ਸੁਰਗੁ (surag)
Meaning: noun: Heaven.
Quote:
ਕਵਨੁ ਨਰਕੁ ਕਿਆ ਸੁਰਗੁ ਬਿਚਾਰਾ ਸੰਤਨ ਦੋਊ ਰਾਦੇ॥
kavan narak kiaa surag bichaaraa saňtan do-oo raade.
What is hell, and what is poor heaven? The saints have rejected them both. – Bhagat Kabir, Guru Granth Sahib, 969
Message: Bhagat Kabir in the verse above rejects a belief in heaven and hell. Having complete faith in the support of the all-pervading Divine, he sees only Him here and there. Living under His grace, Bhagat Kabir has found peace.
Once there is realization that the Creator lives in His creation, that the Divine is all pervading, there is no place for a belief in a heaven or a hell. The saints have therefore rejected them both.
Relying on the support of the Divine, believing in and living in accordance with His will (hukam) we come to accept every place as the same. We can live in a ‘cursed’ or a ‘blessed’ place. Despite the challenges we may face in life, we are not shaken or broken into pieces. Our stability comes from our faith in Him and our endeavour to follow His teachings. The Divine is our sustainer, no matter where He may put us.
ਸੁਰਗ ਬਾਸੁ ਨ ਬਾਛੀਐ ਡਰੀਐ ਨ ਨਰਕਿ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ॥ ਹੋਨਾ ਹੈ ਸੋ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ ਮਨਹਿ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ਆਸ ॥
One should not wish for a place in heaven, and one should not be afraid to live in hell. Whatever happens, will happen; do not have any desire in your mind. – Bhagat Kabir, Guru Granth Sahib, 337
Etymology: From Sanskrit suvarg/svarg (heaven).
