The Spirit of Selflessness during Guru Ram Das Jayanti
One of the important festivals of Sikhism is Guru Ram Das Jayanti that is celebrated today (Oct. 9) all around the globe with full enthusiasm. Guru Ramdas ji was the 4th Guru who remained on his seat for 7 years. He is still remembered for his great contribution to his community.
About Guru Ram Dasji
Sri Guru Ram Dasji, the founder of the Amritsar city, is known for keeping alive the traditions of the first 3 Gurus, he was born in the Sodhi Khatri family on Sept. 1534, in Lahore. Along with being the mastermind behind Amritsar’s construction, he was also established a missionary command. A popular poet, he penned around 688 hymns in different music courses, and his writings were a reflection of his dedication, love, loyalty and commitment towards his society.
Celebration of Guru Ram Das Jayanti
To remember the birth of Guru Ram Das and his contribution to the Sikh community, Guru Ramdas Jayanti is celebrated. An important Sikh festivals, it is a commemoration of traditional rituals. The followers of Sikhism take part in this event and spread the message of peace, love and offer their homage to the Almighty. The preparation of the Jayanti begins 11 days before the main day. A group of people chant hymns of the Guru, called Shabad. These hymns are related to the greatness of the Guru and God. On this day, people visit Gurudwaras, which are beautifully decorated with lights, in large numbers and offer prayers and services.
Charity
Charity is a very important part of Sikh teachings because equality and compassion are essential for a spiritual life. All religions and all nations must be helped to live a good and peaceful life. Hard work is also essential for a Sikh — begging or not working is lazy and selfish.
Charity begins with caring for the family. Sikhs have followed this teaching in their social policies, building hospitals, care homes, special schools and hospices. Many Sikhs also take part in charity work all over the world and are actively involved in major world Oxfam and Christian Aid.
The Sikh emphasis on giving is seen in the institution of ‘langar’, a free communal eating area attached to every temple or gurdwara. The founder of the faith Guru Nanak started the practice of langar against the background of a caste system in which the food of a higher caste was considered polluted by even the shadow of someone from a lower caste passing by. The Guru insisted that all people, rich and poor, beggar and king, sit together on the same level, to eat food prepared and served by those of an equally varied social background. At one gurdwara in Punjab, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, 3,000 free meals are served to visitors every half hour.
For a Sikh it is a privilege and a duty to provide langar in the gurdwara for the whole congregation after the weekly service of worship. The langar is part of the act of worship and a very fundamental aspect of Sikh life.
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