The 5 Stages

SriGuru Nanak Dev Ji tells us that there are five stages (Regions) which a mortal soul goes through; the last stage (5th) is the mortal soul merging back with the supreme soul (salvation)

The stages (regions are):

1:Daram Khand

2:Gian Khand

3:Saram Khand

4:Karam Khand

5:Sach Khand

Daram Khand: Region of realising the spiritul duty

When the mortal with the grace of God realises that they should not waste their lives in sin, false pleasures and corruption. The mortal realizes that this is all a play of the almighty and the human from is their chance to achieve salvation. The mortal realizes that salvation is the ultimate and true goal everything else is false. The mortal realizes about Daram Raj- the God of justice, therefore the mortal fears to commit sin and achieve to commit pious deeds. The mortal realises that high or low status in the world is meaningless in the divinr court. The mortal puts their effort of obtianing divine knowledge.

Gian Khand: The region of divine knowledge

When the mortal mind begins detaching itself from worldly sinful pursuits, it thinks of spirital matters. This thinking inspires the mortal to serve others (humanity). He yearns to understand divine matters in a machanical way. Now the mortal gets pleasure in seeing the ultimate nature to god 's creation. The mortal's doubts vanish. The mortal gets supreme bliss: the worldly desires dwindle into insignificance.

Saram Khand:The region of spiritual beauty, wisdom and intution

When the mortal obtains divine knowledge, the mortal comes to understand the directions of the true Guru (Shabad Guru-Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji). He tries to put the Gurus direactions into practice i.e. practice the Guru's hukam (becoming gurmuhk). The mortal destroys previuos evil habits and instincts and moulds a new life of devotional worship. He gets up at Amrit Vela (1am -sunrise). The spiritual efforts infuse divine realisation and elevate his soul and wisdom. All this gives a new beauty to the mortal. Rhe mind, intellect and wisdom are purified and intuition of obtained.

Karam Khand:The region of divine grace

The mortal prays to and loves God. The mortal seeks the lord's grace. The divine grace is showered by gods will. Spiritual power and divine light appear with in the devotees frame. His mind remains absorbed in gods love and remembrence day and night. The mortal becomes totally detached from maya. The angel of death cannot appear approach the mortal. Supreme joy and bliss (nectar) constantly exits within.

Sach Khand:The region of truth

The final stage is reached the devotee is again absorbed into the creator. Births and deats are ended.

Home has been reached. The devotee won the game of life.

GOD GETS JOY BY THINKING OF AND BEHOLDING HIS CREATION.

(SATGURU) NANAK (SAYS THAT) TO DESCRIBE THE REALM OF TRUTH IS DIFFICULT AS EATING IRON.

JAPJI SAHIB