The Art of Living in the Present is what the teachings of Sikhism and the Gurbani guide us as, we have discussed in the series about the 12 mystic months (starting from the very Month of Aries-the Metaphysical and thus a Mystic Way) of Sun Signs of the Zodiac, namely:
1. Aries
2. Taurus
3. Gemini
4. Cancer
5. Leo
6. Virgo
7. Libra
8. Scorpio
9. Sagittarius
10. Capricorn
11. Aquarius
12. Pisces
Our discussion in the parts 1-12 is in the metaphysical way for the spiritual journey for self-realization as described in the Sikhism and Gurbani. The series is thus of 15 parts. This and the next 2 final parts elaborate on the previous 12 parts of the series to give it a touch of lessons for the year as described in the Sikhism and Gurbani, as at the end it says seeking light is always better than matter, the possessions as described in the final parts.
Shri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, does not say that one should follow the Astrological practices, but while understanding the Universe and its Cosmic Play, needs to follow the metaphysical path. In Astrology there is not just the use of gems, crystals, stone, metals and rituals, but the Mantras, which enhance all the hidden energies and powers of whatever we use to increase our positive energies, channels and thus the Aura .
Thus, these Mantras can not only enhance the positive energies and powers, but remove the negativity and what we know as the Evil Spells, Black Magic, Casts creating obstacles in our daily life. Thus, all of the spiritual teachings are also spiritual mantras.
The word Mantra has a special significance. According to the Gurbani, the seeker’s mind can swim only by word. The word is Mantar (as spelled in Punjabi) or Mantra (in Hindi) or the Mantra, a word derived from "Mann" meaning mind; generally the word "heart" is preferred as it represents one’s emotion in relation to the creative side of the brain or creativity in general; the word "Tar" with "Mann" is swimming of mind when it is creative or integrated.
Therefore, the word Mann+Tar, or Mantar/Mantra is such a word which when recalled or remembered, the mind swims across the ocean of knowledge. The knowledge alone is not everything because even the computer or any library can have data, information and knowledge, but the practical use of it means that we swim.
Otherwise we indulge. We all know that self-indulgence is not good, but with the spiritual skills, we can use it for self-realization. So, we use the Mantra for it. Any Mantra can be used:
1. I will remain happy today
2. I will help others right now
3. I will not hurt emotions of others today
4. I will spend at least an hour for others as what they wish not what I wish
5. I will read at least one page of a good book
Now, there can be lots of ways to make a Mantra for daily life. It helps in making weekly and thus the monthly success for yearly results and gains. This is one of the reason that the Mantra is said to be the Guru; in Interfaith Studies we also know it as Word as Guru or God, which is basically the Mantra or the teachings that we need to follow rather than simply reading it. It makes the yearly cycle lived in the best way-live it today. It is the Art of Living in the Present.
Thanks for your reading it!
