To say that the entire Gurbani (as of now) follows science is somewhat an overstatement. However, there are scientific examples quoted in the Gurbani, which lead a layman to get an insight in to the Gurmat that on its own appears complex.

1. Washing of dirt from body parts and stained clothes with soap and water is understood and experimented by all of us. Guru Nanak Ji goes on to extend this example to explain that similarly a stained and polluted intellect can be cleansed by Naam.

Washing with soap can be easily explained and a mechanism of chemical cleansing can be forwarded by scientific minds. On the other hand, cleansing of intellect/mind is hard to explain without Gurmat, which is a subject of faith and trust in Guru who is giving a tip based on his own personal experience.

ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥ (Guru Nanak, Jap Ji, GGS. 4-11).
When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty, Water can wash away the dirt.

ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥
When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, Soap can wash them clean.

ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, It can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name.

It is further emphasized that any amount of scientific/mechanical cleansing will not help to get rid of filth or duality of mind.

ਸੋਚ ਕਰੈ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਅਰੁ ਰਾਤਿ ॥ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਤਨ ਤੇ ਜਾਤਿ ॥ (Raag Gauhri M. 5, 265-17).
You may practise cleansing day and night, But the filth of your mind shall not leave your body.

2. An easily experiment-able example of mixing two samples of water to get one miscible sample is quoted to explain complex phenomenon of blending of divine-light:-

ਜਿਉ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਜਲੁ ਆਇ ਖਟਾਨਾ ॥ ਤਿਉ ਜੋਤੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮਾਨਾ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 278-4).
As water comes to blend with water, His light blends into the Light.

3. Gurmat supports the mind and is compared with pillars that support a building. And also like a boat that helps stones to cross over a stretch of water.

ਜਿਉ ਮੰਦਰ ਕਉ ਥਾਮੈ ਥੰਮਨੁ ॥ ਤਿਉ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਹਿ ਅਸਥੰਮਨੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 282-16).
As a palace is supported by its pillar. So does the Guru’s Word support the mind.

ਜਿਉ ਪਾਖਾਣੁ ਨਾਵ ਚੜਿ ਤਰੈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣ ਲਗਤੁ ਨਿਸਤਰੈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 282-17).
As a stone placed in a boat can cross over the river, So is the mortal saved, grasping hold of the Guru’s Feet.

4. Gurmat brings light of bliss just like a lamp dispels darkness.

ਜਿਉ ਅੰਧਕਾਰ ਦੀਪਕ ਪਰਗਾਸੁ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਮਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਗਾਸੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 282).
As the darkness is illuminated by the lamp,
So does the mind blossom forth, beholding the Blessed Vision of the Guru’s Darshan.

5. The Guru’s advice (Gurmat) is not limited to scriptures (including Guru Granth Sahib) rather it is based on Guru’s personal experience with his own Guru’s advice (Gurmat) and its implementation in his life (ref to 6th,7th and 8th Sikh Gurus).

ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਬੇਦ ਨ ਜਾਨਹਿ ॥ ਜੇਤਾ ਸੁਨਹਿ ਤੇਤਾ ਬਖਿਆਨਹਿ ॥ (Gauri M. 5, GGS. 272-7).
The glory of the Holy people is not known to the Vedas. They can describe only what they have heard.

6. In Gurmat, Naam, Man and Niranjan are the three abstract entities and their collective involvement points towards our final destination in life. There is no scientific explanation to support this except the experience based on Gurmat.

ਨਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੩॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 281-11).
One whose mind accepts the Company of the Naam. The Name of the Lord, O Nanak, knows the Immaculate Lord. ||3||

7. Again contrary to any scientific proof, Naam is treasured in human body but its presence can be explained or explored only by applying Gurmat.

ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਦੇਹੀ ਮਹਿ ਇਸ ਕਾ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 293-16).
The nine treasures are in the Ambrosial Name of God. Within the human body is its place of rest.

8. How far one has comprehended Gurmat is also revealed through ‘Gurmat-symptoms’, like:

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜੀ ਬਸਹਿ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਰਸਨਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਕਾ ਦਾਸਨਿ ਦਸਨਾ ॥੪॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 263-4).
Waheguru/God abides upon the tongues of His Saints. Nanak is the servant of the slave of His slaves. ||4||

A person engrossed in Gurmat lives in presence of Waheguru and enjoys ‘Humility’, the highest virtue that comes with experimentation with Gurmat.

Reading, reciting and contemplation on Gurbani is gathering information about Gurmat. These stages are not the same as experimenting with Gurmat. Experimentation in Gurmat starts when you start accepting Gurmat directions as ‘two plus two equals four’ without questioning (in full faith and trust).

Nadr/Grace belong to a realm full of experimentation on Gurmat while passing through various Khands as explained in Jap Ji Sahib and four steps of Lavaan.

Bhatts had had the first hand experience of Gurmat on the strength of which Kahl Ji was able to narrate the following:-

ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਦਾਸੀ ॥ (Bhatt Kalh, GGS. 1397-12).
The Naam is the wealth of the nine treasures; prosperity and supernatural spiritual powers are His slaves.

Guru Nanak Ji sums up beautifully:-

ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥(Guru Nanak, Jap Ji , GGS. 8-9).
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||

The state of “ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ’ is beyond description and its attributes are many folds i.e. not only help to attract divine vision to be able to receive/compose Bani but also a ‘grant of a higher living’ as experienced by the 6th, 7th, and 8th Sikh Gurus

Science does help in gearing up towards Gurmat. But Gurmat is certainly not a pure science but a lot more than that. Real Gurmat understanding comes with practical experimentation on Gurmat directions given in the Gurbani – this exercise amounts to enjoying Nadr/Grace/Blessings.

An essential scientific step does involve in transforming of matt of an individual with Gurbani:-

ਅਹਰਣਿ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਦੁ ਹਥੀਆਰੁ ॥(Guru Nanak, Jap Ji, GSS. 8,-8).
Let understanding be the anvil, and spiritual wisdom the tools.

However to understand the fundamentals of Gurmat contained in the following shiromani message has no obvious scientific bearing as such:-

ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੪॥੪॥ (Raag Bhaira-o M. 5, GGS. 1136-16).
Nanak’s home is filled with the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||4||4||

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Sikhi is a ‘Marag’ (Path) to be travelled with Sants (Gurus, Bhaghats, Mahapurakhs and Gurmukhs/Gursikhs) – with the help of Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib, which provides the Gurmat necessary to acquire NAAM. No rituals help in this ‘Marag’. Only rare and Vadbhagi have the awareness of this ‘Marag’.

