03/09/2018 Leave Ego And Shoes Outside!

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ਪਿੜਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਭਦ ਬਿਝਐ ਪਾਵਣਾ : Not by reading (religious books), but through Understanding, is the Mystery Realized. - sggs, 148

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Leave Ego And Shoes Outside!

by T Singh

The priorities of the Gurmat (Wisdom, Teaching or Upadesh of the Gur-Shabad…) are totally different then the
priorities of the mind which is ridden with  the false ego-sense (Haumai), doubt (Bharam), illusion (Maya)…

In Gurdwaras, for example, we see signs asking people to leave their shoes (and socks in some Gurdwaras)
outside before entering the Gurdwara building. In fact, many Gurdwaras have made special “shoe Room” to place
the shoes. Furthermore, there is usually a separate shoe room for men and women near the entrance of the
Gurdwara.

But, honestly, has anybody seen a sign in any Gurdwara in the world asking people to leave their false ego-
sense (Haumai– ਹਉਮ) outside before entering the Gurdwara building?

In fact, the Gurbani demands to remove the false ego-sense (Haumai– ਹਉਮ) before embarking on the Way of the
Gurmat.

Obviously, the priorities are screwed up — the priorities of the Wisdom of the SGGS are different than the priorities
of the false ego-sense (Haumai).

What’s the result of this screw-up? As evident, the result is lawsuits, legal disputes, assault with deadly weapons,
shooting-fights, sword-fights, divisions, conflicts, etc., in Gurdwaras all over the world! The Gurbani asks:

ਜਉ ਤਉ ਮ ਖਲਣ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ਿਸਰ ਧਿਰ ਤਲੀ ਗਲੀ ਮਰੀ ਆਉ : If you desire to play this game of Divine Love with Me,
then step onto My Path with your head in hand (after shedding false ego-sense…). (sggs 1412).

To put it otherwise, before we step on the Way of the SGGS, the Gurbani commands to “first” accept death (“ਪਿਹਲਾ
ਮਰਣ ਕਬਿਲ”) — death of the ego or Haumai mind…

ਪਿਹਲਾ ਮਰਣ ਕਬਿਲ ਜੀਵਣ ਕੀ ਛਿਡ ਆਸ ਹਹ ਸਭਨਾ ਕੀ ਰਣਕਾ ਤਉ ਆਉ ਹਮਾਰ ਪਾਿਸ ॥੧॥: Pahilaa maranu kabooli… (sggs
1102).

Removing shoes before entering the Gurdwara building is a sign of respect, a commonsense hygiene, etc. Nothing
wrong with it.

However, as time and again indicated in the Gurbani, the false ego-sense (Haumai- ਹਉਮ) is more
despicable then the footwear or the socks! The Gurbani calls it the great disease (“ਵਡਾ ਰਗ”, “ਰਗ ਮਹਾ ਦਖ”,
“ਰਗ ਕਿਠਨ”, “ਰਗ ਬਰ “, “ਦੀਰਘ ਰਗ”…) – mighty virus of the mind.

ਹਉਮ ਝਗੜਾ ਪਾਇਓਨ ਝਗੜ ਜਗ ਮਇਆ : Through ego, the world is caught in conflict and strife, and it dies (in these
quarrels and suffers…). (sggs 790).
ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮ ਰਗ ਬਰ : O Nanak! The diseases (born or begotten) of ego are wicked (sggs 1153).
ਹਉਮ ਰਗ ਵਡਾ ਸਸਾਿਰ : Ego is a massive disease in the world (sggs 1278).
ਹਉਮ ਰਗ ਮਹਾ ਦਖ ਲਾਗਾ ਗਰਮਿਤ ਲਵਹ ਰਗ ਗਇਆ ॥੬॥ Haumai rogu mahaa dukhu… (sggs 906).

Footwear however have a role to play in our daily lives. For example, they are useful when we are outdoors to get
protection from dirt, thorns etc.

Not so with the false ego-sense (Haumai– ਹਉਮ) — it is always despicable!

