I have been listening to bhajans since early childhood but it is only in the past couple of years that I fell under the divine spell of shabad gurbani.
And once I began listening to the heavenly voices of ragis such as Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji, Bhai Satvinder Singh Ji, Bhai Joginder Singh Ji Riar, and other blessed souls, I just couldn’t stop.
It is as if amrit (nectar) in the form of sound is flowing into the very core of my being. No wonder gurbani is also known as amritbani.
“Tohi mohi, mohi tohi, antar kaisa?…” (You are me and I am you—what’s the difference?)
“Sawal sunder Ramaiya, mera mann laga tohe…” (My dark and beautiful Lord, my heart belongs to you)
“Aao sakhi har mel kareha…” (Come my friend, let’s experience union with the divine)
“Aisa naam niranjan hoye, je ko mann jane mann koye…” (The name of the Spotless One is enshrined truly within a devotee’s heart)
These and many more soul-stirring shabads have filled my life ever since. They are the words of saint-poets and gurus like Kabir and Guru Ram Das and mainly taken from Guru Granth Sahib.
Sometimes, I’m unable to decipher the meaning of individual words but the whole composition, often playing on loop, makes perfect sense.
Before long, feelings of harmonious balance, abiding peace, and deep gratitude take root in my heart. The mind’s petty objections give way to a more exalted existence. Compassion and understanding flow freely.
I come away drenched in bliss.
Here are some YouTube links you may want to try or share with your loved ones: Mera mann laga tohe, Aisa naam niranjan, Bhinni rainarhiye chamkan taare, Tumri sharan tumhari aasa, Kabir tu tu karta tu hua