Sikhi: a Way of Life

Sikhi as it is seen or practiced today is no longer the Sikhi that was taught to us by our Gurus. Instead, it is a Sikhi or spirituality that stands distorted, corrupted and tainted by the freeloading Deraa-Vaad Baabaas (ਵੇਹਲੜ) and their trained self serving Pujaaree (clergy: Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadees etc.).

The Gurbani counsels us that God or the Creator in Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak or SGGS is the God of Virtues.

Therefore, Sikhi is a spirituality of divine Virtues Realized Within through the spiritual Message of the God-Connecting Gur-Shabad (Enlightenment.).

In a nutshell, Sikhi is thus a process of acquiring divine Virtues or Wisdom and then applying it to daily life – BECOMIG THE GURBANI.

Guru Amar Das Ji defines ‘Sikh’

Guru Amar Das Ji on page 919 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) provides us very clear definition of a ‘Sikh‘ as follows:

• ਜੇ ਕੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੇਤੀ ਸਨਮੁਖੁ ਹੋਵੈ ॥ ਹੋਵੈ ਤ ਸਨਮੁਖੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਕੋਈ ਜੀਅਹੁ ਰਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਲੇ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਧਿਆਏ ਅੰਤਰ ਆਤਮੈ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥ ਆਪੁ ਛਡਿ ਸਦਾ ਰਹੈ ਪਰਣੈ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕੋਏ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਸਨਮੁਖੁ ਹੋਏ ॥੨੧॥: If any ‘Sikh’ (learner-ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ of the SGGS) wants to turn to the Guru (Shabad). That Sikh must be with the Guru (Shabad) from the mind (Surat-Conscience), only then he/she can Internalize the spiritual Message of the Guru (Shabad). He/she should contemplate on the Guru’s spiritual Instructions (Guru’s Charan) and submit to the Guru’s Instructions keeping them in mind (Surat-Conscience) – and acting on them. Renouncing self-conceit, he/she always depends on the Guru (Shabad), and does not consider anyone else except the Guru as spiritual Guide. Nanak says, listen, O seekers: such a ‘Sikh‘ has his/her mind always connected to the Guru (Shabad – Giaan-Wisdom). ||21|| (sggs 919).

Baabaa Nanak also Guides us that the mind or Conscience (Surat – ਸੁਰਤ) is the disciple (‘Sikh‘, learner, seeker), NOT the physical body-frame.

• ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥: The Shabad (i.e. Giaan or Wisdom is my) Guru. (Not the body, but) abidance of the Conscience (i.e., my mind or Soch-ਸੋਚ) is the disciple (of this Shabad-Guru). (sggs 943).

In short, the Gurbani’s edict is that Sikhi is learning and taking the Wisdom of the Gur-Shabad through Shabad-Vichaar, and then living that Wisdom in daily life (i.e. Enlightened or Gurmukh Mindset).

• ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥ : Sikhi is contemplation on Guru’s teaching (Upadesh, Giaan, Bibek or Wisdom) and acting on it. Being blessed by the Grace of the Guru’s Giaan (or Wisdom) one then crosses the worldly ocean (Bhav Saagar). (sggs 465).
• ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਜਿ ਦਿਤਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਸੋ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਸਿਖੀ ਕੰਨੇ ॥ : The Message of the Shabad (Upadesh) provided by the Satguru is listen to by the Sikhs (learners) with attention and focus (so that we can understand the Message of the Shabad Guru). (sggs 314).
• ਗੁਰਿ ਉਪਦੇਸਿਆ ਤਤੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: The Guru has instructed (Upadesh) me in this True Essence of spiritual Wisdom (Aatmic-Giaan – ਗਿਆਨ). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1142).
• ਸਫਲ ਜਨਮੁ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਗੁਰ ਕੀਨਾ ॥: The Guru’s Giaan or Wisdom has made my (entire) life successful. (sggs 857).

That being said, Message of the Shabad is the Essence of Sikh spirituality. Therefore, the Grace or Blessing of the Shabad is Enlightenment!