ਸੰਤ ਕਾ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਧਰਮ ਕੀ ਪਉੜੀ ਕੋ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਕੋਟਿ ਜਨਮ ਕੇ ਕਿਲਬਿਖ ਨਾਸੇ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਏ ॥੨॥ (Raag Sorath Guru Arjan Dev, GGS. 622-1).
The way of the Saints is the ladder of righteous living, found only by great good fortune. The sins of millions of incarnations are washed away, by focusing your consciousness on the Lord’s feet. ||2||

ਉਸਤਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਸਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਅਪਨੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਪੂਰੀ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ॥ ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਸਭਿ ਭਏ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਖੀ ॥੩॥
So sing the Praises of your God forever; His almighty power is perfect. All beings and creatures are purified, listening to the True Teachings of the True Guru. ||3||

ਬਿਘਨ ਬਿਨਾਸਨ ਸਭਿ ਦੁਖ ਨਾਸਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ॥ ਖੋਏ ਪਾਪ ਭਏ ਸਭਿ ਪਾਵਨ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਖਿ ਘਰਿ ਆਇਆ ॥੪॥੩॥੫੩॥
The True Guru has implanted the Naam, the Name of the Lord, within me; it is the Eliminator of obstructions, the Destroyer of all pains. All of my sins were erased, and I have been purified; servant Nanak has returned to his home of peace. ||4||3||53||

All our Gurus were engrossed in Naam and they all promoted the value and importance of Naam in the entire Guru Granth Sahib. Certain scholars keep asking what is Naam? And whether it is unique in Sikhi. They cannot get answer to such questions without understanding the simple messages in Gurbani, which are easily understandable to a lay person. Some are worried about correct interpretation of Gurbani in English to their liking (unfortunately such people will accept only if the interpretation in only in their words); others are worrying when a Muslim takes a Sikh girl as his bride (when He is ‘toon ghat ghat anthar sarab nirantar ji, Har eko purak samana) and yet others are caught up in ordering of ‘Kachera’ online . All such discussions on GL-Z are out of ignorance arising from from doubts and fears in life. There is a suggested guideline in the Gurbani as experienced by Kabir Ji (pls read the full shabd):-

ਹਮਰਾ ਭਰਮੁ ਗਇਆ ਭਉ ਭਾਗਾ ॥ ਜਬ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਗਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Raag Sorath Bhagat Kabir, GGS, 655-3).
My doubts were removed, and my fear ran away,  When my consciousness became attached to the Lord’s Name. ||1||Pause||
………………………
ਕਥਨੀ ਕਹਿ ਭਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਸਭ ਕਥਿ ਕਥਿ ਰਹੀ ਲੁਕਾਈ ॥
By preaching sermons, one’s doubt is not dispelled, Everyone is tired of preaching and teaching.

ਜਾ ਕਉ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੩॥
The Lord causes the Gurmukh to understand; His heart remains permeated with the Lord. ||3||

Sikhi Marag is concerned with our inner-self only:

“so bauraa jo aap naa pachhaanay—aap pachhanay taa aikay jaanay”.

The source of the realization of truth is within man; he himself is the object of his realization( by Sufi Hazrat Inayat Khan).

‘Parbrahm jin sach kar jata, Nanak so jan sach samata’. What is recommended is total faith and trust in Waheguru in the like of Dhru-Prahlad. ‘Prab ke simran man ki mel jae’ – to achieve a sense of discrimination.

Looking for exclusive uniqueness in Sikhi or in any religion is like showing our personal weakness. All religions are unique with respect to their own times; and the Divinity is a common denominator in all faiths.

To talk of “uniqueness” in any religion amounts to misleading others. There is need to talk about what is common in different religions and faiths.

Sikhs should be happy that the ‘Sikhi Marag’ is tested and lived by our ten Gurus and Mahapurakhs and Gurmukhs/Gursikhs.

‘Gurbani eis jag mein chanan’ and ‘Prab ka simran sab te oocha’. – Gurbani is the light-house and there is nothing more that compares with living a life in Waheguru’s devotion.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

When I started my research work for a PhD degree in Analytical Chemistry, the first thing my supervisor told me was to collect information on the work already done in the chosen area/topic of my research (in technical terms to carry out a literature survey).

Some years later on moving to the Gurmat Marg, I received a similar advice by Guru Arjan Dev Ji but in this case he himself handed down a comprehensive literature review (as set out in Sukhmani Sahib) to facilitate progressive research in the broad area of spirituality:-

ਬਹੁ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਹੁ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਪੇਖੇ ਸਰਬ ਢਢੋਲਿ ॥ ਪੂਜਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਮੋਲ ॥੧॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 265-8).
The many Shaastras and the many Simritees – I have seen and searched through them all.| They are not equal to Har, Haray – O Nanak, the Lord’s Invaluable Name. ||1||

The literature survey also clearly identifies an appropriate title of research i.e. Naam:-

ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੪॥੪॥ (Raag Bhairao M. 5, GGS. 1136-16).
Nanak’s home is filled with the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||4||4||

When we consider Guru Arjan Dev Ji’ Bani as the body of his research thesis, then the conclusion goes with remarkably with the title:

ਨਾਮ ਸੰਗਿ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥੩॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 281-11).
One whose mind accepts the Company of the Naam, The Name of the Lord, O Nanak, knows the Immaculate Lord. ||3||

– Guru Ji dedicates his Bani (research work) to Waheguru as:-

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru.

– Guru Ji’ sums up his acknowledgement in the following words to Waheguru:-

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਭ ਤੇਰੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਉ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਮੇਰਾ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੪੯॥(Raag Asa M. 5, GGS. 383-12).
Kahu Naanak Sabh Thaeree Vaddiaaee Koee Naao N Jaanai Maeraa ||4||10||49||
Says Nanak, this is all Your greatness; no one even knows my name. ||4||10||49||

Guru Arjan Dev Ji is great Guru (Professor of Gurmat), researcher and Chief Editor of a famous Universal Spiritual Journal – Adi Granth Sahib, which gave birth to the Guru Granth Sahib in 1609.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

On the occasion of ‘The International Women’s Day (celebrated on 8th March)’, a Sikh perspective is worth considering:

Guru Nanak the founder of Sikhism raised the status of women in the society (Asa di Vaar) and Guru Angad Ji condemned the practice of’ ‘Sati’ in the community to encourage remarriage of widows and his wife (Mata Kheevi) participated actively in Langar along with men folks.

After that a little is heard about any steps taken to strengthen the advice of first two Gurus. Women did not figure out in the choice of ‘Panj Piare, whether or not they accepted Guru Gobind Singh’s challenge, is a matter of debate? The prescription of 5 Ks were more keeping in mind to induce distinctiveness and fighting spirit among the male members of the Community at that time rather than focusing on women (most men fought battles except Mai Bhago who was drawn in exceptional circumstances).

A traditional Sikh can be easily recognized by his turban but a Sikh and Non-Sikh women have no distinctive features as such (except in case of some women who support a mini-turban or a dastar on their heads).

The Sikhism enjoys the honor of having a Child-Guru in Guru Har Krishan but no Sikh-Women as a Guru. Emergence of a Sikh-Woman to Gurudom and/or at least one among the “Panj Piare’ would have established the status of Sikh-woman as equal to a Sikh-man for ever.

