TRUTH/ਸਚੁ
ABSTRACT
ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ
ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥
Sacẖahu orai sabẖ ko upar sacẖ ācẖār.
Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is
truthful living. -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 62-11
Truth is one but there are many paths to understand and get to it. It is a comprehensive term that in all of its nuances
implies accuracy and honesty. It is considered to be the supreme reality. Truth is the ultimate meaning and value of
existence. The study of Truth is part of philosophy and epistemology. Falsehood
is an offensive weapon while truth is a defensive armor.
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ॥
ਸੁਚਿ ਹੋਵੈ
ਤਾ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
Kaho Nānak sacẖ ḏẖi¬ā¬ī¬ai, Sucẖ hovai
ṯā sacẖ pā¬ī¬ai.
Nanak advises to meditate on the Truth (True Immortal God),
and if you are pure, and clean in side, you will obtain the Truth.-----Guru Nanak Raag Asa,
AGGS, Page, 472-3, 4
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Guru Nanak defined God as the Absolute (Avgat-ਅਵਿਗਤ), Inaccessible/Unapproachable (Agum- ਅਗਮੁ), Infinite (Apaar-ਅਪਾਰ), Unfathomable (Agaadh-ਅਗਾਧ),
and Invisible (Adisatt/Alakh-ਅਦਿਸਟ/ਅਲਖ) or Truth. Truth
existed before time came into being. It
is true now and will be for ever. He emphasized the importance of Truth in Raag
Maru, Raag Sorath, and Sri Raag:
ਸਤਜੁਗਿ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ
ਸਰੀਰਾ ॥
ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ
ਵਰਤੈ ਗਹਿਰ ਗੰਭੀਰਾ ॥
Satjug Sat
Santokh Sareeraa, Sat Sat Vartai Gehr Ganbheeraa.
In the Golden Age of Truth, Truth and contentment filled the
bodies. Truth is pervasive, deep, profound and unfathomable.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru,
AGGS, Page, 1023-13, 14
ਸਚੁ ਪੁਰਾਣਾ ਹੋਵੈ
ਨਾਹੀ ਸੀਤਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਪਾਟੈ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ
ਸਚੋ ਸਚਾ ਤਿਚਰੁ ਜਾਪੀ ਜਾਪੈ ॥
Sach Purana Hovai Naahee Seeta Kaday Na
Paatai, Nanak Saahib Sacho Sachaa Tichar Jaapee Jaapai.
The Truth never gets old; and when it stitches, it cannot be
torn again. O Nanak, the Creator, Master, is the Truest of the True, manifested
in mind, during contemplation.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 956-1
ਮਨਹਠ ਬੁਧੀ ਕੇਤੀਆ ਕੇਤੇ ਬੇਦ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥
ਕੇਤੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਜੀਅ ਕੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰ ॥
ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥
Manhaṯẖ buḏẖī keṯī▫ā keṯe beḏ bīcẖār.Keṯe banḏẖan jī▫a ke gurmukẖ mokẖ ḏu▫ār. Sachoh Oorai Sabh Ko Ouper Such Aachaar.
There are so many
stubborn-minded intelligent people, and so many who contemplate the Vedas.
There are so many entanglements for the conscience. 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
Modus operandi for knowledge of Truth:
1. Naam.
2. Honesty.
3. Service of
humanity/virtuous deeds.
4. God’s Grace
or Mercy.
The above are interrelated and should be used in conjunction
with each other.
ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ
ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ
ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
Sabh Gun Tayray Mai Naahee Ko-ay.Vin Gun
Keetay Bhagat Na Hoey.
All virtues are Yours, O God, I have none at all. Without
virtue, there is no devotional worship.-----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 4-15
Unless one can crystallize the criticism, one should look
for the mote in the eye. If one gets an urge to judge, he is not seeing things
in the light of God's love. It is necessary to face the people with a moral
test. Moral growth is not an endowment, it is an achievement. Guru Nanak
describes the formation of character in Japji.
