Introduction

In the rich tapestry of Sikh philosophy, Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s teachings offer profound insights into human perception, suffering, and spiritual awakening. One such teaching is in a Shabad from Raag Sorath, where the Guru explores how inner transformation shapes our understanding of the world. These timeless principles resonate even today, drawing interesting parallels with modern philosophical thoughts.

In this philosophical essay, we will explore how the teachings from this Shabad align with contemporary perspectives, blending the profound wisdom of Sikhism with ideas from modern psychology, existentialism, and mindfulness.

perception as the mirror of the mind

Guru Arjan Dev Ji profoundly states:

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ ਸੁਖੀਏ ਕਉ ਪੇਖੈ ਸਭ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਰੋਗੀ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਸਭ ਰੋਗੀ ॥

• Translation: The happy person sees everyone as happy; the sick person sees everyone as sick.
• Explanation: This verse illustrates a powerful spiritual truth: our perception of the world is shaped by our own internal state. A joyful soul perceives joy everywhere, while a troubled soul sees suffering all around. This reflects the concept that our inner reality directly influences our outer perception.

ਕਰਣ ਕਰਾਵਨਹਾਰ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਆਪਨ ਹਾਥਿ ਸੰਜੋਗੀ ॥੧॥

• Translation: The Creator who does everything, has all destiny in His hands.
• Explanation: The Guru reminds us that everything that happens is by the will of the Divine. One who understands this truth remains balanced, whether in happiness or sorrow, recognizing that it is all part of the Divine play.

This statement unveils a simple yet profound truth: our perception of the world mirrors our inner state. If our soul is joyful, we perceive happiness everywhere; if we are troubled, we see suffering around us. This insight challenges us to look within and examine the state of our own consciousness before blaming external circumstances for our sense of well-being.

Modern Philosophical Perspectives: This concept is vividly echoed in Carl Jung’s analytical psychology. Jung believed that our perceptions are shaped by our subconscious, stating:

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

Similarly, Viktor Frankl, in his philosophy of logotherapy, emphasized that we may not always control our circumstances, but we can choose our response, which ultimately defines our reality:

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

The parallel between Guru’s teaching and modern psychology highlights that inner transformation changes how we experience life. Our perception is not merely an outward reflection but an inward revelation of our spiritual state.

Dispelling doubts: Realizing oneness

ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਅਪੁਨਾ ਭਰਮੁ ਗਵਾਤਾ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਭੂਲਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਗਲੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

• Translation: O my mind, the one who has dispelled his own doubts, never goes astray, for he sees the Creator in all.
• Explanation: Guru Ji calls upon the mind to shed doubts and realize the oneness of the Divine in everything. When the mind becomes free of illusions, one no longer perceives division or confusion. This state of awareness brings tranquillity and steadfastness.

This verse addresses the quintessential human quest for clarity and truth. The Guru implies that the dissolution of doubt is not a mere intellectual exercise but a spiritual awakening, where the realization of unity with the Divine brings unwavering stability.

Modern Philosophical Perspectives: This resonates with Alan Watts’ philosophy of perception, where he states:

“You are the universe experiencing itself.”

Similarly, Eckhart Tolle teaches that dissolving ego-driven illusions leads to clarity and peace:

“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.”

Both Watts and Tolle echo the idea that shedding illusion and perceiving unity brings tranquillity, a truth profoundly shared in Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s teachings. The challenge lies not in changing the world but in dissolving the false perceptions within.

The power of company: finding solace in ‘sangat’

ਸੰਤ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਸੀਤਲੁ ਓਹੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਸਗਲੀ ਠਾਂਢੀ ॥

• Translation: One whose mind is soothed by the company of saints, sees coolness everywhere.
• Explanation: When the mind is influenced by the company of the wise (Sangat), it attains peace and calmness. This inner serenity reflects externally, and everything appears tranquil.

Here, the Guru highlights the association’s profound impact on our mental and spiritual state. The environment we immerse ourselves in shapes our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately our identity.

