Gyani - The Erudite One

These days anyone, who reads up a few volumes of scriptures or passes the university
examination for the degree of 'Gyani' is considered to be Gyani. However, to be Gyani in
the real sense is not about merely reading and writing or engaging in verbal chit-chat or
reciting from the scripture like a parrot or narrating tales from the scritures or acquiring
degrees of learning. It is as difficult to become a Gyani, as it is to become a Gurumukh.
This arduous degree is obtained by practicing difficult meditation, good fortune and the
benediction of Satguru. First remembrance (Simran) has to ripen, only then begins Dhyan
(appearance of Light within), and then Naam is obtained with Guru's grace. Only then,
does the disciple becomes entitled to procure the inner experience of the Lord and
becomes worthy of the status of Gyani.
f³vkuh l¨b tk dS fæM+ l¨ÅAA dgr lqur dNq t¨xq u g¨ÅAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (xmM+h eΠ5, i`Π251)
They alone are spiritually wise, whose minds are firmly fixed on the Lord. Hearing and telling
stories, no one attains Yoga.
l¨Ã fxvkuh ft flejS ,dAA l¨ /kuoark ftlq cqf/k fccsdAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (HkSjm eΠ5, i`Π1150)
They are spiritual teachers, who meditate in remembrance on the One Lord. Wealthy are those
who have a discriminating intellect.
xq.k efg fxvkuq ijkifr g¨bAA xq.knkrk fojyk lalkfjAA
lkph dj.kh xqj ohpkfjAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (jkedyh eΠ1, i`Π931)
Through His Virtues, one receives spiritual wisdom. How rare in this world, is the Giver of
virtue. The True way of life comes through contemplation of the Guru.
Gyani is one, who meditates on Shabd by taking refuge of a Sant, who is a conoisseur
of Shabd. His wealth is Naam.
gm eS djh rka rw ukgh rw g¨ofg gm ukfgAA
cw>gq fxvkuh cw>.kk ,g vdFk dFkk eu ekfgAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (ek: dh okj eΠ1, i`Π1092)
When one acts in egotism, then You are not there, Lord. Where ever You are, there is no ego. O
spiritual teachers, understand this: the Unspoken Speech is in the mind.
When, by meditating on Shabd and the grace of Guru, the seeker's inner door is
opened and his soul reaches the Fourth (Turiya rqjh;) Stage of Tenth Door of Brahmand, or
Paar Brahm, it is able to separate the Conscious (Chetan psru) entity from the Inert (Jada
tM+) entity. The it achieves self-realization i.e., the seeker recognizes oneself. Then, he
receives the knowledge of Akaal Purush (Lord) at Sach Khand.
gfj lsrh lnk fefy jgs ftuh vkiq iNkukAA
fxvkuhvk dk bgq egrq gS eu ekfg lekukAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (ek: dh okj eΠ3, i`Π1089)
 Those who realize their own selves, remain forever united with the Lord. This is the glory of the
spiritual teachers, that they remain absorbed in their mind.
The Gyani hastens to the spiritual planes and clandestine sun, moon and stars.
The Gyani becomes immortal and he acquires the understanding of Akaal Purush.
He is no longer purturbed by Maya (illusion), and he secures the experience of the
Supreme Lord. He is no longer prone to error.
fxvkuhvk u¨ lHkq lpq gS lpq l¨>h g¨ÃAA
vksb Hkqyk, fdlS ns u HkqyUgh lpq tk.kfu l¨ÃAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (vklk eΠ3, i`Π425)

The spiritual teachers know nothing but the Truth; they obtain true understanding. They are led
astray by Him, but they do not go astray, because they know the True Lord.
Such a Gyani is never again trapped in affairs of Mind-Matter-Illusion and
Happiness-Sorrow.
blq eu ekbvk dm usgq ?kusjkAA
d¨Ã cw>gq fxvkuh djgq fucsjkAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (ek: eΠ1, i`Π1038)
This mind is so in love with Maya. Only a few are spiritually wise enough to understand and
know this.
nq[kq lq[kq , ck/ks ftg ukgfu frg rqe tkum fxvkuhAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (xmM+h eΠ9, i`Π220)
They are not bound by pleasure and pain - know that they are truly wise.
