So What Happens After Death?
At one point, there was a dialogue in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Anandpur Sahib Darbar featuring deep vichaar about what happens after death. The Kavis start with the topic then transition into speaking about the Eternal State of Vaheguru and how to get there. This section of Darbari Rattan can be found on pages 42-43. The following introduction to the writings is a paraphrase of Piara Singh Padam:
A glimpse into the depth of conversations among the various Kavis present at the Anandpur Sahib Darbar. The following section is found in Sau Sakhi by Bhai Ram Koer Ji (known as Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Ji after being blessed with Amrit; Pages 220-222):
ਏਕ ਬੇਰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ, ਬੈਠੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਭਾਇ|
Aek Baer Sree Sat[i]guroo, BaiTae AapNay Bhaae[i]
One time Guru Sahib sat in Their Bhaae[i] (Bhaae[i]: Khyaal as in Their Thoughts, Prem as in being the Form of Love, Marjee as in Their Own Command/Choice, Rang as in Their Colours, Prakaar as in way/style)
ਕਥਾ ਭਈ ਤਹਿ ਪਾਂਡਵਨ, ਪੰਡਿਤ ਭਾਰਤ ਆਇ । ੧ ।
Katha Bhaee Tah[i] Paandvan, Pandit Bhaarat Aae[i]
Katha happened about the Pandavaas, Pandits from different parts of Bharat Khand arrived to hear this katha.
ਤਾਂ ਪੀਛੇ ਚਰਚਾ ਭਈ, ਮਰਾ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਕੋਇ |
Taa Peechhae Charcha Bhaee, Maraa N Aavai Koe[i]
Discussion followed afterwards [about the conclusion/morale of the katha]:
No one dies & no one comes [into birth].
ਕਿਆ ਜਾਨੇ ਕਿਆ ਹੋਇ ਤਹਾਂ, ਹੈ ਵਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਹੋਇ । ੨ ।
Kiaa Jaanae Kiaa Hoe Tahaan, Hai Vaa Naahee Hoe[i]
What do we know of what happens there? Is there or is there not an existence [after death]?
ਤਬ ਬੋਲੇ ਨੰਦ ਲਾਲ ਜੀ, ਕਰਨੀ ਕਮਲ ਜਮਾਲ|
Tab Bolae Nand Laal Jee, Karnee Kamal Jamaal
Then Bhai Nand Lal Ji spoke, the one who acts like a beautiful lotus:
ਸਿਖ ਸਿਦਕਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬਡ਼ੇ, ਤਿਨ ਕੋ ਭਲੋ ਹਵਾਲ । ੩ ।
Sikh Sidak Gurmukh Badey, Tin Ko Bhalo Havaal
The Sikhs have faith and are Great Gurmukhs,
They will be in a good state [after a physical death].
ਸੈਨਾਪਤਿ ਕਵਿਤਾ ਕਹੇ, ਗੁਰਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਤੇ ਪਾਰ |
Sainaapat Kavita Kahey, GurDarshan Te Paar
Kavi Sainapat Ji recited a poem about Darshan of The Guru being the Highest State
ਕਰੈ ਭਲੀ ਵਾ ਬੁਰੀ ਨਿਤ, ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਲੇਇ ਸਵਾਰ ।੪।
Karai Bhalee Vaa Buree Nit, Sat[i]gur Laee[i] Savaar
Those who live in either good or bad manner [paap or punn],
Satguru takes care/cleans up [Their Life by Giving Darshan]
ਉਦੇਰਾਇ ਕਵਿ ਇਉਂ ਕਹਾ, ਜੈਸੀ ਕਾਹੂੰ ਘਾਲ |
Oudae Raai Kav[i] Eio[n] Kahaa, Jaisee Kaahoo[n] Ghaal
Kavi Uday Rai Ji says like this, just like someone would go through a struggle/hardship [taking initiative and putting in hard work towards something]
ਤੈਸਾ ਫਲ ਦਰੂਮ ਹੋਇਗਾ, ਜੈਸਾ ਬੀਜ ਵਿਸਾਲ । ੫ ।
Taisa Fal Dharum Hoiega, Jaisaa Beej Visaal
In the same way the fruit of dharam is based on how great the seed is
[the more effort that is put towards achieving dharam, the better the quality of the fruit of that life-long labour; you will be blessed and not worry about the afterlife in this process]
ਰਾਵਲ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਜੀਵ ਕੋ, ਈਸਵਰ ਅੰਸ਼ ਨਿਹਾਰ |
Raaval Bolah[i] Jeev Ko, Eesvar Ansh Nihaar
Kavi Raaval Ji addresses the Jeev (perceived separated soul), [The Jeev] should be understood as an [inseparable] part of Eeshwar [not different from it]
ਨਹੀ ਦੰਡ ਅਪਨੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ, ਬਿਚਰੈ ਲੋਭੁ ਪਸਾਰ ॥ ੬ ॥
Nahee Dand Apnee Surat[i], Bicharai Lobh[u] Pasaar
If we don't discipline our mind [don’t keep it in check], we end up falling into greed and the expanse of vikaars.
