Guru : The Teacher
The word “Guru” means teacher and “Sikh” means learner. The word Sikh originates from shishya in Sanskrit, meaning “disciple.” In Punjabi , sikhna means “to learn” and sikhya means “teaching” or “something which is learnt.” Therefore, Sikh also refers to their tradition as “Sikhi” (path of learning).
The phrase “Guru” holds extraordinary importance for Sikhs. “Guru” is that the instructor and is held in Sikhism as a “remover of darkness.” He therefore is held inside the wonderful notion. They are regarded as enlighteners and divine messengers, who introduced forth everlasting information. hence, the Sikh Guru names begin to be addressed by using the prefix of ‘Guru’, while, to start with Guru Nanak turned into referred to as ‘Baba Nanak’. ‘Baba’ is an affectionate time period used in Punjabi to deal with the elders. The phrase “Guru” refers to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founding father of the Sikh dharam and his 9 human successors. The phrase “Guru” is likewise the identify given to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the quantity of sacred scripture this is respected as the eternal guiding voice and living spirit of the authorities, and that’s literally revered because the body and physical presence of the human authorities themselves. Sikhs trust that thru its teachings, the Guru Granth Sahib has the potential to transform and enlighten them. Sikhs are guided in their getting to know by means of the Guru’s knowledge or knowledge, and aspire to stay via the Guru’s teachings. A famous understanding of the phrase Guru is one thru whom non secular darkness (gu) is dispelled through spiritual mild (ru), an enlightener.
To all Sikhs, let this be the order, recognize the Granth as your Guru. There is also the notion of “Guru Panth” the Guru dwelling in the body of disciples dedicated to the Guru’s path. This means that because the spirit of the Guru is also present within the community of practicing Sikhs, collectively they can come to decisions concerning matters affecting their community with guidance and authority.
ਸਭ ਸਿਖਨ ਕੋ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਾਨੀਓ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ।।
To all Sikhs, this is the order to recognize the Guru Granth Sahib ji as your Guru.
Sikhism was established by ten Sikh gurus, human religious instructors or masters, over the duration from 1469 to 1708. Those instructors were enlightened souls whose most important motive in life was the religious and ethical well-being of the hundreds. By way of placing an exquisite example of the way to stay a holy and worthy life via working towards righteous concepts of living their human lives, they sort to awaken the better recognition within the human race. The gurus taught the human beings of India and beyond, to stay spiritually pleasing lives with dignity, freedom, and honor. Each of the 10 gurus introduced to and strengthened the message taught by using the previous, resulting subsequently in the creation of the faith that is now known as Sikhism.
The Sikh religion has developed from the gurus’ teachings, and from their followers’ devotion, right into a world faith with its very own scripture, code of discipline, gurdwaras (locations of worship), festivals and life cycle rites and that they share in a effective experience of identification and have a good time their specific history.
A critical precept of the gurus’ teaching is the significance of integrating spirituality with carrying out one’s duties. Sikhs should perform seva (voluntary service of others) while at the same time practising simran (remembrance of God). The appropriate is to be a sant sipahi (warrior saint) that is someone who combines religious characteristics with a readiness for brave motion.
ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥
The Highest religion amongst all is to chant Gods name and have pure actions.
Teaching in Sikhism
Three important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji include:-
- NAM JAPNA : which means to always keep God in mind.
- KIRAT KARNA : means earning honestly. One should paintings hard and genuinely and in no way stay off of others, however supply to others from the culmination of one’s own labour.
- VAND CHHAKNA : Share With Others, One’s home is always open to all. All are served and all are welcomed. The end result of one’s labours are always shared with others.
Sikh Religious Philosophy
- Ek Onkar” : Ek Onkar (“Ek” is One and “Onkar” is God). There’s just one God, every body’s God is the same, who has endless characteristics and names, irrespective of their religion. Before the soul turns into the form of a human, it research cycles of delivery and death. Our lives have to be lived exemplarily so you can turn out to be one with God.
