Poh Sangrand (ਪੋਹ ਸੰਗਰਾਂਦ): Unveiling the Spiritual Depth of Bārah Māhā
Bārah Māhā (ਬਾਰਹ ਮਾਹਾ) & the Spiritual Quest in the month of Poh (ਪੋਹ).
Bārah Māhā and the Reflections of Poh
Understanding Bārah Māhā
Bārah Māhā (ਬਾਰਹ ਮਾਹਾ), a spiritual treasure by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, holds a place of deep veneration in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, spanning Angs 133 to 135. Commonly recited in Gurudwaras and by devotees at home on the occasion of “Sangrand”, which marks the beginning of a new month, this holy text serves as a divine guide throughout the year, illustrating the soul's passage through different seasons. Each month in this scripture is portrayed with distinct spiritual themes, mirroring the varied emotional and spiritual states of the human soul, as impacted by the changing weather and floral landscape.
Guru Sahib uses poetic and metaphorical language to illustrate how humans, symbolized as the soul-bride, often drift from the Divine, the Almighty God or Akaal Purakh, in everyday life. The Bārah Māhā paath serves as a spiritual guide, leading the human soul towards reconnection with the Divine Creator throughout the year. This scripture is a beacon for seekers, shining light on the path to divine communion amid life’s fluctuating seasons.
Poh: A Time for Spiritual Embrace
Entering Poh (ਪੋਹ) in the Indian and Nanakshahi Sikh calendars today on 16th of December, we find ourselves in a period where the divine warmth becomes ever more palpable against the backdrop of the external cold. Following the introspective phase of Maghar (ਮੱਘਰ), Poh signifies a season of deepening spiritual intimacy and inner warmth, offering a stark contrast to the chilly weather outside. This month transcends mere climatic change, symbolizing an opportunity to strengthen our spiritual connections and draw nearer to the Divine.
The Soul's Path in Poh as per Bārah Māhā
In the verses dedicated to Poh in Bārah Māhā, the soul-bride yearns for and achieves a deeper union with the Divine. This month promotes self-reflection, battling ego, and strengthening the divine connection. As Poh brings its characteristic chill, the verses guide us in a metaphorical journey of the soul, striving for enlightenment amidst life's challenges. The teachings in these verses offer solace and guidance, inspiring profound understanding that goes beyond their literal meaning, deeply touching our hearts with reverence and spiritual depth.
Dive into the spiritual depths of Bārah Māhā (ਬਾਰਹ ਮਾਹਾ) as Guru Arjan Dev Ji reveals the emotional and spiritual states experienced by seekers during this embracing month.
In Poh: The Divine Embrace of Warmth and Union with the Lord
ਪੋਖਿ ਤੁਖਾਰੁ ਨ ਵਿਆਪਈ ਕੰਠਿ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਹੁ ॥
पोखि तुखारु न विआपई कंठि मिलिआ हरि नाहु ॥
(In the month of Poh, the cold does not touch those, whom the Husband Lord hugs close in His Embrace.)
ਮਨੁ ਬੇਧਿਆ ਚਰਨਾਰਬਿੰਦ ਦਰਸਨਿ ਲਗੜਾ ਸਾਹੁ ॥
मनु बेधिआ चरनारबिंद दरसनि लगड़ा साहु ॥
(Their minds are transfixed by His Lotus Feet. They are attached to the Blessed Vision of the Lord's Darshan.)
ਓਟ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਰਾਇ ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਲਾਹੁ ॥
ओट गोविंद गोपाल राइ सेवा सुआमी लाहु ॥
(Seek the Protection of the Lord of the Universe; His service is truly profitable.)
ਬਿਖਿਆ ਪੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਕਈ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਹੁ ॥
बिखिआ पोहि न सकई मिलि साधू गुण गाहु ॥
(Corruption shall not touch you, when you join the Holy Saints and sing the Lord's Praises.)
ਜਹ ਤੇ ਉਪਜੀ ਤਹ ਮਿਲੀ ਸਚੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਸਮਾਹੁ ॥
जह ते उपजी तह मिली सची प्रीति समाहु ॥
(From where it originated, there the soul is blended again. It is absorbed in the Love of the True Lord.)
