Debunking Idol Worship

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Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) have used language, vocabulary, beliefs, phrases, terms, metaphors etc that were already within the use and within the psyche of people of the time of the composers of the Bani (ਬਾਣੀਕਾਰ). However, the use of this vocabulary does NOT at all mean that they have accepted the meaning of the vocabulary in the form in which it was prevalent. The composers of the Bani (ਬਾਣੀਕਾਰ) have deployed these terms as a figurative device (examples, ਹਵਾਲਾ…), but explicitly with new meanings and understanding to fit the new spiritual paradigms of Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak, the progenitor Guru of Sikhi.

The entirety of the Bani (ਬਾਣੀ) addresses the human Mind. With extensive use of Idioms, metaphors etc, the Gurbani expresses the subtlety of the spiritual experiences of the composers of the Bani (ਬਾਣੀ). It draws the reader’s attention, awakens debased senses, amplifies the Enlightening Message, and captures subtle nuances of spirituality. Thus the use of idioms, metaphors etc create imagery in the mind making the reader see things in a new way with improved understanding.

Guru Nanak, the progenitor Guru of Sikhi, meticulously and logically critiqued, rejected, debunked and dismantled the dominant religious orthodoxies of his time, laying the foundation for a tradition that would eventually crystallize into the innovative, unique and revolutionary Sikhi. Guru Nanak adopted existing religious terminology and reconstructed it with new meaning exposing its falsity from within.

Shrewd Pujaaree-Vaad and Idol worship – brief background

The unscrupulous Brahmin Pujaaree-Vaad (priest class) had created Mayaic illusion in the minds of the people of the existence of a separate world of gods and goddesses. This illusion, in turn, was embodied in the idols of these imaginary gods and goddesses. By carving stones and installing idols of these concocted gods and goddesses in the temples, the Brahmin Pujaaree propagated in such a way that the people saw idols as gods in person. This myth contradicted the laws of nature (੍Hukam) and took many forms and became a part of Sanatani, Hindu religious scriptures. The unsettling effect of such written or spoken lies have trapped people in a permanent illusion. Even in this age of science and information, countless people are still trapped in the illusion that their desires are fulfilled due to these lies, and are experiencing happiness in being robbed in broad daylight.

  • ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੂਲੇ ਭੂਲੇ ਅਖੁਟੀ ਜਾਂਹੀ ॥ : Hindus are utterly mistaken and going on the wrong path. (sggs 556).
  • ਬੁਤ ਪੂਜਿ ਪੂਜਿ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੂਏ ਤੁਰਕ ਮੂਏ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਾਈ ॥ ਓਇ ਲੇ ਜਾਰੇ ਓਇ ਲੇ ਗਾਡੇ ਤੇਰੀ ਗਤਿ ਦੁਹੂ ਨ ਪਾਈ ॥ ੧॥ ਮਨ ਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਅੰਧ ਗਹੇਰਾ ॥ ਚਹੁ ਦਿਸ ਪਸਰਿਓ ਹੈ ਜਮ ਜੇਵਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Hindus are getting Spiritually ruined by worshiping their idols all life and the Muslims by bowing their heads (during Namaaz) towards Mecca (believing that God exists only in Mecca). Hindus take and cremate the dead; the Muslims bury their dead; but both do not understand/realize YOUR true state (i.e. the creator is not realized if prayer is done as ritual). ||1|| O my mind, because of ignorance, this world is like a deep dark pit. And the noose of vices/Bikaar is spread everywhere (i.e. there are worldly temptations and their corrupting influences all round). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 654).

All those who follow their earn-a-livingclergy’s mythical narratives and empty rituals such as ‘idol worship’ etc, Mubaarak to you  — wish you all the best (Sarbatt Daa Bhalaa)!

HOWEVER, those who call and identify themselves as ‘SIKH‘ (i.e. learner of Gurmat – way of the Guru) are reminded by the SGGS of the Guru’s new way which contains direct critiques of mainstream empty and imaginary rituals such as idol worship etc, and debunks concocted narratives of the Pujaaree-Vaad of dead conscience who makes living using Golak (offerings). If one does not believe, internalize and live the teachings of the Shabad Guru, then person is only a Sikh of Bhekh-ਭੇਖ (hypocritical outer displays…).

