2nd Difficult Night

Read the previous sections here

Mata Sabhraaee Ji walked on this spiritual path as a regular reciter of Gurbani and lover of Naam. After being separated from her husband, Mata Ji reflected on how this event caused her to become detached from the world. Mata Ji began to worry about how she will be perceived by other members of Sangat. As the mother-in-law of Guru Sahib... she thought that people will be judging her Sikhi. Mata Ji was crying but not for the reasons we may be thinking. There is a secret behind this crying. What is the mystery? Those who have tasted the separation from Vaheguru know these tears very well. People may think that Mata Ji is crying tears with the mindset of “Oh, what has happened?”, “Oh God has caused such a bad event”, “Oh, now what will happen to me?” Mata Ji did not cry at that time for these reasons. Although she had been separated from her husband, she had more importantly been detached from her Bhagati. Her concentration from Maharaj’s Lotus Feet had been disturbed and she was suffering as a result:
ਵਿਛੋੜਾ ਸੁਣੇ ਡੁਖੁ ਵਿਣੁ ਡਿਠੇ ਮਰਿਓਦਿ ॥
Vichhorraa SuNae Dukh ViN[u] Dittae MariOdh[i]
Even if I just hear of separation from you, I suffer...
without seeing You – Vaheguru, I die
ਬਾਝੁ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਬਿਰਹੀ ਨਾ ਧੀਰੋਦਿ ॥੩॥
Baajh[u] Piaarae AapaNae Birahee naa Dhheerodh[i]
Without the Beloved, the separated lover cannot remain in comfort.
(Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Maaroo, Ang 1100)
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The first night was the first time that Mata Ji ever spent alone without her Sat-Sangi Husband [the one who would bring her mind back to Guru Sahib if she was ever wavering]. She had faith in her mind. The companion which aided in her spiritual path was gone. This was why her concentration wavered and why she was in a disturbed state as a result. When her concentration returned to Guru Sahib, she would say: “Oh the Beloved of my Breaths, let my journey in this world finish with modesty, Dharam (living in righteousness), and faith in Sikhi. Mata Ji would lose concentration and then say: “Oh Akaal Purakh, Oh You have returned your Crown Jewel back to Yourself. Please save some room for me and please make me worthy of being in Your Presence.”
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With this type of worship, Mata Ji would fill her eyes with Love for Vaheguru by calling upon Vaheguru’s Merciful aspect and Their Eternal Greatness. Gurbani says the following about this:
ਨਾਨਕ ਰੁੰਨਾ ਬਾਬਾ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜੇ ਰੋਵੈ ਲਾਇ ਪਿਆਰੋ ॥
Nanak Ru[n]naa Baabaa JaaNeeai Jae Rovai Laae[i] Piaaro
That crying is accepted when crying in the Love of the Beloved
(Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Vad-hans, Ang 578)
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Who doesn't cry? The Gangster and the Butcher don't cry. Who doesn't cry? The non-sentient creatures and the apathetic don't cry. Those with pure hearts are the ones who cry. Crying is the highest sign of yearning and yearning is a king in Vaheguru’s Loving Reign.
ਬਿਰਹਾ ਬਿਰਹਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਬਿਰਹਾ ਤੂ ਸੁਲਤਾਨੁ ॥
Birhaa Birhaa Aakheeai Birhaa Thoo Sulthaan[u]|
Oh Yearning, We refer to You as the King, Oh Yearning
ਫਰੀਦਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਤਨਿ ਬਿਰਹੁ ਨ ਊਪਜੈ ਸੋ ਤਨੁ ਜਾਣੁ ਮਸਾਨੁ ॥੩੬॥
Fareedhaa Jith[u] Than[i] Birah[u] n Oopjai So Than[u] JaaN[u] Masaan[u]|
Oh Fareed, that body which does not develop yearning, so know that body to be a cremation ground.
(Salok Bhagat Fareed Ji, Ang 1379)
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The Cremation grounds are dried up, burnt, and without water. The crematory-heart is that which is dried up [does not have a drop of love within it]. The places which are flourishing are those that are watered by the tears of love. Those eyes which are consumed in Naam and Divine Love, never cry for losing material things, they never cry in ungratefulness, and they never cry in disbelief of Vaheguru. They melt for the One who created them. These Blessed Eyes of the Beloved GurSikhs cry while begging to Guru Sahib.
