- Sep 3, 2009
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Nanak Nirmal Panth Chalaya
Sikh Spirituality
The unique spirituality of the Sikh Gurus lies in the /core/primal principle of ONE. Our Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is the store-house of the jewels of spirituality that begin with One.
1. One–ness of God (Ek Karta)
There is no duality or trinity, only ONE God in Sikhi.
(SGGS 679 Rag Thanasree M : 5)
ਹਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥
ਕਲਿ ਕਲੇਸ ਲੋਭ ਮੋਹ ਮਹਾ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਤਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Remembering The One, The One, The One; my Spiritual life will be free from encumbrances.
(SGGS 289 Rag Gauri Sukhmani M : 5)
ਏਕੋ ਜਪਿ ਏਕੋ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਮਨ ਆਹਿ ॥
ਏਕਸ ਕੇ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਉ ਅਨੰਤ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਜਾਪਿ ਏਕ ਭਗਵੰਤ ॥
ਏਕੋ ਏਕੁ ਏਕੁ ਹਰਿ ਆਪਿ ॥ ਪੂਰਨ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਬਿਆਪਿ ॥
ਅਨਿਕ ਬਿਸਥਾਰ ਏਕ ਤੇ ਭਏ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਅਰਾਧਿ ਪਰਾਛਤ ਗਏ ॥
ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਰਾਤਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਇਕੁ ਜਾਤਾ ॥੮॥੧੯॥
Realise and know, sing the innumerable praises of The One who is the One Creator of all. All our woes will vanish by this realisation that is attained by the blessing of the shabad guru just as Nanak has realised this.
2. One-ness of Humanity (Ek Sarta)
All mankind has come from One source only, the One God Himself.
(SGGS 1381 Salok Bhagat Fareed)
ਖਾਲਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਲਕ ਵਸੈ ਰਬ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੭੫॥
Farid says the Creator dwells in All Humanity. How can we call anyone bad if He dwells within everyone?
(SGGS 1349 Rag Parbhati Bhagat Kabir)
ਅਵਲਿ ਅਲਹ ਨੂਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਬੰਦੇ ॥
ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ ॥
ਲੋਗਾ ਭਰਮਿ ਨ ਭੂਲਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥
ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਸ੍ਰਬ ਠਾਂਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਮਾਟੀ ਏਕ ਅਨੇਕ ਭਾਂਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਜੀ ਸਾਜਨਹਾਰੈ ॥
ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ਮਾਟੀ ਕੇ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ਕੁੰਭਾਰੈ ॥੨॥
Kabir says, O people do not be misled. The truth is that He the Creator is in all His Creation. All are created from the same primal source, so who is good or bad? All created from same source yet are diverse.
The same verse ends with
ਅਲਹੁ ਅਲਖੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ਗੁਰਿ ਗੁੜੁ ਦੀਨਾ ਮੀਠਾ ॥
ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਮੇਰੀ ਸੰਕਾ ਨਾਸੀ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਡੀਠਾ ॥੪॥੩॥
Keh Kabeer Meri Shanka Nasee Sarab Niranjan Deedtha.
Kabir says he is convinced that Allah or Alakh is same, as he sees the same One Creator in all. True Sikhi rests on the acceptance of God as father and all mankind as brothers.
3. Becoming One (Ekta/ Ek Hona)
The personal journey of each human is to unite spiritually with the One within.
(SGGS 646 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਇਕਾ ਬਾਣੀ ਇਕੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਸਚਾ ਸਉਦਾ ਹਟੁ ਸਚੁ ਰਤਨੀ ਭਰੇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥
One Banee, One Guru/ One Shabd to contemplate on.
Godly Merchandise (Sacha Sauda) is Godly Spirituality (Ratnee) that is be attained from God (Hatt Sach/true shop) as the source.
The Pauri continues as
ਪਉੜੀ ॥ ਜਿਨਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕੂੜੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਕੂੜਾ ਜਲਿ ਜਾਵਈ ॥
Koor is defined as the presence of duality/absence of centrality.
