Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar

‘Sarbat da bhalla’ (Welfare of All) is a common slogan heard very often that the Sikhs raise on various platforms. But how serious are we in practical terms of this expression needs exploration.

‘Sarbath da bhalla’ is linked with ‘Raaj karega khalsa’.”Sarbat da bhalla” – a slogan we say loudly to portrait that the Sikhs stand for welfare of all. Do we really mean that in practical terms? No. The divisions among the Sikhs suggest that we are not seeking ‘Bhalla’ even of our community members let alone ‘Bhalla of the Sarbat’ (Humanity).

The ‘Sarbat da bhalla” is clearly linked to Naam that is the powerful tool in Sikhi that provides ‘sojee’ and strength (blissful intelect) to be able to do “sarbat da bhalla” – “Nanak Naam chardikala, tere bhanne sarbat da bhalla”.

To do Sarbat da bhalla, we first need to obtain Naam, which is the only commodity actually available in plenty in Guru Granth Sahib – “Nanak ke ghar kewal naam”. After becoming familiar with Naam, we are asked to share the same ‘ras’ (blissful experience) with others as part nishkam seva i. e. ‘Sarbat da bhalla’. In other words sharing the spirit of unity taught by Gurbani to others.

Since my childhood I have been listening to this phrase, “Raaj karega Khalsa, aaki rahe no koe”. In some Gurduaras it is being periodically uttered after the daily Ardas for many many years. Are we anywhere near achieving ‘Khalsa Raaj” in India or in any other part of the world?

Coming to ‘Raaj Karega Khalsa” – when, where and how it is going to happen? Are we members of the ‘Sikh Panth’ working collectively towards achieving this objective seriously? The divisions among the Sikhs suggest that we are actually working against this objective.

The most important factors that come to my mind that can possibly help us to achieve this objective are :

1. To forge and achieve unity among the Sikhs – to inculcate a spirit of oneness in the light of Gurbani.
2. To obey the messages of Gurbani that bind not only the various factions of Sikhs but those who at present do not call themselves as Sikhs.
3. To bring out the Universal Spirit of Gurbani that binds us together under one umbrella, such as: “toon ghat ghat antar”, “toon mera pita toon hei mera mata” and “manas ki jaat sabai eke pachanvo” etc.
4. To remove “Aakis”- those who are sitting in opposition because of ignorance of Gurbani.

Gurmat has equipped us as how to go about – by using the various divine (Sach) names which were sacred in the past, present and shall remain so in the future: “Aad sach jugad sach hebi sach Nanak hosi bhi sach”. This Sach is known by various names such as Vahiguru/Waheguru, IkOnkaar, Satnam, Kartapurakh/Kartar, Akalpurak, Ram, Nirankar, Har, Niranjan, Allah etc. etc.

Why should we feel shy as to not recognize our present spiritual path with linkage to the past spiritual paths. Sikhi of today has a lot common with preceding spiritual paths minus some rituals of the past and plus some new rituals.

According to Gurbani, “kinka ek jis je basave ta ki mehma kathi na jave”. It is good to offer Langar meals to a large number of people (just a meal) but of no use if they do not grasp a ‘Kinka of Gurbani”.

The Sikhi has been tried out by 10 successive Gurus and other Gurmukhs over a long period of time.The strength of Sikhi lies in that it is the only tolerant religion in which and in its scripture (Guru Granth Sahib) the various divine names of Almighty are listed and revered equally. In a Sikh Gurduara one hears, Waheguru, Ram, Allah joyfully. This is worth partaking with others to draw them closer.

It is our duty to share with others as part of Seva (service) our deep conviction of our heritage as where we stand through the the messages of Gurbani . We need to tell them what a Sikh stands for by extending a hand of friendship that we all belong to same Father though known by different names. Once we understand then a cordial communication starts to work towards a common goal i. e. ‘Raaj of Khalsa’ – a land where people care for one another as moral duty. This will result in spread of Sikhi in India and around the globe to extend boundaries of Khalsa Raaj everywhere and the Deras will be dismantled.

Sikhi originated in India and all our Sikh Gurus were borne and lived in different parts of India. So a United India is a reality. Division of India was a mistake committed by our grossly selfish and ignorant leaders. Those seeking further division of Punjab to fulfill their political dreams are are equally misguided.

My estimate is that in less than 30 years the expression ‘Raaj Karega Khalsa’ will be realized provided we share the Gurmat with others without our personal narrow biases. This will build confidence and respect among the Communities and Governments in neighboring countries such as Pakistan allowing an easy access to all Sikh Gurduaras in Pakistan thus fulfilling our request to Waheguru in our daily Ardas.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com