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Guru Granth Sahib
Composition, Arrangement & Layout
ਜਪੁ | Jup
ਸੋ ਦਰੁ | So Dar
ਸੋਹਿਲਾ | Sohilaa
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ | Raag Siree-Raag
Gurbani (14-53)
Ashtpadiyan (53-71)
Gurbani (71-74)
Pahre (74-78)
Chhant (78-81)
Vanjara (81-82)
Vaar Siri Raag (83-91)
Bhagat Bani (91-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਝ | Raag Maajh
Gurbani (94-109)
Ashtpadi (109)
Ashtpadiyan (110-129)
Ashtpadi (129-130)
Ashtpadiyan (130-133)
Bara Maha (133-136)
Din Raen (136-137)
Vaar Maajh Ki (137-150)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ | Raag Gauree
Gurbani (151-185)
Quartets/Couplets (185-220)
Ashtpadiyan (220-234)
Karhalei (234-235)
Ashtpadiyan (235-242)
Chhant (242-249)
Baavan Akhari (250-262)
Sukhmani (262-296)
Thittee (296-300)
Gauree kii Vaar (300-323)
Gurbani (323-330)
Ashtpadiyan (330-340)
Baavan Akhari (340-343)
Thintteen (343-344)
Vaar Kabir (344-345)
Bhagat Bani (345-346)
ਰਾਗੁ ਆਸਾ | Raag Aasaa
Gurbani (347-348)
Chaupaday (348-364)
Panchpadde (364-365)
Kaafee (365-409)
Aasaavaree (409-411)
Ashtpadiyan (411-432)
Patee (432-435)
Chhant (435-462)
Vaar Aasaa (462-475)
Bhagat Bani (475-488)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੂਜਰੀ | Raag Goojaree
Gurbani (489-503)
Ashtpadiyan (503-508)
Vaar Gujari (508-517)
Vaar Gujari (517-526)
ਰਾਗੁ ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ | Raag Dayv-Gandhaaree
Gurbani (527-536)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਹਾਗੜਾ | Raag Bihaagraa
Gurbani (537-556)
Chhant (538-548)
Vaar Bihaagraa (548-556)
ਰਾਗੁ ਵਡਹੰਸ | Raag Wadhans
Gurbani (557-564)
Ashtpadiyan (564-565)
Chhant (565-575)
Ghoriaan (575-578)
Alaahaniiaa (578-582)
Vaar Wadhans (582-594)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੋਰਠਿ | Raag Sorath
Gurbani (595-634)
Asatpadhiya (634-642)
Vaar Sorath (642-659)
ਰਾਗੁ ਧਨਾਸਰੀ | Raag Dhanasaree
Gurbani (660-685)
Astpadhiya (685-687)
Chhant (687-691)
Bhagat Bani (691-695)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਤਸਰੀ | Raag Jaitsree
Gurbani (696-703)
Chhant (703-705)
Vaar Jaitsaree (705-710)
Bhagat Bani (710)
ਰਾਗੁ ਟੋਡੀ | Raag Todee
ਰਾਗੁ ਬੈਰਾੜੀ | Raag Bairaaree
ਰਾਗੁ ਤਿਲੰਗ | Raag Tilang
Gurbani (721-727)
Bhagat Bani (727)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੂਹੀ | Raag Suhi
Gurbani (728-750)
Ashtpadiyan (750-761)
Kaafee (761-762)
Suchajee (762)
Gunvantee (763)
Chhant (763-785)
Vaar Soohee (785-792)
Bhagat Bani (792-794)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁ | Raag Bilaaval
Gurbani (795-831)
Ashtpadiyan (831-838)
Thitteen (838-840)
Vaar Sat (841-843)
Chhant (843-848)
Vaar Bilaaval (849-855)
Bhagat Bani (855-858)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੋਂਡ | Raag Gond
Gurbani (859-869)
Ashtpadiyan (869)
Bhagat Bani (870-875)
ਰਾਗੁ ਰਾਮਕਲੀ | Raag Ramkalee
Ashtpadiyan (902-916)
Gurbani (876-902)
Anand (917-922)
Sadd (923-924)
Chhant (924-929)
Dakhnee (929-938)
Sidh Gosat (938-946)
Vaar Ramkalee (947-968)
ਰਾਗੁ ਨਟ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ | Raag Nat Narayan
Gurbani (975-980)
Ashtpadiyan (980-983)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਲੀ ਗਉੜਾ | Raag Maalee Gauraa
Gurbani (984-988)
Bhagat Bani (988)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਰੂ | Raag Maaroo
Gurbani (889-1008)
Ashtpadiyan (1008-1014)
Kaafee (1014-1016)
Ashtpadiyan (1016-1019)
Anjulian (1019-1020)
Solhe (1020-1033)
Dakhni (1033-1043)
ਰਾਗੁ ਤੁਖਾਰੀ | Raag Tukhaari
Bara Maha (1107-1110)
Chhant (1110-1117)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕੇਦਾਰਾ | Raag Kedara
Gurbani (1118-1123)
Bhagat Bani (1123-1124)
ਰਾਗੁ ਭੈਰਉ | Raag Bhairo
Gurbani (1125-1152)
Partaal (1153)
Ashtpadiyan (1153-1167)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ | Raag Basant
Gurbani (1168-1187)
Ashtpadiyan (1187-1193)
Vaar Basant (1193-1196)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਾਰਗ | Raag Saarag
Gurbani (1197-1200)
Partaal (1200-1231)
Ashtpadiyan (1232-1236)
Chhant (1236-1237)
Vaar Saarang (1237-1253)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਲਾਰ | Raag Malaar
Gurbani (1254-1293)
Partaal (1265-1273)
Ashtpadiyan (1273-1278)
Chhant (1278)
Vaar Malaar (1278-91)
Bhagat Bani (1292-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਾਨੜਾ | Raag Kaanraa
Gurbani (1294-96)
Partaal (1296-1318)
Ashtpadiyan (1308-1312)
Chhant (1312)
Vaar Kaanraa
Bhagat Bani (1318)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਲਿਆਨ | Raag Kalyaan
Gurbani (1319-23)
Ashtpadiyan (1323-26)
ਰਾਗੁ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤੀ | Raag Prabhaatee
Gurbani (1327-1341)
Ashtpadiyan (1342-51)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਜਾਵੰਤੀ | Raag Jaijaiwanti
Gurbani (1352-53)
Salok | Gatha | Phunahe | Chaubole | Swayiye
Sehskritee Mahala 1
Sehskritee Mahala 5
Gaathaa Mahala 5
Phunhay Mahala 5
Chaubolae Mahala 5
Shaloks Bhagat Kabir
Shaloks Sheikh Farid
Swaiyyae Mahala 5
Swaiyyae in Praise of Gurus
Shaloks in Addition To Vaars
Shalok Ninth Mehl
Mundavanee Mehl 5
ਰਾਗ ਮਾਲਾ, Raag Maalaa
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<blockquote data-quote="luv4u" data-source="post: 54928" data-attributes="member: 4819"><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: darkorange">The situation before Guru Nanak</span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>B</strong>efore the arrival of Guru Nanak</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">, the situation in South-East Asia was bleak and oppressive and in keeping with the practice to be found elsewhere on the Globe. Inequality, oppression, torture, abuse, corruption, idol worship, and blind ritualism composed the thread of society. The majority of people comprised of lower castes</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">, mainly consisting of peasants, labourers and servants. These accounted for more than seventy to eighty percent of the population and were labelled sudars</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">. Most of their day was spent working extremely hard and long hours, just to be able to eat and provide crumbs for their families. Many of these outcastes</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> were literally owned by the upper caste (Khatris</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> and Brahmins</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">) and were severely maltreated by their masters. </span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>C</strong>hild labor and abuse, along with physical, verbal and sexual abuse towards the majority of the population was quite common and was generally tolerated and accepted by society. The Sudars</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> along with women were thought of as impure, polluted, and the equivalent of animals. They were not allowed to participate in any sort of "religious" ceremony or ritual performed by the Brahmins</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> priest. They had no access to the Sanskrit</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> language and were not allowed any sort of education as they were thought incapable of being educated. Equally, they had no desire to demand equality and had accepted their subservient status as a law of Nature. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Guru Nanak</span><span style="color: blue">very quickly started to question these prevalent practices and recited many Shabads</span><span style="color: blue"> (hymns) preaching his message against inequality, oppression, abuse, corruption, idol worship and blind ritualism. He instilled in the masses the need to live a life of righteousness; to respect the rights of others; the need for equality and the respect for the values of all life; to back away from rituals; to only worship and remember one God; to respect and protect God's entire creation; etc. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>H</strong>e said clearly that: </span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Through ritual actions, God cannot be won over; </span></span><p style="text-align: right"><a href="http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=355&english=t&id=16281#l16281" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">(SGGS p355)</span></span></u></a></p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>G</strong>od could not be found through ritualistic actions. By "feeding" images of God; by taking cleansing baths in holy places, God could not be won over. The only way to reach God was by remembering him through reciting His <u>Naam</u></span></span><span style="color: blue"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"> and living a life of righteousness and pure actions.</span> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: #ff8c00"><strong>S</strong>ikh Beliefs</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: blue"><strong>S</strong>ikhs believe in the following: </span></span></span></span></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="color: blue"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">There is one God:</span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"> God made everything. God is called Satguru – "<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/SatGurBani" target="_blank"> <u>True Guru</u></a>" and Waheguru - "Wonderful Guru". Sikh basic beliefs are summed up in the words of the <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mool_Mantar" target="_blank"><u>Mool Mantar</u></a>, the <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mool_Mantar_and_its_Perception" target="_blank"><u>first</u></a> hymn written by Guru Nanak and part of <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Japji_Sahib" target="_blank"><u>Japji Sahib</u></a>, the <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Compendium_of_TRUE_IDEAs" target="_blank"><u>first</u></a> <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bani" target="_blank"><u>Bani</u></a> that appears in the <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sri_Guru_Granth_Sahib" target="_blank"><u>Sri Guru Granth Sahib</u></a>: </span></span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">There is only one God. Truth is his name. He is the Creator. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">He is without fear. He is without hate. He is timeless and without form. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">He is beyond death, the Enlightened One. He can be known by the grace of the Guru. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mool_Mantar" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Mool Mantar</span></u></a></span></p> </p></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p><p></p><p> </p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">When Sikhs speak of the Guru they are referring to God, the Great Teacher. God, the unknowable, becomes the teacher who reveals God to those who follow. God created everything, so all life is good, but attachment to material things leads to reincarnation and the sufferings of birth and death. The goal of Sikhism is to end the cycle of rebirth and be united with God. </span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="color: blue"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">Service and devotion:</span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"> or <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sewa" target="_blank"><u>Sewa</u></a> and <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Simran" target="_blank"><u>Simran</u></a> </span></span></li> </ul><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Sikhs emphasise two primary aspects of daily life: service and devotion to God. Service means honest work and service to the community - </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sewa" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Sewa</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">, in which all are equal regardless of caste, creed, race or gender. Devotion is cultivated by singing devotional hymns and by meditation on the holy name of God - </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Simran" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Simran</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> and </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Naam_Japna" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Naam Japna</span></u></a></span></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">There is only One God who is purely spiritual and does not take human form. </span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">All creation is part of God and is an expression of God’s Divine Spirit </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Naam" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Naam</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> and His Will </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Hukam" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Hukam</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">. </span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">All human beings have an immortal soul (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Atma&action=edit" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>atma</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">) which is part of God and is on a journey to reunite with Him (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Mukti</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">). </span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">All human beings are equal regardless of race, religion, gender, age or social class. </span></span><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">All people are equal: </span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">You must all live together. </span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">You must be kind are share what you have. (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Wand_kay_Shako" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Wand kay Shako</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">) </span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">All people can talk to God. </span></span></li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Lasting happiness can only be found when the soul reunites with God </span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Service to others (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sewa" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>sewa</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">), while remembering God at all times (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Simran" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>simran</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">), are essential if the soul is to reunite with God </span></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Live a life of a house-holder and live a truthful life earning a honest living while remembering God (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kirat_Karni" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Kirat Karni</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">) </span></span></li> </ul><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikhs" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Sikhs</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> must not drink alcohol, smoke or gamble. They have one wife or husband. They must pray every morning. They must read the holy book everyday. The </span></span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ten_Gurus" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Ten Gurus</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> (teachers) of the Sikh told the people what God wanted; how they should live their lives; and how peace and tranquillity could be obtained. Sikhs who become </span></span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Khalsa" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Khalsa</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> must wear the </span></span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/5Ks" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">5Ks</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> – Uncut Hair </span></span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kesh" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Kesh</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">, Small Comb </span></span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kanga" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Kanga</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">, Bangle </span></span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kara" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Kara</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">, Special Shorts </span></span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kacha" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Kacha</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"> and Sword </span></span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kirpan" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Kirpan</span></span></u></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>C</strong>oncept of God </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: blue"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><strong>F</strong>ollowers of the Sikh faith believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence. God is purely spiritual, has no physical body and cannot be known or experienced through the five senses. God is infinitely above and beyond everything else that exists (transcendent). God is also within all creation, including human beings (immanent) and, therefore, Sikhs believe that all creation is part of God. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue"><strong>M</strong>ukti</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> or Salvation</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">However, salvation (reunion with God </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Mukti</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">) cannot simply be gained by attention to physical, emotional and intellectual needs. The physical world may be real in the sense that it does actually exist, but it is not real in a lasting or ultimate sense. The only True Reality is God and the only truly lasting part of a human being is the soul (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Atma&action=edit" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Atma</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">). If a person forgets this, and allows the physical world to become a barrier between God and the soul, he/she will lose the unique opportunity to reunite with God. Too much concentration on the material aspects of life (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Maya" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Maya</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">) leads the soul further and further away from reunion with God (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Mukti</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">). Human pleasures and needs pass, the human body eventually dies and only the soul remains – if a person forgets this he/she will have wasted the unique opportunity which is part of being born human. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>T</strong>ransmigration of the soul </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">The </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh_Gurus" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Sikh Gurus</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> taught that existence in the universe involves the soul in a journey through many life forms. During this journey, provided the being perform good deeds, the soul travels towards ever-closer reunion with the Creator and One True Reality of which it is a part. The human form is only one of 8.4 million forms that the soul has inhabited during its existence in the physical world. The soul will have lived through many lives and will have inhabited many different forms before eventually being born in a human body. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: blue"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">Being reborn in human form is regarded as a special blessing because human beings are different to all other forms of life and have a higher form of consciousness. Only human beings have this higher form of consciousness, awareness of a moral conscience and, as a result, free will. Humans should not be pure slaves of their instinct which is how lower life-forms are governed. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>T</strong>he natural law of Karma </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">The law of </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Karma" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">karma</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> can be described simply as the belief that all actions have consequences for the person who acts. These consequences do not just involve the immediate physical results – for example, when someone uses violence against another person and he/she is injured as a result. There are also moral consequences which affect the soul on its journey towards reunion with God and determine the nature of further rebirths if reunion with God is not achieved. </span></span></p><p> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">If a person returns to the cycle of life, death and rebirth, it is not because God actively punishes that person for doing wrong. The </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh_Gurus" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Sikh Gurus</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> taught that a person moves closer to reunion with God or further away from reunion as a result of the natural law of </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Karma" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">karma</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">. The law of karma is part of God’s created order, not a force or power independent of God. </span></span></p><p> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">The Gurus taught that it is not necessary to die in order to be free from </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Karma" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">karma</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> and </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Reincarnation" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">reincarnation</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> (rebirth). Anyone who chooses to live in complete harmony with God’s Will or </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Hukam" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Hukam</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">, and keeps God in mind at all times, no longer creates either positive or negative karma. Although, the Sikhs will avoid negative karma and try to create positive karma, this is not the main focus. The main focus is in listening to, and obeying, God’s Will or </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Hukam" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Hukam</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> and remaining open to God’s Grace at all times (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Kudrat&action=edit" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Kudrat</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">). A person who constantly keeps God in mind and lives in harmony with God’s Will or Hukam is known as </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurmukh" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">gurmukh</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>Maya </strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Maya" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Maya</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> is often translated into English as "illusion". In </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikhism" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Sikhism</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">, however, the word maya is not used to suggest that the physical world is unreal or imaginary. </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Sikhs</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> believe that everything in the world is real and good because it has been created by, and is part of, God. </span></span></p><p> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">Maya, for Sikhs, is the part of human nature which misunderstands what is important in life and becomes attached to things that do not last. This attachment (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Moh" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Moh</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">) can be to possessions, success, physical pleasure, a good name – even family and friends. Maya makes human beings forget that God is the only lasting or important part of everything that exists. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue"><strong>D</strong>eveloping virtues and controlling vices </span></span></p><p> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="color: blue">The </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh_Gurus" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Sikh Gurus</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> taught that to achieve Salvation (</span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue"> <u>Mukti</u></span></a><span style="color: blue">), it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God. The Gurus taught that all human beings have the qualities they need to reunite with God but they must train their minds to make the most of these qualities. In order to reach the final goal of life, Sikhs believe that they must constantly develop their love for God by developing compassion for all God’s creation. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Five_Virtues" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue"><strong>F</strong>ive Virtues</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> - </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sat" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Sat</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">, </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Santokh" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Santokh</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">, </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Daya" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Daya</span></u></a><span style="color: blue">, </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Nimrata" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Nimrata</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> and </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Pyare" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Pyare</span></u></a></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue"><strong>S</strong>ikhs</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> believe that human beings must work at developing all the God-like qualities they have in order to truly love God. Love of God is not just a feeling but always involves showing love for God by selfless service to God’s creation. A person who is </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurmukh" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">gurmukh</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> does not act out of selfishness but, by focusing on God, acts out of compassion for others "… becomes the slave of the Lord’s slaves, then …. finds the Lord and eradicates ego from within". </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Maya" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">Maya</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> and </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Haumai" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">haumai</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> are overcome by focusing only on God while serving God in creation. Material wealth, fame and praise are unimportant because the </span><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurmukh" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue">gurmukh</span></u></a><span style="color: blue"> is focused on the only thing of lasting value – God "The wealth of the Naam shall never be exhausted; no one can estimate its worth" </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: blue"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><strong>O</strong>ne of the most important virtues which Sikhs try to develop during life is that of truth (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sat" target="_blank"> <u>Sat</u></a>). God is Truth and by trying to practise truth, i.e. live a truthful life, Sikhs believe that they can live in accordance with God’s Will/Hukam. The other virtues are: Compassion (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Daya" target="_blank"> <u>Daya</u></a>), Contentment (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Santokh" target="_blank"> <u>Santokh</u></a>), Humility (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Nimrata" target="_blank"> <u>Nimrata</u></a>) and Love (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Pyare" target="_blank"> <u>Pyare</u></a>). </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: blue"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Five_Evils" target="_blank"><u><strong>F</strong>ive Evils</u></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"> - <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kam" target="_blank"><u>Kam</u></a>, <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Krodh" target="_blank"><u>Krodh</u></a>, <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Lobh" target="_blank"><u>Lobh</u></a>, <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Moh" target="_blank"><u>Moh</u></a> and <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ahankar" target="_blank"><u>Ahankar</u></a></span></span></p><p> </p><p></p><p><span style="color: blue"><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><strong>T</strong>he <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Guru_Granth_Sahib" target="_blank"><u>Guru Granth Sahib</u></a> often refers to <a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Five_Evils" target="_blank"><u>five evils</u></a>, vices or ‘thieves’ which human beings should try to control. By focusing on developing virtues, a Sikh hopes to control these five evils. These evils lead the soul away from God and steal the unique opportunity to reunite with God. Within this body dwell the five thieves: sexual desire (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kam" target="_blank"> <u>Kam</u></a>), anger/rage (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Krodh" target="_blank"> <u>Krodh</u></a>), greed (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Lobh" target="_blank"> <u>Lobh</u></a>), emotional attachment (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Moh" target="_blank"> <u>Moh</u></a>) and egoism (<a href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ahankar" target="_blank"> <u>Ahankar</u></a>). </span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="luv4u, post: 54928, member: 4819"] [B][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=darkorange]The situation before Guru Nanak[/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]B[/B]efore the arrival of Guru Nanak[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue], the situation in South-East Asia was bleak and oppressive and in keeping with the practice to be found elsewhere on the Globe. Inequality, oppression, torture, abuse, corruption, idol worship, and blind ritualism composed the thread of society. The majority of people comprised of lower castes[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue], mainly consisting of peasants, labourers and servants. These accounted for more than seventy to eighty percent of the population and were labelled sudars[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]. Most of their day was spent working extremely hard and long hours, just to be able to eat and provide crumbs for their families. Many of these outcastes[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] were literally owned by the upper caste (Khatris[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] and Brahmins[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]) and were severely maltreated by their masters. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]C[/B]hild labor and abuse, along with physical, verbal and sexual abuse towards the majority of the population was quite common and was generally tolerated and accepted by society. The Sudars[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] along with women were thought of as impure, polluted, and the equivalent of animals. They were not allowed to participate in any sort of "religious" ceremony or ritual performed by the Brahmins[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] priest. They had no access to the Sanskrit[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] language and were not allowed any sort of education as they were thought incapable of being educated. Equally, they had no desire to demand equality and had accepted their subservient status as a law of Nature. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Guru Nanak[/COLOR][COLOR=blue]very quickly started to question these prevalent practices and recited many Shabads[/COLOR][COLOR=blue] (hymns) preaching his message against inequality, oppression, abuse, corruption, idol worship and blind ritualism. He instilled in the masses the need to live a life of righteousness; to respect the rights of others; the need for equality and the respect for the values of all life; to back away from rituals; to only worship and remember one God; to respect and protect God's entire creation; etc. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]H[/B]e said clearly that: [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Through ritual actions, God cannot be won over; [/COLOR][/FONT][RIGHT][URL="http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=355&english=t&id=16281#l16281"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue](SGGS p355)[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][/RIGHT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]G[/B]od could not be found through ritualistic actions. By "feeding" images of God; by taking cleansing baths in holy places, God could not be won over. The only way to reach God was by remembering him through reciting His [U]Naam[/U][/COLOR][/FONT][COLOR=blue][FONT=Georgia] and living a life of righteousness and pure actions.[/FONT] [/COLOR] [SIZE=3][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=#ff8c00][B]S[/B]ikh Beliefs[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Georgia][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue][B]S[/B]ikhs believe in the following: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE] [LIST] [*][COLOR=blue][FONT=Georgia]There is one God:[/FONT][FONT=Georgia] God made everything. God is called Satguru – "[URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/SatGurBani"] [U]True Guru[/U][/URL]" and Waheguru - "Wonderful Guru". Sikh basic beliefs are summed up in the words of the [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mool_Mantar"][U]Mool Mantar[/U][/URL], the [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mool_Mantar_and_its_Perception"][U]first[/U][/URL] hymn written by Guru Nanak and part of [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Japji_Sahib"][U]Japji Sahib[/U][/URL], the [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Compendium_of_TRUE_IDEAs"][U]first[/U][/URL] [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bani"][U]Bani[/U][/URL] that appears in the [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sri_Guru_Granth_Sahib"][U]Sri Guru Granth Sahib[/U][/URL]: [/FONT][/COLOR][/LIST] [CENTER][CENTER][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]There is only one God. Truth is his name. He is the Creator. [/COLOR][/FONT] [CENTER][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]He is without fear. He is without hate. He is timeless and without form. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]He is beyond death, the Enlightened One. He can be known by the grace of the Guru. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mool_Mantar"][U][COLOR=blue]Mool Mantar[/COLOR][/U][/URL][/FONT][/CENTER] [/CENTER] [/CENTER] [LIST] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]When Sikhs speak of the Guru they are referring to God, the Great Teacher. God, the unknowable, becomes the teacher who reveals God to those who follow. God created everything, so all life is good, but attachment to material things leads to reincarnation and the sufferings of birth and death. The goal of Sikhism is to end the cycle of rebirth and be united with God. [/COLOR][/FONT][/LIST][LIST] [*][COLOR=blue][FONT=Georgia]Service and devotion:[/FONT][FONT=Georgia] or [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sewa"][U]Sewa[/U][/URL] and [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Simran"][U]Simran[/U][/URL] [/FONT][/COLOR][/LIST][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Sikhs emphasise two primary aspects of daily life: service and devotion to God. Service means honest work and service to the community - [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sewa"][U][COLOR=blue]Sewa[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue], in which all are equal regardless of caste, creed, race or gender. Devotion is cultivated by singing devotional hymns and by meditation on the holy name of God - [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Simran"][U][COLOR=blue]Simran[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] and [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Naam_Japna"][U][COLOR=blue]Naam Japna[/COLOR][/U][/URL][/FONT] [LIST] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]There is only One God who is purely spiritual and does not take human form. [/COLOR][/FONT] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]All creation is part of God and is an expression of God’s Divine Spirit [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Naam"][U][COLOR=blue]Naam[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] and His Will [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Hukam"][U][COLOR=blue]Hukam[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue]. [/COLOR][/FONT] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]All human beings have an immortal soul ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Atma&action=edit"][COLOR=blue] [U]atma[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]) which is part of God and is on a journey to reunite with Him ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti"][COLOR=blue] [U]Mukti[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]). [/COLOR][/FONT] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]All human beings are equal regardless of race, religion, gender, age or social class. [/COLOR][/FONT][LIST] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]All people are equal: [/COLOR][/FONT] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]You must all live together. [/COLOR][/FONT] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]You must be kind are share what you have. ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Wand_kay_Shako"][COLOR=blue] [U]Wand kay Shako[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]) [/COLOR][/FONT] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]All people can talk to God. [/COLOR][/FONT][/LIST] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Lasting happiness can only be found when the soul reunites with God [/COLOR][/FONT] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Service to others ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sewa"][COLOR=blue] [U]sewa[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]), while remembering God at all times ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Simran"][COLOR=blue] [U]simran[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]), are essential if the soul is to reunite with God [/COLOR][/FONT] [*][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Live a life of a house-holder and live a truthful life earning a honest living while remembering God ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kirat_Karni"][COLOR=blue] [U]Kirat Karni[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]) [/COLOR][/FONT][/LIST] [FONT=Georgia][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikhs"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Sikhs[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] must not drink alcohol, smoke or gamble. They have one wife or husband. They must pray every morning. They must read the holy book everyday. The [/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ten_Gurus"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Ten Gurus[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] (teachers) of the Sikh told the people what God wanted; how they should live their lives; and how peace and tranquillity could be obtained. Sikhs who become [/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Khalsa"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Khalsa[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] must wear the [/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/5Ks"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]5Ks[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] – Uncut Hair [/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kesh"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Kesh[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue], Small Comb [/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kanga"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Kanga[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue], Bangle [/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kara"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Kara[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue], Special Shorts [/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kacha"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Kacha[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue] and Sword [/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kirpan"][U][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Kirpan[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][/FONT][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]C[/B]oncept of God [/COLOR][/FONT] [COLOR=blue][FONT=Georgia][B]F[/B]ollowers of the Sikh faith believe that all life, including human life, comes from God. God is the Creator of the universe and the force that keeps it in existence. God is purely spiritual, has no physical body and cannot be known or experienced through the five senses. God is infinitely above and beyond everything else that exists (transcendent). God is also within all creation, including human beings (immanent) and, therefore, Sikhs believe that all creation is part of God. [/FONT][/COLOR] [FONT=Georgia][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti"][U][COLOR=blue][B]M[/B]ukti[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] or Salvation[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]However, salvation (reunion with God [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti"][U][COLOR=blue]Mukti[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue]) cannot simply be gained by attention to physical, emotional and intellectual needs. The physical world may be real in the sense that it does actually exist, but it is not real in a lasting or ultimate sense. The only True Reality is God and the only truly lasting part of a human being is the soul ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Atma&action=edit"][COLOR=blue] [U]Atma[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]). If a person forgets this, and allows the physical world to become a barrier between God and the soul, he/she will lose the unique opportunity to reunite with God. Too much concentration on the material aspects of life ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Maya"][COLOR=blue] [U]Maya[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]) leads the soul further and further away from reunion with God ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti"][COLOR=blue] [U]Mukti[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]). Human pleasures and needs pass, the human body eventually dies and only the soul remains – if a person forgets this he/she will have wasted the unique opportunity which is part of being born human. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]T[/B]ransmigration of the soul [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]The [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh_Gurus"][U][COLOR=blue]Sikh Gurus[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] taught that existence in the universe involves the soul in a journey through many life forms. During this journey, provided the being perform good deeds, the soul travels towards ever-closer reunion with the Creator and One True Reality of which it is a part. The human form is only one of 8.4 million forms that the soul has inhabited during its existence in the physical world. The soul will have lived through many lives and will have inhabited many different forms before eventually being born in a human body. [/COLOR][/FONT] [COLOR=blue][FONT=Georgia]Being reborn in human form is regarded as a special blessing because human beings are different to all other forms of life and have a higher form of consciousness. Only human beings have this higher form of consciousness, awareness of a moral conscience and, as a result, free will. Humans should not be pure slaves of their instinct which is how lower life-forms are governed. [/FONT][/COLOR] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]T[/B]he natural law of Karma [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]The law of [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Karma"][U][COLOR=blue]karma[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] can be described simply as the belief that all actions have consequences for the person who acts. These consequences do not just involve the immediate physical results – for example, when someone uses violence against another person and he/she is injured as a result. There are also moral consequences which affect the soul on its journey towards reunion with God and determine the nature of further rebirths if reunion with God is not achieved. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]If a person returns to the cycle of life, death and rebirth, it is not because God actively punishes that person for doing wrong. The [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh_Gurus"][U][COLOR=blue]Sikh Gurus[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] taught that a person moves closer to reunion with God or further away from reunion as a result of the natural law of [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Karma"][U][COLOR=blue]karma[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue]. The law of karma is part of God’s created order, not a force or power independent of God. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]The Gurus taught that it is not necessary to die in order to be free from [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Karma"][U][COLOR=blue]karma[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] and [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Reincarnation"][U][COLOR=blue]reincarnation[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] (rebirth). Anyone who chooses to live in complete harmony with God’s Will or [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Hukam"][U][COLOR=blue]Hukam[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue], and keeps God in mind at all times, no longer creates either positive or negative karma. Although, the Sikhs will avoid negative karma and try to create positive karma, this is not the main focus. The main focus is in listening to, and obeying, God’s Will or [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Hukam"][U][COLOR=blue]Hukam[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] and remaining open to God’s Grace at all times ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Kudrat&action=edit"][COLOR=blue] [U]Kudrat[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]). A person who constantly keeps God in mind and lives in harmony with God’s Will or Hukam is known as [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurmukh"][U][COLOR=blue]gurmukh[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue]. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]Maya [/B][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Maya"][U][COLOR=blue]Maya[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] is often translated into English as "illusion". In [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikhism"][U][COLOR=blue]Sikhism[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue], however, the word maya is not used to suggest that the physical world is unreal or imaginary. [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh"][U][COLOR=blue]Sikhs[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] believe that everything in the world is real and good because it has been created by, and is part of, God. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]Maya, for Sikhs, is the part of human nature which misunderstands what is important in life and becomes attached to things that do not last. This attachment ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Moh"][COLOR=blue] [U]Moh[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]) can be to possessions, success, physical pleasure, a good name – even family and friends. Maya makes human beings forget that God is the only lasting or important part of everything that exists. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue][B]D[/B]eveloping virtues and controlling vices [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][COLOR=blue]The [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh_Gurus"][U][COLOR=blue]Sikh Gurus[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] taught that to achieve Salvation ([/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mukti"][COLOR=blue] [U]Mukti[/U][/COLOR][/URL][COLOR=blue]), it was important to work hard at developing positive human qualities which lead the soul closer to God. The Gurus taught that all human beings have the qualities they need to reunite with God but they must train their minds to make the most of these qualities. In order to reach the final goal of life, Sikhs believe that they must constantly develop their love for God by developing compassion for all God’s creation. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Five_Virtues"][U][COLOR=blue][B]F[/B]ive Virtues[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] - [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sat"][U][COLOR=blue]Sat[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue], [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Santokh"][U][COLOR=blue]Santokh[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue], [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Daya"][U][COLOR=blue]Daya[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue], [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Nimrata"][U][COLOR=blue]Nimrata[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] and [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Pyare"][U][COLOR=blue]Pyare[/COLOR][/U][/URL][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikh"][U][COLOR=blue][B]S[/B]ikhs[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] believe that human beings must work at developing all the God-like qualities they have in order to truly love God. Love of God is not just a feeling but always involves showing love for God by selfless service to God’s creation. A person who is [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurmukh"][U][COLOR=blue]gurmukh[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] does not act out of selfishness but, by focusing on God, acts out of compassion for others "… becomes the slave of the Lord’s slaves, then …. finds the Lord and eradicates ego from within". [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Maya"][U][COLOR=blue]Maya[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] and [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Haumai"][U][COLOR=blue]haumai[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] are overcome by focusing only on God while serving God in creation. Material wealth, fame and praise are unimportant because the [/COLOR][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurmukh"][U][COLOR=blue]gurmukh[/COLOR][/U][/URL][COLOR=blue] is focused on the only thing of lasting value – God "The wealth of the Naam shall never be exhausted; no one can estimate its worth" [/COLOR][/FONT] [COLOR=blue][FONT=Georgia][B]O[/B]ne of the most important virtues which Sikhs try to develop during life is that of truth ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sat"] [U]Sat[/U][/URL]). God is Truth and by trying to practise truth, i.e. live a truthful life, Sikhs believe that they can live in accordance with God’s Will/Hukam. The other virtues are: Compassion ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Daya"] [U]Daya[/U][/URL]), Contentment ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Santokh"] [U]Santokh[/U][/URL]), Humility ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Nimrata"] [U]Nimrata[/U][/URL]) and Love ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Pyare"] [U]Pyare[/U][/URL]). [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=blue][FONT=Georgia][URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Five_Evils"][U][B]F[/B]ive Evils[/U][/URL][/FONT][FONT=Georgia] - [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kam"][U]Kam[/U][/URL], [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Krodh"][U]Krodh[/U][/URL], [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Lobh"][U]Lobh[/U][/URL], [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Moh"][U]Moh[/U][/URL] and [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ahankar"][U]Ahankar[/U][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=blue][FONT=Georgia][B]T[/B]he [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Guru_Granth_Sahib"][U]Guru Granth Sahib[/U][/URL] often refers to [URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Five_Evils"][U]five evils[/U][/URL], vices or ‘thieves’ which human beings should try to control. By focusing on developing virtues, a Sikh hopes to control these five evils. These evils lead the soul away from God and steal the unique opportunity to reunite with God. Within this body dwell the five thieves: sexual desire ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Kam"] [U]Kam[/U][/URL]), anger/rage ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Krodh"] [U]Krodh[/U][/URL]), greed ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Lobh"] [U]Lobh[/U][/URL]), emotional attachment ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Moh"] [U]Moh[/U][/URL]) and egoism ([URL="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ahankar"] [U]Ahankar[/U][/URL]). [/FONT][/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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