers.

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-x-

Who am I?

Main points:

1. Who is a human being? Who am I? This is a fundamental question that many people ponder. This post would present a perspective shared by Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and my understanding of the concepts.
2. Difference between a person and God, is similar to difference between a ripple and water. Ripple has its own existence which is an extension or projection of water. Within context of this analogy, assuming water is eternal, ripple is ephemeral while water is permanent.
3. Second analogy describing relationship between a person and God, is that of a gold ornament and gold. Same material, gold, is used to fashion many different ornaments. Ornaments could be melted multiple times to make new ornaments, while the essential quality of underlying material, gold, remains the same.
4. A ripple attached to its own form of an ephemeral ripple will be troubled by realizing that its existence is for a finite time. A ripple which identifies itself as part of water, will find rest even if it merges back in water.
5. A person is separated from God by own previous actions. Union with God is the only option to provide a stable state to a person.

-
Following verses from Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji present different perspectives to understand self. One important aspect while reading scripture is that the mind has to deal with multiple perspectives and analogies which sometimes are not always comprehensible or may appear contradictory. I find it is a good practice to read scripture with an open mind, take in the ideas without judging them immediately, and letting mind work on them. As time passes and mind gets a chance to think through the concepts, the ideas become clearer.
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Reference verses with commentary:
=1================================================================
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ਤੋਹੀ ਮੋਹੀ ਮੋਹੀ ਤੋਹੀ ਅੰਤਰੁ ਕੈਸਾ ॥
ਕਨਕ ਕਟਿਕ ਜਲ ਤਰੰਗ ਜੈਸਾ ॥੧॥
ਜਉ ਪੈ ਹਮ ਨ ਪਾਪ ਕਰੰਤਾ ਅਹੇ ਅਨੰਤਾ ॥
ਪਤਿਤ ਪਾਵਨ ਨਾਮੁ ਕੈਸੇ ਹੁੰਤਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਜੁ ਨਾਇਕ ਆਛਹੁ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ॥
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੇ ਜਨੁ ਜਾਨੀਜੈ ਜਨ ਤੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥੨॥
ਸਰੀਰੁ ਆਰਾਧੈ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਦੇਹੂ ॥
ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਸਮ ਦਲ ਸਮਝਾਵੈ ਕੋਊ ॥੩॥
-----------------
Translation:

You, me, me, You, what is the difference,
Like gold and bangle, water and ripple.1.
If I do not sin, O limitless Lord,
How would You be called Redeemer of fallen.1.pause.
You who are Master, are All-knowing,
Devotee is known by God, Master by His devotee.2.
Body contemplates, give me this wisdom,
Ravidas, parts are same, some rare one instructs.3.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 93:27-34]
=======================================
Commentary:

This verse tells the difference between God and a person (and soul). The soul is the entity which has the ego, and is aware of its separate existence as a person or being. God is the Supreme God, the Creator of the world. The difference between God and a person (soul) is like difference between water and a ripple on the water surface, or like a gold ornament and gold.

In a way the ripple and the ornament are definitely water and gold respectively, but the form and life of ripple and ornament is short-lived. A ripple merges back in water, while an ornament gets melted to create new ornaments.

The verse tells of unique relationship between a Devotee and God. God is revealed by His devotees, while a devotee's power rests in God. Whatever a devotee seems to accomplish and becomes famous for, is the work of God. If a devotee worships a powerless god, the accomplishments would have more talk than substance.

At the end of the verse, Bhagat Ravidaas asks for this wisdom, and points out that few can impart this wisdom, that the parts are same as the whole.

=2================================================================
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ਜਬ ਹਮ ਹੋਤੇ ਤਬ ਤੂ ਨਾਹੀ ਅਬ ਤੂਹੀ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
ਅਨਲ ਅਗਮ ਜੈਸੇ ਲਹਰਿ ਮਇ ਓਦਧਿ ਜਲ ਕੇਵਲ ਜਲ ਮਾਂਹੀ ॥੧॥
-----------------
Translation:

When we are, then You are not, now only You, I am not,
Intense gust, like wave in ocean, only water in water.1.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 657:43-44]
=======================================
Commentary:

When a person focuses on its form of a limited and temporary wave, it misses to see itself as part of the larger eternal ocean. When the soul focuses on its form being part of the ocean, then existence and limitations of a small wave lose significance and disappear. This is an easy concept to explain and understand, but difficult to experience and internalize.

