Most people do believe
that there is some kind of a higher power, a 'Supreme being' who created this
universe and runs it in a systematical order.
In English language, there is only one word to describe it, God.
In English language, there is only one word to describe it, God.
However; in Sanskrit language and Indian scriptures, there are different words
to describe IT such as Brahman, Ishwar, Paramaatman or Bhagvaan.
1. ‘Brahman’ or Brahm is the underlying reality of all existence, which
is Formless, attribute-less and incomprehensive.
2. ‘Paramaatman’ or Parmaatma is defined as the Universal soul or
consciousness that is Formless, inactive or a silent witness.
3. ‘Ishwar’: It is extremely
difficult to focus upon the ‘Incomprehensive Brahman’, so the scriptures gave
us a concept of the Formless, Almighty, All-knowing, Most-kind and most
merciful “Active Being” and named IT Ishwar; the creator and sustainer with
virtuous attributes.
4. ‘Bhagvaan’: which has Form and attributes; all great virtues
such as love, compassion, kindness and mercy etc.
Bhag, according to
Sanskrit dictionary means light, brightness and high. It can be used for Sun
and moon also since they are bright and high.
Vaan means: having,
owning or possessing.
So, Bhagvaan literally
means the one who is ‘Bright’ and ‘high’.
Technically God’s
light shines in everyone but do we see it in ourselves or every being that we
see?
It is the Guru, the
‘Enlightened one’, through whom we can see and experience the ‘Light’.
There is a beautiful and meaningful popular story of Lord
Rama’s childhood.
One night, mother Kaushalya was holding baby Rama in her
arms at the terrace of her palace. A very bright full moon was shining in the
sky right in front of them. She pointed her finger toward the bright moon and
said “look! There is moon. See how beautiful it is?”
Baby Rama smiled and jumped with open arms to hold the moon
in his hand. Though the moon seemed to be so close, it was out of his reach. He
tried again and again and started crying; saying “I want it. I want it. I want
to hold it.”
Mother tried to console him and to divert his attention but
failed.
She asked a maid to bring a big bowl full of water and
placed it on the ground in front of Shri Rama. There was a bright image of the
moon shining in that clear water and it was also within his reach. He became
very happy and started playing with it.
It’s not just a children’s story.
The ancient Indian epics and most scriptures are written in
metaphoric language. This story also has a deep meaning.
Though God’s light is present in everyone, it shines bright
and clearly in the ‘Enlightened ones’ just like the moon shines in a body of
clear water.
Bhagvaan is
generally understood to be an incarnation of God, a source of Light and
enlightenment; who is ‘higher’ but still within our reach.
Even though “Sab Gobind
hai, Sab Gobind hai, Gobind binu nahin koi”, (All is God, All is God, there is
nothing but God), it is the Guru who can be considered and seen as God.
“Guru Parmesar eko
jaan”
Since it is
extremely difficult to focus upon the ‘Incomprehensive Formless God, the
scriptures advise us to meditate upon the Guru; Bhagvaan in a human form with
attributes; great virtuous qualities of love, compassion and kindness.
“Dhyaan Moolam Gururmurti
Pooja Moolam GururPadah
Pooja Moolam GururPadah
Mantra Moolam GururVaakyam
Moksha Moolam GururKripah”
Moksha Moolam GururKripah”
(Guru Gita)
Gur ki moorat man mahi dhyaan
Gur ke shabad mantra man maan
Gur ke charan riday lai dhaarou
Guru Paarbrahm sadaa namaskaarou
(Mehala 5, Page 864)
Therefore, if we are unable to perfectly empty our mind and
become ‘nothing’ to meditate upon ‘Nirankar’, we can think and focus on the
image and holy words of the Guru.
In the minds of the ‘Bhakta’, Guru and Brahm are synonymous
and they can enjoy meditating upon either Nirakaar Ishwar or Sakaar Satguru.
“Rajan Sachdeva”
Thanks. Nicely explained.
ReplyDeleteI second the earlier comment
ReplyDeleteDo you mean these are different Gods? or different forms of one & the same God?
ReplyDeleteIf these are different forms of the same God then how and why he takes these different forms? Please explain.
Narendra
Thank you Mr. Narendra.
ReplyDeleteIt’s good to know that some people not only read it but they read it carefully with deep understanding. They don't read it just for the sake of entertainment but either they have a great deal of knowledge to question it or they sincerely want to know more.
I am going to post my reply in main blog since it is long and secondly I do not think many people read comments.
Rajan