conversation between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Madan Nath. 

 Translated from Sau Sakhi (100 Stories).

 Dedicated to Bhai Jagraj Singh Ji, who achieved his purpose.

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A conversation between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Madan Nath, where Madan Nath asks important questions about life and spirituality, and Guru Sahib answering them with references to Gurbani (Guru’s words).

Q: What is the purpose of human life?

A: To attain and become one with Akaal Purakh (The Timeless Being/Vaheguru)

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ਭਈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ ॥

This human body has been given to you.

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ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਮਿਲਣ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਰੀਆ ॥

This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.

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Q: How do I attain Akaal Purakh?

A: By gaining knowledge of Akaal Purakh and acquiring the understanding and secret of The Creator.

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ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਅਬ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਗੁਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਦੀਆ ਸਮਝਾਇ ॥

Says Kabeer, now I know my Lord; the Guru has blessed me with spiritual wisdom.

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Q: How do I obtain the Giaan (Knowledge) of Akaal Purakh?

A: Giaan is obtained through Prema Bhagti (Devotional/Loving Worship where one completely surrenders to their beloved)

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ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹੋਂ ਸੁਨ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਭੈ ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੀਓ ਤਿਨ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਇਓ ॥੯॥੨੯॥

I speak the Truth, and everyone should hear this. Those who are absorbed in True Love for God will obtain God. 9.29.

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There are nine types of Bhagti (Worship)

1. Sravan - listening to the praises of The Beloved

2. Kirtan - Singing the praises of The Beloved

3. Simran - Remembering The Beloved

4. Paad Seva - Doing service at the feet of The Beloved

5. Archana - To serve The Beloved with flowers, perfumes, essence sticks, sandalwood, etc

6. Dasa - Being a servant to The Beloved

7. Sakhapan - Having a friendship relation with The Beloved

8. Bandana - Bowing down to The Beloved

9. Atma Nivedan/Sarab Nivedan - Complete surrender of body, mind, and soul to The Beloved

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None of this Bhagti can happen if there is no Prem (Love) for The Beloved.

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Q: How can I have the fortune of reaching the state of Prema Bhagti?

A: Through Naam Simran (Remembrance of Naam) and doing Abhiyaas (Constant Practise/Repetition)

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ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਤਤੁ ਬੁਧਿ ॥

In the remembrance of God are knowledge, meditation and the essence of wisdom.

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Q: How do I gain the excitement and faith to do Naam Simran (Remembrance of Naam)?

A: Read and understand Gurbani, and apply the teachings in your life. While doing so, keep your Rehat as given by the Guru. Refrain from committing any sin and stay away from evil.

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ਡਿਠੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

One is not liberated by merely seeing God, unless one contemplates the Word of Their Shabad.

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Q: To be able to walk on the path of Hukam (Will of The One) based on Gurbani, and to be able to apply the teachings of the Guru, how can I overcome the filth of the mind and the ego trap in me?

A: There are three ways to clean the mind of its filth and to save ourselves from the ego trap;

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1: Seva (Selfless service)

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ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ ॥

One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward,

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ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥

Shall attain his Lord and Master.

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2. To do Worship of Akaal Purakh

In doing so, one must not separate from the physical world, Kalyug. Stay within the world and devote yourself to Akaal Purakh. If one separates themselves from the world, then their conscious mind would not have to fight against the world’s challenges and gain victory. Without these victories over worldly challenges, one would not gain the mental strength necessary to fight the five evil vices and control them. On this, Gurbani says,

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ਵਿਚੇ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਸਦਾ ਰਹੈ ਉਦਾਸੀ ਜਿਉ ਕਮਲੁ ਰਹੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਾਣੀ ਹੇ ॥੧੦॥

In his own home, he remains unattached, like the lotus flower in the water. ||10||

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Guru Nanak Dev Ji also states,

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ਜੈਸੇ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਕਮਲੁ ਨਿਰਾਲਮੁ ਮੁਰਗਾਈ ਨੈ ਸਾਣੇ ॥

The lotus flower floats untouched upon the surface of the water, and the duck swims through the stream;

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ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਭਵ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਤਰੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੇ ॥

With one's consciousness focused on the Word of the Shabad, one crosses over the terrifying world-ocean. O Nanak, chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord.

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3. Never isolate yourselves and meditate in the jungles.

This is the path of Mukti (Liberation), forsaking the worship of all other gods and goddesses. Focus only on Akaal Purakh (The Timeless Being) with love and only love. Make your aim to attach to Vaheguru. To be able to love, one must practice Naam Simran. Through this your life becomes worthwhile. Keep high moral conduct and learn the knowledge of the House of the Guru. Be an example to others. Dedicate your life to sacrificing for others, this is Seva which can destroy ego and pride, and you shall attain and become one with Akaal Purakh.

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ਰੇ ਮਨ ਐਸੋ ਕਰਿ ਸੰਨਿਆਸਾ ॥

O mind ! the asceticism be practised in this way :

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ਬਨ ਸੇ ਸਦਨ ਸਭੈ ਕਰਿ ਸਮਝਹੁ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਮਾਹਿ ਉਦਾਸਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Consider your house as the forest and remain unattached within yourself. Pause.