ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
‘Waaho! Waaho!’ is the Bani, the Word, of the Formless Lord. There is no other as great as Waheguru is.
(Through Gurbani we connect/communicate to Waheguru Ji)
Gurbani Recitation & Listening:
ਰਸਨਾ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਨਿਧਿ ਗਾਇਣ ॥
My tongue sings the Praises of the Lord of the world, the ocean of virtue (Recitation)
ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸਹਜੁ ਰਹਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਉਪਜਿਓ ਸਗਲੇ ਦੂਖ ਪਲਾਇਣ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (SGGS Ang: 713-714)
Peace, tranquility, poise and delight well up in my mind, and all sorrows run away. ||1||Pause|| (Recitation Outcome)
ਏ ਮਨ ਹਰਿ ਜੀ ਧਿਆਇ ਤੂ ਇਕ ਮਨਿ ਇਕ ਚਿਤਿ ਭਾਇ ॥ (SGGS Ang: 653) – (How to Recite)
O mind, meditate on the Dear Lord, with single-minded conscious concentration. (No Clapping or using gestures)
ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥ (SGGS Ang: 943)
The Shabad is the Guru, upon whom I lovingly focus my consciousness; conscious is the disciple. (No Physical/Body movement)
The following content has been written in the light of the above Gurbani Lines to understand Gurbani Recitation & Listening in more depth:
Gurbani, the sacred hymns enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is the spiritual guide for Sikhs and humanity at large that requires focus and devotion. Reciting and listening to Gurbani is a divine act that elevates the soul, purifies the mind, and fosters a connection with the Almighty. However, this sacred practice requires reverence, focus, and adherence to the teachings outlined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji emphasizes that Gurbani is the word of the Divine, revealed through the Gurus. It is a source of wisdom, love, and enlightenment. Guru Arjan Dev Ji states:
ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਕਹੈ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ਪਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥
“Bani Guru Guru Hai Bani, Vich Bani Amrit Saare. Gurbani Kahe Sevak Jan Maanai, Partakh Guru Nistare.” (Ang 982)
Translation: The Bani is the Guru, and the Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani, the essence of immortality is contained. Whoever obeys the Gurbani with faith finds the Guru manifesting and is liberated.
This verse highlights that Gurbani is the Guru itself, and its recitation or listening with devotion brings liberation. (ਮੁਕਤੀ)
How to Listen to Gurbani:
1. Complete Attention: Listening to Gurbani requires undivided attention.
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ
“Suniai, Dookh Paap Ka Naas.”
Listening to the divine word of Gurbani destroys pain and sin.
This means that focused listening can cleanse the soul and heal the mind.
2. Humility and Faith: Approach the recitation with humility, considering it a privilege to hear the Guru’s words. Guru Nanak Dev Ji teaches:
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਧਰਤਿ ਧਵਲ ਆਕਾਸ ॥
“Suniai, Sidh Peer Sur Naath. Suniai, Dharat Dhaval Aakaas.”
Translation: By listening, one attains the wisdom of saints, sages, and divine beings. By listening, one understands the mysteries of the earth, realms, and skies.
3. Sangat (Congregational Listening):
Participating in Sangat amplifies the impact of Gurbani. In the collective presence of devotees, divine energy is magnified.
ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਐ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ॥
Saṫsangaṫ kæsee jaaṇee▫æ. Jiṫʰæ éko naam vakʰaaṇee▫æ.
How is the Society of the Saints to be known? There, the Name of the One Lord is chanted.
The Transformative Power of Gurbani:
Reciting and listening to Gurbani transforms the mind and spirit. It eliminates ego, fosters compassion, and aligns one’s soul with the Divine.
One of the key aspects of engaging with Gurbani is the manner in which it is recited and listened to.
It is essential to approach Gurbani with utmost reverence, avoiding any body movements, gestures, or clapping that might distract from its sanctity. Avoiding distractions is crucial to maintain a state of inner stillness and focus.
The above lines suggest that true devotion requires a calm and composed demeanor, free from external expressions that might detract from the spiritual experience.
The Impact of Physical Stillness:
Physical stillness during the recitation or listening of Gurbani allows for a deeper connection with the divine. By controlling the body and maintaining stillness, one can better focus the mind on the spiritual teachings of Gurbani.
The Sanctity of Gurbani: Avoiding Bodily Movements, Gestures, and Clapping:
Gurbani, the sacred hymns enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, holds unparalleled spiritual significance for Sikhs and those seeking divine guidance. It serves as a beacon of light, guiding the faithful toward inner peace, self-realization, and connection with the Divine. Given its sacred nature, maintaining utmost respect during its recitation or listening is paramount.
One key aspect of this reverence is refraining from bodily movements, gestures, or clapping, as such actions can detract from the meditative and contemplative experience of Gurbani.
The Role of Sangat (Congregation):
The Sikh tradition places great emphasis on the collective experience of Sangat. When in a congregational setting, the collective recitation or listening to Gurbani becomes a shared act of devotion and positive Divine vibrations. In such a setting, maintaining decorum is essential to ensure that everyone can immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere. Bodily movements or clapping can disrupt this collective energy and reduce the sanctity of the moment.
Conclusion:
The teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji underscore the importance of humility, stillness, and focus during the recitation or listening of Gurbani. Avoiding bodily movements, gestures, and clapping is not merely a matter of protocol but a profound expression of respect and devotion. By cultivating an atmosphere of stillness and mindfulness, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Gurbani, allowing it to guide us toward spiritual enlightenment and unity with the Divine. Let us, therefore, approach Gurbani with the reverence it deserves, embodying the stillness that reflects our inner devotion and surrender to the Guru’s teachings.
Please listen to the following Shabad (S):