ਹਉ ਮਆ ਮ ਮਾਿਰਆ ਪਉਣ ਵਹ ਦਰੀਆਉ : So long Jeev is smitten with “ego”, a river (of desires, Trishanaa) flow
within (that Jeev). (sggs 1091).

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ਹਉਮ ਪਖੜ ਤਰ ਮਨ ਮਾਿਹ : (O fool) your mind is tied with the rope of “ego” (ਪਖੜ-ਢਗਾ: A rope tied to the rear legs
of an animal, which does not let the animal run or walk freely!) (sggs 1189).

Therefore, the Gurbani demands that no time can ego be entertained. The purpose of going to Gurdwara or any
other spiritual practice is helping us learn the great lesson of surrendering the false ego-sense (Haumai- ਹਉਮ) so
that we can improve the Inward Journey. To this end, the Gurbani demands the ego should be removed.

ਜਬ ਲਗ ਸਬਿਦ ਨ ਭਦੀਐ ਿਕਉ ਸਹ ਗਰਦਆਿਰ : Until (one’s mind) is pierced through with the Shabad, (until then one
does not) look Beautiful at the Guru’s Door (Inner Beauty: state Bliss or Anand, realization of Jot Saroop…).
(sggs 19).

Hence, there should also be written on the doormats and walls of the Gurdwaras to leave the ego outside!!

This is unlikely to happen because the people who run Gurdwaras and their crafty priest-employees are full of ego
themselves!

It’s convenient and easier to remove shoes instead of removing the false ego-sense (Haumai– ਹਉਮ)! It takes
courage to remove ego, because removing ego is like chewing the steel balls! Since it’s not easy to remove ego,
the majority of us instead get attracted to Karamkaand (useless rituals).

The Gurbani’s declaration — “With your head in hand-ਿਸਰ ਧਿਰ ਤਲੀ” — essentially indicates removing one’s ego
(self-conceit…). It is a complete surrender of one’s head (i.e., false ego-sense). Because, the Gurbani says one
must serve without ego (“ਿਵਣ ਿਸਰ ਸਵ ਕਰੀਜ”).

ਸਿਤਗਰ ਕੀ ਸਵਾ ਗਾਖੜੀ ਿਸਰ ਦੀਜ ਆਪ ਗਵਾਇ : It is very difficult to serve the Satigur (Shabad-Vichaar); (it’s difficult
because to do so one must) surrender head (false ego-sense, self-conceit…) – give up ownself or selfhood
(ਆਪਾ-ਭਾਵ ਦਰ ਕਰ ਕ). (sggs 649).

However, the Gurbani dares tell all of us that no one knows how to serve the “Gur” (ਗਰ ਕੀ ਸਵ ਨ ਜਾਣ ਕਈ
: Gur kee sev n jaanai koee (sggs 1078)).

Then, let’s ask the SGGS as to how are we supposed to serve (Sevaa) the “Gur” (“ਗਰ”) or the “Satiguru”
(“ਸਿਤਗਰ”)? The Gurbani tells us that we can serve the “Gur” (“ਗਰ”) or the “Satiguru” (“ਸਿਤਗਰ”) through the Shabad-
Vichaar (Reflecting on the Gur-Shabad, understanding the Gur-Shabad and living by its Brahm-Giaan or Divine
Wisdom in daily life…).

ਗਰ ਕੀ ਸਵਾ ਸਬਦ ਵੀਚਾਰ : The Gur-Sevaa is Shabad-Vichaar (Reflection on the Shabad…). (sggs 223).
ਸਿਤਗਰ ਸਵੀ ਸਬਿਦ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ : I serve the “Satiguru” by the Shabad-Counselor (Shabad-Advisor). (sggs 1048).

But the Gurbani reminds us that one can truly serve the Satigur only when his the false ego-sense (Haumai)
is gone!

ਹਉਮ ਿਵਿਚ ਸਵਾ ਨ ਹਵਈ ਤਾ ਮਨ ਿਬਰਥਾ ਜਾਇ : In ego, Sevaa cannot be performed so the mind goes wasted
(useless, purposeless, troubled, no avail…). (sggs 560).

