The Mystique of Guruji and Sikhism's Values

There is a unique relationship between the affluent class and the figure known as Guruji, who is often perceived as the incarnation of Lord Shiva. While some claim that Guruji was a follower of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, upon closer inspection, these claims lack substantial evidence. This article delves into the myth surrounding Guruji, the true nature of Sikhism, and the role of networking within the Ashram.

Myth-Busting: Is Guruji the Incarnation of Lord Shiva?

The idea that Guruji is the incarnation of Lord Shiva is a prevalent but unfounded belief. In Hindu tradition, Lord Shiva is considered eternal and beyond human birth. Lord Shiva is the fourth state of consciousness known as Turiya avasta, which is the meditative state that transcends the waking, sleeping, and dreaming states.

There is a story in Hindu mythology that showcases the omnipresence of Lord Shiva. According to this story, Lord Brahma the creator and Lord Vishnu the preserver of the Universe set out to find Shiva. Lord Brahma went to Shiva's head and Lord Vishnu went to his feet, but neither could find an ending or a beginning to Shiva. This myth illustrates that Lord Shiva is beyond the confines of physical existence, embodying the concept of infinity.

Religious and Cultural Context: Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Teachings of Sikhism

The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the principles of Sikhism emphasize the importance of selfless service, spiritual growth, and moral conduct. One of the key aspects of these teachings is the prohibition against using spiritual power for personal gain or for performing miracles.

Historically, there are numerous instances where the Gurus of Sikhism rejected the use of miracles. For example, when Baba Atal's friend was raised from the dead, Guru Hargobind Ji did not approve of this act of miracle. Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev Ji refused to perform miracles when confronted by Siddhas who boasted of their supernatural powers.

This rejection of miracles is rooted in the belief that true spiritual power lies in the guidance of words (bani) rather than in physical demonstrations. This aligns with the teachings of the Gurus and emphasizes the importance of faith, discipline, and moral practice.

Networking and Business in Guruji's Ashram

While the Ashram serves as a place of spiritual support for people in distress, it also plays a significant role in facilitating networking and business connections. People from various walks of life visit the Ashram, but the predominant groups include those seeking business opportunities and the affluent class.

One example of how the Ashram serves as a networking platform involves a distributor in the FMCG industry. The discrepancy between primary and secondary sales led to an internal audit, revealing a significant portion of the sales as "Retail Sales" when the distributor did not have a retail store. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the products were distributed as Prasad to fellow sevadars (volunteers) at the Ashram, which generated regular orders and sales.

Furthermore, a bulk procurement transaction highlighted the interconnectedness of the Ashram. Verification of the chain of people involved relied heavily on connections made through the Ashram, fostering trust and authenticity in the business relationships.

The Ashram's religious nature and the resulting trust factor provide an effective platform for networking and business. Unlike typical social gatherings, the spiritual context of these events enhances the trust and reliability of the connections formed.

Conclusion

While Guruji's Ashram offers a source of spiritual support for many, it is also a vital networking and business platform. The claims of miracles and divine intervention, although prevalent, require scrutiny against the principles of Sikhism. It is essential to differentiate between spiritual support and the commercial interests that sometimes underlie such institutions.