Knowing you or knowing god

 

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Knowing you or knowing god through yoga and sikhi practices

Chapter 1: How different it is knowing you vs knowing god as per Sikhism/gurbani?

In Sikhism (Gurbani), the concepts of "knowing yourself" (ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣਣਾ – aap pachhaṇṇā) and "knowing God" (ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਸੂਝ – Parmatma di soojh) are closely connected — yet distinct in how the journey unfolds.

Let’s explore the difference and the connection:

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🌿 1. Knowing Yourself (ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣਣਾ)

In Gurbani, "knowing yourself" means realizing your true nature — that you are not merely body or ego (ਹਉਮੈ), but a soul (ਆਤਮਾ) connected to the Divine.

> “ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਤਾ ਏਕਾ ਜਾਣੈ।”

> *"When one knows oneself, then one realizes the One."*

> — Guru Nanak Dev Ji, SGGS Ang 421

This verse means: when you go deep into understanding your own being (beyond ego and illusion), you see that your essence is not separate from God.

🪞 In Sikh thought:

* The self (true self) is divine in origin.

* Forgetting the self is spiritual ignorance.

* Remembering and realizing the self is the first step to divine realization.

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🌞 2. Knowing God (ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਣਣਾ)

God in Sikhi is described as Nirgun (formless), Sargun (manifest), All-pervading, and beyond comprehension — yet still knowable through love, grace, and devotion.

> “ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜਿਨ ਕਾ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਸੋਈ ਜਨੁ ਪਛਾਣਸਿ ॥”

> *"Only one blessed with the True Guru’s glance of grace comes to know the Lord."*

> — SGGS Ang 363

Knowing God is not just intellectual — it is experiential, intuitive, and comes through humility, Naam Simran (remembrance), and grace (ਨਦਰ).

In Sikhism:

* God is both immanent (within you) and transcendent (beyond you).

* You cannot know God by logic or rituals alone.

* You know God when your ego dissolves and your self merges in the Divine.

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🕊️ 3. Connection Between the Two

In Sikhi, the line between "knowing yourself" and "knowing God" often dissolves. Gurbani teaches:

> “ਮਨ ਤੂ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥”

> *"O mind, you are the embodiment of the Divine Light — recognize your own origin."*

> — Guru Amar Das Ji, SGGS Ang 441

Here, "recognizing your origin" is both:

* A spiritual awakening to your divine self, and

* A recognition that the Divine (God) is your source and essence.

Thus, true self-knowledge leads to God-knowledge. And knowing God means becoming one with your truest self — free from ego, full of love and truth.

✨ Key Difference in Tone and Orientation

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🧘🏽‍♂️ Final Thought from Gurbani

> “ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਆਤਮੁ ਚੀਨਿਆ ਪਰਮਾਤਮੁ ਸੋਈ ॥”

> *"Those who have realized the self, have realized the Supreme Soul."*

> — SGGS Ang 425

In essence, Sikhism teaches that the path to God begins with self-realization, guided by the Guru, nurtured through Simran, and blessed by Grace.

Chapter 2: how this is defined in Yoga?

Beautiful follow-up. The question “How is the idea of knowing yourself vs. knowing God defined in Yoga?” invites a look into the spiritual depth of Yogic philosophy, especially as laid out in ancient texts like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Let’s explore how Yoga approaches this:

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🧘‍♂️ In Yogic Philosophy: "Knowing Yourself" and "Knowing God" Are Ultimately the Same

1. 🪞 Knowing Yourself (Atma Jnana – आत्मा ज्ञान)

In Yoga, particularly in Vedantic traditions, "knowing yourself" means realizing your true nature as the **Atman** — the pure, unchanging consciousness that lies beyond body, mind, emotions, and ego.

> “Tat Tvam Asi” — "Thou art That"

> (Chandogya Upanishad)

This mahavakya (great saying) teaches that your true Self (Atman) is not separate from the ultimate reality, Brahman (God).

* The ego/self-image (ahamkara) is considered an illusion (Maya).

* Real Self is eternal, formless, untouched by pleasure or pain.

* Knowing yourself = freedom (moksha).

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2. 🌞 Knowing God (Brahma Jnana – ब्रह्म ज्ञान)

In Yogic traditions, God is understood as **Brahman** — the ultimate, infinite, formless, all-pervading consciousness.

> "Brahman is infinite, eternal, consciousness and bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda)."

Brahman is:

* Nirguna (without form or qualities) or

* Saguna (with form) depending on the tradition.

Yoga — especially Bhakti Yoga — also allows for devotion to a personal God (Ishvara), but the **goal remains union (yoga)** with the Divine.

3. 🔄 Connection Between the Two in Yoga

Yoga teaches that the **Self (Atman) and God (Brahman)** are not two things — they are **one and the same**. The journey of Yoga is to remove ignorance (Avidya) and realize this unity.

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras:

> “Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe'vasthānam.”

