KnowThySelf

  Part 1 -  Understanding life and death Life is just one breath. We think that our whole existence would be life, but truly, it takes one breath at a time to live. Gurbani says, ‘We are human beings of the briefest moment; we do not know the appointed time of our departure.’ Life is there when we are living in the present moment. Each breath we take, is a new life, as we decide what to do with each breath we take. We can either make this life fruitful being compassionate (remembering God) in every breath, or we waste this life by indulging in falsehood (hatred) that won’t even go with us when we die. Gurbani says, ‘Fareed, if I had known that I had so few sesame seeds, I would have been more careful with them in my hands.’ The sesame seeds are our breaths. If we know that we have limited time in this world, then why not value each seed of breath and make it meaningful? We need to understand the purpose of life . We are given th...

Raja Janak Ji- Translated from Sri Gur Bhagat Mala Steek by Pandit Narain Ji Raja Janak was a king of Mithlapuri. He was a good hearted person. He always ensured justice in his kingdom and was always compassionate toward the poor. He worshipped Shiv Ji’s bow that he was given. One day, a saint came to Raja Janak and asked him a question, ‘Hey Raja, who is your Guru?’ Raja Janak started thinking and after some time replied, ‘Until today, I have not accepted anyone as my Guru. I only worship Shiv Ji’s bow.’ ‘Raja, adopt a Guru. Without a Guru, you cannot obtain liberation, and all your good deeds will go to waste. You are a good soul.’ Hearing this, Raja Janak agreed and called all his ministers to discuss this matter. He decided to call an assembly of saints, sadhus, pandits, Rishis and great scholars. From them, he would choose a Guru. The day came and all the saints and scholars came well prepared. They were discussing amongst themselves on who will be fit ...