FAITH/RELIGION/ਧਰਮ

ABSTRACT

Dharam/Faith/ਧਰਮ defined by Mahan Kosh-(1) ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਜਾਂ ਨੈਤਿਕ ਗੁਣ, ਭਲਾਈ, ਨੇਕੀ ਚੰਗੇ ਕਰਮ, ਪੁੰਨ ਕਰਮ। (2) ਧਰਮੀ। (3) ਮਜ੍ਹਬ, ਦੀਨ। (4) ਨਿਯਮ, ਨਿਆਂ। (5) ਕਰਮ (ਭਾਵ)। (6) ਧਰਮ ਰਾਜ। (7) ਵਰਨਾਸ਼੍ਰਮ ਦੇ ਨੀਯਤ ਕੀਤੇ ਫਰਜ਼, ਕਰਮ। (8) ਅਕੀਦਾ, ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ਼। (9) ਸ਼ਾਸ਼ਤਰਾਂ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਿਚ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤੀ ਦੇ ਮੰਨੇ ਗਏ ਚਾਰ ਪਦਾਰਥਾਂ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਇਕ;-Religion, righteousness, duty, virtue, merit, honesty, sect, justice, characteristics, faith. There is only one Faith/Dharma of righteousness on this earth – to truthfully obey the Eternal Laws of Mother Nature/Divine Will.  This 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. Guru Nanak ponders about it in Raag Basant:

ਏਕੋ ਧਰਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੈ ਸਚੁ ਕੋਈ ॥

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਜੁਗਿ ਜੁਗਿ ਸੋਈ ॥

ਅਨਹਦਿ ਰਾਤਾ ਏਕ ਲਿਵ ਤਾਰ ॥

ਓਹੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਅਲਖ ਅਪਾਰ ॥੪॥ 

Ayko Dharam Dirrhai Such Koyee, Gurmat Pooraa Jug Jug So-ee Anhaḏ rāṯā ek liv ṯār.Oh gurmukẖ pāvai alakẖ apār. 

Let everyone grasp the truth that there is only one sole faith of righteousness. One stays perfect age after age guided by the Master. Imbued with the Unmanifest Celestial God, and lovingly absorbed in the One, the Guru oriented attains the invisible and infinite.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1188-15

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Faith in the existence of God (Dharma) is one of the primary Sikh virtues.  It requires an individual’s active participation in obeying the universal, eternal laws of Mother Nature. The followers of all religions are prone to indulge in the luxury of eclecticism. By a universal law they adhere to the dogmas most suitable for themselves and reject what they deem the least important or practicable enjoyed by the founders of the faith. Schism appear to be the law of all religions. Dharma arises from the verbal root/dhri, a Sanskrit word.  It means support or a manner of being. Hence Dharma/Righteousness’ must be understood in its original, metaphysical context.  It implies conforming to a Divine or Creative Principle/force at work in an individual. As stated earlier, it represents an internal law for an individual, which must be obeyed if he wishes to live in accordance with the Divine Will. 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. In the present age as we use printed books, it is not easy to realize how records of every description could have been forged, altered and destroyed in an age when only manuscripts’ existed.

ਅਮੁਲ ਭਾਇ ਅਮੁਲਾ ਸਮਾਹਿ ॥

ਅਮੁਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਅਮੁਲੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ॥
Amul bẖā▫e amulā samāhi Amul Dharam Amul Deebaan.

Priceless is Love for God, Priceless is absorption into God. Priceless is the Divine Law of righteousness, Priceless is the Divine Court of Justice.-----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 5-17

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 bẖā­ė bẖagaṯ nisṯārā ḏubiḏẖā vi­āpai 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. 

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 soul. Only as Guru willed 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

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 selfless service/ਸੇਵਾ, 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 God’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

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

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 God's Name alone, which abides in the minds of the devotees of God.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 296-4

ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥

ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥

ਸਗਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਆ ਮਹਿ ਊਤਮ ਕਿਰਿਆ ॥

ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਮਲੁ ਹਿਰਿਆ ॥

Sarab ḏẖaram mėh saresat ḏẖaram. Har ko nām jap nirmal karam. Sagal kir▫ā mėh ūṯam kiri▫ā.Sāḏẖsang ḏurmaṯ mal hiri▫ā

Of all religions, the best religion is to chant the Name of the God and maintain pure conduct. Of all religious rituals, the most sublime ritual is to erase the filth of the dirty mind in the Company of the Holy.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 266-13

Dharma (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, faith is the underlying Truth of all spiritual traditions.  Guru Nanak taught that Truth is God for the Sikhs. The whole Sikh philosophy revolves around Truth and truthful conduct.  One has to make an attempt to be righteous without following any empty rituals.  An example of a ritual is an Akhand Path (continued reading of AGGS in 48 hours) performed on someone’s behalf, while the individual or family is absent and do not listen to the recitation, much less contemplate on it. 

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

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- Later is doomed with out good character.

Bhai Gurdas illustrate these values:

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