Gurbani on Absurdity of Conflicts over Religion

A serious problem which is worrying the whole world today is what has come to be known as religious extremism, fundamentalism or fanaticism. People blindly believe invented concepts and concocted narratives of their Pujaaree (clergy). The implication of such blind belief in lies and trickery of the greedy and self-serving Pujaaree (clergy) is that people of one religion get pitted against others. This is why many hate other religions and scriptures, and madly think they must be destroyed.

• 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).
• 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 ॥ : Those who devour humanity by plundering it (i.e. corrupt rulers, Qazi etc.) 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. (sggs 471).
• ਕਾਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਜੋਗੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਤ ਕਾ ਢਬੁ ॥ ਥਾਨਸਟ ਜਗ ਭਰਿਸਟ ਹੋਏ ਡੂਬਤਾ ਇਵ ਜਗੁ ॥: Human life is not a time (to waste in rituals– Karamkaand); by these methods, neither there is any truthful living nor any Yoga (Union or Realization of the Creator Within). By these rituals, even the purest hearts become defiled; and thus the entire world starts drowning (in Bikaar, vices, Pakhand, cheating or fraud etc.). ||1|| (sggs 662).

Conflicts among religions may be open and active, however many time it is also passive and clandestine. These useless conflicts saps the society and world of harmony, love, peace and vitality and hampers progress. Worrisome as this phenomena is, however the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) has commonsense solutions to this problem.

Religious extremism, fundamentalism and fanaticism

Misunderstanding, misinterpretations and distortions of religious texts and resulting chaos breeds religious conflict, tensions, animosity, blind fanaticism, extremism, fundamentalism, bigotry, intolerance, wars, killings etc. Which, in time, turns into bloody tragedies.

The Universal Energy called God (Cosmic Law) is generally depicted as Pure Love, Omnipresent, and that the only way to link with This Universal Truth is through Love. Yet, the pages of human history are soaked with the innocent blood spilled in the name of religion and God! How can the so called ‘most merciful’, ‘most compassionate’, and ‘most gracious’ God whom people worship daily incite them to kill people in His Name, as well as in the name of their religion? What has gone wrong? The Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) offers us the answer as follows:

• ਹਉਮੈ ਝਗੜਾ ਪਾਇਓਨੁ ਝਗੜੈ ਜਗੁ ਮੁਇਆ ॥: Through false ego-sense (Haumai), the world is caught in conflict and strife, and it spiritually deteriorates (suffers due to these quarrels). (sggs 790).
• ਕਹਤ ਕਬੀਰ ਪੰਚ ਕੋ ਝਗਰਾ ਝਗਰਤ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥ : Kabeer, the denial of the creator is on account of my vices or Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride); my human birth (i.e. spirituality) is being lost in such defiance. (sggs 482).
• ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਧੜੇ ਪੰਚ ਚੋਰ ਝਗੜਾਏ ॥ ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ਵਧਾਏ ॥ : In Kalijug (i.e. corrupt state of the mind), the five thieves (i.e. all Bikaar) instigate alliances and conflicts. (Because of these five thieves) lust, anger, greed, attachment, and pride increase. (sggs 366).
• ਅੰਧਾ ਝਖਿ ਝਖਿ ਪਇਆ ਝੇਰਿ ॥: (Entangled in worldly entanglements, a mentally) blind and bewildered gets involved in turmoil (tumult, strife, row, etc.). (sggs 1287).

The Wisdom of the Gurbani (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS) points out the absurdity of conflicts over religion when the Creator of the entire Humanity is ‘One and Only’ (Hukam: System,-Rule-Law of Nature)!

