OBLIGATIONS OF A SIKH TO THE GURU
ABSTRACT
A Sikh is one who follows the teachings of Sabd Guru in thought, word, deed, and spirit as a way of life. He/she needs to delibrate, with contemplation, and reflection on the teachings willingly, and truth fully with rigorous honesty. Equality of all human beings is one of the cardinal principle of Sikh Faith.
ਜੋ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋਈ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੋਈ ਜੀਉ ॥
Jo Antar So Baahar Daykhhu Avar Na Doojaa Ko-ee Jee-o, Gurmukh Ayk Darisat Kar Daykhhu Ghat Ghat Jot Samo-ee Jee-o.
Akal Purkh is within - see It outside as well; there is no other than The Creator. As Guru willed, look upon all with the single eye of equality as Divine Light is contained in each and every heart. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 599-2
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Sabd Guru is the present Guru of Sikhs as ordered by Guru Gobind Singh. The teachings in AGGS revolve around Akal Purkh’s Grace to be blessed on the Guru willed as a way to salvation.
ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥
Sikhee Sikhiaa Gur Veechaar, Nadree Karam Laghaa-ay paar.
Reflecting on Guru’s teachings is the path for a disciple. Granting the Grace, Akal Purkh carries the servants across. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 465-10 & 11
Reflection on the teachings in daily life is called Veechar. The word Veechar – ਵੀਚਾਰੁ/ਬੀਚਾਰ – appears in Sabd Guru many times in one form or another. Mahan Kosh describes it as ਵਿਚਾਰ, ਖਿਆਲ (2) ਚਿੰਤਨ, ਸੋਚ ਵਿਚਾਰ (3) ਭਾਵ ਸਮਝ, ਸੂਝ (4) ਭਾਵ ਗਿਆਨ (5) ਭਾਵ ਬਿਆਨ, ਕਥਨ (6) ਸੋਚ, ਵਿਚਾਰ ਕਰ. This is translated in English as intuitive understanding, contemplation and dwelling upon the philosophical studies. It involves reflecting on the Sabd, the True Word, and the real Truth. Most faiths practice their faith quite different than what is written in their sacred scriptures. Guru Ramdas ponders on the ways to understand the real meaning or essence of reality, in Raag Dhanasari, as follows:
ਸੇਵਕ ਸਿਖ ਪੂਜਣ ਸਭਿ ਆਵਹਿ ਸਭਿ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਊਤਮ ਬਾਨੀ ॥ਗਾਵਿਆ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਕਾ ਹਰਿ ਥਾਇ ਪਾਵੈ ਜਿਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਮਾਨੀ ॥ ਬੋਲਹੁ ਭਾਈ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਭਵਜਲ ਤੀਰਥਿ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਿ ਤਿਨ ਕੀ ਊਤਮ ਬਾਤ ਹੈ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਥਾ ਜਿਨ ਜਨਹੁ ਜਾਨੀ ॥
Sayvak Sikh PoojaN Sabh Aaveh Sabh Gaaveh Har Har Ootam Baanee, Gaave-aa SuNe-aa Tin Ka Har Thaa-ey Paavai Jin Sat Gur Ki Aage-aa Sat Sat Kar Maanee, Bolhu Bhaa-ee Har Keerat Har Bhavjal Tirath, Har Dar Tin Kee Ootam Baat Hai Santahu Har Kathaa Jin Janhu Jaanee.
All the disciples and servants come to worship and adore You; they sing the sublime Bani of the Akal Purkh and Master. Their singing and listening is approved by the It; they accept the Order of the True Guru as True, totally True. Chant the It's Praises, O Siblings of Destiny; the Akal Purkh is the sacred shrine of pilgrimage in this terrifying world-ocean. They alone are praised in Its Court, O Saints, who know and understand the God's sermon. -----Guru Ramdas, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, Page, 669-14 & 15
Guru Amardas points on the subject in Raag Vadhans and Siri Raag;
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਨੋ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਵੇਖਦਾ ਜੇਤਾ ਜਗਤੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਡਿਠੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ਹਉਮੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਚੁਕਈ ਨਾਮਿ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
Satgur No Sabh Ko Vaykhda Jayta Jagat Sansaar, Dithai Mukat Na Hova-ee Jichar Sabd Na Karay Veechaar, Ha-umai Mail Na Chuk-ee Naam Na Lagai Pi-aar.
All the living beings of the world behold the True Guru. One is not liberated by merely seeing Him, unless one contemplates the Word of His Sabd. Without it the filth of ego is not removed, and he does not enshrine love for the Naam. -----Guru Amardas, Raag Vadhans, AGGS, Page, 594-11
ਪਾਠੁ ਪੜੈ ਨਾ ਬੂਝਈ ਭੇਖੀ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਪਾਇਆ ਰਸਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
Paath Parhai Naa Boojh-ee Bhaykhee Bharam Bhulaa-ay Gurmatee Har Sadaa Paa-i-aa Rasnaa Har Sas samaa-ay.
Akal Purkh cannot be understood by reading scriptures. The deceitful pretenders are deluded by doubt. It is always found through the Guru’s teachings, and then the tongue is permeated with Its Sublime Essence. -----Guru Amardas, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 66-18 & 19
The True Guru teaches but it needs the Grace of the God to bestow those teachings to the individual.
ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾ ਪਾਈਐ ਹੋਰ ਹਿਕਮਤਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
Karam Milai Ta Payai Hoar Hikmat Hukam Khuaar.
When the Akal Purkh bestows Its Grace, then alone it is received; other tricks and orders are useless. -----Guru Nanak, Asa Di Var, AGGS, Page, 465-1
Grace is bestowed by Divine mercy to the one engaged in devotion.
ਜਿਸੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਰੇ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਸਾਏ ਰਾਮ ॥
Jis Daya Karay Mera Par-Braham Meri Jindariyie Tis Man Wasaay Ram.
On whomsoever the Supreme Akal Purkh showers mercy, the holy Name is lodged in his heart.-----Guru Ramdas, Raag Bihagara, AGGS, Page, 541
This becomes the path to grace. In seeking God’s shelter in humility one is induced and inspired to prayer that opens the gateway to grace by following the teachings of Sabd Guru.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਾਚੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣਾਈ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਚੇਤਹੁ ਅੰਤਿ ਹੋਇ ਸਖਾਈ ॥
Satgur Saachee Sikh Sunaa-ee, har chaytahu ant ho-ay sakhaa-ee.
The True Guru has imparted the True Teachings. Think of the Akal Purkh, who shall be your Help and Support in the end. -----Guru Amardas, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 117-19
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥ ਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਧੂੜਿ ਮੰਗੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਕੀ ਜੋ ਆਪਿ ਜਪੈ ਅਵਰਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਵੈ ॥
Jis Noo Daiyaal Hovai Mayraa Suaamee Tis Gursikh Guru Oupdays Sunaavai, Jan Nanak Dhoorh Mangai Tis GurSikh Kee Jo Aap Japai Avrah Naam Japaavai.
Unto whom my Akal Purkh and Master is kind and compassionate, is bestowed with the teachings of the Guru. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that Gur Sikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. -----Guru Ramdas, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 306-1
ਗੁਰੂ ਸਮੁੰਦੁ ਨਦੀ ਸਭਿ ਸਿਖੀ ਨਾਤੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
Guru Samund Nadee Sabh Sikhee Naatai Jit Vadiaa-ee.
The Guru is the ocean, and all His Teachings are the river. Bathing within it, glorious greatness is obtained. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 150-6
ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਜਿ ਦਿਤਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਸੋ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਸਿਖੀ ਕੰਨੇ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਭਾਣਾ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਚੜੀ ਚਵਗਣਿ ਵੰਨੇ ॥
Updays Jay Ditta Satguru So Suniaa Sikheee Kannay, Jin Satgur Kaa Bhaanaa Mani-aa Tin Charhee Chavgan Vannay.
The disciples listen to the Teachings imparted by the True Guru. Those who surrender to the True Guru's Will are imbued with the four-fold Love of the Akal Purkh.-----Guru Amardas, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 314-9
ਗੁਰਸਿਖੀ ਭਾਣਾ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਰਿ ਲੰਘਾਇ ॥
Gursikhee Bhaanaa Maniaa Gur Poora Paar Langhaa-eyaa.
The disciples of the Guru accept and obey the Akal Purkh's Will; the Perfect Guru carries them across. -----Guru Ramdas Slokes, AGGS, Page, 1424-8
Teachings include:
1. Subjugation of lower instincts (Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, and Vanity) and dispelling duality;
ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਜਨ ਕੇ ਸਭਿ ਪਾਪ ਗਏ ਸਭਿ ਦੋਖ ਗਏ ਸਭਿ ਰੋਗ ਗਏ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਗਏ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਜਨ ਕੇ ਹਰਿ ਮਾਰਿ ਕਢੇ ਪੰਚ ਚੋਰਾ ॥
Tinh Jan Kay Sabh Paap Ga-ay Sabh Doakh Ga-ay Sabh Roag Ga-ay Kaam Krodh Lobh Moh Abhimaan Ga-ay Tinh Jan Kay Har Maar Kadhay Panch Choraa.
All the sins of that humble being are taken away as are all his pains. All diseases, sexual desire, anger, greed, attachment and egotistical pride are eradicated. The Akal Purkh drives the five thieves out of such a person. -----Guru Ramdas, Raag Sarang, AGGS, Page, 1201-4
ਦੂਜੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਲਗਿ ਵਿਗੁਤਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਬੂਝ ਨ ਪਾਈ॥ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੇ ਸੋ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਰਜਾਈ ॥
Doojai Sabh Ko Laeg Vigutaa Bin Satgur Boojh Na Payee, Satgur Sayvay So Sukh Paa-ay Jis No Kirpaa Karay Rajaa-ee.
When attached to duality, all are ruined. Without the True Guru, there is no understanding. Those who serve the True Guru find peace; they are blessed with Grace by the Will of the Akal Purkh.
ਭੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਨ ਕਟੀਐ ਨਾਮਿ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਭਉ ਊਪਜੈ ਪਾਈਐ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰ ॥
Bheh Bin Bharam Na Kattiyeaa Naam Na Lagea Piar.
Without the Fear of God, doubt is not dispelled, and love for the Name is not embraced. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Parbhati, AGGS, Page, 1287 & 88-9
2. Development of higher instincts of Truth, Contentment, Compassion, Faith, and Righteousness that lead to inner cleanliness;
ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਸਚੁ ਇਹ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਵਾਰੇ ॥ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਚੂਕੇ ਸਭਿ ਭਾਰੇ ॥
Sat Santokh Daya Dharam Sach Ih Apunai Gireh Bheetar Vaaray, Janam Maran Chookay Sabh Bhaara.
Purity, contentment, compassion, faith and truthfulness -- I have ushered these into the home of my self. All the burdens of birth and death have been removed. -----Guru Arjan, AGGS, Page, 379-3&4
3. Humility: It dictates what is right while ego dictates who is right. It is not less thinking of your self but thinking of your self less.
ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥
Mithat Neevee Nanaka Gun Changiaea Tatt.
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness-----Guru Nanak, Asa Di Var, AGGS, Page, 470-13
ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਜੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਨੀਚਾ ॥ ਸੋਊ ਗਨੀਐ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚਾ ॥
Aapas Ka-o Jo Jaanai Neechaa, So-oo Ganee-ai Sabh Tay Oochaa.
One who sees himself as lowly shall be accounted as the highest of all. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 266-7
5. Disciplined way of life;
ਸਾਚੀ ਰਹਤ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਈ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਕਥਨੀ ਹੈ ਪਰੁ ਰਹਤ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਨਾਵਹੁ ਭੂਲੇ ਥਾਉ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥
Saachee Rehat Saacha Man Soyee, Manmukh Kathnee Hai Per Rehat Na Hoyee, Naavoh Bhoolay Thaou Na Koyee.
Through the lifestyle of Truth, the True Akal Purkh comes to dwell in the mind. The self-willed talks about it, but does not practice it. Forgetting the Name, he finds no serenity. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 831
ਪਤਿ ਵਿਣੁ ਪੂਜਾ ਸਤ ਵਿਣੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਜਤ ਵਿਣੁ ਕਾਹੇ ਜਨੇਊ ॥ ਨਾਵਹੁ ਧੋਵਹੁ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਚੜਾਵਹੁ ਸੁਚ ਵਿਣੁ ਸੋਚ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥
Pat Vin Poojaa Sat Vin Sanjam Jat Vin Kaahay Janay-oo, Naavoh Dhovoh Tilak Charhavoh Souch Vinn Soach Na Hoyee.
Worship without faith; self-discipline without truthfulness; the ritual of the sacred thread without chastity -- what good are these? You may bathe and wash, and apply a ritualistic tilak mark to your forehead, but without inner purity, there is no understanding.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 903-3
6. Dharma/Righteousness;
There is only one religion “Righteousness” as defined by the following hymns. It represents the individual's internal "law," to which obedience must be given if that individual is to live a life in accordance with the Divine Will. It broadly refers to a universal value system.
ਏਕੋ ਧਰਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੈ ਸਚੁ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਜੁਗਿ ਜੁਗਿ ਸੋਈ ॥
Ayko Dharam Dirrhai Such Koyee, Gurmat Pooraa Jug Jug So-ee.
There is only one religion of Righteousness; let everyone grasp this truth. Through the Guru's Teachings, one becomes perfect, all through the ages.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1188-15
Guru Arjan in Raag Gauri explains that the chanting the name of the Akal Purkh while maintaining ethical conduct is the best faith.
ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥
Sarab Dharam Meh Srayst Dharam, Har Ko Naam Jup Nirmal Karam.
Of all religions, the best religion is to chant the Name of the Akal Purkh and maintaining a pure conduct. -----Gur Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 266-13
Why would anyone call another as bad or a sinner, or patit? This is against the teachings of Gurus? Such comments denote the character defects of the individual making these judgments. The following hymns point to the humility and goodness of a Guru willed as Gurus themselves define them.
ਹਮ ਨਹੀ ਚੰਗੇ ਬੁਰਾ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਣਵਤਿ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਾਰੇ ਸੋਇ ॥
Hum Nahee Channgay Burra Nahee Koey, Paranvat Nanak Taaray So-ay.
I am not good; but nobody is bad. Prays Nanak, He alone saves us! -----Guru Nanak, Raag Suhi, AGGS 728-13
ਨਾ ਹਮ ਚੰਗੇ ਆਖੀਅਹ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਦਿਸੈ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੀਐ ਸਚੇ ਜੇਹੜਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
Naa Hum Changay Aakheeah Buraa Na Dhisai Koey, Nanak Ha-umai Maaree-ai Sachay Jayhrhaa So-ay.
I am not called good, and I see none who are bad. O Nanak, one who conquers and subdues his ego, becomes just like the True Akal Purkh. ------Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1015-12
If one can learn to hear, trust, and embrace the wisdom that lives in one’s consciousness, one will be able to confidently navigate the life with spiritual wisdom.
ਬੁਰਾ ਭਲਾ ਕੋਈ ਨ ਕਹੀਜੈ ॥ ਛੋਡਿ ਮਾਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਨ ਗਹੀਜੈ ॥
Buraa Bhalaa Ko-ee Na Kaheejai, Choad Maan Har Charn Gaheejai.
Do not say that anyone is good or bad. After shedding our ego we should ask for the support of Akal Purkh’s feet? -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 186-6
7. Respecting others:
ਮੰਦਾ ਨਾਹਿ ਕੋਇ ਹਾਂ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਕੀ ਰੇਨ ਹੋਇ ਹਾਂ ॥
Mandaa Naa-eh Koey Haan, Sant Kee Rayn Hoey Haan.
None is bad and become the dust of the feet of Saints.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asavari, AGGS, Page, 410-16
ਏਕੁ ਬੁਰਾ ਭਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਏਕੈ ॥ ਬੂਝੁ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਤਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਟੇਕੈ ॥
Ayk Buraa Bhalaa Such Aykai, Boojh Gi-aanee Satgur Kee Taykai.
One is bad and another good, but the One True Akal Purkh is contained in all.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 905-1
ਪਰਵਿਰਤੀ ਨਰਵਿਰਤਿ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਘਰੁ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ਕਿਸ ਹੀ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖਿ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਸਚਿ ਖਰਾ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੇ ॥
Parvirtee Narvirat Pachhaanai, Gur Kai Sang Sabd Ghar Jaanai, Kis He Mandaa Aakh Na Chalai Such Kharaa Suchiaaraa Hay.
One who realizes what he has to possess, and what he has to abandon and associates with the Guru, comes to know the Word of the Sabd, within the home of his own self. Do not call anyone else bad. Follow this edict. Those who are true are judged to be genuine by the True Akal Purkh. -----Guru Nanak Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1027-11
ਫਰੀਦਾ ਖਾਲਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਲਕ ਵਸੈ ਰਬ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
Faridaa Khaalak Khalak Meh Khalak Vasai Rab Maahi, Mandaa Kis No Aakheeai Jaan This Bin Koee Naa-eh.
Farid, the Creator is in the Creation, and the Creation abides in God. Whom can we call badly? There is none without It. -----Sloke Sheikh Farid, AGGS, Page, 1381-17
8. Equality:
ਸਭ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਮਤੁ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਸਭੁ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਨ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਇਆ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਊਤਮ ਜਨ ਪਰਧਾਨ ਜੀਉ ॥
Sabh Ayk Darisat Samat Kar Daykhai Sabh Aatam Raam Pachhaan Jee-o, Har Har Jas Gaa-i-aa Param Pad Paa-i-aa Tay Ootam Jan ParDhaan Jee-o.