The Eyes of Gurmukhs cry in feeling bad for those suffering in this world and then act with kindness as a result. These eyes shed tears seeing the weakness of the poor sinners [feeling bad for them], seeing the wrong-doing of the wrong-doers, seeing the downtrodden being helped. In order to clean the stains of our bad deeds, crying acts as a soap in the process of making our stained-soul become clean. The worthy souls who cry in Divine Love, do not care about their reputation and honour, and do not ask ‘What will people say of me’? They exclaim: I shed the streams and the streams are flowing. Yes, those whose love-filled souls cry and say:
ਪੰਥੁ ਨਿਹਾਰੈ ਕਾਮਨੀ ਲੋਚਨ ਭਰੀ ਲੇ ਉਸਾਸਾ ॥
Pa[n]thh nihaarai Kaamanee Lochan Bharee Lai Usaasaa
The Bride looks upon the path, becomes tearful, and sighs...
ਉਰ ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਪਗੁ ਨਾ ਖਿਸੈ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਸਨ ਕੀ ਆਸਾ ॥੧॥
Ur n Bheejai Pag[u] naa Khisai Har[i] Dharsan Kee Aasaa
The Heart is not fulfilled but her feet do not slip off this path, She has the hope to be able to see her Beloved Vaheguru.
(Bhagat Kabeer Ji in Raag Gourree, Ang 337)
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The Eyes of Gurmukhs also cry:
ਰੰਗਿ ਹਸਹਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਰੋਵਹਿ ਚੁਪ ਭੀ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ
Ra[n]g[i] Hasah[i] Ra[n]g[i] Rovah[i] Chup Bhee Kar[i] Jaah[i]
While dyed in the Love of Vaheguru, they laugh.... While dyed in the Love of Vaheguru, they cry... While dyed in the Love of Vaheguru... they become silent.
(Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Aasaa Kee Vaar, Ang 473)
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Why did Mata Ji cry on the first night? Mata Ji lost her companion in Sat-Sangat, she was reflecting on her own state... Katha and Keertan did not happen at home today [her routine of Sikhi suffered without her husband]. The one who would accompany her to Sangat - every single day - was not with her. Those eyes which would sit in the blissful concentration of Vaheguru were no longer in front of her anymore. Today, the warmth was missing and the only warmth she felt was through squeezing her pillow over and over again. How could her eyes go without crying after losing so much? She is crying about losing her Sat-Sangat not because she is in a state of ungratefulness or hopelessness. Mata Ji would then lean on the support of Gurbani and Ardaas. This would allow her to cry in the state of Love for Vaheguru.
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The attachment to Sat-Sangat causes a decrease in attachment to the world. The suffering of the world does not affect them as a result. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj praise the Sat-Sangat a lot. Mata Ji made all of these efforts. She took support from Gurbani, her grief allowed her to be detached. It allowed her to concentrate her attention and further her faith in Gurbani & Naam. However, Satsang had given her so much support and taken her out of a place of wavering. (Baba Nodh Singh by Bhai Vir Singh)
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Mata Ji’s first night went by in this way. Being a lover of Sangat – who saw her Husband as Sat-Sangat as well – this allowed Mata Ji to become even further detached. Mata Ji now reached Anandpur Sahib. She met Mata Jeetho Ji. Mata Ji referred to her daughter as Sree Jeetho Ji. Mata Jeetho Ji saw her mother without her father and asked “Oh Mother! Where is my Beloved Father?” Mata Ji broke the news: “Oh Bibi Ji! Your Father is playing hide-and-go-seek. He is now sitting upon the Throne of Vaheguru’s Blessed Laps! The curtain of their body has been removed, so their spirit is now in its home. However – being separated from them – I was not able to celebrate this event. I have run to Guru Sahib’s Sanctuary so that they can save my boat of faith from sinking. It has been recently shaking on these waters of the world-ocean. Mata Jeetho Ji fainted upon hearing of her father's passing. Mata Jeetho Ji became quite detached upon hearing this. After two tears drops fell, she went into concentration. Mata Sabhraaee Ji sat beside her and started doing Naam Simran. A lot of time passed and then Guru Sahib came. Both of Mata Ji’s Eyes opened. Upon seeing Mata Ji, Guru Sahib said:
ਕਬੀਰ ਜਾ ਦਿਨ ਹਉ ਮੂਆ ਪਾਛੈ ਭਇਆ ਅਨੰਦੁ ॥
Kabeer Jaa Dhin Ho[u] Mooaa Paachai Bhaeiaa Ana[n]dh[u]
Bhagat Kabeer Ji says: That day when ‘I’ die, from that day forward I become blissful
ਮੋਹਿ ਮਿਲਿਓ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਨਾ ਸੰਗੀ ਭਜਹਿ ਗੋਬਿੰਦੁ ॥੬॥
Moh[i] MiliO Prabh[u] Apnea Sa[n]gee Bhajah[i] Gobi[n]dh[u]|
I have met with my Vaheguru, and those surrounding me vibrate Vaheguru...