Therefore, as a Gurbani’s reminder, in addition to the signs for taking the shoes off outside, perhaps
there should also be signs for taking the false ego-sense (Haumai- ਹਉਮ) off, outside!!

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COMMENTS LEAVE A COMMENT

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G Jasbeer Kaur

Haumai…is me the human being…leave it aside & come as a human soul…

REPLY

G T Singh Post author

Thank you Jasbir Kaur Ji for taking the time to reply. Welcome to the Gurbani Blog!

REPLY

G Bhai Harbans Lal

In no way I am contradicting anything all of you are saying about Haumai and its attributes given in Gurbani
including that Haumai must be extinguished.
All I am saying is how to translate the term Haumai into English language. Haumai is not an English word.
I suggest that Haumai be translated into English as Narcissism. This term better describes what Gurbani meant
from Haumai.
If I am not clear, my apology.

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many thanks Bhai Sahib Bhai Harbans Lal Ji for taking the time to respond!

I agree with you that the important thing is to learn from the Gurbani and recognize the faults of Haumai,
adverse effects of Haumai, etc., and extinguish it!
• ਗਰਮਿਖ ਹਉਮ ਸਬਿਦ ਜਲਾਏ : By becoming the Gurmukh, burn Haumai through the Shabad (sggs 942).

REPLY

G Peter Jansen

Dear Bhai Harbans Lal,

No need to apolozie! Isn’t the purpose of this website and the possibility to discuss to learn and gain a
better understanding?

Since I do not understand Punjabi/Gurbani I am very glad that others were (and are) so kind to translate
these text of Wisdom to english. And I can understand that some words are very hard to translate, or even
impossible as there is no word for it in english.

Point of matter is that it doesn’t make a huge difference if the word Haumai is translated to narcissism or
ego. As I wrote in my previous post, there is no fundamental difference between the two. Only difference is,
that in Western society narcissism is considered as bad and ego is considered to be good. Which is
basically duality…
Ego is considered ‘good’ because it brings you where you ought te be. By that I mean: it gives you material
possessions, money, women, friends, respect, a big house and all those other things that people with
material bondage consider to be the ultimate goal in life.

But the Gurbani are trying to teach us what the real goal of life is. There is, I think, no need to elaborate this
point here.

So the real question is: what do we need to do, and what not, to achieve this ultimate goal? I am pretty sure
ego is not one of those needs and everyone that thinks otherwise is clinging to sense objects and has
doubts about the ultimate truth..There are many ways towards that ultimate goal, but all of them require a

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complete cessation of personal desires and full subjection to the Will of the One Lord. Maybe I put it a bit
harsh. Not to offend anyone, but to clarify the point.

After all, all the scriptures (not only the SGGS, but also the Veda’s, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, etc) are
hammering this message: the One Lord takes care and protects His devotees. We just have to offer our
body, senses, speech, minds and everything we have to the Lord, without any thought of reward!

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many thanks brother Peter Jansen Ji for taking the time to respond!

“No need to apologize! Isn’t the purpose of this website and the possibility to discuss to learn
and gain a better understanding?”

Yes! Well said!

“what do we need to do, and what not, to achieve this ultimate goal? I am pretty sure ego is not
one of those needs and everyone that thinks otherwise is clinging to sense objects”

That’s the Gurbani’s edict as well! In fact the Gurbani calls it a chronic disease (“ਵਡਾ ਰਗ”, “ਰਗ ਮਹਾ ਦਖ”,
“ਰਗ ਕਿਠਨ”, “ਰਗ ਬਰ “, “ਦੀਰਘ ਰਗ”).

“There are many ways towards that ultimate goal, but all of them require a complete cessation
of personal desires and full subjection to the Will of the One Lord. ”

This is also the Gurbani’s edict!

