Gurumustuk Singh Ji asked me to write a bit about the five tattvas and the three gunas. This is what was "assumed knowledge" in the time Gurbani was written. Basically, it’s the KAR part of IK ONG KAR (ONG being the creative power itself.)
The five tattvas are: earth, water, fire, air and ether. They are not those things literally, but rather states of density of matter. For example, water can be solid (earth,) liquid (its normal state between 0 degrees C and 100 degrees C) and air (when it vaporizes.) Ether is the most subtle element. Though there is no air in "outer space," there is ether. Ether is the carrier of light and the least dense of the five tattvas.
So matter is made up of both the five tattvas (or states) along with the energy that flows through them. E=MC2 right? It’s a continuum of energy and matter, and the two flow into each other, but neither is destroyed (according to the law of conservation of matter and energy.) So the tattvas are the states of matter and the three gunas are the frequencies of energy: low-frequency=tamas (inertia,) mid-frequency=rajas (motion) and high-frequency=sattvas (calm.)
The three gunas are manifested in human qualities as well, and I’m sure you know these qualities in yourself and in other people. Most people have one of the three gunas dominant in their personality and projection. Tamas=crude, lethargic, heavy. Rajas=passionate and action oriented. Sattvas=light, pure, calm and relaxed. When we say someone has a "high" vibration, we mean they are dominantly sattvic in nature.
- Guruka Singh
P.S. - We did an earlier video on the subject of free will and God’s will. I think it was the "fate and destiny" one, but I’m happy to revisit that topic.
Shakti Parwha Kaur and Sikh Dharma International have been working hard on a much needed book about Sikh Dharma. This book is to serve the need of the growing number of people (not from Indian origin) who want to get a better understanding about Sikhi. Last week alone I got four emails from people asking about how they can become a Sikh and various questions related to living this lifestyle! Many people start by practicing Kundalini Yoga and see the many Sikh teachers with turbans on without knowing very much about this lifestyle. They chant various mantras from Gurbani and want to know more. This book is will help serve the growing need of those people that are new to Sikh Dharma and interested in incorporating this lifestyle into their life. Of course this book will also be a huge gem to many people within the Sikh community as well because it is presented in a very unique way and is not your typical preachy/scholarly/history book on Sikhi. The book is very modern in the way the content is presented using stories and people’s experiences of living this lifestyle as well as teaching the basics.
Here are a few excerpts from the draft book from the chapter "Science of Sound" that I thought would be interesting for you all. When the book is released you’ll be sure to hear about it on SikhNet :)
This morning I realized that the rest of the world was going to be celebrating valentines day. This holiday (like most) is not really religious (for most people at least) but a day when the guys are expected to do something sweet and nice for the girls in their life (wife, mother, sister, etc). So while I was meditating this morning I thought of making something creative to celebrate this day as a Sikh. I got excited and couldn’t hold myself back as the computer drew me to it like a magnet to iron. The result was three different wallpapers which you can see and download below. I hope you like them :)
Affirmations in Red The first is in the theme of valentines day (red and hearts) with some different affirmations repeated in the background.
Balvinder Singh is currently in India right now learning Sarangi and planning to release a new album mid year (2008). So stay tuned to hear when it is released! In the mean time take a few long deep breaths in and out, and listen to the below shabad. Let your worries and stress melt away….
Here is a short soothing Mul Mantra introduction that Hari Bhajan Kaur played in Gurdwara yesterday before she started playing kirtan. (with Gurujot Singh on Dilruba). Download; set your player on repeat; and relax to the soothing sounds.
I’m back from my vacation and it’s great to be home. Winter time is a nice time of coziness and consolidation. I feel like everything slows down and I am able to internalize more (Like the plants that go into hibernation the end of the year). For me it’s a time of thinking and evaluating. By the time the new year comes I always start to think about what I want to accomplish in the next year (personally, spiritually and professionally). The winter time is sort of a "deep-breath" to stop and think about where I am and where I want to go. It also helps that at this time of year I normally take a vacation, so I am able to get out of my normal every day patterns of work and day to day things.
Today me and Arjan celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. In this day and age commitment in marriage is not a common thing. Divorce rates are so high it seems that no one stays married for long these days. I am thankfull to have a happy marriage and a awesome partner to travel this journey with. That’s not to say it is always easy. I think God must be testing to see if I can keep my "marriage black belt" in recent months, since it has been quite challenging having two kids and all that goes with being a family. It is so easy to fall into your emotions and feelings and be reactive when problems come up, rather than being conscious and communicative. Having a relationship is an art and skill in itself. This is one of the reasons why I think having a family and being married is the highest "Yoga"….since it forces you to work on yourself (And hopefully become a better person). It is no longer just about YOU.
