19/02/2018 Looking Pious And Mahatma Outside But Fraud Inside | Gurbani Blog | ਗਰਬਾਣੀ ਬਲਗ

ਪਿੜਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਭਦ ਬਿਝਐ ਪਾਵਣਾ : Not by reading (religious books), but through Understanding, is the Mystery Realized. - sggs, 148

GURBANI BLOG |
Understanding the Gurbani Through the Gurbani
ਗਰਬਾਣੀ ਬਲਗ

Gurbani Blog » Looking Pious And Mahatma Outside But Fraud Inside

Looking Pious And Mahatma Outside But Fraud

Inside
by T. Singh

Too many who disguise themselves pure and Mahatma are fake and fraud on the inside. Such false and
adulterated behavior signifies Manmukh lifestyle (a lifestyle contrary to the Wisdom of the SGGS). Understandably,
the Gurbani calls them out as “false” (bogus, fraud, fictitious, dishonest, untrue, Karamkaandee…).

ਅਦਰਹ ਝਠ ਪਜ ਬਾਹਿਰ ਦਨੀਆ ਅਦਿਰ ਫਲ : Those who are false within, and (display themselves as) honorable on
the outside, are ample in this world (common, wide-spread…). (sggs 473).
ਮਨਮਖ ਖਟੀ ਰਾਿਸ ਖਟਾ ਪਾਸਾਰਾ : The wealth of the self-willed Manmukhs (that they collect throughout their lives) is
false, and false is their ostentatious display (sggs 116).
ਿਜਨ੍ਹ ਮਿਨ ਹਰ ਮਿਖ ਹਰ ਿਸ ਕ ਢ ਕਿਚਆ ॥੧॥: Those who have one thing in their mind, and something else in their
mouth, are accounted false ||1|| (sggs 408).

The Gurbani rejects such treacherously false conduct — wickedness, malice, trickery, forgery, deception,
misleading, blemish, Karamkaand, Khotaapann-ਖਟਾਪਨ, ਿਦਖਾਵਾ …), etc.

ਖਟਾ ਕਾਿਮ ਨ ਆਵ ਵਖ ॥੧॥: (Behold, as the counterfeit currency is worthless, similarly the acts) done in falsehood
are of no avail. ||1|| (sggs 662).

It only brings ruin in the end. Sooner or later, the fraud gets exposed! It’s just matter of time! This is the Gurbani’s
edict.

ਖਰ ਖਜਾਨ ਪਾਈਅਿਹ ਖਟ ਸਟੀਅਿਹ ਬਾਹਰ ਵਾਿਰ : The genuine are placed in (Divine) Treasury (i.e., their life becomes
meaningful), while the counterfeit are thrown away (i.e., false cannot be kept with the good). (sggs 143).

How common is this fraud?

Widespread! The fake Baabaa are pullulating all over the world! The Gurbani time and again alerts us about them!

For example, in the following verses, Bhatt Bhikhaa Ji (whose Bani is included in Guru Granth Sahib) highlights this
corruption further. Based on his own experience, Bhatt Bhikhaa Ji recounts his wanderings in search of a true
Mahatma. He recounts spending one year (“ਬਰਸ ਏਕ ਹਉ ਿਫਿਰਓ”), but could not find one. Instead, he found they
were all just high flying on the ego fleet, soft-spoken, polished, sweet, but full of Mayaic corruption on the inside.
Wasting his time in vain, finally, Bhatt Bhikhaa Ji came to the Guru Sahib and found solace.

ਰਿਹਓ ਸਤ ਹਉ ਟਿਲ ਸਾਧ ਬਹਤਰ ਿਡਠ ਸਿਨਆਸੀ ਤਪਸੀਅਹ ਮਖਹ ਏ ਪਿਡਤ ਿਮਠ ਬਰਸ ਏਕ ਹਉ ਿਫਿਰਓ ਿਕਨ ਨਹ ਪਰਚਉ ਲਾਯਉ
ਕਹਿਤਅਹ ਕਹਤੀ ਸਣੀ ਰਹਤ ਕ ਖਸੀ ਨ ਆਯਉ ਹਿਰ ਨਾਮ ਛਿਡ ਦਜ ਲਗ ਿਤਨ੍ਹ ਕ ਗਣ ਹਉ ਿਕਆ ਕਹਉ : I have been
searching for the Saints; I have seen so many pious people. These Sannyaasees, penitents, and Pandits all
sweet-tongued. I wandered around lost for a year, but no one satisfied me (solace, ਤਸਲੀ…). I listened to
preachers and teachers, but I could not be happy with their lifestyles. Why should I speak in their praise who
have abandoned the Naam, and are attached to duality? (sggs 1395).