• ਏਕੁ ਪਿਤਾ ਏਕਸ ਕੇ ਹਮ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਤੂ ਮੇਰਾ ਗੁਰ ਹਾਈ ॥: O Guru, You have Enlightened me that we are All the Creation of the One Creator. (sggs 611).
• ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਰਵਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਬੀਜੋ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਬੈਰ ਬਿਰੋਧ ਛੇਦੇ ਭੈ ਭਰਮਾਂ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਪੁੰਨਿ ਆਤਮੈ ਕੀਨੇ ਧਰਮਾ ॥੩॥ : The One Creator is present in every being; there is none other except That (i.e. the same One Almighty is present in all). One who ends enmity, antagonism and fear due to transgressions; realizes God Within and becomes virtuous and righteous. ||3|| (sggs 1348).

However, on account of mental delusion (‘Bharam‘), Bhagat Kabeer Ji says Hindus call ‘Katebas‘ [Semitic texts: the Torah, the Zabur (Psalms), the Injil (Gospel) and the Quran] to be ‘Jhoothae-ਝੂਠੇ’ (i.e. false, untrue).

Similarly Muslims say the Hindu Vedas are ‘Jhoothae‘ (i.e. false, untrue).

Likewise, in the name of religion and God, we also witness conflicts between other organized religions.

Bhagat Kabeer Ji asks all to cut it off!

Bhagat Kabeer Ji Counsels the entire humanity that false (‘Jhoothae‘) are those who don’t Reflect (i.e. Vichaar, contemplate) on the One Truth (the One Omnipresent Creator), the ONE Divine Essence within all (Jot).

• ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਹਹੁ ਮਤ ਝੂਠੇ ਝੂਠਾ ਜੋ ਨ ਬਿਚਾਰੈ ॥ ਜਉ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਖੁਦਾਇ ਕਹਤ ਹਉ ਤਉ ਕਿਉ ਮੁਰਗੀ ਮਾਰੈ ॥੧॥ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਕਹਹੁ ਨਿਆਉ ਖੁਦਾਈ ॥ ਤੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਕਾ ਭਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Do not tell Vedas and the Katebas (Semitic texts: Quran etc.) as false. False is he who does not Reflect (on the One Creator). (O Mullaa-the Muslim priest), if you say that the same One God is present in all creatures, then why do you kill a chicken in sacrifice to please God? ||1|| O Mullah, the Muslim priest, you preach others about the divine justice, but the ‘Bharam‘ (doubt) of your own mind doesn’t go away, because you are doing things which don’t make sense according to your own belief. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1350).

‘Bichaarai-ਬਿਚਾਰੈ’) is a very significant word in the above verse. It simple means reflection, introspective contemplation etc.

Vichaar or Bichaar enables one to experience and Realize the One Creator within. Therefore the practice of Vichaar – quest of Realizing the One Creator Within (as Virtues) – is the introspective contemplation.

Thus, in a nutshell, false are those who ritually keep reading or reciting religious books in doubt or in love of Maya etc., without Reflecting on the One Essence within.

• ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਰਹਿ ਕਹ ਬਪੁਰੇ ਨਹ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਇਕ ਏਕਾ ॥ : What can the poor Vedas and Katebs (Semitic texts: Quran etc.) teach when their authors themselves did not understand the ‘One and Only’. (sggs 1153).
• ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸਭਿ ਸਾਸਤ ਇਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਪੜਿਆ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥: The readings of the Vedas, Katebs (Semitic texts: Quran etc.), Simrtis and all the Shastras do not show the path to liberation (freedom from ignorance and falsehood, Bikaar…). (sggs 747).
• ਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਚੁਕਈ ਜੇ ਵੇਦ ਪੜੈ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰਿ ॥: O Pandit! Even your filth (of Bikaar, doubt…) does not get erased (even if you) read the Vedas for four ages. (sggs 647).
• ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਇਫਤਰਾ ਭਾਈ ਦਿਲ ਕਾ ਫਿਕਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥: O brother, the anxiety of one’s mind does not go away by exaggerating the reality and giving references from Vedas and Katebs (Semitic texts: Quran etc.) for the sake of argument (show off, ਦਿਖਲਾਵਾ etc.). (sggs 727).
• ਵੇਦੁ ਪੜਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਨਹੀ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਵਾਦੁ ਵਖਾਣਹਿ ਮੋਹੇ ਮਾਇਆ ॥ : Studying the Vedas does not provide Godly essence; (Instead the discourse) causes one to get attached to the temporal polemics therein. (sggs 128).
• ਬਹੁ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਹੁ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਪੇਖੇ ਸਰਬ ਢਢੋਲਿ ॥ ਪੂਜਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਮੋਲ ॥੧॥ : I have studied and researched the many Shastras and Simratees. Nanak, there is no spirituality of the
  Omnipresent Creator and of the invaluable Naam therein. ॥1॥(sggs 265).
• ਵੇਦਾ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਤਮੁ ਸੋ ਸੁਣਹਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਜਿਉ ਬੇਤਾਲਿਆ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨ ਸਚੁ ਤਜਿਆ ਕੂੜੇ ਲਾਗੇ ਤਿਨੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਜੂਐ ਹਾਰਿਆ ॥੧੯॥: In the Vedas, the exalted Naam is not discoursed, so (the discourse) is out of sync. Nanak, discarding the Creator and inculcating Creator-devoid discourse is to gamble away life. ||19|| (sggs 919).