(SGGS 468 Rag Asa M : 1)
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਵਖਾਣੈ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਤੁਧੁ ਬਾਝੁ ਕੂੜੋ ਕੂੜੁ ॥੧॥
It is Nanak’s supplication that without the One Supreme Being, all else is the base of duality.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji as Shabad Guru
Sikh philosophy began with Guru Nanak Sahib ji and was complete with the announcement by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji that Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji will be our sovereign and eternal living guru.
1. Only One Scripture (Ek Granth)
The ONE and only written scripture (Granth) that encapsulates the teachings of all the ten Gurus is theSri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
(SGGS 646 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਇਕਾ ਬਾਣੀ ਇਕੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
There is One Bani; there is One Guru; there is one Shabad to contemplate.
It is a Living Guru/teacher/mentor in that it leads each student/Sikh to ‘become’ like its teacher on the path to spirituality.
(SGGS 7 Jup M : 1)
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਇਆ ਜਾਪੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੩੪॥
Nanak has walked (gayea) this path (japey) now you do the same (jaye).
(SGGS 654 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਸਭੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਜੋ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
The Word of Your Shabad/Hukam is everywhere and all takes place as per Your Will.
2. Core concepts (Naam, Jup, Simran) in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji
Essentially, Sikh spirituality rests on the concepts of Naam, Jup and Simran.
(SGGS 304 Rag Gauri M : 4)
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਬਣੀਐ ॥
Gurbani praises only Naam/Godly virtues and you too can merge with Naam/Godly virtues by becoming one with Gurbani.
3. Avowal of Godly Virtues in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (gunns)
Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is about Godly virtues and everything revolves around this basic philosophy. The foundational virtues of God in Sikhi are contained within the Guru Shabad, in the preamble/opening verse in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
Ek Oaangkar Sat Naam Karta Purakh Nirbhau Nirvair Akaal Moorat Ajooni Saibhung Gur Parsaad.
The One Omnipresent God who is in Existence, who is the Creator Being, Fearless and without Enmity, Timeless and Formless, Does Not take Life Forms, and who is Self- Created, is Realized through the Blessings and Grace (Enlightenment) of the Guru.
(SGGS 286 Rag Gauri Sukhmani M : 5)
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ਕਉ ਨਾਮ ਧਨੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
The True Guru gives His Sikh the wealth of the Naam/gunns(Godly virtues).
(SGGS 644 Rag Sorath M :3)
ਸਬਦੇ ਹੀ ਨਾਉ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਬਦੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥
We realise Naam(Godly virtues) through our connection with the Shabad.
4. Shabad as the Guru (not a physical or deh guru)
Guru Nanak’s guru is the shabad. Sikh belief and faith has to be only in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji as the Shabad Guru. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji contains the complete message of a life of spirituality as per Sikh philosophy.
(SGGS 644 Rag Sorath M :3)
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਏਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨॥
Only the Shabad is the Ambrosial Nectar that is obtained through the true guru’s teachings.
(SGGS 37 Sri Rag M : 3)
ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮਨੁ ਬੇਧਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਆਪਿ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥੨॥
When your mind is stilled with the Guru shabad, you will realize the Lord Himself within you.
(SGGS 646 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦੁ ਪਛਾਣੀਐ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥੧॥
Nanak, when you realize the Shabad (Enlightener/guru), then Naam (Godly virtues) will abide in the mind.
(SGGS 17 Sri Rag M : 1)
ਪਿਰੁ ਰੀਸਾਲੂ ਤਾ ਮਿਲੈ ਜਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣੀ ॥੨॥
We meet with our beloved (God) when we listen to the guru’s message and internalise gunns (God’s virtues).
Intellect is integral in Authentic Sikhi Practice
1. Critical Thinking (bibek budhi) is a prerequisite to Sikhi
A Sikh is a student, thus anyone can be a Sikh, simply because he/she is learning. Guru Nanak’s Sikhi demands critical thinking faculties as it is a practical and intellectual form of spirituality beyond space and time and not any passive acceptance or docile subservience of irrational principles.
Bibek budhi /discerning intellect is a repeated theme in Gurbani.
(SGGS 1276 Rag Malar M : 5)
ਅਚਰੁ ਚਰੈ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਪਾਏ ਪੁਰਖੈ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੪॥
The mortal can meet the Primal Lord by the use of the discriminating intellect that he is blessed with.
