Gurdwara is Supposed to be a Gateway to Insight

Do we use institutions like Gurdwaras etc for their intended use — incubators of Awareness? If not, the problem is not with Gurdwaras, but with us Sikhs who don’t inquire themselves, don’t read themselves, don’t research themselves, don’t understand themselves, and don’t let anyone explain the true Gurmat to us. In addition to misinterpretation of the Gurbani (SGGS), the Sikh history also has been adulterated by the enemies of Baba Nanak and Sikhi. It 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 dare to explain, write or speak the truth. Behaving so, we do not even think that such lies discredit, disrespect or slander the life or the history of our Gurus.

During the time of Baba Nanak, the word ‘Gurdwara‘ was not in common use; it was called Dharamsala, incubators of awareness, a place where Sikhs could come together and inquire, learn / discuss Gurmat and Sikhi.

Dharamsalas did not contain Pujaarees clique (clergy) because the emphasis was on inquiry, learning Gurmat, NOT nonsensical rituals (Karamkaand) seen today! Also, Dharamsalas did not contain intricate and ornate furniture, fittings, shining tiles, air-conditioned atmosphere, microphones, and other decorative accessories etc, unlike modern-day Gurdwaras.

At present we have Gurdwaras, which are supposed to be the centers of learning Gurmat (Upadesh the teaching/counsel/Giyan-Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS) thus the gateway to insight. Alas, they are anything but that!

• ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ : Sikhi is contemplation on Guru’s teaching (Instructions, Wisdom, Counsel, Guide, Upadesh, Giyan, Bibek) and acting on it. (sggs 465).
• ਭਾਂਡਾ ਹਛਾ ਸੋਇ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵਸੀ ॥ ਭਾਂਡਾ ਅਤਿ ਮਲੀਣੁ ਧੋਤਾ ਹਛਾ ਨ ਹੋਇਸੀ ॥ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇਸੀ ॥ ਏਤੁ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਧੋਇ ਹਛਾ ਹੋਇਸੀ ॥ : The only mind that is pure is pleasing to (the Giyan-Wisdom). The mind that is filthy with vices/Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, etc.) does not become pure simply by being washed (e.g. ritualistic bathing at the so called sacred Srovars, Bauris, ponds, rivers etc). The gateway to insight, one is Blessed with the true Wisdom of the Guru only by internalizing the Message contained in the Guru Shabad. By getting the mind cleansed this way alone one Realizes the Creator within. (sggs 730).

Towards learning authentic Gurmat or Sikhi of Baba Nanak, insitutions like Gurdwaras are supposed to promote engaging dialogue, inquiry (Vichar), providing answers to questions of seekers and thus dispel doubts and confusions of Sangat (community members) by connecting with the Truth (ੴ), inculcating Gur-Giyan-Wisdom, exchanging ideas, sharing concerns, and so on. Do Gurdwara-goers (Sangat, community) get their questions answered and their doubts or confusions etc dispelled?

• ਸਚੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ॥ : Creator and self-control are realized through the true Giyan-Wisdom (i.e Satguru).  (sggs 1057).
• ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੈ ਲਾਇ ਭਾਵਨੀ ਇਕਨਾ ਦਸਵਾ ਦੁਆਰੁ ਦਿਖਾਇਆ ॥ : ‘Dasam Duaarr‘ (to become Awake and Aware) is realized by abiding in the Gur-Giyan-Wisdom through internalizing the Message contained within the Guru Shabad. (sggs 922).
• ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਸੋਈ ਬੂਝੈ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ ॥੪॥ : (A Gurmukh) obtains true Understanding by internalizing the Giyan-Wisdom of the Shabad. (sggs 1234).
• ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਲੈ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥ : Naam is realized by internalizing the Giyan-Wisdom of the Shabad which not possible without the true Giyan-Wisdom of the Shabad. (sggs 1015).

Many of us proudly explain that in Sikhi we recognize the SGGS as our Giyan Guru (Giyan = Bibek-Budh, discerning intellect, Wisdom etc) which Guides its Sikhs becoming Wise, ‘Sachiaar‘ and ‘Hukam Rajaaee (ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ’) by internalizing the enlightening Message contained in the Guru Shabad.