Pujaaree (clergy) groups mislead people away from the path of Truth

The Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) asserts that the self serving Pujaaree (clergy) has plundered people in the world.

• 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).

There are about four kinds of people who control or are in charge of the organized and institutionalized religions, and the so called religious places/locations in this world:

1. those who want to be worshiped by others (ਅਪਣੀ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰਾਉਣੀ),
2. those who are greedy (Mayadhaaree-ਮਾਇਆਧਾਰੀ, ਠੱਗ…),
3. those who desire name and fame (ਪਰਤਿਛਟਾ: honor…).
4. those who want to live as freeloaders (i.e. sponger, moocher aka leeches, ਵੇਹਲੜ, ਨਿਕੰਮੇ, ਐਸ਼-ਪਰਸਤ) in the world — person who habitually depends on the charity of others for food, shelter, clothing etc.

As far as the Pujaaree (clergy) is concerned, it is posited that they have studied the holy book thoroughly, pondered over it long and finally succeeded in attaining intuitive wisdom to crack open the hard shell of language and ambiguity to get at the kernels of the underlying Truth in the words of the holy book which most readers are likely to miss! Therefore, when the Pujaaree (clergy) interprets the holy book, the majority of the people take it granted that the priests have succeeded in unearthing its deeper and sublime meaning!

But, in reality, it’s the reverse that happens! The scriptures get lost amidst distortions; false or unmeaning rituals, rites, controversy, concoctions, fake God, fake hell and heaven etc.

Aptly, the Sikhi or Gurmat of Baabaa Nanak teaches all of us to discard the Pujaaree (clergy) system:

• 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).
• 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).

The Pujaaree (clergy) groups of all organized religions mislead people (ਗੁਮਰਾਹ, ਪੁੱਠੇ ਰਾਹ…) away from the path of Truth and put them on the path of fear, greed, falsehood, duality, worthless rituals (Karamkaand), rites, ceremonies, concocted concepts and myths (weird stories-ਮੰਨ ਘੜੰਤ ਸਾਖੀਆ), religious wearing and other paraphernalia, and a list of dos and don’ts for the followers. They also issue religious edicts and decrees for others to follow. They take upon themselves the task of administering the punishment to offenders of God’s commandment and their own edicts and decrees. As the religion gets older and life becomes complicated, the list of such rules grows longer and longer; making one wonder if the will and wish of the Pujaaree (clergy) is not the will and wish of God!!!!!

