Gyan Parbodh

Gian Prabodh (Guide to Enlightenment), included in Guru Gobind Singh`s Dasam Granth, is a long poem written in Braj employing sixteen different metres. It comprises two independent pans. The name given to the sixth Bani in the second holy scriptures of the Sikhs called the Dasam Granth (lit. Book or Collected writings of the Tenth Master). This text spans from page 325 to page 643 of the 1478 pages of this holy book of the Sikhs. (Original text is over 1428 pages).
* The first, i.e. the introductory one (stanzas 1 to 125), begins with a laudation of the Almighty who is depicted as Supreme, beyond comprehension, non dual, infinite, invisible, unattached, desireless and fearless. The Supreme Being is the Creator and Succourer of the universe, and the Embodiment of Supreme Bliss. He is beyond Time and beyond retribution over karma. All pilgrimages, practices of yoga, renunciation of the world, are meaningless without His being remembered. 
*The second part consists of 211 stanzas (126-336), each a quatrain with the exception of two couplets (250 and 253). The theme of this part is the practical philosophy of the world. The expositions are professed in the form of highly metaphysical dialogues, between Jivatman and Paramatman, and the nature of atman and the fourfold worldly dharma, i.e. politics {raj dharma), charity (dan dharma), household life (BHOG dharma) and liberation (moksa dharma) all of which are defined. 
How this fourfold religion of man is to be lived is illustrated from the legends of the Mahabharata and from the tales of the successors of Yudhishhira and his brothers; Priksit, Janmejya and his son, Ajai Singh, born of a concubine.
Another highly devotional ballad comprising 336 verses, Guru Gobind Singh ji praises the qualities of the Almighty. The text then deals with a dialogue the soul has with the King of Souls (the Almighty), where emotions, the play of various eras (Satyug, Treta, Dwapur and Kalyug) are discussed. The four facets of Dharm (righteousness) are deliberated (Bhog, Raaj, Dhaan, and Mokh). However, only Dhaan Dharam has been discussed, the other 3 facets have not, which leads many to believe this work is unfinished.
==Gobind Sadan on Gian Prabodh==
This composition has two main divisions. The first part is devoted to the praise of the Almighty God, He who is all prevading, Omniscient and Omnipotent. His various attributes, His might, magnanimity and his greatness are the subject of this part of Gyan Prabodh. The entire description follows the tradition of gurbani and elucidates the main ideas that are presented within it.
The second part is in the form of a dialogue in which the soul questions God about that super power whose radiance and glory is unending. The answers are all within. He is without differences of caste, creed, religion. For Him friend and foe are alike.
Then the soul asks about the four dharmas in answer the four dharmas are elaborated upon. These are Raj dharma, Daan dharma, Bhog dharma and Mokh dharma. Giving examples from the lives of great personalities as mentioned in the various scriptures about Daan Dharam have been explained to the soul. The writing also is a source of knowledge and wisdom since in it we find elucidated the various kinds of Yagnas that were performed and how they were performed. This information is very significant since no other source of information regarding these exists. This is an incomplete piece of writing because the three other dharmas mentioned have not been elaborated upon.
==Shabads==
* Bhai Maninder Singh - Yudh Kay Jaitiya
* Bhai Rai Singh - Yudh Ke Jaitiya
==References==
* Loehlin, C.H.. The Granth of Guru Gobind Singh find the KHALSA Brotherhood. Lucknow, 1971
* Ashta, Dliaram Pal, The Poetry of the DASAM GRANTH. Delhi, 1959
* Jaggi, Ratan Singh, Dasam Granth Pnrichaya. Delhi, 1990
Category:Dasam Granth