In 'Sukhmani Sahib' of Gurbani, Guru Arjan has expressed a complete octave
(Ashta-padi) describing the traits of a "Brahm-Gyani czã&Kkuh). When the disciple traverses
upon the path of Spirit (Surat lqjr), his vision is inverted, and he becomes a Brahm-Gyani.
What is the path of Spirit and how does the vision invert are secrets of meditation, and
this secret can be obtained from a Satguru alone. The well-read and verbally narrating
Gyanis can never comprehend this.
This state is acquired only the grace of Satguru.
fxvkuq f/kvkuq lHkq xqj rs g¨ÃAA lkph jgr lkpk efu l¨ÃAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (fcykoy vlVifn;ka eΠ1, i`Π831)
Spiritual wisdom and meditation all come from the Guru. Through the lifestyle of Truth, the
True Lord comes to dwell in the mind.
Who is a Gyani?
- Not one to merely engage in verbal chit-chat; one, who meditates on the Lord and
focusses on Shabd, and contemplates on the Lord's Qualities.
xq.k ohpkjs fxvkuh l¨bAA xq.k efg fxvkuq ijkifr g¨bAA
xq.knkrk fojyk lalkfjAA lkph dj.kh xqj ohpkfjAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (jkedyh vksvadkj eΠ1, i`Π931)
 One who contemplates the Lord's Virtues is spiritually wise. Through His Virtues, one receives
spiritual wisdom. How rare in this world, is the Giver of virtue. The True way of life comes
through contemplation of the Guru.
l¨ fxvkuh ftfu lcfn fyo ykÃAA eueqf[k gmeS ifr xokÃAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (fcykoy vlVifn;ka eΠ1, i`Π831)

He alone is a spiritual teacher, who lovingly focuses his consciousness on the Word (Shabd). The
self-willed, egotistical manmukh loses his honour.
gfj fxvkuhvk dh j[knk gm ln cfygkjh rklqAA
xqjeqf[k t¨ gfj lsons tu ukudq rk dk nklqAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (lyksd eΠ3, i`Π1415)
The Lord saves the honour of the spiritually wise ones. I am forever a sacrifice to them.
SlaveNanak is the slave of those Gurumukhs, who serve the Lord.
iqj[k efg ukfj ukfj efg iqj[kk cw>gq czge fxvkuhAA
/kqfu efg f/kvkuq f/kvku efg tkfuvk xqjeqf[k vdFk dgkuhAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (jkedyhΠ1, i`Π879)
The female is in the male, and the male is in the female. Understand this, O God realized being!
The meditation is in the music, and knowledge is in meditation. Become Gurumukh, and speak
the Unspoken Speech.
- One, who possesses Self-knowledge.
gmeS esfV lcfn lq[kq g¨ÃAA vkiq ohpkjs fxvkuh l¨ÃAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (ek: Π1, i`Π1040)
Eradicating egotism, he obtains the peace of Shabd. He alone is spiritually wise, who
contemplates his own self.
um njokts nlok nqvk#AA cq>q js fxvkuh ,gq chpk#AA
dFkrk cdrk lqurk l¨ÃAA vkiq chpkjs lq fxvkuh g¨ÃAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (xmM+h eΠ1, i`Π152)
It has nine doors, and then there is the Tenth Gate. Reflect upon this and understand it, O wise
one. The Lord is the One who speaks, teaches and listens. One who contemplates his own self is
truly wise.
- Who is a Conscious Entity.
fxvkuh g¨b lq psrauq g¨b vfxvkuh va/kq dekbAA
ukud ,FkS dekoS l¨ feyS vxS ik, tkbAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (fcgkxM+k eΠ1, i`Π556)
One who remembers the Lord is a spiritual teacher; the ignorant one acts blindly. O Nanak,
whatever one does in this world, determines what he shall receive in the world hereafter.
- Who perceives clandestine sun-moon-stars, within whom the Lotus blooms.
vekoflvk panq xqirq xS.kkfjAA cw>gq fxvkuh lcnq chpkfjAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (fcykoy eΠ1, i`Π840)
Amaavas ‒ The Night of the New Moon: The moon is hidden in the sky. O wise one, understand
and contemplate the Word (Shabd).
 xqjefr vkiq feVkbvk gfj gfj fyo ykxs jkeAA
varfj deyq ijxkflvk xqj fxvkuh tkxs jkeAA
tu ukud gfj çHkq ikbvk iwjS oMHkkxs jkeAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (fcykoy eΠ4, i`Π845)
Following the Guru's Teachings, she has eliminated her self-conceit; she is lovingly Her heart-
lotus deep within has blossomed forth, and through the Guru, spiritual wisdom has been
awakened within her attuned to her Lord, Hari, Hari. Slave Nanak has found the Lord God, by
perfect, great good fortune.
