SIKHISM A UNIVERSAL RELIGION
ABSTRACT
The universalism of the Sikh religion lies in its simplicity, reality, and active application of the teachings presented in Sabd Guru in all spheres of life. Any individual can follow the teaching and reach the highest lofts of life and transcend in spirituality. It is the only liberal religion teaching equality irrespective of gender, race or caste and that there is One Creator for the whole creation. It respects other religions but not empty rituals and superstitions.
ਓਅੰਕਾਰਿ ਉਤਪਾਤੀ ॥
ਕੀਆ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਸਭ ਰਾਤੀ ॥
Oankar Outpaatee. Kī▫ā ḏinas sabẖ rāṯī.
The One Universal Creator God created the creation and made all the days and the nights.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1003-17
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All humans are born equal in all respects. There is no place for passiveness in Sikhism. It requires action on the part of each individual for spiritual growth. Merely calling One’s self a Sikh one does become a Sikh and does not get spiritual uplift. One needs to contemplate, deliberate, and reflect upon the Word and apply its teachings to daily life to attain internal piety. Faith without the right action is dead. Sikhism asserts that there is only One Creator, who has created everything in the cosmos. We should worship only the creator and not the things or beings, including the Sikh Gurus, created by the Creator.
ਏਕੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗੁ ਕੀਆ ॥
ਬਾਝੁ ਕਲਾ ਧਰਿ ਗਗਨੁ ਧਰੀਆ ॥੨॥
Ayko Karta Jin Jug Kiya. Bājẖ kalā ḏẖar gagan ḏẖarī▫ā.
There is only One Creator, who created the world and supports the earth and the sky without any pillars. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1188-13
ਅਵਿਗਤੋ ਨਿਰਮਾਇਲੁ ਉਪਜੇ ਨਿਰਗੁਣ ਤੇ ਸਰਗੁਣੁ ਥੀਆ ॥
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਰਚੈ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਾਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਮਾਇ ਲੀਆ ॥
Avgato Nirmaa-il Oopjay Nirgun Tat Sargun Thee-a. Saṯgur parcẖai param paḏ pā▫ī▫ai sācẖai sabaḏ samā▫e lī▫ā.
From Its state of absolute existence, God assumed the immaculate form; from formless, God assumed the supreme form. By pleasing the True Guru, the supreme status is obtained, and one is absorbed in the True Word of the Sabd.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali Sidh Gost, AGGS, Page, 940-14
ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਣ ਕਰੀਮ ॥
ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਰਹੀਮ ॥
KaarN KarN Kreem, Kirpa Dhaar Raheem.
Generous God is the cause of all causes and showers Its Grace and Mercy upon us.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Ram kali, AGGS, Page, 885-8, 9
The creator has further been projected as Nirgun, one without attributes and invisible, and as Sargun, one with attributes, as Mother Nature. Guru Nanak, Guru Arjan, and Guru Amar Das describe in Raag Maru that God was without attributes for many (thirty-six) ages. He was in the form of negativity -- without attributes. Sikh philosophy explains the metaphysical force responsible for the creation. It also enunciates god’s Will, the law of cause & action. It further explains that Guru and Gnosis are required to purify the consciousness of an individual so that it becomes fit for the companionship of the Eternal within. This leads to a transcendental uplift.
ਸਰਗੁਣ ਨਿਰਗੁਣ ਥਾਪੈ ਨਾਉ ॥
ਦੁਹ ਮਿਲਿ ਏਕੈ ਕੀਨੋ ਠਾਉ ॥
Sargun (Sagun) Nirgun Thaapai Naou, Dho Mil Aykai Keeno Thaaou.
The learned people call the God Seen, with attributes as well as Unseen, without attributes. Both of these features combine together in the formation of the Cosmos.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 387-18
ਰਾਜ ਜੋਬਨ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੂੰ ਧਨੀ ॥
ਤੂੰ ਨਿਰਗੁਨ ਤੂੰ ਸਰਗੁਨੀ ॥
Raaj Joban Prabh Toon Dhanee, Toon Nirgun Toon Sargunee.
