Have you ever wondered if there is a link between the teachings of Gurbani and the mental state of your mind?
You will be pleased to learn Gurbani goes into depth about mental health issues and how we can overcome them. The main concepts focus on Dukh (Pain) and Sukh (Happiness). This article will aim to cover a discussion on mental health from a Gurbani perspective, referencing the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and other related Gurbani.
Gurbani talks about how our mind is always wishing for something, but when something else happens we get upset and start to blame things. The concept of “hukam” which can be loosely translated as “the creators command” comes into play. Man using his mind thinks and plans a lot of things, but only that which pleases the creator happens. So why do we not accept the “hukam”?
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 1428
ਨਰ ਚਾਹਤ ਕਛੁ ਅਉਰ ਅਉਰੈ ਕੀ ਅਉਰੈ ਭਈ ॥
Nar Chaahath Kashh Aour Aourai Kee Aourai Bhee ||
The man wishes for something, but something different happens.
ਚਿਤਵਤ ਰਹਿਓ ਠਗਉਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਫਾਸੀ ਗਲਿ ਪਰੀ ॥੩੮॥
Chithavath Rehiou Thagour Naanak Faasee Gal Paree ||38||
He plots to deceive others, O Nanak, but he places the noose around his own neck instead. ||38||
ਜਤਨ ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਖ ਕੇ ਕੀਏ ਦੁਖ ਕੋ ਕੀਓ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
Jathan Bahuth Sukh Kae Keeeae Dhukh Ko Keeou N Koe ||
People make all sorts of efforts to find peace and pleasure, but no one tries to earn pain.
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨਿ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥੩੯॥
Kahu Naanak Sun Rae Manaa Har Bhaavai So Hoe ||39||
Says Nanak, listen, mind: whatever pleases God comes to pass. ||39||
Gurbani talks widely on “maya” or “money” in our mindset. Even if we earn and earn and become millionaires, we will not be happy. The true happiness and contentment only comes when we meet with our creator lord and love, chant Naam. This is what connects us with everything.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 278/279
ਸਹਸ ਖਟੇ ਲਖ ਕਉ ਉਠਿ ਧਾਵੈ ॥
Sehas Khattae Lakh Ko Outh Dhhaavai ||
Earning a thousand, he runs after a hundred thousand.
ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਪਾਛੈ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
Thripath N Aavai Maaeiaa Paashhai Paavai ||
Satisfaction is not obtained by chasing after Maya.
ਅਨਿਕ ਭੋਗ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਕੇ ਕਰੈ ॥
Anik Bhog Bikhiaa Kae Karai ||
He may enjoy all sorts of corrupt pleasures,
ਨਹ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਾਵੈ ਖਪਿ ਖਪਿ ਮਰੈ ॥
Neh Thripathaavai Khap Khap Marai ||
But he is still not satisfied; he indulges again and again, wearing himself out, until he dies.
ਬਿਨਾ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਊ ਰਾਜੈ ॥
Binaa Santhokh Nehee Kooo Raajai ||
Without contentment, no one is satisfied.
ਸੁਪਨ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਬ੍ਰਿਥੇ ਸਭ ਕਾਜੈ ॥
Supan Manorathh Brithhae Sabh Kaajai ||
Like the objects in a dream, all his efforts are in vain.
ਨਾਮ ਰੰਗਿ ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Naam Rang Sarab Sukh Hoe ||
Through the love of the Naam, all peace is obtained.
ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ਕਿਸੈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥
Baddabhaagee Kisai Paraapath Hoe ||
Only a few obtain this, by great good fortune.
ਕਰਨ ਕਰਾਵਨ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ॥
Karan Karaavan Aapae Aap ||
He Himself is Himself the Cause of causes.
ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਜਾਪਿ ॥੫॥
Sadhaa Sadhaa Naanak Har Jaap ||5||
Forever and ever, O Nanak, chant the Lord’s Name. ||5||
Gurbani explains that our anxiety is caused by our mind. The creator lord takes care of everything, without us knowing. We think our mind is the one that can do things, but ultimately it is the creator doing it all.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 955
ਸਲੋਕ ਮਃ ੨ ॥
Salok Ma 2 ||
Shalok, Second Mehl:
ਨਾਨਕ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਹੇਇ ॥
Naanak Chinthaa Math Karahu Chinthaa This Hee Haee ||
O Nanak, don’t be anxious; the Lord will take care of you.
ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਇਅਨੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਭਿ ਰੋਜੀ ਦੇਇ ॥
Jal Mehi Janth Oupaaeian Thinaa Bh Rojee Dhaee ||
He created the creatures in water, and He gives them their nourishment.
ਓਥੈ ਹਟੁ ਨ ਚਲਈ ਨਾ ਕੋ ਕਿਰਸ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
Outhhai Hatt N Chalee Naa Ko Kiras Karaee ||
There are no stores open there, and no one farms there.
ਸਉਦਾ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਨਾ ਕੋ ਲਏ ਨ ਦੇਇ ॥
Soudhaa Mool N Hovee Naa Ko Leae N Dhaee ||
No business is ever transacted there, and no one buys or sells.
ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਆਹਾਰੁ ਜੀਅ ਖਾਣਾ ਏਹੁ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
Jeeaa Kaa Aahaar Jeea Khaanaa Eaehu Karaee ||
Animals eat other animals; this is what the Lord has given them as food.
ਵਿਚਿ ਉਪਾਏ ਸਾਇਰਾ ਤਿਨਾ ਭਿ ਸਾਰ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
Vich Oupaaeae Saaeiraa Thinaa Bh Saar Karaee ||
He created them in the oceans, and He provides for them as well.
ਨਾਨਕ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਤ ਕਰਹੁ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਹੇਇ ॥੧॥
Naanak Chinthaa Math Karahu Chinthaa This Hee Haee ||1||
O Nanak, don’t be anxious; the Lord will take care of you. ||1||
Gurbani talks about the concept of Karma. Our good and bad deeds are recorded through out ALL our lives. The hardships we suffer are from Karma, and to clear it we must balance them with good deeds.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 1030
ਸੁਖੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪੁਰਬ ਜਨਮ ਕੇ ਕੀਏ ॥
Sukh Dhukh Purab Janam Kae Keeeae ||
Pleasure and pain are the consequences of the actions of past lives.
ਸੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਦਾਤੈ ਦੀਏ ॥
So Jaanai Jin Dhaathai Dheeeae ||
The Giver, who blesses us with these – He alone knows.
ਕਿਸ ਕਉ ਦੋਸੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਤੂ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਸਹੁ ਅਪਣਾ ਕੀਆ ਕਰਾਰਾ ਹੇ ॥੧੪॥
Kis Ko Dhos Dhaehi Thoo Praanee Sahu Apanaa Keeaa Karaaraa Hae ||14||
So who can you blame, O mortal being? The hardships you suffer are from your own actions. ||14||
Gurbani makes the point that we don’t remember the creator lord in happiness unless we have become Gurmukh (our whole being and face is towards the lord’s remembrance). So sometimes we are given pain to bring us back on the spiritual path.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 469
ਦੁਖੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਭਇਆ ਜਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਤਾਮਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
Dhukh Dhaaroo Sukh Rog Bhaeiaa Jaa Sukh Thaam N Hoee ||
Suffering is the medicine, and pleasure the disease, because where there is pleasure, there is no desire for God.
Gurbani places Naam as the cure to everything. When we align our whole being with the creator’s vibration then all suffering will depart. Leaving only bliss and contentment. So we should start naam jap and find the place of peace within.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 274
ਸਰਬ ਰੋਗ ਕਾ ਅਉਖਦੁ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
Sarab Rog Kaa Aoukhadh Naam ||
The Naam is the panacea, the remedy to cure all ills.
Gurbani again states Naam is the destroyer of sorrow. The Naam vibration brings with it ultimate peace.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 218
ਗਉੜੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਮਾਂਝ ॥
Gourree Mehalaa 5 Maanjh ||
Gauree, Fifth Mehl, Maajh:
ਦੁਖ ਭੰਜਨੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜੀ ਦੁਖ ਭੰਜਨੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
Dhukh Bhanjan Thaeraa Naam Jee Dhukh Bhanjan Thaeraa Naam ||
The Destroyer of sorrow is Your Name, Lord; the Destroyer of sorrow is Your Name.
ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਆਰਾਧੀਐ ਪੂਰਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Aath Pehar Aaraadhheeai Pooran Sathigur Giaan ||1|| Rehaao ||
Twenty-four hours a day, dwell upon the wisdom of the Perfect True Guru. ||1||Pause||
ਜਿਤੁ ਘਟਿ ਵਸੈ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਸੋਈ ਸੁਹਾਵਾ ਥਾਉ ॥
Jith Ghatt Vasai Paarabreham Soee Suhaavaa Thhaao ||
That heart, in which the Supreme Lord God abides, is the most beautiful place.
ਜਮ ਕੰਕਰੁ ਨੇੜਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਰਸਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਉ ॥੧॥
Jam Kankar Naerr N Aavee Rasanaa Har Gun Gaao ||1||
The Messenger of Death does not even approach those who chant the Glorious Praises of the Lord with the tongue. ||1||
ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੀਆ ਨਾ ਜਾਪੈ ਆਰਾਧਿ ॥
Saevaa Surath N Jaaneeaa Naa Jaapai Aaraadhh ||
I have not understood the wisdom of serving Him, nor have I worshipped Him in meditation.
ਓਟ ਤੇਰੀ ਜਗਜੀਵਨਾ ਮੇਰੇ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਅਗਮ ਅਗਾਧਿ ॥੨॥
Outt Thaeree Jagajeevanaa Maerae Thaakur Agam Agaadhh ||2||
You are my Support, O Life of the World; O my Lord and Master, Inaccessible and Incomprehensible. ||2||
ਭਏ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲ ਗੁਸਾਈਆ ਨਠੇ ਸੋਗ ਸੰਤਾਪ ॥
Bheae Kirapaal Gusaaeeaa Nathae Sog Santhaap ||
When the Lord of the Universe became merciful, sorrow and suffering departed.
ਤਤੀ ਵਾਉ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਰਖੇ ਆਪਿ ॥੩॥
Thathee Vaao N Lagee Sathigur Rakhae Aap ||3||
The hot winds do not even touch those who are protected by the True Guru. ||3||
ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਰਾਇਣੁ ਦਯੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਚਾ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
Gur Naaraaein Dhay Gur Gur Sachaa Sirajanehaar ||
The Guru is the All-pervading Lord, the Guru is the Merciful Master; the Guru is the True Creator Lord.
ਗੁਰਿ ਤੁਠੈ ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰ ॥੪॥੨॥੧੭੦॥
Gur Thuthai Sabh Kishh Paaeiaa Jan Naanak Sadh Balihaar ||4||2||170||
When the Guru was totally satisfied, I obtained everything. Servant Nanak is forever a sacrifice to Him. ||4||2||170||
Gurbani is helping to shape the mind and thoughts. Whatever happens, good or bad. We should remain in remembrance and praise of the lord. Continuing Naam jap until we reach such a state that nothing effects our dedication and love.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 757
ਜੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਅਰਾਧੀ ਦੁਖਿ ਭੀ ਤੁਝੈ ਧਿਆਈ ॥੨॥
Jae Sukh Dhaehi Th Thujhehi Araadhhee Dhukh Bhee Thujhai Dhhiaaee ||2||
If You will bless me with happiness, then I will worship and adore You. Even in pain, I will meditate on You. ||2||
ਜੇ ਭੁਖ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਇਤ ਹੀ ਰਾਜਾ ਦੁਖ ਵਿਚਿ ਸੂਖ ਮਨਾਈ ॥੩॥
Jae Bhukh Dhaehi Th Eith Hee Raajaa Dhukh Vich Sookh Manaaee ||3||
Even if You give me hunger, I will still feel satisfied; I am joyful, even in the midst of sorrow. ||3||
Gurbani makes reference to the “naam” or “anahad naad”, the unstruck sound heard with the creators blessings. Those who listen within and hear the creation and remain attuned, find pure bliss.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 2
ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੮॥
Suniai Dhookh Paap Kaa Naas ||8||
Listening-pain and sin are erased. ||8||
Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Sukhmani Sahib bani further explains that we should do naam jap within our heart. Whether this is singing (kirtan) or expanding our love for the creator and the creation. We can feel this love through naam jap.
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 266
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਆਪੁਨਾ ਦੂਖੁ ਮਿਟਾਵੈ ॥
Jae Ko Aapunaa Dhookh Mittaavai ||
If you wish to erase your sorrows,
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਸਦ ਗਾਵੈ ॥
Har Har Naam Ridhai Sadh Gaavai ||
Sing the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, within your heart.
This article is under constant review as we receive input to improve the information.
By Naminder Singh