- Who has possessed Truth and knows the True Lord.
jft u d¨Ã thfovk igqfp u pfyvk d¨bAA
fxvkuh thoS lnk lnk lqjrh gh ifr g¨bAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (lyksd okjka rs o/khd eΠ1, i`Π1412)
No one lives long enough to accomplish all he wishes. Only the spiritually wise live forever; they
are honoured for their intuitive awareness.
Gyani is Made by Guru's Grace
fxvkuq fxvkuq dFkS lHkq d¨ÃAA dfFk dfFk cknq djs nq[kq g¨ÃAA
fxvkuq f/kvkuq lHkq xqj rs g¨ÃAA lkph jgr lkpk efu l¨ÃAA
l¨ fxvkuh ftfu lcfn fyo ykÃAA eueqf[k gmeS ifr xokÃAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (fcykoy vlVifn;ka eΠ1, i`Π831)

Everyone talks about spiritual wisdom and spiritual knowledge. Talking, talking, they argue,
and suffer. Spiritual wisdom and meditation all come from the Guru. Through the lifestyle of
Truth, the Lord comes to dwell in the mind. He alone is spiritual teacher, who lovingly focuses
his consciousness on the Word (Shabd). The self-willed, egotistical manmukh loses his honour.
fxvkuh xqj fcuq Hkxfr u g¨ÃAA d¨jS jaxq dns u pM+S ts y¨pS lHkq d¨Ã AA
&& vkfn xzUFk (lwgh eΠ4, i`Π732)
O wise ones, without the Guru, there is no devotional worship. The untreated cloth does not take
up the dye, no matter how much everyone may wish it.
fcuq xqj nkrs fduS u ikbvkAA eueq[k y¨fHk nwtS y¨HkkbvkAA
,sls fxvkuh cw>gq d¨bAaA fcuq xqj HksVs eqdfr u g¨bAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (eykj eΠ3, i`Π1277)
Without the Guru, the Giver, no one finds the Lord. The greedy self-willed manmukh is attracted
and engrossed in duality. Only a few spiritual teachers realize this, that without meeting the
Guru, liberation is not obtained.
Characteristics of the Gyani
HkS dkgw dm nsr ufg ufg HkS ekur vkuAA
dgq ukud lqfu js euk fxvkuh rkfg c[kkfuAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (lyksd eΠ9, i`Π1427)
One who does not frighten anyone, and who is not afraid of anyone else - says Nanak, listen,
mind: call him spiritually wise.
 ukud fxvkuh txq thrk tfx thrk lHkq d¨bAA
ukes dkjt flf/k gS lgts g¨b lq g¨bAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (fcgkxM+k dh okj eΠ3, i`Π548)
O Nanak, the spiritually wise one has conquered all others. Through the Name, his affairs are
brought to perfection; whatever happens is by His Will.
Characteristics of the Brahm-Gyani
efu lkpk eqf[k lkpk l¨bAA vo# u is[kS ,dlq fcuq d¨bAA
ukud bg yN.k czge fxvkuh g¨bAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (xmM+h lq[keuh eΠ5, i`Π272)
The True One is on his mind, and the True One is upon his lips. He sees only the One. O
Nanak, these are the qualities of the God-conscious being.
czge fxvkuh lnk fujysiAA tSls ty efg dey vysiAA
czge fxvkuh lnk fujn¨[kAA tSls lw# ljc dm l¨[kAA
czge fxvkuh dS fælfV lekfuAA tSls jkt jad dm ykxS rqfy ioku AA
czge fxvkuh dS /khjtq ,dAA ftm clq/kk d¨Å [k¨nS d¨Å panu ysi AA
czge fxvkuh dk bgS xqukmAA ukud ftm ikod dk lgt lqHkkmAA
The God-conscious being is always unattached, as the lotus in the water remains detached. The
God-conscious being is always unstained, like the sun, which gives its comfort and warmth to
all. The God-conscious being looks upon all alike, like the wind, which blows equally upon the
king and the poor beggar. The God-conscious being has a steady patience, like the earth, which is
dug up by one, and anointed with sandal paste by another. This is the quality of the God-
conscious being: O Nanak, his inherent nature is like a warming fire.
