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Religion, Faith, Spirituality / importance of sukhmani sahib - a true story
« on: June 29, 2011, 07:34:00 AM »
mein eh story net te read kiti sochiya sab naal share kra :-
There is a family in Amritsar, they are three brothers, and they had a joint business. They did not get along with each other. Their father requested me to help them to divide the business equally amongst the three of them, lest they lose everything by going to the courts. When the business was divided amongst the three of them, their wealth was divided equally, there were a few shops, they were allocated and each of them got around Rs.2 lakhs cash. After a few days, since they had parted ways, one of the brothers came to me early in the morning at 7 a.m., he had brought a pack of sweets with him and he told me that he had bought a new car.
For some time, I looked at the car then I looked at him, he said, “I have bought a new car and instead of congratulating me, you are repeatedly looking at the car and then at me.” I said, “You are very happy at your purchase of a new car whereas I am thinking sooner or later you are going to be accused.” He said, “Accused? For what?” I told him, “I was the one who had got your business divided equally between the three of you, each of you had got Rs. 2 lakh cash, barely a month has passed, since the partition, and today you have bought a car worth Rs. 3 lakhs. Your brothers are going to point finger at you, they are going to feel that when the business was joint then you must have cheated by taking the money from the moneybox. This they are going to think because each one of you got Rs 2 lakh each and that money got absorbed in your respective business then how could you manage to buy a new car worth Rs. 3 lakhs.” He said, “I have only paid cash down payment of Rs.50,000 the remaining money has to be paid in monthly installments.” I said, “Maybe what you are saying is right, it is true; but they are sure to accuse you.”
After listening to me he also started thinking. He said, “now what should I do? The children were insisting on buying a car, it used to be difficult to go to Gurudwara Sahib also.” I advised him to take the car home; the whole family should get together and recite 113 scriptures of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, till the scripture has been recited for the said number of times the car was not to be taken out of the house. You do not have to return it but before doing anything else, you have to build a fence, the blessings which have been bestowed on us by our Gurus, make use of them. First, the whole family get together and recite 113 scriptures of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, then take the car to Shaheeda Sahib Gurudwara, at the doorstep of Baba Deep Singh Ji, offer Degh and recite the prayer.” I further said, “I am confident that when you will have recited 113 scriptures in addition to your daily recitation of the scriptures, then take out the car, then the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib will protect you from evil eyes.” Meaning, anything may happen, nobody will pay attention to it, it maybe just like bluffing everyone, the scripture will protect you from jealous people as the fence of the scripture will be erected. Otherwise envious people always look for an opportunity to defame others.
He agreed to my advice and left, within 5-6 days he returned and he claimed that the whole family had got together and recited 113 scriptures of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. They were five family members, since a new thing was lying at home, they were eager to use it at the earliest. I was very pleased that he had heeded my advise and I told him so, now take the car to Shaheedan Sahib Gurudwara and offer Degh over there, I am sure that the boundary that you have drawn with the recital of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, it will protect you from those who are jealous of you.
Believe me that both his brothers did not even pay any attention that he had bought a new car or how did he buy it? It was like the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib gave a strong fence and nobody thought about it.
If anybody is blessed with a baby boy after 7-8 years, to protect the child from evil eyes some smear a black dot on the child, this they do to protect the child from those who are jealous of them. A person who has been blessed with a child with great difficulty, often says that the child cries to much, or falls sick very quickly, because of some peoples evil eyes; there is no need to feel scared of people who are envious of you, take refuge in the blessings bestowed upon you by your Father, in the form of the scriptures. If the mother takes the child in her lap and recites only six Ashtpaadis of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib daily, no one can harm the child. Those who are jealous will become helpless.
Understand the depth, in today’s era; jealousy prevails in a very big way. Whenever you are blessed with success and happiness, maybe in any aspect or field, whether it is through the house of the God, or through your meditation, or through concentration and naam jap, or for singing the praises of the Lord or it is worldly/materialistic success, maybe gain of wealth and treasures, success in business or your child makes you proud, whatever happiness you get, guard it with the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, positively. This will protect you of jealous people.
(Baba Ji also used to say that while flying the kite, if you are flying a big kite then the ball of the thread that is supporting it should also be big, meaning as you rise in life, so you should increase the output of the recitation of the scriptures, then you will further prosper and enjoy your success lest there is a possibility of falling down.)
This world is contradictory. Nobody can tolerate anybody’s success, progress or happiness. Some time back, we had to go to another city for the recital of Kirtan; we were unable to get a train to return back. We had to reach Amritsar on time, as there was recital over here as well. I have a friend over there, he is a gurmukh, he told me that I could take his personal car, since he had to visit Amritsar in a day or two, when he would come he would take it back. There was no other way out, so we returned in his car. It was a big car, worth Rs.15 lakhs. Next day when we had to go for the recital, we drove out in the same vehicle.
We were still in the colony, when a person remarked that I had bought a real big car. I narrated the whole incident to him and told him that it was not my car. We had barely moved a short distance that I ran into a relative, since I was driving the car, he would look at the car then he would look at me, he was so much taken aback that he forgot to even wish. Heart of hearts it was difficult for him to digest this sight. I quickly rolled down the window glass and told him that it was not my car. Now my companions said, “let us leave this car back home and let’s go in our own small car.” I also felt that that was the right thing to do because whosoever will see will think that it is my car, and that I had made money on the sly out of Kirtan. Meaning nobody can bear others happiness, progress or success.
If you start a new business, or open up a shop, or put up a factory, or setup a showroom, or build a bungalow, or buy a new car, it will be an exceptional person who will be happy in your happiness (from his heart). Only he will be happy, who loves you truly from his heart, otherwise, majority cannot bear to see others happiness.
Some people, who are not aware, to save themselves from others jealousy hang lemon and chilies in order to ward off jealousy; some hang a black threaded braid; still others put up a mask in the form of an ugly face. They believe that these things will save them of evil eyes.
Oh dear ones, the Almighty your father has given you the treasure, take its support. Whenever God blesses you with a new factory, new bungalow, new showroom, new car, new shop, then for 2 months or 5 months or a year increase the recitation of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib in addition to your daily recital. I am confident that this scripture is so blessed that it is like the ambrosia, it will protect you from evil eyes and jealous people.
There is a Gurmukh Sikh from Amritsar; he had a small shop of plywood. He established a new factory on Taran Taran Road. He requested us to do Kirtan over there. When we reached over there for the program I was surprised, it was a massive place, and one could not see the other end of the factory. At least a hundred workers were working inside. I said, “You had a small shop, you managed to establish a real big place out of it. How come?” he said, “it is the grace of the God Almighty, He has planned out all this.”
I told him not to get annoyed with me, if I told him that not many people are going to be happy in his happiness. He asked me that what could be done about it. I said, “Either you or your brother, should daily, sit on the chair in your office and recite one scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. Then nobody will be able to harm you, otherwise, jealous people are not going to be able to tolerate that you have been able to establish such a big factory out of a small shop.”