Anyway we can go on with our wish list to seek and achieve equality among men and women folks. The fact remains that although we have no control on those historic developments in the past yet there are areas, which the Community can address now, such as: the preference for a boy over girl in pregnancy, not allowing women to perform Keertan in Harmander Sahib, absence of women-granthis and Jathedars of Thakhts, unequal sharing of wealth in between sons and daughters and preferential treatment for boys in Sikh families etc.

How come the Sikhs go for ‘Anand Karaj’ in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib and accept a boy leading a girl and the girl holding a ‘Palla’ (the so called magic piece of cloth to unite a bride to bridegroom in “phere”). Is this not a discrimination? If both are equal, the best would be that both sit in front of Guru Granth Sahib to listen to Lavaan and without holding any ‘Palla’. The current practice is acceptance and encouragement of inequality among Sikh youths.These practices certainly suggest that the message of Guru Granth Sahib has not gone deep in the Sikh psyche.

We shall be truly observing International Women’s Day only if we show determination to go by the advice of Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib and protest against the practices which breed inequality.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Guru Nanak Sahib beautifully draws a contrast of awareness of Divine Sohji of Naam/Gur/Waheguru – ‘ਨਾਮ ਵਿਹੂਣੇ ਕਿਆ ਗਣੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਦਰਸੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ’ – among a Gurmukh, Manmukh and Sakat in the following Sbds:-

ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪਣੇ ਧੀਆ ਪੂਤ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ॥ ਨਾਰੀ ਦੇਖਿ ਵਿਗਾਸੀਅਹਿ ਨਾਲੇ ਹਰਖੁ ਸੁ ਸੋਗੁ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 63-1).
The self-willed manmukh looks upon his daughters, sons and relatives as his own.
Gazing upon his wife, he is pleased. But along with happiness, they bring gr

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਰੰਗਾਵਲੇ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਭੋਗੁ ॥੩॥ ਚਿਤੁ ਚਲੈ ਵਿਤੁ ਜਾਵਣੋ ਸਾਕਤ ਡੋਲਿ ਡੋਲਾਇ ॥
The Gurmukhs are attuned to the Word of the Shabad. Day and night, they enjoy the Sublime Essence of the Lord. ||3|| The consciousness of the wicked, faithless cynics wanders around in search of transitory wealth, unstable and distracted.

ਬਾਹਰਿ ਢੂੰਢਿ ਵਿਗੁਚੀਐ ਘਰ ਮਹਿ ਵਸਤੁ ਸੁਥਾਇ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਿ ਮੁਸੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥੪॥
Searching outside of themselves, they are ruined; the object of their search is in that sacred place within the home of the heart. The self-willed manmukhs, in their ego, miss it; the Gurmukhs receive it in their laps. ||4||

ਸਾਕਤ ਨਿਰਗੁਣਿਆਰਿਆ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ ਰਕਤੁ ਬਿੰਦੁ ਕਾ ਇਹੁ ਤਨੋ ਅਗਨੀ ਪਾਸਿ ਪਿਰਾਣੁ ॥
You worthless, faithless cynic-recognize your own origin! This body is made of blood and semen. It shall be consigned to the fire in the end.

ਪਵਣੈ ਕੈ ਵਸਿ ਦੇਹੁਰੀ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਸਚੁ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥੫॥ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਮੁਆ ਨ ਲੋੜੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
The body is under the power of the breath, according to the True Sign inscribed upon your forehead. ||5|| Everyone begs for a long life-no one wishes to die.

ਸੁਖ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਹੂਣੇ ਕਿਆ ਗਣੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਦਰਸੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੬॥
A life of peace and comfort comes to that Gurmukh, within whom God dwells.
Without the Naam, what good those who do not have the Blessed Vision, the Darshan of the Lord and Guru? ||6||

– ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਕੂੜੁ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ਸਚਿ ਰਤੇ ਸਚ ਭਾਇ II ਸਾਕਤ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ਕੂੜੈ ਕੂੜੀ ਪਾਂਇ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 22-6).
The Gurmukhs do not like falsehood. They are imbued with Truth; they love only Truth.
The shaaktas, the faithless cynics, do not like the Truth; false are the foundations of the false.

Guru Nanak Sahib further draws a comparison of a Manmukh as a restless creature and a Gurmukh who enjoys Divine Anand:-

– ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਸੁਭਾਨੁ ॥੩॥ ਐਥੈ ਧੰਧੁ ਪਿਟਾਈਐ ਸਚੁ ਲਿਖਤੁ ਪਰਵਾਨੁ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 1, GGS. 21-11).
The self-willed manmukhs find no peace, while the Gurmukhs are wondrously joyful. ||3|| In this world, people are engrossed in false pursuits, but in the world hereafter, only the account of your true actions is accepted.

Guru Amar Das Ji labels a Mamukh as one who is ignorant of Naam and Sabd Guru and remains in Duality; and a Gurmukh is engrossed in Naam and is without houmai (ego/duality):-

– ਮਨਮੁਖ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪਤਿ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਸਬਦੈ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਲਾਗੇ ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ॥ (Sri Raag M. 3, GGS. 28-8).
The self-willed manmukhs do not know the Naam. Without the Name, they lose their honor.They do not savor the Taste of the Sabd; they are attached to the love of duality.

ਵਿਸਟਾ ਕੇ ਕੀੜੇ ਪਵਹਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਵਿਸਟਾ ਸੇ ਵਿਸਟਾ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੨॥ ਤਿਨ ਕਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਫਲੁ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਚਲਹਿ ਸਤਗੁਰ ਭਾਇ ॥
They are worms in the filth of manure. They fall into manure, and into manure they are absorbed. ||2|| Fruitful are the lives of those who walk in harmony with the Will of the True Guru.

ਕੁਲੁ ਉਧਾਰਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਧੰਨੁ ਜਣੇਦੀ ਮਾਇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਜਿਸ ਨਉ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਰਜਾਇ ॥੩॥
Their families are saved; blessed are the mothers who gave birth to them. By His Will He grants His Grace; those who are so blessed, meditate on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. ||3||

ਜਿਨੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ॥ ਓਇ ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਬਾਹਰਹੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੇ ਸਚੇ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
The Gurmukhs meditate on the Naam; they eradicate selfishness and conceit from within. They are pure, inwardly and outwardly; they merge into the Truest of the True.

ਨਾਨਕ ਆਏ ਸੇ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਹਹਿ ਜਿਨ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਇ ॥੪॥੫॥੩੮॥
O Nanak, blessed is the coming of those who follow the Guru’s Teachings and meditate on the Lord. ||4||5||38||

Guru Ram Das Ji describes a Sakt and Manmukh as losers, who are engrossed in Maya and think that Waheguru is a far away entity on account of his/her Ego; whereas a Gurumukh treasures and lives in the presence of Waheguru:-

– ਸਾਕਤ ਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਸਾਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਕੰਡਾ ਹੇ ॥ Raag Gauri M. 4, GGS. 13-11).
The wicked shaaktas, the faithless cynics, do not know the Taste of the Lord’s Sublime Essence. The thorn of egotism is embedded deep within them.

