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ਇਕਾ ਬਾਣੀ ਇਕੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਇਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ :
Bani is the One, and (this One Bani) alone is the true Guru;
therefore, Reflect only on this One Guru Shabad. (sggs 646).

Our world is increasingly interconnected. Gurbani.org strives to bring the Universal, egalitarian and timeless enlightening Wisdom contained within the Gurbani enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), and explained through the Gurbani – Gurbani Explains Gurbani.

Gurbani.org is dedicated only to Sri Guru Granth Sahib

This Website is Gurbani-centered: Gurbani-based explanations presented in English. Wherever the word ‘GURBANI’ is mentioned on this gurbani.org Website, it means Only the BANI (ਬਾਣੀ) enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, (SGGS), NO other texts/granths, hearsay, false and unreliable sources or fake history written by enemies of Sikhi / Gurmat of Baba Nanak.

ਮੈ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਆਧਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਲਾਗਿ ਰਹਾਉ ॥੮॥ : Gurbani (i.e. the Enlightening spiritual Wisdom of the Guru Shabad) is the Base or Support of my life. Attuned to the Guru Shabad I remain spiritually alive. ||8|| (sggs 759).

The decision (ਫੈਸਲਾ) is considered to be the Guru’s only (‘ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੈ ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹਿਆ ॥’ The Guru Shabad has a clear edict (ਫੈਸਲਾ), NO compromise:

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਬਿਨਾ ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਬਾਣੀ ਤ ਕਚੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਕਹਦੇ ਕਚੇ ਸੁਣਦੇ ਕਚੇ ਕਚੀ ਆਖਿ ਵਖਾਣੀ ॥ : The Bani uttered by anybody other than the Satguru is ‘Kachee‘ (half baked; useless; lies, false, devoid of divine Wisdom etc.). Yes, without being uttered or approved by the Satguru, all other Bani is ‘Kachee‘. False are the reciters (of ‘Kachee Bani), false are the listeners (of ‘Kachee Bani); false are those who discourse on ‘Kachee‘ Bani. (sggs 920).
ਕਬੀਰ ਜਉ ਤੁਹਿ ਸਾਧ ਪਿਰੰਮ ਕੀ ਪਾਕੇ ਸੇਤੀ ਖੇਲੁ ॥ ਕਾਚੀ ਸਰਸਉ ਪੇਲਿ ਕੈ ਨਾ ਖਲਿ ਭਈ ਨ ਤੇਲੁ ॥੨੪੦॥ : Kabeer, if you have a craving to play the game of divine love, then play it by following teachings of the Perfect Guru (Shabad-SGGS). Because neither oil nor mustard cake (cattle feed) is obtained by pressing the raw (Kachaa) mustard seeds in an oil mill – nothing is gained by following the imperfect or Kachaa Guru-Kachaa Giyan. ॥240॥ (sggs 1377).

Gurbani explains Gurbani – no one else holds the ‘Key’

Since the Gurbani defines itself, the Gurbani (SGGS) commands that the ONLY ‘Key’ (ਕੁੰਜੀ) to understand the Gurbani is through the Gurbani. That said, the Spiritual meaning and essence of SHABADS contained in the SGGS are to be found in the SGGS.

Aptly, the Gurbani proclaims: “No one else holds the key”

ਗੁਰੁ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਪਾਹੂ ਨਿਵਲੁ ਮਨੁ ਕੋਠਾ ਤਨੁ ਛਤਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਤਾਕੁ ਨ ਉਘੜੈ ਅਵਰ ਨ ਕੁੰਜੀ ਹਥਿ ॥੧॥ : (One’s) mind is (like a) house, the body is (like its) roof, and the attachment of Maya is lock (on this house of the mind – like the chain locked on the animal legs). The Guru (Gur-Wisdom or ਗਿਆਨ) is the key (that open this lock – this is only key that can remove the spell of Maya from the mind…). O Nanak! Without the Guru (Gur-Wisdom or ਗਿਆਨ), the door of the mind cannot be opened. No one else holds the key in hand (to open this lock) ||1|| (sggs 1237).