This is a characteristic feature of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib that it protects us from jealous people. Just remember one fact that only that person cannot tolerate to see others rise and shine, or become famous, only he is envious and in pain who has not experienced the company of a Mahapurush. These knots of envy prevail in him, whose mind has not yet awakened. The one who is enlightened, is happy in others happiness, he is happy in others progress because he is aware that the actual aim of our life is:
‘Bhei perapt manukh dehuriya
Gobind milen ki eh teri beriya’ (Ang…12)
He does not build walls of jealousy with anyone. He has become calm, tranquil, poised; he has risen above panic, jealousy and envy, he is happy in everyone’s welfare. He does not do bad for anyone, neither does he think bad for anyone nor does he keep grievances in his mind against anyone. The one who enjoys the company of Sadsangat his life is different from the life of the ordinary people. He does not let his mind be influenced by bad deeds and thoughts. He keeps his mind away from envy, distrust, slander, jealousy, malign or to think bad of others or of bad deeds; although jealousy and envy are the order of the day; he has risen above this because he enjoys the Sangat of Mahapurush, hence these bad thoughts do not enter his mind. He becomes aware that jealousy and bad thoughts are negative qualities that should be avoided.
I would like to bring home one thought over here that, to be jealous of others or to think ill for others or to do bad for others has its adverse effects; for the person who acts in such a manner his meditation or practice of naam jap or recitation of scriptures, all goes in vain, it is wasted; moreover, he who thinks bad for others or does bad for others or is resentful, he is heading for his own destruction. As there is a fable:
A frog lived with his companions in a pond, but he was very jealous of his friends. He befriended a snake, and promised him that daily he would bring one of his companions, on a pretext to the snake and the snake could then devour him. Daily he followed this routine. One by one the snake ate all the companions of the frog. The frog was very pleased but the snake stopped getting any frog to eat as all had been killed. One day when the frog went to meet his friend, the snake, he was so desperate that he pounced at the frog.
The frog requested the snake to leave him, he said that he was the snakes friend, why was he eating him. The snake retorted that he could not be true to his companions, how did he expect him to be his friend. Having said this the snake consumed that frog as well. The message is loud and clear that those who act badly towards others, they also meet ill-fate.
I would like to narrate another tale, so that we resolve in our hearts that we are not going to do bad for anyone, we are not going to be envious of anyone.
Once a king told the wise scholars that who would recite an excellent Shlok to him would get five gold coins as a reward. One of the scholars recited an outstanding Shlok, the king was very pleased, he told the scholar to daily recite an exceptional new Shlok to him and to take his reward of five gold coins. The scholar would come daily, recite a brilliant Shlok, the king in turn would sign the paper for five gold coins which the scholar would later collect from the treasury.
The sentry who was posted at the doors of the palace on guard used to get annoyed that he was guarding the palace from morning to night and was getting only one gold coin, whereas this scholar recites the Shlok in five to seven minutes and takes away five gold coins. Heart of hearts he began nurturing jealousy against the scholar; he started planning against the scholar.
One day the sentry told the scholar that the king had told him that when the scholar recited the Shlok foul smell came from his breath, hence he should wrap a cloth on his mouth and then recite the Shlok. The scholar agreed to it. He said that in the future he would do like that. On the other hand, the sentry went to the king and told him that the scholar had become very egoistic that he told him that when he recited the Shlok to the king, he could smell foul breath coming from the king, so from next day he would wrap his face and then recite the Shlok. On hearing this the king was furious.
Next day when the scholar went to the palace with his face wrapped up, seeing him covering his face the king raged with anger, he did not listen to the Shlok, instead he signed on the paper and handed it to the scholar. The scholar took the paper and thought that today the king had signed on the paper for the gold coins without even listening to the Shlok. He thought that he should give the paper to the sentry, so he handed over that paper to the sentry.
When the sentry took the paper and approached the soldiers of the treasury thinking that today he would get the gold coins, the soldiers caught hold of him and cut off his tongue, as the paper which the king had signed today was not for gold coins. On that paper there was an order from the king that the tongue of the bearer of the paper be clipped off.
The reason to narrate this tale, is simple, is to learn a lesson. We are Gursikhs. We are going to try and follow the path shown to us by our Satguru. Our Gurus in their lifetime have not had enmity with anyone, hence setting an example to us. When you read the history of the Gurus, you will see that innumerable people were envious of them but none of the Gurus answered them in the same coin, instead the Gurus asked for their welfare.
One day, somebody asked me, “Bhai sahib, the Sikh of the Guru does not wish ill for anyone, he does not hold enmity with anyone because Guru Nanak has blessed his Sikhs to wish for everyone’s welfare; but if anyone is envious of the Sikh of the Guru, desires for his destruction or someone does witchcraft/black magic on him, then what should the Sikh do?”
My heart swelled with pride for Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, He is so benevolent, He has done such a great favour on us, human beings, by blessing us with this heavenly scripture. This scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib protects us from witchcraft, ghosts and spirits and from being superstitious. I would like to bring about a clarification over here that many people say that there is nothing like witches, ghosts and spirits; everyone is entitled to his own point of view but when one reads the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib there is a phrase :
‘Kai kot bhoot pret sukar mrigach’ (Ang…276)
That means there are such things also.
When Guru Amardas Ji went to Goindwal, it was inhabited by ghosts and spirits. Guru Sahib in order to populate this place, stated that whosoever settles down over here then these evil spirits will not bother him. Even Guru Tegh Bahadur Jis mention of Anandpur Sahib informs that such things exist.
The previous name of Anandpur Sahib was ‘Makhowal’ which was after the name of a monster, (when Guru Gobind Singh Ji in his childhood, went to this place; when for the first time he stepped on this land, then Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji said it was heavenly, that bliss will be distributed over here, people will enjoy happiness over here, henceforth, this land will be known as Anandpur).
I have narrated this incident to confirm that these things exist. One day, the demon Makhowal came and stood in front of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and he said, “I have 700 disciples, we live here but ever since you have taken this place, your Sikhs recite the scriptures of Gurbani and we cannot survive where Gurbani is recited. From wherever we hear Gurbani, we have to leave that place and go ahead.” So these things do exist. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in compassion had said, “You go and dwell in Sirhind, when I come in my tenth form, then you will also gain salvation.”
There is another incident from the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, this happened with Bhai Prehlad Singh, which proves that such things exist. One day Bhai Prehlad came running and panting he reached Satguru, he said, “Satguru, I was going to the toilet, when I saw that an evil spirit had caught hold of this person.” Satguru saw with His divine sight and said, “The person you are talking about, whom an evil spirit had caught hold off, this person has never recited the scripture of Japu Ji Sahib. These things are made for such people who do not connect themselves to the Gurbani.”
These things definitely exist, but if you recite the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib in your house, then these things are unable to cause any effect. Baba Nand Singh Ji used to say, “ the house in which, the day begins with the recitation of the scripture of Japu Ji Sahib, followed by Jaap sahib, Tavprasad Sawiya, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib; where daily the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib is recited; in that house there is no place for witchcraft or ghosts and spirits even in the garbage bin. It is not that these things do not exist, they do, and it is only that Gurbani is stronger than witchcraft, ghosts and spirits. There is a statement in ‘Suraj Prakash’:
‘Jantar mantar pun tanter mahan
Bhot pret ta daint balwan’
Those who have undertaken the study of witchcraft/black magic, they use this knowledge for the destruction of others but if you love the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib then this knowledge cannot work its destruction on you, nobody can harm you.
There is a devotee in the congregation that is held at Amritsar. He has a wood lumber mill near Sultanwind Gate. The serial of recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib for eight days was taking place at his residence. When he told me what they went through at that time, I was surprised.
