Breaking Bread

ਸੇਵ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੰਤੋਖੀਈ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਸਚੋ ਸਚੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ॥ ਓਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਮੰਦੈ ਪੈਰੁ ਨ ਰਖਿਓ ਕਰਿ ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਓਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਤੋੜੇ ਬੰਧਨਾ ਅੰਨੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਥੋੜਾ ਖਾਇਆ ॥: Only those do the real Sevaa who being contented, contemplate the (One) Truth. They do not walk on the path of corruption (wickedness, ill-thinking, ill-doings,…), but do good deeds and live by Dharma. They burn (break) the worldly bonds (Maya’s love or attachment…), and live on a little water and food (i.e., they do not eat for the sake of sense-gratification). (sggs 466).

In all honesty, this Covid-19 lockdown period has been more of an unforgettable ‘up-time’ for me than any kind of disruption to whatever the hell it was I was doing before. I am sure I am growing into a better human being as I feel in an almost constant state of inner peace and definitely more spiritually connected to my higher self and with God than at any time previously in my life. 99% of the time I stay mindful and immersed in virtues and it is a lot rarer now that bad thoughts arise in my mind. Thankfully when they do, I am able to crush those thoughts and return to my new higher state with relative ease. For me, the belief of ‘One’ formless infinite creator God above all else and in control of all creation through eternal laws makes me feel completely secure. Attached to God I feel liberated and free to live righteously where as when I was attached to impermanent worldly materialism I was wayward, lost and confused. Those times in contrast to now were hellish.

With all the restrictions on our liberties right now it is quite difficult to go out and help others actively without breaching the government directives. I remain highly motivated though and am patiently waiting for the opportunity to do more to help others but for now I have accepted that I can only share my words. I pray that they transmit some of the higher love I am feeling and that it lifts others into this higher state and they feel the same way. Ultimately, I believe it is only by the grace of God that we are truly lifted and our darkness dispelled but I hope my words can act as vessels that might be used to deliver love, truth and peace to another person.

I am faithful that there is a new path opening out in front of me which will satisfy this yearning to serve others better and because of that, I am not harbouring any fears or doubts about what is destined to come in my future – All anxiety has gone!

These days, I feel most enlightened just after reciting and reflecting on God through the divine teachings I receive from my Guru (The SGGS) and it is in those moments that I really wish I could break bread and share some of those divine feelings with others.  For now this is through writing but in the future I hope for it do be more.

When I look back on my life so far… It is clear that I lean more towards a sinner than a saint as there were many versions of myself which for long times I wished that they never existed because of the things I did. They ranged from when I have been an outright wrong’un to just embarrassing to choosing the wrong company but all in all, I now look beyond them and accept that they have all played their vital part in leading me to the here and now. I do feel forgiven and am void of any hatred for anyone specific and I think because of that I am also full with a sense of forgiveness. If I can embrace the worst of me as a sinner then I can also embrace the worst in others and their actions. All is forgiven! As the SGGS teaches us, when we truly feel close to God then none is our friend or enemy. God in all and all pervading.

The following verse is dedicated to anybody who I have hurt/offended in the past. Maybe one day we will sit and break bread together or better yet may I one day be in service to you.

Breaking Bread

Strange dreams

Recurring,

We all meet again,

Some distant nirvana,

Must be reflective

of new neural states,

No one is my enemy,

How could it be?

All instead,

Welcomed into play,

Jokes and laughter

Reign high,

Sins and misgivings,

all but washed away,

Just as the scriptures say,

Acting right,

Being present,

Living virtues,

The Rest

all falls into place.