Nanak, now turning from His contemplation of the Almighty, concentrates on the kind of life required to reach His door.
During his time, Hinduism had precipitated itself into mere casteism and ritualism. The rites remained but the spirit was lost. The world was considered the root of all evil, and becoming a yogin and following certain set practices was thought the only means to salvation.
Nanak points out the inadequacy of such an outlook and stresses that it is the Inner Discipline and not the outer codes that bring True Spiritual Progress. Instead of the wooden ear-rings and mendicant’s wallet of the yogins, he recommends contentment, self-respect and endeavour; instead of their body-smearing ashes, cloak and staff, he recommends constant meditation, preparedness-for-death and the anchor of a living Master’s teachings. Salvation is not the monopoly of the so-called yogins. It is made possible only by a certain Spiritual Condition and those who attain it, even if they are not yogins, may reach the Highest: and conversely those who are outwardly yogins but have failed to achieve this condition may never reach God’s door. This Spiritual Condition, not only requires the rigorous Inner Discipline but enjoins a catholic outlook on life – an outlook where one looks on all as equals and sees His hand in everything.
Stanza XXVIII
Let contentment be your earrings, and endeavour for the Divine and respect for the Higher Self be your wallet, and constant meditation on Him be your ashes. Let preparedness-for-death be your cloak, and let your body be like unto a chaste virgin. Let your Master’s teachings be your supporting staff. The highest religion1 is to rise to Universal Brotherhood,2 aye, to consider all creatures your equals. Conquer your mind, for victory over self is victory over the world. Hail,3 Hail, to Him alone, the Primal, Pure, Eternal, Immortal, and Immutable in all ages.
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Explanation: 1) Aa-ee Panthi: it is the highest sect of the yogins. 2) Sagal Jamati: Classless class or class with no distinction between student and student, with boys from all sects and of all denominations, associating together in love and goodwill, and sitting together at the feet of one Master. 3) Aa-des: it is a compound word consisting of Aadi (the primal) and Eesh (God). It is a form of salutation among the yogins.