ਆਖਣਿ ਅਉਖਾ ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
ਸਾਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ
ਲਾਗੈ ਭੂਖ ॥
ਤਿਤੁ ਭੂਖੈ
ਖਾਇ ਚਲੀਅਹਿ ਦੂਖ ॥
Aakhan Oukha Saacha Naou, Saachay Naam
Ki Lagai Bhookh, Tit Bhookhai Khaa-ey Chaleah Dookh.
It is difficult to utter the True Name. If there is a hunger
of True Name, such hunger consumes pain.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 9
and 349
Guru Nanak describes about Truth in Raag Ramkali:
ਸਚ ਕੀ ਕਾਤੀ ਸਚੁ ਸਭੁ
ਸਾਰੁ ॥
ਘਾੜਤ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਅਪਰ ਅਪਾਰ ॥
ਸਬਦੇ ਸਾਣ
ਰਖਾਈ ਲਾਇ ॥
ਗੁਣ ਕੀ ਥੇਕੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
ਤਿਸ ਦਾ ਕੁਠਾ
ਹੋਵੈ ਸੇਖੁ ॥
ਲੋਹੂ ਲਬੁ ਨਿਕਥਾ ਵੇਖੁ ॥
ਹੋਇ ਹਲਾਲੁ
ਲਗੈ ਹਕਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਿ
ਦੀਦਾਰਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
Such Ki Kaati
Such Sabh Saar, Ghaarhat Tis Ki Apar Apaar, Sabday Saann Rkhaaee Laa-ey, Gun Ki
Thaykai Vich Samaa-ey, Tis Da Kutha Hovai Saykh, Lohoo Lub Nikthaa Vaykh, Hoey
Halal Lagai Haq Jaaey, Nanak Dar Deedaar Samaey.
The knife is Truth, and its steel is totally True. Its
workmanship is incomparably beautiful. It is sharpened on the grindstone of the
Sabd. It is placed in the scabbard of virtue. If the Sheikh is killed with
that, then the blood of greed will spill out. One, who is slaughtered in this
ritualistic way, will be attached to God. O Nanak, at God’s door, he is absorbed into Its Blessed
Vision.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 956
ਸਚਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇ ਤੂ
ਸਭੋ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਚੁ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ
ਜੋ ਬੁਝੈ ਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਏ ਸਚੁ ॥
ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਨੀ
ਕਰਤਾ ਫਿਰੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਬੂਝੈ ਸਚੁ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ
ਭਾਣਾ ਮੰਨੇ ਸੋ ਭਗਤੁ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਣੁ ਮੰਨੇ ਕਚੁ ਨਿਕਚੁ ॥
Sachaa Naam
Dhiaa-ey Too Sabhu Vartai Such, Nanak Hukmai Jo Bujhai So Fal Paa-ey Such,
Kathni Badni Karta Firai Hukam Na Boojhai Such, Nanak Har Ka Bhaana Mannay So
Bhagat Hoey Vin Mannay Kuch Nikuch.
Meditate on the all-pervading True Name of God. O Nanak, one
who realizes the Its Command, obtains the fruit of Truth. One, who merely
mouths the words, does not understand Its Command, one who accepts Its Will is
Its devotee. Without accepting it, he is the falsest of the false. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 950
ਸਚੁ ਤਾ ਪਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ
ਰਿਦੈ ਸਚਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਕੂੜ ਕੀ ਮਲੁ ਉਤਰੈ ਤਨੁ
ਕਰੇ ਹਛਾ ਧੋਇ ॥
Such Ta Per JaaNee-ai Ja Ridai Sucha
Ho-ay, Koorh Kee Mal Utrai Tan Karay Hachhaa Dho-ay.
When truth comes to reside in one’s heart, then alone he is
known as true. Then the filth of
falsehood departs, and the body is washed clean.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 468-8, 9
ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾ ਪਾਈਐ
ਹੋਰ ਹਿਕਮਤਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਜੇ ਆਪਣੀ
ਤਾ ਨਦਰੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ॥
Karam Milai Ta Paaee-aa Hoar Hikmat
Hukam Khuaar, Nader Kareh Jay Aapni Ta Nadri Satgur Paa-eaa.
