The Ontological and Electromagnetic Nature of Consciousness in Bhagat Trilochan Ji’s Shabad:
This article paper explores the ontological implications of Bhagat Trilochan Ji’s Shabad (Raag Goojri, SGGS Ang 526) through a multidisciplinary lens that integrates Gurmat psycho-spiritual psychology, quantum field theory, consciousness studies, and near-death experience (NDE) research. The paper argues that the Shabad presents a coherent ontology wherein the content of consciousness at the moment of death determines the trajectory of post-death existence. We propose a framework combining electromagnetic field theory, the persistence of consciousness, and vibrational rebirth, rooted in Sikh metaphysics.
ਅੰਤਿ ਕਾਲਿ ਜੋ ਲਛਮੀ ਸਿਮਰੈ ਐਸੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੇ ਮਰੈ ॥ Anṫ kaal jo lachʰmee simræ æsee chinṫaa mėh jé maræ. At the very last moment, one who thinks of wealth, and dies in such thoughts,
ਗੂਜਰੀ ॥ Goojree. Goojaree: ਅਰੀ ਬਾਈ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਤਿ ਬੀਸਰੈ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Aree baa▫ee gobiḋ naam maṫ beesræ. Rahaa▫o. O sister, do not forget the Name of the Lord of the Universe. ||Pause||
ਸਰਪ ਜੋਨਿ ਵਲਿ ਵਲਿ ਅਉਤਰੈ ॥੧॥ Sarap jon val val a▫uṫaræ. ||1|| shall be reincarnated over and over again, in the form of serpents. ||1|| ਅੰਤਿ ਕਾਲਿ ਜੋ ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀ ਸਿਮਰੈ ਐਸੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੇ ਮਰੈ ॥ Anṫ kaal jo isṫaree simræ æsee chinṫaa mėh jé maræ. At the very last moment, he who thinks of women, and dies in such thoughts,
ਬੇਸਵਾ ਜੋਨਿ ਵਲਿ ਵਲਿ ਅਉਤਰੈ ॥੨॥ Bésvaa jon val val a▫uṫaræ. ||2|| shall be reincarnated over and over again as a prostitute. ||2||
ਅੰਤਿ ਕਾਲਿ ਜੋ ਲੜਿਕੇ ਸਿਮਰੈ ਐਸੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੇ ਮਰੈ ॥ Anṫ kaal jo laṛiké simræ æsee chinṫaa mėh jé maræ. At the very last moment, one who thinks of his children, and dies in such thoughts,
ਸੂਕਰ ਜੋਨਿ ਵਲਿ ਵਲਿ ਅਉਤਰੈ ॥੩॥ Sookar jon val val a▫uṫaræ. ||3|| shall be reincarnated over and over again as a pig. ||3|| ਅੰਤਿ ਕਾਲਿ ਜੋ ਮੰਦਰ ਸਿਮਰੈ ਐਸੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੇ ਮਰੈ ॥ Anṫ kaal jo manḋar simræ æsee chinṫaa mėh jé maræ. At the very last moment, one who thinks of mansions, and dies in such thoughts, ਪ੍ਰੇਤ ਜੋਨਿ ਵਲਿ ਵਲਿ ਅਉਤਰੈ ॥੪॥
Paréṫ jon val val a▫uṫaræ. ||4|| shall be reincarnated over and over again as a goblin. ||4|| ਅੰਤਿ ਕਾਲਿ ਨਾਰਾਇਣੁ ਸਿਮਰੈ ਐਸੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਮਹਿ ਜੇ ਮਰੈ ॥ Anṫ kaal naaraa▫iṇ simræ æsee chinṫaa mėh jé maræ. At the very last moment, one who thinks of the Lord, and dies in such thoughts, ਬਦਤਿ ਤਿਲੋਚਨੁ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਮੁਕਤਾ ਪੀਤੰਬਰੁ ਵਾ ਕੇ ਰਿਦੈ ਬਸੈ ॥੫॥੨॥
Baḋaṫ ṫilochan ṫé nar mukṫaa peeṫambar vaa ké riḋæ basæ. ||5||2|| says Trilochan, that man shall be liberated; the Lord shall abide in his heart. ||5||2||
Introduction Bhagat Trilochan Ji’s Shabad provides a striking psycho-spiritual observation: the object of consciousness at the final moment of life acts as the determinant for the next phase of existence. This idea resonates with the ontological framework found in Gurmat Psychology, which understands consciousness as primary and non-local, as well as with emerging insights in modern science about the persistence of consciousness beyond physical death.
Textual Analysis of the Shabad The Shabad delineates five scenarios:
- Attachment to Wealth (Lachhmi) → Rebirth as serpent
- Attachment to Sensuality/Women → Rebirth as prostitute
- Attachment to Children → Rebirth as pig
- Attachment to Property/Mansions → Rebirth as ghost
- Remembrance of the Divine (Naaraayan) → Liberation
These are not merely metaphors, but indicators of vibrational states that reflect the soul’s frequency at death.
Gurmat Ontology: Consciousness as Primary Gurbani posits that consciousness (Surat) is the fundamental substratum of all reality (Aad Sach, Jugaad Sach). Death is not an end but a transition in the vibrational field of consciousness. The Shabad is an ontological instruction on the alignment of awareness with Naam (the vibrational frequency of the Divine).
Quantum and Electromagnetic Interpretations Modern quantum theorists like David Bohm and Roger Penrose have proposed that consciousness is not confined to the brain but is embedded in a deeper field (Implicate Order, Orchestrated Objective Reduction). The electromagnetic theory of consciousness (Pockett, 2000) supports the view that thoughts, emotions, and intentions generate identifiable frequencies, which influence the surrounding field.
NDE Research and the Continuity of Consciousness Studies by Pim van Lommel (2001) and Bruce Greyson (2003) show that consciousness can persist beyond clinical death. Participants often report heightened awareness, life review, and a profound connection to a universal field—concepts echoed in Gurbani’s emphasis on Naam and Divine remembrance.
Psycho-Spiritual Implications From a Gurmat Therapy perspective, the Shabad illustrates the importance of cultivating intentional awareness (Simran) and emotional detachment (Vairaag). Death acts as a magnifier of one’s default vibrational state, collapsing it into the next ontological form.
Visual Flowchart: Consciousness Transition at Death
- Content of Consciousness at Death →
- Vibrational Frequency Output →
- Interaction with Electromagnetic Field (Akashic Medium) →
- Post-Death Trajectory (Rebirth or Liberation)
Examples:
- Wealth-focused mind → Dense frequency → Serpent embodiment
- Naam-focused mind → Coherent frequency → Liberation (Mukti)
Conclusion Bhagat Trilochan Ji’s Shabad provides a unique integration point between ancient ontological wisdom and emerging scientific paradigms. It reinforces the primacy of consciousness, the vibrational nature of reality, and the psycho-spiritual imperative of aligning one’s awareness with Naam. The Shabad is not merely devotional poetry; it is an ontological manual for navigating the ultimate transition.
References
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 526
- Bohm, D. (1980). Wholeness and the Implicate Order.
- Penrose, R. & Hameroff, S. (1996). Orchestrated Reduction of Quantum Coherence in Brain Microtubules.
- Pockett, S. (2000). The Nature of Consciousness: A Hypothesis.
- Van Lommel, P. (2001). “Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective study in the Netherlands.” The Lancet.
- Greyson, B. (2003). “The near-death experience scale: Construction, reliability, and validity.” Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.
- Panesar, D. S. (2023). Foundations of Gurmat Psycho-Spiritual Psychology
© D S Panesar 2025
Gurmat Psychology Series