Char Padarath: Difference between revisions

Char Padarath or The Four Treasures are needs of Soul to attain the supreme spiritual bliss i.e attainment of god. Gurbani contains information about soul and gives description how soul could liberate. In Gurmat, Four Treasures are described which a Gurmukh can understand with his deep Insight. From Adi Granth, four types of Treasures or Padarath's are present for the soul.

In Gurmat, Four Padaraths are different those are:

1. Gyan Padarath: (Treasure of Spiritual Knowledge)
2. Mukat Padarath: (Treasure of Salvation)
3. Naam Padarath: (Treasure of Divine Wisdom)
4. Janam Padarath: (Treasure of Spiritual Birth)

But there are the Char Padarath(Four Treasures) that was defined prior which have no relation with Gurmat, those were defined by worldly people, who have no understanding of concept of soul. They have described four Treasures which are not inline with Adi Granth, those are:

1. Dharam - Discipline. Understanding of his or her duties i.e virtues (Ethics)

2. Arath - Assets.

There is no relation between Religion and Money? This is not a Spiritual Treasure. It is a temporal thing that everyone leaves behind after spending each lifetime. There is no spiritual value attached to it. Money give birth to desires, and this is the thing which person left in this world.

3. Kaam - Desire. His or her all desired get fulfilled, including marriage and children

This is one another padarath from earlier beliefs. This is a reflection of worldly/temporal mindset wherein things of material use are being asked for. Such a desire and mindset makes one oblivious of the soul and the real purpose we are here for.

4. Moksh - Liberation.

Mokh/Moksha has been thought to be freedom from life and death cycles. But the common belief takes the stand that it can only be achieved after death which makes it mysterious and vague. Gurmat view differs from it and treats Mokh/Mukti as something that can be realized while you are living.

The supernatural powers & Worldly treasures have no importance in Sikhi & are simple slave to gift of naam. In fact they can actually hinder spiritual progress and create ego in the mind.

See also Supernatural Powers

Main article: Ashtdasa Sidh

Main article: Nau Nidh

Note: The Mahan Kosh defines 'Chaar Padaarath' as "Arth, Dharam, Kaam, Moksha"

The assertion that Dharam, Arth, Kaam, Mokh do not fit in Gurmat is not possible. Siri Guru Granth Sahib ji mentions these 4 by name at least on the following Ang's:

805/806:

"arth dharam kaam mokh ka data. puri bhae simar simar bidhata.3."

"He is the Giver of wealth, Dharmic faith, pleasure and liberation. Meditating, meditating in remembrance on the creator Lord, the Architect of Destiny, I am fulfilled.3."

816:

"sadhsang aradhna har nidh apar. dharam arth ar kaam mokh dete nahi baar.2."

"In the Sadh Sangat, the company of the Holy, I worship and adore the Lord, the infinite treasure. He does not hesitate to bless me with Dharmic faith, wealth, sexual success and liberation.2."

1320:

"mere man jap har gun akath sunathi. dharam arth sabh kaam mokh hai jan peechai lag firathi.1. rahao."

"O my mind, chant the Glorious Praises of the Lord, which are said to be inexpressible. Righteousness and Dharmic faith, success and prosperity, pleasure, the fulfillment of desires and liberation - all follow the humble servant of the Lord like a shadow.1.Pause."