Gurmat is a Beacon of Unity, alas Sikhs are Divided Many Ways!

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If adhered to the basic principles of Sikhi or Gurmat of Baba Nanak, it is a beacon of unity in the entire world. It teaches to discard the culture of division and hatred. Alas, Sikhs are divided different ways!

The Sikh principles of divine virtues, wisdom, honesty, contentment, compassion, social justice, earning honest living, equality, service to humanity etc provide a strong foundation for universal unity, transcending the barriers that often divide people. These principles fosters a spiritual connection and a commitment to love and respect for the entire humanity.

That said, shared commitment to these basic Gurmat principles should serve as a unifying force among Sikhs, regardless of their background, nationality, social status, individual circumstances, and so on. Alas, its anything but unity among Sikhs!

Today, the Sikh community is divided many ways. For example:

1. Sects and thousands of Sampardai Deraas: Over time, several sects/splinter groups (Sampardai-ਸੰਪਰਦਾਏ) have emerged among Sikhs – Udasi, Nirmala, Nanaksari, Khalsa, Sahajdhari, Namdhari Kuka, Nirankari, Nihang, Minas, Dhirmalias, Ramraiyas, Akhand Kirtani, Taksali, Radhasuami, Hemkuntiya, Akali, 3HO, and so on. Reasons could be different interpretations of the Gurbani enshrined within the the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), ulterior motives, control, power freakishness, anti-Sikhi or anti-Gurmat agendas, and so on.

In fact, there are thousands of Sampardai Deraas in Punjab.

These sects and Deras have utterly adulterated the authentic Gurmat / Sikhi of Guru Nanak, and the history of our Guru Sahibaans.

Presently, Sikhs are converting to Christianity in significant numbers in Punjab!

2. Jaat Paat (casteism): Those being totally unaware of the basic principles of sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak, such person identify themselves as Jatt, Saini, Bhaapaa, Rorra, Tarkhaan, Raamgarheeaa, Mazhabee, Dalit, Khatree, Lavaanaa, Kookaa, Naamdhaaree, Nihang, Nirmalai, Sigligar, list goes on and on.

Core Gurmat of Guru Nanak strongly rejects the madness of belief in Jaat Paat. Because, for the authentic Gurmat, we are ALL one – equal, no ‘low’ or ‘high’. Hence, Jaat Paat is the anti-Gurmat concept of concocted clergy system – a product of faulty mindsets or delusional thinking that one’s birth (family or Jaat) is superior than someone else. The Gurbani rejects it in no uncertain terms.

Forget about sharing the Gurbani’s Message of being one with the rest of humanity; apparently, the majority of Sikhs are bereft of it! The Gurbani enshrined solely in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) instructs:

  • ਜਾਤਿ ਕਾ ਗਰਬੁ ਨ ਕਰਿ ਮੂਰਖ ਗਵਾਰਾ ॥ ਇਸੁ ਗਰਬ ਤੇ ਚਲਹਿ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਵਿਕਾਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Do not be proud of your (higher or ਉੱਚੀ) Jaati, you ignorant fool! So much Bikaar comes from this pride. ||1||Rahaou|| (sggs 1127-1128).
  • ਗਰਭ ਵਾਸ ਮਹਿ ਕੁਲੁ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਤੀ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਬਿੰਦੁ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਉਤਪਾਤੀ ॥੧॥ : There are no caste distinctions for the fetus within the mother’s womb. All humans are created equal from the one material at conception. ॥1॥ (sggs 324).
  • ਆਚਾਰ ਬਿਉਹਾਰ ਜਾਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨੀਆ ॥ : For me the good ‘JAAT‘ is the Way of life and Conduct based on the divine Virtues. (sggs 715).

Known as ‘Panj Pyare‘ in Sikhi, these ‘Panj’ (meaning ‘five’) Sikhs selected by Guru Gobind Singh were from different castes. Guru Sahib wanted to make us understand that by birth, no one is inferior or superior, high or low etc – all are equal, one and the same  ‘Jot‘ pervades in all.

In one hand, the self-serving clergy and the propagators of Dharma mouth platitudes about a caste-less society preached by the Gurus and the Bhagats, but on the other hand, they practice JAAT PAAT THEMSELVES! What a paradox and hypocrisy (Pakhand)!

3. Gurdwaras built and run along Jaat Paat (casteism): There are many consequences of the influence of Bipar-Vaad on Sikhi, various sects in Sikhi, madness of belief in Jaat Paat in Sikhi etc. For example:

  • Many Gurdawaras are built and run along the caste lines – Jatt Gurdwara, Saini Gurdwara, Lavaanaa Gurdwara, Raamgarheeaa Gurdwara, Ravidasia Gurdwara, Bhapiaa Da Gurdwara, Lavaanaa Gurdwara, and so on.
  • In many villages in Punjab (India), Mazhabees or Dalits who are considered lower caste have their own Gurdawaras and even separate cremation grounds.
  • Many Gurdawara, thus, are built based on ill feelings created by the madness of belief in Jaat-Paat etc rather than a genuine spiritual cause.
  • There is NO concept of a formal priest (Pujaaree) class in Sikhi or Gurmat of Baba Nanak. The self-appointed and self-serving Pujaaree system, the Deraa-Vaad, religious parties and organizations etc have exacerbated the problem…

Gurdwaras are supposed to promote unity, insight, rediscovering purpose, engaging dialogue (Vichar), learning real Sikhi or Gurmat of Baba Nanak, exchanging ideas, getting answers to questions to dispel doubts and confusions, connecting with the Truth (ੴ), sharing concerns, and so on. Do Gurdwara-goers (Sangat, community) get their questions answered and their doubts or confusions dispelled in Gurdwaras?

  • ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇਸੀ ॥ ਏਤੁ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਧੋਇ ਹਛਾ ਹੋਇਸੀ ॥ : 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 (as divine Hukam). (sggs 730).

4. Marriages conducted along Jaat Paat (casteism): The influence of Bipar-Vaad on Sikhi of Guru Nanak is so apparent that alliances (religious, political etc.) are forged along the caste lines; some don’t even hesitate killing their daughters for having married into another caste against their wishes regardless how perfect the match may be!

However, a closed minded, self centered, egoist section of the Sikh society is bent on destroying the Guru Nanak’s universal appeal of the Gurmat. Socially, we have all been given equality by the Guru Sahibs. It has nothing to do with who to marry and who not to marry. That is a personal choice and none can force anybody to marry somebody. Aptly, the Gurmat does not mandate who to marry and who not to marry. The Gurmat simply teaches EQUALITY and  ONENESS to the entire humanity.

5. Deraa-Vaad: The Gurmat Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) does NOT create SANTDOM or SADHDOM or DERAA-VAAD or BABA-DOM! Instead, the SGGS creates GURMUKH MINDSETS – Enlightened beings who live a divine Life of Wisdom and Virtues!

However, Sikhi is ridden with Deraa-Vaad. British were masters of the art of ‘divide and conquer’. Being aware of the liberating influence of Sikhs decided to control Sikhs through their ‘divide and conquer’ policy. Towards achieving their nefarious goals, as soon as British took full control of Punjab they delegated specially chosen British army personnel as ‘sants‘ (holy men) to establish ‘Deras’ (NOT Gurdwaras) in Punjab. The British Rule also appointed their loyalists (ਪਿੱਠੂ) to manage and run the Sikh historical places, including Taran Taran Sahib, Darbar Sahib Amritsar, Nankana Sahib etc. Deras were actively promoted by the presence of the high ranking British Army commanders, Governors, Majors etc at their Deras.

In the beginning there were few Deras, but later they mushroomed, and at present there are thousands. Their main function is to divide the community, and distort the Gurbani’s Message and thus dilute the Gurmat of Guru Nanak. Before British Rule in Punjab, no SIKH had the title of ‘sant‘ — they were all called/addressed ‘Bhai‘ (brother).

Also, if we recall the history, General Dyer, who is infamous for giving order for Jallianwala Bagh massacre, was honored with Siropa at Akal Takhat by Arur Singh, then in-charge of the Golden Temple. Arur Singh was a British government appointee.

The arrogant Mahants treated the Gurdwaras controlled by them as their personal property. One of them went to the extent of declaring that women, who came to worship in the shrines controlled by them, rendered themselves to molestation and nobody had the right to interfere! The British administration deliberately ignored this and allowed such reprehensible claims and perverted rights.

Deras follow their own different Maryadas. To Maintain their luxurious (ਐਸ਼ਪਰਸਤੀ) and a freeloading (ਵੇਹਲੜ) lifestyle, these Deraa-Vaad babas and sants have distorted the UNIQUNESS of the Gurbani and its distinct goals, and thus reduced the Sikhi of Guru Nanak to a mere mundane business (‘ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ’ ਧੰਧਾ)! They work in concert with rulers/politicians etc. The Gurbani calls them ‘Benares Kay Thugs’ (‘ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ’).

6. Color of clothing: There’s a dispute about clothing colors – color preferences in clothing have divided the Sikh community and led to unnecessary conflict. For example, Namdhari/Kuka Sikhs advocate wearing white clothes while some other advocate for blue and black clothing, considering blue and black as Muslim attire!

However, the Sikh Gurus didn’t assign special significance to any particular color of clothing – they wore different colors based on practical needs and contexts. That said, the Guru does not mandate wearing specific colored clothes. the Gurbani (SGGS) reminds us that outward religious form may not reflect inner virtues. The Gurbani highlights contrast between outer religious appearance and inner darkness – outwardly religious but inwardly filled with Bhangar (mental filth).

Clearly, many Sikhs do not follow the Shabad Guru’s instructions:

  • ਫਰੀਦਾ ਕਾਲੇ ਮੈਡੇ ਕਪੜੇ ਕਾਲਾ ਮੈਡਾ ਵੇਸੁ ॥ ਗੁਨਹੀ ਭਰਿਆ ਮੈ ਫਿਰਾ ਲੋਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਦਰਵੇਸੁ ॥੬੧॥ : Says Farid: My clothes are black, my attire is black like those of the Muslim Fakir. I go about full of vices/transgressions, but – seeing my garb – the world calls me a hermit (i.e. looks can be deceptive – one should have a discerning eye). ॥61॥ (sggs 1381).

Therefore, the Unique spirituality of Guru Nanak rejects beliefs made contrary to the universal Law of Nature (Hukam). In the following Shabad, first Baba Nanak narrates ongoing religious pretentiousness (Pakhand), followed by his Enlightening Counsel:

  • 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).

7. Marriage ceremonies: Four Lavan (wedding hymns) composed by Guru Ramdas were originally about spiritual connection with God, not worldly marriage. Marriage is essentially about uniting two souls into one.

These hymns were later adopted as part of the Sikh marriage ceremony to create Unity in Sikh community through a standardized marriage ceremony, and different religions have their own ceremonies – Muslims have Nikah, Hindus have Vivah, and Sikhs have Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage ceremony).

Passed in 1909, legally speaking, Anand Marriage Act still does not hold official recognition – registered court marriages are the only legally recognized form despite having Panthic (Sikh) governments/Sikh chief ministers in power in Punjab for decades. Today, some sects perform marriage ceremonies differently.

8. Food – vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian: The Sikh community is also divided between those who adopted certain dietary practices such as eating meat, and those who maintained vegetarian traditions etc.

That said, Sikh community clearly seems to be confused about food/diet – what should one eat and not eat? We often come across arguments, debates, opinions, wrangling, articles regarding should one eat meat or should one not eat it. The Gurbani enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) takes us out of the confusion/illusion/ignorance of what should Sikhs eat and not eat.

Therefore, let’s ask the Shabad Guru for Gurmat instructions in this context:

  • ਜੇਤੇ ਦਾਣੇ ਅੰਨ ਕੇ ਜੀਆ ਬਾਝੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ : As many are the grains of food, none is without life. (sggs 472).
  • ਮਾਸੁ ਮਾਸੁ ਕਰਿ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਝਗੜੇ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਕਉਣੁ ਮਾਸੁ ਕਉਣੁ ਸਾਗੁ ਕਹਾਵੈ ਕਿਸੁ ਮਹਿ ਪਾਪ ਸਮਾਣੇ ॥ : Only a foolish person squabbles and engages in arguments regarding meat, (but that fool) neither knows what is spiritual Wisdom nor contemplation. (Due to lack of Wisdom, a fool) does not know the real difference in what is called meat and what is called a green vegetable, (and eating) which leads to sin. (sggs 1289).
  • ਸਭਿ ਰਸ ਮਿਠੇ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਾਲੋਣੇ ॥ ਖਟ ਤੁਰਸੀ ਮੁਖਿ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਮਾਰਣ ਨਾਦ ਕੀਏ ॥ ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭਾਉ ਏਕੁ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥੧॥ ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Accepting the Divine Naam is to enjoy all kinds of ‘Ras‘ (sweets tastes…) and listening to Naam is to enjoy salty taste. Narrating (or living the spiritual beliefs) is like savoring sour delicacies and living the Naam in life is like enjoying spicy food. To those who are Blessed by the Divine Grace, feeling of love for Creator is like enjoying all the tasty dishes. ||1|| O my mind, to consume any other foods (i.e. to relish other beliefs, evil thoughts etc.) is to degrade my Bliss. Consummation of (such other beliefs, evil thoughts etc) causes my mind to become consumed with vices/Bikaar and causes my senses to pain, therefore should be avoided so that one’s life is not spiritually ruined or wasted. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 16).

9. Intoxicants: While some Sikhs, especially the ‘Nihang‘ community, use ‘Bhang’ or Sukhnidhaan (cannabis) in a religious context. It is not widely accepted within the Sikh community as a whole. Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru, condemned the use of intoxicants (cannabis, opium, tobacco, liquor etc). Medical studies also suggest that regular cannabis consumption can lead to mental health issues. Despite this, some Nihangs continue to consume Bhang. At Takht Hazoor Sahib, the ‘Sukhnidhaan’ is offered as a holy food! It is also being offered at some other Gurdwaras too (e.g. Anandpur Sahib, Taran Taran etc). To change the enlightening Message of the SGGS, fake texts written by the enemies of Guru Nanak’s Sikhi also connects Guru Gobind Singh taking Bhang and opium. Guru Nanak teaches that a Sikh’s Conscience (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ) forever absorbed in the Creator (i.e., Divine Virtues, Divine Awareness, Divine Hukam…) should be like his/her intoxicant:

  • ਭਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਭਾਂਗ ਖਲੜੀ ਮੇਰਾ ਚੀਤੁ ॥ ਮੈ ਦੇਵਾਨਾ ਭਇਆ ਅਤੀਤੁ ॥ ਕਰ ਕਾਸਾ ਦਰਸਨ ਕੀ ਭੂਖ ॥ ਮੈ ਦਰਿ ਮਾਗਉ ਨੀਤਾ ਨੀਤ ॥੧॥ ਤਉ ਦਰਸਨ ਕੀ ਕਰਉ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਮੈ ਦਰਿ ਮਾਗਤੁ ਭੀਖਿਆ ਪਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : (An addict carries his drug in a bag, however, O Creator) my reverence/faith/respect of You is like my marijuana/intoxicant for me and my consciousness is the pouch that holds it. (With my Conscience absorbed in You) I have become an intoxicated hermit (i.e. detached from the world-play. Making my folded hands the begging bowl; I long for Your Vision (Darshan, Union) instead of begging for material things. I forever beg at Your Door (i.e. I beseech You to impart Awareness of Your Virtues and Hukam for me to emulate). ॥1॥ I think of Your Vision; I beg at Your Door, please give me the benediction of Your Vision. ॥1॥Pause॥. (sggs 721).

10. Second Guru? Almost every Gurdwara in the Sikh community recognizes the supreme authority of Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS). However, to further divide and mislead Sikhs, apparently a second Guru has been created by the enemies of Sikhi – Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib and Takht Sri Patna Sahib install (Parkash) Vachitar Natak (aka Dasam Granth) parallel to Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is complete in every way, however, apparently some groups have ulterior motives.

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

For those who believe in parallel Parkaash and take two Hukamnamas (order or edict) at the end of a Divaan after Ardaas (prayer), is not the Hukammana from solely Sri Guru Granth Sahib enough?

Furthermore, various religious sects in Punjab have established their own Gurus, including Radha Soamis, Nirankaris, and Namdharis (Kukas).

11. Anti-Sikhi texts: To divide Sikh community, dozens and dozens of the so called Sikh Classical Texts (e.g. Suraj Parkash etc) full of anti-Gurmat content have been written. Furthermore, these false texts present Gurmat as an appendage of the Sanatan philosophy, beliefs and traditions to divert the attention of Sikhs from the real Granth (SGGS). These books were written not because the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was incomplete and imperfect, rather it was done to keep people ignorant of the authentic Gurmat of Guru Nanak. The so called ‘Puratan Maryada‘ practiced by the clergy etc today in Sikhi comes from these anti-Gurmat texts.

The main aim of these false texts is to strip Sikhi of its Uniqueness and Purity (ਨਿਰਮਲਤਾ) by undermining and choking Sikhi and taking it back to the Pujaaree‘s concocted belief systems that existed prior to the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469. Yet, these NIRMALA composed books are accepted by the self-serving Sikh Clergy – our Ragis, Kirtanias, Granthis, Parcharaks, Dhadees, Jathedars, Deraa-Vaad, and so on. Our Sikh clergy is schooled in these NIRMALAS texts.

How surprising it is that – with the exception of some enlightened Sikhs – most Sikhs consider these Un-Gurmat texts as the foundation of Sikh history in which the Guru Sahibs have been insulted (ਜਲੀਲ). In reality, there is nothing in sikh history that has not been tampered with! Everything we read has to have the test of Sri Guru Granth Sahib applied to it to determine the truth. However, the divided Sikh community has not yet been able to recognize this, and keep such anti-Gurmat texts in Gurdwaras in which their is no truth, no history, and no Gurmat and Giyan/ Wisdom of the Guru. To the contrary, the main purpose of these texts is to annihilate the uthentic Gurmat or Sikhi of Guru Nanak into Snatanism.

Yet the illiterate and self-serving Sikh Pujaaree clique supports these anti-Gurmat texts to keep their lucrative business and a lifestyle of freeloaders going. Because if they do the right thing and speak the truth, then all those who support these anti-Gurmat texts and Un-Gurmat practices will become their enemies.

Enemies of the authentic Gurmat of Guru Nanak, made the ideology (ਵਿਚਾਰਧਾਰਾ) of the two Gurus – Guru Nanak and the tenth Nanak Guru Gobind Singh – different from each other. For example, Guru Nanak used to ask the Siddhas, worshiping on the mountains, “Having renounced the world, what worship are you performing here?” Alas, these enemies of Sikhi have shown the tenth Jot of Guru Nanak performing penance on the snow/ice covered mountain tops!

Those who believe in false narrative are either (1) not Sikhs, (2) or enemy of Sikhi, (3) or ignorant of the Gurmat principles, (4) or associates of  the clergy class (Pujaaree) etc. The Guru Shabad says:

  • ਤਨੁ ਹੈਮੰਚਲਿ ਗਾਲੀਐ ਭੀ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਰੋਗੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੈ ਤੁਲਿ ਨ ਪੁਜਈ ਸਭ ਡਿਠੀ ਠੋਕਿ ਵਜਾਇ ॥੩॥ : One may let his body be frozen/degenerate in the snow of Himalaya mountain, even than the mind would not be free of the disease (i.e. false ego-sense/Vices/Bikaar…). I have seen, and confirmed that none of such ritualistic deeds equal to obedience to Divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). ॥3॥ (sggs 62).

Still have doubt? A single Shabad from Bhagat Jaydev breaks the backbone of all the anti-Gurmat texts.

  • ਜੋਗੇਨ ਕਿੰ ਜਗੇਨ ਕਿੰ ਦਾਨੇਨ ਕਿੰ ਤਪਸਾ ॥੪॥ : What do they (“Hari Bhgat”) have to do with Jog? What do they have to do with world (i.e. worldly attractions with their corrupting influences – Bhav Saagar)? What do they have to do with charity and penance? ||4|| (sggs).

Bhagat Jayadeva in the foregoing Shabad even denies penance (Tapa-ਤਪ), but in the anti-Gurmat texts / granths even show the Guru performing penance.

Even now, if the Sikhs do not get rid of these anti-Gurmat texts / granths written by the enemies of Gurmat disguised in Sikh appearance, then it will be difficult to save the Gurmat of Baba Nanak. What more proof is needed?

12. Divisive Un-Gurmat rituals (Karamkaand): Concocted religious rituals by nature cause disputes and divisiveness. The Gurbani is not meant to repeat the ritualized pre-1469 belief system. That said, it was never the intention of the Sikh Gurus that one type of Hindu Brahmanism should come to an end and a new type of Sikh Brahmanism should replace it. Baba Nanak critiqued, debunked and rejected pre-1469 rituals in no uncertain terms:

  • ਮਾਂਦਲੁ ਬੇਦਿ ਸਿ ਬਾਜਣੋ ਘਣੋ ਧੜੀਐ ਜੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਮਾਲਿ ਤੂ ਬੀਜਉ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥ : Numerous people (groups/alliances…) pursue rituals (Karamkaand) which is like playing the drum of the Vedas (i.e. to follow the Vedic path of many rituals). Nanak, only keep the divine Naam in mind; there is no other way to realize God.  ||2|| (sggs 1091).
  • ਕਬੀਰ ਜਿਹ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਗਏ ਪਾਛੈ ਪਰੀ ਬਹੀਰ ॥ ਇਕ ਅਵਘਟ ਘਾਟੀ ਰਾਮ ਕੀ ਤਿਹ ਚੜਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਕਬੀਰ ॥੧੬੫॥ : Kabir, crowds/masses are following the same path (i.e. the distorted path of falsehood,  Pakhand,  Karamkaand,  superstitions…) on which the (Hindu) Pandits/Pujaaree/preachers are walking. But the path to realizing God is a difficult like climbing a treacherous hill; (abandoning the path of Pandits/Pujaaree) Kabir is treading this difficult path (uphill journey). ||165|| (sggs 1373).

But under the influence of distorted interpretation and translations of the SGGS, the gullible Sikhs have broken away from the true Message embedded in the SGGS and started doing all the rituals like Bipar. As a result, in Gurdwaras worldwide, including Takhats, the ritual (Karamkaand) becomes a package under the Snatani influence, carefully curated!

Until and unless Sikh brothers/sisters read and understand the Gurbani (SGGS), and then whenever you see an ideology that is contrary to the enlightening Message contained within the SGGS, you yourself will understand that this cannot be so.

13. Factionalism in Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD): It was formed on 14 December 1920 as a task force of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the Sikh religious body. Due to lack of unity, Akali Dal (SAD) has historically had multiple factions. For example, Akali Dal (Badal), Akali Dal (Laungoval), and Akali Dal (Man), Akali Dal (Amritsar), Akali Dal (‘Waris Punjab De’), and so on.

But SAD is used/abused by the dishonest and opportunistic politicians to silence their critics and win personal favors from government at the expense of the Unique and Pure spirituality of Guru Nanak through appointments of unqualified and weaklings yes-men subservient to them as ‘Jathedars’ to pass ‘Hukamnamas’ that serve their agenda and invalidate/silent those that question them.

14. Divisive Hukamnamas issued by the so called Jathedars to excommunicate Sikhs (ਪੰਥ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਛੇਕ ਦੇਣਾਂ):  The so called ‘Jathedars‘ have issued all sorts of divisive, controversial and problematic ‘Hukumnamas‘ such as (a) ex-communicating a wide range of Sikh intellectuals; (b) the ban on having Langar on benches; (c) issuing forgiveness orders to political influencers; (d) operating from the premises of political leaders etc. All of these without any clear and transparent framework regarding the qualifications, responsibilities, appointment process and tenure” for the position.

Since the Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak is universal/Egalitarian, it’s absolutely illogical and impractical to even think that a few people can get together and strip (excommunicate) someone of his/her Way/Path of Sikhi of Guru Nanak by passing ‘Hukamnama‘ (edict, order, decree…)! But sadly, this term ‘Panth‘ has been abused by leaders (religious and political), clergy clique, religious scholars to mislead people, and silence their critics and win personal favors from government at the expense of the Unique and Pure spirituality of Guru Nanak through appointments of unqualified and weaklings yes-men subservient to them as Jathedars to pass ‘Hukamnamas’ that serve their agenda and invalidate/silent those that question them.

Alas, such has become the state of ‘Panth‘ or Way of Sikhi taught by Guru Nanak that those who are attempting to keep the Guru’s Pure, Unique and Revolutionary Message alive are shunned, ridiculed, and ostracized by charlatans who are placed in positions of leadership, authority and prominence.

15. Rehat (‘ਰਹਤ’) Maryada: Our Guru Sahibs have already provided Rehat (i.e. Way of life – ਜੀਵਨ ਜਾਂਚ) in the Gurbani enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. That said, a Sikh is one who lives according to the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib.

  • ਙਿਆਨੀ ਰਹਤ ਆਗਿਆ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੁ ਜਾ ਕੈ ॥ : ‘REHAT‘ of a spiritually Enlightened person is to remain firmly committed to the Divine Hukam (i.e. ‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ’). (sggs 251).
  • ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਾ ਕੀਆ ਮੀਠਾ ਮਾਨੈ ॥ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੰਤਨ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥ ਹੋਇ ਰਹੇ ਸਭ ਕੀ ਪਗ ਛਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਸੰਤ ਰਹਤ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਉਆ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਕਥਨੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਵਰਤਣਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ॥ … : (O Mind) realize the (Hukam) Within always. Submit to the Will of the Creator. Divine Naam nourish seekers of realization. They become (Naam) and remain in humility. ॥1॥ O my Mind! Internalize the ‘REHAT’ (discipline, code, rule, law, order, Hukam) of the Creator. It’s value (to my spirituality) is beyond narration. ||1||Pause|| Divine Naam (Virtues/Giyan-Wisdom…) is my sole daily sustenance. (sggs 392).

However, apart from Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Takhats and Deraas have created their own separate and different Rehat Maryadas!

Why? Isn’t it obvious that it’s done to divide Sikhs and tarnish the pure and authentic Gurmat or Way of life given by our Gurus in the Gurbani (SGGS)!

By creating separate Rehat Maryadas, aren’t we labeling our Guru Sahibs as forgetful and negligent, and that the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is imperfect and incomplete?

Ending

The Pure and Unique Gurmat of Baba Nanak follows the Dharma of virtues, humanity, and does not accept religious divisions, religious rituals (Karamkaand), religious symbols and robes etc.

Back in 1920s, Singh Sabha Movement – Sikh Reform Movement – alerted the Sikh world of the dire need to discard and clean out books written by NIRMALAS. If not, then the fabrications, concoctions, untruth and lies written by NIRMALAS in these books will come back to haunt Sikhs. However, instead of acting upon what the Sikh Reform Movement alerted, the Sikh world and the Sikh clergy accepted these books as true depiction of Sikhi and Sikh history! As a result, the Sikh psyche is becoming mentally blind to the Enlightening Spirituality of Guru Nanak, and content with false pride of empty and imaginary Spirituality of the Pujaaree – clergy.

It seems as Sikhs forgot the following decree of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS):

  • ਅਗੋ ਦੇ ਜੇ ਚੇਤੀਐ ਤਾਂ ਕਾਇਤੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਜਾਇ ॥ : If the mortal is conscious before hand (ਸਾਵਧਾਨ – wise, prudent or heedful etc.), then why he be punished later (i.e. then does not have to face consequences later). (sggs 417).

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