The veil which keeps a soul separated from God, is its own ego. A soul finds it very difficult to see something larger which is based on dissolving its own existence first. It can happen in an instant, or it can take a lot of time.

=3================================================================
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ਬਹੁਰਿ ਹਮ ਕਾਹੇ ਆਵਹਿਗੇ ॥
ਆਵਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਕਾ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਬੁਝਿ ਸਮਾਵਹਿਗੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
-----------------
Translation:

Why we shall come again,
Come, go by command, merge on understanding His command.1.pause.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1103:30-31]
=======================================
Commentary:

The verse explains that people come and go as per God's command. Coming and going also refer to birth and death. By command I understand a set of natural and physical laws which govern this world. And it is by understanding these laws that people can act such that they are free from transmigration. The laws have been created by God, and are referred as God's commands in the verse.

One of the laws is that people will reap what they harvest. Another law is that salvation depends on whether a human being believes in the power of the Name of God, well enough to be able to remember the Name when it matters. It is only by understanding these laws that a ripple can happily merge back in water, transcending the life of the humble ripple.

=4================================================================
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ਕਾਟੇ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਤਿਮਰ ਨਿਰਮਲੀਆ ਬੁਧਿ ਬਿਗਾਸ ਬਿਬੇਕਾ ॥
ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਤਰੰਗ ਫੇਨੁ ਜਲ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ ਸੇਵਕ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਭਏ ਏਕਾ ॥੧॥
-----------------
Translation:

Cutting ignorance, darkness cleansed, discerning wisdom blossoms,
Like water ripple, foam, become water, the servant and Master become one.1.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1209:25-26]
=======================================
 Commentary:

This verse tells that darkness of ignorance can be removed by cultivating discerning wisdom. I believe wisdom can be cultivated by understanding words of wisdom, and ignorance cannot be removed by rituals. Discerning wisdom causes the humble ripple to identify itself as part of water.

=5================================================================
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ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਪੂਰਨ ਹੈ ਅਲਿਪਾਤਾ ॥
ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਪੂਰਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਬਿਸਥੀਰਨੁ ਜਲ ਤਰੰਗ ਜਿਉ ਰਚਨੁ ਕੀਆ ॥
-----------------
Translation:

The Detached One is perfect in each and every place,
 Perfect expanse in each and every place, created like a water ripple.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1236:44-45]
=======================================
Commentary:

Water is present in all water ripples. Gold is present in all gold ornaments. Similarly God is present in all creation, and all expanse.

=6================================================================
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ਕਬੀਰੁ ਪੂੰਗਰਾ ਰਾਮ ਅਲਹ ਕਾ ਸਭ ਗੁਰ ਪੀਰ ਹਮਾਰੇ ॥੫॥
-----------------
Translation:

Kabir is child of Ram, Allah, all teachers and prophets are our.5.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1349:40]
=======================================
Commentary:

In this verse Bhagat Kabir calls himself as a child of God. The Names used to identify God are popularly used by different religions. This verse highlights that The Monotheistic Diety is One by definition, irrespective of number of Names used by different religions and denominations to identify The Supreme Diety.

Another aspect presented in this verse is that all saints and prophets of The Monotheistic Deity deserve our respect and admiration, irrespective of religion or denomination. We can learn from all of them.

=7================================================================
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ਨਾਨਕੁ ਬਾਰਿਕੁ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ਰਾਖਨ ਕਉ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਾਈ ਬਾਪ ॥੨॥੧॥੧੪॥
-----------------
Translation:

O Nanak, child does not know anything, God cares like mother, father.2.1.14.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1341:30]
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Commentary:

This verse tells that like an ignorant child is protected by parents, similarly God acts as our mother and father, and protects us. You might ask, why then does God allow His child, a human being, to suffer - for more details regarding this question please refer first verse of a previous post, https://cloudverse.blogspot.com/2019/12/on-action-destiny-and-free-will.html.

