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n this article, we will delve into Saakhi #16 of the Sikha Di Bhagat Maala series, where we will explore the story of Bhai Paro Julka Paramhans, a devoted Sikh of Guru Angad Dev Ji. Through Guru Sahib’s teachings, we learn the qualities of a true seeker—one who can differentiate between truth and falsehood, like a swan that separates milk from water.
Bhai Paro Julka Ji’s question
ਪਾਰੋ ਜੁਲਕਾ ਪਰਮਹੰਸੁ ਪੂਰੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰੀ।
A sikh of high order (paramhans) Bhai Paro was there of Julka caste on whom the Guru was full of grace.
He asked Guru Sahib a question that what is a Paramhans, Guru Ji answered that Param means supreme and Hans means a swan. Here, it is a metaphor stating that Bhai Paro Julka was a supreme Sikh, the greatest of the greatest Sikhs.
The Metaphor of the Hans (Swan)
ਮਾਨ ਸਰੋਵਰੁ ਆਖੀਐ ਉਪਰਿ ਹੰਸ ਸੁਵੰਸ ਵਸੰਦੇ।
ਮੋਤੀ ਮਾਣਕ ਮਾਨਸਰਿ ਚੁਣਿ ਚੁਣਿ ਹੰਸ ਅਮੋਲ ਚੁਗੰਦੇ।
ਖੀਰੁ ਨੀਰੁ ਨਿਰਵਾਰਦੇ ਲਹਰੀਂ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਫਿਰਨਿ ਤਰੰਦੇ।
Guru Ji describes a special breed of swans that reside in Mansarovar, a sacred lake. These swans have the ability to distinguish between milk and water, consuming only the milk while leaving the water behind.
Similarly, a Paramhans can separate truth from falsehood, focusing only on spiritual wisdom while discarding material distractions. This symbolizes the ability to differentiate between what is good and what is not. For us Sikhs, being a Paramhans means picking out gems and jewels which is Gurbani.
The Three B’s: Bibek, Buddhi, and Bichaar
Guru Angad Dev Ji emphasized that by listening to, reading, and contemplating Gurbani, a Sikh attains three key qualities which enables them to differentiate between Sat (truth) and Asat (falsehood), just as a swan separates milk from water:
1. Bibek (Pure Wisdom) – The wisdom to see beyond duality and recognize Oneness, realise truth and falsehood .
2. Buddhi (Intellect) – A sharp intellect that helps in reasoning and decision-making. A pure Buddhi helps a Sikh make wise choices in Bhagti (devotional practice).
3. Bichaar (Contemplation) – Reflecting deeply on Gurbani and applying it in daily life.
Understanding the Body and the Atma (Soul)
The Three Characteristics of the Body (Perishable & False)
1. Asat (Impermanent) – The body constantly changes and eventually perishes.
2. Jarh (Lifeless Without the Soul) – A body without Atma is inanimate, like a chair or table.
3. Dukh (Suffering) – The body experiences pain, illness, and emotional distress.
The Three Characteristics of the Atma (Eternal & True)
1. Sat (Permanent) – The soul remains constant across lifetimes.
2. Chetan (Consciousness) – The soul is aware of itself and can recognize its divine nature.
3. Anand (Blissful) – The soul is always in a state of divine joy, unaffected by worldly suffering.
ਆਤਮਾ ਪਰਾਤਮਾ ਏਕੋ ਕਰੈ ॥
His soul and the Supreme Soul become one.
ਅੰਤਰ ਕੀ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਮਰੈ ॥੧॥
The duality of the inner mind is overcome.
Most people only see the body, but a Paramhans sees beyond and understands that the body and Atma are separate. Those without Bibek see the body and soul as one, leading them to believe that life is meant solely for enjoyment. However, Gurbani teaches that our true purpose is to recognize the distinction between the perishable body and the eternal soul.
Living Like a Lotus Flower
Guru Angad Dev Ji used the example of a lotus flower, which grows in muddy water but remains untouched by its surroundings. A Paramhans, too, lives in this world without being affected by negativity, staying focused on Vaheguru.
The Legacy of Bhai Paro Julka Paramhans
Bhai Paro Julka Ji listened to Guru Angad Dev Ji’s teachings and lived according to them.
As a result, he became a Paramhans.He was saved from the cycle of birth and death and his entire lineage was liberated along with him.
The Lesson for Us
For us Sikhs, this Sakhi serves as an inspiration. Our goal should be to become a Paramhans and to dedicate our lives to unite with Vaheguru.
This means:
- Identifying what is good and bad based on Gurbani (not worldly opinions).
- Living life with Bibek, Buddhi, and Bichaar.
- Remaining detached from worldly distractions, just like the lotus flower.
By following Guru Sahib’s teachings, our path to uniting with Parmatma will become clear and effortless.