The Gurbani’s assertion in the foregoing verses is significant as it underscores that the ONLY ‘Key’ (ਕੁੰਜੀ) to understand and imbibe Sikhi based on the authentic Gurmat is through the Gurbani (SGGS) itself. Furthermore, the SGGS teaches Sikhs (lifelong learners/students of the Shabad Guru – SGGS) that whenever in doubt about the original intent or meaning of words, metaphors, idioms etcetera, find the answer from within the SGGS – use the ‘Rahaou‘ verse and other Shabads from within the Gurbani for better comprehension / grasp / understanding.

ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਤੀ ਜਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਰਤੇ ਰੰਗੁ ਲਾਇ ॥ : The Guru’s Bani (Gurbani’s enlightening Message) can only be comprehended through the Bani itself by those who have internalized the enlightening Message contained within the Guru Shabad (SGGS). (sggs 1346).

Why do I write?

There is abundance of online information readily available on Sikh history, Sikh Rehat Maryada, religious dogmas, religious paraphernalia, religious robes, un-Gurmat rituals (Karamkaand), pilgrimage (Tirath Yatra), and so on. However, it is rare to see focus on the CORE Gurmat of Guru Nanak, which is Unique, Pure and Revolutionary and has nothing in common with the pre-1469 spirituality, beliefs and mindset – Sanatani traditions. Whether one heeds or not, the Gurbani alerts the entire humanity as follows:

ਦੁਨੀਆ ਹੁਸੀਆਰ ਬੇਦਾਰ ਜਾਗਤ ਮੁਸੀਅਤ ਹਉ ਰੇ ਭਾਈ ॥ : O people of the world! Be vigilant and Alert; O brother! you are being robbed even while you are awake! (sggs 972).
ਅਗੋ ਦੇ ਜੇ ਚੇਤੀਐ ਤਾਂ ਕਾਇਤੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਜਾਇ ॥ : If the mortal is conscious before hand (ਸਾਵਧਾਨ – wise, prudent or heedful etc.), then why he be punished later (i.e. then does not have to face consequences later). (sggs 417).

Gurdwaras are supposed to be the best platform in terms of conveying the authentic and Enlightening Spiritual Message of Gurmat of Guru Nanak and spreading it far and wide (‘ਸਾਝੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਹਾਨੈ’). Alas, the way the current Gurdwaras or Sikh institutions are run worldwide, it’s apparent that they are not fulfilling that purpose! It is so because Gurdwaras are usually occupied by selfish, opportunistic, flattering, backward pulling people who do not understand basic principles of Gurmat, who are neither capable of doing anything themselves nor allowing anyone to do it, etc. They are in for money, not for spirituality or Gurmat (Wisdom of SGGS).

In addition, Gurdwaras are staffed with the greedy and self-serving Pujaaree clique (clergy) — ignorant Bhais, Ragis, Granthis, Pathis, Dhadis, Parcharaks, Kathakars, so called Jathedars etc schooled and trained in Taksali, Deraa-Vaad, Sampardayi, Sanatanism, Nirmala or Benaras traditions — who present Gurmat of Guru Nanak as an appendage of the Sanatan philosophy. They want to take the Guru Nanak’s Sikhi or Gurmat back to pre-1469 mindset.

As a result Gurdwaras have become places for un-Gurmat rituals (Karamkaand); performing social customs such as marriage ceremony, death ceremony, naming ceremony after birth; making pilgrimages; offering Daan when some trivial desires are fulfilled, divisive and polarizing conduct, and so on. We have made the Shabad Guru (Giyan-Guru) a means of collecting money only (business, ਧੰਧਾ – ‘ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ…’), ritual bowing down (ਥਾਂ ਥਾਂ ਮੱਥਾ ਟੇਕਣਾਂ) and circumbulations (ਪਰਿਕਰਮਾ), telling made-up miraculous stories (ਕਰਾਮਾਤੀ ਕਹਾਣੀਆਂ), singing Kirtan in a concert-like manner, dressing up SGGS with designers Rumaalaas (ਰੁਮਾਲੇ) and scaring Sikhs by saying that the Guru is present as a person (ਹਾਜਰ ਨਾਜਰ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਗੁਰਾ ਦੀ ਦੇਹ ਕਹਿ ਕੇ ਡਰਾਉਣਾਂ), and so on. Crowds come to Gurdwaras, especially around Langar time. They just ritually bow down to the SGGS, eat elaborate Langar and go home. Gurbani is seldom discussed, let alone engaged with. In this uninspiring atmosphere, the keenness for reading, inquiry, Shabad Vichaar, understanding, and learning from Gurbani has all but vanished. With the exception of some enlightened Sikhs, the knowledge of Sikhs about SGGS is nearly zero.

