Bani Bhagat Beni Ji

Bani Bhagat Beni Ji

The composition is set to rag Ramkali, a musical mode that evokes feelings of triumph regardless of circumstance. In the broader Indic musical tradition, it embodies two distinct moods—madhur (sweet) and chakat (startled). These elements are intricately woven together, creating a balance of a gentle nudge. Often described as the voice of a disciplined and wise teacher speaking to a student, Ramkali embodies a profound understanding of life’s struggles. The name Ramkali—a combination of Ram, the beautiful and charming One, a synonymous divine name for IkOankar (One Creative and Pervasive Force, 1Force, the One), and Kali, representing budding potential and transformation—carries deep symbolic meaning. Together, they evoke a journey of awakening: as Kali blooms, so does the presence of the beautiful, charming One within us. This composition is attributed to Bhagat Beni, one of the fifteen revered bhagats (devoted beings) whose compositions are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. His life revolved around the devotion to the One, and became not just a practice but a guiding force throughout his life. In a world consumed by appearance and ritual, we are offered a compelling opportunity to look inward here. We are invited to question the value of outward displays of devotion when they are not rooted in inner alignment. Through layered metaphors and yogic imagery, it nudges us to pause and reflect. This composition gives insight into the honest exploration of the self—beyond disciplines, beyond self-absorption—toward something far more transformative.

The creative and all-pervasive IkOankar is One that is unparalleled. IkOankar is realized through the grace of eternal the Wisdom (Guru). The composition commences with the invocation to the One and the anchoring of the omnipotence of IkOankar. It is an invitation, a grounding reminder, perhaps even a call to action, urging seekers to center the One in their remembrance. 

​​O saintly beings! There dwells Ram, (the One without the blemish of Maya. Having reached the Guru, a rare one realizes this. There, the seeker becomes like the Beautiful Ram, the One without the blemish of Maya. Through the Pause line, Bhagat Beni presents us with the central idea of the composition, imparting a beautiful and profound teaching: The essence of IkOankar—the all-pervading divine presence—is beyond the grasp of the temporary, fleeting world of illusions of Maya (the allure of transient things and relationships). In its purest form, this presence can be experienced within, in a state of profound inner realization. But here’s the key: Only a rare seeker can realize this state of union, and that happens only through the Wisdom (Guru). Bhagat Beni speaks of a rare and precious realization reached through guidance and understanding. This is not just an external experience but an inner awakening. It’s a realization that cannot be found in any physical place because it’s neither geographical nor manifest; it’s a deep, felt experience that unfolds within us. Only through the guidance of the Wisdom-Guru can we find this elusive treasure, this state of union with the One. This "there" that Bhagat Beni refers to here is not a distant, physical place. It’s not somewhere outside of us. He plays with the word there to shift our perspective. Most of us look for the One somewhere "out there"—in the world, others, or distant places. But Bhagat Beni redirects us inward, urging us to realize that the true "there" lies within us, waiting to be uncovered. It’s about igniting the spark inside, tapping the truth that resides in each of us. In this context, ‘there’ symbolizes the realization of the Wisdom-Guru—the understanding and awareness that comes from the Wisdom-Guru’s teachings. This is where the beauty of the One dwells. And just as a flower blossoms slowly, the presence within us unfolds when we open ourselves to this experience. The path to this realization is not easy, but it is indeed possible. Union with IkOankar is not just a distant ideal but a living reality for those who seek it through the Wisdom-Guru. We ought to recognize the potential to realize this union exists within each of us. This is about recognizing the One within and embodying the beautiful, blemish-free essence of the beautiful, charming One. It’s a gentle reminder that the path to realization lies through the Wisdom of the Guru. When we embrace this guidance, we too can awaken the truth within and experience the triumph of a state that feels elusive and distant.

Ida, Pingla, and Sukhmana, all three nerves, reside in one place. Bhagat Beni’s words here convey a powerful yet straightforward message, delivered with a subtle subversion of what we commonly understand. We live in a three-dimensional world that gives shape and texture to our thoughts and understanding of the universe around us. It’s why many cultures and philosophies are naturally inclined to explain things in threes—triads, trinities, tio, and three-of-a-kind. In our daily lives, we encounter numerous examples of this threefold division. There are three tenses in language: past, present, and future. In the Indian philosophical tradition, we talk about the three qualities—rajo (passion), sato (goodness), and tamo (darkness)—that govern our behavior. Christianity speaks of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Hinduism has its trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer). Now, Bhagat Beni connects this concept of the trinity to a very personal experience—Ida, Pingla, and Sukhmana. According to Indic philosophies, these are the three primary channels or nerves through which life-force flows within the body. Yoga and meditation often reference these as the pathways that govern the flow of energy—Ida being associated with the left side (the moon, cooling, feminine energy), Pingla with the right side (the sun, heating, masculine energy), and Sukhmana with the central channel (balance, harmony). In this context, Bhagat Beni is not simply referencing yogic ideas, but also using them to illustrate deeper metaphysical phenomena. These metaphysical divisions of energy, like many other threefold concepts, are merely tools for explaining our experiences in the world. Bhagat Beni subverts this framework and emphasizes that when a seeker experiences the Wisdom-Guru, the seeker realizes that all of these divisions—Ida, Pingla, and Sukhmana—are unified in the oneness of the Self, the One, IkOankar. The mind no longer sees them as separate forces but as part of the same whole. As we progress on an inner journey, we come to understand that there is no need to externalize this experience or rely on physical places or practices to find fulfillment. We may be familiar with the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Prayag, where millions of pilgrims bathe for physical cleansing as a Hindu ritual. However, Bhagat Beni emphasizes that the true confluence of the self with the Self does not occur in external locations, but through an internal experience—the place where all the streams of our thoughts, energies, and actions converge, leading to the realization of Oneness. For the seeker imbued with the Wisdom-Guru, the confluences of energy or rivers are no longer a matter of physical practice or pilgrimage; it is a state of union with the One. The mind is cleansed not by bathing in external waters, but through the deep plunge of self-awareness. The need to go to physical places for inner cleansing becomes unnecessary because we realize that we already carry that place within us. When immersed in the Wisdom-Guru, the separation between the individual self and the universe dissolves. This understanding frees us from the limitations of external rituals and the fragmentation of spiritual concepts. Whether through the yogic practices of controlling the breath or the physical act of bathing in the sacred rivers, these are simply external aids. The true transformation, the true bathing, happens in the mind. It’s similar to the way we think about cleansing ourselves. We might go to the river or perform rituals to feel purified, but true purification is about cleansing the mind. Once we attain that Wisdom-Guru, all divisions—whether they are physical, metaphysical, or symbolic—disappear. Everything becomes One.

What is the sign of the Divine abode? There, unstruck melodies resound through the Bani. Bhagat Beni takes us on a journey here, asking a profound question that might naturally arise in the minds of seekers. This question comes from a deep longing to understand where IkOankar, the One, resides. It’s as if the seeker asks, What does this state feel like? The answer is strikingly simple: In this state, the sound of the Bani (the Utterances of infinite wisdom) resonates like the sweetest melodies, unstruck by any external force, signifying a transcendence beyond the physical world. Imagine the most beautiful orchestral concert, where every note plays in perfect harmony, but then take it to another level—beyond instruments, beyond the physical. This kind of joy and bliss pervades the divine abode of the One. It’s like when we hear a beautiful song or melody that transcends just sound; it resonates within us. This place doesn’t require us to decipher complex concepts or perform complicated rituals. It’s an ultimate experience that happens when we connect with the One. In the presence of the One, everything else falls away. This experience is grounded in something much deeper beyond time and space. It’s a moment when the seeker realizes that the One is not something separate from us, but rather resonates through us and within us. The Wisdom-Guru is like a bridge that connects us to the highest truth, helping us transcend the ordinary and step into a space of pure awareness. The Wisdom-Guru illuminates the path, revealing the presence in everything around us. The beauty of the One is everywhere, and we begin to understand that it is all One. This connection is not about going somewhere or finding something external. It’s an internal journey. The sign of the Divine abode is the unstruck melody, which echoes through our consciousness. The more we connect with these teachings, the more we awaken to the presence within. In this space, all dualities fall away. The limitations of the physical world no longer bind us. Instead, we are lifted into a state of filtered awareness, where the One and the self are one.