The weekly series of the recitation of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib was taking place at this person’s house. One evening, when he was returning home from the lumber mill, at that time the labourer who used to smoothen the wooden planks on the saw, when he reached near the gate, his saw got stuck over there. The labourer pulled the saw behind to see why had it got stuck over there, he saw that a piece of wood was buried over there. He pulled the wood out of there and saw that there was pit that had been dug over there. He felt that something was buried in the pit. He put the mud aside and saw that something was wrapped in a cloth – vermillion, a black threaded braid, barley seeds, some other things related with black magic were in it.
This labourer went to their house and told the family members what he had discovered. When they reached the spot and saw everything for themselves then they were also surprised. Try and understand the depth of the whole thing. Somebody who was jealous of them had tried to be bad to them but the continuous flow of the recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib that was taking place at their home, the flow of Gurbani saved them before any destruction could be caused. Such a way was created that before these things could cause destruction they were discovered.
The reason for narrating this incident which happened with someone is only that if anyone out of envy wants to bring a loss to a Sikh and if this Sikh is united to Shri Sukhmani Sahib, then the attacks of the envious person are futile and unsuccessful.
In Amritsar Dab Basti Ram there is a soap factory, owned by Trilochan Singh. The journalist of the ‘Anand Chamatkar’, Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji narrated this incident, that Trilochan Singh’s factory was flourishing but suddenly it started running into loss.(When a persons affluent business starts running into loss, then he only knows how it hurts.) He began incurring such massive loss that his honoured family in no time landed into bankruptcy. Whatever, work he put his hand into would turn to ashes. He was facing loss in all aspects. Gradually, whatever he had saved also got exhausted. All the money was blocked. The family landed into a very pitiable state.
They were acquainted with a Mahapurush. They went to the Mahapurush and told him about their pathetic state, the Mahapurush suggested that all the members of the family get together and during daytime recite the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, let the recitation be continuous without a break, when one scripture is completed, immediately begin the next, this recitation should carry on for forty days. After every week offer the Degh and recite the prayer. The family obeyed and started the continuous recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib.
After a week had passed by, since they had started the recitation of the scripture, he borrowed Rs. 20000-25000 from somebody; he bought the ingredients required to make soap, like – oil, caustic soda etc. he put it in a big cauldron, in order to prepare soap. He lit the fire underneath, so that as soon as the soap is prepared he will be able to sell it but God Almighty’s doing, the cauldron got burnt causing a big hole, through which all the ingredients ran out, into the fire and turned into ashes. Before also he had suffered heavy loss, he had borrowed this twenty five thousand rupees thinking of re-beginning his work, that also turned to dust, leaving him under a further debt.
Some family members even went to the extreme of saying that the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, instead of helping them out had landed them into a deeper mess.
They went to the Mahapurush and told him what had transpired. He told them not to lose heart and further added that there must be some blessing in disguise because the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib always works for the best and not for the worst. He said that he was confident that the Lord had saved them of some misfortune that was going to take place, He has protected you. It had only been a week since they had started the recitation of the Gurbani, he urged them to complete the recitation for forty days, and Guru Sahib will be benevolent. The Mahapurush had his own earning in the practice of naam jap, his statement was powerful, the whole family continued with the recitation. Somebody recited with faith, whereas somebody recited for the sake of recitation, but all kept reciting.
The head of the family again made some arrangement of money, to make preparation to again make soap. He got a new cauldron made and thought of digging out the furnace and plastering it all over again, since the fireplace had been damaged when last time the ingredients had run out of the cauldron. When he uprooted the furnace underneath it was a pot. He was very surprised to see an earthen pot, amazed he thought how did the pot land under the kiln. When he took out the earthen pot, opened it and found that there were a few things inside it, wrapped in different bundles. When he opened the wrapped bundles, he saw that the names of all the family members were written inside them.
He took the earthen pot with its contents to the Mahapurush and showed it to him. Mahapurush in turn showed all this to a learned person, who had knowledge of witchcraft and black magic. He informed them that these spells that had been cast in this manner could have even brought destruction to the family members.
Mahapurush told the family members, “since, you have started the continuous recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib in your house followed by Ardas (prayer), it has protected you from the calamity that was about to fall on you, this scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib has protected your whole family. Now begin your business with a new perspective but keep one thing in mind, always keep the guard of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib in your house. Do not ever leave the recitation of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, if you do so then nobody can cause you harm.” This family got connected to the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib forever. Today, with the grace and blessing of Shri Sukhmani Sahib this family is rolling in millions.
See, where there is no Gursikhi, how people to destroy others are stuck up in witchcraft and black magic. If these things benefit someone then they bring a loss to the other person. But Gursikhi is great, because the Sikh of the Guru always asks for everyone’s welfare, he does not believe in causing harm to the other person for his benefit.
This is the world; it is the era of the kalyug, which is in its full glory. Hence, it is natural for people to feel envious of each other. If we look at the history of the Guru Sahibs, even they have been envied. If you read the history of Shri Guru Angad Dev Ji, you will see that Guru Nanak Dev Ji told Guru Angad Dev Ji to go and settle in Khadoor Sahib, as sons would be envious if he stayed on. If you read the history of Shri Guru Amardas Ji, you will realize that Shri Guru Angad Dev Jis son, Datu was very envious of Shri Guru Amardas Ji, so much so, one day while sitting in the religious congregation, he took out his leg and kicked Shri Guru Amardas Ji.
Prithvi Chand was so envious of Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji; it was out of envy that he made so many attempts to get Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib killed. Even Dhirmal told Shiha Masand to shoot Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, out of jealousy. This is all the cause of envy and resentment.
These envious people did not spare great saints like Naamdev and Kabir, so who are we? It is the nature of the human being residing in this world to feel envious. But we are blessed that our Father has given us a diamond, an invaluable gem, take its support, keep your houses protected with its fencing, keep your houses fortified with its scripture.
This is the eighth characteristic feature of the priceless treasure granted to us by Satguru that the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib protects us from witchcraft, black magic, superstitions and envious people. If somebody out of envy has resorted to cause destruction, it will be futile; it will be ineffectual upon that house where the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib is recited.
I met a person from Ludhiana; he told me that it had been a year since his father had gone to the shop. His father felt scared at the shop so he did not feel like going to the shop. I asked him that if he was being treated or not. He said that they had taken him to 3-4 learned people; they had even gone to a Dera, where they open the hair and give ‘chaunki’ (I do not think it is wise to give the name of this Dera.) but it was of no use because it did not improve his condition. I asked him what did the learned men say. He told me that they had mixed some medicine in the water and made his father drink it which resulted into his vomiting, then the learned men said that somebody had given him tabeez to eat but now that he had vomited, it was out of his system. He would be healthy soon. He further added that the work had been completed and they should give the money. Many days had passed since this incident but there was no improvement in his father’s condition. He requested me to tell a way out.