[Vibrate as in every part and parcel of their being resonates in Vaheguru’s remembrance]
(Salok Bhagat Kabeer Ji, Ang 1364)
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Hearing these two lines of Gurbani, Mata Ji went into a state where she was aware of the Aatmaa. The teaching was about the body’s curtain becoming removed and the True Self becoming revealed. Thus, the mind is rising to higher plains of its own existence.
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ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਦਿਖਾਇਆ ॥
Kahu Nanak Gur[i] Brahm[u] Dhikhaae[i]aa|
Guru Sahib has shown me Brahm [non-dual Vaheguru]
ਮਰਤਾ ਜਾਤਾ ਨਦਰਿ ਨ ਆਇਆ ॥੪॥੪॥
Marthaa Jaathaa nadhar[i] n Aaeiaa |
In the cycle of taking birth and dying, it was not possible to see Brahm
(Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Gourree, Ang 152)
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The Immortal State was witnessed. Some time passed like this. Being in the Sat-Sangat of Satguru allowed Mata Ji to enter a higher spiritual state after losing her husband.
'Oh, what a Bliss this is! Having this unexpected weakness within the soul – born out of separation – allowed me to fly!'
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For a spiritual seeker, every trauma becomes a step towards hard work in spirituality. Every obstacle becomes a stair set of 29 steps. Every trouble becomes greater than the last and slowly causes one to see even further. If the life-spirit [spiritual courage] resides within and has the support of Sat-Sangat then the mind can eagerly face those steps.
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ਮਉਲਾ ਖੇਲ ਕਰੇ ਸਭਿ ਆਪੇ ॥
Moulaa Khael Karae Sabh[i] Aapae
Vaheguru arranges this play Themselves
(Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Maaroo, Ang 1019)
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The Master only knows about Their own colours and Their mysteries [various ways this play of the world is carried out]. The separated being – who has faith – and has been cleaned up by Guru Sahib – knows that whatever happens from the Command of their Master is for the best. For Mata Ji, the 2nd night is now approaching. Mata Ji’s Concentration remained focussed on Naam and continued to take the support of Shabad, perhaps it has not reached this point yet:
ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਹੋਆ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਤੁਝ ਤੇ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਭ ਅਸਨਾਈ ॥
Jo Kichh[u] Hoaa Sabh[u] Kichh[u] Thujh Thae, Thaeree Sabh Asnaaee
Whatever happens, happens through You ~ Vaheguru, You know everything.
(Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Bilaaval... Shabad Hazaarae, Ang 795)
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Leaping to this state is quite difficult. This state is hard to reach. The mind needs to be ripened in Vaheguru just like a blacksmith shapes a weapon over and over. Only Guru Sahib knows about Their Own Hukam but for empowering Mata Ji’s Soul even more, another difficult night had arrived.
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One day, Mata Jeetho Ji was connected to such high spiritual states that she was able to see into the future. Mata Jeetho Ji foresaw the Shaheedi of Her Sons. When her eyes opened, she did an ardaas to concentrate her attention again. She saw the same vision again and re-concentrated her focus once more but kept seeing this vision. She got up anxiously and went to have Darshan of Guru Sahib. She fell at Maharaj’s Lotus Feet and asked: “Oh Master, Oh Guru Sahib! What is this spectacle that You have made me see? Is it true that all 4 of the Sahibzaadey will become Shaheed? Will this Mother – filled with motherly love – be present with them during this time?
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Guru Sahib remained quiet for a bit and spoke “You have seen this indeed, and it has already been written to happen, the Sheets of Maya have not yet cast their shade. This is why, over time, the Sheets will cast their shade and the physical eyes will be able to see this as well.