The word “ਹਉਮ” (Haumai) consists of two words: ਹਉ (Hau) + ਮ (Mai).
“ਹਉ” (Hau) essentially means “I, ਮ”, etc.
And, ” ਮ” (Mai) means the same, that is, “I, ਮ”, etc.
So, when both terms are combined (i.e., ਹਉਮ-Haumai), it simply indicates the sense of “ਮ ਮ”, “I, I” or “I-
ness”, “mine, mine”, “mineness”, “I, me, mine”, ਆਪਾ-ਭਾਵ, etc.
• ਹਉ ਮਆ ਮ ਮਾਿਰਆ ਪਉਣ ਵਹ ਦਰੀਆਉੁ : So long Jeev is smitten with “Ego”, a river (of desires, Trishanaa)
flow within (that Jeev). (sggs 1091).
• ਹਕਮ ਪਛਾਨ ਸ ਏਕ ਜਾਨ ਬਦਾ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਈ ॥੩॥: Whoever realizes the Hukam, knows the ONE. (He) alone is said
to be the humble self. ||3|| (sggs 1350).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਹਕਮ ਜ ਬਝ ਤ ਹਉਮ ਕਹ ਨ ਕਇ : Nanak hukamai je bujhai ta houmai kehai na koi (sggs 1).

The Gurbani also makes it very clear that in “Haumai”, realization of “Bhagti” and “Hukam” is NOT possible:
• ਹਉਮ ਿਵਿਚ ਭਗਿਤ ਨ ਹਵਈ ਹਕਮ ਨ ਬਿਝਆ ਜਾਇ : Haumai vichi bhagati n hovaee hukamu n bujhiaa jaayi
(sggs 560)

REPLY

G prakash S Bagga

Let us give a thinking to a Sabab from SGGS ji in context of HAUME as

ਵਡਹਸ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ਹਉਮ ਨਾਵ ਨਾਿਲ ਿਵਰਧ ਹ ਦਇ ਨ ਵਸਿਹ ਇਕ ਠਾਇ ਹਉਮ ਿਵਿਚ ਸਵਾ ਨ ਹਵਈ ਤਾ ਮਨ ਿਬਰਥਾ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥

ਹਿਰ ਚਿਤ ਮਨ ਮਰ ਤ ਗਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦ ਕਮਾਇ ਹਕਮ ਮਨਿਹ ਤਾ ਹਿਰ ਿਮਲ ਤਾ ਿਵਚਹ ਹਉਮ ਜਾਇ ਰਹਾਉ

ਹਉਮ ਸਭ ਸਰੀਰ ਹ ਹਉਮ ਓਪਿਤ ਹਇ ਹਉਮ ਵਡਾ ਗਬਾਰ ਹ ਹਉਮ ਿਵਿਚ ਬਿਝ ਨ ਸਕ ਕਇ ॥੨॥

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ਹਉਮ ਿਵਿਚ ਭਗਿਤ ਨ ਹਵਈ ਹਕਮ ਨ ਬਿਝਆ ਜਾਇ ਹਉਮ ਿਵਿਚ ਜੀਉ ਬਧ ਹ ਨਾਮ ਨ ਵਸ ਮਿਨ ਆਇ ॥੩॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਗਿਰ ਿਮਿਲਐ ਹਉਮ ਗਈ ਤਾ ਸਚ ਵਿਸਆ ਮਿਨ ਆਇ ਸਚ ਕਮਾਵ ਸਿਚ ਰਹ ਸਚ ਸਿਵ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੪॥੯॥੧੨॥ {ਪਨਾ 560}

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Thank you Veer P. S. Bagga Ji for the quote!

Thank you for sharing. As about quotations, the SGGS is full of many more related verses, but all cannot be
given from a space point of view.

Thanks again Veer Ji!

REPLY

G prakash S Bagga

I think we should make a clear distinction between EGO and HAUME. And that distinction is clear from a Quote in
gurbanee that HAUME is the Cause of births n rebirths whereas EGO can be considered as one of the effects of
HAUME.

REPLY

G Kirpal Singh

“Perhaps better word to translate Haumai is Narcissism as ego has many good qualities, we will cease to exist if we
did not possess ego.” – Dr. Harbans Lal

Houmai is Houmai and not “NARCISSISM”. Houmai is very well dealth in Gurbani. Houmai is a wall that hinders
‘Gobind Millan’.

