Gurbani on Religious Paraphernalia

In the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), there is not even a single gesture that describes the greatness/necessity/importance of the religious symbols and religious robes. Although Shabad rejecting and critiquing them can to be found throughout the SGGS, but no argument in their favor or support can be found anywhere in the Gurbani of the SGGS.

To the contrary, the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS debunks decorating, embellishing or loading the ephemeral body-frame with religious paraphernalia (religious symbols, dress, ਧਾਰਮਕ ਚਿਨ, ਭੇਖ etc.).

The reason for all 35 composers of the Bani (ਬਾਣੀਕਾਰ – who are included in the SGGS) to run Sikhi movement (ਸਿਖੀ ਵਿਚਾਰਧਾਰਾ) different from all other man-made religions was because all organized religions and their religious books with which they belonged contained meaningless religious symbols and robes, antagonistic adherents, dogmas, Karamkaand or rituals, Pakhand etc.

Since the Gurbani in the SGGS addresses the human mind, and since the mind has no form-shape-color, all religious paraphernalia, religious symbols and robes are of no use to the mind.

The philosophy once the Brahman Pujaaree (clergy) gave to Guru Nanak about religious symbols is similar philosophy today given to Sikhs about religious symbols by the self-serving Sikh Pujaaree (clergy: the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ), and their trained Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.!

But Guru Nanak REJECTED the Pujaaree’s concocted tattle tale (ਗੱਪਾਂ) nonsense. In fact, the Gurbani in SGGS teaches Sikhs (learners or students of the Guru Shabad ) to dismantle the Pujaaree system!

The truth is, in the end, when the dead body is placed on the pyre or tossed into a cremation furnace, all religious paraphernalia and religious robes or symbols drop off the body! This is the edict of the Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak.

Guru Nanak’s simple, practical, down to earth and commonsense teaching for living a successful life is to Internalizing the Enlightening Spiritual Message of the Shabad and then constantly living it in daily life (practice, ਅਮਲ).

  • ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਟਿਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਤਗੁ ॥੧॥ : O Nanak! Without the Divine Naam (Giyan-Wisdom/Virtues), religious symbols – frontal mark, sacred thread (Janaeu) etc. – are meaningless. ||1|| (sggs 467).

Guru Nank and Janaeu (‘ਜਨੇਊ’)

Guru Nanak explains this in the SGGS with an example of the Janaeu (‘ਜਨੇਊ’, religious thread), a thread which the priest (Pujaaree) tried to put on Babaa Nanak during the ‘Janaeu – ਜਨੇਊ’ ceremony. Guru Nanak logically and Wisely lectured Pandits there is no Janaeu for woman, and also ‘Janaeu’ that the Pandit puts on a person, in the end, that person departs without it:

  • ਓਹੁ ਮੁਆ ਓਹੁ ਝੜਿ ਪਇਆ ਵੇਤਗਾ ਗਇਆ ॥੧॥ : (Janaeu or sacred thread) drops off (the body upon getting burnt in the pyre of that man, and he thus) departs without the thread (i.e., the religious symbol of thread does not continue with the soul)! (sggs 471).
  • ਬਾਹਰਿ ਜਨੇਊ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥ : (O Pandit!) The external ‘Janaeu’ (thread-ਜਨੇਊ) is as long as the Jot is present in the body (then what is the use of this?). (sggs 355).

Having said that, Guru Nanak asked the Pandit (Pujaaree-priest) if he had a ‘thread’ specifically made for the MIND instead of the gross body-frame then go ahead and ‘put it on me’, provided it’s knotted of Truth (ਸਤ) or godliness — divine Virtues (ਗੁਣ). Guru Nanak further lectured Pandits on the real significance of Janaeu:

  • ਦਇਆ ਕਪਾਹ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੂਤੁ ਜਤੁ ਗੰਢੀ ਸਤੁ ਵਟੁ ॥ ਏਹੁ ਜਨੇਊ ਜੀਅ ਕਾ ਹਈ ਤ ਪਾਡੇ ਘਤੁ ॥ ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਤੁਟੈ ਨ ਮਲੁ ਲਗੈ ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਜਲੈ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਧੰਨੁ ਸੁ ਮਾਣਸ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੋ ਗਲਿ ਚਲੇ ਪਾਇ ॥ : Make compassion the cotton, contentment the yarn, continence the knot and Truth (godliness, ਸਚਿਆਰਤਾ) the twist. O Pandit (Pujaaree), a thread of this type Awakens the inner-self (conscience). If you have such a ‘Janaeu‘ (‘ਜਨੇਊ’-religious thread), then put it on me (i.e. this is the thread of the mind or conscience which both male and female can wear). O pandit! (such ‘thread’) does not break, it cannot be soiled by filth (of Bikaar), it cannot be burnt, or lost. O Nanak! Blessed are those mortals, who wear such a thread around their necks (or, whose mind departs wearing such thread). (sggs 471).

The Message of the SGGS is Universal. It’s for the entire humanity, INCLUDING SIKHS (learners of the SGGS based Sikhi Way of Life)!

Therefore, it would be utterly irrational to think that certain Message is only for Pandits, or Mullah or Yogis etc. Gurbani has used all sorts of specific examples to impart Giyan-Wisdom. The truth is that the Counsel of the Guru Shabad is applicable to all, INCLUDIN SIKHS!

In fact it’s not the physical body, BUT the mind of a person responsible for depraved or corrupt thinking (Soch) and consequent actions.