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਜਤ ਭਏ ਉਦਾਸੀ ॥ ਦਰਸਨ ਕੈ ਤਾਈ ਭੇਖ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ॥ ਸਾਚ ਵਖਰ ਕੇ ਹਮ ਵਣਜਾਰੇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਉਤਰਸਿ ਪਾਰੇ ॥੧੮॥ : (My) renunciation is the Internalization of the Shabad (the State of Gurmukh-hood). (My) adopted spirituality is aimed towards getting to the Message of the Shabad (i.e. mere seeing or reading of SGGS will not work). My advocated spirituality is to connect to Creator who is in Permanent Existence. Nanak, adherents of the Message within the Shabad (Gurmukh-hood) Realize the Creator. ॥18॥ (sggs 940).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਜਿਨ ਏਕ ਸਬਦਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥੪॥੯॥: Nank I am forever a sacrifice to one realizes the MESSAGE OF THE SHABAD pertaining to the One Creator. ॥4॥9॥ (sggs 879).
• ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖੀ ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖ ਸੁਣ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਿਆਣਾ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੋਲਾ।: listening to the Gur-Giaan (Wisdom, Upadesh..), Gur-Sikh become Wise within and simple (innocent) without. (Bhai Gurdaas, Vaar 17).

Aptly, there is tremendous emphasis on Shabad-Vichaar — churning the Gurbani and dying in the Shabad.

• ਊਤਮ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਬਦ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥੩॥: The ultimate action is Reflections on the Shabad – Shabad Vichaar ||3|| (sggs 158).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਨੋ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਵੇਖਦਾ ਜੇਤਾ ਜਗਤੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਡਿਠੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ : Everybody in this the world physically see the Satgur. Nothing going to happen just by seeing (the Satgur); one can not be ‘Mukt‘ (liberated, unentangled, unhindered etc.) until and unless the Message within the Shabad is Reflected upon. (sggs 594).
• ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਕਾ ਸੋ ਹੋਵੈ ॥ : The one who gets imbued with God’s love by reflecting on the Shabad becomes Godly. (sggs 243).

However, instead of the mind (Surat-Conscience), the emphasis seems to be on the gross body-frame! But brandishing religious paraphernalia on one’s ephemeral body-frame is not a Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak or the SGGS. Baabaa Nanak says:

• ਭੇਖੁ ਭਵਨੀ ਹਠੁ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਗਹਿ ਰਹੇ ॥੧॥: I know nothing about religious robes, pilgrimages or stubbornness; O Nanak, I only hold tight to the Truth (the Creator) ||1|| (sggs 843).

All organizations – including the organized religions (Mazhab-ਮਜ਼ਹਬ) – are political in nature.

This politicization of religion by rulers, governments, politicians, and clergy (priests, Pujaaree, …) gives rise to corruption (fraud, abuse, degradation, misinterpretations of scriptures etc.).

No organized religions can claim to be free from such corruption or fraud. In fact older the religion greater the corruption.

History tells us that, from time to time, transformational personalities have emerged and challenge this corruption.

Most notable were the ten Sikh Gurus, many Bhagats etc. who truly hit hard on this Pujaaree’s corruption in the society.

Often misunderstood, Sikhi is not a combination or offshoot of any other religion (Mazhab-ਮਜ਼ਹਬ). It’s a UNIQUE and REVOLUTIOMARY ‘Soch‘ (thinking) of all 35 writers whose Baanee (ਬਾਣੀ) or hymns are present in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS).

• ਨਾ ਹਮ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ॥: I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim. (sggs 1136).
• 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).

In fact, Sikhi is a distinct Way of life based on the Gurmat Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) — a full-time, persistent, unabating or incessant Way of life of Love and Universal Brotherhood.

This unique and new spiritual paradigms of Sikhi expounded by Baabaa Nanak and then the Teaching/Guidance was subsequently carried forward by 9 more Sikh Gurus. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) is a 1430 pages compilation of hymns praising the Creator and His Hukam enshrines the Bani of not only the Sikh Gurus but also 30 other Hindu and Muslim Bhaktas, drawn from across the length and breadth of India.