(SGGS 317 Rag Gauri M : 3)
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਹਾਰੁ ਪਰੋਇ ॥
The Gurmukh is blessed with spiritual wisdom and a discerning intellect.
2. Gurbani is to be deciphered as per Gurbani Framework
Gurbani is complete and has its own fundamental grammar principles.
The 1430 pages of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji are in fact the cross-references that validate and illustrate the core concepts of Sikhi. There cannot be duality by using exterior references in the understanding or the translating of Gurbani.
(SGGS 664 Rag Thanasree M: 3)
ਸਬਦੁ ਦੀਪਕੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਚਾਖੈ ਸੋ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Shabad is a lamp that illuminates the whole world. My life will become pure if I realise the message of the shabad guru.
(SGGS 943 Rag Ramkali M :1)
ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥
Shabad is my teacher (on whom I focus my consciousness) and I am his student /disciple.
No concept that is accepted by our Gurus remains undefined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. In most cases old concepts are redefined and given Gurmat meanings. For concepts that are to be discarded – there is no need to define them.
(SGGS 936 Rag Ramkali Dakhni M:1)
ਰੂੜੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
I realize the Lord when I contemplate on the beautous message of the shabad guru.
3. Rituals and Superstitions have to be discarded completely
The practices of a Sikh have to be in line with Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji as the only written scripture that encapsulates the soul/teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus. Belief in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and its contents means no meaningless rituals are to be adopted.
(SGGS 324 Rag Gauri Bhagat Kabir)
ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤ ਬਧੇ ਅਹੰਮੇਵ ॥
Karam Karath Badhhae Ahanmaev ||
Ritual practices bind people in egotism;
(SGGS 416 Rag Asa M : 1)
ਰੋਗੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਭੇਦੁ ਮਨਿ ਦੂਜਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਰਮਿ ਜਪਹਿ ਜਪੁ ਦੂਜਾ ॥
The mind is diseased with doubt, superstition and duality.
Without the Guru, it dwells in doubt, and contemplates duality.
A Sikh is a learner for life but a person who is just copy-pasting rituals and karamkands in his /her life and has stopped or never even begun to learn, cannot be a Sikh!
4. Sikhi Form of Worship
Sikhs worship (ie reverance and adoration) only the Creator via their teacher/guru/mentor, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. That is why the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is always respectfully placed on a platform and under a canopy befitting its position as a messenger of God. It is not treated like an idol or deity.
(SGGS 982)
ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ||
ਗੁਰੁ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਕਹੈ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ਪਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ||
The Word, the Bani is Guru, and Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani all theAmbrosial Nectar is contained. If His humble servant believes, and acts according to the Words of the Guru’s Bani, then the Guru, in person, emancipates him.
Uniqueness of Sikh Philosophy
Bhai Gurdas in Vaar 1.45 says
ਮਾਰਿਆ ਸਿਕਾ ਜਗਤ੍ਰਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਪੰਥ ਚਲਾਇਆ।
Guru Nanak established the authority of his doctrines and shared a pure / unique path.
Mareya Sikka Jagat Vich Nanak Nirmal Panth Chaleya
Why is the journey of Sikhi so unique? The answer lies in the acceptance of the shabad as a guru. The guru whose primal revelation is that of one-ness. Hence the God of Sikhi is unique.
(SGGS 654 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਸਭੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਜੋ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
The Word of Your Shabad/Hukam is everywhere and all takes place at Your Will.
And the practice of Authentic Sikhi is unique as it calls for becoming Gurbani via the Gurmatt of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
(SGGS 612 Rag Sorath M :5)
ਭਗਤਿ ਭੰਡਾਰ ਗੁਰਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਉ ਸਉਪੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਲਇਆ
After Nanak obtained the treasure of Naam from his guru (shabad) all
further accounts of deeds are ceased.
(SSGS 423 Rag Asa M : 3)
ਸੁਣਿ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥
ਦੇਵਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਸਭ ਬਿਧਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Listen, O my mind, to the essence of spiritual wisdom.
The Great Giver knows all methods for the Gurmukh to obtain the treasure of the Naam.
Sikh Spirituality
The unique spirituality of the Sikh Gurus lies in the /core/primal principle of ONE. Our Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is the store-house of the jewels of spirituality that begin with One.