Perhaps, the present day Deras, etc., are the descendant of the same fraud referred to by Bhatt Bhikhaa Ji in the
foregoing verse. Undoubtedly, some may be new ones as well! Nonetheless, they are religious con men, who have
reduced the Gurbani, Sikhi, or Dharma to a mere mundane business (“ਮਾਇਆ ਕ ਵਾਪਾਰਾ”, “ਰਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਿਣ”…). The
Gurbani repudiates their conduct or their life-style (ਕਰਤਤ) !

Bhagat Kabeer Sahib further highlights it. He says they, to whom I go to release myself, I found they themselves
are bound by many chains (traps, noose, snares, perplexities, etc.).

http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/looking-pious-and-mahatma-outside-but-fraud-inside/ 1/5
19/02/2018 Looking Pious And Mahatma Outside But Fraud Inside | Gurbani Blog | ਗਰਬਾਣੀ ਬਲਗ
ਹਿਰ ਿਬਨ ਭਰਿਮ ਭਲਾਨ ਅਧਾ ਜਾ ਪਿਹ ਜਾਉ ਆਪ ਛਟਕਾਵਿਨ ਤ ਬਾਧ ਬਹ ਫਧਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ : Without Hari (Mool, Source), the
spiritually blind ones are gone astray in doubt. And those, to whom I go to find release – they themselves are
bound by all sorts of chains. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 334).

In other words, they all want you to give give theme everything (your money, your land, your wife, etc.), but they
themselves have nothing to give to you!!!!!

ਲਉ ਹੀ ਲਉ ਕਹ ਸਬ ਕ ਨਰ ਕਊ ਨ ਬਹਮ ਬਤਾਇ ਹਮ ਦ ॥੨੮॥: All want to take everything (i.e., my money, my

belongings, etc.), but nobody can tell me about Brahm (because they don’t know themselves!). (Dasam Granth,
1325).

Baabaa Nanak says the Guru who himself is blind (ignorant, fraud, hungry for Maya or Mayadhaaree, Parpachee,
etc.), the disciples of that Guru are also ought to be blind!!

ਗਰ ਿਜਨਾ ਕਾ ਅਧਲਾ ਿਸਖ ਭੀ ਅਧ ਕਰਮ ਕਰਿਨ : The disciples whose Guru is blind (ignorant, Mayadhaaree…), act
blindly as well (i.e., do faulty or wicked deeds). (sggs 951).
ਗਰ ਿਜਨਾ ਕਾ ਅਧਲਾ ਚਲ ਨਾਹੀ ਠਾਉ : Those disciples whose Guru is blind (ignorant, Mayadhaaree…), cannot find
place (of Peace, ਆਤਮਕ ਸਖ…). (sggs 58).

Crowds and crowds are attracted and follow the path of

fraud
Bhagat Kabeer Sahib gives us a very important clue, which can be of a great help ONLY if are are willing to accept
it. Bhagat Sahib tells us crowds and crowds of people are attracted and thus follow the Path of falsehood (fraud,
Karamkaand, Pakhandvaad…). It’s a sheep behavior — sheep follow sheep.

ਦਖਾ ਦਖੀ ਸ ਗ ਧਿਰ ਭਲ ਭਟਕਾ ਖਾਿਹ ॥੧੩੫॥: (ਦਖਾ ਦਖੀ, ਨਕਲ ਕਰ ਕ, ਹਰਨ ਕਰਿਦਆਂ ਦਖ ਕ, ਿਦਖਾਵ ਦੀ ਖਾਤਰ…, people )
look at one another and disguise (in religious robe, impersonation, ਸ ਗ ਬਣਾ ਲਣ …), but they are deluded and
lost (from the true Way of life-ਸਹੀ ਰਾਹ ਤ ਖਝ ਹਏ ਇਹ ਲਕ ਭਟਕਦ ਹਨ). ||135|| (sggs 1371).