Accordingly, Guru Nanak asks the Pujaaree what’s the use of wearing ‘Janaeu’ (or any other religious symbols for that matter) if the mind is still engaged in Pakhand, corruption, fraud, theft, robberies (ਠੱਗੀ), falsehood, adultery, abuses, deceptions, doubt, bad deeds, vices/Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride), and so on!

IT’S THE Physical BODY-FRAME THAT PUTS ON THE THREAD (or any other religious symbols for that matter), BUT IT’S THE MIND THAT COMMITS EVIL DEEDS! Guru Nanak teaches us about this bitter truth:

  • ਕਬੀਰ ਮਨੁ ਜਾਨੈ ਸਭ ਬਾਤ ਜਾਨਤ ਹੀ ਅਉਗਨੁ ਕਰੈ ॥ : Kabeer, the mind knows everything and knowingly it commits demerits. (sggs 1376).
  • ਮਨ ਕਾ ਸੁਭਾਉ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਕਰੈ ॥ : Every one acts according to his mind’s nature (habit, disposition, inclination…). (sggs 1167).
  • ਲਖ ਚੋਰੀਆ ਲਖ ਜਾਰੀਆ ਲਖ ਕੂੜੀਆ ਲਖ ਗਾਲਿ ॥ ਲਖ ਠਗੀਆ ਪਹਿਨਾਮੀਆ ਰਾਤਿ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਜੀਅ ਨਾਲਿ ॥ ਤਗੁ ਕਪਾਹਹੁ ਕਤੀਐ ਬਾਮ੍‍ਣੁ ਵਟੇ ਆਇ ॥ ਕੁਹਿ ਬਕਰਾ ਰਿੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਖਾਇਆ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਆਖੈ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਹੋਇ ਪੁਰਾਣਾ ਸੁਟੀਐ ਭੀ ਫਿਰਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਹੋਰੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਗੁ ਨ ਤੁਟਈ ਜੇ ਤਗਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਜੋਰੁ ॥2॥ : (A person’s mind) commits thousands of robberies, thousands of acts of adultery, thousands of falsehoods and thousands of abuses. His mind commits thousands of deceptions and secret deeds (bad deeds done in secrecy), night and day, against his fellow beings. (This is man’s inner condition, but look at his external display) The thread is spun from cotton, and the Brahmin comes (to the home of his host) and twists it. The goat is killed, cooked and eaten (by all attending the ceremony), and everyone then says, ‘Put on the sacred thread’. When it wears out, it is thrown away, and another one is put on. O Nanak! If the thread had any real strength (that can strengthen the mind), it would not break! ||2|| (sggs 471).
  • ਪਤਿ ਵਿਣੁ ਪੂਜਾ ਸਤ ਵਿਣੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਜਤ ਵਿਣੁ ਕਾਹੇ ਜਨੇਊ ॥ ਨਾਵਹੁ ਧੋਵਹੁ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਚੜਾਵਹੁ ਸੁਚ ਵਿਣੁ ਸੋਚ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੬॥ : (O Pujaaree) forgetting the Creator, what is the meaning of Poojaa? Without truthfulness, what is the benefit of this self-discipline? Without chastity, what good is ‘Janaeu’ (thread-ਜਨੇਊ)? (O Pujaaree) you may bathe (at the so called Teerath and apply a mark to your forehead, but without practicing truth no purification of mind can happen. ||6|| (sggs 903).

Also, Janaeu promotes casteism (Jaat Paat) in the society. How so? The TYPE OF JANAEU is different for different caste groups or sects of people. One is called Brahmgandh Janaeu (with 5 knots or 3 knots) which is meant for Brahmins. The other is called  Vishnugandh Janaeu (with one knot) which is meant for other classes. In case a Brahmin desires to become scholarly in the Vedas, he must wear Janaeu at 5 years of age. If a Kshatriya desires to gain strength, he should wear Janaeu at 6 and if a Vaishya desires for success, he must wear the Janaeu at 8 years of age. THERE IS NO JANAEU FOR WOMAN OR SO CALLED SHOODRAS (UNTOUCHABLES)! how stupid and ridiculous invention of the crafty Pujaaree (clergy)! Janaeu is generally made of cotton thread; however Kshatriya and Vaishya wear threads made out of hempen and wool respectively.

From early on, Guru Nanak rebelled against the pre-1469 belief system invented by the self-serving Pujaaree (clergy). Refusing to wear ‘Janaeu’ is one example.

Symbol is a method of falsifying the Formless Reality

Guru Nanak reminds the priest (Pujaaree) that there is no ‘thread’ for the sense-organs that can free one from sense-slavery. Further Guru Nanak tells the priest that you put the ‘thread’ on others but you yourself (i.e., your own sense-organs and mind) wander about without it!

Clearly, it is as Guru Nanak is telling the paid priest (Pujaaree) not to bring ANY symbols in, because symbol is a method of falsifying the Formless Reality! It’s the mind that commits demerits or makes mistakes, not the physical body-frame.

In a nutshell, to say it in simple Punjabi: ਪੁੱਠੇ ਕੰਮ ਬੰਦੇ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਉਹ ਸਜਾ ਸਰੀਰ ਨੂੰ ਦੇ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ!

