BRAHAM GIAN (Knowledge of the Divine), by a Sevapanthi saint Gopal Das, is a treatise in Punjabi on theology. The work is unpublished and the only extant copy of the manuscript is preserved in the private collection of Dr Tarlochan Singh Bedi at Patiala. It contains 219 folios and was written presumably in the first half of the eighteenth century. Another incomplete copy of the manuscript existed under MS. No. 1700 in the Sikh Reference Library, Amritsar, until it perished in 1984 in the Army attack on the Golden Temple premises.
The work can broadly be divided into two parts: the first defining the term brahamgian and setting forth the means of achieving this state of mind, and the second describing the state of mind of one who has attained brahamgian.In this sense, the work can also be called a free and detailed exposition of the eighth pauri or canto of Guru Arjan`s Sukhmani (q.v.). To fortify his argument, the author has quoted profusely from numerous Persian, Sanskrit and Punjabi sources which include the works of the Gurus and of several of the Bhaktas and Sufis, besides the Bhagavadgita and the Yoga Vasistha. The excerpts and examples quoted in the original from Persian and Sanskrit works are written in red whereas their explanation in Punjabi (Gurmukhi characters) is in black ink.
The issues like the nature of God, His creation and His relationship with that creation, and the role of Guru and sangat in realizing the Divine are discussed in the light of Sikh tenets and explained with illustrations from Sufi and Vedantic texts. The language of the work is an admixture of Punjabi and Sadh Bhakha, with a fair sprinkling of Braj, Persian and Sanskrit words. Western Punjabi vocabulary predominates which may be a clue to the locale to which the author belonged.
Braham Gian is an extraordinary theological manuscript authored by Sevapanthi saint Gopal Das in the first half of the 18th century. This unpublished work, preserved in the private collection of Dr. Tarlochan Singh Bedi at Patiala, consists of 219 folios. Another incomplete copy of the manuscript was housed in the Sikh Reference Library, Amritsar, until its tragic loss during the Army attack in 1984.
Content and Structure
The manuscript is divided into two parts:
- Defining Braham Gian: The first section explores the concept of Braham Gian (Knowledge of the Divine) and outlines the means to achieve this elevated state of consciousness.
- Describing the State of Braham Gian: The second section delves into the characteristics and experiences of individuals who have attained this divine knowledge.
The work is a detailed exposition of the eighth pauri (canto) of Guru Arjan’s Sukhmani Sahib. It draws extensively from Persian, Sanskrit, and Punjabi sources, including the writings of Sikh Gurus, Bhaktas, Sufis, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Vasistha. The manuscript employs a unique color-coded system: excerpts from Persian and Sanskrit texts are written in red ink, while their explanations in Punjabi (Gurmukhi script) are in black ink.
Themes and Insights
The manuscript addresses profound theological questions:
- Nature of God: It explores the concept of Nirankar (Formless One) and His relationship with creation.
- Role of Guru and Sangat: The text emphasizes the importance of the Guru and the holy congregation in realizing the Divine.
- Interfaith Dialogues: By incorporating Sufi and Vedantic texts, the manuscript reflects a syncretic approach to spirituality, bridging diverse traditions.
The language is a blend of Punjabi, Sadh Bhakha, Braj, Persian, and Sanskrit, with a predominance of Western Punjabi vocabulary, hinting at the author’s regional origins.
Significance and Legacy
Braham Gian stands as a testament to the intellectual and spiritual richness of Sikh theology. Its detailed commentary and intertextual references make it a valuable resource for understanding the synthesis of Sikh, Sufi, and Vedantic philosophies. The manuscript’s preservation efforts highlight the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, especially in the face of historical tragedies.