• ਅਗਿਆਨੁ ਅੰਧੇਰਾ ਕਟਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡੁ ਬਲਾਇਆ ॥ : The darkness of ignorance has been dispelled from within me by the Blazing Light of the Lamp of the Guru’s Gifted Wisdom. (sggs 78).

But let’s pause for a moment and ponder over it: If our Guru is ‘Giyan Parchand-ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡੁ’ — Blazing Light of Giyan-Wisdom — then why the image of Sikhs is NOT that of a very educated and wise people? What happened?

The reason seems to be, except for the rare enlightened Sikhs, all others blindly follow as ‘sheep follow sheep’. The Gurdwaras have only become the center of robbing public by the commercial Ragis, commercial Granthis, commercial Parcharaks, Gurdwara administrators etc and abuse the Golak. There is no spiritual upliftment because either they have agenda or no real understanding of the Gurbani As Is. As a result listeners do not get to understand what is being narrated, sung or read. They eat Karhah Parsad and eat elaborate Langar and go home rubbing hands on the stomach! The Gurbani rejects such Karamkaand no uncertain terms for it is of no avail (‘Fokat-ਫੋਕਟ’).

• ਜੇ ਜਾਣਸਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰ ਕਰਮੰ ॥ ਸਭਿ ਫੋਕਟ ਨਿਸਚਉ ਕਰਮੰ ॥ : If (you) know the Way of the Brahm, (then you would) definitely know that all rituals are of no value. (sggs 470).

If we understood the true Message or Counsel contained in the Guru Shabad, then all the Sikhs would be only Sikhs today, there would be no Jatts, Saini, Bhapay, Lubanas, Chamars, Majhbi Sikhs, and so on. A Gurdwara would not identified as belonging to the Jatts, Sainis, Bhapes, Lubanas, Ravdasia etc, but only to the Guru Shabad.

Also, consider scenes of fighting, rage or brawl (physical or verbal) inside Gurdwaras! Whenever that happens, it is not uncommon to see the Gurdwara secretary or Pardhaan making an appeal which may go something like this: ‘Please do not argue/fight/lie/call names here inside the Gurdwara. Please go outside the Gurdwara…’

• Does our Giyan Guru teach that bad behavior inside the Gurdawar building is not bad outside?
• Does our Giyan Guru teach there is no God outside the Gurdwara building?
• Does our Giyan Guru teach there is a different God outside the Gurdwara building than inside the Gurdwara building?
• Does our Giyan Guru teach us that Gurdwara building is the House of God or God is confined only to the Gurdwara buildings?
• Does our Giyan Guru teach us that the rest of the world outside the Gurdwara building is not the House of God?
• Did Baba Nanak accept Muslim clergy’s similar arguments at Mecca that Kaaba was the House of God? Have we Sikhs learnt anything from Baba Nanak?
• If we really believe SGGS as our Giyan Guru then why do we practice anti-Gurmat rituals (Karamkaand), superstitions, senselessness, stale beliefs of Biparvaad etc. that have been critiqued, debunked and rejected by our Giyan Guru?

Distorted thinking (Soch-ਸੋਚ), concocted concepts and pre-1469 belief system belong to man-made worldly religions (ਮਜ਼ਹਬ). IT DOES NOT BELONG TO the Unique (‘Nirmal‘) SIKHI OR GURMAT OF Baba NANAK! The Gurbani in SGGS warns us against such perverted thinking Soch-ਸੋਚ). The Gurbani also rejects any particular geographical location or building as an abode of God:

• ਅਲਹੁ ਏਕੁ ਮਸੀਤਿ ਬਸਤੁ ਹੈ ਅਵਰੁ ਮੁਲਖੁ ਕਿਸੁ ਕੇਰਾ ॥ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਨਾਮ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਦੁਹ ਮਹਿ ਤਤੁ ਨ ਹੇਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਅਲਹ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਵਉ ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਈ ॥ ਤੂ ਕਰਿ ਮਿਹਰਾਮਤਿ ਸਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਦਖਨ ਦੇਸਿ ਹਰੀ ਕਾ ਬਾਸਾ ਪਛਿਮਿ ਅਲਹ ਮੁਕਾਮਾ ॥ ਦਿਲ ਮਹਿ ਖੋਜਿ ਦਿਲੈ ਦਿਲਿ ਖੋਜਹੁ ਏਹੀ ਠਉਰ ਮੁਕਾਮਾ ॥੨॥ : If (as per Muslim belief) Allah lives only in mosque, then to whom does the rest of the world belong? And Hindus believe that God resides in an idol; there is no truth (ਅਸਲੀਅਤ) in these claims (of both Hindus and Muslims – both have NOT realized God). ||1|| O God, the Allah and the Ram, I remain spiritually alive by remembering You as ONE. O God! Please bestow Your mercy on me. ||1||Pause|| (Hindus believe their) God’s abode is in the south direction (in Jagannath Puri which is in south India), and (Muslims believe their) God or Allah’s abode is in the west – in Mecca. (But O man!) Search God Within your Heart and ONLY in your Heart; because this is the ONLY place where God lives ||2|| (sggs 1349).
• ਕਾਦੀ ਕੂੜੁ ਬੋਲਿ ਮਲੁ ਖਾਇ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਜੀਆ ਘਾਇ ॥ ਜੋਗੀ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਅੰਧੁ ॥ ਤੀਨੇ ਓਜਾੜੇ ਕਾ ਬੰਧੁ ॥੨॥ : The clergy of the Muslim faith was corrupt, the Brahmin was murderous and the Yogi Un-Enlightened. These three (clergy) had become the root cause for the spiritual wreckage and desolation that mankind had come to endure. (sggs 662).
• ਮਨੁ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਵੇਸ ਕਲੰਦਰੁ ਘਟ ਹੀ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਾ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਿ ਬਸਤੁ ਹੈ ਬਾਹੁੜਿ ਜਨਮਿ ਨ ਆਵਾ ॥੧॥ : (Now that the Enlightening spiritual Message of the Shabad has become the support of my life) my mind has become the temple, the dwelling for God, my body (i.e. all of my senses) has become mendicant (i.e. my wandering senses have returned within), now I only BATHE at this TEERATH Within. The one divine Shabad has become the support of my life (now I’m convinced my mind) will not go astray in life again. (sggs 795).

ONE Omnipresent Creator -in and out

Gurbani in SGGS teaches the entire humanity about ONE OMNIPRESENT Creator (ONE Universal Energy, Hukam etc.). This is the basics of Sikhi. However, due to distortion of Baba Nanak’s Sikhi by the anti-Gurmat Bipar-Vaad, the very basics of Gurmat seems to have been replaced with Bipar ‘Soch-ਸੋਚ’ (thinking):

• ਸੋ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਅਨੰਤ ॥ : The Infinite God is Within and outside. (sggs 293).
• ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਸੇ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੀ ਓਹੀ ॥ : (One who has Realized God) believes the same One Creator Within (Nirgun or invisible form) and Without (Sargun or visible form). (sggs 294).
• ਹਉ ਹਉ ਮੈ ਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਖੋਵੈ ॥ ਦੂਜਾ ਮੇਟੈ ਏਕੋ ਹੋਵੈ ॥ ਜਗੁ ਕਰੜਾ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਗਾਵਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਕਮਾਈਐ ਖਾਈਐ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਅਗਨਿ ਮਰੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ॥੪੬॥ : (Genuine spirituality requires the) extrication of sense of self-centered hubris or false ego-sense from within. (Genuine spirituality requires the) adoption of the One Creator and elimination of spirituality other than relating to the One. Spiritual Life is impossible in a self-willed and unenlightened state. To undertake genuine spirituality is to Become the Shabad (by Internalizing the Shabad, one can chew genuine spirituality which is difficult or hard like iron). (To become the Message of the Shabad is to) Realize the One Creator Within and Without. Nanak, the flames (of desires) die only when the Satgur’s (the Shabad’s) will is carried out. ॥46॥ (sggs 943).

That being said, whatever conduct is bad inside a Gurdwara building is also bad outside the Gurdwara — in the parking lot, home, family, society, country, world, and so on!

Then why is it that we want to behave in certain ways only inside the Gurdwara building but not everywhere else in the world?

• ਦੀਨੁ ਬਿਸਾਰਿਓ ਰੇ ਦਿਵਾਨੇ ਦੀਨੁ ਬਿਸਾਰਿਓ ਰੇ ॥ ਪੇਟੁ ਭਰਿਓ ਪਸੂਆ ਜਿਉ ਸੋਇਓ ਮਨੁਖੁ ਜਨਮੁ ਹੈ ਹਾਰਿਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਕਬਹੂ ਨਹੀ ਕੀਨੀ ਰਚਿਓ ਧੰਧੈ ਝੂਠ ॥ ਸੁਆਨ ਸੂਕਰ ਬਾਇਸ ਜਿਵੈ ਭਟਕਤੁ ਚਾਲਿਓ ਊਠਿ ॥੧॥ : O madman! You have forgotten your Dharma (of Virtues, Sach or Truth, Duty of life-ਫਰਜ…); you have forgotten your Dharma. Like animals, you fill your belly and sleep; you have wasted and lost this human life. ||1||Pause|| Having never done Sangat of the Guru, but having concocted tasks of fakery; one lives one’s life akin to that of a dog, hog and crow. ||1|| (sggs 1105).

Gurdwara is Supposed to be a school of learning Gurmat

What goes on in a typical Gurdwara setting during the religious service? We walk in, bow before the SGGS, make our offering, in many cases make an offering to the Ragi or the Kathakar, take Parsaad, sit down to listen to whatever is going on at that time, even if the speaker is dead wrong in whatever he is saying and some of us know it we stay silent, stand up for Ardaas, listen to the order (Hukamnama) of the day which most of us do not understand and most of the time Granthis do not explain it either for lack of time or knowledge, take Parsaad, eat Langar, chat and leave. Meantime, after the Ragi or the Kathakar is done, they collect money and leave. No question asked! As the Gurbani says, this is nothing but:

• ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਪੂਰਹਿ ਤਾਲ ॥ : They perform to the beat for the sake of bread – as a means of livelihood. (sggs 465).

For those who follow the Sikhi of Baba Nanak, Gurdawars are the best platform in terms of conveying the Enlightening Message of Gurmat of Baba Nanak as is and spreading it far and wide (‘ਸਾਝੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਹਾਨੈ’). However, the way the current Gurdawars or Sikh institutions are run worldwide (one-way communication), it’s apparent that they are not fulfilling that purpose! It is so because:

• Gurdwaras are occupied by selfish, opportunistic, flattering, backward pulling people who want to take the Baba Nanak’s Sikhi back to pre-1469 mindset, who are neither capable of doing anything themselves nor allowing anyone to do it. That said, Gurdwaras worldwide have drifted under the control of what can only be described as kakistocracy — rule by the self-serving, least qualified, least suitable or competent.
• On top of this, influenced by Punjab’s sprawling Dera culture set in a landscape of self-styled sants, miracle talk, and emotional dependency etc, their followers and the networks that sponsor them have found welcome among the very kakistocrats who have emptied the Gurdwaras of learning real Gurmat of Guru Nanak.
• Gurdwaras are built for reflection (Shabad Vichaar), Deras are for blind obedience (ਅੰਧ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ). They together have introduced in Sikhi a new grammar of religiosity, empty and imaginary rituals, wholly divorced from the authentic Sikhi/Gurmat of Guru Nanak. As a result, the distinction between Gurdwara and Dera grows blurred. What was once a rebellion against Pujaaree system (priesthood) now hosts its return, resulting in confusion and masking of understanding.
• Gurdwaras have uninspiring atmosphere, where the keenness for reading, understanding, and learning from
  Gurbani has all but vanished. No body is allowed to ask question.
• Gurdwaras have become places for rituals (Karamkaand). The anti-Gurmat rituals have become a package in Gurdwaras, carefully curated by the self-serving and illiterate Pujaaree clique and control freak members of the management committees who do not understanding even the basic principles of Baba Nanak’s authentic Gurmat.
• The anti-Gurmat priestly class (Pujaaree) reintroduced all the beliefs that the Sikh Gurus had spent years liberating people from. That said, it has been limited only to religious robes, religious paraphernalia, religious pilgrimage, robotic and ritual reading and memorization of the Gurbani, Akhand Path, morning or weekly visit to Gurdwara, Nagar Kirtans, elaborate Langars, Rumaalaas, and so on. Furthermore, it has been corrupted with Vedic mythical beliefs and ritual practices or dogmas and superstitions, Yogic slants etc which Baba Nanak rejected in no uncertain terms for they are total contradiction to the CORE of Sikhi of Baba Nanak.
• Gurdwaras encourage paid services – sponsoring of Akhand Paths, elaborate Langar (unhealthy sweets snacks etc); social customs such as marriage ceremony, death ceremony, naming ceremony after birth; making pilgrimages; offering Daan when some trivial desires are fulfilled, and so on.
• Gurdwaras are governed and dominated by a managerial class, who refer to themselves as Guru Ghar Day Kooker and Sevadars (servants). But in demeanor and conduct, they are anything but. It is a phony humility.
• Visa sponsorships of Bhias Granthis, Ragis, Parchaaraks, Kathakars, Deraadaar Sadh Babas, Jathedars, relatives, friends, or simply those willing to pay etc are now one of the central bargaining chips of Gurdwara politics. They arrived with immigration consultancy. Visa sponsorships are now one of the central bargaining chips of Gurdwara politics. Money/asset divided between members of the management committees etc.
• Due to absence of authentic experience in Gurdwaras, Sikh youth has drifted from Gurbani (SGGS). They are nowhere to be seen once they cross the threshold of adulthood. Instead they have turned to sicial media, singers, actors, celebrities, drinking, drugs, empty rituals etc. Generally some children of committee members stay, because they have a skin in the game – pathway to inheritance, leadership, and so on.
• Although Gurdwara doors are open to everybody, but, in reality, Gurdwara has become the gated property of the few for whom Gurdwara has become a ticket to retirement! Many have become private enterprises—registered under personal
  ownership, operated as family businesses. Someone buys an existing building or buys land to build, then simply hangs a
  signboard: “Gurdwara Sahib. The owner’s business continues…

That being said, there seems to be a new trend: Not all, but for the sake of money (‘ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ’) some Gurdwaras are being turned into banquet halls!

First ‘DHARAMSALA’ established by Baba Nanak at Kartarpur where he settled with a small group of his Sikhs to imbue them with Gurmat –  a place to learn his true Gurmat,  incubators of awareness, authentic Gurmat, fellowship. The present institution of Gurdwara evolved from its predecessor Dharamsala, However, the Gurdwaras system we see today are no longer the same ‘Dharamsala’ created by Baba Nanak.

• ਮੈ ਬਧੀ ਸਚੁ ਧਰਮ ਸਾਲ ਹੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾ ਲਹਦਾ ਭਾਲਿ ਕੈ ॥ : I have established a true Dharamsala. I’ve discovered the right-minded GurSikhs in this place of learning. (sggs 73).

That said, Gurdwara should be learning the Enlightening Message of Gurmat of Baba Nanak, NOT a place for sword wielding, gun toting, removing each others turban and pulling each other by beard or hair etc!

• ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਭੇਦੀਐ ਕਿਉ ਸੋਹੈ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਿ ॥ : As long as (one’s mind) has NOT Realized the Enlightenment of the Shabad, (until then one does NOT) look Beauteous (Inner Beauty: state of Bliss, abidance in one’s Jot Saroop) in the Pathway of the Guru (there will be NO Realization of the Creator in Conscience, Within). (sggs 19).
• ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹਮਰਾ ਵੀਆਹੁ ਜਿ ਹੋਆ ਜਾਂ ਸਹੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਤਾਂ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਕਾ ਮਹਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਰਵਿਆ ਹੈ ਆਪੁ ਗਇਆ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥੨॥ : (sggs 351).
• ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਵ ਇਹੁ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਬਿਖੜਾ ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਕੋ ਪਾਵਏ ॥ : (sggs 440).
• ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਭਣੀਐ ॥ : (sggs 1075).