  • ਤਗੁ ਨ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਤਗੁ ਨ ਨਾਰੀ ॥ ਭਲਕੇ ਥੁਕ ਪਵੈ ਨਿਤ ਦਾੜੀ ॥ ਤਗੁ ਨ ਪੈਰੀ ਤਗੁ ਨ ਹਥੀ ॥ ਤਗੁ ਨ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਤਗੁ ਨ ਅਖੀ ॥ ਵੇਤਗਾ ਆਪੇ ਵਤੈ ॥ ਵਟਿ ਧਾਗੇ ਅਵਰਾ ਘਤੈ ॥ : (The Pujaaree puts ‘Janaeu’ of thread on others, but) there is no thread (of Wisdom or Giyan) for his own sense-organs (to control them from Bikaar, evil deeds etc.); and there is no thread for his veins. Because of (uncontrolled senses and and their evil deeds, his) beard is spat upon daily (i.e. he gets constantly humiliated or disgraced — cursed is such bearded man). There is no thread on (his own) feet and no thread on (his own) hands. There is no thread on (his own) tongue and no thread on (his own) eyes. (The Pujaaree) himself wanders about without such threads (i.e. he is deprived of the thread of Giyan or Wisdom himself, however) twisting the ‘Janaeu’ of thread, he puts them on others! (sggs 471).

In other words, poison is in the mind. But an ignorant person burdens his physical body-frame and thus makes it suffer!

  • ਬਹੁ ਭੇਖ ਕੀਆ ਦੇਹੀ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੀਆ ॥ : The more one wears religious robes, the more pain he causes his body (sggs 467).
  • ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਭਜਨ ਕੀ ਮਤਿ ਹੈ ਹੋਰਾ ॥ ਵਰਮੀ ਮਾਰੀ ਸਾਪੁ ਨ ਮਰਈ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਸੁਨਈ ਡੋਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : The intellect to unite with ‘Gobind‘ (Mool, Truth…) is different. If one does not listen to the Naam (then his external religious Karamkaand is akin to beating the snake-hole instead of the snake, but, by just) beating the snake-hole, the snake is not killed. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 381).

The following verses of Bhagat Kabeer refer to worldly hypocrisy and worldly appeasement:

  • ਕਬੀਰ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਇਕ ਸਿਉ ਕੀਏ ਆਨ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਭਾਵੈ ਲਾਂਬੇ ਕੇਸ ਕਰੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਘਰਰਿ ਮੁਡਾਇ ॥੨੫॥ : Kabeer, when you love single-mindedly to the ONE Creator then all your doubts flee, irrespective of whatever pleases the world: unshorn hair or shaven head (i.e. it makes no difference to the Creator. ||25|| (sggs 1365).

The Gurbani reminds us that the One Creator (Universal Energy, Hukam…) being Formless has no form-shape-color. As such, the Divine Life or the Enlightened Life (Gurmukh Mindset) is not only beyond any religious paraphernalia but also beyond the grip of any scriptures (religious Granths etc.!

  • 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).

Aptly, the SGGS asserts that our mind is also without form-shape-color!

  • ਇਸੁ ਮਨ ਕਉ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖਿਆ ਕਾਈ ॥ : This mind has no form or outline (sggs 330).

But still, showing off oneself as religious or spiritual person, many (Mamukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree etc.) load their gross mortal body-frame with all sorts of religious garbs, religious symbols etc. Apparently, in their guile, such people take God to be merely a toy or a play-thing and follow the crowds by imitating what they see other people do (‘Dekhaa Dekhee-‘ਦੇਖਾ ਦੇਖੀ’).

  • ਮਾਥੇ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਹਥਿ ਮਾਲਾ ਬਾਨਾਂ ॥ ਲੋਗਨ ਰਾਮੁ ਖਿਲਉਨਾ ਜਾਨਾਂ ॥੧॥ : (People think they become Dharmic or Bhagat if they simply) apply (1) ceremonial marks to their foreheads, (2) hold Maalaa or rosary in their hands, and (3) wear religious dress. People think that Rabb (Universal Energy, System or Law of Nature…) is a toy or a play-thing (i.e., they think Rabb can be pleased or fooled by religious paraphernalia or symbols). ||1|| (sggs 1158)!
  • ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਕਪਟੁ ਕਮਾਵਹਿ ਹਿਰਦਾ ਸੁਧੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ : One who utters ‘Hari’ Hari’, while constantly practicing deception, (his) Heart cannot become pure. (sggs 732).

The Gurbani (SGGS) teaches us that all these religious robes, symbols, and other paraphernalia are nothing but a pompous show (‘Adammbar‘ or ‘Pakhand‘) of false ego-sense (Haumai) or stubborn mind. Hence rejected by the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS.

  • ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਮਨੂਆ ਦਹ ਦਿਸਿ ਧਾਵੈ ॥ : Outwardly for showing off, (the Manmukh) wears religious robes, (he thus tries to be) very clever, but his (instinctive) mind wanders in the ten directions (sggs 1099).

The self serving Sikh Pujaaree (clergy clique) call their own religious symbols as ‘KakKaar‘, but calls religious symbols of others as ‘Bhekh‘ (show off, ਦਿਖਾਵਾ etc.) or Pakhand!

However, the self-serving Pujaaree forgets that the Gurmat of Guru Nanak or SGGS rejects ALL religious symbols!

  • ਮਥੈ ਟਿਕਾ ਤੇੜਿ ਧੋਤੀ ਕਖਾਈ ॥ ਹਥਿ ਛੁਰੀ ਜਗਤ ਕਾਸਾਈ ॥ : (To pretend to be religious or Dhaarmic) You put sacred marks to the forehead and wear saffron Dhoti (loin-cloth). But you are butcher of the world (oppressing your own innocent people. What is this religious hypocrisy for (Pakhand)?). (sggs 471).