That said, Un-Gurmat rituals become a package, carefully curated. In addition, the current one-way method of preaching or ‘Parchar‘ we Sikhs have adopted in Gurdwars is an ineffective preaching system of the traditionalists (ਪੁਰਾਤਨਵਾਦੀ, Bipran…)! This is not the one that was practiced by Baba Nanak. His preaching method was Two-Way communication method – ‘ਕਿਛੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ (Kish Suniay) and ‘ਕਿਛੁ ਕਹੀਐ’ (Kish Kahiay). The foundation of Knowledge of Teacher/student is based on listening and speaking (ਕਹਣ ਸੁਣਨ) – question-answer – which builds a well-rounded society.

Further, in addition to adulteration of Sikh history, adulteration of the Gurbani becomes pretty apparent when siting in a Gurudwara listening to Parcharaks / KathaaKaars / Kirtanias etc and watching the screen displaying distorted translation of the Gurbani. Just as the majority of Sikhs going to Gurdwaras, I have no recollection of questioning any of this.

In earlier period of my life, like the majority of people I also blindly followed and imitated the crowds without thinking. Since started thinking, I feel more aware, free, independent and don’t imitate and follow the crowds in sheepish attitude. I have no faction or a party to please, or compromise with my integrity. Having started thinking, and having developed passion for the authentic Message enshrined within the SGGS, my intent is towards learning and understanding the Gurbani through the Gurbani to the best of my ability and then share in the hope to encourage further thinking and discussion, which may further help to learn and evolve.

Gurbani counsels the length of human life is just one breath. That being said, considering my old age, I have to admit that you never know when the invitation will come! So I think we should continue to share what we have understood when we are still breathing. If you have different understanding or view, you should believe as you wish. It’s not necessary that you also believe what I believe. In the same way, it’s not necessary that I also believe what you believe!

Since inception of this website in 1990s, the author (T. Singh) decided to keep this website non-commercial – NOT to use it as a mundane business (‘ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ’ – ਧੰਧਾ, ਦੁਕਾਨਦਾਰੀ). Because there are already plenty of other sites being used as a mundane business (‘ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ’ – ਧੰਧਾ, ਦੁਕਾਨਦਾਰੀ) in the name of Gurus / Gurbani / God, and so on!

Egalitarian and Practical Guide

Gurmat Spirituality is Practical and Universal Guide for entire humanity to live a Divine Life. The following verse of the Gurbani (SGGS) embodies within itself the vast and profound meanings. It counsels SIKHS that its association and friendship is ONLY with the one who has come out of the ritualistic (Karamkaand) cycle of the Sanatanism / Bipar-vaad and is living a virtuous and wisdom-full life in conformance with the Hukam – the ‘Sachiaar‘ state of mind (‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ’).

ਜੋ ਹਮ ਸਹਰੀ ਸੁ ਮੀਤੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ॥੩॥੨॥ : Whosoever lives in this town — STATE OF MIND — is my friend (‘Sahari’). ||3||2|| (sggs 345).

Ending

Despite being the beacon of UNITY and liberating theology, several dozens nonsensical anti-Gurmat books (churned by Nirmalas etc) and propagated by the greedy and self-serving Pujaaree clique (clergy) dilute the Gurmat mysticism and present Gurmat of Baba Nanak as an appendage of the Sanatan philosophy to divert the attention of Sikhs from the real Granth (SGGS).

In addition to misinterpretation of the Gurbani (SGGS), the Sikh history has also been adulterated by the enemies of Baba Nanak and Sikhi. The Sikh history has been so adulterated that even if someone tries to find the truth and writes it with great efforts, research and care, Sikhs (with the exception of some enlightened Sikhs) consider this truth to be a lie and go so far as to insult, hurt, kill, or excommunicate (ਛੇਕ ਦੇਣਾਂ) the one who writes the truth. The reason is very obvious: we do not read it ourselves, do not search it ourselves, do not try understanding it ourselves, and do not allow anyone else to explain the truth. Behaving so, we do not even think that such lies discredit, disrespect or slander the life or the history of our Gurus.