What is a Mangal? + Giani Ji's Mangal
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ
ਅਥ ਬਾਵਨ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ ਲਿਖਯਤੇ
Athh Baavan Updhaesh Likhyathae
Now begins the writing: ‘Baavan Updesh’
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People from all over the world beg from their Isht (lit. Beloved ~ Lovingly-worshipped Being). This type of begging (Mangal) is done by Sikhs at all times and at every place.
Here is further details about Mangal’s.
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1) Question: What does Mangal mean?
Answer: In order for our work/tasks to be carried out without mistakes & to remove any obstacles, we praise our Isht & request that we are able to please them so that we can beg to receive our desires.
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2) Question: What is the definition of Mangal?
Answer:
ਦੋਸ ਪ੍ਰਧ੍ਵੰਸਕਤ੍ਵੰ ਮੰਗਲਤ੍ਵੰ
Dhos Pradhhva[n]sakarthv[ng] Ma[n]galthv[ng]
Meaning: Mangal is that which removes Dhosh (faults) and brings forward happiness
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3) Question: What is a Dhosh?
Answer:
ਕਾਰਜ ਵਿਘਾਤਕਤ੍ਵੰ ਦੋਸਅਤ੍ਵੰ
Kaaraj vighaathkathv[n]g Dhosathv[ng]
Meaning: A Dhosh is that which acts as an obstacle and does not let a task come into fruition. There are many types of Dhosh too.
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Three types of Mangal:
1) Vasthoo-Nirdhaesh Roop Mangal:
ਨਮਸਕਾਰਾ ਆਦੀ ਅੰਤਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਮੇਸਰਸਿਐ ਸੰਕੀਰਤਨ ਤ੍ਵਮ ਵਸਤੂ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ ਮੰਗਲਤ੍ਵੰ
Namaskaaraa Aadhee A[n]thraa Pramaesariay Sankeerthan Twam Vasthoo Nirdhaes Mangaltwam
Meaning: Vastu Nirdesh Mangal is that which praises the virtues of that Parmeshwar who is present in the beginning and the end of Creation
2) Namaskaar Roop Mangal:
ਸ੍ਵੈ ਅਪ ਕਰੱਸ ਬੋਧਾ ਅਨੁਕੂਲ ਸ੍ਵੈ ਵਿਆਪਾਰ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸਾ ਨਮਸਕਾਰਾ
Shwai Ap Karas Bodhhaa Ankool Swai Viaapaar Vishaeshaa Namaskaaraa
3) Asheervaadh Roop Mangal
ਪ੍ਰਮੇਸ਼ਰਸਿਐ ਆਦਿ ਸ੍ਵੈਸਰੇਸ੍ਵੈ ਸਿਸ੍ਵ ਅਰਥੇ ਵਾਛਿਤ ਅਰਥ ਪ੍ਰਾਰਥਨਾ ਆਸ਼ੀਰਵਾਦਾ।
Prameshsiai Aadhi Swaraeswai Sisva Arthhae Vaachhith Arth Praarthhna Aasheervaadhaa
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4 types of Sampardhaic Mangals:
1) Vasthoo-Nirdhaesh Aatmik Mangal:
Vasthoo refers to a being (TN: There is no other real being except for Vaheguru), every ‘thing’ in the world is also called a Vasthoo but in reality, the only unmoving object is Brahm-Vaheguru Ji. In the beginning of a Granth, the Vasthoo in question is the Nirgun-Sargun Vaheguru in which the praises of this Vaheguru are sung. So a Vasthoo Nirdaesh Mangal is that which contains the Nirdaesh (meaning Jas/Praise or Nirna/discussion) of Nirgun (Formless Vaheguru Ji) or Sargun (Vaheguru Ji taking on Form)
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This is a Vasthoo Nridhaesh Mangal. Aathmik refers to the Form of Vaheguru & Vasthoo/Being refers to Vaheguru’s Form as well.