SGGS rejects conscience of religious Paraphernalia

Although the conscience of religious wearing is strongly rejected in the Gurbani, but still body-frames are being decorated and embellished with them. Why?

People do it for various reasons such as to look pious and Mahatma outside; to make believe that they know god; to establish their religious authority; to show they are spiritual scholars; to show they are better than those who do not wear such religious robes or symbols; to hide the fire of their worldly desires; to hide the filth of Maya within (hunger of Maya, ਮਾਇਆ ਦੀ ਭੁੱਖ); to show that they know the true meanings of the Gurbani; to impress upon simpletons and swindle them; to hide their untruthfulness; to cover up their wickedness; and so on. Simply put: They act without Being!

The Gurbani provides us with authoritative answers as well as explanations as to why people get attached to the religious paraphernalia.

  • ਅਧਿਕ ਤਿਆਸ ਭੇਖ ਬਹੁ ਕਰੈ ॥ : Excessive thirst (for Maya) makes people wear all sorts of religious garbs (sggs 352).
  • ਭੇਖ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥ : (To show off, the stubborn fool) ostensibly wears religious robes, but does not practice Truth (sggs 738).

Listen to Bhagat Kabeer Jee challenging a Brahmin on ‘Janaeu‘ (thread, ‘ਜਨੇਊ’). He essentially tells a Brahmin if you think you are superior than me just because you wear one thread around your neck, than I must be many times more superior than you because – being a weaver – I have heaps of thread in my house!

  • ਹਮ ਘਰਿ ਸੂਤੁ ਤਨਹਿ ਨਿਤ ਤਾਨਾ ਕੰਠਿ ਜਨੇਊ ਤੁਮਾਰੇ ॥ : O Brahmin! (If think you are superior than me just because) you wear a ‘Janaeu’ (a thread) around your neck, (which I don’t wear, but) in my house (you can see I have plenty of) thread (with that I) daily stretch the warp (sggs 468).

In order to fill Golak (money) and a lifestyle of freeloading and luxury (ਵੇਹਲੜ, ਐਸ਼ਪਰਸਤੀ), such fraud is more prevalent in Gurdwaras, Deraas, and the so called Teerath Asthaan (so called locations of pilgrim), etc.

The Pujaare group (ਪੁਜਾਰੀ ਲਾਣਾਂ) in Sikhi seems to be no better than the crafty Brahmins, Pandits, Mullah etc. As they do, the Sikh Pujaaree-Vaad also exploit human vulnerabilities and fears regarding death, disease, business, employment, court litigation, children, barrenness, loss of loved ones, and so on. Because of fear or greed, people accepts their fake God and concocted concepts.

No wonder the SGGS wants its Sikhs (learners) to discard the Pujaaree system.

To further make us aware of such non-sense rituals (Karamkaand) — again with the example of ‘thread’ (‘Janaeu’), and with the example of ‘Sunnat‘ (circumcision) — Guru Nanak and Bhagat Kabeer Jee teach us:

  • ਮਾਣਸ ਖਾਣੇ ਕਰਹਿ ਨਿਵਾਜ ॥ ਛੁਰੀ ਵਗਾਇਨਿ ਤਿਨ ਗਲਿ ਤਾਗ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਘਰਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਣ ਪੂਰਹਿ ਨਾਦ ॥ ਉਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਭਿ ਆਵਹਿ ਓਈ ਸਾਦ ॥ ਕੂੜੀ ਰਾਸਿ ਕੂੜਾ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ॥ ਕੂੜੁ ਬੋਲਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਆਹਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਕਾ ਡੇਰਾ ਦੂਰਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੂੜੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥ … ਮਥੈ ਟਿਕਾ ਤੇੜਿ ਧੋਤੀ ਕਖਾਈ ॥ ਹਥਿ ਛੁਰੀ ਜਗਤ ਕਾਸਾਈ ॥ : Those who devour humanity by plundering it (i.e. those who violate or usurp someone’s right or take away something that rightfully belongs to others – ਪਰਾਇਆ ਹਕ ਖਾਣ ਵਾਲੇ) perform Namaz (Muslim prayer). There is the sacred thread around the necks of those who wield the knife of such robbery (corruption, bribe, etc.). To whose house the Brahmin (clergy or Pujaaree) blow the conch to sanctify their doings, they also have the same taste (i.e. they are also corrupt). The capital of falsehood is the only thing they have. They only trade in falsehood. They mislead people by speaking falsehood and make living through falsehood (deception). The sense of shame and Dharma is not even close to them, it is far away from them. Nanak, in this way, there is falsehood all around in the name of religion.  … (To pretend to be religious or Dhaarmic) they put sacred marks on their foreheads and wear saffron Dhoti (loin-cloths). But they are butchers of the world (i.e. they oppress their own innocent people. What a religious hypocrisy or Pakhand?). (sggs 471).
  • ਸੁੰਨਤਿ ਕੀਏ ਤੁਰਕੁ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਅਉਰਤ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਰੀਐ ॥ : If circumcision makes one a Muslim, then what about a woman (i.e., a woman cannot be circumcised!!)? (sggs 477).

Understandably, the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS neither encourages nor approves religious rituals (Karamkaand) and symbols.

Guru Nanak teaches to wear the following instead

Guru Nanak teaches us to have our minds wear(inculcate) the Divine Virtues (ਗੁਣ).