Wisdom wells up within, and false thinking wears out. In the sky, the mind is drenched with the essence of amrit. Bhagat Beni speaks to us of the transformative power of the wisdom and how it works within the mind to cleanse and elevate us. When the Wisdom-Guru becomes our guide, Nam (Identification with IkOankar) wells up within us like a fresh spring of water, continuously nourishing us, causing our false thinking—our habitual, limiting beliefs and fears—to fade. We can think of it as how a river clears the debris from the land as it flows, leaving everything it touches cleansed and fresh. This cleansing isn’t physical or intellectual; it’s something deeper that reaches into the fabric of our being. The mind is like the sky—vast, expansive, and open. And just as a sky might be filled with clouds and dust, our minds, too, can become clouded with false thinking. But when the Identification rains down upon us, it’s like the cleansing rain that washes away all the falsehoods and binaries. The clouds of confusion dissipate, and the mind becomes clear, bright, and serene. This is the state where we are drenched in the essence of amrit. The word ‘amrit’ literally means beyond death and time. In the context of the Guru Granth Sahib, it is a synonym for the Identification. Amrit is also sometimes used as an adjective to describe the sweetness or pleasantness of a thing. This description refers to the ambrosial nectar of the Wisdom-Guru. In this state, we experience a connection to something greater than ourselves, something eternal. The idea of being "drenched" suggests that the experience is complete, all-encompassing, and saturates every part of our being. There’s no part of us untouched by this nectar, and it’s in this essence that we find stability, clarity, and bliss. We no longer see the world or ourselves in the same way. This Wisdom-Guru becomes our guide, our inner compass that leads us to union with the One. This is not just knowledge in a conventional sense; it’s about living the teachings and embodying them in every aspect of our lives. It’s about the divine values we seek to inculcate in our lives. And when we do, we align ourselves with the highest truth, the Identifcation, and in doing so, we meet the One. Then the Identification connection doesn’t just sit in our minds as an idea—it flows through us, guiding us, transforming us, and ultimately leading us to the very essence of who we are, and who the One is. Think about it like learning a skill. When we first start, we might be clumsy and unsure, but with practice, the skill becomes second nature. The same is true with the Identifcation. It’s not enough to simply understand it intellectually; we practice it, live it, and let it shape how we see the world. Over time, we become one with that Identifcation, guided by the Wisdom-Guru; through this, we meet the One. This teaching of Bhagat Beni reminds us that true Identification isn’t something distant or external. It’s within us, waiting to be awakened.

This tenth door is unreachable, boundless; this is the abode of the supreme Being. Bhagat Beni introduces a concept through symbolic language, blending yogic tradition with a deeper, more nuanced understanding. He speaks of the "tenth door,” a mystical concept often discussed in yogic teachings. According to this tradition, the tenth door is said to be the point of ultimate spiritual connection, located at the top of the head. However, Bhagat Beni challenges us to question this pervasive notion. While the yogic tradition locates the door on the human body, Bhagat Beni moves beyond that interpretation. He urges us not to confine the infinite, supreme Being, the One, IkOankar, to a single physical spot. When we talk about something as boundless, infinite, and unfathomable, how can we limit it to one specific location within the body or mind? Instead, Bhagat Beni uses the metaphor of a “shop” to further describe a different wealth: the treasure of Identification. This treasure is not a tangible, physical object, but a state of consciousness—a state that is experienced, guided by the Wisdom-Guru, and connected with the One. Think of it like a treasure chest, hidden not in some distant land, but within the deepest recesses of our mind. This treasure, though it may appear out of reach or hidden at first, is always there. The "shop" in the symbolism represents our mental space, where our thoughts, awareness, and intellect reside. We can access that which connects us to the One within this space, but it requires intention and awareness to find it. The Identifcation is the "key" that opens the door to the infinite One, IkOankar. Ultimately, Bhagat Beni’s teaching is an invitation not to get caught up in the external practices or images of spiritual places. Instead, it’s about turning our focus inward, aligning ourselves with the Identification that connects us to the ultimate truth. We open ourselves to a deeper experience of the One, infinite, boundless IkOankar by accessing this inner wisdom.

