Thursday, June 06, 2024
Sunday, June 02, 2024
Thursday, May 30, 2024
A Beginner's Guide to the Ardaas - A Contexual Translation (Part 3)
The second section of the Ardaas
The following section, typically recited in a congregational setting, captures the spirit and devotion that unite the Sikh nation. These words, passed down through generations in some form or another, draw strength and inspiration from the martyrs, saints, and rich history of the Sikh people.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Let the thoughts of the extraordinary faith of Sikh men and women martyrs fill our soul with awe and strength. The brave souls who gave their heads but not their faith, whose bodies were chopped piece by piece but did not flinch, who had their scalps removed but refused to cut their hair braids of divine love, whose bones were crushed but didn’t let their courage be crushed, who were sawn alive but remained complete in the faith, who sacrificed their lives for saving others and protecting the sanctity and respect of Gurdwaras. Inspired by the memory of such blessed souls, we chant together: ‘Vaheguru.’
Paragraph 3
Turning your thoughts to remember our rich spiritual heritage – the five takhats (thrones) that manifest the kingship & strength bestowed upon the Sikh nation, & the rich history of all historical gurdwaras, we chant together: ‘Vaheguru.’
Paragraph 4
First the shared prayer of all faithful Sikhs collectively is, that may ‘Vaheguru, Vaheguru, Vaheguru…’ resonate in the consciousness of all Sikhs, bringing inner-peace. May the honour of the Sikh Faithful (Khalsa) be protected wherever they go, and grant them with victory in feeding the hungry and protecting the helpless. Praying for the success of this pathway of divinity and truth, the holy sword of justice forever providing help, and for its universal recognition, we chant: ‘Vaheguru.’
Paragraph 5
Kindly grant to the Sikhs: the gift of faith, the gift of divine love represented in keeping unshorn hair, the gift of commitment represented in following the ordained code of living, the gift of wisdom represented in the ability to discern, the gift of acknowledging the Divine represented in the ability to have trust, the gift of seeking help in the Divine represented in confidence in the Divine, and the biggest gift of all – divine union through connecting with the Sound of the Divine. Kindly bless them with the opportunity to take a dip in the Holy Tank of Amritsar. May the spiritual routines, flags of Truth & Justice, and buildings of learning continue forever. May righteousness always prevail. Seeking these blessings, we chant: ‘Vaheguru.’
Paragraph 6
May all Sikhs have humble hearts, soaring wisdom, and honour protected by You, O Vaheguru!
Paragraph 7
May the Sikh Faithful (Khalsa) be granted free access & custodianship of the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, Sri Nankana Sahib, and all other Gurdwaras without hindrance from geographical or political constraints.
The closing section of the Ardaas
hey
ne-maaNiyaa dey maan.
ne-taaNiyaa dey taaN. ne-oh’tiyaa
dee oh’t, sachey
pitaa vaa’eh-guroo…
O Eternal
Father Vaheguru Ji, Honour of the honourless, Power of the powerless, Shelter
of the shelterless….
Note: At this point add your personalised words and speak to Vaheguru Ji and state the reason for the prayer.
naa’nak
naam, charr’dee-kal’aa.
tey’rey bhaa’Ney, sar’bat
daa bhal’aa.
By
focusing on Naam, the Sound of God,
as guided by Guru Nanak, we find lasting optimism and positive spirit. May your
blessings shower peace upon all.
vaa'eh-guroo
jee ka khaal’saa.
vaa'eh-guroo
jee kee fateh.
The
Pure/purity belongs to Vaheguru, and all achievements belong to Vaheguru!
Monday, May 20, 2024
A Beginner's Guide to the Ardaas - A Contexual Translation (Part 2)
The first section of the Ardaas
ik o’ann-kaar, siree vaahe’guroo jee kee fateh.
The Ultimate One
is the source of all, through its Sound expands/creates;
all victory is credit to Vaheguru.
siree bhagau’tee jee sahaa’ey.
May the Power of Vaheguru be of help.
vaar siree bhagau’tee jee
kee, paat’shaahee das’veen.
The poem on the Divine Power of
Vaheguru by the Tenth Guru.
pritham
bhagautee simar kai,
gur naanak
leyee dhiyaa’e.
I first call
upon the Power of Vaheguru Ji and meditate on Guru Nanak Ji (in whom Vaheguru
Ji revealed Their Power).
fir ann’gad
gur, tey amar
daas,
raam daa’sai ho’een sahaa’eh.