God is present in many physical forms in Mother Nature. Before the creation; God was (ਨਿਰਗੁਣੁ), unseen, formless (ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ). After creation, God is perceived in physical form in Mother Nature (ਸਰਗੁਨੁ).-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 211-6
ਨਿਰਗੁਨ ਆਪਿ ਸਰਗੁਨੁ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥
ਕਲਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਮੋਹੀ ॥
Nirgun Aap Sargun Bhi Ohi, Kalaa Dhaar Jin Saglee Mohee.
God is absolute and unrelated and is also involved and related. Manifesting Its power, God fascinates the entire world.-----Guru Arjun, Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 287-17
ਖੋਜਤ ਖੋਜਤ ਦਰਸਨ ਚਾਹੇ ॥
ਭਾਤਿ ਭਾਤਿ ਬਨ ਬਨ ਅਵਗਾਹੇ ॥
ਨਿਰਗੁਣੁ ਸਰਗੁਣੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਰਾ ਕੋਈ ਹੈ ਜੀਉ ਆਣਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ਜੀਉ ॥
Kẖojaṯ kẖojaṯ ḏarsan cẖāhe.Bẖāṯ bẖāṯ ban ban avgāhe. Nirgun Sargun Her Her Mera Koi Hai Jeio Aan Melave Jeio.
I have searched and searched, seeking God's Blessed sight. I traveled through all sorts of woods and forests. My Eternal God is absolute and related, unmanifest and manifest; is there anyone who can come and unite me with God?-----Guru Arjun, Raag Majh, AGGS Page, 98-2
God is indefinable, incomprehensible, infinite, and unfathomable with uncountable attributes but Guru Nanak defined God in his Japji as There is one God, Self-manifested, and Eternal Truth is God’s Name, Creator, and Immanent Reality. God is without fear; without hate; Timeless Form; Un-incarnated; Self-Existent; Realized by the grace of holy preceptor; Chant and Meditate: True in the Primal Beginning, True throughout the Ages, and True Here and Now. O Nanak, Forever And Ever True.
Guru Nanak also describes God in Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page 597: God is unknowable, infinite, unapproachable, imperceptible, and not subject to death or karma. God is casteless; Unborn, self-illumined, free of doubt and desire. God has no form, no color, and no feature; and reveals itself through the True Word of the Sabd. God has no mother, father, sons or relatives; He is free of sexual desire and has no wife. God has no ancestry and is immaculate; endless and all-pervading. God is hidden in every heart, and Almighty’s doors are opened by Guru’s instruction and one becomes fearless in deep meditation. Guru Amar Das adds a few more attributes of God in Raag Kalyan;
ਗੋਬਿਦ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਸਦ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਗੁਣ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
ਤੂ ਅਮਿਤਿ ਅਤੋਲੁ ਅਪਰੰਪਰ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਬਹੁ ਜਪੀਐ ਥਾਹ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Gobiḏ guṇ gobiḏ saḏ gāvahi guṇ gobiḏ anṯ na pā▫i▫ā. Too Amit Atoal Apranper Suaamee Baoh Japee-aa Thaah Na Paa-eaa.
Spiritual teachers sing the Glorious Praises of the God, of the Universe forever but they do not find God’s limits. You are Immeasurable, Unweigh able, and Infinite, O Creator and Master; no matter how much one may meditate on You, Your Depth cannot be fathomed.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Kalyan, AGGS, Page, 1319-7
Vedas (Hindu Scriptures) and other holy books do not know God’s extent & mystery.
ਵੇਦ ਕਹਹਿ ਵਖਿਆਣ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਵਣਾ ॥
ਪੜਿਐ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦੁ ਬੁਝਿਐ ਪਾਵਣਾ ॥
Vayd Kaheh VakhiaaN Unt Na Paavnaa, Parhi-ai Naahee Bhayd Bujhi-ai Paavnaa.
The Vedas speak and expound on God, but they do not know its limits. Not by studying, but through understanding, God's Mystery is revealed.-----Guru Nanak, Vaar Majh, AGGS, Page, 148-2&3
ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬੀ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਤਾ ॥
ਨਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਸੁਤ ਭ੍ਰਾਤਾ ॥
Bayd Kataybee Bhayd Na Jata, Na Tis Maat Pita Sout Bhrataa.
The Vedas (Hindu Scriptures) and other religious books do not know the mystery of God. God Almighty has no mother, father, child or brother.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1021-16
God is One, Being, Power, Absolute Principle, Force, and Substance in Infinite, and without beginning or end.
Guru Nanak and Guru Arjan claimed God created humanity, which is the only religion:
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, through all ages.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1188-15
ਮਿਥਿਆ ਭਰਮਿ ਭਰਮਿ ਬਹੁ ਭ੍ਰਮਿਆ ਲੁਬਧੋ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਲਤ੍ਰ ਮੋਹ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
ਜੈਸੇ ਤਰਵਰ ਕੀ ਤੁਛ ਛਾਇਆ ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜਾਇ ਦੇਹ ਭੀਤਿ ॥੧॥
Mithia Bharam Bharam Bauh Bharmia Lubdho Pouter Kalater Moh Preet. Jaise ṯarvar kī ṯucẖẖ cẖẖā▫i▫ā kẖin mėh binas jā▫e ḏeh bẖīṯ.
In false doubt and superstition, people wander all around, lured by love and emotional attachment to their children and families. But just like the passing shade of the tree, your body-wall shall crumble in an instant. -----Guru Ram Das, Raag Kanrha, AGGS, Page, 1295-17
Guru Arjan commented on this subject in Raag Bhairo. As there were mainly two religions being practiced in India during his time, he tried to make people understand the concept of equality so that hatred could be removed between both religions.
ਨਾ ਹਮ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ॥
ਅਲਹ ਰਾਮ ਕੇ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪਰਾਨ ॥
Na Hum Hindu Na Musalmaan, Allah Ram Kay Pindh Praan.
I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim. My body and breath of life belong to Allah and to Ram the God of both.------Guru Arjun, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1136-11,12
Sikhism does not believe in superstition or miracles, which are irrational beliefs arising from ignorance or fear. It does not include any dogma, chance, practice, or rite unreasonably upheld by faith in magic or just opinions.
ਭ੍ਰਮ ਕੀ ਕੂਈ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਰਸ ਪੰਕਜ ਅਤਿ ਤੀਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਣ ਮੋਹ ਕੀ ਫਾਸ ॥
ਕਾਟਨਹਾਰ ਜਗਤ ਗੁਰ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਕਰਹੁ ਨਿਵਾਸ ॥
Bharam Kee Koo-ee Trisna Ras Pankaj Ut Teekhan Moh Kee Faas, Kaatanhaar Jagat Gur Gobid Charan Kamal Taa Kay Karahu Nivaas.
Superstition is the well, thirst for pleasure is the mud, and emotional attachment is the noose, so tight around your neck. The only one who can cut this is the Guru of the World, the Creator of the Universe. So let yourself dwell at Its Lotus Feet.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 204-10
Sikhism teaches righteousness, which creates a character that will coalesce with God within. It develops a harmony with the in folded Divine nature. Character is the elevation of the conscious. It alone is decisive of the destiny of an individual. It gives the conscious inclination to lean towards God and is the only way to final freedom. It is earned through a thousand hardships, hammering and forging one’s way with Truth, until one becomes unified with it. The wise alone work with the Laws of God, which are blind but their justice is even-handed within as well as without. An ordinary mind learns by experience and the self-willed by instincts. Wisdom is ever constructive as every being learns to know itself. All are given equal rights to use the entire inner Divine for spiritual growth and liberation. An individual does not have to live in a land of fantasy. Moral life cannot be lived in aloofness. The tranquility that comes through understanding and intellectual grasp of Truth is mental.
ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤੂਤਿ ਬੇਲਿ ਬਿਸਥਾਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਫਲੁ ਹੂਆ ॥
ਤਿਸੁ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਅਨਾਹਦੁ ਵਾਜੈ ਸਬਦੁ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਿ ਕੀਆ ॥
Karam Kartoot Bayl Bistharee Ram Naam Fal Hoo-aa, Tis Roop Na Raykh Anaahad Vaajai Sabd Niranjan Kee-aa.
The vine of good actions and character has spread out, and it bears the fruit of God's Name. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 351-2
Self-less service of humanity in any way takes precedence over everything else in Sikh Philosophy. Serving the food in Langar (Dining Room) irrespective of gender, race, color or caste is another example of equality and selfless service.
ਜੰਗਮ ਜੋਧ ਜਤੀ ਸੰਨਿਆਸੀ ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥
ਜੰਗਮ ਜੋਧ ਜਤੀ ਸੰਨਿਆਸੀ ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥
ਬਿਨੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਫਲੁ ਕਬਹੁ ਨ ਪਾਵਸਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਾਰੀ ॥
Jangam joḏẖ jaṯī sani▫āsī gur pūrai vīcẖārī. Bin Sayva Fal Kaboh Na Paavas Sayva KarNee Saaree.
The wandering beggars, warriors, celibates and ascetic hermits no one ever receives the fruits of their rewards, without selfless service. Consider serving God through the perfect Guru as most excellent action.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 992-7
ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਏ ॥
ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਚੁਕਾਵਣਿਆ ॥
Sayva Surat Sabd Chit Laa-ay, Ha-umai Maar Sadaa Sukh Paa-i-aa Maa-i-aa Moh Chukaavani-aa.
Center your awareness on selfless service-and focus your consciousness on the Word of the Sabd. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 110-1
ਦੇਖਾ ਦੇਖੀ ਸਭ ਕਰੇ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥
ਜਿਨ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਿਰਦਾ ਸੁਧੁ ਹੈ ਸੇਵ ਪਈ ਤਿਨ ਥਾਇ ॥
Daykhaa Daykhee Sabh Karay Manmukh Boojh Na Paa-ay, Jin Gurmukh Hirda Sudh Hai Sayv Pa-ee Tin Thaa-ey.
They all show off and pretend, but the self-willed do not understand. Service of the pure-hearted Guru oriented is accepted.-----Guru Amar Das, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 28-3
ਕਰਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਭਜੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ॥
ਤਿਆਗਿ ਮਾਨੁ ਝੂਠੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥
ਜੀਵਤ ਮਰਹਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਰਵਾਨੁ ॥
Kar Sayva Bajh Har Har Gurmat, Tia-ag Maan Jhooth Abhimaan, Jeevat Mareh Dargeh Parvaan.
Do selfless service; follow the Guru's Teachings, and contemplate the Name of God. Abandon pride, falsehood, and arrogance. Remain dead while yet alive, and you shall be welcomed in God’s Court.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri Guareri, AGGS, Page, 176-14
The purity of mind is a river of God’s silent Grace, a quickening man in his righteousness. Guru in Sikhism endows the true science of direct intercourse with the spirit of God. To become one with God, one must raise his focus from the heterogeneous to the homogeneous. One must let the Sabd of the Holy Word pervade God’s being before one can cherish those lofty heights of bliss. It is most profitable for the individual mind to become totally fixed, graduated, potent and productive by virtue and power of the Holy Naam. Thus God sees all things inwardly accomplished through its pattern and design to move towards maturity and fulfills them accordingly. God is more pleased with internal piety. God’s Grace alone enables the seeker to rise from the life of duality and morality, from which the most skillful could never extricate himself. Divine Grace loosens the binding bolts, lessens the earthly pull that fetters the conscious in the meshes of materiality, and gradually frees it. All praise to the Guru, who makes the seeker one with his God removes the doubt and duality.
ਫੂਟੋ ਆਂਡਾ ਭਰਮ ਕਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਭਇਓ ਪਰਗਾਸੁ ॥
ਕਾਟੀ ਬੇਰੀ ਪਗਹ ਤੇ ਗੁਰ ਕੀਨੀ ਬੰਦ ਖਲਾਸ ॥
ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣੁ ਰਹਿਓ ॥
ਤਪਤ ਕੜਾਹਾ ਬੁਝਿ ਗਇਆ ਗੁਰ ਸੀਤਲ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੀਓ ॥
Footou Aandda Bharam Ka Maneh Bheio Pargaas, Kaati Bayrhi Pageh Tay Gur Keenee Band Khlaas, Aavan JaaN Rehio, Tapat Krhaahaa Bujh Gaeyaa Gur Seetle Naam Dee-o.
The egg of doubt has burst; my mind has been enlightened. The Guru has shattered the shackles on my feet and has set me free. My coming and going in reincarnation is ended. The boiling cauldron has cooled down; the Guru has blessed me with the cooling, soothing Naam, the Name of the God.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1002-15, 16
Gender Equality is another feature of Sikhism; even though it is not universally practiced by certain male chauvinists.
Guru Nanak describes the values of females in Asa Di Var.
ਭੰਡਿ ਜੰਮੀਐ ਭੰਡਿ ਨਿੰਮੀਐ ਭੰਡਿ ਮੰਗਣੁ ਵੀਆਹੁ ॥
ਭੰਡਹੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਦੋਸਤੀ ਭੰਡਹੁ ਚਲੈ ਰਾਹੁ ॥
ਭੰਡੁ ਮੁਆ ਭੰਡੁ ਭਾਲੀਐ ਭੰਡਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਬੰਧਾਨੁ ॥
ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ ॥
ਭੰਡਹੁ ਹੀ ਭੰਡੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਝੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਸਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
ਜਿਤੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਦਾ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਭਾਗਾ ਰਤੀ ਚਾਰਿ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਊਜਲੇ ਤਿਤੁ ਸਚੈ ਦਰਬਾਰਿ ॥੨॥
Bẖand jammī▫ai bẖand nimmī▫ai bẖand mangaṇ vī▫āhu. Bẖandahu hovai ḏosṯī bẖandahu cẖalai rāhu. Bẖand mu▫ā bẖand bẖālī▫ai bẖand hovai banḏẖān. So ki▫o manḏā ākẖī▫ai jiṯ jamėh rājān. Bẖandahu hī bẖand ūpjai bẖandai bājẖ na ko▫e. Nānak bẖandai bāhrā eko sacẖā so▫e. Jiṯ mukẖ saḏā salāhī▫ai bẖāgā raṯī cẖār. Nānak ṯe mukẖ ūjle ṯiṯ sacẖai ḏarbār.
From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman, he is engaged and married. The woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman, he is bound. So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From a woman, a woman is born; without a woman, there would be no one at all. O Nanak, only the True God is without a woman. That mouth that praises the Immortal God continually is blessed and beautiful. O Nanak, those faces shall be radiant in God’s True Court.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 473
The last lesson of culture in Sikhism is the flowering of life, the fruitage of the conscious. It is precious as wisdom, more to be desired than gold. How insignificant mere money-seeking looks in comparison with a serene life -- a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath the waves, beyond the reach of tempests, in the Eternal Calm! Under the Naam, (the Name of God).
ਕੇਤੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਜੀਅ ਕੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰ ॥
ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥
Kaytay BanDhan Jee-a Kay Gurmukh Mokh Du-aar, Suchoh Oorai Sabh Ko Ooper Such Aachaar.
There are so many entanglements for the soul. Only as Guru oriented do we find the Gate of Liberation. Truth is above all and above Truth is Truthful conduct.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sri, AGGS, Page, 62-11
ਕਲ ਮੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨਾਮ ਤੇ ਪਾਵਤ ਗੁਰੁ ਯਹ ਭੇਦੁ ਬਤਾਵੈ ॥
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋਈ ਨਰੁ ਗਰੂਆ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵੈ॥
Kal Mai Mukat Naam Tay Paavat Gur Jeh Bhayd Bataavai, Kaho Nanak So-ee Nar Garoo-aa Jo Parabh Kay Gun Gaavai.
In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, liberation comes from the Naam. The Guru has revealed this secret. Says Nanak; he alone is a great man, who sings the Praises of God.-----Guru Tegh Bahadur, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 831-6
Naam, the Living Word purges the subconscious errors of thinking, and inclines the heart towards wisdom, takes away self-centeredness of the ego, lifts it above the realm of morality, and floods it with light until it is cleansed and made, immaculate (ਨਿਰੰਜਨ), and stands on the frontiers of the values of the spiritual world.
Sikhism does not believe in ignorance but in reason; If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?
ਗਿਆਨ ਹੀਣੰ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਪੂਜਾ॥
ਔਧ ਵਰਤਾਵਾ ਭਾਉ ਦੂਜਾ ॥
Giaan HeeNan Agiaan Poojaa, Andh Vartaavaa Bhaou Doojaa.
With out spiritual wisdom, the people worship ignorance. They grope in the darkness, in the love of duality. -----Guru Nanak, Sloke Varan To Vadheek, AGGS, Page, 1412-4
ਅਗਿਆਨੀ ਮਾਨੁਖੁ ਭਇਆ ਜੋ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੋ ਲੋਰੈ ॥
ਰੈਣਿ ਅੰਧਾਰੀ ਕਾਰੀਆ ਕਵਨ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਜਿਤੁ ਭੋਰੈ ॥
ਭ੍ਰਮਤੋ ਭ੍ਰਮਤੋ ਹਾਰਿਆ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਿਧੀ ਕਰਿ ਟੋਰੈ ॥
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਭਈ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਨਿਧਿ ਮੋਰੈ ॥
Agiani Manukh Bhaiaa Jo Nahin So Lorai, Rain AnDhaaree Kaaree-aa Kavan Jugat Jit Bhorai, Bharmato Bharmato Haari-aa Anik BiDhee Kar Torai, Kaho Nanak Kirpaa Bha-ee SaaDhsangat NiDh Morai.
Humanity is in spiritual ignorance; people see things that do not exist. The night is dark and gloomy; how will the morning dawn? Wandering, wandering all around, I have grown weary; trying all sorts of things, I have been searching for. Says Nanak, God has shown mercy to me; I have found the treasure of the Company of the Holy.-----Guru Arjun, AGGS, Page, 212-11
ਬਿਦਿਆ ਕੋਟਿ ਸਭੈ ਗੁਨ ਕਹੈ ॥
ਤਊ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਲਹੈ ॥
Bidyaa Kot Sabhai Gun Kahai, Ta-oo Paarbarahm Kaa Ant Na Lahai.
Millions of saints all sing God’s Praises. Even so, the limits of the Supreme God cannot be found.-----Kabir, Raag Bhairo, AGGS, Page, 1163-6
Science has freed the slave, clothed the naked, fed the hungry, lengthened life, given us homes and hearths, pictures and books, ships and railways, telegraphs and cables, engines that tirelessly turn the countless wheels, and it has destroyed the superstition. Sikh belief is in the natural, in the unbroken and unbreakable succession of cause and effect. But science can come only so far, and then comes God. Man so far as he is real is identical with God, as soon as he is awakened to his identity, the bonds of ignorance are broken and he gets emancipated in the knowledge of One Reality.
Conclusion:
The man may be afflicted with anxiety, bent with burdens of life, disturbed by doubts, ground by grief, licked by luck, smitten and saddened by sickness and sorrow. Best help in such a situation is to call on his own best energies and efforts, raise himself and his sagging spirit. He has to bear not only his burdens but also to come out triumphant in the highest spiritual sense of the Word. This is called Naam in Sikhism. It is found only through true Guru, the teacher of Universality.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਜੇ ਮਿਲੈ ਪਾਈਐ ਰਤਨੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
ਮਨੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਰਬ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਵਗਣ ਮੇਟਣਹਾਰੁ ॥
Satgur Pooraa Jay Milai Paa-ee-ai Ratan Beechaar, Man Deejai Gur Aapnay Paa-ee-ai Sarab Pi-aar, Mukat Padaarath Paa-ee-ai Avgan Maytanhaar.
Meeting the Perfect True Guru, we find the jewel of meditative reflection. Surrendering our minds to our Guru, we find Universal love. In Him, we find the wealth of liberation, and our demerits are erased.-----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 59-6
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