Hence it is relevant even more today. By healing individuals, it heals the world torn by strife and misery. In nutshell, the true Sikhi expounded by the SGGS:

• teaches oneness; one god (Universal Energy…) that lives within the creation (‘ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕੋ ਪਸਰਿਆ’), NOT separate from man but equally present in all,
• shuns negativity and hatred. It embraces all of humanity irrespective of gender, faith, color, creed, status, wealth etc. It teaches universal brotherhood, compassion, love, responsibility, respect for all of creation and to see the divine in all beings,
• doesn’t discriminate or divide humanity into ‘us versus them’, it does not teach to be hostile to what is different nor does it discriminate between one individual or type and the other being,
• embraces all of existence,
• respects and celebrates life,
• recognizes that Creation is Infinite Energy beyond description,
• emphasis on practical spirituality,
• accepts the contradictions of our existence, good and bad, night and day, evil and good, flowers and thorns etc.,
• alike science, it encourages questioning, it helps the questioner/seeker/learner (i.e. the Sikh) to Awaken so as to find his or her own answers,
• extols nobility and integrity in thought, speech and deeds (ਮਨ, ਬਚਨ, ਕਰਮ) ,
• emphasizes self-efforts to improve ownself, persuade ownself, change ownself, search ownself, instruct own mind etc. — hence, each person’s competition is with his ownself; try to be better than yourself!, accountability of one’s own deeds etc.
• emphasizes hard and honest work (‘Kirat Karo‘), responsibility etc.,
• encourages sharing Knowledge (ਗਿਆਨ), helping the needy etc. (‘Vand Chhako‘),
• insists on taking Wisdom or Giaan (‘Naam Japo‘); developing keen Understanding and discerning intelligence (Bibek Budh – and reasoning),
• teaches to practice tolerance, respect, universal brotherhood, accepting all mankind without any preconditions or compulsions for there are no enemies but friends, social justice and equality,
• teaches all the days, months, seasons (i.e. all times) are auspicious,
• focuses on the Here and Now, NOT ‘afterlife‘,
• teaches world is good and we are inherently divine (Jot Saroop); live a Wise, friendlier, happier and optimistic life (‘Charh Di Kalaa‘) of love and joy — live a divine life (Gurmukh Lifestyle),
• shuns casteism (Jaat Paat, bigotry, class barriers etc.),
• teaches to serve (Sevaa-ਸੇਵਾ) the fellow human beings, help and support the poor and unfortunate (‘Sarbatt Daa Bhalaa‘),
• teaches respect women as equals and give them same rights and privileges as men,
• asks us to awaken bit by bit each day Virtues within — Truth, honesty, contentment, mercy, patience, Sahaj (Natural State of Being), Wisdom, humility, sweet speech etc. and imbibe them,,
• asks us to lead a responsible and successful worldly life as a householder and a contributing member of the society,
• rejects the corrupt and crafty clergy or priests system (‘ਪੰਡਿਤ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਛਾਡੇ ਦੋਊ’),
• rejects rituals (Karamkaand), superstitions, ‘Bhekh’ (religious paraphernalia), dogmas, external ablutions, external pilgrimage (Teerath Yatra), stubborn mindedness, blind faith, middlemen etc.,
• respects of the environment (creation, Kudrat: ‘ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਵਸਿਆ’), and so on.

In order to fulfill these intentions of the Gurmat, clearly, Sikhi can NOT be a part-time job — hauling one’s physical body to gurdwara one-hour a week or so on Sundays! Instead, the Gurmat Wisdom asserts it’s a perpetual or ‘Nirantar Bhagti‘, ‘Nij Bhagati‘, living Gurmukh-Lifestyle 24/7.

• ਦੁਖੀ ਦੁਹਾਗਨਿ ਦੁਇ ਪਖ ਹੀਨੀ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਾਹ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਕੀਨੀ ॥: That Jeev remains miserable like a discarded bribe, who is NOT engaged in persistent or ‘Nirantari Bhagti-ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ’). (sggs 793).
• ਸਾਸ ਸਾਸ ਸਾਸ ਹੈ ਜੇਤੇ ਮੈ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਰੇ ॥: With (all) breaths (i.e, ਲਗਾਤਾਰ-continually…), take care of the Naam through the Gurmat (i.e., unceasingly maintain the Divine Knowledge – ਆਤਮ ਗਿਆਨ – through the Gurbani’s Instruction). (sggs 980).