When God bestows Its Grace, then alone it is
received; other tricks and orders are useless. If the Merciful God shows Its
Mercy, then the True Guru is found.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 465-1
ਵਿਣੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਈਐ
ਨਾਹੀ ਜੇ ਬਹੁਤੇਰਾ ਧਾਵੈ ॥
Vin Karma Kich Paaee-aa Naahi Jay
Baohutayra Dhavai.
Without virtuous deeds, man cannot gain anything useful in
spite of his running around.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Tilang, AGGS, Page, 722-9
For the truly faithful, no miracle is necessary, but for
those who doubt, no miracle is sufficient.
Sikh Faith is a simple philosophy of leading a truthful life
of a householder. It encourages a life
of service to humanity without seeking any reward in return. The expectation of reward vitiates the
service rendered. Spiritual wisdom is
only useful when one renounces the lower instincts and trades in useful
merchandize as per teachings in Sabd Guru.
ਮੂਰਖ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਹਿਕਮਤਿ
ਹੁਜਤਿ ਸੰਜੈ ਕਰਹਿ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
ਧਰਮੀ ਧਰਮੁ
ਕਰਹਿ ਗਾਵਾਵਹਿ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥
Moorakh Pundit Hikmat Hujat Sanjai
Karahi Pi-aar, Dharmi Dharam Kareh, Gavaveh, Mangeh Moakh Duaar.
The fools call themselves spiritual scholars, and by their
clever tricks, they love to gather wealth. The virtuous disfigure their
meritorious acts by asking for the door of salvation.-----Guru Nanak, Raag
Asa, AGGS, Page, 469-2,3
ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ
ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥
ਜਾਂ ਪੰਚ
ਰਾਸੀ ਤਾਂ ਤੀਰਥ ਵਾਸੀ ॥
viḏi¬ā
vīcẖārī ṯāʼn par¬upkārī. Jāʼn pancẖ rāsī ṯāʼn ṯirath vāsī.
When one reflects on the divine knowledge, then only one can
become useful to the others. When you conquer the five passions, then you shall
come to dwell at the sacred shrine of pilgrimage.-----Guru Nanak Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 356-14,15
ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਖੇ ਆਪ ਕਉ ਤਾ
ਪਾਰਖੁ ਜਾਣੁ ॥
ਰੋਗੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਦੋਵੈ ਬੁਝੈ
ਤਾ ਵੈਦੁ ਸੁਜਾਣੁ ॥
Nānak parkẖė āp ka¬o ṯā pārakẖ jāṇ. Rog
ḏārū ḏovai bujẖai ṯā vaiḏ sujāṇ.
O Nanak, if someone judges himself, only then is he known as
a real judge. If someone understands both the disease and the medicine, only then
is he a wise physician.-----Guru Angad, Majh Ki Var, AGGS, Page, 148-8
All the present problems are self-inflicted because of
ignorance. Ignorance of reality is no excuse. The only cure is
self-knowledge. One must become
conscious of his own infinite worth in order to make to spiritual progress
towards God.
ਆਪੁ ਵੰਞਾਏ ਤਾ ਸਭ
ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਏ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਸਚੀ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਏ ॥
ਸਚੁ ਵਣੰਜਹਿ ਸਚੁ ਸੰਘਰਹਿ ਸਚੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ਕਰਾਵਣਿਆ ॥
Āp vañā▫e ṯā sabẖ kicẖẖ pā▫e. Gur sabḏī
sacẖī liv lā▫e.Sach VanaNjahi Sach Sanghrahi Sach Vaapaar Karaavani-aa.
Those who lose their own selves obtain everything. Through
the Word of the Guru's Sabd, they enshrine Love for the True one.They trade in
Truth, they gather Truth, and they deal only in Truth.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 115-11
ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹਿ
ਤਿਨਿ ਨਾਮ ਰਤਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ
ਲਾਧਾ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥
Jis No Kirpa Kreh Tin Naam Ratan
Paa-eaa, Gurmukh LaaDhaa Manmukh Gavaa-i-aa.
He, upon whom You shower Your mercy, obtains the jewel of
the Name. The Guru oriented obtains it, and the self-willed lose it.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 11
& 365
Sikh Faith’s foundation lies in rigorous Honesty, which is
generally lacking in the Sikhs of the present times. It tells us that lying,
cheating, and even selectively giving partial information, means that one is
playing games of mind with oneself.