– ਸਾਕਤ ਨਰ ਲੋਭੀ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਦੂਰਿ ॥੩॥ Raag Basant M. 4, GGS. 1177-16).
The greedy, faithless cynic thinks that God is far away. ||3||

– ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਧਾ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 4, GGS.365-13).
The Gurmukhs obtain it, and the self-willed manmukhs lose it.

– ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਾਧਾਈਆ ਜਿਨ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਡਿਠਾ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 4, GGS. 451-3).
The minds of the Gursikhs rejoice, because they have seen my True Guru, O Lord King.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji denounces the negative attributes of a Sakt. and recommends to keep away from the company of a Sakt:-

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਭਏ ਕੂਕਰ ਕਾਮ ॥ ਸਾਕਤ ਬੇਸੁਆ ਪੂਤ ਨਿਨਾਮ ॥੩॥ (Raag Gauri M.5, GGS. 239-4).
Without meditating in remembrance on the Lord, one acts like a dog. The faithless cynic is nameless, like the prostitute’s son. ||3||

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਜੈਸੇ ਸੀਙ ਛਤਾਰਾ ॥ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਕੂਰੁ ਸਾਕਤ ਮੁਖੁ ਕਾਰਾ ॥੪॥
Without meditating in remembrance on the Lord, one is like a horned ram. The faithless cynic barks out his lies, and his face is blackened. ||4||

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਗਰਧਭ ਕੀ ਨਿਆਈ ॥ ਸਾਕਤ ਥਾਨ ਭਰਿਸਟ ਫਿਰਾਹੀ ॥੫॥
Without meditating in remembrance on the Lord, one is like a donkey. The faithless cynic wanders around in polluted places. ||5||

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕੂਕਰ ਹਰਕਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਾਕਤ ਲੋਭੀ ਬੰਧੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੬॥
Without meditating in remembrance on the Lord, one is like a mad dog. The greedy, faithless cynic falls into entanglements. ||6||

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਹੈ ਆਤਮ ਘਾਤੀ ॥ ਸਾਕਤ ਨੀਚ ਤਿਸੁ ਕੁਲੁ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਤੀ ॥੭॥
Without meditating in remembrance on the Lord, he murders his own soul The faithless cynic is wretched, without family or social standing. ||7||

– ਸਾਕਤ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਕੀਜਈ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਜੇ ਕਾ ਪਾਰਿ ਵਸਾਇ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਹਰਿ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਸਦ਼ ਮੁਹਿ ਕਾਲੈ ਉਠਿ ਜਾਇ ॥ (Raag Sorath M. 5, GGS. 641-6).
As far as possible, do not associate with the faithless cynics, O Beloved. Meeting with them, the Lord is forgotten, O Beloved, and you rise and depart with a blackened face.

ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਢੋਈ ਨਹ ਮਿਲੈ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਦਰਗਹ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਜਾਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਗੁਰ ਮੇਲਿ ਸਵਾਰਿਆ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਤਿਨਾ ਪੂਰੀ ਪਾਇ ॥੫॥
The self-willed manmukh finds no rest or shelter, O Beloved; in the Court of the Lord, they are punished. Those who meet with the Guru, and reform themselves, O Beloved, their affairs are resolved. ||5||
.
Kabir Ji also strongly detests the company of a Sakt:-

– ਕਬੀਰ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਕਰੀਐ ਸਾਧ ਕੀ ਅੰਤਿ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਰਬਾਹੁ ॥ (Salok Bhagat Kabir. GGS. 1369-8).
Kabeer, associate with the Holy people, who will take you to Nirvaanaa in the end.

ਸਾਕਤ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਜਾ ਤੇ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਨਾਹੁ ॥੯੩॥
Do not associate with the faithless cynics; they would bring you to ruin. ||93||

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

‘Amrit’ has a considerable importance in the Sikhi. The common usages are: Amrit Bani (including Amrit Keertan), Amrit-vela, and the Amrit-initiation ceremony. The latter two are linked to Amrit primarily because of the Gur-Bani component attached to these.

In addition the term ‘Amrit’ has been used extensively in the Gurbani as an adjective to bring divinity into various aspects in our daily-life. Hereunder are given some Gurbani Tuks to elaborate further the significance of ‘Amrit’:-

According to Gurbani Waheguru (Naam) stands for Amrit – Ambrosial Nectar.

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਮਿਲਿ ਪੀਵਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 318).
The treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is Ambrosial Nectar; meet together and drink it in, O Siblings of Destiny.

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰਮੋਲਕੁ ਹੀਰਾ ਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਨੋ ਮੰਤਾਨੀ ॥ (Raag Dhanaasree M. 5, GGS. 671).
The Ambrosial Naam, the Name of the Lord, is a priceless jewel. The Guru has given me this advice.

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਰਮੋਲਕੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਤਿਨਿ ਪਾਇਓ ਜਿਸੁ ਕਿਰਪੈਨ ॥ Raag Dhanaasree M. 5, GGS. 674).
The Ambrosial Naam, the Name of the Lord, and the Praises of the Lord are priceless; he alone obtains them, whom the Lord blesses with His Mercy.

How and where to find Amrit? The Amrit is obtained from the Guru with the grace of Waheguru in Gur-Sabd.

ਸੁਰਿ ਨਰ ਮੁਨਿ ਜਨ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਖੋਜਦੇ ਸੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਪਾਇਆ ॥(Raag Raamkalee M. 3, GGS. 918).
The angelic beings and the silent sages search for the Ambrosial Nectar; this Amrit is obtained from the Guru.

ਪਾਇਆ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਗੁਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕੀਨੀ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਾਇਆ ॥
This Amrit is obtained, when the Guru grants His Grace; He enshrines the True Lord within the mind.

ਜੀਅ ਜੰਤ ਸਭਿ ਤੁਧੁ ਉਪਾਏ ਇਕਿ ਵੇਖਿ ਪਰਸਣਿ ਆਇਆ ॥
All living beings and creatures were created by You; only some come to see the Guru, and seek His blessing.

ਲਬੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੁ ਚੂਕਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਭਲਾ ਭਾਇਆ ॥
Their greed, avarice and egotism are dispelled, and the True Guru seems sweet.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਪਿ ਤੁਠਾ ਤਿਨਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧੩॥
Says Nanak, those with whom the Lord is pleased, obtain the Amrit, through the Guru. ||13||

ਗੁਰ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭਿੰਨੀ ਦੇਹੁਰੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਬੁਰਕੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 4, GGS. 449).
The Guru’s body is drenched with Ambrosial Nectar; He sprinkles it upon me, O Lord King.