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many thanks Veer Kirpal Singh Ji for taking the time to respond!

REPLY

G Bhai Harbans Lal

Yes, I agree that Haume is bad, undesirable and is condemned in Gurmat. What I am saying is that the
English meaning of the term Haume is not ego but the correct meaning of term Haume is narcissism.

REPLY

G Peter Jansen

I think there is not a great deal of difference between narcissism and ego. From a ‘human’ point of view,
narcissism is considered a disease and ego is considered necessary to exist. According to the dictionary
the meaning of ego is:
1 an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
2 your consciousness of your own identity

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The Gurbani are, I think, very clear: no human being (or any living or non-living entity) is superior to another
and the (false) idea of one’s own identity is the root cause of all our suffering.

REPLY

G J

Many thanks T Singh Ji.

This response makes sense thank you.

:-)

REPLY

G j

Dear T Singh Ji,

Please could you clarify the comment “we will cease to exist if we did not have ego”

My understanding is the goal of life is to extinguish ego completely, and yes the ego dies, and while the ego ceases
to exist but the human being continues to live.

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many thanks J Ji for taking the time to respond!

“Dear T Singh Ji,

Please could you clarify the comment “we will cease to exist if we did not have ego””

The statement you quoted is by “Bhai Harbans Lal” Ji above. Hope he can chime in and elaborate on it.

“My understanding is the goal of life is to extinguish ego completely, and yes the ego dies, and
while the ego ceases to exist but the human being continues to live. ”

Yes, because so long this mind is possessed by Haumai, it will remain crooked like a “dog’s tail” (“ਸਆਨ
ਪਛ”). It becomes “Nirmal” (Pure, free of Bikaar…) upon shedding Haumai. This is the Gurbani’s edict:
• ਇਹ ਮਨ ਿਨਰਮਲ ਹਉਮ ਮਾਰੀ : Ih mann nirmal hayumai maaree: The mind becomes pure when Haumai is
killed (sggs 1049).
• ਹਉਮ ਮਾਿਰ ਬਜਰ ਕਪਾਟ ਖਲਾਇਆ ਨਾਮ ਅਮਲਕ ਗਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਪਾਇਆ : Killing Haumai, the rigid doors (of Maya,
doubt…) are opened. (Such person) obtains the priceless Naam by the Gur-Grace (sggs 124).

In other words, for this mind to realize its Mool (Source, Jot Saroop, True Nature…), Haumai must fold its
tent and leave. This is the Gurbani’s edict:
• ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮ ਮਾਿਰ ਿਮਲਾਇਆ ॥੪॥੯॥: O Nanak! Conquering Haumai, (one is) absorbed into (Hari, Mool Jot…).
||4||9|| (sggs 153).
• ਹਉਮ ਮਾਿਰ ਮਿਨ ਵਸਾਇਆ : (The one who follows the Gurbani’s Instructions) killing Haumai, (he) keeps
(Shabad…) enshrined within the mind (sggs 110).

Thus, according to the Gurbani, death of Haumai does not mean one cannot continue to live.

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In fact, according to the Gurbani, one who has annihilated his Haumai becomes the living liberated (or living
dead) and continues to live … a Gurmukh Lifestyle!
• ਜੀਵਨ ਮਕਤ ਸ ਆਖੀਐ ਿਜਸ ਿਵਚਹ ਹਉਮ ਜਾਇ ॥੬॥: He alone is called liberated-in-life, from within whom Haumai
is eradicated (sggs 1009).
• ਗਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਹਉਮ ਛਟ ਜੀਵਨ ਮਕਤ ਸ ਹਇ : (sggs 948).

REPLY

G Peter Jansen

Dear j,

The goal of this human live is to realize God. We do not realize God because of our ego.
In our minds we have a mental barrier (illusion of separation) that prevents us seeing God in everyone and
everywhere.
When this barrier is dissolved, that you might call that ‘we cease to exist’. At that point there is no I, you, we
or them. Only Oneness.
But that doesn’t mean that you cannot have (possess, be in) a human body. One who has no ego (has
realized God) still breaths, eats, drinks, talks and sleeps. But his (or hers!) consciousness is 24/7 emerged
in his/her Mool.
That is what’s called the living liberated or being dead when still alive: these great beings have given up this
world of sense objects, as if they were dead (left their body).