However, since the Way of Truth is like walking on the razor’s edge, it does not attract crowds of people. As a
result, Bhagat Kabeer Sahib reminds us that the true ones are always alone (i.e., without crowds following them)!!

ਕਬੀਰ ਿਜਹ ਮਾਰਿਗ ਪਿਡਤ ਗਏ ਪਾਛ ਪਰੀ ਬਹੀਰ ਇਕ ਅਵਘਟ ਘਾਟੀ ਰਾਮ ਕੀ ਿਤਹ ਚਿੜ ਰਿਹਓ ਕਬੀਰ ॥੧੬੫॥: O Kabeer! The
crowds follow the path which the Pandits have taken (the path of falsehood, Pakhand, Karamkaand…). (But)
There is a rugged or precipitous cliff on the way to “Raam” (Mool, Source, Truth…); Kabeer is climbing that cliff
(alone!). ||165|| (sggs 1373).

The Gurbani compares…

The Gurbani compares them with “Thugs” (ਠਗ, robbers); for they are just fraud, disguised in peculiar religious
paraphernalia (“Bhekhee“, garbs…).

ਓਇ ਹਿਰ ਕ ਸਤ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਿਹ ਬਾਨਾਰਿਸ ਕ ਠਗ ॥੧॥: They are not called God’s Saints — they are thugs of Benares
(sggs 476).
ਅਖੀ ਤ ਮੀਟਿਹ ਨਾਕ ਪਕੜਿਹ ਠਗਣ ਕਉ ਸਸਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ : (Cheats, ਪਖਡੀ) Close their eyes and hold their nostrils (they
do such trickery only) to dupe the world. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 662).

Next, the Gurbani compares them with “gambling” — for they are gambling their life away in fraud and deception.

ਬਾਹਰਹ ਿਨਰਮਲ ਜੀਅਹ ਤ ਮਲ ਿਤਨੀ ਜਨਮ ਜਐ ਹਾਿਰਆ : Those who are outwardly pure and yet polluted within, lose
their lives (just as a gambler loses his money) in the gamble (sggs 919).

Next, the Gurbani compares them with “beast” and “animals” (i.e., fools).

ਿਚਟ ਿਜਨ ਕ ਕਪੜ ਮਲ ਿਚਤ ਕਠਰ ਜੀਉ ਿਤਨ ਮਿਖ ਨਾਮ ਨ ਊਪਜ ਦਜ ਿਵਆਪ ਚਰ ਜੀਉ ਮਲ ਨ ਬਝਿਹ ਆਪਣਾ ਸ ਪਸਆ ਸ ਢਰ
ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥: Those who wear white clothes (i.e., who look Mahatma on the outside only), but have filthy and stone-
hearted minds (false, fraud, cheat, ignorant, Parpanchee) may utter the Naam with their mouths, but it does not
manifest (in their Heart); engrossed in duality, they are thieves (although they look holy on the outside). Those
who do not understand their own Mool (Source, Origin, Jot…); they are beasts and they are cattle (i.e., great
fools of animal intellect…)! ||3|| (751).

http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/looking-pious-and-mahatma-outside-but-fraud-inside/ 2/5
19/02/2018 Looking Pious And Mahatma Outside But Fraud Inside | Gurbani Blog | ਗਰਬਾਣੀ ਬਲਗ
Next, the Gurbani compares them with those beautiful “mansions and tall buildings” which remain empty within
(i.e., useless)!

ਕਠ ਮਡਪ ਮਾੜੀਆ ਪਾਸਹ ਿਚਤਵੀਆਹਾ ਢਠੀਆ ਕਿਮ ਨ ਆਵਨ੍ਹੀ ਿਵਚਹ ਸਖਣੀਆਹਾ ॥੨॥ : There are houses, mansions and
tall buildings, painted on all sides; But they are empty within, and they crumble like useless ruins. ||2|| (sggs
729).

