Vahiguru ji ka Khalsa, Vahiguru ji ki Fatih!

In the first composition of Rag Devgandhari, Guru Teghbahadar Sahib invites us into a deep exploration of the mind’s ancient and persistent struggle. This melodic and reflective verse speaks of behaviors and tendencies that feel as old as humanity itself, echoing the internal battles we all face:

This mind does not do even a bit of what is said.
I have grown weary; having imparted teaching from my side, it does not move away from false thinking. Reflect.
It has become mad in the intoxication of Maya; it does not utter the praises of Hari, the 1-Light.
Having practiced deception, it cheats the world and fills its belly.

We pause.
We reflect.

Despite the vast evolutionary journey of humanity—spanning 300,000 years of existence and over four million years of ancestral development—the mind’s stubborn nature remains unchanged. It resists guidance, insists on its understanding, and often clings to actions that harm rather than heal.

We see this resistance at every stage of life. As children, we resist chores and responsibilities, preferring immediate gratification over discipline. As adults, this stubbornness takes new forms. Even when we know certain habits will improve our physical, mental, or spiritual well-being, we refuse to embrace them.

Unchecked, this stubbornness can spiral into destructive behaviors. The intoxicated mind—captivated by illusions and attachments—becomes blind to its fears, suppressing rather than confronting them. It fuels greed, dishonesty, and consumption, deceiving others and ourselves.

This pattern manifests universally, from personal habits to societal systems. We see it when individuals prioritize busyness over meaningful pursuits or when leaders exploit power for personal gain. Whether in politics, spiritual circles, or daily life, no one is immune to the mind’s wayward tendencies. Guru Teghbahadar Sahib likens it to the unyielding curl of a dog’s tail—persistently defiant, no matter the effort to straighten it.

The mind's intoxication manifests as greed, anger, fear, and other destructive traits, all symptoms of a deeper dissonance. The human condition, shaped by this primordial struggle, calls for a solution that addresses the root cause.

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib offers a profound yet simple solution: live in constant remembrance of the Charming Beautiful One—IkOankar, the One. This remembrance is not confined to rituals or specific moments; it is a way of living, aligning our thoughts and actions with the One.

We can embrace this remembrance through service, reflection, relationships, or singing praises. These practices tune our stubborn minds, transforming them from instruments of discord into harmonious expressions of beauty. When we identify with the Beautiful One, our thinking becomes beautiful, and this inner transformation shapes our outward behavior.

The Guru’s message is both urgent and hopeful. It calls us to confront the condition of our minds with honesty and humility. Can we truly listen to the teachings that fall upon our ears? Can we move beyond acknowledgment to embody these truths?

Aligning with the Beautiful One unravels the mind's stubbornness, shaping our thoughts and transforming our actions—our most vital journey.

Will we respond to this sacred call?
The choice lies within us.

May Wisdom-Guru guide us!

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