  • ਅਧਿਕ ਤਿਆਸ ਭੇਖ ਬਹੁ ਕਰੈ ॥ : Excessive thirst for Maya makes people wear all sorts of religious garbs to impress other people. (sggs 352).
  • ਬਹੁ ਭੇਖ ਕੀਆ ਦੇਹੀ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੀਆ ॥ : The more one wears religious robes, the more pain he causes his body. (sggs 467).

Ludicrous fabrications, myths and UN-Gurmat rituals concocted by the contemporary Sikh Pujaaree clique — scholars, preachers, Kathakars, Bhais, Granthis, Kirtaniyas (Ragis), Jathedars, Taksals, Dera sadh babas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) etc — have no place in the Unique Gurmat/Sikhi of Guru Nanak or the Enlightenment of the Shabad included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS).

  • ਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਜੋ ਲਿਖਿ ਦੀਆ ॥ ਛਾਡਿ ਚਲੇ ਹਮ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਲੀਆ ॥੩॥ : ALL that the Pandit and Mullah Clergy have prescribed or presented to us, I have DISCARDED (while walking on the Path of Spirituality). I DISCARD IT ALL and have ACCEPTED NOTHING at all. ||3|| (sggs 1159).
  • 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).

SGGS critiques, rejects and debunks idol worship

YES — the Gurbani (SGGS) critiques, rejects and debunks idol worship (Moorat Poojaa-ਮੂਰਤੀ ਪੂਜਾ) in no uncertain terms. Sanatanism presents a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses and emphasizes idol worship. Although, Islam emphasizes the oneness of God (Allah) and rejects any form of polytheism or idolatry, yet, in Islam all Muslims are ordered to prostrate five times daily in the direction of the Meccan pagan rock and made it a religious obligation to visit and kiss it at least once in their lifetime. Does it mean there is some another God residing in other directions? The authentic Sikhi/Gurmat (the Way of Guru) of Guru Nanak emphasizes the belief in One Formless, Universal Creator and rejects all forms of idol worship (ਬੁੱਤ ਪੂਜਾ, ਮੂਰਤੀ ਪੂਜਾ…).

  • ਬੁਤ ਪੂਜਿ ਪੂਜਿ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੂਏ ਤੁਰਕ ਮੂਏ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਾਈ ॥ : Hindus are getting Spiritually ruined by worshiping their idols all life and the Muslims by bowing their heads (during Namaaz) towards Mecca (believing that God exists only in Mecca). (sggs 654).
  • ਜੋ ਪਾਥਰ ਕਉ ਕਹਤੇ ਦੇਵ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੇਵ ॥ ਜੋ ਪਾਥਰ ਕੀ ਪਾਂਈ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਘਾਲ ਅਜਾਂਈ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ : Those who call the stone-idols as God, all their service (worship-Poojaa…) goes waste. Those who fall at the feet of a stone-idol, all their efforts go in vain. ||1|| (sggs 1160).
  • ਪਾਤੀ ਤੋਰੈ ਮਾਲਿਨੀ ਪਾਤੀ ਪਾਤੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਪਾਹਨ ਕਉ ਪਾਤੀ ਤੋਰੈ ਸੋ ਪਾਹਨ ਨਿਰਜੀਉ ॥੧॥ : The gardener is plucking leaves (to worship the idol). But, she doesn’t know that in every leaf, there is life. On the other hand, the Idol made of stone for which the gardener is plucking these leaves is life-less. ||1|| (sggs 479).

Sadh babas in Deras (ਵੇਹਲੜ) have been worshiping idols for a long time. They have created their on ‘Maryadas‘. They do not want people to follow the Gurbani’s straight/authentic path. Because, if people follow the Gurbani’s true path, the deceptive system/structure these Babas have built in their Deras will collapse! That said, their followers devoid of the basic Gurmat principles worship them in ‘Moorat‘, forms, pictures, portraits, physical artifacts, and so on.

Also, these Deras treats SGGS as an idol. Similarly, the modern, earn-a-living Sikh Pujaaree clique (clergy) in Sikh shrines/Gurdwaras treats the SGGS as an idol as well.