I told him that I did not give my wares cheap. I told him that first he should recite fifty one scriptures of Shri Sukhmani Sahib then I would tell him what was to be done. After about 14-15 days his father rang up, I thought they would ask me for an appointment, when they could meet. But I was surprised when he said that his work was done, that he had even started going to the shop. He said the fear that had set in his mind of going to the shop, the feeling of anxiety that he used to have of going to the shop; he had overcome that worry, that apprehension, that hesitation. This had happened because of his recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. He said by the time he had recited the scripture for about 14-15 times, he had started feeling at harmony from within. My mind echoed with – great is the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. Great is Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Such is the blessing of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib; Shri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji has filled it with immeasurable greatness. The house, in which the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib resides, blessed is that house because Guru Sahib, Himself blesses that house and keeps it secure from witchcraft, black magic, superstition, ghosts and spirits, and all bad things.
Superstitions prevail where there is no place for Gurbani. The scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib frees one of superstitions. If you are going somewhere and someone voices you from behind, then your work is not going to be successful; or if the cat has crossed your path then your work is not going to succeed; or if you are going to take your money from someone and someone sneezes then you are not going to get your money; these are all superstitions. I am writing with confidence, with my faith in the scriptures that if you recite the Gurbani, if you have the security of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib then if anyone sneezes or a cat crosses your path or someone voices you from behind, nothing is going to be able to stop your work from succeeding.
Just a few days back, we were driving down somewhere by our own vehicle. My companions were accompanying me. One of our companions was reciting the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib loudly; he knew the scripture by heart. A cat crossed the road just in front of our car.
One of our companions, who was young believed in superstitions, he said that since the cat had crossed over in front of our vehicle, just hope that we do not bring any loss upon ourselves. I wanted him to overcome his superstition so in satire; I told him that if the cat after crossing over in front of you crosses over again then actually the cat has crossed your way. This is not crossing over because the cat has crossed over only once. He said, “I thought if the cat crosses your path once then your way is cut.”
Whatever task we put our hand into was accomplished with a lot of ease and without obstacles, by the grace of God everything went of well. When we returned then to remove the superstition from this persons mind I asked him, “you were saying that if a cat crosses your path then you do not succeed in the work you are going to do, that there could be some loss but all our works have been completed successfully with great ease, by the grace of God, there was no difficulty nor was there any loss.” He said, “You, yourself had said that if the cat crosses your path once then it’s not cut but if it crosses over again then your way is cut.” I told him, “you are very naïve; I wanted to rid you of your superstition that is why I had said the opposite.”
In reality, all those people who are superstitious, they believe that if the cat crosses your path it cuts your way, if it crosses over it is considered inauspicious, but if it crosses over again, and comes back then the path is clear, then everything would go of smoothly. Actually, the cat had crossed our path but since the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib was being recited in our vehicle and where there is Shri Sukhmani Sahib there is no place for superstitions.
Baba Ishwar Singh used to say, “ if anybody makes it a habit, to pay respect to the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and then leave home, then if a cat crosses over his path or somebody sneezes, all these things cannot affect him because he has recited his prayers in the Supreme Power, Almighty’s feet. Superstitions are for those people who have not taken shelter in the Lords feet, who have not loved the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. This is my confidence in my Guru, that if you go to His feet then He Himself has mercy, He protects you.”
Some years back, even I used to go to collect money as donation or subscription, I used to go to Taran Taran, there was a trader who used to go along with me. He had a small business of sweets and toffees. We both used to go on our respective scooters to collect money. I met four-five of his friends, they were all in the same business of sweets and toffees, they told me that they could not understand how this person worked, since they were in the same business, their money was blocked in Taran Taran Sahib. They said that whenever they went to collect money they did not get the money and if they did, it would be a petty amount, whereas this person used to get the money as well as an order for further delivery of sweets and toffees.
Now, I knew the secret to his success. When he used to go to collect money, as he used to cross Chatiwind, he used to start reciting the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. Since he used to keep reciting the scripture, he used to collect maximum money. He used to get a big order also. Whereas the other traders, on their way to collect money used to discuss worldly things-like, someone behaved in this manner or someone did like this. That person, who recites the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, he is making his breaths a success, whereas those who are involved in useless talks, or slandering others, are ruining their breaths, they are losing their breaths.
I am confident that the person who, on stepping out of the house begins reciting the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, God must be having mercy on him; He must be sitting in the hearts of those from whom this person has to go and collect money. He, Himself makes a way out. This I am writing with authority that if a person is reciting the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, and he ventures out to collect money, even if a hundred people voice him from behind or infinite sneeze or a cat crosses his path, nothing can destroy him or hurt him. A person who gets connected to the scriptures, he rises above superstitions. There is mention of this in Gurbani as well:
‘Sagun apsagun tis kau legha jis chit na aawa’ (Ang… 401)
The one who gets connected to the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, he attains freedom from all superstitions. Otherwise, till you are superstitious you are troubled. Those who are superstitious, no matter how much one explain to them, they do not understand, only God can have mercy on them. Today’s world is stuck up in lame superstitions like, one should not wash clothes on Thursday; do not wash your hair on Saturday, do not cut nails on Tuesday etc etc. If they incur any loss or meet with some misfortune then they have this excuse up their sleeve that since I washed my hair on Saturday that is why I have to suffer this loss or its Thursday and I washed clothes so I have met with this hardship. But it is the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib which frees one of all the superstitions.
Today, vastu shastr or direction error is in rage. If someone just mentions that the direction in which your kitchen is situated in your house is not correct or the direction of your bedroom is not proper or Guru Sahibs room is not in the right direction that is the reason for a decline in your business or since the direction is not up to the mark, hence there is ailment in the house; where there is lack of awareness or there is lack of faith in the scriptures given to you by your Father, the Almighty, there superstitions reign supreme, such people get carried away by the so called experts of vastu shastr and they set forth to change the direction of their houses and offices.
There was a religious person, who kept the company of the congregation, he had made a very beautiful room of Guru Sahib in his house but someone put doubt into his mind, saying that his business was not flourishing because the direction in which the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji had been placed was not proper. Now, where there is no trust in the capabilities of your Guru, there is no faith in the scriptures granted to us by our Guru; then when you listen to others you get carried away, that is why even in Ardas (prayer) we ask for the grant of faith. As this is of utmost importance because where there is faith, where there is belief and devotion, only over there is the blessing of the Guru.
Now, this person started pondering over this direction problem, so he changed the position of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As he changed the position, the beauty of the room was lost. That charm was gone because at times the setting has been organized and if it is changed, it looses its wonder.
I requested him and told him that in whichever direction you may place the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that should not affect your business. These are all uncertainties of the mind. I urged him that if he was not convinced, then he should look toward the Golden Temple which is the biggest centre for us, here when we go inside then the direction in which the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji has been placed is different, whereas the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji placed at Baba Buddha Jis berry is in a different direction and the direction at the Akal Takht Sahib is different. This is our centre, the Golden Temple which is a major example. This I am writing with my confidence in my Guru that whatever the direction maybe, if we have the treasure of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib then these things hold no value for us.
This world is stuck up in superstitions but he, who has the treasure of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, he can claim, not out of pride and ego but being humble, he can say that he has that wealth because of possession of which nothing can touch him, whether it is auspicious or inauspicious; these superstitions are not for me.
Try and understand, the eighth characteristic feature of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, the house in which the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib resides, black magic and witchcraft is ineffective over there; nobody can cause harm nor can their envy affect those who love the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. Those who fortify their house with the heavenly scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, they attain freedom from superstitions, ghosts and spirits. This great heavenly scripture has been granted to us by Guru Sahib and we should take its support.