For example:
ੴ ਸਤਿਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ।
Ik-Oankaar Sathinaam[u] Karthaa Purakh nirbho[u] nirvair[u] Akaal Moorath[i] Ajoonee Saibh[ng] Gurprasaadh[i]
OR
ਹੇ ਅਚੁਤ ਹੇ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ...
Hae Achuth Hae Paarbrahm
Oh Sinless, Oh Supreme Brahm-Vaheguru...
OR
ਚੱਕ੍ਰ ਚਿਹਨ ਅਰੁ ਬਰਨ ਜਾਤ...
Chakr Chihan Ar[u] Baran Jaath
Without a specific direction, without a symbol/sign, without a caste, without classification...
among many other examples we find in Gurbani in which we concentrate upon our Isht.
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2) Namaskaar-Aathmik Mangal:
In this type of mangal, we bow down/make reverence to our Isht for the purpose of achieving our goals.
For example:
ਨਮਸਤ੍ਵੰ ਅਕਾਲੇ॥ ਨਮਸਤ੍ਵੰ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲੇ॥
Namasthwa[ng] Akaalae; Namasthwa[ng] Kripaalae
Bowing down to You - Oh Immortal/Free from Time,
Bowing down to You - Oh Blessing-Bestower!
OR
ਨਮਸਕਾਰ ਡੰਡਉਤਿ ਬੰਦਨਾ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਾਰ ਜਾਉ ਬਾਰੈ ॥
Namaskaar Da[n]douth[i] Ba[n]dhnaa Anik Baar Jaao[u] Baarai
Bowing down, prostrating, surrendering countless times & am a sacrifice to Vaheguru
OR
ਨਮਸਕਾਰ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਕੋ ਸਤਿਨਾਮੁ ਜਿਸ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਸੁਣਾਇਆ॥
Namaskaar Gurdhaev Ko Sathinaam[u] Jis Ma[n]thr SuNaaeiaa
Bowing down to the Divine-Guru who has made listen to the Satnam Mantar.
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3) Aasheervaadh-Aathmik Mangal:
Specifically asking for a blessing such as liberation, peace, boon etc...
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A specific self-oriented request:
ਮਾਨੁ ਮਾਂਗਉ ਤਾਨੁ ਮਾਂਗਉ ਧਨੁ ਲਖਮੀ ਸੁਤ ਦੇਹ ॥
Maan[u] Maa[n]go[u] Thaan[u] Maa[n]go[u] Dhhan Lakhmee Suth Dhaeh
Begging for Honour, Begging for Strength, Wife, Wealth, Children, a healthy body
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A desireless request:
ਮੈ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਗਉ ਕਿਛੁ ਥਿਰੁ ਨ ਰਹਾਈ ਹਰਿ ਦੀਜੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਜੀਉ ॥
Mai Kiaa Maago[u] Kichh[u] Thhir[u] na Rahaaee Har[i] Dheejai naam[u] Piaaree Jeeo[u]
What can I ask for as nothing is permanent?
May Vaheguru give their Beloved Naam!
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A Righteous warrior’s request:
ਸੂਰਾ ਸੋ ਪਹਿਚਾਨੀਐ, ਜੁ ਲਰੈ ਦੀਨ ਕੇ ਹੇਤੁ॥
ਪੁਰਜਾ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਕਟਿ ਮਰੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਛਾਡੈ ਖੇਤ॥
Sooraa So Pahichaaneeai Ju Larai Dheen Kae Haeth[u];
Purjaa Purjaa Kat[i] Marai Kabahoo na Chhaadai Khaeth
Know them to be a True Warrior who fights for the poor/religious
They may be cut bit-by-bit but will never turn away from the battlefield
OR
ਜਬ ਆਵ ਕੀ ਅਉਧ ਨਿਦਾਨ ਬਨੈ ਅਤ ਹੀ ਰਨ ਮੈ ਤਬ ਜੂਝ ਮਰੋਂ॥
Jab Aav Kee Aoudhh nidhaan Banai Ath Hee Ran Mai Thab Joojh Maro[n]
When my age has reached an end, then let me pass away in battle
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In other words:
Singing the praises of their Isht in order to ask for their own aims or someone else’s aims
ie making a dua... this is referred to as an Asheervaadh-Aathmik Mangal
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4) Chinthan-Aatmik Mangal:
Chinthan Roop Mangal is where there is only pure concentration of the Eternal Form or focussing upon Your Own True Form... as in:
ਕਿ ਆਛਿਜ ਦੇਸੈ॥ ਕਿ ਆਭਿਜ ਭੇਜੈ॥
Ki Aachhij Dhaesai; Ki Aabhij Bhaesai
Is Residing in an Indestructible State;
Is the Form of Detachment
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Becoming witness to the True Form as in:
ਆਪੈ ਜਪਹੁ ਆਪਨਾ ਜਾਪ॥
Aapai Japahu; Aapnaa Jaap
Meditating upon the True Self, Chanting the [Form of the] True Self.