Next, the Gurbani compares them with “herons”. For example, herons — even those who live at the so called holly
ponds — stand in the water in a meditation pose. But in fact, it’s just doing that pretending in order to catch
unsuspecting fish!

ਬਗਾ ਬਗ ਕਪੜ ਤੀਰਥ ਮਿਝ ਵਸਿਨ੍ਹ ਘਿਟ ਘਿਟ ਜੀਆ ਖਾਵਣ ਬਗ ਨਾ ਕਹੀਅਿਨ੍ਹ ॥੩॥: The herons in their white feathers
dwell in the sacred shrines of pilgrimage. They tear apart and eat Jeev (e.g., fish…), and so they are not called
white (or uncrafty or unscheming, within) ||3|| (sggs 729).

Next, they are compared with a “Simmle” tree in the Gurbani. A “Simmle” tree is known to be straight, tall and
think. However, its fruits, flowers, and leaves are useless. Similarly, a person who pretends to be pure and
Mahatma on the onside but a fraud on the inside is just like this “Simmle” tree.

ਿਸਮਲ ਰਖ ਸਰਾਇਰਾ ਅਿਤ ਦੀਰਘ ਅਿਤ ਮਚ ਓਇ ਿਜ ਆਵਿਹ ਆਸ ਕਿਰ ਜਾਿਹ ਿਨਰਾਸ ਿਕਤ ਫਲ ਿਫਕ ਫਲ ਬਕਬਕ ਕਿਮ ਨ ਆਵਿਹ
ਪਤ : The simmal tree is straight; very tall, and very thick. But those birds which visit it hopefully (in hope to eat
its fruits), depart disappointed. Its fruits are tasteless, its flowers are nauseating, and its leaves are useless
(sggs 470).

Next, the Gurbani compares them with “bronze”. Bronze is bright and shiny on the outside, but when it is rubbed,
its blackness appears. And that “blackness” can not be removed even if it is washed again and again!

ਉਜਲ ਕਹਾ ਿਚਲਕਣਾ ਘਿਟਮ ਕਾਲੜੀ ਮਸ ਧਿਤਆ ਜਿਠ ਨ ਉਤਰ ਜ ਸਉ ਧਵਾ ਿਤਸ ॥੧॥: Bronze is bright and shiny, but when it
is rubbed, its blackness appears. Washing it, its impurity (inner “blackness”) is not removed, even if it is
washed a hundred times. ||1|| (sggs 729).

Perhaps we all heard a story of Baabaa Nanak and Sajjan Thug (whose real name was Sheikh). He used to dress
like a saint! But, in reality, he was a robber. Apart from that Sakhi, in our daily life, we all witness od read about
many self-claimed, who either love to be called or deem themselves “Bhagat”, “Giaanee”, “Sant”, “Gurmukh”, etc.
The Gurbani says:

ਜਉ ਜਾਨ ਹਉ ਭਗਤ ਿਗਆਨੀ ਆਗ ਠਾਕਿਰ ਿਤਲ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੀ ਜਉ ਜਾਨ ਮ ਕਥਨੀ ਕਰਤਾ ਿਬਆਪਾਰੀ ਬਸਧਾ ਿਜਉ ਿਫਰਤਾ : When
(one) deems that (he) has become a Bhagat (the Gurmukh…), a Giaanee (One who possesses Giaan,
ਿਵਦਵਾਨ…), then, in the world hereafter, the Master will have no regard for him at all. When he believes himself
to be a sermoneer (ਧਾਰਿਮਕ ਕਥਾ-ਵਿਖਆਨ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ), he is merely a peddler wandering over the earth (sggs 255).

As far as the Gurbani is concerned, such people are just “peddler”! As a peddler sells his stuff to others, similarly,
such self-claimed “Baabaa”, “Mahatma”, “Sant”, etc., defraud others. But, spiritually speaking, they have nothing
to show for themselves (“ਆਗ ਠਾਕਿਰ ਿਤਲ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੀ”)!

