Guru Ram Das Quotes
Guru Ram Das was the fourth guru of Sikhism who served as the Sikh leader for seven years. He taught Sikhs the importance of celebrating together and created a town that later became Amritsar.
Sri Guru Ram Das Ji composed 638 holy hymns in 30 different ragas of Indian classical music. These include 246 padai, 138 saloks and 31 astpadis and 8 vaars which are written in the Guru Granth Sahib ji. Guru ji gave us beautiful bani named ‘lava’ which guide us in simple steps to unite with the god and Bani ‘Lavan’ is used for solemnize the marriages of Sikh children.
His compositions are also included in Rehras Sahib and Kirtan Sohila which are daily prayers of Sikhs. Anand Karaj is the Sikh marriage ceremony, meaning “Blissful Union” or “Joyful Union”, that was introduced by Guru Amar Das. The four Lavan (marriage hymns which take place during the marriage ceremony) were composed by his successor, Guru Ram Das.
The 4 verses of Lavan explain the four stages of love and married life. After translation into English the Lavan quartet or the Sikh epithalamium would read as follows:
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First Lavan (Emphasizes the performance of duty to the family and the community)
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Second Lavan (Signifies the stage of yearning and love for each other)
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Third Lavan (Signifies the stage of detachment or Virag)
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Fourth Lavan (Signifies the final stage of harmony and union in married life during which human love blends into the love for God)
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That Gurumukh unto whom the Lord becomes merciful, chants the Lord’s name and wins the game of life. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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The beloved himself is the musician, and the musical instrument; servant Nanak vibrates his vibration. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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The fool does not know, the One (God) who gives; instead, he clings to the gifts. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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Some have cruelty in their hearts – they constantly act in cruelty; as they plant, so are the fruits which they eat. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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Even if the poisonous snake is fed large amount of milk, it will still yield only poison. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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Don’t worry – let the creator take care of it. The lord gives to all creatures in the water and on the land. My God bestows his blessings without being asked, even to worms in soil and stones. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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Look upon all with equality, and recognize the Supreme Soul, the Lord, pervading among all. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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My mind yearns so deeply for the vision of Hari, the way a thirsty man yearns for a drink of cool water. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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Other than the Lord, no one can kill you or save you; so why do you worry, O my mind. – Guru Ram Das Ji
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I am overflowing with sins and demerits; I have no merits or virtues at all.
I abandoned the Ambrosial Nectar, and I drank poison instead.
I am attached to Maya, and deluded by doubt; I have fallen in love with my children and spouse.
I have heard that the most exalted Path of all is the Sangat, the Guru’s Congregation.
Joining it, the fear of death is taken away.
Keerat the poet offers this one prayer: O Guru Raam Daas, save me!
Take me into Your Sanctuary!