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Due to the superimposition of the Illusory Maya, the Consciousness-Brahm-Vaheguru refers to Eeshwar (separated sense of God). Eeshwar refers to the omnipresent/all-knowing, Jeev refers to the individualized/separated.The separation of all-knowing and individualization are superimpositions. They are incorrect ways of perceiving. Through Brahmgiaan, one attains the state of absolute concentration & oneness of reality. The Knower of Brahm concentrates on the Aatma (or another option - knows the Aatma / immerses in the aatma etc)’. As per:
ਆਤਮਾ ਪਰਾਤਮਾ ਏਕੋ ਕਰੈ ॥
Aathmaa Paraathmaa Aeko Karai
The Aathma & ParamAatma become realized as One.
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ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਇਹੁ ਰਾਮ ਕੀ ਅੰਸੁ॥
Kah[u] Kabeer Ih[u] Raam Kee A[n]s[u]
Bhagat Kabeer Ji: This is a part/aspect of the All-Immersive Vaheguru
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ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਦੂਰਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਤੂੰਹੈ॥
So Prabh Dhoor naahee Prabh[u] Thoo[n]hai
So Vaheguru is not far away, Vaheguru is You!
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Among other Shabads which make us concentrate on our True Existence.
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Dhan Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji reveal a Salok to us in ‘Gourree Baavan Akhree’ that contains all 4 of the Mangals:
ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥ (Salok)
ਡੰਡਉਤਿ ਬੰਦਨ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਾਰ ਸਰਬ ਕਲਾ ਸਮਰਥ॥ ਡੋਲਨ ਤੇ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਦੇ ਕਰਿ ਹਥ ॥੧॥
Da[n]douth Ba[n]dhan Anik Baar Sarab Kalaa Samrathh;
Dolan Thae Raakhah[u] Prabhoo Nanak Dhae Kar[i] Hathh
Da[n]douth Ba[n]dhan Anik Baar = Namaskaar-Aatmik Mangal
Sarab Kalaa Samrathh = Vasthoo-Nirdhaesh Mangal
Dolan Thae Raakhah[u] Prabhoo = Asheervaadh-Aatmik Mangal
Nanak Dhae Kar[i] Hathh = Chinthan-Aatmik Mangal
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Question: What is the purpose of doing a Mangal?
Answer:
ਬਿਨਾ ਪ੍ਰਯੋਜਨ ਮੰਦੋ ਭੀ ਨ ਪ੍ਰਵਿਰਤਤੇ
Binaa Prayojan Mandho Bhee na Pravirthathae
Meaning : Without a purpose even a bad person does not start any task
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There are 5 Purposes/Reasons behind a Mangal:
1) To complete a granth without any obstacles
2) May a Sikh never start a Granth without a Mangal
3) May the audience not perceive the writer to be an atheist
4) May the Granth be popular in society
5) May there not be any mistakes within the poetic measures nor in spelling, may it be written eloquently.
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Question:
When writing a granth, where should the Mangals be written?