ਜਿਨਾ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਈਆ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਛਕਿ ਛਕੇ ॥
Those whose minds are pleased with the Word of the Guru’s Bani, drink in the Ambrosial Nectar again and again.

ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੰਡਾਰ ਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਾਸੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥(Raag Aasaa M. 4, GGS. 449).
The treasure of Ambrosial Nectar the Lord’s devotional service is found through the Guru, the True Guru, O Lord King.

ਗੁਰੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਚਾ ਸਾਹੁ ਹੈ ਸਿਖ ਦੇਇ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਸੇ ॥
The Guru, the True Guru, is the True Banker, who gives to His Sikh the capital of the Lord.

ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥ (Mundaavanee M. 5, GGS. 1429).
Upon this Plate, three things have been placed: Truth, Contentment and Contemplation.

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ ॥
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 ॥
One who eats it and enjoys it shall be saved.

ਏਹ ਵਸਤੁ ਤਜੀ ਨਹ ਜਾਈ ਨਿਤ ਨਿਤ ਰਖੁ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰੋ ॥
This thing can never be forsaken; keep this always and forever in your mind.

1. Amrit Vela

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ (Guru Nanak, Japji, GGS. 2).
In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, and contemplate His Glorious Greatness.

2. Amrit Prab-naam

ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸੁਖ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 262).
Sukhmani: Peace of Mind, the Nectar of the Name of God. The minds of the devotees abide in a joyful peace. ||Pause||

ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਦੇਹੀ ਮਹਿ ਇਸ ਕਾ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 293).
The nine treasures are in the Ambrosial Name of God. Within the human body is its place of rest.

3. Amrit Bani

ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥ (Raag Nat, M. 4, GGS. 982).
The Word, the Bani is Guru, and Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani, the Ambrosial Nectar is contained.

ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਸੇ ਜਨ ਜਾਗੇ ਜਿਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee M. 3, 920).
Those humble beings remain awake and aware, within whose minds, by Guru’s Grace, the Lord abides; they chant the Ambrosial Word of the Guru’s Bani.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸੋ ਤਤੁ ਪਾਏ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾਗਤ ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਣੀ ॥੨੭॥
Says Nanak, they alone obtain the essence of reality, who night and day remain lovingly absorbed in the Lord; they pass the night of their life awake and aware. ||27||

4. Amrit listening and singing

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੋਵਹੁ ਸਾਚੈ ਸੁਨਣੈ ਨੋ ਪਠਾਏ ॥੩੭॥ (Raag Raamkalee M. 3, GGS. 922.).
Says Nanak, listen to the Ambrosial Naam and become holy; you were created only to hear the Truth. ||37||

ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇਨ ॥(Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 271).
In the Company of the Holy, one sings the Ambrosial Glories.

5. Amrit Ras

ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖੈ ॥ (Raag Gauhree M. 5, GGS. 283).
Singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, we taste the ambrosial essence.

6. Amrit Drishti

ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਕੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਬਰਸੀ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 273).
Nectar rains down from the glance of the God-conscious being.

ਮਤਿ ਪੂਰੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ॥ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਪੇਖਤ ਉਧਰਤ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GSS. 293).
His wisdom is perfect, and His Glance is Ambrosial. Beholding His Vision, the universe is saved.

7. Amrit-drinking

ਪੀਵਹੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਦਾ ਰਹਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਜਪਿਹੁ ਸਾਰਿਗਪਾਣੀ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਦਾ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਏਹ ਸਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥੨੩॥
Drink in this Ambrosial Nectar, and remain in the Lord’s Love forever; meditate on the Lord, the Sustainer of the world. Says Nanak, sing this True Bani forever. ||23||

ਇਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਜਨੁ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਵੈ ਅਮਰੁ ਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 287).
Only a few obtain this ambrosial essence of the Lord’s Name. Drinking in this Nectar, one becomes immortal.

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹੈ ਮਿਲਿ ਪੀਵਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 318).
The treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is Ambrosial Nectar; meet together and drink it in, O Siblings of Destiny.

8. State of an Amrit-dhari

ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭਿੰਨੇ ਲੋਇਣਾ ਮਨੁ ਪ੍ਰੇਮਿ ਰਤੰਨਾ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 4, GGS. 448).
My eyes are wet with the Nectar of the Lord, and my mind is imbued with His Love, O Lord King.

9. Amrit Initiation

Nit-nem of Gurbani, supporting of 5K’s and adherence to Rahit Maryada are its mandatory components.

Gurmat recommends Amrit Naam of Waheguru as the life-line (of a Gur-sikh):

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਜੋ ਸਿਮਰੈ ਸੋ ਜੀਵੈ ॥ Raag Sorath M. 5, GGS. 616).

Your Name, O Transcendent Lord, is Ambrosial Nectar; whoever meditates on it, lives.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

According to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Guru of the Sikhs is:-

ਅਗਮ ਰੂਪੁ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਕਾ ਅਨਿਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਪਾਰ ॥ (Raag Mali Gaura M. 5, GGS. 986-12).
The beauty of the Lord of the Universe is profound and unfathomable; the Names of the Infinite Lord are innumerable.

The numerous names also appear in the Guru Granth Sahib: Ik Onkar, satnam, kadir kareem, raam, raheem, parmatma, bhagwan, prabhu, rab, allah, khudha, god, yahowa, beethal, madhusudan, madho, akalpurakh, waheguru, khasam, pita, mittar, pranpati, sajjan, bandhap, sakha, bharata, rachanhara, sirjanhara, palanhara, prithpalak, gharanhara, bhanjanhara, gosain, gopal, dinanath, nath, deen-dyal,damodar, karta, harta, bharta, padampat, karunaidh, aad-purak, karta-purak, niranjan, nirankar, pooran purak. datta, bidata,, avtoot, sat-purak, akal-purakh, abinasi-purak, parbhram, parmesar, sat-karta, bhram, dhitman, dharadhar, dharridhar, dhanurpan, gharagket,antarzami, jagdish, banwari, banwali, madhaw,mukandh, murari, bhisambar, amiteshvar, sarabeshvar, jagtesvar, achut, anatarjami, damodar, swami, rikikesh, govardan, murli manohar, jagan-nath, jagjiwan datta, bhu-bhajjan, govind, hari, har etc etc (by courtesy of Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Gurmat Parkash, March 2012 page 9).

Guru Nanak Sahib qualifies Waheguru as a fearless, formless and Truthful who is the Creator of the entire Universe. Guru Ji goes on to narrate that His Grace awakens him and enlightens him to draw closer to Waheguru:-

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਕੀਆ ਸਗਲ ਜਹਾਨੁ ॥ (Raag Asa M.1, GGS. 465-9).
The Lord is fearless and formless; His Name is True.The entire universe is His Creation.

