Excellent Veechar by Baba Jagjeet Singh "Harkhowal". Baba Jagjeet Singh was a sangee of Baba Jawala Singh jee who Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee met and respected very much for there Kamai and Gursikhee Sevaa.
Helpful tips for Abhiyaasis1. A lot of time is needed for Abhiyaas, i.e. invest as much time as possible in spiritual contemplation. Just as weighing scale tilts to one side when weight is added to it, the time spend in Abhiyaas strengthens the power of simran which will eventually suppress the vices. But if we keep adding more negativity within us, it will outweigh all goodness. Thus, the motive is to reduce badness, so do not commit bad deeds from now on and outweigh the old ones with goodness.
2. It is important to be in Aasan at a specific place and time and to stick with Jaap of a particular Mantar only. Changing Mantars or recitation techniques, sitting for contemplation at random places and at random times are all obstructions in attaining concentration of the mind. It is very important to be punctual (Especially Amritvela Simran).
3. Abhiyaasi should be devoted to the Guru, lover of naam, very determined and focussed, neutral in hunger, thirst, happiness and sadness. He/she should stay away from slander, gossip and unnecessary debates - difference in opinions for instance. There should be undying devotion to Shabad Guru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj and trust on the bachans of Mahapurashs. Only true devotees can receive true knowledge, sceptics will never be able to gain anything.
4. Abhiyaas must be done with full devotion regardless of whether one is successful or not. Instead of becoming impatient, acknowledge that it is our own fault; Then do benti for success in the lotus feet of Maharaj, He will surely honour the modesty. Do not do Abhiyaas for the sake of success.
5. Abhiyaasi should not get disappointed with any number of previous failures. Do not get desperate, or spend time in futile calculations. One should keep trying tirelessly till the time knowledge of the Self is realised.
6. Abhiyaasi should not be deterred by any difficulties in the way; keep doing simran with utmost conviction and devotion. Use skill (jugat) to trap the snake-like mind back into its box. Enthusiastic Abhiyaasi will definitely taste success, so keep marching on the path holding on to the thread of love.
7. It is very important for an Abhiyaasi to have absolute control on his/her needs. Practice proper restraint on eating, drinking, speaking, walking, sleeping, etc. Do not waste time, keep yourself immersed in simran and contemplation, do sangat of mahapurashs to keep mindset clean and focussed, do darshan of holy Granths. Stay away from cheap dances, plays, and other such rasful kriyas (activities). Practice restraint on speech, i.e. do not talk more than needed. Time is precious, spend it in Simran and meditation. Kaami chats, books, magazines, sangat of kaami men and women is strictly forbidden for Abhiyaasis. Always remember death, serve the Guru with body, mind and wealth. Remain ego-less, get blessings of Mahapurashs, do not get attached to material objects, keep attention focussed in Guru Sahibs lotus feet to develop inner consciousness. Without Abhiyaas, mind can never come under control. Abhiyaas provides Shaastar (spiritual) and Shastar (martial) dexterity. It is through Abhiyaas one can be skilful in horse-riding, Gatka, spear-throwing, archery and weaponry. Swimming, Yoga Abhiyaas, Ridhi and Sidhis, Awareness of Self, Brahmgyan, worldly knowledge, intertwining with the infinite Brahm, all become possible with Abhiyaas. There are people that do 'Abhiyaas' of Maya and toil day and night and are successful at it. But these are nothing but temporary worldly joys. The true utopian happiness and supreme internal bliss can be achieved only by Abhiyaas of Naam and Bani.
4 Types of Abhiyassis1. First type: Those quacks who read few scriptures and claim to be the doctor; they rely solely on bookish knowledge to describe techniques of doing Abhiyaas. They do not practice what they preach and use fancy words to sound like a real Abhiyaasi. Be extra careful of such fake individuals.
2. Second type: Those who dress up in religious garbs, close their eyes and pretend to be in Samadhi while their real aim is to get material rewards or fame in return. They use glycerine to cry crocodile tears so that people can consider them great Bairaagis. Such people are extremely devious, they play mind games to lure people in their trap. Be careful of these people also.
3. Third type: Those who do make efforts but their minds are rarely free from vices. There is a lack of Abhiyaas but at times their mind does come under control. The treatment will not work effectively if one takes right medication but does not keep appropriate precautions. Thus, renounce anything that becomes obstruction in the path of attainment of true contemplative state. Keep increasing the levels of Abhiyaas, real victory lies in the persistent effort; do not get disheartened.
4. The fourth type is that of true lovers - their mind remains merged in the vastness of the Brahm. They forever stay away from Vikaars (vices); they do not let bad habits establish their roots in them as they do not participate in bad sangat at all. Such Abhiyaasis enjoy the real fruits of contemplation.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਬਚਨਕਮਾਵਣੇਸਚਾਏਹੁਵੀਚਾਰੁ॥