Answer: At beginning, middle, and end
1) Beginning: In order to remove the delusion of atheism
2) Middle: In order to be able to complete the granth without issues/obstacles
3) End: In order to remove ungratefulness (in thanking Isht)
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ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ
Ik-Oankaar Sath[i]gur Prasaadh[i]
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1st Arthh/Meaning:
Ik = The One with Non-Dual Form
Oa[n]kaar = Who provides Consciousness/Light to Everyone
Sath[i]gur Prasaadh[i] = Through Guru’s Kirpa, we are able to attain this State.
This is the Sampardaee Sanketi Arth = i.e. a short summarized form of the meaning.
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2nd Arthh/Meaning:
Ik Oankar =the very form of Ik Oankar who is Sat = the teacher of truth, that is Guru = Our Guru Ji, it is there Praasad = blessing on us.
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3rd Arthh/Meaning:
The One Nondual Brahm-Vaheguru,
According to Shruthee:
ਏਕਮੇਵਾਦੁਤੀਯੰਮਬ੍ਰਹਮ
Ekam Eva Adhuteeyam Brahm
The One who is free from separation/division, free from limitations of space, time, objectification, separation
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Ik-Oa[n]kaar = Oankaar = by reciting, we receive protection
ਓਡਾ ਕਾਰੇ ਵਾਦੰਮ ਸਰਬੱਤਮ
Odaa kaarae vaadh[n]m sarab-tham
Sath[i] = Consistent throughout all three tenses (past, present, future)
ਤ੍ਰੈ ਕਾਲ ਅਬਾਧਤ੍ਵੰ ਸਤੱਤ੍ਵੰ
Thrai kaal baadhh-thv[ng] sath-thv[ng]
Gur = Form of Consciousness
ਅਲੁਪਤਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ਤ੍ਵਚੇਤਨਤ੍ਵੰ
Alupath prakaashthv[ng] chaethnthv[ng]
Prasaadh[i] = Form of Bliss
ਦੁਖ ਰਹਿਤ ਤ੍ਰੈਸਤੀ ਸੁਖ ਰੂਪਤ੍ਵੰ ਅਨੰਦਤ੍ਵੰ
Dhukh rahith Thvaisthee Sukhroopthv[ng] Anandhthv[ng]
Without Suffering, True in all 3 tenses, Form of Peace and Bliss
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Note: This Vasthoo-Nirdhesh Mangal’s brief explanation has been given.
There are 3 traditional Arthhs/Meanings provided.
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Athh[u] = Now or After this [line]
Baavan = Fifty-Two/52
Updesh = Teachings as in a Granth referring to Guru Ji’s 52 Bachans
Likhyathae = Is being written
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Please forgive all mistakes
Servant of the Khalsa,
[Giani] Bhagwan Singh [Ji]
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ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਨ ਮੰਗਲ (Begging All Guru Sahib)
ਦੋਹਰਾ॥ (Doharaa)
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਆਦਿ ਲੈ; ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੰਥ॥
Sree Naanak Thae Aadh[i] Lai, Guroo Gra[n]thh Guru Pa[n]thh
ਪਦ ਪੰਕਜ ਬੰਦਨ ਕਰੋਂ, ਬਰਨੋਂ ਬਚਨ ਮਥੰਤ॥੧॥
Padh Pa[n]kaj Ba[n]dhan Karo[n] Barno[n] Bachan Mathha[n]th
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ਪਦ ਅਰਥ (word by word)
ਸ੍ਰੀ (Sree) = Ultimate, Highest, Glorious
ਪਦ (Padh) = Feet
ਪੰਕਜ (Pankaj) = Pank+J = that which grows from the mud = lotus flower
ਮਥੰਤ (Mathhanth) = Churn, Contemplate ~ the essence of contemplation
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Meaning:
Bowing down to the Lotus-Feet of the Highest & Glorious Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, taking on the Form of Gurbani: Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and the Guru Khalsa Panth. Through Their Kirpa, we are discussing the 52 Teachings Guru Gobind Singh Ji - given to the Khalsa Panth. These Fifty-Two teachings have the essence of Gurbani within them.
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TN:
Please forgive any mistakes in translation, send your corrections.
Guru Khalsa's Daas,
Aaeenaa