There is a family in Amritsar, they are three brothers, and they had a joint business. They did not get along with each other. Their father requested me to help them to divide the business equally amongst the three of them, lest they lose everything by going to the courts. When the business was divided amongst the three of them, their wealth was divided equally, there were a few shops, they were allocated and each of them got around Rs.2 lakhs cash. After a few days, since they had parted ways, one of the brothers came to me early in the morning at 7 a.m., he had brought a pack of sweets with him and he told me that he had bought a new car.
For some time, I looked at the car then I looked at him, he said, “I have bought a new car and instead of congratulating me, you are repeatedly looking at the car and then at me.” I said, “You are very happy at your purchase of a new car whereas I am thinking sooner or later you are going to be accused.” He said, “Accused? For what?” I told him, “I was the one who had got your business divided equally between the three of you, each of you had got Rs. 2 lakh cash, barely a month has passed, since the partition, and today you have bought a car worth Rs. 3 lakhs. Your brothers are going to point finger at you, they are going to feel that when the business was joint then you must have cheated by taking the money from the moneybox. This they are going to think because each one of you got Rs 2 lakh each and that money got absorbed in your respective business then how could you manage to buy a new car worth Rs. 3 lakhs.” He said, “I have only paid cash down payment of Rs.50,000 the remaining money has to be paid in monthly installments.” I said, “Maybe what you are saying is right, it is true; but they are sure to accuse you.”
After listening to me he also started thinking. He said, “now what should I do? The children were insisting on buying a car, it used to be difficult to go to Gurudwara Sahib also.” I advised him to take the car home; the whole family should get together and recite 113 scriptures of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, till the scripture has been recited for the said number of times the car was not to be taken out of the house. You do not have to return it but before doing anything else, you have to build a fence, the blessings which have been bestowed on us by our Gurus, make use of them. First, the whole family get together and recite 113 scriptures of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, then take the car to Shaheeda Sahib Gurudwara, at the doorstep of Baba Deep Singh Ji, offer Degh and recite the prayer.” I further said, “I am confident that when you will have recited 113 scriptures in addition to your daily recitation of the scriptures, then take out the car, then the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib will protect you from evil eyes.” Meaning, anything may happen, nobody will pay attention to it, it maybe just like bluffing everyone, the scripture will protect you from jealous people as the fence of the scripture will be erected. Otherwise envious people always look for an opportunity to defame others.
He agreed to my advice and left, within 5-6 days he returned and he claimed that the whole family had got together and recited 113 scriptures of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. They were five family members, since a new thing was lying at home, they were eager to use it at the earliest. I was very pleased that he had heeded my advise and I told him so, now take the car to Shaheedan Sahib Gurudwara and offer Degh over there, I am sure that the boundary that you have drawn with the recital of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, it will protect you from those who are jealous of you.
Believe me that both his brothers did not even pay any attention that he had bought a new car or how did he buy it? It was like the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib gave a strong fence and nobody thought about it.
If anybody is blessed with a baby boy after 7-8 years, to protect the child from evil eyes some smear a black dot on the child, this they do to protect the child from those who are jealous of them. A person who has been blessed with a child with great difficulty, often says that the child cries to much, or falls sick very quickly, because of some peoples evil eyes; there is no need to feel scared of people who are envious of you, take refuge in the blessings bestowed upon you by your Father, in the form of the scriptures. If the mother takes the child in her lap and recites only six Ashtpaadis of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib daily, no one can harm the child. Those who are jealous will become helpless.
Understand the depth, in today’s era; jealousy prevails in a very big way. Whenever you are blessed with success and happiness, maybe in any aspect or field, whether it is through the house of the God, or through your meditation, or through concentration and naam jap, or for singing the praises of the Lord or it is worldly/materialistic success, maybe gain of wealth and treasures, success in business or your child makes you proud, whatever happiness you get, guard it with the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, positively. This will protect you of jealous people.
(Baba Ji also used to say that while flying the kite, if you are flying a big kite then the ball of the thread that is supporting it should also be big, meaning as you rise in life, so you should increase the output of the recitation of the scriptures, then you will further prosper and enjoy your success lest there is a possibility of falling down.)
This world is contradictory. Nobody can tolerate anybody’s success, progress or happiness. Some time back, we had to go to another city for the recital of Kirtan; we were unable to get a train to return back. We had to reach Amritsar on time, as there was recital over here as well. I have a friend over there, he is a gurmukh, he told me that I could take his personal car, since he had to visit Amritsar in a day or two, when he would come he would take it back. There was no other way out, so we returned in his car. It was a big car, worth Rs.15 lakhs. Next day when we had to go for the recital, we drove out in the same vehicle.
We were still in the colony, when a person remarked that I had bought a real big car. I narrated the whole incident to him and told him that it was not my car. We had barely moved a short distance that I ran into a relative, since I was driving the car, he would look at the car then he would look at me, he was so much taken aback that he forgot to even wish. Heart of hearts it was difficult for him to digest this sight. I quickly rolled down the window glass and told him that it was not my car. Now my companions said, “let us leave this car back home and let’s go in our own small car.” I also felt that that was the right thing to do because whosoever will see will think that it is my car, and that I had made money on the sly out of Kirtan. Meaning nobody can bear others happiness, progress or success.
If you start a new business, or open up a shop, or put up a factory, or setup a showroom, or build a bungalow, or buy a new car, it will be an exceptional person who will be happy in your happiness (from his heart). Only he will be happy, who loves you truly from his heart, otherwise, majority cannot bear to see others happiness.
Some people, who are not aware, to save themselves from others jealousy hang lemon and chilies in order to ward off jealousy; some hang a black threaded braid; still others put up a mask in the form of an ugly face. They believe that these things will save them of evil eyes.
Oh dear ones, the Almighty your father has given you the treasure, take its support. Whenever God blesses you with a new factory, new bungalow, new showroom, new car, new shop, then for 2 months or 5 months or a year increase the recitation of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib in addition to your daily recital. I am confident that this scripture is so blessed that it is like the ambrosia, it will protect you from evil eyes and jealous people.
There is a Gurmukh Sikh from Amritsar; he had a small shop of plywood. He established a new factory on Taran Taran Road. He requested us to do Kirtan over there. When we reached over there for the program I was surprised, it was a massive place, and one could not see the other end of the factory. At least a hundred workers were working inside. I said, “You had a small shop, you managed to establish a real big place out of it. How come?” he said, “it is the grace of the God Almighty, He has planned out all this.”
I told him not to get annoyed with me, if I told him that not many people are going to be happy in his happiness. He asked me that what could be done about it. I said, “Either you or your brother, should daily, sit on the chair in your office and recite one scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. Then nobody will be able to harm you, otherwise, jealous people are not going to be able to tolerate that you have been able to establish such a big factory out of a small shop.”