ਕਰੁ ਗਹਿ ਲੀਨੀ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮਿ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਨ ਵਿਛੁੜੀਆਹੁ ॥
करु गहि लीनी पारब्रहमि बहुड़ि न विछुड़ीआहु ॥
(When the Supreme Lord God grasps someone's hand, he shall never again suffer separation from Him.)
ਬਾਰਿ ਜਾਉ ਲਖ ਬੇਰੀਆ ਹਰਿ ਸਜਣੁ ਅਗਮ ਅਗਾਹੁ ॥
बारि जाउ लख बेरीआ हरि सजणु अगम अगाहु ॥
(I am a sacrifice a lakh times, to the Lord, my Friend, the Unapproachable and Unfathomable.)
ਸਰਮ ਪਈ ਨਾਰਾਇਣੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਿ ਪਈਆਹੁ ॥
सरम पई नाराइणै नानक दरि पईआहु ॥
(Please preserve my honour, Lord Almighty; Nanak beseeches at Your Door.)
ਪੋਖੁ ਸੋੁਹੰਦਾ ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖ ਜਿਸੁ ਬਖਸੇ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥੧੧॥
पोखु सोहंदा सरब सुख जिसु बखसे वेपरवाहु ॥११॥
(Poh is beautiful, and all comforts come to that one, whom the Carefree Lord has forgiven. ||11||)
These verses capture the essence of spiritual seeking and divine communion in the month of Poh, as depicted in the Bārah Māhā.
As we conclude the verses of Poh, our journey through this spiritually enriching month has encompassed a landscape rich in introspection and spiritual union. Guru Sahib's teachings in Poh emphasize the importance of self-reflection, deepening our devotion, and maintaining a strong connection with the Divine. With Poh's arrival, we witness winter's embrace, signalling an end to autumn's calm. This transition invites our souls to balance meditative stillness with a fervent, devout embrace of the Divine. In winter's reflective quietude, let our spirits stay ardently committed to seeking the Divine.
Let the wisdom imparted in Poh guide us as we continue our eternal quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Placing in the broader context of Bārah Māhā paath.
To understand the verses dedicated to Poh, it is vital to place them within the broader framework of the Bārah Māhā paath. This sacred text begins by exploring how our actions and entanglements in the material world can lead to a sense of separation from the Divine. It vividly depicts the human soul, enmeshed in worldly concerns, drifting from its spiritual anchor.
Each month in Bārah Māhā represents a unique chapter in the soul's earthly journey, providing distinct opportunities for spiritual reconnection and growth. The human soul is poetically personified as a bride, longing for union with the omniscient, omnipresent God. This allegory beautifully captures the soul's yearning for divine communion, highlighting the cyclical nature of spiritual opportunities each month presents.
As we explore the verses of Poh, we are reminded of this ongoing journey. The soul, having navigated various stages of detachment and enlightenment throughout the year, finds in Poh a profound moment for introspection and reconnection. Poh's cold symbolizes a period of internal reflection, contemplating one's actions and their spiritual implications, and seeking a path to reunite with the Divine.
Thus, understanding the opening lines of the Bārah Māhā is crucial. They set the stage for a deeper appreciation of the verses of Poh, as they elucidate the narrative of the soul's quest for divine unity amid the distractions and challenges of the earthly existence.
ਕਿਰਤਿ ਕਰਮ ਕੇ ਵਿਚੁੜੇ ਕਿਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੇਲਹੁ ਰਾਮ ॥: Due to our actions and destiny, we are separated from the Lord. O Lord, through Your grace, unite us with Yourself.
ਚਾਰਿ ਕੁੰਟ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਭ੍ਰਮੇ ਥਕਿ ਆਏ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਸਾਮ ॥: Wandering in all four corners and ten directions, tired, we come to the shelter of the Lord.
ਧੇਨੁ ਦੁਧਿ ਤੇ ਬਾਹਰੀ ਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਕਾਮ ॥: Just as a cow is of no use without milk, similarly...
ਜਲ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਾਖ ਕੁਮਲਾਵਤੀ ਉਪਜੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਦਾਮ ॥: ...like a plant wilting without water, it does not flourish.