Therefore, Gurdwara is charged with the responsibility to teach Gurmat and continuously reinforce it — learning how to walk the spiritual Way of the Guru Shabad (Giyan Guru). Unlike a temple, a mosque or a church, Gurdwara certainly is not a place where one goes to perform certain rites and rituals under the direction of a self-serving Pujaaree (priest). In the house of Baba Nanak such ritualized dogmas or practices (Karamkaand) earn no merit and have no place in the life of a Sikh of Baba Nanak. Having said that, Gurdwara is not a place of idol worshipping, nor a place of promoting and performing anti-Gurmat rituals, dirty politics, factionalism, contentiousness (ਧੜੇਬਾਜ਼ੀ), and so on.

• ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਚਜੁ ਅਚਾਰੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਤੁਧੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਦੁਖੁ ॥੩॥ : Internalizing the Gur (-Giyan, Wisdom…), learn skill (of life) and good conduct, then sorrow will never affect you. ||3|| (sggs 50).
• ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਧੰਨੁ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੁ ॥ :  Blessed is the Gurduaar (Pathway of the Guru) where I can Realize the Creator. (sggs 153).
• ਦੇਵਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਕੈ ਹਥਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਪਾਇ ॥ : (sggs 30).
• ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਥਾ ਸੁਣਾਇਹਿ ਆਪਣੀ ਸਿ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹੇ ॥ : (sggs 919).
• ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਲੇ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਰਹੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕੁ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋ ਲਹੈ ॥ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਦੇਇ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥੭॥ : (sggs 930).

We come to Gurdwara to learn Truth (ਸਚ ਦਾ ਗਿਆਨ) from our Giyan Guru (Shabad) so that we can live an Enlightened / Guru Shabad-Oriented Life (Gurmukh Lifestyle) everywhere and all the time.

• ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥ : Sikhi is contemplation on Guru’s teaching (Instructions, Wisdom, Counsel, Guide, Upadesh, Giyan, Bibek) and acting on it. Being blessed by the Grace of the Guru’s teaching one then crosses the ocean of worldly temptations and their corrupting influences (Bhav Saagar). (sggs 465).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਅਗਨਿ ਨਿਵਾਰੀ ॥ : Internalization of the spiritual Message of the Shabad (the Gurmukh-Hood State of Mind) eliminates Haumai (the root of vices or Bikaar). (sggs 943).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਬਦਿ ਅਚਾਰਿ ॥ : The Message embedded within the Shabad causes Realization (of the Creator) to come about. (sggs 941).

The Unique spirituality of the Guru Shabad (SGGS) teaches us about Universal Dharma of divine Virtues (ਗੁਣ), which is the same over time, culture, region, age, location etc.

• ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥ : Of all Dharma the most sublime Dharma is to realize the Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) and emulating them to perform deeds free of corrupting influence of Maya. (sggs 266).
• ਨਾਮੁ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਸਗਲ ਆਚਾਰ ॥ : Naam (Wisdom, Virtues…) is my good conduct. (sggs 1145).

The ONE Creator is defined in the Gurbani (SGGS) in terms of the divine Virtues. Since the Creator is One, Dharma is also One. Rest are just man-made religions (‘Majhab-ਮਜ਼ਹਬ’), cults etc.

Simply put: We come to Gurdwara to learn and Awaken intellect to the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom to this One Eternal Dharma which, according to Gurbani, we have forgotten! After remembering this One Dharma, the next step is to live in daily life everywhere, regardless whether inside a Gurdwara or outside!