=8================================================================
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ਹਮ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਹਰਿ ਪਿਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮੇਰੇ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਦੇਹੁ ਮਤੀ ਜਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਵੀਐ ਰੇ ॥
-----------------
Translation:

We children, my God, Lord, Father, give me understanding, by which I may find God.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 1118:10]
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Commentary:

This verse again tells that we are like children of God. The verse goes on to ask God for understanding, so that a person might find God. This is an important message in this verse. If we do not ask for understanding, do not seek it, then it is unlikely that we will get understanding. If we do not want to find God, then it is unlikely he will reveal Himself. We need to seek God with the mind of a child, and not like a proud adult.

Few people with a rational bend of mind might scoff at the idea of humbling self before an imaginary entity like God, to seek understanding. A rational mind would rather seek to find concrete steps, which can be replicated at will in a controlled environment, to find and understand God (and prove His existence or non-existence). I personally believe if there are concrete steps that can be replicated at will to find and understand God, then the concrete steps and the laws that govern these steps become more powerful than God - these steps and laws control God. God becomes bound by such natural laws, which does not conform to the definition of a monotheistic God. Personally I have no need for a god who is bound by natural laws, and would argue that such an entity is not even God. Some more thoughts related to these points can be found in my free ebook published earlier on Smashwords, Irrational, https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/918120.

=9================================================================
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ਬਾਲ ਸਖਾਈ ਭਗਤਨ ਕੋ ਮੀਤ ॥
-----------------
Translation:

Childhood helper, friend of devotee.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 863:5]
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Commentary:

This verse tells that God was our first friend, like a childhood friend. When a person becomes a devotee of God, God again becomes a friend to the person. This is a unique statement. God does not become an overlord to a devotee, which probably God could, but God establishes a relationship of companionship with His devotees. This is one of the ways by which a person could find his or her first friend, by becoming a devotee.

=10===============================================================
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ਅਪਨੀ ਉਕਤਿ ਖਲਾਵੈ ਭੋਜਨ ਅਪਨੀ ਉਕਤਿ ਖੇਲਾਵੈ ॥
ਸਰਬ ਸੂਖ ਭੋਗ ਰਸ ਦੇਵੈ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਨਾਲਿ ਸਮਾਵੈ ॥੧॥
ਹਮਰੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਦਇਆਲ ॥
ਜਿਉ ਰਾਖੈ ਮਹਤਾਰੀ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਕਉ ਤੈਸੇ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਲ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਮੀਤ ਸਾਜਨ ਸਰਬ ਗੁਣ ਨਾਇਕ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਦੇਵਾ ॥
ਈਤ ਊਤ ਜਤ ਕਤ ਤਤ ਤੁਮ ਹੀ ਮਿਲੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਤ ਸੇਵਾ ॥੨॥੮॥੩੯॥
-----------------
Translation:

In Own way feeds food, in own way plays,
Gives all comfort, pleasure, taste, merges with mind alone.1.
Our Father, Sustainer, Compassionate,
Like mother preserves a child, similarly God nurtures.1.pause.
Friend, Companion, Lord of all qualities, always permanent God,
Here, there, wherever, anywhere, You are the reality, bless Nanak with service of saints.2.8.39.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 680:27-32]
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Commentary:

This verse tells more on the relationship between God and a human being. God is like a parent to human beings, and feeds and sustains them in His own different ways.

You might ask, why then do people die of hunger? I don't know. God has taken care of me well, that is all I can say. Probably people die of hunger because some people have been given free will to hoard agricultural land parcels, and hoard food produce for trade and profit; and such people exercise their free will to hoard and keep food away from others.

Probably the people who die of hunger did not preserve the harvest, to sustain them during winter when there will be no harvest. Earth and human life has its seasons, and a harvest in one season has to sustain people until the next harvest. I believe this is how this world works. Everybody understands this, but few act on it, because they have the free will to ignore the laws and ways of this world. But the laws of this world do not bend to accommodate human trespass.

Whatever be the reason for hunger and suffering in this world, my primary concern has been understanding my position in the larger scheme of things, and not exactly understanding the larger scheme of things themselves. So there is not much that I can say on matters concerning larger humanity in general.