• ਕਬੀਰ ਕਾਗਦ ਕੀ ਓਬਰੀ ਮਸੁ ਕੇ ਕਰਮ ਕਪਾਟ ॥ ਪਾਹਨ ਬੋਰੀ ਪਿਰਥਮੀ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਪਾੜੀ ਬਾਟ ॥੧੩੭॥: Kabeer, the religious books (of Pandits/ Pujaaree) are like a prison made of paper, and the rituals (Karamkaand) written in ink are like the doors of that prison. The stone idols have spiritually drowned the people of this world (in the ocean of worldliness), and Pandits (i.e. the clergy/Pujaaree) are plundering people (i.e. robbing people by engaging them in useless rituals and idolatry Poojaa and though donation-Daan etc.). ||137|| (sggs 1371).
• ਕਬੀਰ ਪਾਹਨੁ ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰੁ ਕੀਆ ਪੂਜੈ ਸਭੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਇਸ ਭਰਵਾਸੇ ਜੋ ਰਹੇ ਬੂਡੇ ਕਾਲੀ ਧਾਰ ॥੧੩੬॥ : Kabeer, establishing and deeming a stone (statue) as God, people all over the world are worshipping it. Those who have this belief that by worshipping idols they are remembering God, are totally ruined spiritually, as if they are drowned in the deep waters (from where no trace of them can be found). ||136|| (sggs 1371).
• ਨ ਪਾਥਰੁ ਬੋਲੈ ਨਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਫੋਕਟ ਕਰਮ ਨਿਹਫਲ ਹੈ ਸੇਵ ॥੨॥ : This stone (idol) neither speaks nor can give anything, The act of worshipping the stone (Idol) is worthless and fruitless. ॥2॥(sggs 1160).
• ਏਕੈ ਪਾਥਰ ਕੀਜੈ ਭਾਉ ॥ ਦੂਜੈ ਪਾਥਰ ਧਰੀਐ ਪਾਉ ॥ ਜੇ ਓਹੁ ਦੇਉ ਤ ਓਹੁ ਭੀ ਦੇਵਾ ॥ ਕਹਿ ਨਾਮਦੇਉ ਹਮ ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ॥੪॥੧॥ : Some Stones Are Worshipped and Some Stepped On. If Some Are Gods, then the Others Must Be Gods as well. ॥4॥1॥ (sggs 525).

To mend or correct this corruption or errors of the Pujaaree system, the Gurus and Bhagats searched and studied with introspection all the Simritis, Shastras etc. Their Bani contains their corrections. Hence, understanding the overarching position regarding any concept, belief or issue (e.g. Vedas and Kateb in this case) in the entire SGGS is critical in deciphering the intended and authentic messages of any given verse.

• ਨਾਨਕ ਸੋਧੇ ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਬੇਦ ॥: Nanak, (I) have carefully studied (searched etc.) Simritis and Vedas. (sggs 1142).
• ਸਾਸਤ ਬੇਦ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸਭਿ ਸੋਧੇ ਸਭ ਏਕਾ ਬਾਤ ਪੁਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਕੋਊ ਪਾਵੈ ਮਨਿ ਵੇਖਹੁ ਕਰਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੀ ॥੨॥ : I have searched all the Shastras, Vedas and Simritis, they all affirm one thing, that without the Guru (i.e. Giaan-Wisdom), no one obtains liberation (from Bikaar, vices, Maya…); reflect upon this in your mind. ||2|| (sggs 495).
• ਸੋਧੇ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸਗਲ ॥ ਸੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਆਪਿ ਜਪਾਏ ॥: I have explored all the Shastras and Simritis (and concluded that the wall of worldly attachment does not break without Naam). That person alone realizes Naam (Wisdom / Virtues…) who puts forth self-efforts (Shabad Vichaar…). (sggs 890).
• ਸਭਿ ਨਾਦ ਬੇਦ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਰਾਤਾ ਸਾਰਿਗਪਾਣੀ ॥ ਤਹ ਤੀਰਥ ਵਰਤ ਤਪ ਸਾਰੇ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥੩॥ : (A person who is engaged in Bhagti, Shabad-Vichaar, etc., for that person…) All Naad and Vedas are in the Gurbani (Guru‘s Word). (Through the Gurbani’s Wisdom) the mind becomes imbued with the love of God. (In that spiritual state) is his sacred shrine of pilgrimage, fasting and austere self-discipline. By following the Guru‘s Giaan-Wisdom, God is realized. ||3|| (sggs 879).
• ਜੁਗਿ ਜੁਗਿ ਆਪੋ ਆਪਣਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਸੋਧਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਨਾ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਿਨੀ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਗਿ ਤੇ ਪੂਰੇ ਪਰਵਾਨਾ ॥੩॥ : Carefully examine Vedas and Puranas with introspection and (they say that) every age has its Dharma (i.e. every time period has its own Dharma). (But) by becoming the Gurmukh (Enlightened Mindset) one who internalizes the Message embedded within the Shabad will realize the Omnipresent (The message of the first verse is that Vedas is period, age or time based – it is not perpetual. However, the Creator is perpetual. In other words, the Creator is NOT period, age or time based – Vedas do NOT cater to a perpetual Creator! The message of the second verse is that to realize the Omnipresent one needs to internalize the
  messages that emanate as contained within the Guru’s Shabad)  (sggs 797).

Universal Message of Oneness and brotherhood

• ਵਰਤ ਨ ਰਹਉ ਨ ਮਹ ਰਮਦਾਨਾ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਸੇਵੀ ਜੋ ਰਖੈ ਨਿਦਾਨਾ ॥੧॥ ਏਕੁ ਗੁਸਾਈ ਅਲਹੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਤੁਰਕ ਦੁਹਾਂ ਨੇਬੇਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਹਜ ਕਾਬੈ ਜਾਉ ਨ ਤੀਰਥ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਏਕੋ ਸੇਵੀ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੨॥ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰਉ ਨ ਨਿਵਾਜ ਗੁਜਾਰਉ ॥ ਏਕ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਲੇ ਰਿਦੈ ਨਮਸਕਾਰਉ ॥੩॥ ਨਾ ਹਮ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ॥ ਅਲਹ ਰਾਮ ਕੇ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪਰਾਨ ॥੪॥ ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਇਹੁ ਕੀਆ ਵਖਾਨਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪੀਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਖੁਦਿ ਖਸਮੁ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥੫॥੩॥: I do not keep (Hindu) fasts, nor do I observe the (muslim fasting) month of Ramadaan. I serve That (One), who will save me in the end. ||1||. My Gusaaee (Universal Energy…) and Allah is One. (This I have already) settled (concluded, finished, ਫੈਸਲਾ…) with both Hindus and Muslims (that I don’t follow whatever they have written: their explanations, commentaries, customs, injunctions, etc.). |1|| Pause || I do not make pilgrimages to Mecca, nor do I worship at Hindu shrines. I serve the One Formless, and not any other ||2||. I do not perform worship services (prescribed by Brahmins), nor do I offer the Muslim prayers-Nimaaz. I have taken the One Formless into my Heart; I humbly worship Him within ||3||. I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim. My body and breath of life belong to (whom Muslims call) Allah and to (whom Hindus call) Raam ||4|| Says Kabeer! This is what I say: Meeting Gur (i.e. Giaan, Spiritual Knowledge or Wisdom…), I realize Truth. ||5||3|| (sggs 1136).
• 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).
• 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).
• ਜਾਲਉ ਐਸੀ ਰੀਤਿ ਜਿਤੁ ਮੈ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਵੀਸਰੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਪਰੀਤਿ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸੇਤੀ ਪਤਿ ਰਹੈ ॥੨॥ : Burn down (root out) those customs (rituals, routine of life, traditions, system etc.) that may lead to forget the divine beloved. Nanak, only that Love (virtuous Way of life) is good through which Connection with God is maintained within. ||2|| (sggs 590).

Thus, the Wisdom of the Gurbani or Gurmat (Upadesh or Way of the SGGS) is not only for the Sikhs but also for the entire humanity to benefit from it.