ਅੱਲੂ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਦੇਹਿ ਜੜ, ਪੰਚ ਤਤੁ ਛੁਟਿ ਜਾਂਹਿ |
Aloo Bolah[i] Deh[i] Jarh, Panch Tat Chhut[i] Jaah[i]
Kavi Al-oo Ji says: the body is jarrh [not consciousness], the 5 elements will be gone [our body is an arrangement of the 5 elements; these 5 elements arrange themselves in many ways and will fall out of the arrangement which has been known as our individual bodies]
ਬੁਧਿ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ ਫੁਨ ਦੇਹਿ ਜੜ, ਚੇਤਨ ਆਪੇ ਆਹਿ । ੭।
Budhh[i] PraaN Phun Deh[i] Jarrh, Chaetan Aapae Aaah[i]
Intellect, the Praan’s [life forces], and again the body [all of these are] jarrh [not consciousness], Only Vaheguru comes in Chetan [Awareness/Consciousness]
‘ਮਧੁ’ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਜਉ ਸਹੀ ਹੈ, ਚੇਤਨ ਪਰਮ ਸਰੂਪ |
Madhh[u] Bolah[i] Jo[u] Sahee Hai, Chaetan Param Saroop
Kavi Madhhoo Ji says: Jo Sahee Hai (Farsi: What is Right is...Sanskrit: the Friend [Guru Sahib] is...Arabic: That without change is) Chetan Param Saroop [Awareness/Consciousness is the Highest Form~referring to Nirgun Paramatma]
ਨਾ ਮਾਰੇ ਮਰਤਾ ਨਹੀਂ, ਦੂਜਾ ਕਉਨ ਅਨੂਪ ॥੮॥
Naa Maarae Martaa Nahee[n], Doojaa Koun Anoop
[Nirgun] does not kill, nor dies, who else is this Indescribably Beautiful?
ਅਗਨਿ ਅਗਨਿ ਜਿਮ ਸੰਤ ਸੀਤ, ਘ੍ਰਿਤ ਘ੍ਰਿਤ ਪਾਨੀਵਾਰ |
Agan[i] Agan[i] Jim Sant Seet, Ghrit Ghrit Paaneevaar
Burning is the Blazing nature of the Fire of Kalyug & the Peaceful Saints have a Water-like nature... They have a Melting nature like Ghio/Ghee [clarified butter] and take the pain of the burning world [Paaneevaar is the tradition of taking your Beloved’s pains upon yourself by putting water over your head, accepting their pain]
ਭ੍ਰਮ ਹਾਰ ਦੇਖੋ ਕਵਿੱਤ, ਦੂਜਾ ਕਹਾਂ ਵਿਚਾਰ ।੯।
Bhram Haar Daekho Kavit, Doojaa Kahaa Vichaar
I don’t want you to get lost in doubts, so look at Kavi Ji’s poetry, how can I provide further explanation?