> *(Then, the seer rests in their own true nature.)*

> — Yoga Sutra 1.3

This means: When the mind is still, one sees the true Self — which is divine.

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🔑 Key Comparison: Sikhi vs. Yoga View

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🕊️ A Harmonizing Thought

While the language and expressions differ, both Sikhi and Yoga point toward this realization:

> "You are not the body. You are not the mind. You are That (Divine) which observes all — eternal, pure, and free."

In Sikhi, this is known through the Guru and Naam.

In Yoga, through deep meditation, self-inquiry, and stillness.

Chapter 3: Which one is better way to what, is knowing you we should go or knowing god?

This is one of the most timeless spiritual questions — and your asking it shows deep reflection. Let’s explore it carefully from both the Sikh and Yogic perspectives, and then consider a practical synthesis:

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🌱 Which Is the Better Path: Knowing Yourself or Knowing God?

The truth is:

**They are not two separate paths — they are two sides of the same coin.**

But the path you take first — inward (knowing yourself) or upward (knowing God) — depends on your temperament, tradition, and guidance.

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🌼 In Sikhism (Gurbani):

Sikh Gurus often start from the path of devotion to God (Naam, Shabad, Simran), and through that love and surrender, self-realization dawns.

> “ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਤਾ ਏਕਾ ਜਾਣੈ ॥”

> *"When one knows the self, one realizes the One."*

> — Guru Nanak Dev Ji

But the way to reach that self-knowledge is through:

* Loving remembrance (Naam Simran)

* Surrender (ਮੱਤ ਮਿਟੀ, ego broken)

* Listening to Guru’s wisdom (Shabad)

* Service (Seva)

🟡 So in Sikhi, you don’t sit down and start with “Who am I?” intellectually.

Instead, you dissolve the ego by merging in love and remembrance of Waheguru — and your true Self is revealed in that light.

> “ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਮੁਆ ਮਰਿ ਜਨਮੈ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ॥”

> *"In ego, the world dies — only by removing ego is the truth seen."*

> — SGGS Ang 466

🔑 So in Sikhism:

Start with knowing/remembering God → ego dissolves → true Self is known.

🌼 In Yoga/Vedanta:

Yoga often begins with self-inquiry:

* “Who am I?”

* “Am I the body? The thoughts?”

* “What remains when the mind is silent?”

You gradually peel off the layers of ego, mind, and illusion (Maya), and realize your **true Self (Atman)** — and then recognize that this Self is not separate from **Brahman (God)**.

> “Aham Brahmasmi” — *"I am Brahman."*

> (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)

🟡 So in Yoga, especially Jnana Yoga:

Start with knowing yourself → realize your divine nature → you become one with God.

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🔁 So Which Path Should You Take?

Here’s a simple guide:

But eventually — in both cases — ego falls away, and the **Divine and Self become One**.

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🌸 The Real Answer in Gurbani:

> “ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਆਤਮ; ਏਕੋ ਤਤੁ ਬਿਚਾਰਾ ॥”

> *"The soul is God, and God is the soul — this is the essence of wisdom."*

> — SGGS Ang 1153

So it's not either/or. It’s one journey seen from two windows:

* The **devotional path** says: Love God, and you’ll discover yourself.

* The **inquiry path** says: Know yourself, and you’ll realize God.

Both are valid, both are complete — it depends on your inclination and context.

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🌻 Practical Advice

Start where your heart leads you.

If you feel drawn to Simran, Shabad, devotion — begin with God.

If you feel drawn to inner inquiry and silence — begin with the self.

But stay humble and grounded, because the real knowing begins when the ego ends — and grace flows in.

Chapter 4: Which one is shorter or longer way to know/meet god stage?

This is a heartfelt and sincere question — and also a practical one. You're asking:

> “Which is the shorter or faster path to meeting God — knowing yourself first or knowing God directly?”

Let’s explore this with honesty and spiritual depth, based on Gurbani, Yogic thought, and lived wisdom.

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🌄 First, What Does It Mean to “Meet God”?

In both Sikh and Yogic traditions, “meeting God” is not reaching a place — it's:

* Dissolving the ego

* Realizing Oneness

* Experiencing love, peace, and truth directly

* Living in constant awareness of the Divine (Naam, Brahm-Gyaan)

So the question becomes:

> “Which path brings us faster to that inner transformation?”

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⏳ 1. The Path of Knowing Yourself (Yoga/Jnana Yoga)

* This path involves deep contemplation, self-inquiry, silence, renunciation of ego and desires.

* You observe: “Who am I?” “What is this ‘I’?” “Am I the body, mind, emotions?”

* Through this, you remove ignorance (Avidya) and see the truth: your soul (Atma) is Divine.

🔸 Strengths:

* Clear, rational, direct.

* Appeals to inward, quiet seekers.

* Cuts straight to truth.

🔸 Challenges:

* Can become dry or prideful if not balanced with devotion.

