Sikhi does not promote war of any type arising out of differing of opinions (to put down others) or for any acquisition of others’ belongings or expansion of one’s borders etc:-

• ਨਾ ਕੋ ਬੈਰੀ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਗਾਨਾ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਗਿ ਹਮ ਕਉ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ ॥੧॥ (Raag Kaanrhaa M. 5, GGS. 1299-13).
  Naa Ko Bairee Nehee Bigaanaa Sagal Sang Ham Ko Ban Aaee ||1||
  No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone. ||1||…….

ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਏਕੈ ਪੇਖਿ ਪੇਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਗਸਾਈ ॥੩॥੮॥
Sabh Mehi Rav Rehiaa Prabh Eaekai Paekh Paekh Naanak Bigasaaee ||3||8||
The One God is pervading in all. Gazing upon Him, beholding Him, Nanak blossoms forth in happiness. ||3||8||

Gurmat (PIRI) supports and directs resolutions of conflict through MIRI – an advocacy spirit filled with a balanced professionalism approach to resolve conflicting issues or view points. Use of force is a long long…..and long last resort when every persuasive effort fails to bring about amicable resolve. And that too not for territorial gains to boost one’s ego but to practice and spread awareness of Gurmat in such adverse situations.

MIRI is misunderstood as a Militant preparedness. It is rather a power/strength accumulated on becoming Humble (‘aaps ko jo jane neecha so ganei sab te oocha’ – M.5 in Sukhmani Sahib). There is no conflict which cannot be peacefully resolved if the Warring parties have Gurmat Sohjee (Divine Guidance).

The only War promoted in Sikhi on daily basis is directed towards oneself in getting rid of Dubidha/Houmai (personal EGO) in order to merge with Ultimate Reality to gain Divine Dib-Drisht of Akalpurakh/Waheguru as the goal of a Sikh filled with composure and optimism (Chardi Kalaa):-

Gurbani directs a Purpose Driven Life of a Sikh as:-

ਭਈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ ॥ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਮਿਲਣ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਰੀਆ ॥ (Raag Asa, M. 5, GGS. 12-6).
This human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe……..

ਜਨਮੁ ਬ੍ਰਿਥਾ ਜਾਤ ਰੰਗਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
You are squandering this life uselessly in the love of Maya. ||1||Pause||

– ਫਰੀਦਾ ਰਾਤੀ ਵਡੀਆਂ ਧੁਖਿ ਧੁਖਿ ਉਠਨਿ ਪਾਸ ॥ SAlok Baba Sheikh Farid, GGS. 1378-19).
Fareed, the nights are long, and my sides are aching in pain.

ਧਿਗੁ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਦਾ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿਨਾ ਵਿਡਾਣੀ ਆਸ ॥੨੧॥
Cursed are the lives of those who place their hopes in others. ||21||

ਵਿਡਾਣੀ ਆਸ (Dubida/Duality) – is the hindrance in life and gives rise to conflicts within us causing hatred and enmity for others.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji unfolds the goal of human-life in giving up one’s self-hood:-

ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਉਰੁ ਕੈਸੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ॥ (Raag Tilang, M.1, GGS. 722-13).
Give up your selfhood/ego/houmai, and so obtain your Husband Lord/Waheguru; no other clever tricks are of any use?

‘ਸਹੁ ਪਾਈਐ’ – is an awastha where one gets all happiness and professional satisfaction. It belongs to an area of Trust and Faith where one dissolves oneself completely in Gurmat rather than looking for so called ‘Free/Independent Thinking’ as being currently propagated by some individuals.

Please refer to the life story of Bhai Jetha Ji who rose to Gurudom (Guru Ram Das JI) with humble background without any formal education or attendance of an academy (some boasts on their academic credentials or training in a Defense Academy or for awards of bravery in Wars/Conflicts?). Guru Ji gives his personal spiritual experience as:-

– ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਘਾਲ ਜਿਨਿ ਘਾਲੀ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਘੜੀਐ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਚੀ ਟਕਸਾਲੀ ॥੨॥ (Raag Bhairo, M. 4, GGS. 1134-11).
Whoever, as Gurmukh, serves and works hard, Is molded and shaped in the true mint of the Shabad, the Word of God. ||2||

Guru Nanak Sahib’s advice is handy:-

ਰੈਣਿ ਗਵਾਈ ਸੋਇ ਕੈ ਦਿਵਸੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਖਾਇ ॥ (Raag Gauri Bairaagan, M. 1, GGS.
The nights are wasted sleeping, and the days are wasted eating.

ਹੀਰੇ ਜੈਸਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਹੈ ਕਉਡੀ ਬਦਲੇ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥
Human life is such a precious jewel, but it is being lost in exchange for a mere shell. ||1||

ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਰਾਮ ਕਾ ॥
You do not know the Name of the Lord.