Hopes this helps!

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Well said :)
Many thanks Peter Jansen Ji for taking the time to respond!

REPLY

G Bhai Harbans Lal

As psychologists will tell you, we need an ego to be able to function in the world. Ego is a useful and
necessary structuring of our humane personality and development. Thus, our egos are not negative per se!
You will not find job if you do no show pride in your strength and accomplishments. Thus ego or at least
some of it is not ego. What Guru meant from Haumea is narcissism meaning the pursuit of gratification from
vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s own attributes or fell in love with your own image away from the
creator.

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many thanks Bhai Harbans Lal Ji for taking the time to respond!

“As psychologists will tell you, we need an ego to be able to function in the world. Ego is a
useful and necessary structuring of our humane personality and development. Thus, our egos
are not negative per se! You will not find job if you do no show pride in your strength and
accomplishments.”

Fortunately, the Gurbani is not written by psychologists or scholars (Pandits, ਿਵਦਵਾਨ)!

Instead, it flowed under pure spiritual inspiration.

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Therefore, the subject of study and research of psychologists or scholars is materiality (i.e., material
knowledge, Maya…).

On the other hand, the subject matter of the Gurbani is spiritual (Aatam Giaan, Spiritual Knowledge…).

There is no subject taught or studied in the universities that relates to Aatmaa (soul).

Hence, the university education is good for finding a worldly job to earn money or to run a business.

This is generally true all over the world. Those of us who got their education in India as well as in the west
can attest to this fact.

Therefore, due to the vast difference in the aim of the modern education and the Spiritual Message of the
Gurbani, psychologists or scholars cannot decode the deeper or the inner gist of the Gur-Shabad.

Further difficulties in decoding the meanings of Gurbani is that it is recorded in human language; however,
the language being limited in the framework of time and space is available to us for expressing our
experiences in the finite field only. On the other hand, the theme of the Gurbani is the Transcendental Truth,
the Eternal and the Infinite; which is beyond the purview of the gross equipment of our body-mind-intellect
(egocentric existence). Therefore, the language, words or phrases of any sorts can never hope to express,
define or report upon the Infinite Reality.

Clearly, in nutshell, the Gurbani cannot be decoded by mere scholarship of the learned.

For this very reason, the Gurbani time and again call scholars (Pandits) “fool”, “lier”, “greedy”, “deluded”,
“infatuated by Maya”, who “mislead people”…

Here are a few verses from the Gurbani:

• ਬਾਹਰਹ ਪਿਡਤ ਸਦਾਇਦ ਮਨਹ ਮਰਖ ਗਾਵਾਰ : Outwardly, (Manmukh) call themselves Pandit, but mentally they
are foolish and ignorant (sggs 1091).
• ਮਰਖ ਪਿਡਤ ਿਹਕਮਿਤ ਹਜਿਤ ਸਜ ਕਰਿਹ ਿਪਆਰ : The foolish Pandit, by their clever arguments (crafty tricks…),
are fond of gathering wealth (Maya…). (sggs 469).
• ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਮਹਤਾਜ ਪਿਡਤ ਕਹਾਵ : Infatuated by (the hunger of) Maya, (he) calls himself Pandit (sggs 231).
• ਝਠ ਨ ਬਿਲ ਪਾਡ ਸਚ ਕਹੀਐ : O Pandit! Do not tell lies, speak the Truth (sggs 904).
• ਪਿਡਤ ਮਹ ਲਿਭ ਸਬਾਏ : All Pandits are deluded by greed (sggs 370).
• ਪਾਹਨ ਬਰੀ ਿਪਰਥਮੀ ਪਿਡਤ ਪਾੜੀ ਬਾਟ ॥੧੩੭॥: Paahan boree… (sggs 1371).