  • ਗਿਆਨੁ ਜਨੇਊ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਕੁਸਪਾਤੀ ॥ : let Wisdom be the ‘Janaeu’ (thread, ‘ਜਨੇਊ’), and self-communication (concentration, reflection etc.) the ceremonial ring. (sggs 355).
  • ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਪਤਿ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਚੁ ਸੂਤੁ ॥ ਦਰਗਹ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਤਗੁ ਨ ਤੂਟਸਿ ਪੂਤ ॥੩॥ : Accepting the Naam (Shabad, Hukam, Wisdom, Virtues…), honor is obtained (in the Divine Court, because,) the Divine Praise (to follow Virtues, Wisdom…) is the true sacred thread. Such a sacred thread is worn in the Divine Court and it (never) breaks. ||3|| (sggs 471).

Furthermore, Guru Nanak asks us to have our mind take up the ‘Giyan Kharrag‘ (the sword of the Divine Knowledge)!

  • ਗਿਆਨ ਖੜਗੁ ਲੈ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਲੂਝੈ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਸਮਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੩॥ : I fight to overcome the desires of my mind with the double-edged Sword (Kharag) of Wisdom (of the Satguru). ||3|| (sggs 1022).

Furthermore, Guru Nanak urges those who do Pakhand of religiosity by wearing red clothes, blue clothes, white clothes, peculiar robes (Cholaa-ਚੋਲਾ) etc.:

  • ਰਤਾ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਤਾ ਸੁਪੇਦੀ ਸਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਨੀਲੀ ਸਿਆਹੀ ਕਦਾ ਕਰਣੀ ਪਹਿਰਣੁ ਪੈਰ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥ : Let the mind be imbued with the divine love (of the Mool etc.) — think of it as wearing a red garment. Serve the needy — think of it as wearing a white robe. Cut the soot out of your mind — think of it as wearing a blue dress. The meditation on the Giyan or Wisdom (Charan-ਪੈਰ) is the robe (Cholaa-ਚੋਲਾ). (sggs 16).

In short, Guru Nanak teaches us that a person who remains absorbed in the Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) does not need any colorful uniform because for him all the possessions, wealth, youth, etc. are obtained only in the Naam.

Furthermore, Guru Nanak urges us to wear a waistband of Godly Contentment.

  • ਕਮਰਬੰਦੁ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਕਾ ਧਨੁ ਜੋਬਨੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੨॥ : I have made Contentment my waist-band (Camarbandh), and Your Naam is my wealth and youth. ||2|| (sggs 16).

Furthermore, the SGGS teaches us to have our mind wear a rosary (Maalaa) of the remembrance of the Divine Naam.

  • ਰਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਜਪਮਾਲੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Let your rosary be the enshrining of Raam (-Naam) in your Heart. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 503).

Furthermore, the SGGS asserts that the turban on one’s head should be his Intact Conscience (‘Saabat Soorat‘ => the SHABAD BASED Conscience free of vices/Bikaar etc.).

  • ਕਾਇਆ ਕਿਰਦਾਰ ਅਉਰਤ ਯਕੀਨਾ ॥ ਰੰਗ ਤਮਾਸੇ ਮਾਣਿ ਹਕੀਨਾ ॥ ਨਾਪਾਕ ਪਾਕੁ ਕਰਿ ਹਦੂਰਿ ਹਦੀਸਾ ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਿਰਾ ॥ ॥੧੨॥ : (O man of God) the body through which the good or bad deeds are done, make it like the faithful wife. Thus revel in the Bliss of Union with God. To purify the mind from the impurity of vices should be the Hadees (the holy book of Muslim law); let your Intact Consciousness (‘Saabat Soorat‘ — Consciousness free of vices or Bikaar…) be the turban on your head. ||12|| (sggs 1084).

Furthermore, the SGGS shatters the myth of realizing God by merely keeping long hair or clean shaved head like monks:

  • ਕਬੀਰ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਇਕ ਸਿਉ ਕੀਏ ਆਨ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਭਾਵੈ ਲਾਂਬੇ ਕੇਸ ਕਰੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਘਰਰਿ ਮੁਡਾਇ ॥੨੫॥ : (sggs 1365).
  • ਮਿਲੈ ਜਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਤਿਆਂ ਡਡਾਂ ਜਲਵਾਸੀ ॥ ਵਾਲ ਵਧਾਇਆਂ ਪਾਈਐ ਬੜ ਜਟਾਂ ਪਲਾਸੀ ॥ ਨੰਗੇ ਰਹਿਆਂ ਜੇ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਣਿ ਮਿਰਗ ਉਦਾਸੀ ॥ ਭਸਮ ਲਾਇ ਜੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਖਰੁ ਖੇਹ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ॥ ਜੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਚੁਪ ਕੀਤਿਆਂ ਪਸ਼ੂਆਂ ਜੜ ਹਾਸੀ॥ ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਰ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲੈ ਖਲਾਸੀ ॥੧੪॥ : If one could attain liberation by taking bath at pilgrimage locations then (we know that) the frogs always live in water. If growing long hair could make it available then the Banyan has long roots hanging from it. If going naked gets it, all the deer in the forest can be called detached ones. If it is attained by smearing ashes on body, the ass always rolls in dust. If muteness could bring it, the animals and inert objects are certainly speechless. No liberation is attained without the Guru (Giyan-Wisdom of the Shabad) and bondages are shattered only after meeting the Guru. (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 36, Pauri 14).