It’s been fun watching Narayan and Charanjeet (our kids) change and move into different phases. Charanjeet is 18 months old and is changing so rapidly. I keep thinking how I need to record more of the "moments". She is copying so many words and learning new things every day. Her latest favorite word is "Aaw Man…!". She heard Narayan saying that after something happened and she picked up on it. Now something will drop…and she blurts out "Aaw Man!". It’s quite funny. Another recent classic word is "Parantha!". A month or so ago I made my first stack of paranthas from start to finish and I was saying "Paronetaaaa!!" (with a loud/strong Punjabi accent). Ever since then she just blurts it out like that with lots of enthusiasm at all moments. Children are so beatiful! As much work as they are, they are a gift and jewels to learn from!!
So, as we start this new year I hope you all are thinking about your life and all the gifts that you have. It’s a great time for renewed commitment and change. Even I need a kick in the butt sometimes to get myself going and make a change. Ready-Set-Go! (I’m "cooking" up some plans too)
Here is an audio clip by Hari Bhajan Kaur who brought the Espanola sangat through to the new year during the all night Rainsabhai Kirtan. She ended just after midnight 2008 singing the Shabad "Ram Japo Jee Aasay Aasay".
This summer Chardikala Jatha released two great new CDs! They haven’t been online for sale so I didn’t mention it earlier. Many of you have seen videos of them teaching, playing kirtan at Harimandir Sahib, or downloaded live mp3 files of live recordings. I have received many emails of people asking about CDs, so hear you go!
The first CD is "Mantras from Jaap Sahib". The length of the tracks are 31 minutes, 31 min and 11 minutes which are ideal times for meditating. The first track is Ajai Alai, then Gobinday Mukhanday, and last is Chatar Chakar Varti. The mantras are played in a very up-beat and energetic pace great for meditation. You can order the CD and hear audio samples here.
The second CD is a Sadhana Music CD meant for meditation in the morning. The CD includes seven different audio tracks for chanting with. This is one of the CDs that I meditate and chant along with in the morning. It is sung in classical raag and has beautiful instrumentation. Some of the tracks are: Mul Mantra, Rakhe Rakhan Haar and Waheguru Simran. You can order the CD and hear audio samples here.
If you don’t already have their older CDs you can also check out:
Earlier this summer a new CD came out by Sat Hari Singh (Germany) called "Servant of the Heart". Sat Hari Singh just came for a visit from Germany for the Khalsa Council Meetings here in Espanola, and he gave me a copy of this CD. On this CD my friend Hari Bhajan Kaur sings along with Sat Hari Singh, however the last track on the CD is a solo song with just her. This is an awesome track! Normally I would wait till the CD was for sale online before posting anything here, but I couldn’t help it. The last CD track titled "Sarab Nirantar" which is from a section of the So Purkh, written by Guru Ram Das and is in the Rehiras prayer/bani. This track has an upbeat yet meditative energy to it. Ever since I got this CD I have been playing it over and over. I force myself to listen to something else for a while so I don’t "burn it out". I guess I am a music junkie when it comes to good music!
Here is a sneak peak of this one audio track from the Cd for your listening pleasure. Listening on the computer doesn’t do it justice. When I hear it in my car driving it’s like my car lifts off the ground I go to another planet .The below audio is only part of the full song and is not available for download. The CD is for sale at SpiritVoyage.
Translation of the Words : "You are constant in each and every heart, and in all things. O Dear lord, you are the one. Some are givers, and some are beggars. This is all your wondrous play. You yourself are the giver, and you yourself are the enjoyer. I know no other than you. You are the supreme lord God, limitless and infinite. What virtues of yours can I speak of and describe? Unto those who serve you, unto those who serve you, dear lord, sevany Nanak is a sacrifice." - Guru Ram Das ji (So purkhs)
"Recorded at concert halls, churches and yoga studios as Snatam Kaur and her ensemble traveled across North America, you’ll hear performances which soar to the heights of these sacred spaces and find a home in the hearts of their audiences. Join in the magical experience of Snatam Kaur Live in Concert. Also includes a bonus DVD, Path of Peace, that intimately chronicles this tour.
This album fulfills years of requests for Snatam Kaur to capture the experience of her live performances on CD. There is something mystical that happens at her concerts that is represented in these songs.
The album opens with Azure Salver, a prayer translated in the book Peace Lagoon (Sukhmani Sahib). This song has been a favorite at her concerts, but has never been recorded before. This song is hilighted by the clarity of Snatam’s voice, the poetry of the lyrics, and the expert instrumental accompaniment."
Yesterday in Gurdwara Ek Ong Kaar Kaur sang beautifully from her heart to the few of us that were there at the start. I always love to get to Gurdwara first thing because so that I can listen to all the kirtan, and that is when it is the most quiet and easy to meditate. Some of you might remember Ek Ong Kaar Kaur who is a guest blogger on MrSikhNet.com and always writes very interesting and thought provoking things. You can check out her blog and listen to her beautiful voice sing "Ang Sung Wahe Guru" (God is in every limb/part of my body)
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