- Rise Early and Meditate : The first morning hours, earlier than the rising of the sun are used for meditation and experiencing union with God.
- Humanhood : All people in general are same. We are sons and daughters of the Waheguru, the Almighty.
- Uphold ethical Values : protect, guard, and fight for the rights of all creatures, and especially your fellow beings.
- Personal Sacrifice : Be organized to present your life for all ideal concepts.
- Positive attitude to life “Chardi Kala”: always have a optimistic , positive, buoyant view of existence.
- Disciplined lifestyles : Upon baptism, Sikhs must wear the 5Ks, strictly recite the five prayers (Banis), and so on.
- No unique Worship Days : Sikhs do not agree with that any specific day is holier than some other.
- Overcome the Five Thieves : it’s far every Sikh’s responsibility to defeat the five thieves: Anger, greed, ego, attachment, and lust.
- Attack with five weapons: Contentment, charity, kindness, positive mindset, humility.
Values
The Sikhs ought to consider subsequent Values:
- Equality: All humans are equal in front of the God.
- God’s Spirit: All Creatures have God’s spirits and should be nicely respected.
- Personal Right: Everyone features a right to live however this right is restrecited.
- Actions Matter: Salvation is acquired by way of one’s moves — appropriate deeds, remembrance of God, and many others.
- Residing a Family Existence: have to stay as a family unit (householder) to offer and nurture youngsters.
- Sharing: Dasvandh — It’s encouraged to share and provide to charity 10 percent of ones net income.
- Accept God’s Will: Broaden your character in order to understand happy moments and depressing activities as one.
Four Fruits of Life :-
Honesty, Contemplation, Gratified and Naam, (reciting the Name of God).
Prohibited Behavior
- Non-Logical Behavior: Superstitions and rituals not significant to Sikhs (pilgrimages, fasting and bathing in rivers; circumcision; worship of graves, idols, photos; obligatory carrying of the veil for women; and many others;)
- Material Obsession: (“Maya”) Accumulation of substances don’t have any meaning in Sikhism. Wealth, Gold, Portfolio, shares, Commodities, residences will all be left right here in the world once you leave. Don’t get connected to them.
- Sacrifice of Creatures: Sati — widows throwing themselves with in the pile of their husbands; lamb and calf slaughter to rejoice holy occasions; and many others are forbidden.
- Non-family orientated residing: A Sikh isn’t allowed to stay as a recluse, nun, beggar, yogi, monk, or celibate.
- Worthless talk: Mendacity, bragging, gossip, and many others aren’t accepted.
- Intoxication: Smoking tobacco, consuming alcohol, the use of drugs, and intake of different intoxicants aren’t approved.
- No Priestly magnificence: Sikhs don’t need to rely upon a priest for performing any religious functions.
Individuals As One Race In Sikhism
According to Gurbani, the Lord’s will is used within the world and each and every individual has a share of the Lord. Gurbani states :-
ਨਾ ਕੋ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਨਾ ਕੋ ਸਿਆਣਾ ॥ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਭ ਕਿਛੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਭਾਣਾ ॥ SGGS।। 98
There is no fool in this world and no one is intelligent. Your will is working everywhere.
ਸਭੇ ਸਾਝੀਵਾਲ ਸਦਾਇਨਿ ਤੂੰ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਦਿਸਹਿ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਜੀਉ ॥ SGGS।। 97
All beings are called your partners and no creature feels that you reside in any other place outside it.
This view of Gurbani is taken into consideration specific by the existing age of consumerism due to the fact the shape and existence of society are primarily based on the division in humanity and in nowadays’s life competition, controversy and wars have became predominant. However Gurbani exhorts the individual to determine and keep peace, solidarity, equality, and private freedom during this conflicting and unjust society.
Credits
Navneet Kaur : She is a B.Com graduate. She has been researching in Sikh History and its various aspects. She is exploring her research and content writing skills in testimony. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading books and analysing the history of Gurdwara Sahib and volunteering Itihaas.thehistory as researching and content analyst.
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