The pilgrim on the spiritual pathway needs to remain particularly alert against the twin dangers of apathy on the one hand and impatience on the other. Both these negative impulses often create impediments that may seem to frustrate the aspirant. It is therefore essential for the seeker to remain vigilant from the outset and ward off any creeping indifference or temptation to hurry.

In comparison with other fields of knowledge, the quest for spiritual enlightenment is far more challenging. In physical sciences one probes and deals with elements and their aspects that are external. In the science of the soul the learner must delve deep within himself to discover the source of the power of spirit. In this search of the true self, the seeker and the object he sets out to discover are not two distinct entities but are indeed one unified whole. This inherent unity of the spirit makes the research all the more difficult.

For becoming a good surgeon, a composer of music, or a successful businessman, it may normally take up to twenty or twenty-five of the best years of one’s life. Over such a long period one studies for hours poring over books. If it is worthwhile to work hard in order to become a specialist in medical science, or music, it is surely equally - if not more - important - to devote as much time and effort to master the science of the soul.

In early stages of our quest we have to be watchful against the deadly foe - apathy. For discovery of the soul’s secret, it is essential that one awakens in the night, or in early hours before dawn, to turn the mind’s eye inwards to reflect on true reality.

The reason for selecting the late night, or early morning, hours is that most creatures are generally asleep and noise pollution is at its minimum. In so far as peace and silence helps concentration, practitioners of the path insist that the time between post-midnight and pre-dawn hours is best calculated to internalise the mind’s searchlight.

However, it is no easy matter in practice, at least in first stages, to wake up in the wee hours after midnight and, after a bath, to sit up quietly to reflect on Gurbani’s soothing message in order to commune with infinite power within us.

Indeed every beginner’s troubles start with all manner of worldly comforts and temptations crowding his mind and distracting him from the chosen path. The novice often argues that the path to spiritual realisation is far too troublesome; to arrive at the destination is simply impossible. "When the world around is comfortably asleep you don’t need to rise and sit. Others are surely as keen to achieve success. Why plough a solitary furrow and give up the cosy bed, only to engage in a quest whose end-result is uncertain? There would be plenty of time in future; what s the hurry? Later in life there would be opportunity to pursue spiritual goals."

So would the mind argue, and invent pretexts in order to divert and dissuade the seeker from the spiritual path.

This in fact is the test of the pilgrim’s determination. Those of resolute mind who can transcend the transient pleasures of the flesh, and who aspire for life eternal, where dwells lasting happiness, consciously opt for the way shown by the holy Guru. They then sacrifice the worldly pleasure, turning God-ward in the fullness of faith, and begin their initial ascent in the light of Gurbani’s inspired wisdom. They overcome apathy, which is a bugbear, and steer clear of its crafty machination. They are in faith truly launched on the spiritual path, having overcome the initial risk.

Even when the vigilant seeker overcomes this incipient lethargy and starts walking the spiritual path, there is yet another hurdle set by the restless mind: this new obstacle takes the form of impatience - the desire to achieve the goal in a hurry.

As the student shakes off the lethargy and begins the regime of rising early in the morning, and sitting in meditation sessions, his mind does not wait long to assume a pose of vanity, arguing that despite all the devotion, recitation and understanding of Gurbani and the nightly meditation, where is the vision of God or, for that matter, the promised spiritual powers? "Have our prayers been answered? The negative forces of lust, anger, greed, false attachments as well as pride are still dominant as ever. Desires remain largely active and - worse still - the fear of death is gnawing at the mental level. What has been gained by the pains of spiritual exercise? In the process, you gave up your comforts, you controlled your sensual liberty, but gained nothing. God remains as elusive and far as before, even as fear of death continues to lurk. This spiritual process seems tough, unrewarding. What measure of hope for realising the truth can be expected for the sincere and industrious practitioner?"

When the foregoing doubts and apprehensions trouble the sensitive mind of the seeker of truth, it is the right moment to avoid the trap, and hold on to the conviction of a true disciple of the Guru.

The quest of one’s true self is not a short term - or ad hoc - trip of a year or two. Only the blessed ones may arrive at the destined goal within their life time. The true disciple knows that realisation of Truth is his destiny; the longer he travels on the path the easier it becomes.

Every Amrit vela session of contemplation becomes progressively peaceful, joyous and deeply soothing. The scintillating snow at mountain top must be seen to be believed, but its bracing cool air is experienced with every step of our ascent. That is true of the ultimate stage of God realisation, and the unity with the Great Soul, which is our final goal. The traveller begins to have a foretaste of peace and love, a glow of physical and mental well-being, freedom from fear, a feeling of goodwill, indeed a sense of triumph. The more he advances along the path blazed by Gurbani, the more he is at peace with the present and secure in future. He now stands at the threshold of true happiness.

So, at the outset, the seeker needs to be conscious of the potential risk posed by the two bugbears: lethargy and impatience that are ever ready to conspire against him. He has to be forearmed to meet the subtle twin challenges. His best guide is Gurbani’s illuminating text:

"sgl isAwnp Cwif [ kir syvw syvk swij [ hoooohu swvDwn Awpuny gurisau"

i.e., surrender your intellectual wisdom, in spirit of humility and devotion. Be vigilant in following Guru’s instructions. That way shall you fulfill your desire and win soulful treasure.

"hir syvhu iKnuiKnu [ iFl mUil n kirhu[ ijqu AsiQru jug jug hovhu]"

i.e., dwell on God every moment, in doing so never hesitate, for thus will you attain permanence.

"pRB imlby kI lwlsw[ qwqy Awlsu khw krau rI"

i.e., the desire to unite with God cannot brook any delay.

"audm krhu vfBwgIho ismrhu hir hir rwie"

i.e., O fortunate seekers, be up and doing. Remember God - the king of kings.

"audm kryidAW jIau qMU[kmwvidAW suK BuMc]"

i.e., ever live in activism, practise meditation and earn true joy; as you remember God you shall verily be united in Him and forever attain peace.

[Translation from Punjabi by S.S.]