This is a characteristic feature of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib that it protects us from jealous people. Just remember one fact that only that person cannot tolerate to see others rise and shine, or become famous, only he is envious and in pain who has not experienced the company of a Mahapurush. These knots of envy prevail in him, whose mind has not yet awakened. The one who is enlightened, is happy in others happiness, he is happy in others progress because he is aware that the actual aim of our life is:
‘Bhei perapt manukh dehuriya
Gobind milen ki eh teri beriya’ (Ang…12)
He does not build walls of jealousy with anyone. He has become calm, tranquil, poised; he has risen above panic, jealousy and envy, he is happy in everyone’s welfare. He does not do bad for anyone, neither does he think bad for anyone nor does he keep grievances in his mind against anyone. The one who enjoys the company of Sadsangat his life is different from the life of the ordinary people. He does not let his mind be influenced by bad deeds and thoughts. He keeps his mind away from envy, distrust, slander, jealousy, malign or to think bad of others or of bad deeds; although jealousy and envy are the order of the day; he has risen above this because he enjoys the Sangat of Mahapurush, hence these bad thoughts do not enter his mind. He becomes aware that jealousy and bad thoughts are negative qualities that should be avoided.
I would like to bring home one thought over here that, to be jealous of others or to think ill for others or to do bad for others has its adverse effects; for the person who acts in such a manner his meditation or practice of naam jap or recitation of scriptures, all goes in vain, it is wasted; moreover, he who thinks bad for others or does bad for others or is resentful, he is heading for his own destruction. As there is a fable:
A frog lived with his companions in a pond, but he was very jealous of his friends. He befriended a snake, and promised him that daily he would bring one of his companions, on a pretext to the snake and the snake could then devour him. Daily he followed this routine. One by one the snake ate all the companions of the frog. The frog was very pleased but the snake stopped getting any frog to eat as all had been killed. One day when the frog went to meet his friend, the snake, he was so desperate that he pounced at the frog.
The frog requested the snake to leave him, he said that he was the snakes friend, why was he eating him. The snake retorted that he could not be true to his companions, how did he expect him to be his friend. Having said this the snake consumed that frog as well. The message is loud and clear that those who act badly towards others, they also meet ill-fate.
I would like to narrate another tale, so that we resolve in our hearts that we are not going to do bad for anyone, we are not going to be envious of anyone.
Once a king told the wise scholars that who would recite an excellent Shlok to him would get five gold coins as a reward. One of the scholars recited an outstanding Shlok, the king was very pleased, he told the scholar to daily recite an exceptional new Shlok to him and to take his reward of five gold coins. The scholar would come daily, recite a brilliant Shlok, the king in turn would sign the paper for five gold coins which the scholar would later collect from the treasury.
The sentry who was posted at the doors of the palace on guard used to get annoyed that he was guarding the palace from morning to night and was getting only one gold coin, whereas this scholar recites the Shlok in five to seven minutes and takes away five gold coins. Heart of hearts he began nurturing jealousy against the scholar; he started planning against the scholar.
One day the sentry told the scholar that the king had told him that when the scholar recited the Shlok foul smell came from his breath, hence he should wrap a cloth on his mouth and then recite the Shlok. The scholar agreed to it. He said that in the future he would do like that. On the other hand, the sentry went to the king and told him that the scholar had become very egoistic that he told him that when he recited the Shlok to the king, he could smell foul breath coming from the king, so from next day he would wrap his face and then recite the Shlok. On hearing this the king was furious.
Next day when the scholar went to the palace with his face wrapped up, seeing him covering his face the king raged with anger, he did not listen to the Shlok, instead he signed on the paper and handed it to the scholar. The scholar took the paper and thought that today the king had signed on the paper for the gold coins without even listening to the Shlok. He thought that he should give the paper to the sentry, so he handed over that paper to the sentry.
When the sentry took the paper and approached the soldiers of the treasury thinking that today he would get the gold coins, the soldiers caught hold of him and cut off his tongue, as the paper which the king had signed today was not for gold coins. On that paper there was an order from the king that the tongue of the bearer of the paper be clipped off.
The reason to narrate this tale, is simple, is to learn a lesson. We are Gursikhs. We are going to try and follow the path shown to us by our Satguru. Our Gurus in their lifetime have not had enmity with anyone, hence setting an example to us. When you read the history of the Gurus, you will see that innumerable people were envious of them but none of the Gurus answered them in the same coin, instead the Gurus asked for their welfare.
One day, somebody asked me, “Bhai sahib, the Sikh of the Guru does not wish ill for anyone, he does not hold enmity with anyone because Guru Nanak has blessed his Sikhs to wish for everyone’s welfare; but if anyone is envious of the Sikh of the Guru, desires for his destruction or someone does witchcraft/black magic on him, then what should the Sikh do?”
My heart swelled with pride for Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, He is so benevolent, He has done such a great favour on us, human beings, by blessing us with this heavenly scripture. This scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib protects us from witchcraft, ghosts and spirits and from being superstitious. I would like to bring about a clarification over here that many people say that there is nothing like witches, ghosts and spirits; everyone is entitled to his own point of view but when one reads the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib there is a phrase :
‘Kai kot bhoot pret sukar mrigach’ (Ang…276)
That means there are such things also.
When Guru Amardas Ji went to Goindwal, it was inhabited by ghosts and spirits. Guru Sahib in order to populate this place, stated that whosoever settles down over here then these evil spirits will not bother him. Even Guru Tegh Bahadur Jis mention of Anandpur Sahib informs that such things exist.
The previous name of Anandpur Sahib was ‘Makhowal’ which was after the name of a monster, (when Guru Gobind Singh Ji in his childhood, went to this place; when for the first time he stepped on this land, then Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji said it was heavenly, that bliss will be distributed over here, people will enjoy happiness over here, henceforth, this land will be known as Anandpur).
I have narrated this incident to confirm that these things exist. One day, the demon Makhowal came and stood in front of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and he said, “I have 700 disciples, we live here but ever since you have taken this place, your Sikhs recite the scriptures of Gurbani and we cannot survive where Gurbani is recited. From wherever we hear Gurbani, we have to leave that place and go ahead.” So these things do exist. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in compassion had said, “You go and dwell in Sirhind, when I come in my tenth form, then you will also gain salvation.”
There is another incident from the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, this happened with Bhai Prehlad Singh, which proves that such things exist. One day Bhai Prehlad came running and panting he reached Satguru, he said, “Satguru, I was going to the toilet, when I saw that an evil spirit had caught hold of this person.” Satguru saw with His divine sight and said, “The person you are talking about, whom an evil spirit had caught hold off, this person has never recited the scripture of Japu Ji Sahib. These things are made for such people who do not connect themselves to the Gurbani.”
These things definitely exist, but if you recite the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib in your house, then these things are unable to cause any effect. Baba Nand Singh Ji used to say, “ the house in which, the day begins with the recitation of the scripture of Japu Ji Sahib, followed by Jaap sahib, Tavprasad Sawiya, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib; where daily the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib is recited; in that house there is no place for witchcraft or ghosts and spirits even in the garbage bin. It is not that these things do not exist, they do, and it is only that Gurbani is stronger than witchcraft, ghosts and spirits. There is a statement in ‘Suraj Prakash’:
‘Jantar mantar pun tanter mahan
Bhot pret ta daint balwan’
Those who have undertaken the study of witchcraft/black magic, they use this knowledge for the destruction of others but if you love the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib then this knowledge cannot work its destruction on you, nobody can harm you.
There is a devotee in the congregation that is held at Amritsar. He has a wood lumber mill near Sultanwind Gate. The serial of recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib for eight days was taking place at his residence. When he told me what they went through at that time, I was surprised.