Ending Note

Traditions are also changeable according to time and place. That is why the Gurus had broken all kinds of pre-1469 beliefs, Pujaaree concocted concepts, traditions, customs, rituals (Karamkaand) etc. Instead, they emphasized only on human behavior and character. Which has nothing to do with any time and place.

However, the self-appointed Sikh leaders and Sikh scholars want to keep Sikhs trapped in what to eat and what not to eat, what to wear and what not to wear, whether an elderly or a handicapped person can sit on a chair in a Gurdwara or not, and so on. The Gurbani in SGGS takes humans forward on a Way to successful life and thus positively changing the Society. The Gurmat Giyan-Wisdom of the SGGS does not not make humans slave of the past.

The SGGS logically (ਤਰਕ) critiques concocted practices of other man-made religions (ਦੂਸਰੀਆ ਮੱਤਾਂ), and questions their religious symbols and garbs, crafty conduct, Karamkaand, falsehood etc.

NOW, think about this: If Gurmat is adulterated by the self-serving Pujaaree system of Sikhi and thus follows the same foolishness of other man-made religions, then they can and will also argue (ਤਰਕ), raise their finger, and question Sikhs as well! The Gurmat of Guru Nanak or SGGS is NOT meant to regurgitate nonsense that existed before the Gurus and the Bhagats.

In life, Guru Kabeer says there can be no Dharma without Giyan-Wisdom. However, for the sake of ‘bread-ਰੋਟੀਆ’, the self-serving Pujaaree system of every organized and institutionalized religion wants people to remain ignorant, confused, fearful, greedy, superstitious etc.

  • ਕਬੀਰਾ ਜਹਾ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਤਹ ਧਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਜਹਾ ਝੂਠੁ ਤਹ ਪਾਪੁ ॥ : O Kabeer, where there is Giyan (Spiritual Wisdom) there is Dharma; where there is falsehood, there is sin. (sggs 1372).

In short, the SGGS argues with logic and reasoning that one cannot become a good Hindu or Dhaarmic by merely wearing a ‘thread’ (‘Janaeu – ਜਨੇਊ’).

Similarly, the SGGS also argues with logic and reasoning that one cannot become a good Muslim or Dhaarmic by mere circumcision (ਸੁੰਨਤ). If you do, then the SGGS asks: What about a woman?

Similarly, Guru Nanak tells Yogis that what’s matter in spirituality is NOT the ‘Physical’ per se, but the CONSCIENCE (the MIND) — the Conscience must remain imbued in the Creator Realization.

This logic and reasoning of Gurmat or the SGGS also applies to ALL Sikhs as well. Because, what’s paramount in the Gurmat (Wisdom, Upadesh or Way of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS) is the State of the CONSCIENCE (the MIND)

Hence, common sense dictates that a person cannot become a good Sikh or Dhaarmic by simply wearing ‘5K’ (Kakaar)! One Must internalize the Message embedded in the Guru’s Shabad. In short, one must BECOME THE GURBANI!

The purpose or aim of the Sikhi of Guru Nanak is NOT to regurgitate pre-1469 concocted concepts and rituals (Karamkaand) etc.

The Gurbani asserts falsehood does not mix in Truth. Since the Gurbani speaks Truth (Sach), it’s Truth does NOT suit the fraud or wicked individuals for it upsets and irritates them!

  • ਜਿਨਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕੂੜੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ॥ : Truth does not suit those who are permeated by falsehood (sggs 646).
  • ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਕੂੜਾ ਜਲਿ ਜਾਵਈ ॥ : If someone speaks the Truth, the false (one) is burnt (irritated). (sggs 646).

Nonetheless, the Gurbani teaches us to boldly and fearlessly expose Social ills (ਸਮਾਜਿਕ ਕੁਰੀਤੀਆਂ). Guru Nanak says:

  • ਖਲੜੀ ਖਪਰੀ ਲਕੜੀ ਚਮੜੀ ਸਿਖਾ ਸੂਤੁ ਧੋਤੀ ਕੀਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ॥ ਤੂੰ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਹਉ ਸਾਂਗੀ ਤੇਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਣਵੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਾਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ॥੪॥੧॥੩੩॥ : (To seek God) many wear many kinds of religious attire — many wear animal skins, many carry a begging-bowl in hand, many walk around with a staff, many sit on the deer skin, many wear hair-tuft, many wear ‘thread’ (‘Janaeu – ਜਨੇਊ’) and loin-cloths. But Nanak entreats, O God (universal Energy)! I am also your servant, I have no high caste, I have no special attire. (sggs 358).
  • ਗਰੀਬਾ ਉਪਰਿ ਜਿ ਖਿੰਜੈ ਦਾੜੀ ॥ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮਿ ਸਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਮਹਿ ਸਾੜੀ ॥੧॥ : The beard that gets angry and oppresses the poor and weak, may PaarBraham (Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature…) burn that beard in the fire (i.e. the human being who hurts others in Ahankaar, he has disgraced his beard…). ||1|| (sggs 199).

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30 comments

  1. Thank you T Singh ji
    Your writing is beautiful. My mind was a mess, however, the clarity in your explanation with quotes from Gurbani makes everything clear as day.

  2. By wearing Janeu,one cannot become a Hindu.

    By mere circumcision ,one cannot become a Muslim.

    By wearing 5k’s ,one cannot become a Sikh

  3. Thank you Bhai Sahib Ji for taking time to reply.

    probably none of our Sikh Bodies in India or Abroad would like this

    The fact remains: Falsehood cannot propagate Truth!
    The Truth of the SGGS care less!

