Dear Anonymous,
Reciting and listening to paath requires a lot of focus, concentration and energy. It develops with time and Guru Ji's blessing, but regardless it will still clean up and elevate your mindset. Apologizing to Guru Ji is at your discretion, if you feel guilty and apologizing alleviates the guilt, do it, as Guru Ji always loves. You have to understand, the mind likes to wander away from bani, controlling it without Guru Ji's blessing is hard, and all we can do is try, leave the rest to him. Each time you recite bani and you sense the mind wandering off, immediately bring it back to focus, over-time your ability to concentrate will improve, at the same time keep asking Guru Ji for the strength to over-come the cardinal vices. Another area you should consider is mastering your senses in worldly life, every time you see an attractive woman or you eye's pull towards her, immediately pull them away, replace the thoughts with shabad bani, avoid looking at movie scenes, posters, magazines etc. that will increase lustful thoughts. Apply the same concept to your other senses such as ears (i.e don't listen to gossip or music that increases passionate thoughts). You have to be vigilant when battling with the vices, don’t give up or feel depressed, keep trying even if you keep failing, have faith in Guru Ji, learn to love women and respect them not only as a formality but also in your mind, for the Guru resides in them as well. Read sakhi’s about the Guru’s, the more will power you develop with faith in Guru Ji and reassurance through Gurbani, the more strength you’ll obtain to face your mind. Be ever ready! : )
Please forgive me if I’ve spoken anything disheartening.
Yours faithfully,
Namastwang Akaale Namastwang Kripaale