The weekly series of the recitation of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib was taking place at this person’s house. One evening, when he was returning home from the lumber mill, at that time the labourer who used to smoothen the wooden planks on the saw, when he reached near the gate, his saw got stuck over there. The labourer pulled the saw behind to see why had it got stuck over there, he saw that a piece of wood was buried over there. He pulled the wood out of there and saw that there was pit that had been dug over there. He felt that something was buried in the pit. He put the mud aside and saw that something was wrapped in a cloth – vermillion, a black threaded braid, barley seeds, some other things related with black magic were in it.
This labourer went to their house and told the family members what he had discovered. When they reached the spot and saw everything for themselves then they were also surprised. Try and understand the depth of the whole thing. Somebody who was jealous of them had tried to be bad to them but the continuous flow of the recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib that was taking place at their home, the flow of Gurbani saved them before any destruction could be caused. Such a way was created that before these things could cause destruction they were discovered.
The reason for narrating this incident which happened with someone is only that if anyone out of envy wants to bring a loss to a Sikh and if this Sikh is united to Shri Sukhmani Sahib, then the attacks of the envious person are futile and unsuccessful.
In Amritsar Dab Basti Ram there is a soap factory, owned by Trilochan Singh. The journalist of the ‘Anand Chamatkar’, Bhai Gurmukh Singh Ji narrated this incident, that Trilochan Singh’s factory was flourishing but suddenly it started running into loss.(When a persons affluent business starts running into loss, then he only knows how it hurts.) He began incurring such massive loss that his honoured family in no time landed into bankruptcy. Whatever, work he put his hand into would turn to ashes. He was facing loss in all aspects. Gradually, whatever he had saved also got exhausted. All the money was blocked. The family landed into a very pitiable state.
They were acquainted with a Mahapurush. They went to the Mahapurush and told him about their pathetic state, the Mahapurush suggested that all the members of the family get together and during daytime recite the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, let the recitation be continuous without a break, when one scripture is completed, immediately begin the next, this recitation should carry on for forty days. After every week offer the Degh and recite the prayer. The family obeyed and started the continuous recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib.
After a week had passed by, since they had started the recitation of the scripture, he borrowed Rs. 20000-25000 from somebody; he bought the ingredients required to make soap, like – oil, caustic soda etc. he put it in a big cauldron, in order to prepare soap. He lit the fire underneath, so that as soon as the soap is prepared he will be able to sell it but God Almighty’s doing, the cauldron got burnt causing a big hole, through which all the ingredients ran out, into the fire and turned into ashes. Before also he had suffered heavy loss, he had borrowed this twenty five thousand rupees thinking of re-beginning his work, that also turned to dust, leaving him under a further debt.
Some family members even went to the extreme of saying that the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, instead of helping them out had landed them into a deeper mess.
They went to the Mahapurush and told him what had transpired. He told them not to lose heart and further added that there must be some blessing in disguise because the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib always works for the best and not for the worst. He said that he was confident that the Lord had saved them of some misfortune that was going to take place, He has protected you. It had only been a week since they had started the recitation of the Gurbani, he urged them to complete the recitation for forty days, and Guru Sahib will be benevolent. The Mahapurush had his own earning in the practice of naam jap, his statement was powerful, the whole family continued with the recitation. Somebody recited with faith, whereas somebody recited for the sake of recitation, but all kept reciting.
The head of the family again made some arrangement of money, to make preparation to again make soap. He got a new cauldron made and thought of digging out the furnace and plastering it all over again, since the fireplace had been damaged when last time the ingredients had run out of the cauldron. When he uprooted the furnace underneath it was a pot. He was very surprised to see an earthen pot, amazed he thought how did the pot land under the kiln. When he took out the earthen pot, opened it and found that there were a few things inside it, wrapped in different bundles. When he opened the wrapped bundles, he saw that the names of all the family members were written inside them.
He took the earthen pot with its contents to the Mahapurush and showed it to him. Mahapurush in turn showed all this to a learned person, who had knowledge of witchcraft and black magic. He informed them that these spells that had been cast in this manner could have even brought destruction to the family members.
Mahapurush told the family members, “since, you have started the continuous recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib in your house followed by Ardas (prayer), it has protected you from the calamity that was about to fall on you, this scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib has protected your whole family. Now begin your business with a new perspective but keep one thing in mind, always keep the guard of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib in your house. Do not ever leave the recitation of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, if you do so then nobody can cause you harm.” This family got connected to the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib forever. Today, with the grace and blessing of Shri Sukhmani Sahib this family is rolling in millions.
See, where there is no Gursikhi, how people to destroy others are stuck up in witchcraft and black magic. If these things benefit someone then they bring a loss to the other person. But Gursikhi is great, because the Sikh of the Guru always asks for everyone’s welfare, he does not believe in causing harm to the other person for his benefit.
This is the world; it is the era of the kalyug, which is in its full glory. Hence, it is natural for people to feel envious of each other. If we look at the history of the Guru Sahibs, even they have been envied. If you read the history of Shri Guru Angad Dev Ji, you will see that Guru Nanak Dev Ji told Guru Angad Dev Ji to go and settle in Khadoor Sahib, as sons would be envious if he stayed on. If you read the history of Shri Guru Amardas Ji, you will realize that Shri Guru Angad Dev Jis son, Datu was very envious of Shri Guru Amardas Ji, so much so, one day while sitting in the religious congregation, he took out his leg and kicked Shri Guru Amardas Ji.
Prithvi Chand was so envious of Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji; it was out of envy that he made so many attempts to get Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib killed. Even Dhirmal told Shiha Masand to shoot Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, out of jealousy. This is all the cause of envy and resentment.
These envious people did not spare great saints like Naamdev and Kabir, so who are we? It is the nature of the human being residing in this world to feel envious. But we are blessed that our Father has given us a diamond, an invaluable gem, take its support, keep your houses protected with its fencing, keep your houses fortified with its scripture.
This is the eighth characteristic feature of the priceless treasure granted to us by Satguru that the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib protects us from witchcraft, black magic, superstitions and envious people. If somebody out of envy has resorted to cause destruction, it will be futile; it will be ineffectual upon that house where the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib is recited.
I met a person from Ludhiana; he told me that it had been a year since his father had gone to the shop. His father felt scared at the shop so he did not feel like going to the shop. I asked him that if he was being treated or not. He said that they had taken him to 3-4 learned people; they had even gone to a Dera, where they open the hair and give ‘chaunki’ (I do not think it is wise to give the name of this Dera.) but it was of no use because it did not improve his condition. I asked him what did the learned men say. He told me that they had mixed some medicine in the water and made his father drink it which resulted into his vomiting, then the learned men said that somebody had given him tabeez to eat but now that he had vomited, it was out of his system. He would be healthy soon. He further added that the work had been completed and they should give the money. Many days had passed since this incident but there was no improvement in his father’s condition. He requested me to tell a way out.
I told him that I did not give my wares cheap. I told him that first he should recite fifty one scriptures of Shri Sukhmani Sahib then I would tell him what was to be done. After about 14-15 days his father rang up, I thought they would ask me for an appointment, when they could meet. But I was surprised when he said that his work was done, that he had even started going to the shop. He said the fear that had set in his mind of going to the shop, the feeling of anxiety that he used to have of going to the shop; he had overcome that worry, that apprehension, that hesitation. This had happened because of his recitation of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. He said by the time he had recited the scripture for about 14-15 times, he had started feeling at harmony from within. My mind echoed with – great is the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. Great is Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Such is the blessing of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib; Shri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji has filled it with immeasurable greatness. The house, in which the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib resides, blessed is that house because Guru Sahib, Himself blesses that house and keeps it secure from witchcraft, black magic, superstition, ghosts and spirits, and all bad things.