    It’s well known fact that Truth tastes bitter. Nonetheless, the SGGS speaks nothing but Truth:

    • ਜਿਨਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕੂੜੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਚੁ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ॥: Truth does not suit those who are permeated by falsehood (sggs 646).
    • ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਕੂੜਾ ਜਲਿ ਜਾਵਈ ॥: If someone speaks the Truth, the false (one) is burnt (irritated). (sggs 646).

  4. YES ,You are right ,I appreciate your views
    .But probably none of our Sikh Bodies in India or Abroad would like this .

  5. Nope, they don’t. Kakkar are for khalsa fauj…army uniform. Use is for this world only.. a responsibility not requirement.
    We can all be Sikh even if don’t join army. Doesn’t matter which religion you are from end of day we are all the same jot. The religion of the jot… that is where Gurbani is leading us… away from tying worldly things with spirituality.–> this message is to all so-called Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians , Buddhists etc
    Kes- whether you keep or not you can still experience truth. But at one stage of understanding you will be compelled to keep as a manner of embracing hukam.
    Yes hypocrisy in Sikhs too… they believe wearing these kakkar alone will help them… when Gur Nanak clearly states outer garments mean nothing when inside no knowledge.

  6. OK keshav is a part of body.What about kripaan,kanghi n kalra etc,are they also part of body?Do they also go with soul after cremation.I have researched all religions including mineHINDU(SANATAN means adikaaleen)My Grandfather himself was a
    PUROHIT but honest not a cheat. V have removed our
    evils by ammendments Other branches of Hindu religions follow same traditions but call themselves different n become Votebanks of politicians.
    My faith in Sikhism damaged due to criticism of JANEOOS which gives moral power to the right n show to a cheat, which only Gurunanak observed

  7. ASHOK VAJPAYEE Ji,
    You can no /should not compare Janeoo with Kesh as equal religious symbols.
    Janeoo is fabricated thread and put on after birth whereas Kesh are part of the body since birth and are live , active in their growth.So kesh are like a STAMP of the CREATOR.
    So your comparing Janeoo with Kesh is totally irrelevent.

  8. Vajpayee Ji, as I said in my previous reply to you, you should earnestly read the entire post and all comments and replies carefully, BEFORE submitting your next comment.

    Baabaa Nanak says:

    • ਓਹੁ ਮੁਆ ਓਹੁ ਝੜਿ ਪਇਆ ਵੇਤਗਾ ਗਇਆ ॥੧॥… (Please see the post for meaning).
    This verse is what it is!

    It cannot be removed or changed just because you don’t agree with it — or the Truth that Baabaa Nanak is trying to impart.

    It’s possible that your belief system that you have been eulogizing from your childhood is inhibiting you to see the Truth in these Words of Baabaa Nanak.

    Know that any belief system without CLARITY is disaster.

    Baabaa Nanak is giving CLARITY to all of us!

    Also, Vajpayee Ji, please remember — although this verse addresses Pandit (and other verses may talk to Mullah, or Yogi, etc.) — BUT, the Instruction (ਉਪਦੇਸ…) or the Divine Knowledge (Aatam Giaan) applies to the whole world. In this context, consider the following verses:
    • ਖਤ੍ਰੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣ ਸੂਦ ਵੈਸ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਚਹੁ ਵਰਨਾ ਕਉ ਸਾਝਾ ॥: The four Varna – the Kshatriya, Brahmins, Soodras and Vaishyas – are equal in respect to the Teaching (of the Gurbani…). (sggs 747).
    • ਪਰਥਾਇ ਸਾਖੀ ਮਹਾ ਪੁਰਖ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਸਾਝੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਹਾਨੈ ॥: Great, spiritual men speak the Teachings (Upadesh, Instructions, ਸਿੱਖਿਆ) by relating them to individual (situations, people…), but the whole world shares therein (the world becomes a partner therein). (sggs 647).

    Hence, let’s all of us try to see the Truth and Wisdom in Baabaa Nanak’s Words.

  9. It is meant Janeoo ,the religous symbol is meaningless as it is burnt in pyre but our kesh also burnt in pyre n does not go with soul then ehy considered religious sumbol.So religion unlike Islam should b logical n not superstition

  10. Thank you Bhai Sahib Ashok Vajpayee Ji for taking the time to respond to this post. Welcome to the Gurbani Blog!

    Your comment suggests you have not read the post carefully. Please do so again.

    There is no “condemning”. Baabaa Nanak simply asking the Pandit questions. Baabaa Nanak also asked the Pandit, for example, to put on that thread which will benefit the soul or mind, because what you put on the body will drop off during cremation. For further clarification, please consider these related verses written by Baabaa Nanak:
    • ਦਇਆ ਕਪਾਹ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੂਤੁ ਜਤੁ ਗੰਢੀ ਸਤੁ ਵਟੁ ॥… (Please see the post for meaning).
    • ਨਾਇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਪਤਿ ਊਪਜੈ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਚੁ ਸੂਤੁ ॥ … (Please see the post for meaning).

    Vajpaayee Ji, in general, this is the problem these days — people are not afforded or allowed, or dare question the Pujaaree Group (in temples, Gurdwaras, mosques, CHURCHES…).

    BUT, BAABAA NANAK HAD the GUTS and THE WISDOM TO QUESTION THE PUJAAREE!

    NOT ONLT PANDITS, IF YOU RECALL, BAABAA NANAK ALSO HAD THE GUTS AND THE WISDOM TO QUESTION MULLAHS/mOLVIS/kazi, YOGIS, ETC., AS WELL!

  11. Mistyping correction-Janeoo internal/undisclosed identity of SANATANIS (HINDUS) shouldn’t be condemned in Sikhism

  12. Dear brother Prakash S. Bagga Ji, thank you for taking the time to respond to this post.

    The aim or effort (ਉਪਰਾਲਾ) of this site is to understand the Gurbani (SGGS) through the Gurbani.

    Having said that, let’s ask the SGGS as to who is the Gur of a Sikh in Gurmat (the Way of the Wisdom of the SGGS).

    The SGGS answers: “ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਗਿਆਨੁ”, meaning “My Gur is the spiritual Knowledge” (sggs 864). Here is the proof from the SGGS:
    • ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥: Guru meraa giaanu guru ridai dhiaanu (sggs 846).
    • ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥: Satugur giaanu miliaa preetamu meraa (sggs 798).
    • ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਮੈ ਸੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ਬਿਬੇਕੋੁ ॥੪॥੫॥: Kahu Kabeer mai so guru paaiaa jaa kaa naaou bibeko(u). ||4||5|| (sggs 793).

    Clearly, according to the Gurmat (the Way of the Wisdom of the SGGS), the Gur of the Sikh is “Giaan” (spiritual Knowledge) or Bibek-Budhi (discerning intellect, etc.) of the SGGS.

    Now, in Sikhi, if the Gur = Giaan,

    Then who is a Sikh?

    Clearly A Sikh is:
    • Who is Giaanwaan – the one who possesses that Gur-Giaan, the one who has understanding of that Gur-Giaan, etc.
    • Who possesses the Bibek-Budhi of the SGGS.
    • Who possesses the point of view of the SGGS.

    In turn, the one:

    • Who thinks (ਸੋਚ) according to that Gur-Giaan
    • Who acts according to that Gur-Giaan
    • Who speaks according to that Gur-Giaan
    • Who has mend his mind according to that Gur-Giaan
    • In nutshell, who views and lives his entire life according to that Gur-Giaan

    Now, tell me dear brother Prakash S. Bagga Ji (I think you are a wise man), what’s the use or benefit of Uniform to the mind or soul if one has this essential of Skhi or Gurmat missing!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Uniform is for the body-frame, however, the Gur-Giaan is for the mind or soul. Hope you are not equating Uniform = Gur or Giaan or Gurmat (the Way of the Wisdom of the SGGS)! Are you?

    To summarize:

    • In Gurmat, Gur is NOT = body (ਸਰੀਰ or body-consciousness). Because the physical body-frame or any Uniform on this body is nothing but Maya!
    • Gur = Giaan, without which everything else is of no benefit to the mind or soul.
    • Hence, a Sikh is he who is Giaanwaan (possessor of Gur-Giaan) or Bibek-Budhi of the Gur (SGGS).

  13. Sikh identity is life of Naam, Daan, Isnaan.
    We are recognized from our deeds.

  14. Dress Code is for the Identity of being a SIKH in the world full of craft and falsehood. Dress code gives Sikhs a unique Identity among millions or billions of people.This Identity gives realisation for being connected with ONE NIRANKAAR GUROO.
    Without this dress code it is difficult to recognise a GURSIKH .

  15. Thank you Bhai Sahib S Singh Ji for taking the time to respond to this post. Welcome to the Gurbani Blog Ji!

    The Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) speaks at the level of mind or soul. Also, the meanings of the SGGS are hidden in the SGGS.

    Hence, the Brahm-Giaan (Aatam-Giaan, spiritual Knowledge…) of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) is NOT equal to Uniform.
    Or, Uniform is NOT equal to Brahm-Giaan of the SGGS.

    Please don’t try to mix the Uniform to Brahm-Giaan of the SGGS.

    what do you think about taking amrit

    It’s NOT what I think, rather, it’s what the SGGS thinks and says. Related posts:
    http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/gurbani-says-well-filled-with-amrit-is-within-your-body/
    http://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/announcing-new-gurbani-article/

    and wearing five kakaars

    Since this post (and this website) is only about learning and reflecting on the Brahm-Giaan of the SGGS, please let me have relevant quotes FROM the SGGS, so it can be placed in context, and we can both learn.

    Otherwise, all discussions that are Unrelated to sharing of Shabad-Vichaar or Brahm-Giaan of the SGGS should be taken somewhere else.

  16. Bhai T Singh Jio,

    Can you please tell us what do you think about taking amrit and wearing five kakaars (Kesh, Kangha, Karha, Kirpan, and Kashahera)?

  17. Continue your efforts to spread the message contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib which alone is the basis of our theology. That was the final hukam of Guru Gobind Singh.

  18. Thank you Bhai Sahib Harbans Lal Ji for taking the time to respond to this post.

    The crafty Pujaaree Group (Raagees, Bhais, Kathaakaar, preachers, Deraavaad sant or Baabaa, etc.) and foolish Gurdwara committee members have hijacked the real Gurmat and plundered masses. They have connected people to mere body-consciousness, instead of Gur-Giaan (spiritual Knowledge…). They have closed our minds shut, and believe whatever they tattle (ਗੱਪ) in the name of Dharma!

  19. You were truthful in bringing up this aspect of the politics of “dressed-up look” which is dragging us behind. We dress up ourselves, we dressed up our SABD Guru, thinking that it pleases Guru only will accept our loyalty in this way. Instead our divine watches us for our actions, and never on our looks.

  20. Excellent post T Singh Ji !

    Thank you for such refreshing spiritual articles, most Sikhi websites deal with material issues.

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