ਸੇਵਕ ਸੇਵਹਿ ਕਰਮਿ ਚੜਾਉ ॥ ਭਿੰਨੀ ਰੈਣਿ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ॥
Those servants, whose destiny is awakened, serve the Lord. The night of their lives is cool with dew; their minds are filled with love for the Lord.

ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥
Contemplating the Guru, I have been taught these teachings; Granting His Grace, He carries His servants across.

Guru Nanak Sahib on his own tells who is his Guru though Guru Nanak used ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ but not Wah Guru:

ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਜਿ ਵਾਟ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਜਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥ ( Guru Nanak, GGS. 226)..
Waaho! Waaho! – Hail, hail, to the one who shows us the Way. Waaho! Waaho! – Hail, hail, to the one who teaches the Word of the Sabd.

ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਜਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ॥੬॥
Waaho! Waaho! – Hail, hail, to the one who unites me in the Lord’s Union. ||6||

Here Guru Nanak is praising that person, who would show the right way, explain the Sabd and help him know the Almighty God.

Then Guru Nanak Sahib is describing his Guru as follows:

ਗੁਰੁ ਪਉੜੀ ਬੇੜੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੁ ਤੁਲਹਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਉ ॥ (Guru Nanak Sahib, GGS. 17).
The Guru is the Ladder, the Guru is the Boat, and the Guru is the Raft to take me to the Lord’s Name.

Here Guru Nanak Sahib says that the one who is a ladder, boat and raft is my Guru to guide me to know the God/Almighty.

Guru Nanak’s Guru is a ladder, boat and raft and is known by numerous names as given above and many more when you include the names given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Jaap Sahib. If Guru did not believe in these names, he would have not quoted these in his Bani and likewise the other authors of Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib.

How can one say all these names in one go? Not possible. However, looking at all these and many more names one starts wondering that who is such a wonderful entity who serves as a spiritual ladder, boat and raft for Guru Nanak Sahib? – the answer automatically comes ‘What a Wonderous Guru’ – WAHEGURU, which includes all His names and attributes.

The first Guru of the Sikh is UNDOUBTEDLY the One who is and was the GURU of Guru Nanak, and that is WAHEGURU. All other Gurus and Bhagats and Mahpurakhs testify in the same in the entire Gurbani of the Guru Granth Sahib.

However, the Gurbani points out that the following TRUTH:-

ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਤਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਚੀ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੨੯॥ (Salok M. 9, GGS. 1428-1).
There is no difference between the Lord and the humble servant of the Lord; O Nanak, know this as true. ||29|

Guru Nanak Sahib is Har Jan – ik mik /sito-sita with WAHEGURU.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

The Gurbani proclaims that Waheguru Ji (Naam) is a all powerful TOOL (Kalaa) and is all pervading and can be reached through the Gurbani. One needs to have full faith in the presence Waheguru in all beings (“toon ghat ghat anter sarab nirantar ji, har eko purak samana”); and by gradually putting this truth in practice one is able experience the Waheguru in oneself.

ਜਾਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਤਾ ਅਕਲ ਕਲਾ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 1, GGS. 469.).
Your Light is in Your creatures, and Your creatures are in Your Light; Your almighty power is pervading everywhere.

The prescribed way is to explore the truth that lies in the teachings of Guru/Gurbani to obtain the blissful state of “Naam”, which acts as a powerful tool to help control the five vices and helps in concentrating consciously in connecting with Waheguru (God realization). However, human-beings get this Kalla solely at the discretion of Waheguru Ji i. e. through His Kirpa/Grace/Nadr (ਧੁਰਿ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਾਇਆ) .

ਤੂੰ ਸਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸੁਆਲ੍ਹ੍ਹਿਉ ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੋ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਇਆ ॥ (Ramkalee M. 3, GGS. 917).
You are the True Lord and Master; Your Praise is so beautiful. One who sings it, is carried across.

ਵਾਜੇ ਪੰਚ ਸਬਦ ਤਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਸਭਾਗੈ ॥ ਘਰਿ ਸਭਾਗੈ ਸਬਦ ਵਾਜੇ ਕਲਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਧਾਰੀਆ ॥ (Raag Ramkalee M. 3.
The Panch Shabad, the five primal sounds, vibrate in that blessed house. In that blessed house, the Shabad vibrates; He infuses His almighty power into it.

ਪੰਚ ਦੂਤ ਤੁਧੁ ਵਸਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਮਾਰਿਆ ॥ ਧੁਰਿ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਸਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਹਰਿ ਕੈ ਲਾਗੇ ॥
Through You, we subdue the five demons of desire, and slay Death, the torturer. Those who have such preordained destiny are attached to the Lord’s Name.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਹ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਆ ਤਿਤੁ ਘਰਿ ਅਨਹਦ ਵਾਜੇ ॥੫॥
Says Nanak, they are at peace, and the unstruck sound current vibrates within their homes. ||5||

Some of the attributes of the “Kalaa” find references in the following Tuks:

1. ਅਤਿ ਸੂਰਾ ਜੇ ਕੋਊ ਕਹਾਵੈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਕਲਾ ਬਿਨਾ ਕਹ ਧਾਵੈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS, 282).
One may call himself a great hero, but without Waheguru’s (God’s) Power, what can anyone do?

2. ਨੀਕੀ ਕੀਰੀ ਮਹਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੈ ॥ ਭਸਮ ਕਰੈ ਲਸਕਰ ਕੋਟਿ ਲਾਖੈ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS.285).
He infuses His Power into the tiny ant; it can then reduce the armies of millions to ashes

3. ਰਚਿ ਰਚਨਾ ਅਪਨੀ ਕਲ ਧਾਰੀ ॥ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਾਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ॥੮॥੧੮II (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 288).
Having created the creation, He infuses His own power into it. So many times, Nanak is a sacrifice to Him. ||8||18||

4. ਜਹ ਸਰਬ ਕਲਾ ਆਪਹਿ ਪਰਬੀਨ ॥ ਤਹ ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਹਾ ਕੋਊ ਚੀਨ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 291).
When all power and wisdom was latent within Him, then where were the Vedas and the scriptures, and who was there to read them?

5. ਸਰਬ ਕਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਖੇਲੈ ਖੇਲ ॥ ਮੋਲਿ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਣਹ ਅਮੋਲ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 294).
With absolute power, He plays His play. His value cannot be estimated; His virtues are invaluable.

6. ਅਨਿਕ ਕਲਾ ਲਖੀ ਨਹ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਲਏ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 294).
His powers are so numerous, they cannot be known. As it pleases Him, He merges us into Himself again.

7. ਕਲੀ ਕਾਲ ਮਹਿ ਇਕ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਭਾਖੀ ॥ (Raag Maaro M. 1, GGS. 1024).
In the Iron Age, the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, only one power remains. Without the Perfect Guru, no one has even described it.