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Mata Jeetho Ji: Oh Master of my Breaths! I do not have the strength to see this physically.
Guru Sahib: You have tons of strength but this vision was given to you – not to scare you – but to prepare for it. Be delighted and ask for faith & preparation for this.
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Mata Jeetho Ji: Oh Master of my Breaths! I accept Your Command as Truthful, it will always be True. I will be begging You in order to be able to see what I envisioned and to ask for strength. However, if you can forgive me for asking then can I ask how I can avoid seeing such an event with these eyes?
Hearing this, Maharaj went inwards, after 2 hours of meditation, Maharaj looked at Mata Ji and said:
ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰੇ ਸੋ ਭਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਮਾਨੀਐ ਹਿਕਮਤਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚੁਕਾਈਐ ॥
Jo Kichh[u] Karae So Bhalaa Kar[i] Maaneeai Hikmath[i] Hukam[u] Chukaaeeai
Whatever Vaheguru does, know it to be good... remove any cleverness and ideas of free will.
(Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Thilang... Shabad Hazaarae, Ang 722)
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Oh Vaheguru’s Beloved! There is something else being prepared for you. Stay in a state of accepting Hukam, and gratefulness, and do not ask for anything. Board the boat of steadfastness, look at what the oars of faith are doing. Merge your own free will with Vaheguru’s Command and harmonize. Vaheguru has willed it so that you will no longer have to physically see this vision.
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Mata Jeetho Ji: Satbachan Ji! (Respectfully responding to Guru Sahib's Command by stating it is True)
As a Spiritual Practitioner, being knowledgeable about real yoga, and being able to discern between reality and falsehood, Mata Jeetho Ji was placed into a state of conviction. What does Mata Ji see? Mata Ji sees that her body will now be coming to an end soon. Opening her eyes, Mata Jeetho Ji’s eyes buzz around like a bee and land on the Lotus Feet of Guru Sahib. Having delight on her face, being grateful, and accepting Hukam, peace was attained. From this state, a request came from Mata Ji’s mouth: “Oh Beloved of my Breaths! You are the Awareness-Aatma within this Unconscious-Maya (5 Elemental Existence of Creation), I am Your Servant and Slave... this is Your Greatness, for you attached me to Yourself and are now sending me off. Please bless me as such where my remaining breaths stay attached to Naam as if my breaths were a stream of oil [very hard to separate]. Guru Sahib are the personification of:
ਨਹ ਕਿਛੁ ਜਨਮੈ ਨਹ ਕਿਛੁ ਮਰੈ ॥
Nah Kichh[u] Janmai Nah Kichh[u] Marai
Nothing is born, nothing dies...
ਆਪਨ ਚਲਿਤੁ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਕਰੈ ॥
Aapan Chalith[u] Aap Hee Karai
It is all Vaheguru’s own play [movie] which Vaheguru directs Themselves
(Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Sri Sukhmani Sahib)
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and Maharaj replied: Oh Beloved! Vaheguru’s Perfection! Your Sikhi has paid off, You now live within Vaheguru, Live in the Laps of Your Beloved Father with Respectful-Fear, Loving Worship and merge without any other thoughts [of the world]!’ Maharaj blessed Mata Jeetho Ji with steadfastness.
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A few days after this private conversation, Mata Jeetho Ji became quite detached. Mata Sabhraaee Ji came to the side of her daughter, and began reciting Gurbani and praying to Guru Sahib but her beloved daughter’s physical strength began to decrease. Guru Sahib, all of the Sahibzaaday, and the entire family spent their entire night by Mata Jeetho Ji’s side. There was no disease but the inside and outside energies were interacting in a way that showed as if something was physically wrong. When Amrit Vela came, Mata Ji went into a state of Samadhi [Extreme Concentration]... Mata Ji’s Focus began to emanate:
ਸੁਰਤੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਰਲਾਈਐ ਏਤੁ ॥
Surathee Surath[i] Ralaaeeai Aeth[u]
The Focus merged with the Object of Concentration
(Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Raamkalee, Ang 878)
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Under the Care of the Protector of the Weak [Guru Sahib] and the Mother of Sahibzaadey, Mata Jeetho Ji’s journey in this world had been completed.
