Vismaad in Asa ki vaar

Vismaad in Asa Ki Vaar

I was listening to Maskeen ji's katha on Vismaad and thought I would write my thoughts on it.  Vismaad, a word derived from the Punjabi language, embodies the concept of wonder and astonishment that transcends mere intellectual comprehension. It is a state of being that goes beyond the limitations of ego and encompasses a deep appreciation for the mysteries of life. While individuals such as children, poets, and saints often possess this capacity for vismaad, many others are consumed by ego, depriving themselves of the beauty and awe that can be found in the world around them.

Guru Nanak says: 

Vismaad naad vismaad ved. Vismaad je-a vismaad bhed.
Vismaad roop vismaad rang. Vismaad nagnae phireh jant.
Vismaad pa-un vismaad paanee. Vismaad agneekhaydeh vidaanee.
Vismaad dhartee vismaad khaanee. Vismaad saad lageh paraanee.
Vismaad sanjog vismaad vijog. Vismaad bhukh vismaad bhog.
Vismaad sifat vismaad saalaah. Vismaad ujharh vismaad raah.
Vismaad nayrhai vismaad door(h). Vismaad daykhai haajraa hajoor.
Vaiykh vidaan rahi-aa vismaad. Nanak bujhan pooraibhaag. ||1||
(SGGS, Pg. No. 463)

Paraphrasing Guru Nanak's Vismaad Pauri: 

I am filled with wonder as I observe the wind blowing in one place and water flowing in another. The mesmerizing dances of fire never fail to astonish me. It is truly remarkable how the Earth sustains the myriad creatures through various means of birth, be it from an egg, a womb, the earth itself, or even through perspiration. The enjoyment of your abundant blessings by mortals is a spectacle that fills me with awe.

The experience of people coming together or being separated is nothing short of astonishing. Oh God, it is difficult to comprehend that while some suffer from acute hunger, others are surrounded by abundance and indulgence. Somewhere, the Creator is being praised and glorified. It is wondrous to witness the divergent paths taken by individuals, some straying away from the divine commands while others walk along the well-laid paths. The play of this wondrous existence is simply astounding.

It is incredible how some claim that You are very near, while others believe You to be far away, and yet some perceive Your presence right beside them, permeating every corner of existence. Witnessing these marvels, I am left wonderstruck. Oh Nanak, those who comprehend the astonishing wonders you manifest are blessed with perfect destiny.

Vismaad in Children, Poets, and Saints:

Children, with their innocent and untainted perspectives, possess an innate sense of wonder. They marvel at the simplest things like butterflies, the sun, snow, flowers, and the moon. To them, the world is filled with endless mysteries waiting to be explored, and their vismaad allows them to revel in these wonders without the constraints of ego.

Similarly, poets are blessed with the gift of vismaad. Through their poetic expressions, they capture the ineffable essence of life and evoke emotions that transcend ordinary understanding. Poets possess a heightened sense of observation and tap into the deeper dimensions of existence, allowing them to perceive and convey the beauty and wonder that often eludes others.

Saints, particularly those who have attained spiritual enlightenment, embody the highest form of vismaad. They possess a profound connection with their souls and possess the ability to perceive the divine within all things. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, emphasized the significance of vismaad when he proclaimed, "Vekh vidaan rehaa vismaad" - witnessing your wonders, I am in wonder. This ability to experience vismaad is considered a rare blessing bestowed upon individuals through good fortune.

The Pitfall of Ego:

Ego, the antithesis of vismaad, acts as a hindrance to the experience of wonder. When one becomes consumed by the ego, they adopt a sense of omniscience, falsely believing that they possess complete knowledge. This inflated sense of understanding eliminates the mystery and curiosity that accompanies vismaad. Scientists, who often approach the world with a purely analytical mindset, may lack vismaad as they seek to unravel the mechanisms and intricacies of the natural world, focusing solely on objective knowledge rather than embracing the wonder it holds.

Vismaad in Everyday Life:

Namdev, a revered saint and poet from India, professed that vismaad can be found in every aspect of existence. He emphasized that everything in creation resonates with wisdom, even the smallest leaf or a droplet in the vast ocean. The sheer diversity and uniqueness of every living being, whether animal or plant, evoke a sense of wonder. Each organism, down to the minutest detail, exhibits distinct characteristics, captivating those with vismaad.

Moreover, vismaad extends beyond living beings to encompass the vast array of shapes and colors in the world. The intricacy and diversity found in nature's creations evoke awe and fascination. Even a single fish can exhibit a multitude of vibrant hues, each contributing to its individuality. Saints, with their heightened perception, may even find divinity in seemingly ordinary objects, recognizing the presence of God in an eggplant, for instance, while others remain oblivious to such revelations due to their lack of vismaad.

Fostering Vismaad

Vismaad, the state of wonder that surpasses intellectual understanding, holds immense value in our lives. It allows us to transcend the limitations of ego, opening our minds to the mysteries and beauty of the world. Children, poets, and saints serve as exemplars of vismaad, demonstrating how embracing wonder can lead to a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. By fostering vismaad, we can unlock the hidden wisdom and appreciate the awe-inspiring diversity that permeates every aspect of existence.



My notes from Maskeen ji's katha:



Asa DI vaar #5

Wonder is beyond intellect. 

When ego comes in, wonder goes away. There is no mystery if you know everything. If you understand that what we know is incomplete we are capable of vismaad. For that reason kids, poets and saints all have vismaad. Most other people have ego and don’t have vismaad. 

A kid loves butterflies. Sun. Snow. Flowers. Moon. Mystery abounds. Vismaad. 

Poets also have this vismaad. 

Saints also have the highest vismaad. They can see through their soul. Vekh vidaan rehaa vismaad says nanak. Nanak bujhe pure bhaag - only with good fortune does anyone get this. 

The normal person in his ego says I know clouds. I know earth. I know the sun. The scientist doesn’t have vismaad. 

Guru Nanak says I’m in wonder because of all this things  

He starts with sound  vismaad naad  

Clouds. Wind. Birds. Music. These make the saint wonder. But not for the layman. But do you really hear do you really listen  namdev says sabhai ghat Raam bole.

He says I’m in wonder because of knowledge. There is wisdom in everything  even the leaf has wisdom  even a droplet in the ocean has an ocean of wealth.

Then I am wonder because of all the living beings on earth. No animal is like any other animal.  Even every leaf of the same tree is different.  I am in wonder because of all the differences. 

Vismad roop ... rang

So many shapes and so many colors. Every organism is different.  Even one fish may have so many different colors.

A saint might fall in love with an eggplant because he sees God in it. But the layman might see an eggplant even if you showed him God. He wouldn’t recognize. 

Vismaad naange phire

I am surprised that animals are naked and they are not embarrassed. 

Vismaad pavan paani Agni ... 

I’m in vismaad looking at pavan. You give me life and refresh me.  You give me warmth. You quench my thirst. You fill me with wonder. 

Daava agan, badva agan, 


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