8. ਡੰਡਉਤਿ ਬੰਦਨ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਾਰ ਸਰਬ ਕਲਾ ਸਮਰਥ ॥ ਡੋਲਨ ਤੇ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇ ਕਰਿ ਹਥ ॥੧॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, 256).
I bow down, and fall to the ground in humble adoration, countless times, to the All-powerful Lord, who possesses all powers. Please protect me, and save me from wandering, God. Reach out and give Nanak Your Hand. ||1||

The Guru/Gurbani give assurance that Waheguru is Truth and so is His Kalaa truthful.

ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕਲਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਦ ਅਟਲਾ ॥ (Raag Parbhaatee M. 5, GGs. 1339).
The Guru is Perfect, and Perfect is His Power. The Word of the Guru’s Shabad is unchanging, forever and ever.

ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ॥ ਦੂਖੁ ਦਰਦੁ ਸਭੁ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਨਸੈ ॥੧॥
All pains and afflictions run away from those, whose minds are filled with the Word of the Guru’s Bani. ||1||

With Waheguru on one’s side everything is possible with His Kalaa.

ਸਰਬ ਕਲਾ ਭਰਪੂਰ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਾਨਨਹਾਰ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਉਧਰੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਲਿਹਾਰ ॥੧॥ (Raag Gauri M. 5, GGS. 282; Sukhmani Sahib Sloak 15.).
God is totally imbued with all powers; He is the Knower of our troubles. Meditating in remembrance on Him, we are saved; Nanak is a sacrifice to Him. ||1||

The prescribed path to attain “Kalaa” is in Nit-nem of Gurbani/Nam Japna/Simran (“Prab ka simran sab te oocha”), which attract His Kirpa/Grace/Nadr. A daily ARDAS with humility and gratitude facilities the process further.

“Gurbani eis jag mehi chaanan”

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Kewal, Virle and Vadbhagi are three very conspicuous words (expressions) used throughout the Guru Granth Sahib and their usage invariably describes an intense association with Guru/Gurbani/Nam Japna/Saadh Sanga /Naam (Har-Ras).

KEWAL (ਕੇਵਲ)  – (Exclusive/Exclusively alone)

ਅਵਰਿ ਕਾਜ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਕਾਮ ॥ ਮਿਲੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਭਜੁ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ॥੧॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 5, GGS. 12.).
Nothing else will work. Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam. ||1||

ਸਗਲ ਮਤਾਂਤ ਕੇਵਲ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ॥ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਭਗਤ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥ (Raag Gauhree M. 5, GGS. 296).
The essence of all religion is the Lord’s Name alone. It abides in the minds of the devotees of God.

ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਤੇਰੋ ਰਹਤਾ ਧਰਮੁ ॥ ਮਨ ਸਦਾ ਧਿਆਇ ਕੇਵਲ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauhree M. 5, GGS. 270).
By His Grace, you remain in the Dharma; O mind, meditate continually on the Supreme Lord God.

ਨਾਨਕ ਕੈ ਘਰਿ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੪॥੪॥ (Raag Bhaira-o M. 5, GGS. 1136).
Nanak’s home is filled with the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||4||4||

ਕਹਤ ਕਬੀਰ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਛੋਡਹੁ ਮਨ ਕੇ ਭਰਮਾ ॥ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਪਰਹੁ ਏਕ ਕੀ ਸਰਨਾਂ ॥੩॥੨॥
Raag Dhansree Saint Kabir, GGS. 692).
Says Kabeer, listen, O mortal: Renounce the doubts of your mind. Chant only the One Naam, the Name of the Lord, O mortal, and seek the Sanctuary of the One Lord. ||3||2||

VIRLE (ਵਿਰਲੇ) – ( (Rare persons/Gurmukhs)

ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਆਰਾਧਣਾ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਜਪਿ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੇਖਣਾ ਸ੍ਰਵਣੀ ਸੁਨਣਾ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਉ ॥(Raag Goojree M. 5, GGS. 517).
Deep within yourself, worship the Guru in adoration, and with your tongue, chant the Guru’s Name. Let your eyes behold the True Guru, and let your ears hear the Guru’s Name.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਤੀ ਰਤਿਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਈਐ ਠਾਉ ॥
Attuned to the True Guru, you shall receive a place of honor in the Court of the Lord.

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਏਹ ਵਥੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਉਤਮ ਕਾਢੀਅਹਿ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਕੇਈ ਕੇਇ ॥੧॥
Says Nanak, this treasure is bestowed on those who are blessed with His Mercy. In the midst of the world, they are known as the most pious – they are rare indeed. ||1||

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਮਹਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਬਿਰਲਾ ਕੋਇ ॥ (Raag Gauhree M. 5, GGS. 289-13).
By God’s Gracious Glance, there is great peace. Rare are those who obtain the juice of the Lord’s essence.

ਖਸਮੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਦੂਜੈ ਲਗੇ ਡੁਬੇ ਸੇ ਵਣਜਾਰਿਆ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬੋਹਿਥਾ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਕਿਨੈ ਵੀਚਾਰਿਆ ॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 1, GGS. 470-11).
Those dealers who abandon their Lord and Master and attach themselves to another, are drowned. The True Guru is the boat, but few are those who realize this.

ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਮੀਠਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਕਿਨੈ ਵਿਰਲੈ ਚਖਿ ਡੀਠਾ ॥੨॥ (Raag Gaurhee Guaarayree, M. 3, GGS. 162).
Spiritual wisdom and meditation come to those unto whom the Word of the Guru’s Shabad is sweet. By Guru’s Grace, a few have tasted, and seen it. ||2||

ਬਾਣੀ ਬਿਰਲਉ ਬੀਚਾਰਸੀ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਇ ॥(Raag Raamkalee Dakhnee, M. 1, GGS. 935-12).
How rare are those who contemplate the Word of the Guru’s Bani; they become Gurmukh.

VADBHAGI (ਬਡਭਾਗੀ) – (Who are the lucky ones?)

Who is Vadbhagi? The Gurbani directs as:-

A brief of a Vadbhagi would comprise of 1. Born as human 2. Joining of Sat Sangat 3. Meeting a Guru 4. Obtaining the state of Naam (Nirvana), and 5. Remaining imbued for ever in praising the name of Waheguru.

ਵਡੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਇਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ (Raag Maaroo, M. 3, GGS. 1065-5).
By great good fortune, I obtained this body;

ਵਡੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਪਾਈ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥ (Raag Sarang, M. 4, GGS. 1198-10).
By great good fortune, I have found the Sat Sangat; the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, is all-pervading everywhere.

ਵਡੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਭੇਟੇ ਗੁਰਦੇਵਾ ॥ (Raag Dhanaasree M. 5, GGS. 683-19).
By great good fortune, one meets the Divine Guru.