We are Counseled by the Gurbani to remove negativity and filth from the mind; and fill it with Virtues and Wisdom. The Gurbani in SGGS teaches Purity of the mind is essential to link with one’s True Nature Within (Jot Saroop). This ascent in spiritual progress is described in the Gurbani in five Khands (Realms or Stages) — Dharma Khand, Giyan Khand, Saram Khand, Karma Khand and Sach Khand.

The Gurbani also asks us to constantly inculcate essentials Virtues (ਗੁਣ) such as Truth (ਸਤ), contentment (ਸੰਤੋਖ), mercy (ਦਯਾ), patience (ਧੀਰਜ), Sahaj (ਸਹਜ-Natural State of Being), Wisdom (ਗਿਆਨ), and so on.

Similar restraints are also expected to curb other vices/Bikaar — lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride; and their countless variations. Most of the time, we try to adhere to these principles inside the Gurdwara. But, as soon as the majority of us walk out of the Gurdwara building (sometime even inside the Gurdwara), normally it’s the opposite that takes place — nonessentials become limitless. The Gurbani tells that, not a few, but all vices/Bikaars of the mind including Haumai (false ego-sense) must be replaced with good thoughts, Virtues etc.

• ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਿਖੁ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਹਾਟੈ ॥ : The Sikh of the Guru recoils (withdraws, ਹਟ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ…) from Bikaars (sggs 286).
• ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਹਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਵੀਚਾਰਹਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਕਾ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥ : The conduct of the Manmukh is that he does not think of the Divine Naam, and he does not contemplate the Shabad (sggs 508).

It’s a wrong signal to send to the people that the do’s and don’ts of the ideals and Principles of the Gurmat applies inside a Gurdwara but not to a outside life. Appropriate lifestyle inside the Gurdwara and the same outside cannot be separated. They are meant to be intertwined. Spiritual and material life must be in harmony. To live such a life is like standing in the fire without getting burnt (Gurmukh lifestyle)! It’s difficult without discriminating intellect (Bibek) and detachment.

Any unethical misconduct, regardless of time and place, is falsehood or unrighteousness (Adharma). Also, any required conduct or action not performed properly, regardless of time and place, is falsehood or unrighteousness (Adharma) as well.

The Gurbani teaches us that the One Creator is everywhere and in every being. Therefore, all our thoughts, actions and words (Mann, Karma and Bachan) must be in full Awareness of this One Divine Principle. Practice of good actions, good conduct and good qualities everywhere and in all circumstances is also a part of Gurmat Bhagti. Of course this will require surrendering of the crazy mind!

• ਨਹ ਬਿਲੰਬ ਧਰਮੰ ਬਿਲੰਬ ਪਾਪੰ ॥ : Do not delay in practicing Dharma; delay in committing sins (sggs 1354).
• ਮਨੁ ਬੇਚੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਪਾਸਿ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੇ ਕਾਰਜ ਰਾਸਿ ॥ : (One who) sell his mind (surrenders his ego-sense, Haumai, etc.) to the Satgur (who has the Knowledge of Truth – ਸਚ ਦਾ ਗਿਆਨ), that humble servant’s work (the purpose of life, etc.) becomes fitting or complete (he becomes Gurmukh, liberated or Jeevamukat, Enlightened, God-Realized…). (sggs 286).

The Gurdwara is meant to continuously teach Gurmat values so the lifelong learners (i.e. Sikhs) can learn to remove bad thoughts, selfishness, slavery to bad habits; and cultivate Virtues and remembrance of One Divine Principles etc. In short, Gurdwara symbolizes an Ideal — the Guru’s Pathway or the Doorway to Giyan-Wisdom, Bibek, Virtues etc. Therefore, when we enter these places, sacred or true ideals should well up in our minds, and when we leave these places the same thoughts should stay with us, regardless of where we are.

Furthermore, the majority of us are mentally crooked like the ‘dog’s tail‘. The Gurbani teaches us not to become burden to the society by harboring negativity, selfishness and slavery to bad habits. The Gurbani counsels us that by constantly imbibing in good thoughts and living in harmony with Hukam (Being ‘Sachiaaraa’), one can successfully progress spiritually.

• ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਆਚਾਰੁ ਨ ਕਿਨ ਹੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ : Without the (Wisdom of the Gur-) Shabad, no one achieves a lifestyle of good conduct. (sggs 1285).
• ਲੋਭਾਦਿ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਪਰ ਗ੍ਰਿਹੰ ਜਦਿਬਿਧਿ ਆਚਰਣੰ ॥ ਤਜਿ ਸਕਲ ਦੁਹਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੁਰਮਤੀ ਭਜੁ ਚਕ੍ਰਧਰ ਸਰਣੰ ॥੩॥ : Forsake greed, and do not look upon other’s home (ਪਰਾਏ ਘਰ ਵਲ ਦੇਖਣਾਂ…), and give up conduct that is ‘Jadibidhi‘ (against the established norms of moral, ethics …). Renounce all evil deeds and evil inclinations, and hurry to the Lord’s Sanctuary ||3|| (sggs 526).

Ending

The Giyan / Wisdom / Bibek / logic (ਤਰਕ) of the Bani enshrined within the SGGS was supposed to open the mind, but alas, it is trapped in designers Rumaalaas (ਰੁਮਾਲਾ)!

If our Shabad Guru is Giyan (ਗਿਆਨ, Wisdom), then the image of Sikhs in the world should have been that of a very educated and wise people. Ever wonder why our image in the world could not be like that?

If we Sikhs really accept SGGS as our Giyan-Guru, then the Sikhi or Gurmat of Baba Nanak must be freed from:

• The current One-Way communication system, and replaced with interpersonal or Two-Way communication system (question-and-answer method of Baba Nanak).
• People hungry of Chaudhar (ਚੌਧਰ) and for their economic and political interests.
• Bipar-Vaad that has crept into the practice of Sikhi of Baba Nanak.
• Anti-Gurmat or anti-Nanak groups or organizations adulterating the Unique and Revolutionary Gurmat or Sikhi of Baba Nanak.
• Self-serving Pujaaree (clergy) groups: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.), all kinds of Deraas and their freeloading so called sants and baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ)…who are schooled and trained in Nirmala traditions (Brahminical traditions). Including all the Takhats, probably over 90 percent Gurdwaras worldwide are under their control. This is the Sikhi that was promoted by the British Rule in India after they annexed Punjab in 1839 AD to divide Sikhs and thus control and rule Punjab.
• Self-appointed so called religious/political leaders or guardians of Sikhi of Baba Nanak, whose personal lives are in total contradiction to the principles laid down by our glorious Giyan-Guru Shabad. The political Sikh leadership is also morally corrupt and spiritually bankrupt.

Until then the Pure/Pristine Message or Giyan of our Giyan (ਗਿਆਨ) Guru is not going to see the light of day!

• ਮਾਇਆ ਡਰ ਡਰਪਤ ਹਾਰ ਗੁਰਦੁਅਰੈ ਜਾਵੈ ਤਹਾ ਜਉ ਮਾਇਆ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਕਹਾ ਠਹਰਾਈਐ ॥੫੪੪॥ : Weary of the dread and dragon-net of Maya (i.e. Maya’s onslaught…), if one goes to the Gurdwara, and if Maya penetrates there too, then where would one go to Rest or Escape! (Kabit Bhai Gurdas Ji, 544).

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• Missing Component in Sikhi Parchar
• Allow Gurbani to go through Conscience-ਸੁਰਤ
• Leave Ego Personality and Shoes Outside!
• Gurbani is not Meant to Regurgitate Pre-1469 Beliefs
• Gur Charan Kamal, Gur Charan Dhoorh and Gur Moorat
• Gurmat Recommends Shabad Based Householder’s Life
• Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi
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• Sikhi: a Way of Life
• Gurmat and Social Change
• Seven Days of a Sikh
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• Kirtan as Envisaged by the Gurbani
• Realize Enlightening Message Embedded within Shabad
• Gurbani Defines Pardhaan, Leader…
• Gurbani Defines ‘Panth’