When listening to Keertan, if you find yourself overwhelmed with emotion and unable to control your tears, know that this is Bairaag. It is a natural and uncontrollable state where one’s heart longs for the Guru so intensely that even a moment without Him feels unbearable.
Experiencing Bairaag is a rare blessing. Gurbani describes this spiritual longing:
เจฐเฉฐเจเจฟ เจนเจธเจนเจฟ เจฐเฉฐเจเจฟ เจฐเฉเจตเจนเจฟ เจเฉเจช เจญเฉ เจเจฐเจฟ เจเจพเจนเจฟ เฅฅ
เจชเจฐเจตเจพเจน เจจเจพเจนเฉ เจเจฟเจธเฉ เจเฉเจฐเฉ เจฌเจพเจเฉ เจธเจเฉ เจจเจพเจน เฅฅ
“In the Lordโs Love, they laugh, in the Lordโs Love, they weep, and also keep silent. They do not care for anything else except their True Husband Lord.”
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji โ Ang 473)
Rather than overthinking or worrying about these emotions, focus sincerely on Naam.
One important aspect of Bairaag is to keep it Gupt (hidden). If others begin praising you for it, the experience may fade. Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji, when singing Keertan, would cover his face with his hazooreeaa (a long white scarf worn by Gursikhs). He did this out of humility, as his face would glow with Bairaag, and he wished to remain unseen. This example teaches us that true devotion is accompanied by deep Nimartaa (humility).
