To my curious mind, a journey to understand the various schools of Indian philosophical system, has led me to one and only conclusion that the whole is too large and at best can only be seen in parts, through our own limited senses.
Non-duality between the Self and Divine, is the pinnacle of spiritual wisdom but the journey to this stage of understanding requires the human mind to anchor on duality. It is for this reason why the seeker sees the benefit in visiting spiritual places and performing religious acts that provides them solace.
While I am no one to say anything about any one’s belief system, but one Shabad (piece of spiritual writing) in the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) has been resonating with me for years.
Bhagat Ravidas, the 15th century saint from North India, questions in this Shabad that “If I did not Sin, then how would you be called the Redeemer of Sinners?”
It’s a very powerful question.
A teacher may be well qualified with the best of degrees but if he has no students then how can he be called a Teacher?
In the stage of duality, Bhagat Ravidas keeps his identity uniquely apart from that of the Divine and seeks an answer to this fundamental question, implying that the Divine is also dependent on the Seeker. While to the common mind, this question may not make sense but then Bhagat Ravidas soon transitions into the non-duality and says that in reality “YOU are ME and I am YOU”.
Who said understanding spirituality was ever easy?
During a visit to the Golden Temple, the Sikh Gurudwara at Amritsar, as I turned my camera to capture the visiting Seekers, the words of Bhagat Ravidas could be heard being sung from the sanctum sanctorum.
You are me, and I am You-what is the difference between us?
We are like gold and the bracelet, or water and the waves.
If I did not commit any sins, O Infinite Lord,
how would You have acquired the name, ‘Redeemer of sinners’?
You are my Master, the Inner-knower, Searcher of hearts.
The servant is known by his God, and the Lord and Master is known by His servant.
Grant me the wisdom to worship and adore You with my body.
O Ravi Daas, one who understands that the Lord is equally in all, is very rare.
Bhagat Ravidas (Page 93, Guru Granth Sahib)
Related links :
Operation Bluestar – Let’s not forget
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Photo : Golden Temple
Comments(7)
khushboo says:
April 17, 2013 at 1:35 AMWow!! again awestruck by your stunning and unusual Photography. Especially liked the 2nd and the 4th one. In 2nd photograph, I love the angle and in the 4th, love the way you have used pattern on the floor.
Arun Sikka says:
April 21, 2013 at 5:35 PMThis is truly wonderful photography. have been to the Golden Temple many times but never seen it in this ‘light’. The first twelve photographs have almost a mystical quality about them. Congratulations and full marks to your talent!!
Kuldip Kochhar says:
June 10, 2013 at 10:20 PMBeautiful photographs and insightfull commentry…..enjoyed it.
santokh singh says:
June 17, 2014 at 4:09 PMਵਾਿਹਗੁਰੂਤ ਤੁਹਾਨੂ ਹੋਰ ਬਲ ਬਖਸ਼ੇ
Sheikh Masood Anwar says:
October 15, 2014 at 1:04 AMwel this is me Chan Makhan 4m Rawalpindi. last time when you were here in Rawalpindi, i had a very casual look at this page but now i can see a real lust and hunger in your work about your roots. i believe they still are here in Pindi and Muzaffarabad. one thing you need to expose is the love and attraction of your roots. i am sanguine that you will keep on coming here again and again i asure you you will always find a new thing to explore.
love you,
Chan Makhan
Dayal Singh says:
July 6, 2015 at 2:52 PMExcellent article with beautiful photographs of the Golden Temple. I would just add “Tu Hee. Tu Hee” meaning whatever is truth and exist is “Tu”. Just another way of interpreting the words of Bhai Ravidas.
Otis the goat says:
June 5, 2019 at 5:06 AMWe was waiting for you to find us.
Polar.
D- This is beautiful
I- I love this
E- great work