Bhul Chuk Maaf

REPLY

G Prakash S Bagga

I feel we should try to get the meaning of HAUME from its fundamental grammar.And in this context I find this word
“HAUME” as FEMININE GENDER ,SINGULAR but DUAL NUMBER.
Within gurbaanee this word is being refered to SAREER(i)and further SAREER(i) is being refered as AASAA and
MUNSAA.
This is as per my observation from within SGGS ji.

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G Bhai Harbans Lal

Perhaps better word to translate Haumai is Narcissism as ego has many good qualities, we will cease to exist if we
did not possess ego.

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

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Many thanks Bhai Harbans Lal Ji for taking the time to respond to this post.

“Perhaps better word to translate Haumai”

We use the word “false” ego-sense!

REPLY

G Prakash s Bagga

Everything will be done by “Satiguru” only.

Thus one needs to recognize Satiguru .

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G Harpreet Kaur

Thank you sir for the great post.

Sir, I would be very grateful if you can share the ways through which we can eliminate ego from ourselves. Although
we all recite the holy hymns in guru sangat but are we really bestowed to his path? My dilemma always strikes me
to this end. Through the holy SGGS, I have came across certain verses which signifies,”That one who understands
his path shall never speak in ego”, ” One who wants to free from ego, is beyond praise and slander, who looks upon
gold and iron alike”. But Sir, if this would have been the situation then why do we long for making successful
careers? Why do we long for building great mansions, owe luxurious cars etc.
Looking forward for the response for the same.

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many thanks Harpreet Kaur Ji for taking the time to respond to this post.
Welcome to the Gurbani Blog Ji!

“ways through which we can eliminate ego from ourselves.”

The Gurbani has very simple way of thinning the false ego-sense.
As indicated by the Gurbani, ego is directly proportional to the degree of our worry (ਿਚਤਾ)! This is the
“thermometer”!
That is to say, if one worries in life, then be assured that that person is also suffering from the chronic
disease of ego (“ਹਉਮ ਦੀਰਘ ਰਗ ਹ”).
Next, how much? More worries mean more ego. Less worries mean less ego. No worries mean no ego.
Implication is that if there is no worry, there is no ego! Here is the Gurbani with its very simple formula for
us:
ਿਚਤਾ ਜਾਇ ਿਮਟ ਅਹਕਾਰ : Worry departs, and ego is eliminated. (sggs 293). 
ਹਉਮ ਬਝ ਤਾ ਦਰ ਸਝ : When (one) understands ego (Haumai), then (one) knows the (Tenth-Dasam) Gate
(sggs 466). 

“then why do we long for making successful careers? Why do we long for building great
mansions, owe luxurious cars etc. ”

The Gurbani indicates that the Gur-Shabad (Divine Wisdom, Aatm-Giaan, Brahm-Giaan) is the “terminator”
of ego!
ਗਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦ ਮਿਨ ਵਿਸਆ ਹਉਮ ਿਵਚਹ ਖਇ : The Gur-Shabad abides within the mind, and egotism is eliminated
from within.

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False ego-sense is NOT the state of a building, or a great mansion, or a luxurious car, etc.
Rather, false ego-sense is the sate of the mind.
Therefore, it’s the instinctive mind which gets modified through the Vichaar and implementation of the Gur-
Shabad (Divine Wisdom, Aatm-Giaan, Brahm-Giaan).
Once the mind gets so mended, buildings remain as buildings, mansions remain as mansions, cars remain
as cars, the world remains as the world….

However, once died in the Shabad, the mind DOES NOT remain the same!!!

REPLY

G Prakash S Bagga

According to gurbaanee HAUMAI is the basic cause of Births. So its meaning should be understood in this context .
I feel so.

REPLY

G Kirpal Singh

Dubida (Duality): A hurdle in Sikhi

Houmai is caused by Dubidha and is revoved by Sabd Vichaar:-

The destination in the life of a Sikh is to become Gurmukh through ‘Gobind Milan’ and the greatest hurdle in
achieving success in Sikhi Marg is Duality (Dubida).