Look upon all with equality, and recognize the Supreme Akal Purkh, pervading among all. Those who sing the Praises of the Creator God, obtain the supreme status; they are the most exalted and acclaimed people. -----Guru Ramdas, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 446-12
All the above hymns are true examples of humility. One should regard oneself as bad and the lowest of the lowly, while considering everyone else as good. Once it is accepted that God is present in everyone then we cannot call anyone bad. It is also true that even the worst individuals do have a little good in them and vice versa, in this world. Kabir in his Slokes wonders how any one can called evil, once we have accepted the fact that God lives in all.
Sikhism does not denigrate any religion but advises that the empty rituals must be abandoned. Instead, one should embrace true tenets of one’s religion. That is the path to progress spiritually.
ਰਾਹ ਦੋਵੈ ਇਕੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਈ ਸਿਝਸੀ ॥ ਕੁਫਰ ਗੋਅ ਕੁਫਰਾਣੈ ਪਇਆ ਦਝਸੀ॥ਸਭ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੁਬਹਾਨੁ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਈਐ ॥ ਸਿਝੈ ਦਰਿ ਦੀਵਾਨਿ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ॥
Rāh ḏovai ik jāṇai so▫ī sijẖsī. Kufar go▫a kufrāṇai pa▫i▫ā ḏajẖsī. Sabẖ ḏunī▫ā sub▫hān sacẖ samā▫ī▫ai. Sijẖai ḏar ḏīvān āp gavā▫ī▫ai.
One knowing both paths (Hindu & Muslim) is to be the one who alone will find fulfillment. One who repudiates this faith will burn in the fire of hell. The whole world is holy. Be absorbed in its purity and by discarding egoism does one finds acceptance at God’s portal and Its Divine Court. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Majh Ki Vaar, AGGS, Page, 142-8
The religion of humanity has no boundaries, as Akal Purkh created the whole creation and all are equal.
ਕਿਸੈ ਜਿਵੇਹਾ ਨਾਹਿ ਕੋ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਔਦਰਿ ਮੰਦੀ ਚੰਗੀ ॥ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨਿਰਲੇਪੁ ਹੈ ਪੂਰਨੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਹਲੰਗੀ ॥
Kisai Jivayhaa Naa-eh Ko Dubidhaa Andhar Mandee Changee, Paarbraham Nirlayp Hai Pooran Sada Sahlangee.
None resembles anyone and the psyche is good or bad according to the ratio of perplexity in him. Being transcendent Akal Purkh is detached from every thing and being perfect Brahm, is always with every body. -----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar, 18, Pauri, 10
Sikhism advises one to let go of the empty rituals and follow the real true tenets of one’s religion to progress on the spiritual path. The religion of humanity has no boundaries, as Akal Purkh created the whole creation and all are equal as explained by the hymn of Guru Nanak in Japji;
ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
Gura Ik Dayh Bujhaa-ee, Sabhna Jee-aa Ka Ik Data So Mai Visser Na Jaa-ee.
The Guru has given me this one understanding: There is only the One -- the Giver of all souls. May I never forget the Akal Purkh? -----Guru Nanak, Japuji, AGGS, Page, 2-10
The only requirements of union with the Akal Purkh in this universal religion of humanity are negation of self-conceit and active service of the humanity in real simple terms.
Conclusion:
Religion’s purpose is to advance humans in spirituality. However, at the present, religions are being institutionalized to control its followers. Spirituality is the knowledge of the spirit and not of intellect and Maya. It shapes human character through habits and repeated actions. They in turn are the result of the thought processes. One cannot be spiritual with out a good character, which is the sum total of the actions of an individual. One cannot be spiritual, when one is unkind to others. Character is a combination of qualities that makes an individual ethically admirable and well settled in relation to feelings and action. It is an unconflicted state where emotional responses and rational assessment speak with the same voice. The moral law dictates that one needs strength of will and self mastery to fulfill imperfect duties. A positive and optimistic attitude creates contentment, which in turn creates joy and happiness. One should be actually contented by what he does not have, and what he does not want. It is hoped that one’s faith stays personal.
ਜਪੁ ਤਪੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਨ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਾਧ ਨ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇਆ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਮ ਨੀਚ ਕਰੰਮਾ ॥ ਸਰਣਿ ਪਰੇ ਕੀ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਸਰਮਾ ॥
Jap Tap Sanjam Dharam Na Kamaeya, Seva Sadh Na Jania Har Raa-eya,Kaoh Nanak Ham Neech Karma, Saran Paray Ki Rakhoh Sarma.
I have not practiced meditation, self-discipline, self-restraint or righteous living. I have not served the Holy; I have not acknowledged the God, my King. Says Nanak, my actions are contemptible! O God, I seek Your Sanctuary; please, preserve my honor!-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 12
Virinder S. Grewal
Williamston, MI
