ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜੋ ਰਹੈ ॥
gur kai gireh sevak jo rahai ||That selfless servant who lives in the Guru’s house
ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਸਹੈ ॥
gur kee aagiaa man meh sahai ||who accepts the Guru’s command deep within his mind.
—Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 286
ਮਨੁ ਬੇਚੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਪਾਸਿ ॥
man bechai satigur kai paas ||One who sells his mind to the True Guru
ਤਿਸੁ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੇ ਕਾਰਜ ਰਾਸਿ ॥
tis sevak ke kaaraj raas ||all that servant’s affairs are perfectly resolved.
—Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 286
In this verse, Guru Arjan Dev Ji reveals a profound truth: the Guru takes care of all our affairs—in this life and beyond—but there’s a condition. And what is that? We must surrender our mind to the Guru.
What does it mean to “surrender the mind” to the Guru?
A Sikh is said to have surrendered their mind when they let go of personal will, mental fixations, and beliefs, and instead live by the Guru’s will, the Guru’s wisdom, and the path shown in Gurbani. It’s a conscious choice to live not by one’s own intellect, but in alignment with the Guru’s teachings.
We may bow to the Guru Granth Sahib every day, yet rarely do we surrender our mental fixations or adopt the Guru’s will in our lives. Often, the mindset we carry inside the Gurdwara is different from the one we live by outside—in our homes, shops, offices, and relationships. And this is why our efforts remain incomplete.
A Major in the army who joined the Atam Science (Soul Science) Movement shared his personal experience with Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji. He said that the day he exchanged his flawed understanding of life for the powerful, truthful principles in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, his life changed completely.
Previously, he was often angry, arrogant, and dominating—traits that made him uncomfortable at home, at work, and in his social circles. He saw himself as a Major first, and everything else after. But after joining the Atam Science Movement, he began to see himself first and foremost as a Sikh of the Guru.
He shared:
“Now, my wife and family are happy with me. My work life and social relationships have also transformed. As my anger has reduced, peace of mind and harmony have increased.”
What brought about this change?
Because he started bowing before the Guru Granth Sahib in the true sense—both physically and mentally. He began to do Parkash (ceremonial installation) of Guru Sahib at home. He did the seva (devotional service) himself. He sat in the presence of Guru Maharaj, did Simran (remembrance), Naam Abhyaas (meditation), and reflected on Gurbani.
He no longer saw himself as the master of the house. His entire perspective shifted. The Guru Granth Sahib became the true Master, and he saw himself as a servant living in the Guru’s house.
And when such a transformation takes place, the atmosphere of that home—the thoughts, actions, and intentions of those who live there—begin to reflect the Guru’s presence. The Guru Granth Sahib is no longer worshipped ritually but becomes the true guide in every decision and lifestyle choice.
The meaning of “Gur kee aagiaa man meh sahai” is this:
That the Sikh’s thoughts, choices, and actions flow from Gurmat—the Guru’s wisdom. Every breath of the Gursikh becomes immersed in this ecosystem of Gurmat.
Such a life doesn’t emerge overnight. For members of the Atam Science Movement, accepting Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the Master of the house, and then living in that house as a servant, requires deep surrender. One must let go of all false beliefs and self-willed resolutions.
This journey often feels like an intense internal battle—but only those with true spiritual courage, the Guru’s warrior-beloveds, who have laid their head at the Guru’s feet, are able to live according to Gurmat.
Yet, if this inner battle is fought under the Guru’s refuge—guided by the Guru’s teachings—then success is guaranteed. This inner discipline prepares the Gursikh to take on great responsibilities and do meaningful, benevolent work in the external world. When the inner self aligns with the Guru, the outer life too takes perfect form.
And then, every pore of the body proclaims:
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa (The Khalsa belongs to the Divine)
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh (All victory belongs to the Divine)
Listen to the audio of the Sabad here
