The Four Watches of Life: From Sikhism’s Holy Scripture – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Part 1 of 2

Today, I am pleased to introduce Section 05 of Siree Raag, parts 063 and 64, in which the Sri Guru Granth Sahib teaches that true peace and liberation come only through devotion and remembrance of the Divine, not through worldly attachments or possessions.

“[…] With no virtue within, how can you find peace? The self-willed manmukh comes and goes in reincarnation. When the crop of life has matured, it bends, breaks, and perishes; why take pride in that which comes and goes? Says Nanak, O mortal, in the fourth watch of the night, the Gurmukh recognizes the Word of the Shabad. Your breath comes to its end, O my merchant friend, and your shoulders are weighed down by the tyrant of old age. Not one iota (the tiniest bit) of virtue came into you, O my merchant friend; bound and gagged by evil, you are driven along. One who departs with virtue and self-discipline is not struck down, and is not consigned to the cycle of birth and death. The Messenger of Death and his trap cannot touch him; through loving devotional worship, he crosses over the ocean of fear. He departs with honor, and merges in intuitive peace and poise; all his pains depart. Says Nanak, when the mortal becomes Gurmukh, he is saved and honored by the True Lord. […]

You are born, and you come out, and your mother and father are delighted to see your face. Remember the One, O mortal, to whom the child belongs. As Gurmukh, reflect upon Him within your heart. […]”

“This wealth, property, and Maya are false. In the end, you must leave these, and depart in sorrow. Those whom the Lord, in His Mercy, unites with the Guru, reflect upon the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. Says Nanak, in the third watch of the night, O mortal, they go, and are united with the Lord. In the fourth watch of the night, O my merchant friend, the Lord announces the time of departure. Serve the Perfect True Guru, O my merchant friend; your entire life night is passing away. Serve the Lord each and every instant-do not delay! You shall become eternal throughout the ages. Enjoy ecstasy forever with the Lord, and do away with the pains of birth and death. Know that there is no difference between the Guru, the True Guru, and your Lord and Master. Meeting with Him, take pleasure in the Lord’s devotional service. […]”