The year 2020 was significant, a game changer for countless lives. A year, in which we shared our views on 20/20 perfect vision, but also became inordinately chaotic across the globe with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has caused inestimable pain and suffering.
Societies have been left devastated. This has been both on a macro level, with economies suffering untold financial burdens, and on a micro level, with human tragedies and premature loss of loved ones.
But in spite of the akratic surrounding atmosphere, the brahm gyanis (the enlightened ones) strive to form order, creating a positive impact with their purposeful lives. Though susceptible to the same tremors and travesties, they learn to adjust their sails for a stable and flexible change of course.
Under these unprecedented circumstances, the question arises, is this really possible? If we consider life’s core essence to be eternal stability, then it is not only conceivable, but a real possibility.
Those who accept the Will of Nirankar (Hukum) wholeheartedly believe that there is nothing that can impede their course of existence. What they experience and see is quite simply shaped by the divine hukum. With such a profound faith, the gyanis avoid the debates, challenges and the external noise. They not only introspect, but work with practicality and perseverance.
A life rooted in eternal stability of Nirankar makes us resilient, inviting us to become abundantly stronger and steadier to fight off disruption and disturbance. This disruptive world’s impact, which is already trying to gain control over our lives, we have to break and sever. We must step back to focus on our inner being.
Just as Almighty Nirankar cannot be made unsteady – it is eternal and unchangeable – we too need to concentrate on our life’s component that is always steady and stable. Strengthening this relationship is of the paramount importance, not just to course through life holistically, but also to endure the Covid-19 pandemic.
The diverse colours of the world are ever present to distract one and all away from the truth of the Colourless Nirankar. The response of the gyani, however, is always to fill his life with the Colour of Gurmat (Guru’s practically wise way) and bliss as a means of survival.
The Pandemic has wreaked havoc, causing anxiety, depression and mental illness across all age ranges. The youth have had to deal with home schooling, online teaching, and other innovative methods to continue their education. There have been significant changes to our established routines, which have been particularly difficult to deal with. Working virtually has meant a huge shift in employment patterns. Not being able to physically meet one another has also been tough for us all.
The gyanis’ response is to be fully aware, accepting all the changes in their stride. They realise that it is Nirankar, and only Nirankar, who remains constant. They attempt to practise a sense of connected constancy in their lives.
It is not just the impact of change, but the raising the bar of one’s connection as a life giver. If we reflect, we can see that spirituality has always been about remote relationships – i.e. the Atman and Paramatma without any other as its base. We have an opportunity to practise our sanctity, to the exclusion of all forms of Maya. As we learn to log into our work places, perhaps a greater attention should be placed on logging into Nirankar, who has always been the real ‘world-wide web’. Covid-19 has changed outlooks and allowed a deeper understanding of ourselves and our needs.
In the light of the above, it is vital for us all to keep steady, faced with immense challenges in responding to and dealing with so many continually changing factors during this pandemic. We must accept that it has been tough. But with Nirankar standing next to us, our load is lightened, bringing balance into our lives.
It is so important to remember what we have been taught. We are to reach out to our companion devotees, as a vital lifeline. The support we receive from one another is invaluable. It steers direction towards the word of the Satguru. To strengthen our core essence and share the teachings of Gurmat at this time, it is even more critical.
If we seek to redress the imbalances that may have been caused in our minds, and wish a return to continuing stability and vitality, this may well be a solution. It requires strong inputs and encouragements to practice Seva, Simran and Satsang, the trio that has nurtured us all. A real back to basics exercise to feel the eternally stable in all our deeds and practices. We hear of new normals in society, but this has always been our normal way.
Our emotional stability may have been shattered, causing us to feel vulnerable. In observing the spirit of One Nirankar, those very fragments begin to form a new look. We may receive many hits in life and may feel knocked out with many punches, but resilience grows as we see Nirankar and its continual awareness to be our purpose. I will get up, if I am floored, because knowing Nirankar has made me resilient – back to His will as mentioned above. I will fight trying to regain my balance and become stable once again.
In this scenario, Nirankar manifests through devotees’ company. It may just be a word, a call to reach out or some other method to forge our relationship with Nirankar. We are never to be afraid, for fearlessness is the quality that will carry us all across the line to the next season, in which the pandemic will dissipate, no longer having the same hold on society.
Hence, I pray that we all remain closely connected to Nirankar, and in so doing, retain contact with our human family. A distance in this special relationship, can only desist in the retention of our stability. May it be constant and not suffer any fragmentation. The Pandemic may have physically distanced everyone and placed pressure on relationships, but with faith the relationship with Nirankar will support and deepen the love in our families, communities and countries. May every individual devotee share their stability in the service of humanity.
– Gurpreet Bhatia, DL
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