Superstitions prevail where there is no place for Gurbani. The scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib frees one of superstitions. If you are going somewhere and someone voices you from behind, then your work is not going to be successful; or if the cat has crossed your path then your work is not going to succeed; or if you are going to take your money from someone and someone sneezes then you are not going to get your money; these are all superstitions. I am writing with confidence, with my faith in the scriptures that if you recite the Gurbani, if you have the security of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib then if anyone sneezes or a cat crosses your path or someone voices you from behind, nothing is going to be able to stop your work from succeeding.
Just a few days back, we were driving down somewhere by our own vehicle. My companions were accompanying me. One of our companions was reciting the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib loudly; he knew the scripture by heart. A cat crossed the road just in front of our car.
One of our companions, who was young believed in superstitions, he said that since the cat had crossed over in front of our vehicle, just hope that we do not bring any loss upon ourselves. I wanted him to overcome his superstition so in satire; I told him that if the cat after crossing over in front of you crosses over again then actually the cat has crossed your way. This is not crossing over because the cat has crossed over only once. He said, “I thought if the cat crosses your path once then your way is cut.”
Whatever task we put our hand into was accomplished with a lot of ease and without obstacles, by the grace of God everything went of well. When we returned then to remove the superstition from this persons mind I asked him, “you were saying that if a cat crosses your path then you do not succeed in the work you are going to do, that there could be some loss but all our works have been completed successfully with great ease, by the grace of God, there was no difficulty nor was there any loss.” He said, “You, yourself had said that if the cat crosses your path once then it’s not cut but if it crosses over again then your way is cut.” I told him, “you are very naïve; I wanted to rid you of your superstition that is why I had said the opposite.”
In reality, all those people who are superstitious, they believe that if the cat crosses your path it cuts your way, if it crosses over it is considered inauspicious, but if it crosses over again, and comes back then the path is clear, then everything would go of smoothly. Actually, the cat had crossed our path but since the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib was being recited in our vehicle and where there is Shri Sukhmani Sahib there is no place for superstitions.
Baba Ishwar Singh used to say, “ if anybody makes it a habit, to pay respect to the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and then leave home, then if a cat crosses over his path or somebody sneezes, all these things cannot affect him because he has recited his prayers in the Supreme Power, Almighty’s feet. Superstitions are for those people who have not taken shelter in the Lords feet, who have not loved the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. This is my confidence in my Guru, that if you go to His feet then He Himself has mercy, He protects you.”
Some years back, even I used to go to collect money as donation or subscription, I used to go to Taran Taran, there was a trader who used to go along with me. He had a small business of sweets and toffees. We both used to go on our respective scooters to collect money. I met four-five of his friends, they were all in the same business of sweets and toffees, they told me that they could not understand how this person worked, since they were in the same business, their money was blocked in Taran Taran Sahib. They said that whenever they went to collect money they did not get the money and if they did, it would be a petty amount, whereas this person used to get the money as well as an order for further delivery of sweets and toffees.
Now, I knew the secret to his success. When he used to go to collect money, as he used to cross Chatiwind, he used to start reciting the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. Since he used to keep reciting the scripture, he used to collect maximum money. He used to get a big order also. Whereas the other traders, on their way to collect money used to discuss worldly things-like, someone behaved in this manner or someone did like this. That person, who recites the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, he is making his breaths a success, whereas those who are involved in useless talks, or slandering others, are ruining their breaths, they are losing their breaths.
I am confident that the person who, on stepping out of the house begins reciting the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, God must be having mercy on him; He must be sitting in the hearts of those from whom this person has to go and collect money. He, Himself makes a way out. This I am writing with authority that if a person is reciting the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, and he ventures out to collect money, even if a hundred people voice him from behind or infinite sneeze or a cat crosses his path, nothing can destroy him or hurt him. A person who gets connected to the scriptures, he rises above superstitions. There is mention of this in Gurbani as well:
‘Sagun apsagun tis kau legha jis chit na aawa’ (Ang… 401)
The one who gets connected to the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib, he attains freedom from all superstitions. Otherwise, till you are superstitious you are troubled. Those who are superstitious, no matter how much one explain to them, they do not understand, only God can have mercy on them. Today’s world is stuck up in lame superstitions like, one should not wash clothes on Thursday; do not wash your hair on Saturday, do not cut nails on Tuesday etc etc. If they incur any loss or meet with some misfortune then they have this excuse up their sleeve that since I washed my hair on Saturday that is why I have to suffer this loss or its Thursday and I washed clothes so I have met with this hardship. But it is the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib which frees one of all the superstitions.
Today, vastu shastr or direction error is in rage. If someone just mentions that the direction in which your kitchen is situated in your house is not correct or the direction of your bedroom is not proper or Guru Sahibs room is not in the right direction that is the reason for a decline in your business or since the direction is not up to the mark, hence there is ailment in the house; where there is lack of awareness or there is lack of faith in the scriptures given to you by your Father, the Almighty, there superstitions reign supreme, such people get carried away by the so called experts of vastu shastr and they set forth to change the direction of their houses and offices.
There was a religious person, who kept the company of the congregation, he had made a very beautiful room of Guru Sahib in his house but someone put doubt into his mind, saying that his business was not flourishing because the direction in which the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji had been placed was not proper. Now, where there is no trust in the capabilities of your Guru, there is no faith in the scriptures granted to us by our Guru; then when you listen to others you get carried away, that is why even in Ardas (prayer) we ask for the grant of faith. As this is of utmost importance because where there is faith, where there is belief and devotion, only over there is the blessing of the Guru.
Now, this person started pondering over this direction problem, so he changed the position of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As he changed the position, the beauty of the room was lost. That charm was gone because at times the setting has been organized and if it is changed, it looses its wonder.
I requested him and told him that in whichever direction you may place the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that should not affect your business. These are all uncertainties of the mind. I urged him that if he was not convinced, then he should look toward the Golden Temple which is the biggest centre for us, here when we go inside then the direction in which the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji has been placed is different, whereas the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji placed at Baba Buddha Jis berry is in a different direction and the direction at the Akal Takht Sahib is different. This is our centre, the Golden Temple which is a major example. This I am writing with my confidence in my Guru that whatever the direction maybe, if we have the treasure of the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib then these things hold no value for us.
This world is stuck up in superstitions but he, who has the treasure of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, he can claim, not out of pride and ego but being humble, he can say that he has that wealth because of possession of which nothing can touch him, whether it is auspicious or inauspicious; these superstitions are not for me.
Try and understand, the eighth characteristic feature of the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, the house in which the scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib resides, black magic and witchcraft is ineffective over there; nobody can cause harm nor can their envy affect those who love the scripture of Shri Sukhmani Sahib. Those who fortify their house with the heavenly scripture of the Shri Sukhmani Sahib, they attain freedom from superstitions, ghosts and spirits. This great heavenly scripture has been granted to us by Guru Sahib and we should take its support.
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