May (the
same Power that passed through) Guru Angad Ji, Guru Amar Daas Ji, and Guru Ram
Das Ji help me everywhere.
ar’jan har’gobind noo, sim’rau
siree har raa’e.
I then meditate
upon (the same Power that passed through) Guru Arjan Ji, Guru Hargobind Ji and
Guru Har Rai Ji.
siree har krishan dhiyaaee’yai,
jis diTh’ai
sabh dukh jaa’e.
I meditate
upon (the same Power that was revealed in) Guru Har Krishan Ji, whose holy
vision makes all pains and sufferings go away.
tey’g bahaadar
simree’yai,
ghar nau nidh aa’vai
dhaa’e.
Then, I then meditate upon (the Power of Vaheguru Ji revealed
through) Guru Teg Bahadar Ji, which causes spiritual treasures to fill my
inner-being.
sabh thaa’een ho’e sahaa’e.
May (the
Power of Vaheguru Ji revealed through) all the Gurus help me everywhere.
Note: These lines were
written by the Tenth Guru. Following
them are words of devotion recited by Sikhs since the Tenth Guru's time. Together, they form the first section of the
present-day Ardaas text.
das'vey paat’shaah,
siree guroo
gobind singh saa’hib
jee,
sabh thaa’een
ho’e sahaa’e.
May (the
same Power that passed through) the Tenth Master, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji,
help me everywhere.
dasaan
paat’shaahee-aan dee jyot,
siree
guroo grann’th saa’hib
jee,
dey
paaTh dee’daar da
dhiyaan dhar key,
bo’lo
jee vaa’eh-guroo.
Turning
my thoughts to the same Power that worked in the Ten Gurus and now in the holy
words contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, connecting with that Power we
chant: ‘Vaheguru.’
Note: In a personal Ardaas, simply recite the opening section and then proceed to the closing section.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
A Beginner's Guide to the Ardaas - A Contexual Translation (Part 1)
Introduction
Ardaas can be informal and formal and is offered by standing with folded hands. The formal Ardaas begins with holy words written by the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, from the scriptural composition named ‘Chandi Di Vaar.’ This verse seeks the blessings of the Divine Power of Vaheguru. It then goes on to mention each of the Gurus through whom Vaheguru revealed Their Power, asking for their assistance and protection. The rest of the Ardaas has evolved as the collective prayer of the Sikh nation, providing inspiration & rekindling the Sikh spirit by remembering the devotion, love, exemplary acts & sacrifices of Sikh men, women & children throughout history. It also reminds Sikhs of their rich spiritual heritage. After each section, the congregation connects with the Divine Power of Vaheguru by collectively saying ‘Vaheguru!’ The Ardaas concludes with sharing the reason for the prayer and wishing good for all humanity. At the end, one bows in humility to acknowledge & surrender before the presence of the Divine Creator. Standing back up, the congregation responds to "Boley So Nihaal" (“whosoever responds to this call will be blessed”) with the victory cry of "Sat Siri Akaal" (“God is the Ultimate Truth”).
Before the Ardaas
As an individual or congregation rise to offer the Ardaas, it fairly common for all participants chant the following sacred verse to prepare the mind for surrender and allow the congregation to gather in quiet reverence with hands folded and hearts open, before embarking on the Ardaas.
too
Thaa’kur, tum peh
ar’daas.
You are
the Master and I make this Ardaas (prayer
plea) to You;
jee’o
pinn’d, sabh tey’ree
raas.
My body and soul are all Your property.
tum
maat pitaa, ham baa’rik
tey’rey.
You are my mother and
father; and we are Your children.
tum’ree
kripaa, meh sookh
ghaney’rey.
All comforts are obtained by Your grace.
ko’e
na jaa’nai, tum’raa ann’t.
No
one knows Your capabilities.
oo’chey
tey oo’chaa bhag-vann't.
You are the Highest of the High and Most Generous.
sagal
samag’ree, tum’rai soo’tar
dhaaree.
The whole creation is strung together in Your Divine Law.
tum
tey ho’e, su
aa’giyaa-kaaree.
Whatever has been
created complies with the Divine Law.
tum'ree
gat mit, tum
hee jaa’nee.
You alone know Your state and capabilities.
naa’nak
daas, sadaa kur’baanee. (8.4.)
This
servant forever submits to You. ||8||4||