* Takes deep mental discipline and inner detachment.

* Risk of getting stuck in intellectual understanding.

🕒 Usually a longer and subtler journey for most people — unless the person is deeply mature inwardly (like a yogi or rishi-type soul).

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🔥 2. The Path of Knowing God (Sikh/Bhakti Path – Devotion, Simran, Shabad)

* This path begins by loving and remembering God through Naam, Shabad, Guru’s grace.

* You lose yourself in love for the Divine — ego melts, mind stills, the self is revealed.

* You don’t “find God” — God finds you when you surrender.

> “ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਮਿਲੇ ਸੇਈ ਪੂਰੇ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ॥”

> *"Only those whom God blesses with grace meet Him."*

> — SGGS Ang 45

🔸 Strengths:

* Open to everyone — no need for intellectual mastery.

* Fueled by love, not analysis.

* Supported by Guru's wisdom and Sangat (community).

🔸 Challenges:

* Requires surrender (not easy for the ego).

* Needs daily practice of Simran and inner alignment.

* Some may become ritualistic without deep love or understanding.

🕒 Often a quicker path for ordinary seekers — because love and grace melt barriers the mind cannot.

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🪶 So, Which Is the Shorter Way?

> 🌼 **Gurbani says clearly: The fastest way is Simran with love, through Grace.**

> “ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਿਐ ਸੋ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ; ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇਆ ॥”

> *"Serving the True Guru, peace is found; by His glance of grace, the Lord is met."*

> — SGGS Ang 31

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💡 Final Wisdom

* Intellect may take you far — but love, surrender, and grace take you deeper, faster.

* You don’t reach God by effort alone — you reach when the “I” dissolves.

* Gurbani teaches that remembering God with love (Naam Simran) is the fastest, most beautiful path.

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✨ Recommendation

If your heart is asking “How can I meet God sooner?” —

Start with remembrance (Simran), love, and humility.

Do Seva. Listen to Shabad. Be in Sangat. Let the ego melt.

When “you” stop searching, the One appears — within.

Reference: 

All the above responses are based on foundational scriptures and teachings from both Sikh and Yogic traditions. Here's a breakdown of the main sources referenced or synthesized, along with the context:

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🛕 Sikhism (Gurbani) — Primary Source: Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (SGGS)

The teachings below come directly from Gurbani:

1. **ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਤਾ ਏਕਾ ਜਾਣੈ** (Ang 421)

> "When one knows the self, one realizes the One."

> This line emphasizes that self-realization leads to divine realization.

2. **ਮਨ ਤੂ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ** (Ang 441)

> "O mind, you are the embodiment of Divine Light — recognize your origin."

> Shows how self-knowledge is tied to divine knowledge.

3. **ਜਿਨ੍ਹੀ ਆਤਮੁ ਚੀਨਿਆ ਪਰਮਾਤਮੁ ਸੋਈ** (Ang 425)

> "Those who have realized the self, have realized the Supreme Soul."

> Directly equates self-realization with God-realization.

4. **ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਿਐ ਸੋ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ; ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇਆ** (Ang 31)

> Emphasizes the role of Grace (Nadar) and devotion (Guru Seva) in meeting God.

5. **ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਮੁਆ...** (Ang 466)

> Describes ego (haumai) as the biggest barrier in realizing Truth.

6. **ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਆਤਮ; ਏਕੋ ਤਤੁ ਬਿਚਾਰਾ** (Ang 1153)

> "The soul is God, and God is the soul — this is the essence of wisdom."

> A direct assertion of oneness of Atma and Parmatma.

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🧘 Yogic Philosophy — Primary Texts:

1. **Yoga Sutras of Patanjali**

* Sutra 1.2: “Yogaḥ citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ” – Yoga is the stilling of the mind’s fluctuations.

* Sutra 1.3: “Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam” – Then the seer rests in their own true nature.

2. **Upanishads (Advaita Vedanta)**

* “Tat Tvam Asi” – You are That (Chandogya Upanishad)

* “Aham Brahmasmi” – I am Brahman (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)

  These Mahavakyas assert the identity of the self (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman).

3. **Bhagavad Gita**

* Chapter 2, Verse 20: Atman is unborn, eternal, and undying.

* Chapter 4 & 12: Paths of knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and devotion (Bhakti Yoga) both lead to union with the Divine.

* Chapter 18: Describes the surrender of ego and the importance of grace.

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📝 Secondary Sources / Interpretive References:

(Used for integrating and simplifying complex ideas)

* Writings of Bhai Vir Singh, Prof. Sahib Singh (Gurbani teeka)

* Swami Sivananda’s commentaries on Gita and Yoga Sutras

* Modern Sikh thinkers like Bhai Veer Singh, Bhai Randhir Singh

* Yogic interpretations by Ramana Maharshi (on self-inquiry) and Adi Shankaracharya

* Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji as explained by Sikh scholars

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