For the removal of Dubida, the help of the Gurus who have successfully travelled on the same path and left
guidelines for us in Gurbani to facilitate our journey is of paramount importance.

Guru Nanak Sahib guides us for careful deliberation that leads to removal of duality and turns a devotee God-like.
Let us delve deep into Gurbani in order to remove dubida, which separates us from Divine Wisdom:-

ਰਿਖ ਰਿਖ ਚਰਨ ਧਰ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਦਿਬਧਾ ਛਿਡ ਭਏ ਿਨਰਕਾਰੀ (Raag Danaasree Guru Nanak Dev Ji, GGS. 685-14): After
careful deliberation, the thoughtful person takes a step. Forsaking duality, he becomes a devotee of the Formless
Lord.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji, in the following Sabd, traces the abundance of divine attributes/virtues that await a Gursikh who
with the grace of Waheguru is able to remove one’s duality (ਗਿਰ ਦਿਬਧਾ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਹ ਮਾਰੀ ॥ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਸ ਬਹਮ ਬੀਚਾਰੀ):-

ਜ ਇਸ ਮਾਰ ਸਈ ਸਰਾ ਜ ਇਸ ਮਾਰ ਸਈ ਪਰਾ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 237-17).One who kills this is a spiritual
hero.One who kills this is perfect…..

REPLY

G Kirpal Singh

ਿਜਿਹ ਾਨੀ ਹਉਮ ਤਜੀ ਕਰਤਾ ਰਾਮ ਪਛਾਿਨ ਕਹ ਨਾਨਕ ਵਹ ਮਕਿਤ ਨਰ ਇਹ ਮਨ ਸਾਚੀ ਮਾਨ ॥੧੯॥ (Salok M. 9, GGS. 1427-10):
That mortal, who forsakes egotism, realizes the Creator Lord – says Nanak, that person is liberated; O mind, know
this as true. ||19||

REPLY

G Prakash s Bagga

I think we must find what the “HAUMAI” is from within Gurbaanee

REPLY

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G Preton Singh

Ego ( Haumai )is the worst vikaar as compared to the others like :-
Kaam
Krod
Lobh
Moh
Thank you ji for sharing the Gurbani Vichaar on Ego. Appreciate if you could share more of such Gurbani messages
for the benefit of people likeme.

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many thanks Veer Preton Singh Ji for taking the time to respond!
Welcome to the Gurbani Blog!

The Gurbani calls it the greatest disease or the chronic disease. Essentially all negativity is the fault of this
ego (Haumai).

The Gurbani tells us that the Shabad is the killer of ego.

Fittingly, the Gurbani says a person is a walking-dead (ਆਤਮਕ ਮਤ ਮਿਰਆ ਹਇਆ) if he is devoid of Shabad-
Vichaar (Brahm-Giaan, Divine Wisdom, Divine Virtues…):
• ਿਬਨ ਸਬਦ ਮਆ ਹ ਸਭ ਕਇ : Without the Shabad, everyone remains dead (Spiritual death – ਆਤਮਕ ਮਤ).
(sggs 1418).

REPLY

G Kirpal Singh

According to Gurbani, there is ONE Step transformation that leads to ‘Gobind Millan’ i. e. by giving up one’s
houmai:-

ਆਪ ਿਤਆਿਗ ਸਰਿਨ ਗਰਦਵ (Raag Gauri, M. 5, GGS. 288-13: Give up your selfishness and conceit, and seek the
Sanctuary of the Divine Guru.

REPLY

G Rajinder Singh

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh

Sikhi Sikhya Gur Vichaar

Congratulations for initiating the much needed subject

Basic purpose of Satsang is to get rid of ego. Origin of ego and cure for this chronic disease are described in Pauri
7 of Asa di Vaar.

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many Thanks Bhai Sahib Rajinder Singh Ji for taking the time to respond! Welcome to the Gurbani Blog Ji!

REPLY

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G J

Great post, thank you T Singh Ji

REPLY

G T. Singh Post author

Many thanks J ji for taking the time to respond!

REPLY

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