1. One–ness of God (Ek Karta)
There is no duality or trinity, only ONE God in Sikhi.
(SGGS 679 Rag Thanasree M : 5)
ਹਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥
ਕਲਿ ਕਲੇਸ ਲੋਭ ਮੋਹ ਮਹਾ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਤਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Remembering The One, The One, The One; my Spiritual life will be free from encumbrances.
(SGGS 289 Rag Gauri Sukhmani M : 5)
ਏਕੋ ਜਪਿ ਏਕੋ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਮਨ ਆਹਿ ॥
ਏਕਸ ਕੇ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਉ ਅਨੰਤ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਜਾਪਿ ਏਕ ਭਗਵੰਤ ॥
ਏਕੋ ਏਕੁ ਏਕੁ ਹਰਿ ਆਪਿ ॥ ਪੂਰਨ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਬਿਆਪਿ ॥
ਅਨਿਕ ਬਿਸਥਾਰ ਏਕ ਤੇ ਭਏ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਅਰਾਧਿ ਪਰਾਛਤ ਗਏ ॥
ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਏਕੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਰਾਤਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਇਕੁ ਜਾਤਾ ॥੮॥੧੯॥
Realise and know, sing the innumerable praises of The One who is the One Creator of all. All our woes will vanish by this realisation that is attained by the blessing of the shabad guru just as Nanak has realised this.
2. One-ness of Humanity (Ek Sarta)
All mankind has come from One source only, the One God Himself.
(SGGS 1381 Salok Bhagat Fareed)
ਖਾਲਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਲਕ ਵਸੈ ਰਬ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੭੫॥
Farid says the Creator dwells in All Humanity. How can we call anyone bad if He dwells within everyone?
(SGGS 1349 Rag Parbhati Bhagat Kabir)
ਅਵਲਿ ਅਲਹ ਨੂਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਬੰਦੇ ॥
ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ ॥
ਲੋਗਾ ਭਰਮਿ ਨ ਭੂਲਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥
ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਸ੍ਰਬ ਠਾਂਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਮਾਟੀ ਏਕ ਅਨੇਕ ਭਾਂਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਜੀ ਸਾਜਨਹਾਰੈ ॥
ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ਮਾਟੀ ਕੇ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ਕੁੰਭਾਰੈ ॥੨॥
Kabir says, O people do not be misled. The truth is that He the Creator is in all His Creation. All are created from the same primal source, so who is good or bad? All created from same source yet are diverse.
The same verse ends with
ਅਲਹੁ ਅਲਖੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ਗੁਰਿ ਗੁੜੁ ਦੀਨਾ ਮੀਠਾ ॥
ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਮੇਰੀ ਸੰਕਾ ਨਾਸੀ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਡੀਠਾ ॥੪॥੩॥
Keh Kabeer Meri Shanka Nasee Sarab Niranjan Deedtha.
Kabir says he is convinced that Allah or Alakh is same, as he sees the same One Creator in all. True Sikhi rests on the acceptance of God as father and all mankind as brothers.
3. Becoming One (Ekta/ Ek Hona)
The personal journey of each human is to unite spiritually with the One within.
(SGGS 646 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਇਕਾ ਬਾਣੀ ਇਕੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਸਚਾ ਸਉਦਾ ਹਟੁ ਸਚੁ ਰਤਨੀ ਭਰੇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥
One Banee, One Guru/ One Shabd to contemplate on.
Godly Merchandise (Sacha Sauda) is Godly Spirituality (Ratnee) that is be attained from God (Hatt Sach/true shop) as the source.
The Pauri continues as
ਪਉੜੀ ॥ ਜਿਨਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕੂੜੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਕੂੜਾ ਜਲਿ ਜਾਵਈ ॥
Koor is defined as the presence of duality/absence of centrality.
(SGGS 468 Rag Asa M : 1)
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਵਖਾਣੈ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਤੁਧੁ ਬਾਝੁ ਕੂੜੋ ਕੂੜੁ ॥੧॥
It is Nanak’s supplication that without the One Supreme Being, all else is the base of duality.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji as Shabad Guru
Sikh philosophy began with Guru Nanak Sahib ji and was complete with the announcement by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji that Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji will be our sovereign and eternal living guru.