Furthermore, contemporary Sikhi related institutions, shrines, self-appointed Pujaaree clique (clergy), Sikh leaders, administrative and preaching bodies (Parcharaks), Kathakars, Kirtanias (Ragis) etc have suppressed the analytical, knowledge-based approach (Giyan) intended in Sikhi, replacing it with a blind herd mentality (Bhedchaal or sheep mentality). The result is – due to their greed and selfishness – that people have been distanced from the basic principles of Guru Nanak‘s Sikhi/Gurmat (the Way of the Guru).

God’s idols or Moorat

The concept of the Creator in the Gurbani (SGGS) is ‘Formless‘ or  ‘Nirankaar–ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ’, which literally means without form-shape-color — without ‘Roopu-ਰੂਪੁ’ (i.e. no form), ‘Raekh-ਰੇਖ’ (i.e. no shape), and ‘Rangu-ਰੰਗੁ’ (i.e. no color).

  • ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਨ ਰੰਗੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਿੰਨ ॥: The Creator has no form, no shape, no color and is free from the three qualities of Maya (i.e. Rajo, Tamo, Sato). (sggs 283).

This Formless or Nirgun (without form-shape-color) emphasizes THAT which we cannot see with our physical eyes. This includes all the Invisible or Formless forces of the Nature. The Fundamental Forces are gravitational force, electromagnetic force, nuclear forces etc. Included in it are the laws of motion, heat, air etc. In fact, all the basic Fundamental Forces described above are without form-shape-color, which are invisible to our physical eyes.

This One Formless Principle (‘ੴ’, Universal Creator, Rabb, God, Allah – Universal Energy) also dwells within all beings (‘ਰਾਮ ਕੀ ਅੰਸੁ-Ram Ki Ans’). In other words, the Universal Energy that functions in the Brahmand also functions within all beings as divine Virtues, Wisdom, Hukam.

  • ਸਹਸ ਤਵ ਨੈਨ ਨਨ ਨੈਨ ਹੈ ਤੋਹਿ ਕਉ ਸਹਸ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਨਨਾ ਏਕ ਤੋਹੀ ॥ ਸਹਸ ਪਦ ਬਿਮਲ ਨਨ ਏਕ ਪਦ ਗੰਧ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਹਸ ਤਵ ਗੰਧ ਇਵ ਚਲਤ ਮੋਹੀ ॥੨॥ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਸਾਖੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੁ ਆਰਤੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੩॥: (Being pervasive everywhere and in all beings) Thousands of eyes of all of us are Rabb’s eyes — Rabb has no separate eyes. Thousands of forms of all of us are Rabb’s forms — (being Formless) Rabb has no separate form. Thousands of feet of all of us are Rabb’s feet — Rabb has no separate feet. Thousands of noses of all of us are Rabb’s noses — Rabb has no separate nose. I am amazed by this wonder. ||2|| The light flowing in everyone is from the same Supreme Light (i.e. the One Creator). The Light that aluminates all is from the same (One Creator). But the knowledge of this ‘Joti’ comes only with the Teachings of the Guru (through the Guru’s Wisdom it is understood that Rabb is present within all beings as ‘Joti’ and that we are jot-Saroop.). The Aarti (i.e. meaningful Poojaa of this all-pervading ‘Joti‘) is that whatever is happening in Hukam (System-Rule-Law of Nature, Universal Energy) is pleasing to beings. ||3|| (sggs 663).
  • ਕਾਯਉ ਦੇਵਾ ਕਾਇਅਉ ਦੇਵਲ ਕਾਇਅਉ ਜੰਗਮ ਜਾਤੀ ॥ ਕਾਇਅਉ ਧੂਪ ਦੀਪ ਨਈਬੇਦਾ ਕਾਇਅਉ ਪੂਜਉ ਪਾਤੀ ॥੧॥ ਕਾਇਆ ਬਹੁ ਖੰਡ ਖੋਜਤੇ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਆਇਬੋ ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਜਾਇਬੋ ਰਾਮ ਕੀ ਦੁਹਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਜੋ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡੇ ਸੋਈ ਪਿੰਡੇ ਜੋ ਖੋਜੈ ਸੋ ਪਾਵੈ ॥ ਪੀਪਾ ਪ੍ਰਣਵੈ ਪਰਮ ਤਤੁ ਹੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹੋਇ ਲਖਾਵੈ ॥੨॥੩॥: For me, to search my body is the temple wherein God dwells, and it is the place of pilgrimage of which I am a pilgrim (searching for God Within my body). Searching God within the body is like burning incense, lighting of lamps and offering delicious food on leaf plates in Poojaa. ||1|| When I searched my body within, I found the new Treasure (of Naam) which I was searching outside. (Since I have realized within my ownself) the Glory of Raam (now I can say that) nothing comes, and nothing goes (i.e. I don’t go through repeated scuffing in my daily life). ||1||Pause||(At the Macrocosmic level) what is pervading in the Universe out there, (at the Microcosmic level) is also within my body; but this realization is the result of my internalizing of it. Peepaa offers – If Satguru (i.e. Giyan-Wisdom: ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) is internalized, then the Supreme Reality (the Source of all, Creator) is revealed within (the conscience-mind). ||2||3|| (sggs 695).