Whoever remains awake, that being never sleeps, merges all three qualities of Maya, all three realms in a deep meditative state. Bhagat Beni is guiding us toward an awakened state—one that transcends mere physical alertness or mental focus. There’s a difference between simply being awake in the world and being awake in the more profound sense. The true seeker, who has awakened through the Identifcation, is never “asleep,” in the sense of being caught in ignorance or distractions. Many yogis claim to be awake, but Bhagat Beni points out that simply being aware of one’s surroundings doesn’t necessarily mean we are awake in the truest sense. If we are still bound by the three qualities of Maya and the three realms of worldly existence—desire, attachment, and ego—then we are still caught in the slumber of illusion. We may appear alert on the outside, but inwardly, we remain in the darkness of ignorance. To truly wake up, we need to move beyond these cycles. The key to the inner awakening is through the Identification. When we take the Identification and enshrine it into our hearts, we begin to awaken truly. It’s not just about saying the words or performing rituals, but about genuinely embodying the virtues of the One. It transforms our consciousness and clears the fog of worldly distractions. Once constantly chasing fleeting pleasures and worries, the mind begins to quiet itself. It becomes like a still pond, untouched by the ripples of desire and ego. This is the true state of being awake, where we are connected to the One and experience a deep, serene sense of truth and oneness. It’s about diving deep within, immersing ourselves in the Identification, and letting go of the thoughts and desires that keep us rooted in the world of illusion. We often equate being awake with being aware of and informed about worldly issues. Here, we are asked to push further. This true awakening transcends all external labels. In practical terms, we can think of this as a call to move beyond surface-level awareness. It’s not just about being aware of what’s happening around us, but about being aware of what’s happening within us. 

That being remains awake, does not speak lies; keeps the five sensory organs in control, having reigned them in. Bhagat Beni beautifully describes the qualities of the seeker who has truly awakened, not merely in body or mind. The awakened being does not fall prey to lies or deceit. They live with integrity, where every word and action reflects truth. Their life is aligned with their deeper purpose, not just superficial knowledge. They do not claim to be detached or above their senses, like some yogis might suggest, but rather, through the Identification, they are not swayed here and there by their senses. This is not about renunciation in the typical sense, but about inner mastery. The senses still exist but are guided and directed by the Wisdom-Guru. The seeker keeps these teachings close to their heart, and the Wisdom-Guru shapes their actions, thoughts, and desires. This is not simply intellectual knowledge; it’s lived experience. It becomes part of them, guiding them through every moment, helping them navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and composure. What’s truly beautiful here is how Bhagat Beni speaks about surrender. The awakened seeker doesn’t fight against life or try to control everything. Instead, they offer the One their mind, body, and every thought. In deep love, they surrender to the will of the One, trusting that they are guided in every step. This surrender results from finding harmony and fulfillment in aligning oneself with the greater flow of the universe. In surrender, freedom is found. It’s like a river flowing toward the ocean—never questioning the current, but flowing freely, knowing it is part of something much greater. Similarly, the true seeker gives themselves to the divine flow, offering their very being in service to IkOankar. They don’t need to control the outcome or the journey; they trust that they are precisely where they need to be. This isn’t about perfection or avoiding all mistakes. It’s about maintaining constant awareness and a commitment to staying true to the path, regardless of the challenges that come their way. The awakened seeker lives with integrity, devotion, and trust in the One, offering everything they have—mind, body, and heart—in love.

That being reflects on the Creator manifesting as leaves and branches; does not lose their birth in a gamble. Bhagat Beni elaborates on the pervasiveness of material attachments in our human lives. In the world around us, many people go through life collecting things for external offerings, bringing them to places of worship. Yet, the truly awakened being sees their own hands as offerings, just as essential as the goods they might bring. Offering to the One does not always have to be material; it’s about the mindset behind the offering. What truly matters is letting go of the false narratives we hold onto and shedding the barriers that prevent us from experiencing love for the One. Far too many people play the game of life like a gamble, seeking shortcuts, tricks, or fleeting pleasures. They spend their lives chasing after these illusions, constantly losing. The awakened seeker, however, is not bothered by distractions. They have learned to follow the Wisdom-Guru, which leads them steadily through life with the deep understanding that life is about growth, learning, and surrender. The awakened one does not “lose” in the gamble of life; they play the game with the Wisdom-Guru, love, and awareness. Through their deep connection to the Wisdom-Guru, they continuously unlearn and relearn, patiently navigating the various experiences of life. They bear life’s challenges, not with resistance or frustration, but with an inner stable locus, for they know the wisdom flows within them. It’s like walking in a heavy rain, yet finding yourself untouched by it—where others might be drenched in confusion, the awakened ones find themselves enveloped in a steady, unbreakable flow of connection, like a waterfall trickling down within them. In this state, the seeker converses intimately with IkOankar, the Sovereign of the world. The seeker, now aligned with the will of the One, lives in harmony, knowing they are not separate from the One. We are invited to look beyond the superficial and to reflect on what truly matters: our mindset and the wisdom we choose to embody. True fulfillment comes from offering ourselves entirely to the Sovereign, from turning our minds away from distractions, and from aligning our every thought with the greater flow of life. The journey of the awakened seeker is one of constant transformation—learning, unlearning, and learning again—moving closer to the Sovereign with every step.