1. Only One Scripture (Ek Granth)
The ONE and only written scripture (Granth) that encapsulates the teachings of all the ten Gurus is theSri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
(SGGS 646 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਇਕਾ ਬਾਣੀ ਇਕੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
There is One Bani; there is One Guru; there is one Shabad to contemplate.
It is a Living Guru/teacher/mentor in that it leads each student/Sikh to ‘become’ like its teacher on the path to spirituality.
(SGGS 7 Jup M : 1)
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਇਆ ਜਾਪੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੩੪॥
Nanak has walked (gayea) this path (japey) now you do the same (jaye).
(SGGS 654 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਸਭੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਜੋ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
The Word of Your Shabad/Hukam is everywhere and all takes place as per Your Will.
2. Core concepts (Naam, Jup, Simran) in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji
Essentially, Sikh spirituality rests on the concepts of Naam, Jup and Simran.
- Naam signifies all Godly virtues (gunns)
- Jup is a process of listening, believing, accepting, internalising, walking and living and knowing these virtues(gunns).
- Simran is the thought process of the incalculation of Gurbani messages in the mind. Hence it is the remembrance of Godly virtues (gunns) with a view to realising God.
(SGGS 304 Rag Gauri M : 4)
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਬਣੀਐ ॥
Gurbani praises only Naam/Godly virtues and you too can merge with Naam/Godly virtues by becoming one with Gurbani.
3. Avowal of Godly Virtues in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (gunns)
Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is about Godly virtues and everything revolves around this basic philosophy. The foundational virtues of God in Sikhi are contained within the Guru Shabad, in the preamble/opening verse in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
Ek Oaangkar Sat Naam Karta Purakh Nirbhau Nirvair Akaal Moorat Ajooni Saibhung Gur Parsaad.
The One Omnipresent God who is in Existence, who is the Creator Being, Fearless and without Enmity, Timeless and Formless, Does Not take Life Forms, and who is Self- Created, is Realized through the Blessings and Grace (Enlightenment) of the Guru.
(SGGS 286 Rag Gauri Sukhmani M : 5)
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ਕਉ ਨਾਮ ਧਨੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
The True Guru gives His Sikh the wealth of the Naam/gunns(Godly virtues).
(SGGS 644 Rag Sorath M :3)
ਸਬਦੇ ਹੀ ਨਾਉ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਬਦੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥
We realise Naam(Godly virtues) through our connection with the Shabad.
4. Shabad as the Guru (not a physical or deh guru)
Guru Nanak’s guru is the shabad. Sikh belief and faith has to be only in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji as the Shabad Guru. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji contains the complete message of a life of spirituality as per Sikh philosophy.
(SGGS 644 Rag Sorath M :3)
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਏਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨॥
Only the Shabad is the Ambrosial Nectar that is obtained through the true guru’s teachings.
(SGGS 37 Sri Rag M : 3)
ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮਨੁ ਬੇਧਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਆਪਿ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥੨॥
When your mind is stilled with the Guru shabad, you will realize the Lord Himself within you.
(SGGS 646 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦੁ ਪਛਾਣੀਐ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥੧॥
Nanak, when you realize the Shabad (Enlightener/guru), then Naam (Godly virtues) will abide in the mind.
(SGGS 17 Sri Rag M : 1)
ਪਿਰੁ ਰੀਸਾਲੂ ਤਾ ਮਿਲੈ ਜਾ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣੀ ॥੨॥
We meet with our beloved (God) when we listen to the guru’s message and internalise gunns (God’s virtues).
Intellect is integral in Authentic Sikhi Practice
1. Critical Thinking (bibek budhi) is a prerequisite to Sikhi
A Sikh is a student, thus anyone can be a Sikh, simply because he/she is learning. Guru Nanak’s Sikhi demands critical thinking faculties as it is a practical and intellectual form of spirituality beyond space and time and not any passive acceptance or docile subservience of irrational principles.
Bibek budhi /discerning intellect is a repeated theme in Gurbani.
(SGGS 1276 Rag Malar M : 5)
ਅਚਰੁ ਚਰੈ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਪਾਏ ਪੁਰਖੈ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੪॥
The mortal can meet the Primal Lord by the use of the discriminating intellect that he is blessed with.
(SGGS 317 Rag Gauri M : 3)
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਹਾਰੁ ਪਰੋਇ ॥
The Gurmukh is blessed with spiritual wisdom and a discerning intellect.
2. Gurbani is to be deciphered as per Gurbani Framework
Gurbani is complete and has its own fundamental grammar principles.
The 1430 pages of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji are in fact the cross-references that validate and illustrate the core concepts of Sikhi. There cannot be duality by using exterior references in the understanding or the translating of Gurbani.
(SGGS 664 Rag Thanasree M: 3)
ਸਬਦੁ ਦੀਪਕੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਚਾਖੈ ਸੋ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Shabad is a lamp that illuminates the whole world. My life will become pure if I realise the message of the shabad guru.
(SGGS 943 Rag Ramkali M :1)
ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥
Shabad is my teacher (on whom I focus my consciousness) and I am his student /disciple.
No concept that is accepted by our Gurus remains undefined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. In most cases old concepts are redefined and given Gurmat meanings. For concepts that are to be discarded – there is no need to define them.
(SGGS 936 Rag Ramkali Dakhni M:1)
ਰੂੜੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
I realize the Lord when I contemplate on the beautous message of the shabad guru.
3. Rituals and Superstitions have to be discarded completely
The practices of a Sikh have to be in line with Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji as the only written scripture that encapsulates the soul/teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus. Belief in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and its contents means no meaningless rituals are to be adopted.
(SGGS 324 Rag Gauri Bhagat Kabir)
ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤ ਬਧੇ ਅਹੰਮੇਵ ॥
Karam Karath Badhhae Ahanmaev ||
Ritual practices bind people in egotism;
(SGGS 416 Rag Asa M : 1)
ਰੋਗੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਭੇਦੁ ਮਨਿ ਦੂਜਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਰਮਿ ਜਪਹਿ ਜਪੁ ਦੂਜਾ ॥
The mind is diseased with doubt, superstition and duality.
Without the Guru, it dwells in doubt, and contemplates duality.
A Sikh is a learner for life but a person who is just copy-pasting rituals and karamkands in his /her life and has stopped or never even begun to learn, cannot be a Sikh!
4. Sikhi Form of Worship
Sikhs worship (ie reverance and adoration) only the Creator via their teacher/guru/mentor, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. That is why the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is always respectfully placed on a platform and under a canopy befitting its position as a messenger of God. It is not treated like an idol or deity.
(SGGS 982)
ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ||
ਗੁਰੁ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਕਹੈ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ਪਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ||
The Word, the Bani is Guru, and Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani all theAmbrosial Nectar is contained. If His humble servant believes, and acts according to the Words of the Guru’s Bani, then the Guru, in person, emancipates him.
Uniqueness of Sikh Philosophy
Bhai Gurdas in Vaar 1.45 says
ਮਾਰਿਆ ਸਿਕਾ ਜਗਤ੍ਰਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਪੰਥ ਚਲਾਇਆ।
Guru Nanak established the authority of his doctrines and shared a pure / unique path.
Mareya Sikka Jagat Vich Nanak Nirmal Panth Chaleya
Why is the journey of Sikhi so unique? The answer lies in the acceptance of the shabad as a guru. The guru whose primal revelation is that of one-ness. Hence the God of Sikhi is unique.
(SGGS 654 Rag Sorath M : 3)
ਸਭੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਜੋ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
The Word of Your Shabad/Hukam is everywhere and all takes place at Your Will.
And the practice of Authentic Sikhi is unique as it calls for becoming Gurbani via the Gurmatt of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
(SGGS 612 Rag Sorath M :5)
ਭਗਤਿ ਭੰਡਾਰ ਗੁਰਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਉ ਸਉਪੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਲਇਆ
After Nanak obtained the treasure of Naam from his guru (shabad) all
further accounts of deeds are ceased.
(SSGS 423 Rag Asa M : 3)
ਸੁਣਿ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥
ਦੇਵਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਸਭ ਬਿਧਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Listen, O my mind, to the essence of spiritual wisdom.
The Great Giver knows all methods for the Gurmukh to obtain the treasure of the Naam.