‘ਚੰਦਾ’ ਚੰਦ ਚਕੋਰ ਜਿਉਂ, ਬਾਲ ਮਾਇ ਕੀ ਰੀਤਿ |
‘Chanda’ Chand Chakor Jio[n], Baal Maae[i] Kee Reet[i]
Kavi Chanda Ji says: Like the relationship between the Moon and the Chakor-bird, and the relationship between a Child and it’s Mother,
ਤਿਉਂ ਗਤਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਜੀਵ ਕੀ, ਜਾਣੈ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਮੀਤ ।੧੦।
Tio[n] Gat[i] Hovai Jeev Kee, JaaNai PraaNee Meet
That is the State of the Jeev (Separated Soul), Understand this my Breath-sharing Friends
‘ਬੱਲੂ' ਬਿਸਨੁ ਫਕੀਰ ਕੀ, ਬੋਲੀ ਸੁਨੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ |
‘B-loo’ Bisan[u] Fakeer Ki, Bolee Sunai Na Koe[i]
Kavi B-loo Ji says: no one listens to a Sinful Faqir [or otherwise faqir which indulges themself in vikaars]
ਤਿਉਂ ਈਸਰ ਅਰ ਜੀਵ ਕੀ, ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਜੀਅ ਮੈਂ ਹੋਇ। ੧੧।
Tio[n] Eesar Ar Jeev Kee, Dubidhhaa Jeea Mai[n] Hoe[i]
In the same way no one wants to hear about Eeshwar and Jeev, this results into being in a state of duality.
‘ਲੱਖਾ’ ਲੱਖ ਮਣ ਬੋਝ ਜਿਹ, ਸੋਈ ਮਰਤਾ ਭਾਰ |
‘Lakhaa’ Lakh Man Bojh Jih, Soee Martaa Bhaar
Kavi Lakhaa Ji says: If you already understand that one MaN (unit of measuring weight) is heavy, then you wouldn’t say it’s heavy [possibly referring to understanding that there is no ego/individual self and just Paramaatma].
ਹਲਕੇ ਹਲਕੇ ਲੋਗ ਸਭ, ਪਾਪ ਪੁੰਨ ਇਉਂ ਧਾਰਿ । ੧੨ |
Halkae Halkae Log Sabh, Paap Punn Eio[n] Dhhar[i]
The common people are lightweights because they are stuck in their Karam and counting the weight of their Paap and Punn (sins and good actions) [they are limited to the individual self due to agiaanta, they don’t realize they are the entire ocean... not just a drop!]
ਈਸਰ ਦਾਸ ਕਹਿ ਸੁਨੋ ਸਾਧੂ, ਤੀਨ ਕਾਲ ਇਹ ਨਾਂਹਿ
Eesar Daas Kah[i] Suno Saadhhoo, Teen Kaal Eih Naa[n]h[i]
Kavi Eesar Ji Daas says: Listen Saadhus, Vaheguru is not bound to three times: Past, Present and Future.
ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਸੋ ਅੱਗਤਾ, ਯਾ ਮੈ ਸੰਸਾ ਨਾਂਹਿ । ੧੩।
Jo Deesai So A-gata, Yaa Mai Sansaa Naa[n]h[i]
Whatever you see does not have spiritual states, there are no changes/wavering at that One State [always present, have been away from that One due to ignorance/misperception]
‘ਸੁਖੀਆ’ ਸੁਪਨੇ ਏਕ ਨਰ, ਕਲਪੈ ਰੂਪ ਅਨੇਕ |
‘Sukheeaa’ Supnae Aek Nar, Kalpai Roop Anaek
Kavi Sukheeaa Ji says: In this dream, there is one Man... but we imagine/perceive that there are a variety of forms.