=11===============================================================
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ਅਸਥਾਵਰ ਜੰਗਮ ਕੀਟ ਪਤੰਗਾ ॥
ਅਨਿਕ ਜਨਮ ਕੀਏ ਬਹੁ ਰੰਗਾ ॥੧॥
ਐਸੇ ਘਰ ਹਮ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਬਸਾਏ ॥
ਜਬ ਹਮ ਰਾਮ ਗਰਭ ਹੋਇ ਆਏ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਜੋਗੀ ਜਤੀ ਤਪੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਚਾਰੀ ॥
ਕਬਹੂ ਰਾਜਾ ਛਤ੍ਰਪਤਿ ਕਬਹੂ ਭੇਖਾਰੀ ॥੨॥
-----------------
Translation:

Stationary, mobile, insect, moth,
Many births, made many colors.1.
Such houses we built many,
When we came to womb, O God.1.pause.
Yogi, abstinent, ascetic, celibate,
Sometime sovereign king, sometimes beggar.2.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 325:56-58 and 326:1-3]
=======================================
Commentary:

This verse tells of the various births that a being takes before and while appearing as a human. To use the above analogies. A gold ornament, a human being, has been melted and recast into multiple ornaments since eternity. A ripple dies to re-emerge as another ripple on the surface of water. And this game continues eternally.

=12===============================================================
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ਭ੍ਰਮਤ ਫਿਰਤ ਬਹੁ ਜਨਮ ਬਿਲਾਨੇ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਧੀਰੇ ॥
ਲਾਲਚ ਬਿਖੁ ਕਾਮ ਲੁਬਧ ਰਾਤਾ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਹੀਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
-----------------
Translation:

Wandering, roaming, many births passed, body, mind, wealth did not become steady,
Greed, vice, lust, avarice dyed, mind has forgotten the precious God.1.pause.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 487:22-23]
=======================================
 Commentary:

This verse describes the eternal journey of a soul. Most of us have made this journey, but here too in this life we are unable to find stability. Sometimes wondering when it will be time to leave this life too.

During this journey we forget God, and mind has been dyed by various vices that we are attracted to.

=13===============================================================
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ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਛੋਡਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭਇਓ ਮੀਨਾ ॥
ਪੂਰਬ ਜਨਮ ਹਉ ਤਪ ਕਾ ਹੀਨਾ ॥੧॥
-----------------
Translation:

Like leaving water, fish is outside,
Previous birth was devoid of devotion.1.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 326:20-21]
=======================================
Commentary:

I believe these are very important lines concerning our lives. It tells that the primary reason why a human feels miserable is that one did not practice devotion in previous lives. This verse tells about the seasons of the soul. A soul eats the harvest in this life, that was planted in a previous season or life. If nothing useful was sown, then there will be no particularly useful harvest in this life.

A fish outside water feels suffocated, and unable to move freely. Many people feel trapped in their current lives also, much like a fish out of water. Trapped in places, jobs, family, financial and social obligations, unable to spend their days freely.

An indirect teaching of this verse is that in the season of this life, it will be wise for a person to sow devotion. Practice devotion to One God, which gives eternal harvest, enough to sustain a soul till eternity.

=14===============================================================
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ਹਮ ਕੂਕਰ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰਬਾਰਿ ॥
ਭਉਕਹਿ ਆਗੈ ਬਦਨੁ ਪਸਾਰਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
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Translation:

We are dog of your court,
Bark in front, stretching face.1.pause.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 969:34-35]
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Commentary:

The verses here explain different perspectives which are sometimes difficult to understand when taken together. The complexity of concepts related to human existence make use of analogies essential, and each analogy describe one aspect of existence, but seldom describe all aspects.

Present verse gives an analogy of being of the nature of a dog. A dog guards, is faithful and alert. These are qualities which are essential for practicing devotion also. A person has to guard one's mind from unnecessary thoughts of greed, anger, lust, attachment and pride. A person has to be faithful to the idea of being devoted to God, and not be swayed by other shallow promises. Finally a person needs to be alert to new developments which might shake a person's faith, and protect one's mind from constant attack of frivolous thoughts.

Please refer the last verse in the post, to get a different and more concrete perspective of the basic idea presented in this verse. Why exactly do we need to be alert when God controls everything in this world? Will not God take care? Please refer the last verse.

A more literal interpretation of this verse would be that a devotee also guards the intellectual concepts of a theological system. Presenting the ideas, giving clarifications, and answering questions about a system.