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਹ ਨ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਸਾਜਨੈ ਕਤ ਪਾਈਐ ਬਿਸਰਾਮ ॥: Without uniting with the Lord, O Friend, where can we find true peace?
ਜਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕੰਤੁ ਨ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੀਐ ਭਿੱਟਿ ਨਗਰ ਸੇ ਗਰਾਮ ॥: In that house (or heart) where the Lord does not manifest, even a palace feels like a deserted village.
ਸਰਬ ਸੀਗਾਰ ਤੰਬੋਲ ਰਸ ਸੰਗੁ ਦੇਹੀ ਸਭ ਖਾਮ ॥: All adornments, enjoyments, and bodily pleasures are in vain...
ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਕੰਤ ਵਿਹੂਣੀਆ ਮੀਤ ਸਜਣ ਸਿਭ ਜਾਮ ॥: ...without the Lord Master; without our Divine Beloved, everything is like a deadly poison.
ਨਾਨਕ ਕੀ ਬੇਨੰਤੀਆ ਕਿਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਦੀਜੈ ਨਾਮ ॥: Nanak pleads, bestow Your grace and bless us with Your Divine Name.
ਹਰਿ ਮੇਲਹੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਨਿਹਚਲ ਧਾਮ ॥੧॥: Unite us with You, O Lord, the Eternal Abode.
Each month offers a unique opportunity
Venturing through the spiritual terrains crafted by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, we've witnessed the soul, represented as a soul-bride, in her unyielding quest for Divine union. This ceaseless dance of detachment from the worldly and the pull towards the spiritual acts as a potent reminder of the transient nature of earthly pleasures compared to the eternal glow of Divine love. The recurring motif of seeking Guru Ji's grace emerges as a central spiritual directive and the foundation of our spiritual journey.
With this spiritual compass in hand, as we find ourselves on the cusp of Maghar, those spiritual seekers yearning for a comprehensive view of the entire Bārah Māhā (ਬਾਰਹ ਮਾਹਾ) text will benefit greatly from the succinct yet insightful narratives of each month. For a deeper exploration of the unique spiritual essence embodied within every month as described in the Bārah Māhā, readers are encouraged to refer to the detailed footnotes provided. These annotations offer valuable insights, enhancing the understanding of the text’s rich tapestry of spiritual wisdom.
Every Moment: Illuminated by Divine Grace in Poh
As Guru Arjan Dev Ji guides us through the verses for Poh, we discern a profound message about the omnipresence of divine grace in our lives. Poh, with its characteristic chill and the deepening of winter, presents a distinct spiritual backdrop that resonates with our emotions and spiritual aspirations. Yet, Guru Sahib teaches us that true spirituality transcends these seasonal transitions. Each heartbeat and breath in Poh, as in every other month, can be imbued with a divine embrace if we attune our souls accordingly. The progression into winter that Poh heralds is not merely a temporal marker but a metaphor for life's ever-evolving journey, where each moment is an opportunity to connect with the Divine.
In Poh, as in any other month, no single moment is reserved exclusively for divine contemplation, seeking the Guru's wisdom, or indulging in spiritual communion. Rather, every moment in Poh can transform into a conduit for divine connection when approached with genuine love, steadfast devotion, and sincere intention. Those blessed with God's grace experience each moment of Poh as deeply spiritually significant. Anchored in their faith and not swayed by worldly distractions, they recognize that the true path to spiritual enlightenment surpasses the boundaries of time, grounded in an unbroken devotion to the Divine.
ਜਿਨਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਕਾਜ ਸਰੇ ॥ Those who meditate on the Divine Name, their tasks are fulfilled.
ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਆਰਾਧਿਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਸਚਿ ਖਰੇ ॥ Those who worship the perfect Guru and Lord, stand true in the divine court.
ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖਾ ਨਿਧਿ ਚਰਣ ਹਰਿ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਬਿਖਮੁ ਤਰੇ ॥ All comforts are in the Lord's feet; they cross the treacherous world-ocean.
ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਤਿਨ ਪਾਈਆ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਹਿ ਜਰੇ ॥ They attain love and devotion, and worldly temptations don't affect them.
ਕੂੜ ਗਏ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਨਸੀ ਪੂਰਨ ਸਚਿ ਭਰੇ ॥ Falsehood departs, duality is dispelled, and they are filled with the complete Truth.
ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੇਵਦੇ ਮਨ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਧਰੇ ॥ They serve the Supreme Lord and enshrine the One God within their hearts.
ਮਾਹ ਦਿਵਸ ਮੂਰਤ ਭਲੇ ਜਿਸ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ॥ Every month, day, and moment is auspicious for those upon whom He casts His Glance of Grace.
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮੰਗੈ ਦਰਸ ਦਾਨੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਹਰੇ ॥14॥1॥ Nanak begs for the gift of divine vision; O Lord, shower Your Grace.
The Timeless Spiritual Union: Transcending Celestial Cycles
In the concluding verses, Guru Arjan Dev Ji reveals a central tenet that acts as the cornerstone of spiritual evolution. Moving beyond the prevalent cultural emphasis on astrologically auspicious moments, he accentuates that genuine spiritual moments are not determined by starry configurations but by the encompassing Grace of the Divine. As Guru Sahib elucidates, each tick of the clock is sacred—whether day or night, regardless of the month or season—when illuminated by the benevolent embrace of the Divine. This isn't a deviation from the preceding verses; it's a profound reaffirmation of their intrinsic message: every fleeting moment is imbued with the potential for spiritual ascension and divine communion.
Guru Ji's earnest prayer, "Nanak craves the gift of divine vision; O Lord, shower Your Grace," stands as a heartfelt reminder for all of humanity. It underscores the essence of actively yearning for that Divine connection, rather than idly awaiting a so-called 'auspicious' time. This fervent call inspires every seeker to cherish each passing moment, perceiving each juncture as a 'shub karaj'—a propitious occasion for noble endeavors. At its core, this is the epitome of a life infused with spiritual consciousness, where the mundane is elevated to the divine, not by celestial orchestration, but through the soul's harmonious alignment with the vast infinite.
Reflecting and Looking Forward
In the intricate tapestry of existence, each individual strand—every fleeting instance—holds the potential to radiate with divine luminescence. It isn't the celestial alignments that sanctify a moment, but the sanctum within our hearts, illuminated by unwavering faith and reverence.1
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ,
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਿਹ।
Evolving Emotions of the Soul: Twelve Months of Yearning and Devotion
Guided by the luminous teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, we recognize that each month in the Nanakshahi calendar carries a profound spiritual message. The changing landscapes of nature, resonating with the ebb and flow of our inner emotions, set the stage for understanding this divine journey.
Chet (ਚੇਤ) (March-April): The month signifies the renewal of life. The human soul laments forgetting the Divine and its longing intensifies.
Vaisakh (ਵੈਸਾਖ) (April-May): As nature blooms, there's an analogy to the blossoming love for God, but the soul remains restless without the beloved.
Jeth (ਜੇਠ) (May-June): The hottest month signifies the burning desire of the soul for the Divine.
Harh (ਹਾੜ) (June-July): Despite the outpour of rain, without the beloved, everything seems insipid.
Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ) (July-August): Known for heavy rains; the soul thirsts for the Divine like the parched earth thirsts for rain.
Bhadon (ਭਾਦੋਂ) (August-September): The soul expresses the pain of separation and yearns for reunion.
Assu (ਅੱਸੂ) (September-October): The soul finds solace in singing praises of the Divine.
Kartik (ਕੱਤਕ) (October-November): Without God's grace, life feels barren, similar to a forest without its foliage.
Maghar (ਮੱਘਰ) (November-December): The chilling winds signify the coldness one feels in the absence of the Divine.
Poh (ਪੋਹ) (December-January): The winter month signifies the detachment of the soul without the Divine embrace.
Magh (ਮਾਘ) (January-February): The soul aspires to purify itself through selfless service and unwavering devotion.
Phagun (ਫੱਗਣ) (February-March): Spring arrives, yet without the beloved, the vibrancy seems muted.
Thus, the cyclical progression of months, as delineated by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, encapsulates the myriad hues of the soul's relationship with the Divine. Each month offers a reflection, a contemplation, and an opportunity for spiritual ascent. As we transition into the month of Poh, let us keep this broader canvas in mind, enriching our understanding of the Guru's profound teachings.