Modern Philosophical Perspectives: Jim Rohn famously stated:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Similarly, Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory emphasizes how our behaviours are shaped through observation and interaction with those around us. The Guru’s focus on the Sangat (company of saints) reflects the idea that our environment can deeply influence our mindset and actions.

ego: the source of suffering

ਹਉਮੈ ਰੋਗਿ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਬਿਆਪਿਤ ਓਹੁ ਜਨਮਿ ਮਰੈ ਬਿਲਲਾਤੀ ॥੨॥

• Translation: One whose mind is afflicted by the disease of ego, is born, dies, and suffers in agony.
• Explanation: The ego (ਹਉਮੈ) is depicted as a disease that leads to repeated cycles of suffering. It blinds the soul to spiritual truths and traps it in the cycle of birth and death.

The Guru warns:

The ego acts as a barrier between the soul and the divine, leading to a cycle of suffering and discontent.

Modern Philosophical Perspectives: Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre both cautioned against the limitations of the ego. Nietzsche saw the ego as a source of conflict and a breeding ground for resentment, particularly when individuals become attached to power or status. superiority. He emphasized that transcending ego involves embracing one’s potential and evolving beyond self-centred impulses. Sartre, on the other hand, perceived ego as a construct that traps individuals within a false sense of identity, creating existential angst and a lack of authenticity. In a similar vein, Guru Ji’s teaching cautions against the pain that arises from being bound by ego, emphasizing the need for self-realization and spiritual liberation.

Mindfulness: anchoring the mind

ਗਿਆਨ ਅੰਜਨੁ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀ ਪੜਿਆ ਤਾ ਕਉ ਸਰਬ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸਾ ॥

• Translation: One whose eyes are anointed with the ointment of spiritual wisdom, sees all in radiant light.
• Explanation: Knowledge and spiritual insight are compared to an eye ointment that clears vision, allowing one to perceive the divine presence everywhere. This metaphor highlights the transformative power of spiritual awareness.

ਅਗਿਆਨਿ ਅੰਧੇਰੈ ਸੂਝਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਭਰਮਾਤਾ ॥੩॥

• Translation: One who remains ignorant sees nothing and repeatedly wanders in delusion.
• Explanation: Lack of spiritual understanding is likened to darkness, where the soul cannot discern truth and continuously struggles in confusion.

ਸੁਣਿ ਬੇਨੰਤੀ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਇਹੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਮਾਗੈ ॥

• Translation: Hear my prayer, O my Lord; Nanak asks for this peace.
• Explanation: The Guru humbly prays for spiritual contentment and alignment with the Divine will.

ਜਹ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਸਾਧੂ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਤਹ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਗੈ ॥੪॥੬॥

• Translation: Where Your praises are sung by the Saints, may my mind be attached there.
• Explanation: Guru Arjan Dev Ji desires that his mind always remains engaged in the holy company, where the Divine is remembered and celebrated. This is the ultimate peace and purpose.

This prayer reflects the desire to align one’s mind with the divine presence, staying rooted in spiritual remembrance.

Modern Philosophical Perspectives: Martin Heidegger spoke of finding rootedness in being, while Thich Nhat Hanh emphasized mindfulness as a means to ground the wandering mind. Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s emphasis on staying connected through prayer aligns with these modern thoughts on finding one’s essence through mindful presence.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s teachings not only offer spiritual solace but also invite philosophical contemplation. They challenge us to reshape our perceptions, embrace spiritual wisdom, and find peace through inner transformation. In a world grappling with existential dilemmas, these teachings stand as beacons guiding us toward harmony and self-realization.

The essence revolves around perception, company, enlightenment, ego dissolution, and mindful living. These themes have parallels with many modern philosophical thoughts, showing how timeless and universal Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s teachings are. Whether through the lens of psychology, existentialism, or mindfulness, the fundamental truth remains the same: Transforming one’s inner state transforms one’s entire perception of the world.