ਮੂੜੇ ਫਿਰਿ ਪਾਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਹਿ ਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
You fool – you shall regret and repent in the end! ||1||Pause||

A ‘Gurmat Indicator’ on war-footing is to understand ONESELF:-

ਸੋ ਬਉਰਾ ਜੋ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥ (Raag Bilaaval, Bhagat Kabir, GGS. 855-15).
He alone is insane, who does not understand himself.

ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਨੈ ਤ ਏਕੈ ਜਾਨੈ ॥੪॥
When he understands himself, then he knows the One Lord. ||4||

ਆਪੁ ਪਛਾਨੈ – is the most difficult part as it ironically involves giving up oneself completely.

According to Gurbani when one understands oneself one finds oneself so insignificant that one is forced to give up one’s houmai or ego completely.

According to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, at this awastha one comes to realize Waheguru – a purpose of the life of a Gursikh:-

ਆਵਾ ਗਵਨੁ ਮਿਟੈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸੇਵ ॥ (Raag Gauri, M. 5, GGS. 288-13).
Coming and going in reincarnation is ended by serving God.

ਆਪੁ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਸਰਨਿ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥
Give up your selfishness and conceit, and land in the Sanctuary of the Divine Guru.

ਆਪੁ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਸਰਨਿ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ – leads to the following:-

ਇਉ ਰਤਨ ਜਨਮ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੁ ॥
Thus the jewel of this human life is saved.
One needs to dip oneself in Gurbani:-

ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥
Remember the Lord, Har, Har, the Support of the breath of life.
Gurbani further says, there are no other ways to meet the purpose of life:-

ਅਨਿਕ ਉਪਾਵ ਨ ਛੂਟਨਹਾਰੇ ॥
By all sorts of efforts, people are not saved

ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸਾਸਤ ਬੇਦ ਬੀਚਾਰੇ ॥
Not by studying the Simritees, the Shaastras or the Vedas.

ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਇ ॥
Worship the Lord with whole-hearted devotion.

ਮਨਿ ਬੰਛਤ ਨਾਨਕ ਫਲ ਪਾਇ ॥੪॥
O Nanak, you shall obtain the fruits of your mind’s desire. ||4||

For me, the Sikhi truths are like 2+2=4 – absolutely in practical terms and non-dogmatic in approach.

However, nothing works without Waheguru’s nadr/kirpa/grace (Gurparsad). This is my personal Waheguru-led experience in life. One can be a scholar and veechardhari of Sikhia of Guru but the Nadr is necessary to come to grip with the Truths in Gurbani with full faith and trust and to advance to the next step of experiencing the Truths with experiments in life.

ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 1, GGS. 465-10).
Sikhee Sikhiaa Gur Veechaar ||Nadharee Karam Laghaaeae Paar ||
Contemplating the Guru, I have been taught these teachings;Granting His Grace, He carries His servants across.

A Sikh is always driven by Waheguru and follows Gumat-path as His anonymous agent under the umbrella of Naam:-

ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ ॥ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥ (Raag Gauri M.5, GGS. 286-19).
Saevaa Karath Hoe Nihakaamee ||This Ko Hoth Paraapath Suaamee ||One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, Shall attain his Lord and Master.

The State of “ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ” makes the Sikh Naami (full of blissful divine Sohjee – budh-bibek) and ‘Par-upkari’ (at the noble service of others).

An ideal Sikh of Sikh Guru is Naami, creative and Par-Upkari and not a Warmonger.

All the Sikh Gurus, Bhagats, Mahapurakhs, Gurmukhs enjoyed PEACE/ANAND and were votaries of Peace as they were filled with Naam and became one with Akalpurakh/Waheguru, which lead them to become Creative and Par-Upkari for the Humanity:-

ਅਨੰਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਏ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag 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.

Guru Nanak Sahib’s advice, if heeded, can bring about Peace in the World:-

ਮੁਕਾਮੁ ਕਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਬੈਸਣਾ ਨਿਤ ਚਲਣੈ ਕੀ ਧੋਖ ॥(Srirag M.1, GGS. 64-4).
Mukaam Kar Ghar Baisanaa Nith Chalanai Kee Dhhokh ||
They have made this their resting place and they sit at home, but the urge to depart is always there.

ਮੁਕਾਮੁ ਤਾ ਪਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜਾ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਲੋਕ ॥੧॥
Mukaam Thaa Par Jaaneeai Jaa Rehai Nihachal Lok ||1||
This would be known as a lasting place of rest, only if they were to remain stable and unchanging. ||1||

ਦੁਨੀਆ ਕੈਸਿ ਮੁਕਾਮੇ ॥ ?
Dhuneeaa Kais Mukaamae ||
What sort of a resting place is this world?