czge fxvkuh fujey rs fujeykAA tSls eSyq u ykxS tykAA
czge fxvkuh dS efu g¨b çxklqAA tSls /kj Åifj vkdklqAA
czge fxvkuh dS fe= l=q lekfuAA czge fxvkuh dS ukgh vfHkekuAA
czge fxvkuh Åp rs ÅpkAA efu viuS gS lHk rs uhpkAA
czge fxvkuh ls tu Hk,AA ukud ftu çHkq vkfi djsbAA
The God-conscious being is the purest of the pure; filth does not stick to water. The God-
conscious being's mind is enlightened, like the sky above the earth. To the God-conscious being,
friend and foe are the same. The God-conscious being has no egotistical pride. The God-conscious
being is the highest of the high. Within his own mind, he is the most humble of all. They alone
become God-conscious beings, O Nanak, whom God Himself makes so.
czge fxvkuh lxy dh jhukAA vkre jlq czge fxvkuh phukAA
czge fxvkuh dh lHk Åifj ebvkAA czge fxvkuh rs dNq cqjk u Hkbvk AA
czge fxvkuh lnk lenjlhAA czge fxvkuh dh fælfV vae`rq cjlhAA
czge fxvkuh ca/ku rs eqdrkAA czge fxvkuh dh fujey tqxrkAA
czge fxvkuh dk Hk¨tuq fxvkuAA ukud czge fxvkuh dk czge f/kvkuq AA
The God-conscious being is the dust of all. The God-conscious being knows the nature of the
soul. The God-conscious being shows kindness to all. No evil comes from the God-conscious be-
ing. The God-conscious being is always impartial. Nectar rains down from the glance of the
God-conscious being. The God-conscious being is free from entanglements. The lifestyle of the
God-conscious being is spotlessly pure. Spiritual wisdom is the food of the God-conscious being.
O Nanak, the God-conscious being is absorbed in God's meditation.
czge fxvkuh ,d Åifj vklAA czge fxvkuh dk ugh fcuklAA
czge fxvkuh dS xjhch lekgkAA czge fxvkuh ijmidkj mekgkAA
czge fxvkuh dS ukgh /ka/kkAA czge fxvkuh ys /kkorq ca/kkAA
czge fxvkuh dS g¨b lq HkykAA czge fxvkuh lqQy QykAA
czge fxvkuh lafx lxy m/kk#AA ukud czge fxvkuh tiS lxy lalk#AA
The God-conscious being centers his hopes on the One alone. The God-conscious being shall
never perish. The God-conscious being is steeped in humility. The God-conscious being delights
in doing good to others. The God-conscious being has no worldly entanglements. The God-
conscious being holds his wandering mind under control. The God-conscious being acts in the
common good. The God-conscious being blossoms in fruitfulness. In the Company of the God-
conscious being, all are saved. O Nanak, through the God-conscious being, the whole world
meditates on God.
czge fxvkuh dS ,dS jaxAA czge fxvkuh dS clS çHkq laxAA
czge fxvkuh dS ukeq vk/kk#AA czge fxvkuh dS ukeq ijok#AA
czge fxvkuh lnk ln tkxrAA czge fxvkuh vg~ecqf/k frvkxrAA
czge fxvkuh dS efu ijekuanAA czge fxvkuh dS ?kfj lnk vuanAA
czge fxvkuh lq[k lgt fuoklAA ukud czge fxvkuh dk ugh fcuklAA
The God-conscious being loves the One Lord alone. The God-conscious being dwells with God.
The God-conscious being takes the Name as his Support. The God-conscious being has the Name
as his Family. The God-conscious being is awake and aware, forever and ever. The God-
conscious being renounces his proud ego. In the mind of the God-conscious being, there is
supreme bliss. In the home of the God-conscious being, there is everlasting bliss. The God-
conscious being dwells in peaceful ease.
O Nanak, the God-conscious being shall never perish.
czge fxvkuh czge dk csrkAA czge fxvkuh ,d lafx gsrkAA
czge fxvkuh dS g¨b vfparAA czge fxvkuh dk fujey earAA
czge fxvkuh ftlq djS çHkq vkfiAA czge fxvkuh dk cM ijrkiAA
czge fxvkuh dk njlq cMHkkxh ikÃ,sAA czge fxvkuh dm cfy cfy tkÃ,s AA
czge fxvkuh dm [k¨tfg egslqjAA ukud czge fxvkuh vkfi ijeslqjAA
The God-conscious being knows God. The God-conscious being is in love with the One alone.