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ਅਬ ਤਉ ਜਾਇ ਚਢੇ ਸਿੰਘਾਸਨਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਹੈ ਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਨੀ ॥
ਰਾਮ ਕਬੀਰਾ ਏਕ ਭਏ ਹੈ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਪਛਾਨੀ ॥੬॥੩॥
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Translation:

Now go and climb the throne, meeting the Lord of the world,
God, Kabir, have become one, nobody is able to recognize.6.3.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 969:30-31]
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Commentary:

This verse tells of final state of a devotee. A state in which a ripple realizes that it is just part of a larger water body. A state in which a gold ornament realizes that it's essential nature is gold, irrespective of the form of the ornament. It is in this state that the devotee becomes one with God, and it is difficult to tell the difference between God and a devotee.

Many religious and spiritual systems describe different final states of a spiritual practice. Some promise heaven, some promise nirvana (freedom from transmigration), while others promise spiritual powers. All the possible states may not be mutually exclusive. As per my understanding the final stable state is union with God, a state where a person becomes indistinguishable from the Supreme Entity.

Using the previous analogies, a ripple will never be stable until it realizes that it is all of water, and it leaves its attachment to being a ripple. A gold ornament will never realize it is gold, same as in all other gold ornaments, unless it leaves its attachment to its present form. This form of spiritual practice is essentially about developing a percipient perspective and realization, rather than practicing rituals or discipline. Rituals and discipline can help develop discernment, but they are never the final goal.

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ਮਾਟੀ ਕੋ ਪੁਤਰਾ ਕੈਸੇ ਨਚਤੁ ਹੈ ॥
ਦੇਖੈ ਦੇਖੈ ਸੁਨੈ ਬੋਲੈ ਦਉਰਿਓ ਫਿਰਤੁ ਹੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਜਬ ਕਛੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਬ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰਤੁ ਹੈ ॥
ਮਾਇਆ ਗਈ ਤਬ ਰੋਵਨੁ ਲਗਤੁ ਹੈ ॥੧॥
ਮਨ ਬਚ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਰਸ ਕਸਹਿ ਲੁਭਾਨਾ ॥
ਬਿਨਸਿ ਗਇਆ ਜਾਇ ਕਹੂੰ ਸਮਾਨਾ ॥੨॥
ਕਹਿ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਬਾਜੀ ਜਗੁ ਭਾਈ ॥
ਬਾਜੀਗਰ ਸਉ ਮੋੁਹਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ ॥੩॥੬॥
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Translation:

Puppet of clay, how it dances,
Sees, sees, hears, speaks, runs and roams.1.pause.
When it obtains something, then it is proud,
When illusion goes, then it starts to weep.1.
Mind, word, deed, trapped in sweet pleasures,
On death, where it goes and merges.2.
Ravidas speaks, world is a wager, brother,
The Architect of the wager, I have come to love.3.6.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 487:13-20]
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Commentary:

This verse compares a human body to a clay puppet, and describes the normal state of a human being. Human body is made up of clay for most part, and after death the body merges back to Earth. Like a puppet show, the human body does all the actions like a puppet. As in a puppet show the human body displays pleasure on receiving good things, while it displays grief when it suffers a loss or when an illusion is broken.

The verse further speaks of the pleasures of mind, deed and words, that a person experiences during life, and asks the reader to ponder where does the person go at the time of death. Bhagat Ravidas finally tells that the world is a wager, a place where people place bets, bets with eternal consequence. He further tells that he is in love with the Architect of this world, God.

In this verse, the world is called a sport, a drama, a game, a wager, and God as someone who has set the game. It is difficult to know or understand why this would be so, but that is how it is. Of all the synonyms for word game, I believe the word wager is the closest translation.

Human civilization has progressed for hundreds of years, and made excellent progress, but the very basic questions of theology and spirituality still remain unanswered. I mean these questions have been answered, but there is no way to confirm whether the answer is correct or not. Some of the basic questions on purpose of human life, nature of human soul, and nature of God. People can spend their entire life pondering them, without making any progress on these questions, humanity has spent many centuries.