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For Mata Sabhraaee Ji, the 2nd day had begun when the world flipped upside down again... and so, slipped away from Mata Ji’s eyes. A void had formed and faith grew in this detachment. Both separation and steadfastness were hugging each other. Mata Ji was grateful for having this spiritual strength but she did cry. The Will of Vaheguru is lovingly accepted but there was a sadness. There was steadfastness but the tears did not dry either. The tears did dry eventually but then Mata Ji connected in prayer. This caused the Eternal Aatma to be seen. Her concentration became stronger and the world became dried up [from which the mind was distracted]. However, through the Awareness/Consciousness of Aatma... the world was seen as being complete. The world was seen as temporary but Vaheguru’s Awareness prevailing everywhere is also seen.
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This time Mata Ji was in the presence of the Master of the 3 Realms (Heavenly, Earth, Netherly) ~ Guru Sahib, the Sahibzaadey, among other Gursikhs during the Final Rites of Mata Jeetho Ji. Mata Jeetho Ji was blessed to have a Great Husband and Great Children. She had a Cool Nature, Contentment, and Steadfastness – at the time she merged into the Lotus Feet of Vaheguru. After Kirtan Sohila and the Antham Ardaas [Final Rites], people went home. So began Mata Sabhraaee Ji’s 2nd Difficult Night. Mata Ji did not think this event would ever happen in this life or at least, not so soon. Mata Ji was alone in her room with her thoughts on this 2nd night. In the same way, Mata Ji left her home and ran to Anandpur Sahib, Mata Ji now faced the same pain in her sanctuary of Anandpur Sahib.
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Mata Ji’s heart – which had been walking on this path of spirituality for a while – was feeling the pain of the thoughts: before I was just a widow but now I am daughter-less. When this thought came to mind, Mata Ji’s Spiritual Strength stepped up and said: “Oh mind, the messengers of ungratefulness have come. Stay away from them if you want to make it out in one piece. In the end, we would have separated even if I had passed away or my daughter or my husband did. However, Vaheguru will always remain (they have been there from the beginning and throughout life). Vaheguru does not have an end or a beginning. This is something you have to bear, oh my Aatma-Raam! Let me bear this... oh my Diamond-Raam! Let me accept Vaheguru’s Will as Sweet. Don’t make my mind waver. My daughter is not dead, she has risen to Sachkhand. Do Gurmukhs ever die? Gurmukhs go back to their homes! What a great daughter I had, she had good qualities... not had... but has! She has good qualities... It is the only way she could have married Guru Sahib. She had faith and it led to the path of liberation. This is a time to truly be grateful and delighted"
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After reflecting in this way, she thought: "Your Colours are so Great! We have to depart from our father’s home and even our father-in-law’s home. I am the lonely crooked rose branch with just a bud [and no petals left] in the autumn season. Vaah! Vaah! Is everyone going to leave in this way? Who knows? At one point, you used to swing in the cradle and listened to lullabies. At another point, you used to play with toys. Sometimes, you used to get oil applied in your hair and at other points you had it removed. At one time, you rode in the palanquin. Sometimes, my mother-in-law used to pick you up from the palanquin, so that your feet wouldn’t have to touch the ground. I used to wish the best for you by doing the Paanee-vaar practice and spilling oil before you crossed the threshold [Paanee-vaar is a practice where a person takes water and brings it around a loved one and then drinks it. This is said to take away any negative energies and rather the individual takes it on themselves instead]. You held back all of the pains that you wanted to share with me until I had time to sit down and talk to you. You waited for me to fan you during hot days. You used to cling to me like my clothes and jewelry. We had the peace of shade around all 4 sides of us. I was the queen and everyone waited to see me. Where did those beloved times go? Everything seems like it was a dream, Vaah! Whoever said this was speaking the truth:
ਇਕ ਦਿਨ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਹੋਵਨਾ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਬਾਬਲ ਸੰਦਾ ਵਿਹੜਾ
Ik Dhin Supanaa HovaNaa Saanoo[n] Baabal Sa[n]dhaa Viharraa
One day, it’ll feel like a dream, we will have to leave our father’s home
[songs used to be sung to females at a young age to instill ideas of them having to leave for their in-laws someday]
We used to sing this but who knew that:
ਸਹੁਰਾ ਭੀ ਹੈ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਹੋਣਾ ਆ ਮਲਿਆ ਹੁਨ ਜਿਹੜਾ
Sahuraa Bhee Hai Supanaa HoNaa aa Maliaa Hun Jiharraa
Our in-laws is like a dream as well, whoever we will meet [will depart as well]
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Everything is a dream. Then what I’m going through now, is this not also a dream? If my pleasures never remain then my suffering will not either. Oh my mind! Where have you gone wandering? Turn towards the positive side, my mind! please turn away from this! This is Hukam! There is no happiness, there is no suffering. This is all the Play [Movie] of the Beloved. That event was witnessed as this present moment is witnessed. That which was seen has now passed. The Sweetness and the Bitterness have passed. Now what is there? There is only memory of the past: sighs of happiness and the stabs of suffering. Only if I let go of these past memories and be present in the current moment, only then will I reside within the Naam. Remember Guru’s Words:
ਏਹੜ ਤੇਹੜ ਛਡਿ ਤੂ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥
Eharr Thaeharr Chhad[i] Thoo Gur Kaa Sabadh[u] PachhaaN[u]|
Let go of thoughts of here or there [meaning thoughts which come from an unstable, scrambling mind], Recognize Guru Sahib’s Shabad.