In short, instead of making one hour or so of life ‘Saphal-ਸਫਲ’ (fruitful, successful, rewarding, gainful, fruitful, prolific etc.) on Sundays, the Gurbani asks its learners (i.e. Sikhs) to make the WHOLE life fruitful or successful!

• ਸਭੁ ਜਨਮੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਕਾ ਸਫਲੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਨ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਮਨਿ ਲਾਗੀ ਭੁਖਾ ॥ : Their whole life has been successful for those who have the hunger for the divine Naam in their mind (meaning, ‘Naam‘ becomes the support of their life). (sggs 588).
• ਸਫਲ ਜਨਮੁ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਸਾਚਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੧॥ : That person who has come into this world has a successful life, who naturally abides in the True Naam. ||1|| (sggs 1174).
• ਸਫਲ ਸਫਲ ਭਈ ਸਫਲ ਜਾਤ੍ਰਾ ॥: (Imbibing the Guru’s Wisdom) the journey of (entire) human life is successful. (sggs 687).

Furthermore, the Gurbani asks this life should be made fruitful or successful (‘Saphal-ਸਫਲ’) HERE AND NOW, not after death. Because, once dead — regardless if cremated or buried — ultimately this body will mingle with dust, and grass will grow on top of it!

• ਕਬੀਰ ਗਰਬੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਊਚਾ ਦੇਖਿ ਅਵਾਸੁ ॥ ਆਜੁ ਕਾਲ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਭੁਇ ਲੇਟਣਾ ਊਪਰਿ ਜਾਮੈ ਘਾਸੁ ॥੩੮॥: O Kabeer! Seeing one’s high palace one should not be arrogant (this is also a game of four days only: temporary). Today or tomorrow (leaving this palace when death comes) our body will mingle with dust and grass will grow on top (of our body). ||38|| (sggs 1366).

Hence Sikhi is not to be lived part-time. Rather it’s to be lived full-time (persistent, unabating, incessant etc.) free of Pakhand, formalities or Karamkaand and so on!

Since the Gurbani is a Way of understanding, it is meant to be understood and applied.

Although an uphill climb, nonetheless it is the real Bhagati in Sikhi.

Hence, NO time limit or price tag can be put on Sikhi. Also, one cannot make a Sikh to an order or give Sikhi or Aatam-Giaan (Spiritual Knowledge) to someone in a ready-made package! In nutshell, one cannot bribe or buy someone into the Sikh fold. Because:

• ਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖੀ ਦਾ ਸਮਝਣਾ ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਜਗਾਵਣਹਾਰਾ।: To understand Sikhi is to have the ‘Joti’ (mind, consciousness, Surat-ਸੁਰਤ…) Awakened to ‘Joti’ (Mool, True Nature, Antar-Aatmaa, Wisdom or Gur-Giaan…). (Bhai Gurdaas, Vaar 28).

Since Sikhi is Shabad-Consciousness NOT body-consciousness, one’s own mind has to become a Sikh, through earnest spiritual efforts or Uddam (i.e., Shabad-Vichaar or churning the Gurbani). Nobody else can do it for anybody! Since the mind is nothing but thoughts-stuff (Phurne-ਫੁਰਨੇ), a Sikh’s thinking (Soch) must change with the Gur-Giaan (Gur-Wisdom). Transformed thinking translates into transformed mind or thoughts, speech and actions (Karma).

• ਆਪਣ ਹਥੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕਾਜੁ ਸਵਾਰੀਐ ॥੨੦॥: (So long there is breath — Praan) accomplish the task (of God Realization) yourself ( i.e. with self-efforts: Shabad-Vichaar …). ||20|| (sggs 474).
• ਆਪਣਾ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ਹੋਰਨਿ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਕਾਰਜਿ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਈ ॥੩॥: (One) resolves his own affair himself (i.e. the ultimate Purpose of life of God Realization); anyone else cannot do this work (for him). Only a rare Guru’s follower (Gurmukh-Hood Mindset) understands that his Realization of God requires the virtues like Godly Contentment, Compassion and Dharma. ||3|| (sggs 351).

