Baba Jagjeet Singh was a sangee of Baba Jawala Singh Jee, whom Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee met and respected very much for their kamai and Gursikhee sevaa.
Helpful tips for Abhiyaasis
A lot of time is needed for Abhiyaas, i.e., invest as much time as possible in spiritual contemplation. Just as a weighing scale tilts to one side when weight is added to it, the time spent in Abhiyaas strengthens the power of simran, which will eventually suppress the vices. But if we keep adding more negativity within us, it will outweigh all goodness. Thus, the motive is to reduce badness, so do not commit bad deeds from now on and outweigh the old ones with goodness.
It is important to be in aasan at a specific place and time and to stick with the jaap of a particular mantar only. Changing mantars or recitation techniques, sitting for contemplation at random places and at random times, are all obstructions in attaining concentration of the mind. It is very important to be punctual (especially Amritvela simran).
An Abhiyaasi should be devoted to the Guru, a lover of naam, very determined and focused, neutral in hunger, thirst, happiness, and sadness. He/she should stay away from slander, gossip, and unnecessary debates, such as differences in opinions. There should be undying devotion to Shabad Guru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj and trust in the bachans of Mahapurashs. Only true devotees can receive true knowledge; sceptics will never be able to gain anything.
Abhiyaas must be done with full devotion, regardless of whether one is successful or not. Instead of becoming impatient, acknowledge that it is our own fault; then do benti for success at the lotus feet of Maharaj. He will surely honour the modesty. Do not do Abhiyaas for the sake of success.
An Abhiyaasi should not get disappointed with any number of previous failures. Do not get desperate or spend time in futile calculations. One should keep trying tirelessly until the knowledge of the Self is realised.
An Abhiyaasi should not be deterred by any difficulties in the way; keep doing simran with utmost conviction and devotion. Use skill (jugat) to trap the snake-like mind back into its box. An enthusiastic Abhiyaasi will definitely taste success, so keep marching on the path while holding on to the thread of love.
It is very important for an Abhiyaasi to have absolute control over his/her needs. Practice proper restraint in eating, drinking, speaking, walking, sleeping, etc. Do not waste time; keep yourself immersed in simran and contemplation, do sangat of Mahapurashs to keep the mindset clean and focused, and do darshan of holy granths. Stay away from cheap dances, plays, and other such rasful kriyas (activities). Practice restraint on speech, i.e., do not talk more than needed. Time is precious; spend it in simran and meditation. Kaami chats, books, magazines, and sangat of kaami men and women are strictly forbidden for Abhiyaasis. Always remember death; serve the Guru with body, mind, and wealth. Remain egoless, receive the blessings of Mahapurashs, do not get attached to material objects, and keep attention focused at Guru Sahib’s lotus feet to develop inner consciousness. Without Abhiyaas, the mind can never come under control. Abhiyaas provides Shaastar (spiritual) and Shastar (martial) dexterity. It is through Abhiyaas that one can be skilful in horse riding, Gatka, spear throwing, archery, and weaponry. Swimming, yoga Abhiyaas, ridhi and sidhis, awareness of the Self, Brahmgyan, worldly knowledge, and intertwining with the infinite Brahm all become possible with Abhiyaas. There are people who do ‘Abhiyaas’ of Maya and toil day and night and are successful at it, but these are nothing but temporary worldly joys. True utopian happiness and supreme inner bliss can be achieved only through Abhiyaas of Naam and Bani.
4 Types of Abhiyaasis
First type: Those quacks who read a few scriptures and claim to be doctors; they rely solely on bookish knowledge to describe techniques of doing Abhiyaas. They do not practice what they preach and use fancy words to sound like real Abhiyaasis. Be extra careful of such fake individuals.
Second type: Those who dress up in religious garbs, close their eyes, and pretend to be in samadhi, while their real aim is to gain material rewards or fame in return. They use glycerine to cry crocodile tears so that people may consider them great Bairaagis. Such people are extremely devious; they play mind games to lure people into their trap. Be careful of these people as well.
Third type: Those who do make efforts, but whose minds are rarely free from vices. There is a lack of Abhiyaas, but at times their mind does come under control. Just as treatment will not work effectively if one takes the right medication but does not follow appropriate precautions, similarly one should renounce anything that becomes an obstruction in the path of attaining the true contemplative state. Keep increasing the level of Abhiyaas; real victory lies in persistent effort. Do not get disheartened.
Fourth type: True lovers, their mind remains merged in the vastness of the Brahm. They forever stay away from vikaars (vices); they do not let bad habits take root within them, as they do not associate with bad sangat at all. Such Abhiyaasis enjoy the real fruits of contemplation.
Four Obstacles in Naam Abhiyaas
Laziness
Flights of fancy (Furney)
Dependency on sleep
Occult (Ridhi Sidhis)
An Abhiyaasi should always pray at the lotus feet of Waheguru Ji to keep him/her free from these obstacles. Waheguru Ji then becomes the protector and ensures that the path remains smooth to tread.