In this series, we will be sharing sections from various Granths which inspire us in our study of Santhia. In the previous newsletter, we covered the 'outer' aspects (ਬਾਹਰ ਦੇ ਗੁਣ - physical factors) which help our Vidhya grow. In this part, we will look at the inner aspects (ਅੰਦਰ ਦੇ ਗੁਣ) which help us in advancing in Vidhya.
ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਸੁਧਿ ਬੁਧਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਉਦਮ ਰੋਗ ਨ ਦੇਹ। ਕਰਹਿ ਬ੍ਰਿਧਿ ਵਿਦਯਾ ਪਠੀ ਪਾਂਚਾਂਤ੍ਰ ਗੁਣ ਏਹ।। - ਸਾਰਕੁਤਾਵਲੀ, ਅਧਿਆਇ ਤੀਸਰਾ
In this Dohra of Saarkutvali Granth, Pandit Hardayal Ji explains five inner factors which help our Vidhya grow:
1.ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ (Shaastar = Granth (scripture), Preet = love) The first inner factor which will aid our Vidhya is having love and complete respect for the Granths we are studying. This also means having Sharda (full faith) in the Arth (meanings) of the Granths, and staying clear from any Shanka (doubts).
2. ਸੁਧਿ ਬੁਧਿ (Sudh = pure and Budhi = intellect) The second inner factor is pure intellect, free from the temptations of vices and desires. A decluttered and focused mind will be able to understand/absorb what is being taught.
3. ਭਗਤਿ (Bhagti = devotion) The third inner factor is having the quality of devotion. Where there is devotion, there cannot be ego, which is a major factor of not obtaining the full laabh (benefit) of Vidhya. This also means that the Gursikh studying Vidhya should also focus on their ‘bhagti’ i.e. be immersed in Seva, Simran and Nitnem.
4. ਉਦਮ (Udham = effort) The fourth inner factor is putting the maximum amount of effort into our Vidhya. Having a relaxed attitude to our Vidhya can make us fall behind in our progression. Hence we should devote effort and time in every aspect of our Santhia, be it our Abhiaas, making Santhia notes or attendance.
5. ਰੋਗ ਨ ਦੇਹ (Deh = body, Na = without, Rog = illness) The fifth factor mentioned here is remaining healthy. During periods of illness, due to mental or bodily pain/pressure, we cannot focus on our Vidhya. Keeping a healthy and active lifestyle can help us avoid illness where possible (as this is not always in our control).
Pandit Hardayal Ji says these five inner aspects can help us grow our Vidhya. Stay tuned for the next part which will go through more beneficial advice from Granths, to help us develop our study of Gurbani Vidhya.