The God-conscious being is carefree. Pure are the Teachings of the God-conscious being. The
God-conscious being is made so by God Himself. The God-conscious being is gloriously great.
The Darshan, the Blessed Vision of the God-conscious being, is obtained by great good fortune.
To the God-conscious being, I make my life a sacrifice. The God-conscious being is sought by the
great god Maheshwar. O Nanak, the God-conscious being is Himself the Supreme Lord God.
czge fxvkuh dh dhefr ukfgAA czge fxvkuh dS lxy eu ekfgAA
czge fxvkuh dk dmu tkuS HksnqAA czge fxvkuh dm lnk vnslqAA
czge fxvkuh dk dfFkvk u tkb v/kk[;#AA czge fxvkuh ljc dk Bkdq#AA
czge fxvkuh dh fefr dmuq c[kkuSAA czge fxvkuh dh xfr czge fxvkuh tkuSAA
czge fxvkuh dk varq u ik#AA ukud czge fxvkuh dm lnk ueldk#AA
The God-conscious being cannot be appraised. The God-conscious being has all within his mind.
Who can know the mystery of the God-conscious being? Forever bow to the God-conscious
being. The God-conscious being cannot be described in words. The God-conscious being is the
Lord and Master of all. Who can describe the limits of the God-conscious being? Only the God-
conscious being can know the state of the God-conscious being. The God-conscious being has no
end or limitation. O Nanak, to the God-conscious being, bow forever in reverence.
czge fxvkuh lHk lzflfV dk djrkAA czge fxvkuh ln thoS ugh ejrk AA
czge fxvkuh eqdfr tqxfr thv dk nkrkAA czge fxvkuh iwju iqj[kq fc/kkrkAA
czge fxvkuh vukFk dk ukFkqAA czge fxvkuh dk lHk Åifj gkFkqAA
czge fxvkuh dk lxy vdk#AA czge fxvkuh vkfi fujadk#AA
czge fxvkuh dh l¨Hkk czge fxvkuh cuhAA ukud czge fxvkuh ljc dk /kuhAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (xmM+h lq[keuh eΠ5, i`Π272-274)

The God-conscious being is the Creator of all the world. The God-conscious being lives forever,
and does not die. The God-conscious being is the Giver of the way of liberation of the soul. The
God-conscious being is the Perfect Supreme Being, who orchestrates all. The God-conscious
being is the helper of the helpless. The God-conscious being extends his hand to all. The God-con-
scious being extends his hand to all. The God-conscious being owns the entire creation. The God-
conscious being is himself the Formless Lord. The glory of the God-conscious being belongs to
the God-conscious being alone. O Nanak, the God-conscious being is the Lord of all.
lqjrh dS ekjfx pfy dS myVh unfj çxklhAA
efu ohpkfj ns[kq czge fxvkuh dmuq fxjgh dmuq mnklhAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (çHkkrh eŒ 1, i`Œ 1329)
Following the path of intuitive awareness, one turns away from the world, and one's vision is
enlightened. Contemplate this in your mind, and see, O spiritual teacher. Who is the
householder, and who is the renunciate?
iouS efg iouq lekbvkAA t¨rh efg t¨fr jfy tkbvkAA
ekVh ekVh g¨Ã ,dAA j¨ougkjs dh dou VsdAA dmuq ewvk js dmuq ewvkAA
czge fxvkuh fefy djgq chpkjk bgq rm pyrq HkbvkAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (jkedyh eΠ5, i`Π885)
The wind merges into the wind. The light blends into the light. What support is there for the one
who is lamenting? Who has died? O, who has died? O God-realized beings, meet together and
consider this. What a wondrous thing has happened!
[k¨tgq largq gfj czge fxvkuhAA
fcleu fcle Hk, fcleknk ije xfr ikofg gfj flefj ijkuhAA
&& vkfn xzUFk (jkedyh eΠ5, i`Π893)
O Sants of the Lord, seek out those who know God. You shall be wonderstruck with wonder at
the wonderful Lord; meditate in remembrance on the Lord, O mortal, and obtain the Supreme
Status.