ਕਰਿ ਸਿਦਕੁ ਕਰਣੀ ਖਰਚੁ ਬਾਧਹੁ ਲਾਗਿ ਰਹੁ ਨਾਮੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Kar Sidhak Karanee Kharach Baadhhahu Laag Rahu Naamae ||1|| Rehaao ||
Doing deeds of faith, pack up the supplies for your journey, and remain committed to the Name. ||1||Pause||

ਜੋਗੀ ਤ ਆਸਣੁ ਕਰਿ ਬਹੈ ਮੁਲਾ ਬਹੈ ਮੁਕਾਮਿ ॥
Jogee Th Aasan Kar Behai Mulaa Behai Mukaam ||
The Yogis sit in their Yogic postures, and the Mullahs sit at their resting stations.

ਪੰਡਿਤ ਵਖਾਣਹਿ ਪੋਥੀਆ ਸਿਧ ਬਹਹਿ ਦੇਵ ਸਥਾਨਿ ॥੨॥
Panddith Vakhaanehi Pothheeaa Sidhh Behehi Dhaev Sathhaan ||2||
The Hindu Pandits recite from their books, and the Siddhas sit in the temples of their gods. ||2||

ਸੁਰ ਸਿਧ ਗਣ ਗੰਧਰਬ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਨ ਸੇਖ ਪੀਰ ਸਲਾਰ ॥
Sur Sidhh Gan Gandhharab Mun Jan Saekh Peer Salaar ||
The angels, Siddhas, worshippers of Shiva, heavenly musicians, silent sages, Saints, priests, preachers, spiritual teachers and commanders

ਦਰਿ ਕੂਚ ਕੂਚਾ ਕਰਿ ਗਏ ਅਵਰੇ ਭਿ ਚਲਣਹਾਰ ॥੩॥
Dhar Kooch Koochaa Kar Geae Avarae Bh Chalanehaar ||3||
-each and every one has left, and all others shall depart as well. ||3||

ਸੁਲਤਾਨ ਖਾਨ ਮਲੂਕ ਉਮਰੇ ਗਏ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੂਚੁ ॥
Sulathaan Khaan Malook Oumarae Geae Kar Kar Kooch ||
The sultans and kings, the rich and the mighty, have marched away in succession.

ਘੜੀ ਮੁਹਤਿ ਕਿ ਚਲਣਾ ਦਿਲ ਸਮਝੁ ਤੂੰ ਭਿ ਪਹੂਚੁ ॥੪॥
Gharree Muhath K Chalanaa Dhil Samajh Thoon Bh Pehooch ||4||
In a moment or two, we shall also depart. O my heart, understand that you must go as well! ||4||

ਸਬਦਾਹ ਮਾਹਿ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਤ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
Sabadhaah Maahi Vakhaaneeai Viralaa Th Boojhai Koe ||
This is described in the Shabads; only a few understand this!

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਵਖਾਣੈ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਮਹੀਅਲਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੫॥
Naanak Vakhaanai Baenathee Jal Thhal Meheeal Soe ||5||
Nanak offers this prayer to the One who pervades the water, the land and the air. ||5||

ਅਲਾਹੁ ਅਲਖੁ ਅਗੰਮੁ ਕਾਦਰੁ ਕਰਣਹਾਰੁ ਕਰੀਮੁ ॥
Alaahu Alakh Aganm Kaadhar Karanehaar Kareem ||
He is Allah, the Unknowable, the Inaccessible, All-powerful and Merciful Creator.

ਸਭ ਦੁਨੀ ਆਵਣ ਜਾਵਣੀ ਮੁਕਾਮੁ ਏਕੁ ਰਹੀਮੁ ॥੬॥
Sabh Dhunee Aavan Jaavanee Mukaam Eaek Reheem ||6||
All the world comes and goes-only the Merciful Lord is permanent. ||6||

ਮੁਕਾਮੁ ਤਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਸੁ ਸਿਸਿ ਨ ਹੋਵੀ ਲੇਖੁ ॥
Mukaam This No Aakheeai Jis Sis N Hovee Laekh ||
Call permanent only the One, who does not have destiny inscribed upon His Forehead.

ਅਸਮਾਨੁ ਧਰਤੀ ਚਲਸੀ ਮੁਕਾਮੁ ਓਹੀ ਏਕੁ ॥੭॥
Asamaan Dhharathee Chalasee Mukaam Ouhee Eaek ||7||
The sky and the earth shall pass away; He alone is permanent. ||7||

ਦਿਨ ਰਵਿ ਚਲੈ ਨਿਸਿ ਸਸਿ ਚਲੈ ਤਾਰਿਕਾ ਲਖ ਪਲੋਇ ॥
Dhin Rav Chalai Nis Sas Chalai Thaarikaa Lakh Paloe ||
The day and the sun shall pass away; the night and the moon shall pass away; the hundreds of thousands of stars shall disappear.

ਮੁਕਾਮੁ ਓਹੀ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਬੁਗੋਇ ॥੮॥੧੭॥
Mukaam Ouhee Eaek Hai Naanakaa Sach Bugoe ||8||17||
He alone is permanent; Nanak speaks the Truth. ||8||17||

Reference: Excerpts from: ‘Gurmat Saachi Saacha Vichaar’, by Kirpal Singh, Sanbun Publishers, New Delhi, April 2014.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand