Gurbani’s Message is Universal and Egalitarian

At the time of Guru Nanak’s arrival (1469), two ideologies (ਵਿਚਾਰ ਧਾਰਾ-Vichaar Dhaaraa) were dominant in India – (1) Brahmin (Pujaaree-clergy) influence, madness of belief in caste system (Jaat Paat) in the society, idol worship in temples and related rituals (karamkaand), dogmas, superstitions etc., and (2) Muslim influence in which Islamic Sharia and forced conversion of people into Islam was dominant.

Before the coming of the Guru Nanak, this world was divided into divisions, different religions and sects. Since the Universal Truth is ONE, the Guru Sahibs declared that we are none of these groups that divide humanity into different religions and sects. In fact teaching of the Guru Sahib is for the entire humanity (‘ਸਾਝੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਹਾਨੈ’):

• Regardless if you are a Sikh or belong to any other religion or sect.
• Regardless who you are or where you live in the world.
• regardless if you are male or female.
• Regardless if you are poor or rich.
• Regardless if you are educated or not.
• Regardless of your social status (Jaaat Paat etc.).

The Pure Gurmat or Sikhi of Guru Nanak applies to everyone for time to come with the same accuracy as it applies to everyone today, meaning that time will not have any effect on it – its authenticity will not diminish or disappear with the change of time.:

• ਨਾ ਹਮ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ॥ ਅਲਹ ਰਾਮ ਕੇ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪਰਾਨ ॥੪॥ : We are not Hindus, nor are we Muslims (i.e. for the guidance of spiritual life, we do not depend on them). My body and breath of life belong to (whom Muslims call) Allah and to (whom Hindus call) Raam. ||4|| (sggs 1136).
• ਪੁਛਨਿ ਫੋਲਿ ਕਿਤਾਬ ਨੋ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਵਡਾ ਕਿ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨੋਈ। ਬਾਬਾ ਆਖੇ ਹਾਜੀਆ, ਸੁਭਿ ਅਮਲਾ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਦੋਨੋ ਰੋਈ। : (During his visit to Mecca, Qazi and maulvis) asked Baba Nanak to open and search in his book whether Hindu is great or the Muslim. Baba replied to the pilgrim hajis, that, without good deeds both will have to weep and wail. (Bhai Gurdas, Vaar1, Pauri 33).

This Message of universal brotherhood is the basis of Sikhi or Gurmat (SGGS).

It teaches the entire mankind that we humans are neither Hindus nor Muslims (‘ਨਾ ਹਮ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ-Na Hum Hindu Na Musalman’), nor Christian, nor Jews, nor Parsi, nor Budhists, and so on – SIKHS ARE SIKHS! They are none of such groups that divide humanity into different religions and sects. However, many are misinterpreting this verse of the Gurbani to mean Sikhs are separate from Hindu ands Muslims. We are different NOT because of our external appearance (Bhekh), we are different because of our ‘Soch-ਸੋਚ’ or ‘Vichaar Dhaaraa‘ (ideologies…).

Simply put, Guru Nanak did not start a new or separate religion. His Unique Sikhi, ‘Soch-ਸੋਚ’ or ‘Vichaar Dhaaraa‘ is universal – common (ਸਾਂਝਾ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼) to the whole world. Such Sikh who is Sikh by the Guru Nanak’s ‘Soch‘ or ‘Vichaar Dhaaraa‘ wishes well for everybody in the world.

• ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਮੀਤੁ ਹਮ ਆਪਨ ਕੀਨਾ ਹਮ ਸਭਨਾ ਕੇ ਸਾਜਨ ॥ : I consider everybody my friend, and I consider myself a friend of ALL. (sggs 671).

That said, one can only be a Guru Nanak’s Sikh if he/she considers the entire humanity his/her brothers and sisters (i.e. ‘ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ’) – one’s conscience or ‘Surt-ਸੁਰਤ’ must become a Sikh.

• ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ : 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). (sggs 663).
• ਬੁਰਾ ਭਲਾ ਕਹੁ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਗਲੇ ਜੀਅ ਤੁਮੑਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O God, when all beings are yours then tell me whom should I call good and whom should I call bad. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 383).
• ਪਰ ਕਾ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਚੀਤ ॥ : Do not harbor evil tendencies for others in your mind. (sggs 386).

Such a Sikh – who is a Sikh by the Guru Nanak’s Unique ‘Soch-ਸੋਚ’ – wishes everyone well in the world (‘Sarbatt da Bhala‘). Otherwise one will only be a Sikh of ‘Bhekh‘ (robes, external appurtenance…), NOT of the Shabad ‘Surt-ਸੁਰਤ’.

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਭਨਾ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ਮਨਾਇਦਾ ਤਿਸ ਦਾ ਬੁਰਾ ਕਿਉ ਹੋਇ ॥ : Satiguru (The Creator-Realizing Counsel that is contained within the Shabad) bestows the good understanding to all – wishes the entire humanity well. (A mind which realizes the good understanding through the Guru’s Shabad) follows the straight path and wishes NO ill for anyone. (sggs 302).
• 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 adherer to the Instructions contained within the Shabad). (sggs 943).

Entire humanity is connected

Every believer believes his/her path is the true path. In the case of many traditional religions, this belief may stem from the human tendency to claim exclusive ownership of truth. Those with such tendency tend to become dogmatic of their chosen belief. As a result, they stop learning and evolving.

Sikh Gurus and Bhagats were humanist leaders instead of narrow thinkers. Based on their experiences, they have concluded that not only are all we humans connected but we are also connected with everything else in the Universe.

What it means by ‘connected’ is that all beings and everything in the Universe is permeated with the Omnipresent Energy (Praan, Parmaatam) or Hukam – the Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature with which the Kudrat functions (ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). This Nirgun or Invisible aspect of the Creator is formless, because (Praan, Parmaatam) or Hukam is not a human-like being but Nature (Kudrat) itself. What distinguishes Sikhi of Guru Nanak from all man-made religious schools of thought is ‘HUKAM‘. The Creator’s secret can only be understood by recognizing the HUKAM:

• ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥ : Everything is within Hukam, none is exempt from Hukam. Nanak, if one Realizes he/she is to obey Hukam, then one does not talk in ego – one does not boast of being outside/beyond/exempt of Hukam, or does not talk arrogantly and do things in own will or Manmukhta…). ॥2॥ (sggs 1).

Hence, the Way of Sikhi believes that all life and Creation should be respected and honored.

The Gurani enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) connects each one of us with the entire humanity – the spirituality of ‘ੴ ‘ (Eko or Iko). Guru Nanak used ‘ੴ ‘ for the ENTIRE UNIVERSE! Simply put, ‘ੴ ‘  means one within everything and everywhere – unity of both the Creator and the Creation – microcosm in the macrocosm.

• ਨਾਚੰਤੀ ਗੋਪੀ ਜੰਨਾ ॥ ਨਈਆ ਤੇ ਬੈਰੇ ਕੰਨਾ ॥ ਤਰਕੁ ਨ ਚਾ ॥ ਭ੍ਰਮੀਆ ਚਾ ॥ ਕੇਸਵਾ ਬਚਉਨੀ ਅਈਏ ਮਈਏ ਏਕ ਆਨ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥ : (In this word) women and men are dancing (i.e. running after Maya). But among these women and men, there is none other than God (ONE God is pervading in all). Don’t dispute this. Cast away your doubt (about this). Here are the God’s words: know that the Creation and Myself are ONE (i.e. the Creator is within the Creation) ||2|| (sggs 693).

That being said, the Unique and Revolutionary Sikhi of Guru Nanak is of universal applicability regardless of culture, race, sex, religion, nationality, or another distinguishing feature. It believes in the ONENESS of God, and the importance of tolerance; equality, compassion, Virtuous and truthful living, commitment to fighting injustice and oppression; emphasizing morality, ethics, equality, selfless service, spiritual growth, community building, universal brotherhood, universal humanism, regardless of one’s birth in a particular caste or religion etc.

• ਏਕ ਅਨੇਕ ਬਿਆਪਕ ਪੂਰਕ ਜਤ ਦੇਖਉ ਤਤ ਸੋਈ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਬਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਬਿਮੋਹਿਤ ਬਿਰਲਾ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਈ ॥੧॥ ਸਭੁ ਗੋਬਿੰਦੁ ਹੈ ਸਭੁ ਗੋਬਿੰਦੁ ਹੈ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਈ ॥ : Many different manifestations of the same ONE God are pervading everywhere and wherever I look, there the ONE God is present. But only a very rare person understands this truth – that everything is play of the Omnipresent Creator, because people are trapped in the fascination of Maya (Worldly temptations and their corrupting influences). ||1|| Gobind (Formless God) is everything and Gobind is everywhere; nothing exists without Gobind. (sggs 485).
• ਇਕਸੁ ਤੇ ਹੋਇਓ ਅਨੰਤਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਏ ਜੀਉ ॥੯॥੨॥੩੬॥ : ONE manifested into multitudes (of Creation), Nanak the ONE is imbued within the multitudes. ||9||2||36|| (sggs 131).

It transcends boundaries of traditional religions, divisions, prejudices and geography. It is open to all people regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, or nationality and applies to all cultures and societies without cultural or geographical boundaries. Additionally, It promotes gaining education, Giyan-Wisdom-Knowledge, and it promotes peace, oneness and unity among all human beings and all of creation.

• ਬਕੈ ਨ ਬੋਲੈ ਖਿਮਾ ਧਨੁ ਸੰਗ੍ਰਹੈ ਤਾਮਸੁ ਨਾਮਿ ਜਲਾਏ ॥ : One must not brag or babble. Rather one must inculcate tolerance and cast away one’s anger with the love of the Divine Naam. (sggs 1013).
• ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥ : One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, will realize the Creator. (sggs 286).
• ਰਾਜੇ ਚੁਲੀ ਨਿਆਵ ਕੀ ਪੜਿਆ ਸਚੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥ : The Chully for a king is of Justice and the Chully for an educated or learned person is of focus on Truth. (sggs 1240).
• ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥੫॥ : Truth is higher than everything, but higher still is truthful living. ॥5॥ (sggs 62).
• 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).

One Creator – one humanity

Once we accept the universal nature of Guru Nanak’s Sikhi then there are no higher and lower, and there are no nations and races etc to compare. Once we recognize our universal nature (Jot Saroop) then we have no one to fear from (Nirbhau) and no feelings of enmity (Nirvair) towards others.

• ਨਾ ਕੋ ਬੈਰੀ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਗਾਨਾ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਗਿ ਹਮ ਕਉ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ ॥੧॥ : No one is my enemy, no one is a stranger to me, I have BECOME ONE with the entirety of the humanity. ||1|| (sggs 1299).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਐਸਾ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਜੋ ਸਭਸੈ ਲਏ ਮਿਲਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੧੦॥ : Nanak, know him as the True Guru, who unites all the people together. ||10|| (sggs 72).
• ਮੈ ਊਪਰਿ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੀ ਪਿਰਿ ਸਾਚੈ ਮੈ ਛੋਡਿਅੜਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਤੇਰਾ ॥ : I tender my gratitude to the Eternal Wisdom that granted me the gift of inner understanding towards abandoning every distinction between mine and others. (sggs 561).

Therefore, nowhere the SGGS teaches us to make a separate distinction from rest of the humanity. The teaching of Gurbani is about commonality, caring, sharing, compassion, service, human equality, justice and the good of all, respect for human rights irrespective of caste, creed, race, gender, or nationality etc. In other words, it is the Way of life based on internalization of the enlightening spiritual Message contained in the Guru Shabad (in SGGS) that teaches the human mind (Surt-conscience) to realize the Creator‘s divine Hukam and  Virtues and then live daily life accordingly.

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੋਈ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥ : As Gurmukh, (Enlightened, Guru Shabad-Oriented), look upon all with the single eye of equality; the Divine Light (the One Creator) is present Within all. (sggs 599).

Simply put, the Gurbani of the SGGS teaches (1) there is only ONE Creator, (2) this One Creator extends into everything including all humans as the One Hukam (universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ), (3) this One Creator is NOT anyone’s ancestral property, (4) and this One Creator must be realized within by living in conformance with the Hukam. This is the base or Foundational principle of Unique and Pure spirituality of Guru Nanak.

• ਤੂੰ ਸਾਝਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਬਾਪੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ॥ : O universal God, You are the Father of all beings. (sggs 97).
• ਆਪਨ ਬਾਪੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਸੀ ਕੋ ਭਾਵਨ ਕੋ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਜਾ ॥ : God is not anyone’s ancestral property; He is bound by the love (i.e. God is realized by living in conformance with the Hukam).(sggs 658).
• ਸਰਬ ਭੂਤ ਏਕੈ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਚੂਕੇ ਬਾਦ ਬਿਬਾਦਾ ॥ : I see ONE GOD pervading in all beings (look upon all beings alike), therefore all my conflict and arguments with other have ended. (sggs 483).

Thus, the direct relationship of ALL humans is with the ONE CREATOR and the ONE HUKAM. That said, the spiritual Message embedded within the Shabad) is not only for the Sikhs but for the entire humanity to take and benefit from it (‘ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ’ – Gurbani is jag mahi chaanan).

• ਪਰਥਾਇ ਸਾਖੀ ਮਹਾ ਪੁਰਖ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਸਾਝੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਹਾਨੈ ॥ : The Great Men may be speaking about or addressing certain story or a particular situation, but the Teaching in those is applicable to the entire world. (sggs 647).
• ਮਾਰਿਆ ਸਿਕਾ ਜਗਤ੍ਰਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਪੰਥ ਚਲਾਇਆ । : In the world of Spirituality, the Way (of Spirituality or Sikhi) of Nanak has its Trademark in its Uniqueness as being ‘Nirmal‘ (pure – free from contamination/impurities of the existing pre-1469 beliefs, free from the filth of Bikaar/vices/Haumai or false ego-sense…). (Bhai Gurdas Ji, Vaar1, Pauri 45).

Thus the Unique and Revolutionary spiritual Message of the Gurbani in the SGGS is NEVER specific to location, occasion, person, incident or era (i.e. it’s not time-bound). Therefore, it is relevant in all times, all locations, and the entire humanity in the world. In short, the spiritual Message of the Gurbani is universal and egalitarian.

Since the appeal of the Unique spirituality of Guru Nanak is universal, such narrow interpretation goes against the very spirit of the Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak, hence could not be further from truth. The Sikhi or Gurmat of Baabaa Nanak addresses ALL humans as men and women and not as followers, flock, believers, sect or tribe etc. Since the ONE CREATOR is the common Father/Mother equally of ALL humans, the ENTIRE HUMANITY is seen as ONE and therefore no human is considered alien or the ‘other’.

Simply put — the counsel of the Guru’s spiritual Message is that we do not get stuck in ritualized dogmas or a code (ਮਰਿਯਾਦਾ) etc. Also, the Gurbani rejects and teaches us not to get stuck in existing pillars of the organized/institutionalized religions — rituals (karamkaand), religious paraphernalia and symbols, clergy class (Pujaaree) etc. Because the direct relationship of ALL humans is with the ONE CREATOR and the ONE HUKAM.

• ਹਮਰਾ ਝਗਰਾ ਰਹਾ ਨ ਕੋਊ ॥ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਛਾਡੇ ਦੋਊ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (Bhagat Kabeer Ji says) I have no conflict in my mind whatsoever — no struggle within me anymore. (I have achieved this state because) I have discarded all the claims of the clergy (Pujaaree). |1|| Pause || (sggs 1158).

Therefore, the Unique spirituality of Guru Nanak rejects beliefs made contrary to the universal Law of Nature (Hukam) in no uncertain terms.

• ਕੋਈ ਬੋਲੈ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਮ ਕੋਈ ਖੁਦਾਇ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਸੇਵੈ ਗੁਸਈਆ ਕੋਈ ਅਲਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਣ ਕਰੀਮ ॥ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਰਹੀਮ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਵੈ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਕੋਈ ਹਜ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਕਰੈ ਪੂਜਾ ਕੋਈ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਿਵਾਇ ॥੨॥ ਕੋਈ ਪੜੈ ਬੇਦ ਕੋਈ ਕਤੇਬ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਓਢੈ ਨੀਲ ਕੋਈ ਸੁਪੇਦ ॥੩॥ ਕੋਈ ਕਹੈ ਤੁਰਕੁ ਕੋਈ ਕਹੈ ਹਿੰਦੂ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਬਾਛੈ ਭਿਸਤੁ ਕੋਈ ਸੁਰਗਿੰਦੂ ॥੪॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਾ ਤਿਨਿ ਭੇਦੁ ਜਾਤਾ ॥੫॥੯॥ : Some utter repeatedly Raam Raam (Hindu name of God); others utter Khuda (Muslim name of God). Some worship Gusaee-aa (Hindu name of God); others worship Allah. ||1|| But the gracious Creator who creates all is ONE. ||1||Pause|| Some people (Hindus and others) bathe at the so called locations of pilgrimage, and some (Muslims) go on pilgrimage to Mecca. Some worship idols, and some bow their heads in prayer towards Mecca. ||2|| Some read the Vedas (Hindus), and some (Muslims) read the Koran. Some (Muslims) wear blue clothes, and some (Hindus) wear white. ||3|| Some call themselves Muslims, and some call themselves Hindus. Some yarn for paradise, and others long for heaven. ||4|| Says Nanak – one who has recognized the Hukam, that person has understood the mystery of ‘Prabh Saahib‘ (i.e. universal Energy…). ॥5॥9॥ (sggs 885).

That said, according to the Gurbani (SGGS), anybody and everybody can read the Gurbani and benefit from its Wisdom (ਲਾਹਾ…). No particular person or a group owns it. Those who claim (Pujaaree …) that only a particular person or a particular group can read the Gurbani are utterly selfish who have turned the Gurbani into a mundane business (ਧੰਧਾ). They are either ignorant or purposely being indifferent to the Enlightening Message of the Gurbani!

Here is Guru Nanak’s edict (ਫੈਸਲਾ, ਫੁਰਮਾਨ):

• ਏਥੈ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੁ ਜਾਇ ਸਿਞਾਣੈ ॥ ਹੋਰੁ ਫਕੜੁ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੈ ॥ : The one who realizes the Creator right here is recognized as the Wise one. Mere claim to be a Hindu or Muslim is worthless. (sggs 952).
• ਮਿਹਰਵਾਨ ਮਉਲਾ ਤੂਹੀ ਏਕ ॥ ਪੀਰ ਪੈਕਾਂਬਰ ਸੇਖ ॥ ਦਿਲਾ ਕਾ ਮਾਲਕੁ ਕਰੇ ਹਾਕੁ ॥ ਕੁਰਾਨ ਕਤੇਬ ਤੇ ਪਾਕੁ ॥੩॥ : The Merciful One is the only Emancipator (Maula), not Pirs (spiritual guide), Sheikhs and prophets. The Master of every Heart, who delivers justice, is beyond Quran and other Semitic texts. ||3|| (sggs 897).

Kudrat never divides people

The Gurmat further teaches that ‘Kudrat-ਕੁਦਰਤਿ‘ never divides people. This crafty work of dividing people in the name of religion, God, sectarianism etcetera is the invention of the crafty and selfish man. Someone else decides name, religion, nationality, tribe and other things after one is born. Then we spend rest of our life defending and fighting over what was chosen for us by others!

Some even give religious color to public festivals that promote atmosphere of commonality (ਭਾਈਵਾਲ…), love, and unity in the society! Can people who create divisions in society be religious or Dharmic?

• ਸਭੇ ਸਾਝੀਵਾਲ ਸਦਾਇਨਿ ਤੂੰ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਦਿਸਹਿ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥ : (O God!) All are part and parcel of You. None is beyond You. ||3|| (sggs 97).
• ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਵਖਤੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ਸੁ ਬੰਦਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ : The Creator resides within the Creation that He Created. To recognize such in a timely manner is to recognize Humanity. (sggs 83).

Let’s humanitarians be wary of those who divide people. Let’s widely share / disseminate the Unique and Revolutionary Message of the Gurbani’s commitment to the all inclusive universal Family, so that the whole world become ‘Begam Pura-ਬੇਗਮ ਪੁਰਾ’ – free from conflicts, prejudices, casteism, grief, corruption, fanaticism, disharmony, wars, spiritual decline, and so on.

• ਓਅੰਕਾਰਿ ਏਕ ਧੁਨਿ ਏਕੈ ਏਕੈ ਰਾਗੁ ਅਲਾਪੈ ॥ ਏਕਾ ਦੇਸੀ ਏਕੁ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ਏਕੋ ਰਹਿਆ ਬਿਆਪੈ ॥ : (A true seeker) keeps his mind attuned to the One God, and lives a life of Divine Virtues. (For such a seeker), the entire world is like one country governed by the One God, and he preaches others also likewise that One God pervades everywhere. (sggs 885).

Until or unless the Unique Sikhi of Guru Nanak is freed from the anti-Nanak or anti-Gurmat Pujaaree clique – freeloading (ਵੇਹਲੜ) Deraa-Vaad and their trained Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etcetera pullulating worldwide Gurdwaras etcetera – Guru Nanak’s ‘Nirmal‘ spirituality is not going to see the light of day.

• 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).

Ending

It’s not practical to universalize a religion or philosophy through conversions by force and money. There have been efforts in the past history, but failed. Those who understand the core of Gurmat know that Guru Nanak’s Sikhi is a universal philosophy. To give it chance to become a universal philosophy, all we Sikhs can do is to demonstrate it happening in our lives. In other words, we Sikhs must demonstrate this universal nature in our lives first!

In a nutshell, Gurmat (Wisdom of the SGGS) embodies the central theme of ONENESS of existence — seeing nothing as apart from the ONE Creator; not to be impressed by some one’s wealth, social status, education, titles, family of birth etcetera but how one treats other human beings!

• ਅਵਲਿ ਅਲਹ ਨੂਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਬੰਦੇ ॥ ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ ॥੧॥ ਲੋਗਾ ਭਰਮਿ ਨ ਭੂਲਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਸ੍ਰਬ ਠਾਂਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਮਾਟੀ ਏਕ ਅਨੇਕ ਭਾਂਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਜੀ ਸਾਜਨਹਾਰੈ ॥ ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ਮਾਟੀ ਕੇ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ਕੁੰਭਾਰੈ ॥੨॥ : Every human being is created in equality (one Light) by ONE Omnipresent Creator. From the same one Omnipresent Creator (one Light), the entire Creation has been created then whom can we call good and who is bad? ||1|| O people, my brothers, have no doubt. The Creation (Khalak) is within the Creator (Khaalik), and the Creator is within the Creation, completely pervading all places. ||1||Pause|| The Creator has fashioned various kinds of creatures from the one basic material (building block – basic elements). All beings look different from each other, but neither there is anything wrong in them, nor in the Creator. ||2|| (sggs 1349).

Guru Nanak has a universal Message for the well being of the entire humanity. He gives a healing outlook on life that breaks the barriers of fanaticism, prejudices and condemns the attitude of hostility among different religions. He does not accept racial discrimination and treats all as equal. His tenets preach liberation of humanity from casteism (Jaat Paat), social, political, religious and economic exploitation, and so on.

Guru Nanak’s spirituality is a practical and intellectual (Bibek, logic, discerning intellect…) Way of life, for all of humanity – universal equality amongst all human beings which world religions do not have.

Thus, considering the true universal and egalitarian spiritual Message contained in the SGGS, it is not egotistic to say that the Sikhi of Guru Nanak has come into existence for the benefit of the entire mankind ang the Creation.

But have we Sikhs including self-appointed religious leaders, self-appointed and self-serving clergy, political Sikh leaders, Sikhs institutions, Gurdwaras, Pujaaree etc demonstrated it in our daily conduct, lifestyle or behavior how we treat other humans? Do we extend equal treatment to all humans? Are we free of the madness of casteism (Jaat Paat), prejudices, divisions, discriminating tendencies of all kinds, fanaticism, racism, unequal treatment of all humans, ritualized religious dogmas, religious hooliganism, and so on? The answer is NO, with the exception of a very small segment (probably 1%) of Sikhs connected to the CORE of Guru Nanak’s Sikhi or Gurmat!

The CORE of Sikhi or Gurmat means the Pure, Unique and Revolutionary Gurmat of the Guru which the Guru has bestowed upon humanity; that Gurmat which has NOT been scrupulously misinterpreted and distorted by various vested interests; that Gurmat which has not been tainted with the color of Sanatanism and which has not been contaminated by Pakhandi or hypocritical sants or baabaas or any conspiracy.

Then, in spite of universality of the Pure Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak, why it has failed to impact at global level. It is because we have made it confined to the Sikhs only. Additionally, 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 Guru Nanak rejected in no uncertain terms for they are total contradiction to the CORE of Sikhi.

Having said that, the failure is not in the Gurmat’s enlightening Message of universal love for humanity, world peace (Sarbat Da Bhala), social justice and equality under One universal God, rather the failure seems to be in its delivery!

Related posts:

• Gurbani is not Meant to Regurgitate Pre-1469 Belief System
• Gurmat Spirituality is Practical and Universal
• Gobind in Me is Gobind in All
• Mr. God or Madam God!
• Guru Nanak’s Concept of God
• Sargun Nirgun – Visible and Invisible
• Omnipresent God
• Realize God’s Presence Within
• Gurbani Defines Form of God
• There is no Second
• Gurbani Speaks of one Universal Dharma of Virtues
• Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi
• Gurmat and Social Change
• Pujaaree System Wants People Remain Ignorant, Fearful, Ritualistic…
• Gurbani on Absurdity of Conflicts among Man-Made Religions
• Man Invented Invisible God and Related Fear, Blind Faith, Fantasy…
• SGGS Teaches to Discard the Clergy – Pujaaree System
• Crowds follow the path of Falsehood, Pakhand…
• Sheepish Attitude – People See, People do
• Gurbani Rejects any Geographical Location or Building as SACH KHAND
• Gurbani can only be Comprehended Through Gurbani Itself