ਗਰ ਮ ਹੀਣਸ ੍ਯ ਜ ਾਣੀ ਿਧਗਤ ਜਨਮ ਭਸਟਣਹ ਕਕਰਹ ਸਕਰਹ ਗਰਧਭਹ ਕਾਕਹ ਸਰਪਨਹ ਤਿਲ ਖਲਹ ॥੩੩॥: Cursed and
corrupt is the life of that mortal who lacks the Gur-Mantra (Divine Wisdom or Upadesh of the Gur-Shabad…).
Know such wicked (or fool) to be just like a dog, a pig, a donkey, a crow, a snake. ||33|| (sggs 1356).

Risky to judge someone based on outer appearance

Thus, it is very risky to judge a person by how he appears outwardly. The Gurbani does not advise to do it. For
example, a person may speak sweet and wise words, look spiritual and Mahatma on the outside, but in his heart
he may be harboring a vengeance, resentment, grudge, hatred, fraud, deception, etc. The Gurbani cautions not to
take anything at face value:

ਿਸਆਮਲ ਮਧਰ ਮਾਨਖ ੍ਯ ਿਰਦਯ ਭਿਮ ਵਰਣਹ ਿਨਵਿਤ ਹਵਿਤ ਿਮਿਥਆ ਚਤਨ ਸਤ ਸਜਨਹ ॥੬੦॥: A person (may look)
beautiful and speak sweet words, (but if he) harbors vengeance in the farm of (his) heart; (then his) bowing (to
others, in worship, etc.) is false. Good saintly beings remain conscious or cognizant (of this fault…). ||60||(sggs
1359).

In other words, a person may try to look spiritual from an ulterior motive, which others cannot detect. Or it may be
he is trying to look spiritual or good because he expects by looking so he will get some rewards that he cannot
otherwise get. Or, he may be trying to look spiritual or good because of some fear. Or, he may be blatantly selfish;

http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/looking-pious-and-mahatma-outside-but-fraud-inside/ 3/5
19/02/2018 Looking Pious And Mahatma Outside But Fraud Inside | Gurbani Blog | ਗਰਬਾਣੀ ਬਲਗ
whatever good he does may only be a cloak to hide his real motive of swindling money (Golak), gaining power,
political or otherwise.

Understandably, the Gurbani has attached paramount importance to the necessity of internal purity. Obviously,
instead of looking pure or Mahatma, “Being” and “Becoming” is very important to the Gurbani. In other words,
acting without being is useless in the discerning eyes of the Gurbani (Bibek Budhi of the Gurbani)!

ਭਖ ਿਦਖਾਵ ਸਚ ਨ ਕਮਾਵ : (The stubborn, false fool) ostensibly wears religious robes without practicing Truth
(sggs 738).

Only by becoming a Gurmukh…

The Gurbani’s edict (ਫਸਲਾ) is that ONLY by becoming a Gurmukh (enlightened one, who thoroughly understands
and lives the Wisdom of the Gurbani…) can distinguish the true from the false or real from the unreal.

ਗਰਮਿਖ ਖਟ ਖਰ ਪਛਾਣ : By becoming the Gurmukh, (one) distinguishes the true from the false. (sggs 942).

Hence, we are urged by the Gurbani to become the Gurmukh, recognize the false as false, and then break away
from the false (“ਨਾਨਕ ਕਚਿੜਆ ਿਸਉ ਤਿੜ”).

In other words — until we become Gurmukh ourselves — we cannot recognize the true from the false or real from
the unreal. If we are Manmukh ourselves (greedy, Mayadhaaree, Saakat), then nobody can help us from being
cheated by the fake Baabaa.

One recognizes the false only when the Truth is in his Heart. To be pure both from within and without is not only to
know the Truth, but also live that Truth in daily life — the Gurmukh-Lifestyle. Only a Gurmukh’s mind is fearless
enough to leave the “Trikutee-ਿ ਕਟੀ” and come to rest into the Heart (“Hirdaa-ਿਹਰਦਾ” or “Ghat-ਘਟ” or “Dasavaa
Duaaru-ਦਸਵਾ ਦਆਰ”).