Many religions proclaim that human actions and choices in this life would affect a person's eternal destiny. And whatever choice a human being makes regarding spirituality or religious matters in this life, it is likely to be a function of faith, and not science. And this choice will have an eternal consequence. From this perspective, this life and world does look like a gamble, making a choice without enough information. The only certain way to win this gamble is to be friends with the One who owns the gambling house and is the Creator of the game. Be in love with the Creator, not because that is the only way to transcend this wager, but also because He has countless other qualities and is our only constant companion.

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 ਕਿਰਤਿ ਕਰਮ ਕੇ ਵੀਛੁੜੇ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੇਲਹੁ ਰਾਮ ॥
ਚਾਰਿ ਕੁੰਟ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਭ੍ਰਮੇ ਥਕਿ ਆਏ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਸਾਮ ॥
ਧੇਨੁ ਦੁਧੈ ਤੇ ਬਾਹਰੀ ਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਕਾਮ ॥
ਜਲ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਾਖ ਕੁਮਲਾਵਤੀ ਉਪਜਹਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਦਾਮ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਹ ਨ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਸਾਜਨੈ ਕਤ ਪਾਈਐ ਬਿਸਰਾਮ ॥
ਜਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕੰਤੁ ਨ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਈ ਭਠਿ ਨਗਰ ਸੇ ਗ੍ਰਾਮ ॥
ਸ੍ਰਬ ਸੀਗਾਰ ਤੰਬੋਲ ਰਸ ਸਣੁ ਦੇਹੀ ਸਭ ਖਾਮ ॥
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਕੰਤ ਵਿਹੂਣੀਆ ਮੀਤ ਸਜਣ ਸਭਿ ਜਾਮ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਕੀ ਬੇਨੰਤੀਆ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਦੀਜੈ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਮੇਲਹੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਿਹਚਲ ਧਾਮ ॥੧॥
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Translation:

Separated by deeds, actions, have mercy, unite us God,
Wandering four corners, all ten directions, tired, came to refuge of God,
Cow without milk, is not useful anywhere,
Without water, crop withers, value is not created,
Not meeting Husband Lord, how can we find rest,
The house in which Husband God does not appear, such towns, villages are furnace,
All make-up, betel juice, along with body, are all incomplete,
Without God, Lord, Husband, All friends, beloved, are like Jaam,
Request of Nanak, be merciful and give Name,
Lord, God, unite us, God whose home is steady.1.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 133:9-18]
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Commentary:

This verse give many different details about our existence. We have been separated from God due to our deeds and actions. Only God and God's home is steady in this world. And when a soul is tired of its eternal journey, or its eternal unsteady existence, it has to turn to God to find stability.

God has been described using many different words like Parent, Friend, Master and others depending on the context of the verse. In this verse God has been described primarily as a Husband. From a spiritual perspective a soul is considered to be a feminine entity (irrespective of the type of body that it resides in), while God is the only spiritual masculine entity**. So in this sense the union of God and a soul is much like a union between spouses, the only thing which will make the soul steady. Without God, all interactions of soul with others only bring it closer to death and transmigration (Jaam, sometimes pronounced yum, is the messenger of death).

The verse finally end with a prayer by Guru Sahib, requesting God to be merciful and grant His Name, and eventually unite us with Himself.

**Note: Verse: "ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਹੋਰ ਸਗਲੀ ਨਾਰਿ ਸਬਾਈ ॥ Translation: In this world, is One Man (Lord), other all are women (wife). Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 591:39" - As I understand this verse is that in essence God has no gender. But when souls manifest in non-physical plane, God is the only masculine principle, while all souls are feminine. While in physical plane souls inhabit bodies of both genders. This is just my understanding, and I hope I am accurate.
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ਹਉ ਗੋਸਾਈ ਦਾ ਪਹਿਲਵਾਨੜਾ ॥
ਮੈ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਉਚ ਦੁਮਾਲੜਾ ॥
ਸਭ ਹੋਈ ਛਿੰਝ ਇਕਠੀਆ ਦਯੁ ਬੈਠਾ ਵੇਖੈ ਆਪਿ ਜੀਉ ॥੧੭॥
ਵਾਤ ਵਜਨਿ ਟੰਮਕ ਭੇਰੀਆ ॥
ਮਲ ਲਥੇ ਲੈਦੇ ਫੇਰੀਆ ॥
ਨਿਹਤੇ ਪੰਜਿ ਜੁਆਨ ਮੈ ਗੁਰ ਥਾਪੀ ਦਿਤੀ ਕੰਡਿ ਜੀਉ ॥੧੮॥
ਸਭ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ ਆਇਆ ॥
ਘਰਿ ਜਾਸਨਿ ਵਾਟ ਵਟਾਇਆ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈ ਗਏ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਚਲੇ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੧੯॥
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Translation:

Am a wrestler of Master,
I met Guru, have High plume,
All have gathered in arena, God sits, sees Himself, Sir.17.
Instruments play, drums, trumpets,
Wrestlers came, circle around,
I floored five strong men, Guru gave pat on back, Sir.18.
All came and gathered,
Go home, changing paths,
Gurmukh go, taking profit, Manmukh go, losing capital, Sir.19.

[Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 74:19-27]
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Commentary:

This is a fascinating verse, and I believe very important to understand our position in this life. Shakespeare wrote, "All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players;", but it reduces role of people to actors, with no real consequences and make-believe problems.

I believe, as the above scripture tells us, "All the world's a wrestling arena, And all of us are wrestlers. Not fighting each other, but fighting five primal vices." The five vices, or temptations, are Kam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh, and Ahankar (Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Ego/Pride).

This is a metaphor describing a particular aspect of human existence, a constant struggle within and without, starting from birth and possibly ending at death. A human being is a wrestler who belongs to God, the Master. This life is a spiritual wrestling arena where victory or defeat could have eternal consequences. The five challengers are the fundamental vices who tempt a human being to commit sins, and eventually lose the match. The vices are the root of most of the sins that a human being commits, and not succumbing to their temptations is the primary spiritual battle each of us have to go through in this life. Also in this wrestling match the vices outnumber each one of us, so keeping like-minded good company helps in our battles.

As per my understanding, in traditional wrestling matches in India, the prominent wrestlers arrived on the arenas dressed in turbans and plumes, with accompanying flourish of trumpets and drums. Every person takes pride in following teachings of a Mentor, a Guru, and a high plume signifies the confidence and pride of the wrestler in the teachings of his or her Guru.

As with every wrestling match, there are consequences. There is victory or loss. There is hurt, and bleeding. And most importantly there are adversaries. Presence of a spiritual struggle is a common concept in many spiritual systems, and here we find that more specific details of the struggle have been described.

People ask why is there struggle and suffering in this life? One possible answer is that human life on Earth is a setup for a spiritual wrestling match, the parameters and conditions for which no player remembers till the time of the match. With full and proper knowledge there will be no real match, as people would know the consequences. The prize is eternal destiny of individual soul. Scriptures tell us that during our eternal journey, a soul rarely gets a chance to enter this human life, which is not unsurprising considering the eternal prize at stake.

In this spiritual arena on Earth, people accept teachings of one of the many available mentors, a Guru. And based on the teachings and understanding try to live their life in best way possible, keep vices at bay. Everybody watches the competition, including God Himself. A wrestler goes about life struggling with different vices and temptations, taking action, suffering the consequences of these actions and choices. Sometimes turning out victorious, and sometimes not.

When this wrestling match ends (when individual life ends), our future paths are reset depending on how each one of us perform in the match. Best way to win this match is to be a Gurmukh. Gurmukh is one who has face turned towards Guru, and follows the instructions of the Guru. Guru is a word for a mentor, and implicitly means that the Guru knows the correct path and gives correct instructions. Onus of finding a real Guru, or Teacher, is on each person. I try to follow the teachings of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, although I need to be a much better student.

Best way to lose the match is to be a Manmukh. Manmukh is one who has face turned towards self, towards own ego, and does what a person feels right. Implication being that human life is short, and a human being is unlikely to find real useful knowledge without finding a proper mentor, a teacher who could equip a person with useful knowledge and teaching to live this life, and defeat its various temptations.

The capital with which we enter this arena of human life is number of breaths for this life. For simplicity, I sometimes refer to this concept incorrectly as amount of time we have in this life, or moments in life. Scriptures tell us that when number of breaths are exhausted for an individual, the individual departs from this life (or arena). A Gurmukh is most likely to win something valuable in return for this life, while a Manmukh is most likely to lose the capital (spend life without getting anything in return). So human life is a spiritual wrestling match, with an accompanying wager!
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