Dasam Granth is a very sensitive issue and needs a careful consideration of its contents.
Since three Bani of Dasam Granth (Jaap Sahib, Savaiye Patshahi 10 and Benanti Chaupai) (are part if Amrit Ceremony and prescribed as part of Daily Nit-nem for a Gursikh, a total rejection will go against the accepted Maryada of the Sikh Panth for many years.
Any deliberation has to be using the Bani of Guru Granth Sahib as a ‘Kasuvati’ as a Guide.
I personally find the overall gist of these three Banis tows the spiritual spirit embedded in the in the Gurbani in Guru Granth Sahib.
May Waheguru bless the Sikh Sangat to resolve this issue amicably without playing in the hands of divisive external forces?
While there is controversy about the Authorship of Dasam Granth, we can take clues from the Guru Granth Sahib, which was accorded Guruship by Guru Gobind Singh Ji after incorporating the Gurbani of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in line with the rest of the Gurbani that bore a stamp of “Nanak”. At this juncture Guru Gobind Singh Ji did not tamper with the already included Bani of Bhagats and Mahapurakhs and he did not include any of his Bani in the GGS. His total consent was in favour of the Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib, which is our Sabd-Guru.
Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru Amardas Ji are unequivocal in defining Sikhi (the spiritual path for a Sikh) in the light of Gurbani: that one who contemplates on teaching of Gur (revealed to the Sikh Gurus by their Gur that is ‘Waheguru’). The start of reciting and contemplation on Gurbani actually amounts to as receiving the Divine grace to progress on the path of Sikhi:-
ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-11).
Sikhee Sikhiaa Gur Veechaar ||Nadharee Karam Laghaaeae Paar ||
ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਸਾਚਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ (Raag Dhanaasree, M. 3, GGS. 666-2).
Guramath Saachee Saachaa Veechaar ||
True are the Guru’s Teachings, and True is contemplative meditation.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji leads us to a Gurmat Pillar to hold in the Guru Granth Sahib:-
ਪੋਥੀ ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਕਾ ਥਾਨੁ ॥ (Rag Sarang M. 5, GGS 1226)
Pothhee paramaesar kaa thhaan ||
This Holy Book is the home of the Transcendent Lord God.
Guru Ji ends up in compiling the Adi Granth with the Mundhaavani:-:-
ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ 1. ਸਤੁ 2. ਸੰਤੋਖੁ 3. ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥ (Mundaavani Guru Arjan Dev, GGS. 1429-12).
Thhaal Vich Thinn Vasathoo Peeou Sath Santhokh Veechaaro ||
Upon this Plate, three things have been placed: Truth, Contentment and Contemplation.
4. ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ ॥
Anmrith Naam Thaakur Kaa Paeiou Jis Kaa Sabhas Adhhaaro ||
The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam, the Name of our Lord and Master, has been placed upon it as well; it is the Support of all.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਭੁੰਚੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥
Jae Ko Khaavai Jae Ko Bhunchai This Kaa Hoe Oudhhaaro ||
One who eats it and enjoys it shall be saved.
ਏਹ ਵਸਤੁ ਤਜੀ ਨਹ ਜਾਈ ਨਿਤ ਨਿਤ ਰਖੁ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰੋ ॥
Eaeh Vasath Thajee Neh Jaaee Nith Nith Rakh Our Dhhaaro ||
This thing can never be forsaken; keep this always and forever in your mind.