ਨਾਨਕ ਕਹਤ ਮਕਿਤ ਪਥ ਇਹ ਗਰਮਿਖ ਹਇ ਤਮ ਪਾਵਉ ॥੨॥੫॥: Says Nanak — this is the Way to Liberation (Freedom
from Mayaic consciousness, perversions, etc., but) you will have to become a Gurmukh to obtain it. ||2||5|| (sggs
219).
ਹਿਨ ਿਵਰਲ ਨਾਹੀ ਘਣ ਫਲ ਫਕੜ ਸਸਾਰ ॥੧੨॥: (Gurmukh, Daas, Bhagat, Jan…) are few and far between; everything
else is but a pompous show and wrangling in this world ||12|| (sggs 1411).

In nutshell, a greedy person (i.e., anybody attached to Maya, duality, spiritual ignorance – Manmukh, Mayadhaaree,
Saakat, Bikaaree…) CANNOT distinguish the true from the fake.

In fact, fake Baabaa flourish where there are greedy people!!!!!

ਮਾਇਆ ਮਿਹ ਿਬਆਿਪਆ ਧਿਹ : (O mind!) Attached to Maya, you remain entangled in fraud (sggs 899).

Spiritual Wisdom of the Gurbani makes one Gurmukh and immune from deception and fraud.

Share This Post:

f t G+ in

Filed Under: Conduct, Behavior, Deraavaad, ਡਰ, Dishonesty, Truthfulness, Gurbani, Gurmukh, Manmukh, Jhooth, Sach,
falsehood, untruth, Robes
Tagged With: fake, false, fraud, ostentation, pomp, purity, show, ਿਦਖਾਵਾ

COMMENTS LEAVE A COMMENT

G Prakash s Bagga

http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/looking-pious-and-mahatma-outside-but-fraud-inside/ 4/5
19/02/2018 Looking Pious And Mahatma Outside But Fraud Inside | Gurbani Blog | ਗਰਬਾਣੀ ਬਲਗ
ਹਿਨ ਿਵਰਲ ਨਾਹੀ ਘਣ ਫਲ ਫਕੜ ਸਸਾਰ ॥੧੨॥ {ਪਨਾ 1411}
There is very clear and conclusive message that one is required to recognise and understand SABADu from within
gurbaanee. Unless this is done one is going to remain in dark ness of ignorance.

Reply

G T. Singh Post author

Thank you veer ji for the quote and taking the time to response.

Reply

G Yudhvir Grewal

May i humbly submit,let us follow what ourGURUS guided us to do not be in MAN ,BUDHI & VICHAR.,Permit me
to high light MIT GAYE GAVAN PAYE VISHRAM NANAK PRABH KE SAD KURBAN SUKHMANI,BY imposing
restrictions,youare denying SANGAT TRUE PATH OF SURRENDER TO MERGE WITH COSMOS NANAK NAM
JAHAJ HAI CHARE SO UTRE PAR WAHE GURU BLESSYOU ALL,YOU may distribute my e mail to those who are
in search of real experience to BE IN BLISS AS PER OUR GURU KI BANI,not be wordly wise which ultimately
keeps you absorbed in wordly material state.

Reply

G T. Singh Post author

Thank you veer ji for the quote and taking the time to response.

Reply

G Yudhvir Grewal

Humble submission is KABHU SADH SANGAT EH PAVE SUKHMANI, JAB AKAR EH KUCH NA DRISTETA PAP
PUN TAB KEHTE HOTA JAB APAN AAP AAP PARBRAHAM TAB MOH KAHAN KIS HOWAT BHARM ? SAR GUN
NIR GUN NIRANKAR SUN SAMADHI AAP NANAK LEEN BHAO GOBIND SEON JEON PANI SANG PANI.Please
emphasise on MEDITATION (DHYAN), We are moving around pari karma(PHIRNI) JIN KHOJA TIN PAYA ,SACH TAN
PAR JANIYE JE RIDA SACHA HOY SACH TAN PAR JANEY JE SACH PALE HOI

Reply

POWERED BY REFLECTIONS ON GURBANI

© 1993 - 2018 GURBANI.ORG   |   TERMS OF USE

http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/looking-pious-and-mahatma-outside-but-fraud-inside/ 5/5