RELIGION/ਧਰਮੁ
ABSTRACT
According to Sabd Guru there is only one religion of righteousness on this earth – to truthfully obey the Eternal Laws of Mother Nature/Divine Will but others are created by man for the main purpose of controlling followers by institutionalizing them. But righteousness should become an individual's internal "law," to which obedience must be given if he aspires to live in accordance with the Absolute Creative Principle of Truth (Akal Purkh). Guru Nanak ponders about it in Raag Basant;
ਏਕੋ ਧਰਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੈ ਸਚੁ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਜੁਗਿ ਜੁਗਿ ਸੋਈ ॥
Ayko Dharam Dirrhai Such Koyee, Gurmat Pooraa Jug Jug So-ee.
Let everyone grasp the truth that there is only one sole faith of righteousness. One guided by the Master, age after age stays perfect.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1188-15
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Dharma is one of the primary Sikh virtues. It requires an individual’s active participation in obeying the universal, eternal laws of Mother Nature. Dharma arises from the verbal root dhri, a Sanskrit word. It means support or a manner of being. Hence Dharma must be understood in its original, metaphysical context. It implies conforming to a Divine or Creative Principle at work in an individual. Dharma, thus, broadly refers to a universal value system. A person with faith does not need an explanation but for the one without faith no explanation is enough. The priceless and smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.
ਅਮੁਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥
Amul Dharam Amul Deebaan.
Priceless is the Divine Law of righteousness, Priceless is the Divine Court of Justice. -----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 5-17
Guru Arjan in Raag Gauri states that chanting the name of the God while maintaining ethical conduct in all of one’s dealings 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 maintain pure conduct. -----Gur Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 266-13
ਸਗਲ ਮਤਾਂਤ ਕੇਵਲ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ॥ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਭਗਤ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥
Sagal MataaNt Kayval Har Naam, Gobind Bhagat Kai Man Bisraam.
The essence of all religious doctrines and principles is the contemplation Akal Purkh's Name alone, which abides in the minds of the devotees of God. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 296-4
Righteousness is the essential character or nature of all that is, of the universe and of each of us. It is the natural, rightful order and foundation of everyone and everything. It both explains why things are as they are and indicates the path to a spiritual awakening. As such, dharma is the underlying Truth of all spiritual traditions. Guru Nanak taught that Truth is God for the Sikhs. One has to make an honest attempt to be righteous without being ritualistic. An example of a ritual is an Akhand Path performed on someone’s behalf, while he is absent and cannot listen to it, much less contemplate on it. No religious ceremonies are needed in an earnest prayer, as indicated by Guru Nanak in Siri Raag;
ਤੀਰਥ ਵਰਤ ਸੁਚਿ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਰਮੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਨਹੀ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਵਿਆਪੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥
Ŧirath varaṯ sucẖ sanjam nāhī karam ḏẖaram nahī pūjā, Nānak bẖā¬ė bẖagaṯ nisṯārā ḏubiḏẖā vi¬āpai ḏūjā.
Thus pilgrimages, fasts, external purification and self-restraints are of no use. Hollow rituals and empty worship are of no consequence, if one remains ensnared in duality. O Nanak, emancipation comes only by loving devotional worship. -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 75- 17 & 18
Webster’s dictionary defines faith as cosmic order or law. This order encompasses natural and moral principles that apply to all beings and things. Hence, it is incumbent on us to observe this law dutifully. Our conduct in daily life must be right. Most of us understand that faith is a system of religious beliefs that do not require any proof or evidence. To Guru Nanak this law meant that truth was above all and above that was a truthful conduct;
ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥
Sachoh Oorai Sabh Ko Ouper Such Aachaar.
Truth is above all and above Truth is Truthful conduct. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sri, AGGS, Page, 62-11
A basic tenet of Sikh Faith is the equality of all human beings. Hence a Sikh respects human rights and human dignity. Simultaneously, there is a belief in the Spirit of God. It does not advocate renunciation as a way to salvation, but prizes a householder’s life lived with accountability, honesty and sharing. Sikhs accept the will of God gracefully. Yet one’s Faith should be grounded in reason. When faith becomes blind it dies. Guru Nanak always proved his point through examples and stressed that the real and right way of life is through honest labor and sharing.
ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥
Ghaal Khaa-ay Kichh Hathahu Day-ay, Nanak Raahu Pachhaaneh Say-ay.
One who works for what he eats, and share some of what he has with the others; O Nanak, he knows the Path. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Sarang, AGGS, Page, 1245-19
Sikh faith advocates the subjugation of lower human instincts and the development of higher instincts. Its hallmarks are free service or Seva, meditation, prayer, and earning a living through honest labor. A Sikh shares food with others especially with the needy ones.
