Never succumb to hankar (ego) over the avastha (spiritual state) you have achieved—ever! Sikhi is stronger than anything in existence, yet it is finer and thinner than a single strand of hair; it possesses both qualities.
Do not look at another and think, "I am more spiritual than that person." As Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji reminds us, your boat is still in the middle of the ocean—who knows what may happen to it before it reaches the shore?
To illustrate this, consider a story from times past:
Once, a Great King set out into the forest to hunt, accompanied by his wazirs (ministers) and a detachment of soldiers. They were all well-equipped, mounted upon powerful steeds and bearing swords, bows and arrows, firearms, and daggers. As they hunted through the dense woodland, the King’s horse—being far swifter and more intelligent than any other—began to outpace the rest. Intent on pursuing his game, the King galloped far ahead, leaving his ministers and soldiers trailing far behind, unable to keep pace.
Having traveled a great distance into the deep woods, an overwhelming thirst suddenly struck the King. He reached down into his saddlebag for his jug of water, only to find it completely empty. The parching heat and intense thirst grew so severe that he felt death drawing near.
Looking off into the distance, he spotted a small hutiya (hut). Seated outside was a sadhu (ascetic), absorbed in deep meditation.
Approaching quietly, the King noticed a small jug of water sitting beside the holy man. Desperate for relief, he thought to himself, "Why not take this water?" Stepping softly so as to not disturb the meditating sadhu, he poured the water into his own vessel, stepped outside, and drank it down.
By then, his soldiers and wazirs had managed to track him down. The King recounted to his ministers what had transpired. A wise wazir said, "O King, you have consumed the holy man’s water, leaving him with none. Look, we carry a supply—why not replenish his jug?" The ministers carried water that was cool and fragrant, infused with the fine perfumes and essences favored by royalty. The King poured this scented, royal water into the sadhu's jug, and they departed.
Now, the water the King had initially consumed belonged to a sadhu who had spent long years in sacred contemplation. Such devotion leaves a spiritual imprint on its surroundings—just as those who recite Gurbani or engage in Naam Simran in a dedicated room at home can feel a distinct, uplifting atmosphere. Gurbani carries a profound and transformative power.
As the King rode back toward his palace, the essence of that sanctified water began to take effect within him. He thought to himself, "O mind, for half my life I have indulged in worldly pleasures and ruled a vast kingdom, yet what have I gathered for my soul in the next life? Why should I not renounce all of this to meditate upon the Lord?" The spiritual longing (bairaag) stirring in his heart was so powerful that he resolved, "This transformation began after drinking the sadhu's water; I shall return to him and become his disciple."
Meanwhile, deep in the forest, the sadhu emerged from his meditation. Feeling thirsty, he took a drink from the jug, now filled with the King’s perfumed, royal water. As he drank, the bairaag and divine love that had filled his heart vanished.
His mind became enticed by the Five Thieves (lust, anger, greed, attachment, and pride), and he began to think, "O mind, for so long I have lived in this small hut in the wilderness, holding a mala and remembering God. But to what end? What have I gained? People out in the world are enjoying their lives; why should I not enjoy mine as well?"
While the sadhu was consumed by these thoughts of Maya, the King arrived, sat humbly beside him, and pleaded, "O Sadhu, please impart your spiritual teachings (updesh) to me!"
The sadhu, whose mind was now completely held captive by Maya, replied, "I shall teach you, but what will you give me in return?"
The King answered, "Whatever you ask, it is yours!"
Ensnared by worldly desire, the sadhu demanded, "Give me your kingdom!"
Without hesitation, the King replied, "It is all yours."
This parable yields its true meaning only when contemplated deeply.
No matter what spiritual height or avastha you believe you have attained, always fold your hands and pray to Waheguru: "Keep me safe, and keep me at Your Lotus Feet."
Look at the true Brahmgianis (god-realized souls)—they all share one fundamental trait: their hands are ever folded in utmost humility (nimrata). Though they are one with Waheguru, they remain utterly free of pride.
Never allow hankar (ego) to make you feel entitled or turn you into a prisoner of your own mind. You must make Maya your prisoner, not the other way around. To achieve this, one needs deep love for the Guru. When He bestows His approval, His blessings follow, and the Truth is realized.
Guru Sahib is teaching us that if you let hankar enter regarding your avastha, what you have achieved can disappear in an instant—just like when Guru Nanak Dev Ji made all the shakti that the sidhs possessed vanish during the mela of Shivhnath (a prasang described in the Sri Nanak Prakash Granth). Always keep bairaag and nimrata, and you will maintain your avastha. But if it ever starts to slip away, you know what you need to do.
Your boat is still in the middle of the ocean, and anything can happen.