There, the four-sided lamp is illuminated through the light of IkOankar. (There are) endless leaves all around; in the center is the Source IkOankar. Bhagat Beni guides us in moving beyond the typical framework of time and space often used in Yogic teachings. When the light of the One shines, it doesn’t just illuminate in a three-dimensional way—it’s all-encompassing, spreading across every plane of existence. This light touches everything, casting away all shadows of ignorance. The One, IkOankar, is not just the origin of everything, but the center of all things, and the Source that resides at the heart of creation. Just like a tree has countless leaves, each appearing separate yet all are rooted in the same trunk, the One manifests in countless forms, but the same singular source interconnects all. The One is the embodiment of all possibilities and virtues. It is the Source from which all powers and qualities arise, and it bestows these virtues on the seeker’s mind. Once illuminated with the Identification, the seeker’s mind is transformed, like a ruby adorned with precious jewels—each representing divine qualities such as love, patience, humility, and wisdom. This experience is not limited by geography, culture, gender, or any other boundary we might impose on ourselves. It is universal. The one imbued with the Identification becomes a light unto the world, illuminating not just a single community but all of humanity. Just as the four-sided lamp lights every corner, this light spreads in all directions, guiding all who seek it. At its core is an invitation to unity and understanding. It’s the kind of light that doesn’t just shine for a few but illuminates everything and everyone in its path, drawing us all closer together.

There is a lotus on the forehead, and a gem around it. Inside it dwells the Master of the three realms, the One without the blemish of Maya. Bhagat Beni employs powerful, symbolic imagery to convey an experience of realization that is both transcendent and deeply personal. The lotus represents virtue, growth, and spiritual unfolding. It is a symbol that has been revered in many spiritual traditions, signifying the blossoming of the spirit. As we cultivate wisdom and devotion, we can feel the presence of the One—IkOankar manifesting within, just as the lotus unfolds and reveals its full beauty. In temples and sacred spaces, musical instruments often accompany the rituals, creating an atmosphere of celebration. Bhagat Beni draws on this imagery to convey the profound inner celebration that occurs when one attains Identification with the One. This isn’t just a momentary joy; it’s a continuous, ever-present bliss that fills the mind and heart. For the awakened seeker, life becomes a never-ending celebration of the One, where the mind is filled with melodies and vibrations that reflect the boundless joy of union with the One. This union isn’t external; it happens within the mind, within the inner sanctum of the heart. The lotus blooming within symbolizes this process. It’s not about external rituals or practices alone, but the inner transformation that connects us directly with IkOankar. When we experience union with the One, our entire being resonates with the joy of celebration. The echoes of divine sounds, the swaying of flywhisks, and the blowing of conch shells all reflect the inner harmonies that arise when we are in tune with the One. The negative, destructive thoughts—those demons of the mind—are vanquished by this union. The radiance of the Identification becomes that sword that cuts through these illusions, freeing us from the grip of ego and ignorance. This growth is vital, as it creates the space for the One to take root in our hearts and minds, allowing us to experience the true, unblemished state of being. This is a humble plea for the Identification that makes all transformation possible. There is no concern for complexities or divisions that arise from different belief systems or ideologies—only a longing for oneness. The longing is for the One who embodies the divine qualities of Krishan or the enchanting One, and Jagganath or the Creator of the world, all synonymous names for IkOankar. This path leads to the highest state of consciousness, where we are aligned with the Source of all things, and all that remains is pure love and wisdom.

The lesson here is clear: true realization is not about external rituals or labels but a profound, internal transformation that connects us with the One. When we cultivate love and devotion within, we can experience a joy that transcends the validations of the material world. It’s a call to go within, to transform the mind, and to bask in the radiance of the One. The path to truth and love leaves no space for discrimination. We originate from the One, and to dissolve the illusion of separation, we ought to begin by ending the dualities within ourselves. At times, we may master techniques that regulate the body or behavior, yet bypass the deeper inner work. Could this be why we often judge, exclude, or diminish others without even realizing it? Do we, in any form, participate in this ‘othering’ that might be keeping the One elusive from us? Such reflection opens the doorway to inner transformation. Bhagat Beni’s invitation into introspection can catalyze meaningful change—if we are willing to ask: Are there practices or disciplines we engage in that feed our ego or sense of superiority, rather than bringing us closer to the One? Which patterns keep us spiritually busy, but inwardly distant? And ultimately, what is our idea of union while existing in this three-dimensional world?