Life After Death Part 3- The concept of hell and heaven

Part 3 - The concept of hell and heaven

Gurbani has confirmed the reality of heaven and hell. But heaven and hell are not the ultimate places in Sikhi. Gurbani gives the perspective of heaven and hell in this world and also hereafter. Gurbani says,

‘Not anyone should think she/he would receive honor hereafter - because s/he thinks so; she/he will be treated according to deeds.’

‘By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth..’

Gurbani says that heaven is where the remembrance of God is.

‘Heaven is where the Naam is chanted. All bliss comes, when one obtains the Blessed Vision of the Lord.’

‘Liberation and heaven are found in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; his humble servant finds the home of the Lord.'

Gurbani then says that hell is when the soul is stuck in the reincarnation cycle of birth and death.

 

‘One who turns away from God suffers the hell of 84 lakh life forms.’

But, Gurbani also says that, once the accounts are being asked for, the beads of good deeds lead the Gurmukh to heaven, while the sinners, those who have committed bad deeds, and forgotten the Lord, will be thrown into hell.

Those who dwell in the worldly pleasure, and think that this is heaven, will have to suffer in hell. The Gurmukhs are not affected by heaven or hell because they have no desires of heaven and hell. They only yearn for the vision of God.

On the other hand, Gurbani also tells us not to commit actions just so we will obtain the happiness of heaven, and be free of the pain of hell. Because even those actions would not be of righteousness.

‘Don't wish for a home in heaven, and don't be afraid to live in hell.
Whatever will be will be, so don't get your hopes up in your mind.’

6. What do we do now?

The focus in the life is not to dwell upon the past, or to worry about the future. Dwelling in the past is useless as we have no control over what has happened. Similarly, worrying about the future, would leads us nowhere, because everything that will happen is in His Hukam (Divine Law).

Gurbani constantly tells us to focus in the present time, the Now, because the only way to attune to God is by being conscious of present moment. Once the consciousness is there, then we would channel our thoughts, words and actions to those deeds that would connect us to God.

‘Look ahead; don't turn your face backwards.
O Nanak, be successful this time, and you shall not be reincarnated again.’

‘God is everpresent. He is pervading in all places and interspace.’

‘This world is engrossed in coming and going, O my ignorant mind, be mindful of the Lord.’

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Undhiti Duniyaa by Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh JI

2. Sant Maskeen Singh Ji Katha 

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