ਤੈਸੇ ਈਸਰ ਚਿਤ ਤੇ, ਉਪਜੈ ਨਿਪਜਿ ਬਿਬੇਕ ।੧੪।
Taisae Eesar Chit Tae, Oupjai Nipaj[i] Bibaek
In this way, Eesar resides in the Chit, Conquer by giving birth to Bibek [state of discerning what is True and what is not; goal is to remove duality from thoughts and transcending the ignorances formed out of sansaar]
‘ਧਰਮ ਸਿੰਘ’ ਨਿਜ ਧਰਮ ਹੈ, ਅਪਨੋਂ ਇਸ਼ਟ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ |
‘Dharam Singh’ Nij Dharam Hai, Apano[n] Eisht Pradhhaan
Pyaaraa Bhai Dharam Singh Ji says: Our Way is to see our Beloved as the Supreme One
ਆਨ ਧਰਮ ਸਗਲੇ ਨਿਫਲ, ਯਾਂ ਮਹਿੰ ਬੇਦ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣ । ੧੫ ।
Aan Dharam Saglae Nifal, Yaa[n] Mahing Baed PramaaN
All other ways will not render any fruit [of merging with Vaheguru], on this Path you will gain the spiritual knowledge along the way [Anbhau Prakaas]
ਤਿਆਗ ਮੂਲ ਹੈ ‘ਧਿਆਨ ਸਿੰਘ', ਵਿਸ਼ੈ ਭੋਗ ਤੇ ਦੂਰ |
Tiaag Mool Hai “Dhhiaan Singh”, Vishai Bhog Tae Door
The Form of Renunciation “Kavi Bhai Dhiaan Singh Ji, says:
Away from enjoying the temporary pleasures of the world
ਧਿਆਨ ਧਰੈ ਇਹੁ ਪਰਮ ਧਨ, ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਦ ਕੀ ਧੂਰਿ । ੧੬ |
Dhhiaan Dhharai Eih[u] Param Dhhan, Satigur Pad Kee Dhhoor[i]
To focus/concentrate on [Vaheguru] is the Highest Wealth and becoming the Dust of the Lotus-Feet of Satguru Sahib.
ਮਾਲਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਜਾਪ ਕੀ, ‘ਮਾਲਾ ਸਿੰਘ’ ਕੀ ਜਾਨ |
Maalaa Satigur Jaap Kee, ‘Maalaa Singh’ Kee Jaan
After doing Maalaas of GurMantra [Vaheguru] Jaap, what does Kavi Bhai Maalaa Singh understand exactly?
ਜਾਂ ਤੇ ਕੋ ਅਭਿਆਸ ਹੈ, ਚਤੁਰ ਵਰਗ ਕੋ ਸਾਨ। ੧੭।
Jaa[n] Tae Ko Abhiaas Hai, Chatur Varag Ko Saan
That Life which has Abhiyaas (Spiritual earning/bhagti: Naam Simran, Seva, Katha, Kirtan, among others) will receive the Chaar Padarath [Sri Sukhmani Sahib Ji: Chaar Padarath Jae Ko Maangai; Saadh Janaa Ki Saevaa Laagai)
ਸੁਨਿ ਸੰਬਾਦ ਇਹ ਸਗਲ ਕੋ, ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਉਚਰੇ ਵਾਕ |
Sun[i] Sanbaad Eih Sagal Ko, Satigur Oucharae Vaak
Listening to everyone’s conversations, Guru Gobind Singh Ji stated the following Bachans from Their Beautiful Mouth:
ਅਨਹਦ ਸਾਧਨ ਜੋਗ ਕੇ, ਸਮਤ', ਧਿਆਨ ਏਕਾਂਕ । ੧੮।
Anhad Saadhan Jog Kae Samta Dhiaan AeKaa[n]k
There are endless means of uniting, all of which put concentration/focus on the One.
This excerpt was shared to highlight that Maharaj’s Darbar was not simply a gathering for Poets and Scholars. Often, deep topics regarding spirituality took the center stage. If you read the writings of Bhai Nand Lal Ji and Pyara Bhai Daya Singh Ji, this conclusion will only be further accepted. (Another paraphrase of Piara Singh Padam)
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Personal Commentary: This section allows us to take a look into how GurSikhs lived in Guru Sahib's Darbar. All of these statements are not coming from thin air, they are all statements backed by Gurbani. Many might be confused as to what all the Kavi's are talking about and how the conversation shifted from death to all these other conversations about Bhagti & Jeev/Eeshwar but those who swim in the Oceans of Gurbani, know these sentiments too well. This section provides them with encouragement/confidence that they would have been able to understand the level of Vichaar the Kavi Ji's had in Maharaj's Hazuri.
This translation is not even close to perfect and has a lot of room for improvement. (Especially the 9th chhand, still confused about it) .Forgive Dasandaas for my countless mistakes, please let me know if you have any changes or want to have vichaar on this section!
~Aaeena