ਵਡੈ ਭਾਗਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਪਾਈਐ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੀ ॥੧॥ (Raag Aasaa M. 1, GGS. 421).
By great good fortune, one meets the True Guru, and the supreme status of Nirvaanaa is obtained. ||1||

ਬਡਭਾਗੀ ਤਿਹ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵੈ ॥ (Raag Raamkalee, M. 9).
Know that one who sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord is very fortunate.

While everyone can be a Sikh by turning to the Gurbani but only a Kewal-Virle and Vadbhagi can be a Khalsa as proclaimed by Guru Gobind Singh JI:-

ਤੀਰਥ ਦਾਨ ਦਇਆ ਤਪ ਸੰਜਮ ਏਕ ਬਿਨਾ ਨਹ ਏਕ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥ ਪੂਰਨ ਜੋਤ ਜਗੈ ਘਟ ਮੈ ਤਬ ਖਾਲਸ ਤਾਹਿ ਨਖਾਲਸ ਜਾਨੈ ॥੧॥ (DS 1350).

He is the true Khalsa (Sikh), who remembers the ever-awakened Light throughout night and day and does not bring anyone else in the mind; he practices his vow with whole heated affection and does not believe in even by oversight, the graves, Hindu monument

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com

Since Guru Nanak was born with Divine wisdom, he was certainly a special person and not one of us or a common man. To emulate Guru Nanak is thus far more difficult than Guru Angad Ji. Who was Guru Nanak? Some call him a messenger of Waheguru; others regard him as if Waheguru spoke through him; and yet others claim that he himself was Waheguru.

It is perhaps easy for us to relate to Bhai Lehna Ji who later became Guru Angad. Bhai Lehna Ji was a simple plain person, a commoner like most of us. His mind was wandering and searching for a true guru for his peace of mind(as is the situation with most of us). He was an ardent devotee of goddess Durga (we are always under the spell of Maya and thus are in Dubida). He led parties of pilgrims to Durga’s temple at Jwalamukhi every year. They went singing and dancing all the way (we are also busy dancing and singing in our respective environments). Lehna Ji finally found peace on meeting with Guru Nanak Ji and by following his Hukam.

While Guru Nanak says in Gurbani time and again that he was ordained by the Waheguru, Guru Angad claims to owe his enlightenment to his Guru – Guru Nanak Ji. He believes in complete surrender to his Guru – he adds that it is obedience to the Guru that earns for all the rewards of spiritual uplift.

In Guru Angad Ji’ Bani there is a strong and guiding message about his Guru, he says:-

ਗੁਰੁ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਪਾਹੂ ਨਿਵਲੁ ਮਨੁ ਕੋਠਾ ਤਨੁ ਛਤਿ ॥ (Raag Sarang M. 2, GGS. 1237-11).
The key of the Guru opens the lock of attachment, in the house of the mind, under the roof of the body.

ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਤਾਕੁ ਨ ਉਘੜੈ ਅਵਰ ਨ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਹਥਿ ॥੧॥
O Nanak, without the Guru, the door of the mind cannot be opened. No one else holds the key in hand. ||1||

Guru Angad Ji highlights the importance of Guru in the life of a Sikh. He developed a strong devotion and humility towards Guru Nanak that he used the nom de plume Nanak in his Bani, the practice which was followed by rest of the Gurus succeeding him.

ਜੇ ਸਉ ਚੰਦਾ ਉਗਵਹਿ ਸੂਰਜ ਚੜਹਿ ਹਜਾਰ ॥ ਏਤੇ ਚਾਨਣ ਹੋਦਿਆਂ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਘੋਰ ਅੰਧਾਰ ॥੨॥ (Raag Asa M.2, GGS. 463-1).
If a hundred moons were to rise, and a thousand suns appeared, Even with such light, there would still be pitch darkness without the Guru. ||2||

Bhai Lehna ji was exposed to the Bani of Guru Nanak Ji only. On the other hand we have been handed down a Guru in Guru Granth Sahib , which holds a bunch of keys for our spiritual, economic and social uplift (keys provided by six Gurus and numerous Bhagats and Mahapuraks recognised by the Gurus). However, we are still wandering to find our Guru. How sad is the situation? We have a divine treasure left by the Sikh Gurus and yet we are not able to find our Guru in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Obviously, we lack the degree of humility and devotion of Bhai Lehna Ji.

To my mind the best expression of Guru Nanak’s message (or Guru Nanak’s Philosophy) is given in the following panktis of Guru Angad Dev Ji. The succeeding Gurus expounded on the spiritual understanding of Guru Angad Dev Ji in further developing on the thinking of Guru Nanak Sahib:-

ਆਪੇ ਸਾਜੇ ਕਰੇ ਆਪਿ ਜਾਈ ਭਿ ਰਖੈ ਆਪਿ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੰਤ ਉਪਾਇ ਕੈ ਦੇਖੈ ਥਾਪਿ ਉਥਾਪਿ ॥ (Raag Asa M. 2, GGS. 475-7).
He Himself creates and fashions the world, and He Himself keeps it in order.
Having created the beings within it, He oversees their birth and death.

ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਹੀਐ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ॥੨॥
Unto whom should we speak, O Nanak, when He Himself is all-in-all? ||2||

It is clear that Guru Nanak Sahib intended us to look towards his Guru who is All-in-All (Akalpurakh/Waheguru/Naam).  Thus Sikhi belong to Waheguru and our Gurus spoke only what was ordained out of Gurmat.

Guru Angad Ji’s contribution is many folds in shaping the life of a Sikh. We do need his guidance in refreshing the importance of a Guru:-

1. As a true Guru he highlighted the importance of a Guru in his own life and love for Gurbani, Kirtan and Naam Japna. Important lessons for us to learn.
2. To carry out Guru’s Hukam was his top priority – ‘Hukam maneye howai parvan, ta khasme ka mehl paiye-see.’ He teaches us humility and devotion to follow in the footsteps of our Guru (i.e. the Guru Granth Sahib).
3. He was a spiritual leader who was also practical minded. He took care of the physical and mental health of his flock. We also need to keep fit by leading a disciplined life.
4. He encouraged the Sikh to take interest in sports (origin of athletic aptitude in Sikh Community).
5. He opened pathshalas where children were imparted education in their own mother tongue. It is high time to learn Gurmukhi to enjoy the treasure in Gurbani.
6. He strengthened the institution of free Langer with the unconditional support from his wife, Mata Kheevi Ji – to propagate the spirit of Vand Chakna.
7. He simplified and codified the Gurmukhi Script and popularized its use amongst the Sikhs. The development of Gurmukhi Script led to the foundation stone of our current Guru – the Guru Granth Sahib. We should always be grateful to Guru Angad Ji for this precious literary gift.

We need to follow in the footsteps of Guru Angad Ji by accepting the Guru Granth Sahib without any Dubidha as our Guru. The Guru Granth Sahib is a Guide and the Guru. All the other Gurus have equally emphasised the importance of Guru.

Kirpal Singh
Wellington, New Zealand
kirpal2singh@yahoo.com