Rigorous honesty is required not only while dealing with the
others but also with one's own self. Criticism born out of one's own
projections is usually wrong. A wishful
faith is purely of promise and not of proof and performance. It is futile to
compress life and Truth into a system of institutionalization and judging
others rather than one’s self.
Character is not given at birth; it has to be evolved by
each of us. Character makes destiny, lack of it spells doom. One should be very
tolerant towards others. This is found
in minority Sikhs. Character makes one good-natured and is pleasant to be
around. One is then rarely inclined to
do wrongs. One learns to test his thoughts. It is possible to receive
suggestions from one's sub-conscious mind as suggested by Guru Nanak in Raag
Asa and Guru Ram Das in Raag Maru:
ਇਕਿ ਬਾਂਧੇ ਇਕਿ ਢੀਲਿਆ
ਇਕਿ ਸੁਖੀਏ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਾ ਮੰਨਿ ਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਚੁ ਰੀਤਿ ॥
Ik bāʼnḏẖe ik dẖīli▫ā ik sukẖī▫e har
parīṯ.Nanak Sachaa Man Lai Sach Karnee Sach Reet.
Some are in bondage, and some are set free; some are happy
in the Love of the God. Nanak believes in the True God. Practice Truth, through
a life lived in Truth.-----Guru Ram Das,
Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1087-3
The danger to the Sikh philosophy comes from degeneration of
morals, from beclouding of one's mental horizons and from the atrophy of one’s
moral and spiritual nature. Individuals put their vested interest first, and
truths and ideals go begging. Moral life cannot be lived in isolation. Morality
is the nurse of Truth and spirituality.
ਸਚੁ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ਕਰਹੁ
ਵਾਪਾਰੀ ॥
ਦਰਗਹ ਨਿਬਹੈ
ਖੇਪ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ॥
Such Vapaar Karoh Vaaparee, Dargah
Nibhai Khayp Tumaree.
Deal in the true trade, O trader, and your merchandise shall
be safe in the Court of God. -----Guru Arjan, Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 293-6
ਜਪ ਤਾਪ ਸੰਜਮ ਲਖ ਲਖ
ਹੋਮ ਜਗ ਨਈਵੇਦ ਕਰੋੜੀ ॥-----------------ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਅਚਾਰੁ
ਚਮੋੜੀ ॥
Jap Tap Sanjam Lakh Lakh Hoam Jag
Na-eevayd Krorhee---Ouper Sach Achaar Chamorhee.
Millions of rituals of recitation, penances, continence,
burnt offerings and millions of oblations are there. Fasts, rules, control,
activities are many but they all are like a weak thread. Many are pilgrimage centers,
anniversaries, and millions of virtuous acts, charities and altruisms. Millions
kinds of worship of gods and goddesses, combinations, detractions, boons,
curses are there. Many are philosophies and many are persons, who do not bother
about the unnecessary brands of millions of worships and oblations. Many are
the varieties of public behavior, virtues, renunciation, indulgence and other
cover-up devices. All these bits of
craft-man ship remain far from truth, and they cannot touch it. Higher than
truth is truthful living.-----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 18, Pauri, 19
Attempt can be made to find the Truth by subjugation of
lower instincts and development of higher instincts while remaining humble.
Humility is not less thinking of yourself but thinking of your self less.
Conclusion:
Truth and rigorous honesty are the only tonics that
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 in Truth concentrates on living and realizing it,
which is the need of every individual. God is a spirit in Truth. To know the
truth, really one has to become one with it. To tread that path one has to become
the path himself.
ਮਾਇਆ ਮਮਤਾ ਛੋਡੀ ਨ
ਜਾਈ ॥
ਸੇ ਛੂਟੇ ਸਚੁ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਈ ॥
Maa-i-aa Mamtaa Chhodee Na Jaa-ee, Say
Chootay Sach Kaar Kama-ee.
Love and attachment to Maya cannot be abandoned. They alone
find release, which practices deeds of Truth.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1024-4
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