ਤਮ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਚਰਨ ਲਗਿ ਤਰੀਐ 5. ਸਭੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਸਾਰੋ ॥੧॥
Tham Sansaar Charan Lag Thareeai Sabh Naanak Breham Pasaaro ||1||
The dark world-ocean is crossed over, by grasping the Feet of the Lord; O Nanak, it is all the extension of God. ||1||
The ‘TAL’ of Gurbani, according to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Chief Editor of Adi Granth Sahib and the single Guru who contributed maximum Gurbani embedded in the Guru Granth Sahib emphasises the followings:-
1. ਸਤੁ (ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ of Jap Ji Sahib) 2. ਸੰਤੋਖੁ (Anand derived from Anand Sahib) 3. ਵੀਚਾਰੋ (Four steps of Lavaan) 4. ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ (Nanak Ke Ghar Kewal Naam)) and 5. ਸਭੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਸਾਰੋ (Enlightened Avastha of a Gurmukh in Sidh Gosht – Spiritual Gian obtained on Divine Nadr/Kirpa/Gurparsad).
All the above terms are explicitly used in the entire length and breadth of the Gurbani but more so in Jap Ji Sahib, Anand Sahib, Lavaan and Sidh Gost to become a GURMUKH (an ultimate goal of a Gursikh).
Jap Ji Sahib
The Truth (ਸਤੁ) of One God is defined as IK OANKAR in the Opening Verse/Mool Mantar in Jap Ji Sahib of Guru Nanak Dev and to comprehend & comply with Divinity, one is governed by Divine Hukam and Gurparsad:-
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ (Jap Ji Sahib, Guru Nanak, GGS. 1-1).
One Universal Creator God, The Name Is Truth Creative Being Personified No Fear No Hatred Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru’s Grace.
Further Guru Nanak’s GURU was in existence, now in existence and shall be there in future as well:-
ਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁ ॥ ਹੈ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੋਸੀ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ॥੧II
True In The Primal Beginning. True Throughout The Ages. True Here And Now. O Nanak, Forever And Ever True. ||1||
– ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ (Jap Guru Nanak, GGS. 1-9).
Hukamai Andhar Sabh Ko Baahar Hukam N Koe ||
Everyone is subject to His Command; no one is beyond His Command.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥
Naanak Hukamai Jae Bujhai Th Houmai Kehai N Koe ||2||
O Nanak, one who understands His Command, does not speak in ego. ||2||
– ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ॥ (Guru Nanak Ji, Japji, GGS 2).
guraa eik dhaehi bujhaaee ||sabhanaa jeeaa kaa eik dhaathaa so mai visar n jaaee ||5||
The Guru has given me this one understanding: there is only the One, the Giver of all souls. May I never forget Him! ||5||
– ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥ (Jap Guru Nanak, GGS. 8-9).
Jin Ko Nadhar Karam Thin Kaar || Naanak Nadharee Nadhar Nihaal ||38||
Such is the karma of those upon whom He has cast His Glance of Grace. O Nanak, the Merciful Lord, by His Grace, uplifts and exalts them. ||38||
Anand Sahib
ਅਨੰਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਏ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raamkali M. 3, GGS. 917-2).
Anandh Bhaeiaa Maeree Maaeae Sathiguroo Mai Paaeiaa ||
I am in ecstasy, O my mother, for I have found my True Guru.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਹਜ ਸੇਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਵਜੀਆ ਵਾਧਾਈਆ ॥
Sathigur Th Paaeiaa Sehaj Saethee Man Vajeeaa Vaadhhaaeeaa ||
I have found the True Guru, with intuitive ease, and my mind vibrates with the music of bliss.
Lavaan
Bani of Lavaan serves as a Gurmat stepping ladder to attain the purpose of one’s life i. e. “Gobind Millan”.
According to the Gurbani one can attain state of ‘Anand’ (getting to know about Waheguru) followed by Sehaj (blissful feeling on finding Waheguru) while passing through a state of ‘Vismaad’ (growing in Divine Love).
Anand belongs to realm of “Sacha Gian” (dharam) acquired from the Gurbani (religious scriptures). Sacha Gian leads to Nam Japna/Simran, which helps to bring about necessary cleansing in getting rid of one’s past sins/ignorance and thus leading one slowly to a state of Anand, where one enjoys sweet introductory taste of the presence of Waheguru.
