ਲਖ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਜੋਨ ਵਿਚ ਮਾਨਸ ਜਨਮ ਦੁਲੰਭ ਉਪਾਯਾ॥
ਚਾਰ ਵਰਨ ਚਾਰ ਮਜ਼ਹਬਾ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਸਦਾਯਾ॥
ਕਿਤੜੇ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਖਾਣੀਅਨ ਨਾਰ ਸੁਮਾਰ ਅਗਨਤ ਗਣਾਯਾ॥
ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਨ ਮਾਯਾ ਚਲਤੁ ਹੈ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਬਿਸਨ ਮਹੇਸ ਰਚਾਯਾ॥
ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬਾਂ ਵਾਚਦੇ ਇਕ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੁਇ ਰਾਹ ਚਲਾਯਾ॥
ਸ਼ਿਵ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਵਿਚ ਖੇਲ ਕਰ ਜੋਗ ਭੋਗ ਬਹੁ ਚਲਿਤ ਬਣਾਯਾ॥
ਸਾਧ ਅਸਾਧ ਸੰਗਤ ਫਲ ਪਾਯਾ ॥
– Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 8, Pauri 6
Out of numerous life-forms evolved the hard-to-obtain human being – who invented many divisions, stratifications of society, and religions; and labeled themselves Hindus or Muslims.
Countless of the human creation discriminated themselves into males and females. Further, this world became a fraudulent display of the illusion of Maya, which created Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Hindus read Vedas and Muslim read Islamic scriptures, resulting in two different ways to describe one Creator.
Out of the play of Siva-Sakti, (i.e., Maya – the intellect of illusions) were propagated benefits from yoga (meditations through body exercises) and bhoga (sensual enjoyment). Both genuine and pretentious clergy reaped the fruit.
Bhai Gurdas, a revered Sikh scholar and companion of Guru Arjan Dev, presents profound insights into the complexities of human existence and societal structures in his writings. Through Vaar 8, Pauri 6, he delves into the intricacies of human life, societal divisions, religious categorizations, and the illusory nature of worldly pursuits. Let's dissect and explore the essence of his verses.
1. Evolution of Human Life:
Bhai Gurdas begins by highlighting the rarity and preciousness of human life. He refers to it as "ਮਾਨਸ ਜਨਮ ਦੁਲੰਭ ਉਪਾਯਾ" (the hard-to-obtain human birth). This emphasizes the significance and opportunity inherent in being born as a human being, suggesting that it is a culmination of countless life forms.
2. Societal Stratifications and Religious Labels:
The verse continues to discuss the divisions and stratifications within society, manifested through various categories such as caste and religion. Bhai Gurdas observes how humans have created distinctions based on "ਚਾਰ ਵਰਨ" (four castes) and "ਚਾਰ ਮਜ਼ਹਬਾ" (four religions). These divisions, he implies, have led individuals to identify themselves as either Hindus or Muslims, perpetuating societal segregation.
3. Gender Discrimination:
Further, Bhai Gurdas points out the discrimination between genders, where individuals categorize themselves as male or female. This differentiation, though natural, is highlighted as a source of division among human beings.
4. Illusion of Maya and Religious Interpretations:
The verse explores the concept of Maya, the illusionary nature of worldly existence. Bhai Gurdas reflects on how this illusion has led to the creation of deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, representing the Hindu trinity. He also mentions the reading of religious scriptures, where Hindus study the Vedas and Muslims adhere to Islamic teachings. Despite different paths, both aim to understand and connect with the same Creator.
5. Play of Siva-Sakti and Spiritual Pursuits:
Bhai Gurdas discusses the interplay between Siva (Shiva) and Sakti (Shakti), symbolizing the dynamic forces of creation and destruction. He suggests that this play of energies leads to both spiritual pursuits, such as yoga (meditation) and sensual enjoyment (bhoga). However, he cautions that even genuine seekers and pretentious clergy can benefit from these pursuits, highlighting the complexity of human spirituality.
6. Conclusion:
In conclusion, Bhai Gurdas' verses offer a profound reflection on the human condition, societal dynamics, and spiritual pursuits. His observations invite readers to contemplate the essence of existence, the illusionary nature of worldly pursuits, and the universal quest for understanding and connection with the divine.
Through his words, Bhai Gurdas encourages individuals to transcend societal divisions, embrace the unity of humanity, and embark on a spiritual journey that transcends religious boundaries.
