The Path to True Liberation According to Gurmat

October 11, 20240 Comments

The Path to True Liberation According to Gurmat

In Gurmat, the concept of liberation (mukti) differs greatly from other spiritual traditions. Gurmat presents a unique perspective on salvation, emphasizing a deeper, more holistic approach to achieving union with the Divine. Below is a breakdown of how this liberation is understood and attained within Gurmat.

Attaining Liberation: The Role of the Guru

True Satguru: Liberation begins with recognizing the true Guru (Satguru) and becoming fully devoted to the Guru’s teachings.
Receiving the Gurmantra: The individual receives the Gurmantra from the Guru, which becomes the foundation of their spiritual practice.
Body and Mind Dedication: By continuously practicing the Guru’s teachings, the disciple dedicates both body and mind to spiritual growth.
Inner Realization: Through this practice, the individual realizes their inner self and ultimately attains the highest state of liberation, achieving the salvation of their soul.

Gurmat's Concept of Liberation

The idea of liberation in Gurmat is quite different from that found in other philosophies. Here are the key distinctions:

What Liberation is Not

Not Merely the End of Suffering: Some philosophies view liberation as the freedom from the body or suffering, considering the body a source of pain. In these views, liberation cannot be achieved without the body’s destruction.
Not Escaping the Cycle of Birth and Death: While some consider reaching heavenly realms or escaping the cycle of rebirth (samsara) as ultimate liberation, Gurmat teaches that this is not the true essence of liberation.
Not Isolating from Nature: Liberation is not simply about isolating the soul from nature (prakriti) or worldly existence.

Other Philosophies vs. Gurmat

Yoga Philosophy: The state of Kaivalya (absolute oneness with the self) in Yoga does not align with Gurmat’s understanding of liberation.
Vedanta: The concept of “I am Brahman” in Vedanta, where the self is equated with the supreme reality, is not considered true liberation in Gurmat.
Buddhism: The renunciation of all desires to achieve Nirvana is not the same as Gurmat’s liberation.
Jainism: Achieving a high state through non-violence towards all life forms is also not considered true liberation.

Gurmat's True Liberation: A Deeper Understanding

According to Gurmat, all of these forms of liberation are incomplete. Here’s what true liberation entails:

Renouncing Superficial Concepts: Enlightened beings, or Gurmukhs, renounce superficial concepts of liberation that focus only on external factors.
Awakening to Divine Light: The true Gurmukh awakens to the divine light within and remains spiritually enlightened, both in physical and divine states.
Sustained by Naam: They nourish themselves with Naam, and through this connection with Waheguru, they experience bliss and spiritual fulfillment.
Jeevan-Mukta: These individuals achieve the state of jeevan-mukta, meaning they are liberated while still alive, living in union with the Divine.

The Path to Liberation: Surrender and Service

Vision of the Divine Light: True liberation is attained by those who, within their own body, experience the divine light and realize the formless One (Nirankar).
Detached Living: Like a lotus in water, they remain detached from worldly attachments while engaging in the practice of Naam.
Service to the Guru: This supreme state is attained through complete surrender at the Guru’s feet and by serving the Guru. Service in Gurmat is not symbolic or theoretical, but a means to direct experience and realization of the divine light within.

The Role of Kirtan and Naam

Attaining Salvation: Countless Gurmukhs have attained liberation through the praise and glorification of Waheguru, as taught by Gurmat.
Singing Kirtan: Divine hymns and praises (Kirtan) are essential in this journey, as they nurture the soul and help the seeker stay aligned with divine truth.
Reserved for the Devoted: This true liberation is achieved only by the saints, devotees, and Gurmukhs within the Gurughar. Their ultimate goal is not merely liberation but union with the Divine.

Conclusion: True Liberation in Gurmat

In Gurmat, liberation is not a mere escape from suffering, physicality, or the cycle of rebirth. It is a profound and direct realization of the Divine through unwavering dedication to the Guru’s teachings, the practice of Naam, and a life of selfless service. This path leads to the highest form of liberation, where the soul becomes one with Waheguru, living in constant union and bliss.

References: Anhad Shabad Dasam Duaar – Bhai Sahib Radhir Singh Ji