PASE WISE FEB 07 - Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle

Satwinder Kaur
Spiritual Values of
Guru Granth Sahib
The treasure that can be found in the pages of Guru Granth
Sahib is more valuable than gems, gold, silver or material wealth.
We should stop storing up for ourselves treasures upon the earth,
where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and
steal. Material wealth is of little avail.
Rather we should store for ourselves the treasures of spiritual
values freely available in Guru Granth Sahib. Neither moth nor
rust consumes them and thieves do not break in to steal. Rather
than getting caught up in a quest for material wealth, we can
benefit now by pursuing a superior way of life.
The key is storing up spiritual treasures which leads to a life of
real happiness and contentment.
How can we do so ? Either by reading Guru Granth Sahib like a
simple book, or by imbibing Guru Granth Sahib teachings i.e. the
hidden treasure written in Shabads & Saloks.
The spiritual values of Guru Granth Sahib benefit us
physically, emotionally and spiritually only if we apply them
properly in our daily lives.
Most people who are determined to get rich, fall into the
temptation and accumulate senseless and harmful desires, which
plunge them into destruction and ruin. The exclusive pursuit of
material things can rob a person of time, strength and abilities. It
can even rob one of a good night's sleep. The senseless quest for
more certainly stifles us. "Happy are those who are conscious of
their spiritual needs."
We must realise that spiritual riches lead to permanent
rewards and are more important than transient material gains.
One important truth! Things seen (material) are temporary
but the things unseen (spiritual) are everlasting.
But does it really work?
Yes (it really worked, is working and will work) but only for
those who really apply.
"Spiritual values are everlasting and those who apply, them
gain tremendous peace of mind. By pursuing spiritual goals they
are free from the stress of competing for wealth." Besides, spiritual
values also build better relationships!
True relations are forged for what and who you are, not
because of what you own.
Every religious book advises us to keep company of the wise to
become wise. But how is the real question!
A successful family is built on wisdom and love, not on
Wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.
-Francis Bacon
material possessions. We are not
born with values but evil influences
distract us from seeking them.
We must learn from a higher
source; and that is Guru Granth
Sahib.
That is why our Gurus have
given us Guru Granth Sahib. Gurbani
based education can transform our
whole mental outlook regarding
material things.
Guru Granth Sahib condemns
the materialistic focus that is so
prominent in our times. Written
word of Guru Granth Sahib teaches
us how to curb our selfishness by
simply keeping our eyes focussed on
the more important things, the
spiritual riches. Greater we apply the
hidden treasure of Guru Granth
Sahib, more we realize greater
happiness. Our thoughts turn from
accumulation to giving and sharing.
This is the powerful incentive to
replace self indulgence with spiritual
values.
Money may serve as a protection
(to some extent) for a while whereas
values of Guru Granth Sahib
emphasize that our money can
disappear in a flash, as if it had grown
wings and flown away like an eagle.
People achieved disastrous
results when engrossed only in
money and materialistic things. On
the other hand, spirituality satisfies
our most important needs--the need
for love, need for a purpose in life and
worshipping the loving true
Almighty God. In short instead of
only reading spiritual values of Guru
Granth Sahib, we must start applying
them practically in our lives. Only
then we can flourish in real sense.
Worldly affairs, materialism and
their scars will be eradicated. Then
everlasting love with true God (Akal
Purakh) will bring true happiness
forever to the mankind.
February 2007
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