ਮੰਨੈ ਮਗੁ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਪੰਥੁ ॥ ਮੰਨੈ ਧਰਮ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਨਬੰਧੁ ॥
Mannai Mag Na Chalai Panth, Mannai Dharam Saytee Sanbandh.
By acting on Akal Purkh’s Will, one follows the path of righteousness and is not led astray. The faithful are firmly bound to the righteousness. -----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 3-9
ਨਾ ਜਾਣਾ ਕਰਮ ਕੇਵਡ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤਿ ॥ ਕਰਮੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਜਾਤਿ ॥
Naa Jaanaa Karam Kayvad Tayree Daat, Karm Dharam Tayray Naam Ki Jaat.
I do not know about karma, or how great Your gifts are. The karma of actions, the righteousness, social class and status, are all contained within Your Name.-----Guru Nanak, AGGS, Page, 154-2
Weave in faith and God will find the thread. A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.
Faith can move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel. ~Author Unknown
ਕਬੀਰਾ ਜਹਾ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਤਹ ਧਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਜਹਾ ਝੂਠੁ ਤਹ ਪਾਪੁ ॥ ਜਹਾ ਲੋਭੁ ਤਹ ਕਾਲੁ ਹੈ ਜਹਾ ਖਿਮਾ ਤਹ ਆਪਿ ॥
Kabir Jhaa Giaan Teh Dharam Hai Jhaa Jhooth Teh Paap, Jhaa Loabh Teh Kaal Hai Jhaa Khima Teh Aap.
Kabir, where there is spiritual wisdom, there is righteousness. Where there is falsehood, there is sin. Where there is greed, there is death. Where there is forgiveness, there is God It self.-----Kabir Sloke 155, AGGS, Page, 1372
An equal importance is given to the cultivations of values. These values include universal principles of self-control, decent and dignified behavior towards both men and women. One should be honest and earn his livelihood truthfully. He has obligations at work, in the family and to society that must be carried out honestly. One must not harm the others or the environment, but should keep it clean and not abuse nature. As advised by Guru Nanak in Raag Malar, one should pray, observe austerities and work towards self-realization;
ਸਰਮੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦੁਇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੇ ਧਨੁ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਸੋ ਧਨੁ ਮਿਤ੍ਰੁ ਨ ਕਾਂਢੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਖਾਇ ॥
Saram Dharam Doey Nanaka Jay Dhan Palai Paa-ey, So Dhan Mitar Na KaaNdhee-ai Jit Sir ChotaaN Khaa-ay.
Modesty and righteousness both, O Nanak, are the qualities of those who are blessed with true wealth. Do not refer to that wealth as your friend, which leads you to get your head beaten.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Malar, AGGS, Page 1287-11
As One’s faith is strengthened things will flow easily and one flows with them in ease and delight. It is the optimism in the faith that leads to achievement -- nothing can be accomplished without hope and confidence. He who has faith has an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness. He exudes the faith that all will come out well in the end. Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.
Conclusion:
The basic principles of Sikh faith are Truth, Living the Truth, rigorous honesty, compassion, contentment, righteousness, and fortitude. Truth and rigorous honesty are only tonics to invigorate the mind towards right thought. Truth is discovered, recognized and then lived and realized by mind. Truth is the only source of all Cosmic and mundane riches. Truth is its own reward. It builds him, who builds on it. A well-trained mind, trained to Truth concentrated on living and realizing is the need of every individual. For the truly faithful, no miracle is necessary, but for those who doubt, no miracle is sufficient. In short one should banish pride, worldly love, and envy. Bear no ill-will for the others if you want to avoid their ill will towards you. One should walk humbly and speak civilly to all.
One’s Beliefs (blind faith) Become One’s Thoughts-And Thoughts Become Words-Words Become Actions- Actions Become Habits-Habits Become Character-Character Becomes one’s Destiny- and later is doomed with out good character.
Bhai Gurdas illustrate these values in his 11th Vaar;
ਕਾਮੁ ਕਰੋਧ ਵਿਰੋਧੁ ਹਰਿ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਤਜਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਤਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨ ਦਿ੍ੜਾਇਆ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖ ਲੈ ਗੁਰਸਿਖੁ ਸਦਾਇਆ ॥
Kaam Krodh Virodh Har Lobh Moh Ahankar Taja-e-aa, Sat Santokh Daya Dharam Naam Daan Isnaan Dirrhaa-e-aa, Gur Sikh Lai Gursikh Sada-e-aa.
Sabd-Guru’s teachings can eradicate one’s lust, anger, resistance, greed and infatuation. Ego erased makes him practice truth, contentment, dharma, Naam, charity and ablution. One is called a Sikh of the Guru, only if he adopts the way shown by his Guru.-----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 11, Pauri, 3
Virinder S. Grewal