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਝਗੜੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਓਨੁ ਇਕੋ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਤਰਿ ਗਇਆ ॥ : Gurmukhs (Enlightened beings) are free of conflict and strife, they see One Raam, in them and hence pervading everywhere. Recognizing the pervading Raam in Souls one crosses over the world-ocean (Bhaujal). (sggs 790).

Therefore the Spiritual Message embedded within the Shabad is Universal, for everybody in this world to take and benefit from it (‘ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ’: Gurbani is jag mahi chaanan).

• ਖਤ੍ਰੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣ ਸੂਦ ਵੈਸ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਚਹੁ ਵਰਨਾ ਕਉ ਸਾਝਾ ॥: The Counsel of Gurbani is COMMON and SHARED (‘Saanhaa’) for the ENTIRETY of MANKIND (as represented by the all-encompassing four so called classes or ‘Varna‘ of mankind) – Brahman, Khatri, Soodar and Vais. (sggs 747).

Having said that, 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 that only a particular person or a particular group can read the Gurbani are utterly selfish and ignorant of the Enlightening Message of the Gurbani!

Now, the question is: ‘Is the current purveyors of the Sikhi — self serving Pujaaree (clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.), the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ), leaders/politician, people running the Gurdwaras, scholars etc. — doing the same with the Gurbani what the purveyors of other worldly religions did with their scriptures? This author happens to think yes.

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

Here is Baabaa Nanak’s edict (ਫੈਸਲਾ):

• ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬੀ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਤਾ ॥ : Neither the Vedas [four Hindu texts] nor the four Katebas (Semitic texts: Quran etc.) know the ‘Reality’. (sggs 1021).
• ਏਥੈ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੁ ਜਾਇ ਸਿਞਾਣੈ ॥ ਹੋਰੁ ਫਕੜੁ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣੈ ॥ : The one who realizes the Creator right here is recognized as the wise one (religious…). Mere claim to be a Hindu or Muslim is worthless. (sggs 952).
• ਕੋਈ ਬੋਲੈ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਮ ਕੋਈ ਖੁਦਾਇ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਸੇਵੈ ਗੁਸਈਆ ਕੋਈ ਅਲਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਣ ਕਰੀਮ ॥ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਰਹੀਮ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Some say Raam; others say Khuda (Muslim name of God). Some worship Gusaee-aa (Hindu name of God); others worship Allah. But the merciful and compassionate Creator who creates all is one. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 885).
• ਬਾਬਾ ਅਲਹੁ ਅਗਮ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥ ਪਾਕੀ ਨਾਈ ਪਾਕ ਥਾਇ ਸਚਾ ਪਰਵਦਿਗਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਪੀ ਕੇਤੜਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਜੇ ਸਉ ਸਾਇਰ ਮੇਲੀਅਹਿ ਤਿਲੁ ਨ ਪੁਜਾਵਹਿ ਰੋਇ ॥ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਕਿਨੈ ਨ ਪਾਈਆ ਸਭਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਆਖਹਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੨॥ : O Baabaa, Allah is unreachable and infinite (beyond human comprehension in totality). Sacred is Its name, sacred is Its abode and It is eternal and Cherisher of all. ||1||Pause|| Even the power of Its immutable Hukam (System,-Rule-Cosmic Law of Nature) is indescribable, no one could write it down. If hundred poets were to get-together, even they would not be able to describe even a tiny bit after racking their brains. No one can evaluate Allah’s greatness. They all merely repeat again and again what they have heard before. ||2|| (sggs 53).
• 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).

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• Opening Verse of the SGGS – Concept of God in Sikhi
• Mr. God or Madam God!
• Sargun Nirgun – Visible and Invisible
• Omnipresent God
• Realize God’s Presence Within
• There is no Second
• Gurbani Defines Form of God
• Reading and Memorizing Gurbani is of no Avail Unless…
• Ritualistic Reading of the Gurbani