The foregoing Shabads describe that the term ‘Moorat’ actually emphasizes a Formless (Nirankar), Omnipresent Universal Energy or Hukam  (Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature with which the Kudrat functions (ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ) rather than an anthropomorphic entity. In other words, God is all-permeating reality, completely detached from superficial ritualism.

Guru Nanak saw people’s moral bankruptcy as they were lost in the rigmarole of the dishonest Pujaaree‘s (clergy) concocted empty rituals (Karamkaand), caste system (madness of Jaat Paat), superstition, idol worships, ritualized dogmatic practices, and so on. He pointed out the futility of worships of gods and goddesses (ਦੇਵੀ ਦੇਵਤੇ), idols, weapons (ਸ਼ਸ਼ਤ੍ਰ ਪੂਜਾ), relics, scriptures, and so on.

  • ਦੇਵੀ ਦੇਵਾ ਪੂਜੀਐ ਭਾਈ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਗਉ ਕਿਆ ਦੇਹਿ ॥ ਪਾਹਣੁ ਨੀਰਿ ਪਖਾਲੀਐ ਭਾਈ ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਬੂਡਹਿ ਤੇਹਿ ॥੬॥ : If we worship stone idols of gods and goddesses (or any other kind of idol for that matter), they can’t give anything, (so) I don’t ask anything from them. Their Poojaa is like churning water and hoping for butter! (These idols) sink themselves in water — how can they save human beings from the world-ocean? (sggs 637).
  • ਪੂਜਿ ਸਿਲਾ ਤੀਰਥ ਬਨ ਵਾਸਾ ॥ ਭਰਮਤ ਡੋਲਤ ਭਏ ਉਦਾਸਾ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਮੈਲੈ ਸੂਚਾ ਕਿਉ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਸਾਚਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਪਾਵੈ ਪਤਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੬॥ : One who worships idols, bathes at (so called) holy places, lives in forests, and wanders around in doubt / superstitions as a renunciate ( Udasi ). If his/her mind remains soiled with vices/Bikaar, then how can he/she become pure? One who becomes emulation of God receives honor (by way of realizing God within). ||6|| (sggs 686).

The following Shabad is the critique of a sculptor who steps on a stone to carve an idol. Bhagat Kabir argued that if the stone possessed actual divine power, it would punish the sculptor for trampling it. Applying this logic to modern commercialized portraits made with canvas and synthetic chemicals, they also carry no inherent sanctity.

  • ਪਾਖਾਨ ਗਢਿ ਕੈ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਕੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਦੇ ਕੈ ਛਾਤੀ ਪਾਉ ॥ ਜੇ ਏਹ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਹੈ ਤਉ ਗੜ੍ਹਣਹਾਰੇ ਖਾਉ ॥੩॥ : The sculptor carves the stone and fashions it into an idol; while carving he put his feet upon the Idol’s chest. If this idol were really a true god (possessing any power) it would devour the sculptor (for insulting and torturing him in such a way). ||3|| (sggs 479).

Guru’s idol or Moorat

To understand ‘Gur Moorat’ or ‘Gur Ki Moorat’, first we need to understand who was the Guru Nanak’s own Guru.

The Gurbani (SGGS) highlights that Guru Nanak’s own Guru was the Shabad (Formless Divine Word/Giyan-Wisdom/Bibek). In fact, Guru Nanak explains this in his own Bani that the Guru of a Sikh is only the Shabad, and that one’s Conscience / mind / Surat-ਸੁਰਤ needs to become the Sikh (learner, student – ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ), NOT the physical body-frame:

  • ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥: The SHABAD is my GURU (i.e. the Source of my Enlightenment), and my conscience (Surat, mind) is the disciple (of this SHABAD GURU (i.e. I adhere to the Instructions contained within the Shabad). (sggs 943).

Since the Giyan-Wisdom/Bibek has no form-shape-color, it’s clear from the foregoing verse of Guru Nanak that the ‘Moorat’ of the Guru is entirely spiritual.

The same is true about the ‘Gur Charan Kamal’ and ‘Gur Charan Dhoorh’ – they are spiritual as well, and must be internalized/realized in the MIND.

  • ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਵਸਾਇ ॥ ਦੁਖੁ ਅਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੇਰਾ ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਸਾਚਾ ਲਏ ਮਿਲਾਇ ॥੨॥ : Keep the Guru’s teachings (Shabad) enshrined in your mind. In this way one’s suffering and darkness of ignorance from within goes away. And one realize the Creator. ||2||(sggs 1335).
  • ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਧੂੜਿ ਕਰਉ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥ : I humbly listen to and follow the teachings of the Guru. (sggs 1270).
  • ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਮੈ ਸੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ਬਿਬੇਕੋੁ ॥੪॥੫॥ : Says Kabeer, I have found that Guru, whose Name is ‘Bibek(u)’ (Wisdom, Discerning Intelligence…). ||4||5|| (sggs 793).

The ONLY thing that can preserve this spiritual ‘Moorat’, ‘Charan Kamal’ and ‘Charan Dhoorh’ is the human MIND. It refers to abiding in divine Naam (i.e. Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) within one’s conscience (Surt-ਸੁਰਤ), rather than visualizing a physical face/body-frame, or bowing to a idol/pictures or a painted portrait.

  • ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥ : How then can I become God-Realized being within (‘Sachiaaraa‘)? How can I remove the obstacle of my non-realized state within? O Nanak! (The way to realize Creator within is to) remain within the confines of His Hukam (the Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ…), as (Creator and His Hukam) is contained with us. ||1|| (sggs 1).

Since the Guru’s Shabad can only be realized in conscience (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ-mind), making idols of the Guru is completely contrary to the Gurmat principles. Before the advent of Guru Nanak, the custom of worshiping various gods and goddesses by making idols and painting them on walls was going on for hundreds of years. Criticizing the idol worship, he asserted there can be no real worship of the Eternal Creator without the Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam).

  • ਗੁਰ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਹੈ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਰਗਟੀ ਆਇਆ ॥ : The Guru’s form (body, Moorat…) is the Guru’s ‘SHABAD’, and it is revealed in the company of the holy. (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 24: 25).
  • ਪੂਜਾ ਕੀਚੈ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪੂਜ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Contemplation on the Naam is the Poojaa. Without the Naam, there is no Poojaa ||1||Pause|| (sggs 489).

The following Shabad (SGGS) critiques the ritual of FOOD OFFERINGS TO IDOLS (Bhog-ਭੋਗ ਲਾਣਾਂ), where the physical food is ultimately consumed by the earn-a-living Pujaaree or other human attendants or insects.

  • ਭਾਤੁ ਪਹਿਤਿ ਅਰੁ ਲਾਪਸੀ ਕਰਕਰਾ ਕਾਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਭੋਗਨਹਾਰੇ ਭੋਗਿਆ ਇਸੁ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਮੁਖ ਛਾਰੁ ॥੪॥ : Rice, pulse, semi liquid sweets, pancakes, pudding — the (priest) enjoys these, nothing goes in the mouth of idol (because a lifeless image or object cannot eat!). ||4|| (sggs 475).

This practice also exists among modern Sikhs and self-serving Sikh Pujaaree clique who ritualistically offer food to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) using a ceremonial sword (kirpan).

However, we Sikhs are the worshipers of the SHABAD (Giyan-Wisdom/Bibek), not of idols or portraits. It is historical fact none of the ten human Sikh Gurus ever commissioned to be painted or portrayed themselves. Also, they did not leave behind any statues of themselves. Now contrast this historical stance with the modern self-styled religious leaders who actively distribute and promote their own photographs. You go to any Takhat and see lines of shops selling fake pictures/paintings/portraits of the Gurus and other religious paraphernalia critiqued in the SGGS.

  • ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੁ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ਰਿਦੈ ਲੈ ਧਾਰਉ ॥ : Reflect on the Divine Wisdom in your mind. Take the enlightening Message embedded in the Guru Shabad and accept the divine Shabad as the injunctions through which to gratify the mind. Enshrine the Guru’s Divine Wisdom in your mind. (sggs 864).

If we can grasp the meaning of this foregoing Shabad, we can set ourselves free from religious con-artists as well as the spell of fear, misconceptions, doubts, ignorance, superstitions, UN-Gurmat rituals (Karamkaand), and so on.

Alas, Sikh institutions lacking understanding of the basic Gurmat principles and those running them have confused the entire Sikh community. Verses such as ‘ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਧਿਆਨੁ’ (Gur Ki Moorat Mann Mahi Dhiyan) are arbitrarily used and misinterpreted for decades from the religious stages (Gurdwars etc) by the earn-a-living Pujaaree (Bhais, Granthis, preachers-Parcharaks, Kathakars, Kirtanias (Ragi), Jathedars, Dera sadh babas etc) to stir emotions of people. These people, who are almost devoid of authentic Gurmat, have taken advantage of the ignorance, fear, and greed of the common person and have carved out a very respectable place for themselves in the Sikh world. Such preachers can preach against Gurmat as much as they want under the guise of being connected to ‘Guru Ghar‘ (Guru’s house), and no intelligent Sikh dares to question or stop them. Due to which all these people are going to the extent of trying to separate the common people from the unique and revolutionary Gurmat of Guru Nanak. Such preachers preach that it is okay and necessary to pay attention to the physical image (Moorat etc) of the Guru, hence it is necessary to have pictures of the Guru. But if the entire Shabads are read and understood, it becomes clear that there is no mention of the high status of the physical image of the Guru in these Shabads.

If the shrewd Brahmin (Pujaaree) has shown arrogance against his own deity, the Sikh Pujaaree is committing the same arrogance against the Guru and Gurmat (the Way of Guru). Without true understanding of the Gurmat, we have lost our way. The historical fact is none of the ten human Sikh Gurus ever left behind any authentic physical portrait, image or statues of themselves.

  • ਏਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੀਐ ਅਵਰ ਤਿਆਗੈ ਆਸ ॥ : (O my mind) reflect upon the Shabad (i.e. adopt counsel of the Shabad Guru pertaining to the One Creator) and abandon all other expectations. (sggs 18).

Simply put, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) presents a profound moral philosophy – how human beings ought to live. It presents a wise and keen critique of human life including, not limited to:

The Enlightening Message of the SGGS exposed all these as empty when they become substitute for moral and ethical responsibility, truthful living, and so on. The question is not whether Sikhs should show respect and reverence with which Sikhs approach the Guru. The question is whether our respect also allows the Guru’s debunking of empty rituals.

If SGGS is the Guru, then its teachings must also be heard, internalized and lived as moral reasoning for how human beings ought to live in the world. Reverence should not be superficial/ceremonial – it should deepen our listening and understanding, not narrow it. A Sikh does not respect the Guru only through outwardly or ritual bowing, but also by allowing the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom to reform his/her mind’s present condition (thought, conduct etc). Only Virtues can change how we think, act and conduct ourselves in the world. That said, SGGS does not promise a free ticket to some distant god or heaven via empty rituals such as idol worship etc.