(Dhan Guru Amardas Sahib Ji in Raag Soratt, Ang 646)
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Then realize that you are at peace, there is You and Naam. If there is Naam then your mind can be focussed and attached to it.  Oh, how many times has my mind tossed me to my side? The Truth is that on the way up the mountain, there are deep pits and difficult crevices which we have to pass. Who has climbed to the top or walked back down without encountering such things? Look at how hard I’m trying to be in a state of accepting Hukam but my thoughts keep going the other way. I am truly mistaken. While it is difficult to concentrate the mind with such distracting thoughts, the Naam acts as an obstacle to such thoughts. Let me continue this practice and let these thoughts fall in the pits and alleys"
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After saying this, Mata Ji began Naam Simran. She slept for a little bit after this. Upon waking up, she thought: “I don’t know what illness my Jeeth had, why didn’t she tell the doctor? What could we have done to help her? She left so quickly, she did not have any suffering attached to her illness and her ears weren’t hot [from fever] either. What? Oh, where did [my mind] go? Sri Vaheguru! Sri Vaheguru! Bless me with Your Hukam! My focus has gone away today. It does not stabilize in concentration upon Naam." Mata Ji became quiet then began Japji Sahib. When she arrived at
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਬਖਸੇ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਾਲਾਹ ॥
Jis No Bakhsae Siphath[i] Saalaah
Whoever is blessed with Prayer and Singing the Praises of Vaheguru...
ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ॥੨੫॥
Nanak Paathisaahee Paathisaah[u]
Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji Maharaj says: They are the Kings of Kings.
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... she thought to herself: "Where did I go? I have almost completed the Paath but all I can think about is my emotions. Mind, Oh mind! You unstable thief! You are going to keep giving me trouble. Bless me, Guru Sahib! My focus is weak right now... I should loudly recite Japji Sahib! Mata Ji completed the Paath and was in good spirits yet again the mind thought: What has happened, so has happened, but I will have to face some strife..." Then Mata Ji reflected: "Oh mind! Let us do Ardaas! Mata Ji kept repeating her Ardaas over and over. In this way, 30 mins had passed. There was some cool peace in Mata Ji now. Mata Ji did make a request, was thankful, and asked for peaceful sleep. Then Mata Ji went to sleep but then within 15 mins woke up again. Tears were flowing from her eyes, she was crying without any thought. Just in utter silence. Mata Ji then said: You are Blessed, Be Thankful! Keep Blessing me! Mata Ji’s focus became unwavering again, the thoughts stopped and Naam started to flow. Now who is suffering? Who faces suffering? Her focus can now exemplify:
ਕਉਨੁ ਮੂਆ ਰੇ ਕਉਨੁ ਮੂਆ ॥
Koun[u] Mooaa Rae Koun[u] Mooaa
Who dies? Oh tell me! Who dies?
