Introduction To 'The Spiritual Heritage Of The Punjab' By Jaswant Singh Neki

Spirituality means being related to spirit in contrast to the tangible or material. Its sublime reaches pertain to the relationship between man and God.

Although the spiritual urge is present in man everywhere, it there is something special about the genius spiritual heritage is not only among the most ancient, it is also among the most varied.

It has been said, 'Those born in the Punjab ever face new expeditions'. This land, for millennia, has been the gateway for an almost unceasing series of invasions. How very devastating must have the effect of such invasions been is borne out by the account Dev of one such invasion, that of Babur in 1521

When are the games, the horses, the stables, drums and the bugles?

the sword-belts, where the chariots, Where the uniforms scarlet?

Where are the mirrors and the beauteous faces, see them no more!

This world is Yours, You are its Master,

Just as You create, in an instant, so too You destroy, And distribute wealth as You please.

Where are the houses, where their portals, Where are the mansions and serais?

Where are the pretty brides lounging on the couches, Seeing whom, folk lose their sleep?

Where are the betel leaves and their vendors,

Where are the harems? Like shadows all gone! So many perished for the greed of wealth,

For the greed of gold disgraced.

Those whom the Creator does choose to destroy, Of virtues strips them first.

Hearing of Babur' s invasion, divines Prayed for the halt of his hordes.

Burnt he temples, and burnt he mansions, Princes he cut up, and cast to the winds. Yet no divine could a miracle work,

And not a Mogul, by the mantras, was blinded. Moguls and Pathans, fought they each other, Clanged they swords in the battleground. Moguls, fired their smoky guns,

And Pathans advanced their elephants.

Those whose licence was torn by the Lord, They, sure, were destined to breathe their last.

Hindu and Muslim and Bhatti, Rajput Women, disrobed, into pyres were thrown. How did the poor souls pass their nights, Whose husbands returned not home?