  • ਗੁਣਾ ਕਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਵਾਸੁਲਾ ਕਢਿ ਵਾਸੁ ਲਈਜੈ ॥ ਜੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੋਵਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਸਾਜਨਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਝ ਕਰੀਜੈ ॥ ਸਾਝ ਕਰੀਜੈ ਗੁਣਹ ਕੇਰੀ ਛੋਡਿ ਅਵਗਣ ਚਲੀਐ ॥ ਪਹਿਰੇ ਪਟੰਬਰ ਕਰਿ ਅਡੰਬਰ ਆਪਣਾ ਪਿੜੁ ਮਲੀਐ ॥ : O Mind, you have Within your possession Divine Virtues; manifest them in your Spirituality. Since you possess these Divine Virtues, O Mind, adopt a Relationship with them. The adoption of this Relationship is the effacing of your vices/Bikaar as you walk the Journey of Spirituality. By treating everyone with love and by doing good deeds, one can win the battle of life against vices/Bikaar. (sggs 765-766).
  • ਜਿਸੁ ਸਿਉ ਰਾਤਾ ਤੈਸੋ ਹੋਵੈ ਸਚੇ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥ : With whose love one is imbued, becomes like that (i.e. qualities of the beloved come to reside in the lover); being imbued in the Eternal Creator mortal truly becomes like the Creator in terms of adopting relationship with Virtues. (sggs 65).

Ending

The bedrock of the Sikhi worldview is pursuit of deliberate crafting and refining of one’s ‘Surt‘ (conscience, intuition…), ‘Matt‘ (sense, understanding, intellect…), ‘Mann‘ (mind, intelligence…), and ‘Budh‘ (reason…) — components of Giyan/knowledge/wisdom. Buying external images/symbols/pictures/portraits/idols/granths and worshiping them is easy, but nurturing ‘Surt‘, ‘Matt‘, ‘Mann‘, and ‘Budh‘ is NOT easy at all!!!!!!!!

True Sikhi of Guru Nanak is a lived Way of life. It refuses to let form (Moorat, idol, symbols, relics etc) replace truth. Nonetheless, people of Crowd or Herd Mentality easily gravitate toward pictures and idol worship. Why? Because, living by the true teachings of the Gurbani demands rigorous self-discipline, conquering one’s bloated ego (Haumai), and living a truthful life. In contrast, bowing to a picture and lighting incense takes moments and allows individuals to return to corrupt or dishonest daily routines without guilt.

  • ਸਿਲ ਪੂਜਸਿ ਚਕ੍ਰ ਗਣੇਸੰ ॥ ਨਿਸਿ ਜਾਗਸਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਵੇਸੰ ॥ ਪਗ ਨਾਚਸਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਅਕਰਮੰ ॥ ਏ ਲੰਪਟ ਨਾਚ ਅਧਰਮੰ ॥੩॥ : (O Lampat: lewed man!) You worship stone idols, on the body you have made the marks of Ganesha, you remain awake at night to show (i.e., pretend) as you are engaged in Bhagti, there you dance with your feet but your mind remains engrossed in evil deeds. O ‘Lampat’ (i.e., lewed man)! This dance is not (a work) of Dharma. ||3|| (sggs 1351).

Addressing the earn-a-living Biparan Pujaaree-Vaad (clergy), Guru Nanak in his following Shabad counsels that the worship of idols is useless. He teaches humanity that one should not worship or contemplate on anyone except One Universal Creator (Universal Energy). And, one should never be careless in trying to keep one’s conduct pure by remaining clear from the domination of vices/Bikaar.

  • ਸਾਲ ਗ੍ਰਾਮ ਬਿਪ ਪੂਜਿ ਮਨਾਵਹੁ ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਤੁਲਸੀ ਮਾਲਾ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਬੇੜਾ ਬਾਂਧਹੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਰਹੁ ਦਇਆਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਕਾਹੇ ਕਲਰਾ ਸਿੰਚਹੁ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਵਹੁ ॥ ਕਾਚੀ ਢਹਗਿ ਦਿਵਾਲ ਕਾਹੇ ਗਚੁ ਲਾਵਹੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (O Bipar – Brahmin Pujaaree-Vaad)! Please the One Universal Creator (by living in conformance with the Hukam), this is the worship of idol of Saligram. Develop virtuous conduct, this is the counting beads of rosary (ਮਾਲਾ ਫੇਰਨੀ). Build a boat of realization of Divine Naam (abidance in Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) to cross the worldly ocean of vices/Bikaar and pray: O merciful Creator please show mercy on us. ||1|| (Worshiping stone idols and counting beads is like) watering a saline land — crops will not grow in the saline field, hence watering the saline field in vain — why are you wasting your human birth by performing such useless deeds? Why are you engaged in useless rituals (like worshiping idols, counting beads)? it is like plastering the earthen wall with lime, which would soon crumble down ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1170-1171).

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