Sidh Gosht
An enlightening dialogue between Guru Nanak Sahib and some Sidhs guides us as how to follow Gurmat Paath to become a Gurmukh trough contemplation of Sabd-Guru:-
Q. ਕਿਆ ਭਵੀਐ ਸਚਿ ਸੂਚਾ ਹੋਇ ॥? (Raamkali M. 1, GGS. 938-8).
Kiaa Bhaveeai Sach Soochaa Hoe ||
What is the use of wandering around? Purity comes only through Truth.
A. ਸਾਚ ਸਬਦ ਬਿਨੁ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Saach Sabadh Bin Mukath N Koe ||1|| Rehaao ||
Without the True Word of the Shabad, no one finds liberation. ||1||Pause||
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦਾਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥ (RaamKali M. 1, Sidh Gosh, GGS. 942-4).
Guramukh Naam Dhaan Eisanaan ||
The Gurmukh is blessed with the Name, charity and purification.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥
Guramukh Laagai Sehaj Dhhiaan ||
The Gurmukh centers his meditation on the celestial Lord.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
Guramukh Paavai Dharageh Maan ||
The Gurmukh obtains honor in the Court of the Lord..
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਉ ਭੰਜਨੁ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ ॥
Guramukh Bho Bhanjan Paradhhaan ||
The Gurmukh obtains the Supreme Lord, the Destroyer of fear.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕਰਣੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਰਾਏ ॥
Guramukh Karanee Kaar Karaaeae ||
The Gurmukh does good deeds, an inspires others to do so.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥੩੬॥
Naanak Guramukh Mael Milaaeae ||36||
O Nanak, the Gurmukh unites in the Lord’s Union. ||36||
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਬੇਦ ॥
Guramukh Saasathr Simrith Baedh ||
The Gurmukh understands the Simritees, the Shaastras and the Vedas.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਭੇਦ ॥
Guramukh Paavai Ghatt Ghatt Bhaedh ||
The Gurmukh knows the secrets of each and every heart.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੈਰ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਗਵਾਵੈ ॥
Guramukh Vair Virodhh Gavaavai ||
The Gurmukh eliminates hate and envy.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਗਣਤ ਮਿਟਾਵੈ ॥
Guramukh Sagalee Ganath Mittaavai ||
The Gurmukh erases all accounting.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤਾ ॥
Guramukh Raam Naam Rang Raathaa ||
The Gurmukh is imbued with love for the Lord’s Name.
ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖਸਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥੩੭॥
Naanak Guramukh Khasam Pashhaathaa ||37||
O Nanak, the Gurmukh realizes his Lord and Master. ||37||
In the light of above proposed Gurmat understanding, I would humbly suggest to the Sikh Community to consider to incorporate Jap Ji Sahib, Anand Sahib and Banis of Laavan and Sidh Gost as the the morning Nit-nem routine.
Gurbani advices and guides us about Guru Gobind Singh Ji:-
ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਾਤਾ ਸੁ ਸੋਭਾਵੰਤ ॥ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਉਧਰੈ ਤਿਨ ਮੰਤ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 28-22).
Jin Prabh Jaathaa S Sobhaavanth || Sagal Sansaar Oudhharai Thin Manth ||
Those who know God are glorious. The whole world is redeemed by their teachings.
Since Guru Gobind Singh Ji knew God/Waheguru, so his message is worth emulating as well.. However, while in doubt about the Authorship of Dasam Granth, Jaap Sahib, Savaiye Patshahi 10 and Kabiovach Benti Chaupai (of Dasam Granth) be kept aside just like bulk of other Gurbani and Bhagat Bani for additional reading and contemplation as Sadaran Paath Sahib.
I would urge members of Sangat to guide further on this subject so that a collective request can be made to the Sikh Supreme Authorities for amending the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
With Waheguru’s blessings and respectfully to Sangat in good faith. I do not intend to hurt anybody’s belief and sharda.
Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com
Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar 