Asa Di Vaar - Journey for the Soul: Spiritual Translation, took Years of Dedicated work by Volunteers.

Description

Asa Di VaarThe Asa-di-var does not tell a story, its theme is: "How to become a spiritual person"- a devta, "a spiritual being". In it, Guru Nanak also warns us against the rituals and tricks of priests and monks. The most important thing is how to build up one's character and how to remove the obstacles that lay in the path of a disciple, the most important of which is the ego, selfishness or conceit.Even holy persons, who are outwardly very good and kind, often suffer from religious pride. Sometimes so-called religious people commit heinous crimes through self-righteousness and bigotry. It should be remembered that Ego in its pure essence is self-awareness or identity which when regulated is an essential, for it is the basis of one's character or moral nature. When regulated by right motivation and active service, it is positive and beneficial. But if uncontrolled through self pride of position or riches, it becomes selfish and mean.The effects of the Ego are particularly contemptible and disastrous when disguised by the apparent holiness or tradition, which exploits ordinary people's ignorance and credulity. The practice of humility and love are the most effective qualities for keeping people away from sin, far better than all recitations and rituals of religion.Initially, it is the fear of God's wrath or displeasure which inspires the seeker to offer worship and prayer. Over the years this fear should become gradually replaced by love and self surrender, so that he loses his Impatience with those who are imperfect; he is in sympathy with them, for they are like strayed sheep. Only by self-discipline and serving other people, can one become worthy of divine grace. Associate with holy persons and learn from them, the secrets of spiritual wisdom.Egotism, pollution and falsehoodThe Asa-di-var also deals with concepts like Guru, Grace, Egoism, pollution (Sutak) and falsehood. The Guru's personality and message transform the life of the disciple. Guru Nanak says:"By meeting the Guru, The Truth is 3ehavior; He banishes Ego from the mind of man; He gives insight into supreme Reality. Only The Guru can grant the gift of "Naam." (AG, 465)The Guru sets a course of life for his disciple, that of plain living and high thinking. Following this, the seeker's life-style begins to change: "The good ones, who are absorbed in "The Truth," do service; They do no evil; They travel on the right path and do what is just; They break worldly bonds. They eat and drink, little." (AG, 467) There is also the concept of 'Self.' Our individual self is only a minuscule part of Universal Reality. It is only by understanding our own self-limits that we achieve the highest goals of our own existence.Ignorance, selfishness and self-gratification Through ignorance, we engage ourselves in selfishness and enjoyment, this will frustrate our hopes of a higher life. Man starts this life coupled to the background of his existences. His past and present mould his future. We have self-will with which we can modify our own conduct. It is only when we attune our own will to the Supreme Will, that we can become super-men.Now to a summary of the Asa-di-var in serial order. After explaining the role of a spiritual teacher (Guru) Nanak goes to tell us that divine wisdom is acquired through intellect. The Guru offers us a vision of a God whose whole presence is made manifest in Nature. The world is not a dream, but an impermanent reality. If people really observe God's creation, they will be filled with wonder. The entire Cosmos, follows Divine Ordinance or law; so should we. The Lord is not pleased by the theatrics of the so-called ncarnates, but only by acts of love and devotion.The religious teacher instructs his disciples to distinguish good from bad, true from false. However, the assertion of individual ego, is the great obstacle to the process of moral law. So that our self-assertiveness should be replaced by self-surrender.