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Kudrat Kavan Kaha Vichar
Author: Joginder Singh Sethi
Publisher: Guru Tegh Bahadur Naam-simran Foundation, Bombay
Price: 300/-; Pages 141
Ninty two years old S Joginder Singh Sethi has written a number of booklets on gurmat based on Gurbani and Sikh way of life. The booklet under review is another contribution towards Gurbani literature. Kudrat Kavan Kahan Vichar is a very lucid explanation and interpretation of the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Pauri of Japu ji Sahib in Punjabi language for a layman. Interpretation of these Pauris is impressive with examples from his day to day life’s experiences. The author also quotes Gurbani verses to endorse his view point where ever required. The book has been divided into four parts. In the beginning, he has given full text of Japuji Sahib and subsequently given its line by line English translation along with the meaning of difficult words. Thereafter a detailed interpretation of the each stanza has been given.
In the 16th pauri/ stanza of Japuji Sahib, the author has explained the concept of ‘Panch’ under the title ‘Who is acceptable in the Akalpurkh’s Darbar’? According to author, the word ‘Panch’ in 16th pauri has two meanings, Firstly, it stands for the person who has enlightened his soul in the light of his listening and believing in concepts ‘Suniye’ or ‘Manne’, as explained by Guru Nanak in the first 9 pauris of Japuji Sahib. Secondly, meaning of the Panch is a person who has overpowered five human vices of lust, anger, greed, attachment, arrogance. Guru Nanak’s considers a person Panch Parvan and Panch Pardhan who has conquered all his human weaknesses.
In the 17th stanza of Japuji, the author has explained the 11 prominent words used in this Pauri along with their explanation. These 11 words are: Jap, Bhao, Pooja, Tap-Tao, Path, Udaas, Bhagat, Sati, Datar, Sur and Moni. Together, these words and related practices lay down a roadmap for Sikh meditational regimen. While interpreting this stanza, author advises the reader about the roadmap that he should follow to achieve a state of spiritual enlightenment. He states that Gurbani tell us about four methods for seeking communion with the Divine cosmic power. These four methods are those of Gian (knowledge), Dhian (concentration), Bhagat (meditation) and Sewa (service). According to the author, there are so many pseudo sants (babas) and their deras in Punjab, who are misguiding the innocent people in the name of worship of God, whereas Gurbani tells that the disciples of these ignorant guides go astray. ‘r[o{ fiBk ek nzX[bk u/b/ Bkjh mkT[]’ (gzBk 58) ns/ ‘r[o fiBk ek nzX[bk f;Zy Gh nzX/ eow eo/fB] But most of these babas are befooling the common people and use them for either their political or financial benefits throughout their life.
In the 18th pauri/ stanza ‘Asankh Murakh Andh ghor’, author has clarified 8 important words along with their English translation and interpretation. The words are Murakh, Chor, Amar, Gal-wad, Papi, Jhuthe, Malech and Nindak. He explains that this world contains countless number of egoistic, self-centred people with corrupted, criminalized, parasitical dispositions. Author concludes the interpretation of pauri with the advice to the reader to pray to the Akalpurkh and seek His blessing for all the people of the world irrespective of their varying temperaments.
The 19th pauri of Japuji Sahib, ‘Asankh Naam, Asankh thavn’ has been given less space as compared to pauri 16 & 17. In the 19th pauri, he emphasizes the importance of ‘word or Akhar’. He is of the opinion that although it is difficult to explain the Divine identity in words, because language or Akhar has been created by human beings, still the words are the only medium to express human feelings and thoughts about the Divine, whose full majesty is indescribable.
S Joginder Singh has written a total of 7 booklets for explaining the 38 pauris of Japuji Sahib. The present booklet is number 8 in this series. Approximately 3 to 4 pauris have been explained in each booklet. As mentioned earlier, his translation and interpretation are simple and easily understandable by a common man. The book has been printed in bold font for reading without difficulty with a firm binding and a beautiful cover. It is a booklet meant for the devout and common mass of readers and wide circulation. It is a devout reader’s guide book for understanding Japuji’s message.
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