ਬ੍ਰਹਮਗਿਆਨੀ ਮਿਲਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ਇਹੁ ਤਉ ਚਲਤੁ ਭਇਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Brahm Giaanee Mil[i] Karah[u] Beechaaraa Eih Tho[u] Chalath[u] Bhaeiaa
Meet with the Enlightened Saints and discuss reality, this is only like we’re watching a play
(Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Raamkalee, Ang 885)
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Her focus became attached in Simran. In this way, she was mentally able to sleep a little bit more. She woke up again – once more – after 30 mins. Even this short amount of sleep seemed like it was a blessing. She realized that the human body is like a soft flower, the soul becomes drenched in high states of detachment. Mata Ji’s body received a sense of powerlessness but a pleasant powerlessness. She fell asleep again. She woke up and spoke to herself: “It’s Amrit Vela, get up and do Ishnaan so we can go to Sat-Sang.” She remembered how fast her husband used to get up. As if it was salt... bathing in the ocean. “I am not yet like salt, I do ishnaan daily and go outside... Oh beloved Jeeth, it’s Amrit Vela, get up, I have bathed, Guru Sahib probably left already. Why did you get up so late? Get up beloved! Why don’t you bathe in the Sat-Sangat and bring mental coolness back? Yes, I am alone today, who will bring me to Sangat today? Death is rubbish but death is real as well. I may keep enduring this reality but occasionally, thoughts of our lost ones will come to our mind. Oh companions of spirituality! The separation can be endured... in Your praise, the following has been said:
ਨਾਨਕ ਕਚੜਿਆ ਸਿਉ ਤੋੜਿ ਢੂਢਿ ਸਜਣ ਸੰਤ ਪਕਿਆ॥
Nanak Kacharriaa Sio[u] Thorr[i] Tdootd SajaN Sa[n]th Pakiaa
Break away from the raw [spiritually weak/those attached to the world]
Look for Saintly friends who are ripe [spiritually strong/those detached from the world
ਓਇ ਜੀਵੰਦੇ ਵਿਛੁੜਹਿ ਓਇ ਮੁਇਆ ਨ ਜਾਹੀ ਛੋੜਿ ॥੧॥
Oe[i] Jeeva[n]dhae Vichh[u]rrah[i] Oe[i] Mue[i]aa naa Jaahee Chhorr[i]
The raw ones will leave you even while you are alive while, the ripe ones won’t leave you even after they physically die
(Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Maaroo, Ang 1102)
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So why did you leave me? Tell me why? Look at me alone now, how can I go to Sangat? ... Oh, Sri Vaheguru! Where did I go? The Beloved is always nearby. Where is the Sat-Sangat that allows Naam to reside in the mind? So, mind... come let us return to Naam." After bringing her mind back, tears welled up but did not flow down. She was having Darshan of Guru Sahib. Mata Ji’s eyes then opened again. Voices were heard. It was the Chhotay Sahibzaaday standing there: “Oh Beloved Mother Ji! Let’s go to Darbar, Hardyaal Singh Ji Raagi have come today! They sing kirtan beautifully!"
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After hearing their cute, little, love-filled voices, Mata Ji sat the kids in her lap and hugged them. She became stress-free. Mata Ji still needed the Loving-Support of Guru Sahib. Mata Ji was accompanied by them and went to Sangat. While physically being together with the Sahibzaaday, her mind was subtly leaning on the support of Guru Sahib. She used Kirtan’s emotional heart-pulling nature to connect her towards Naam again. She was connected to Naam and was engrossed in bliss even after the sun rose. This is how the 2nd night was spent.
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Excerpt from Baba Nodh Singh by Bhai Veer Singh:
Question: Mata Ji was quite strong, and lost her focus multiple times in anxious thoughts... then why did having the presence of the Sahibzaaday cause her to be unwavering in Naam?
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Answer: Mata Ji still required the loving support of Guru Sahib. This means that Mata Ji wasn’t yet able to get to that spiritual state where the Spirit only takes support in the Aatmaa. Even if the body exists, internal support is required. Because we take on the form of a body, it takes some time in spiritual practice to wean off of leaning on the body during spiritual practice. This is why Maharaj does not make us leave grihasth (householder’s life). Until the mind does not find the true peace of the Aatma, it will continue to rely on worldly support. Until then, the spiritual practitioner will continue to face anxieties. If someone can live in this world and still be able to constantly attach their focus to Vaheguru then – without even realizing it – they stay connected. Mata Ji has reached quite high spiritual elevations compared to the first night. Her mind is able to focus faster and her internal spiritual strength becomes more present in comparison to last time. Yet she will still need to go through further shaping.
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