By becoming a Wise person (i.e. Gurmukh Mindset), the Gurbani asserts it’s possible for everyone to make one’s entire life or human birth ‘Saphal-ਸਫਲ’ (fruitful, successful, rewarding, gainful, prolific etc.).

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹੋਇ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਤ ਸਰਧਾ ਪੂਰੀਐ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹੋਇ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਨ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਝੂਰੀਐ ॥ : The human being with Grace of the True Wisdom (ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) is firmly entrusted. Because of this True Wisdom, he never complains (in the face of adversity). (sggs 149).
• ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਦੇਖਿ ਜੀਵਾ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਧੋਇ ਧੋਇ ਪੀਵਾ ॥੧॥: As I understand and live (i.e. implementaion-ਅਮਲ) by the Gur- Giaan or Wisdom, I get spiritual life (divine or Gurmukh Life). As I wash the Guru’s feet (i.e. as I engage in Shabad Vichaar or churning the Gurbani) I get (the spiritual life-giver) Naam (Jal) to drink. ||1|| (sgg 239).

In other words, the Gurbani tells us only the Wise persons are truly alive. The rest are just passing or killing the time or the time is killing them!

• ਆਖਾ ਜੀਵਾ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਉ ॥: I come alive (Aatmak Jeevan-ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ) as I am in a Realized State. The Un-Realized State Brings Spiritual Death (Aatmak Mout-ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ). (sggs 9 – 349).

SGGS teaches us ‘Chaj-ਚਜੁ’ or Way of life

Hence the Giaan-Wisdom of the SGGS teaches us ‘Chaj-ਚਜੁ’ of life — the Way of proper living, proper behavior in life, ability to live pious life, ability to live with virtuous and truthful conduct, Work ethic, Gurmukh lifestyle, good manners, skill of living, method of living, understanding, discerning intellect, ਸਮਝ, ਅਕਲ, ਜੀਵਨ-ਜਾਚ, ਚੰਗਾ ਚਲਨ, ਚੰਗੀ ਸੋਚ-ਕਰਮ …

Hence the SGGS asks us to learn the proper skill of life by learning the Wisdom (Giaan) of the Guru.

• ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਚਜੁ ਅਚਾਰੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਤੁਧੁ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਦੁਖੁ ॥੩॥ : Meeting the Gur (-Giaan, Wisdom…), learn skill (of life) and good conduct, then sorrow will never affect you. ||3|| (sggs 50).

If we don’t learn ‘Chaj(u)-ਚਜੁ’ of life by reading to the SGGS, then what’s the use?

• ਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਜਾਣਿ ਨ ਜਾਣਈ ਕਿਆ ਤਿਸੁ ਚਜੁ ਅਚਾਰੁ ॥: A person who deliberately does not learn and practice the Guru’s (Giaan-Wisdom), then the method or style of his whole life is NOT right. (sggs 19).

The Gurbani (SGGS) teaches us to acquire the ability to discern right from wrong and the commitment to doing right, good, and proper.

• ਅਦਲੁ ਕਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨ ਸਮਾਨਾ ॥ : One must administer justice by being absorbed in the spiritual Wisdom of the Guru (Shabad). (sggs 1040).
• ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਿ ॥ ਸੀਘਰ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਵਾਰਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Keep the Divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues…) Within. (Thus) You can quickly resolve your Life’s affairs (Purpose). ((sggs 176).
• ਨਾ ਕੋ ਬੈਰੀ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਗਾਨਾ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਗਿ ਹਮ ਕਉ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ ॥੧॥ : No one is my enemy, no one is a stranger, I have BECOME ONE with the entirety of the humanity. ||1|| (sggs 1299).
• ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਰਹੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਛੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਹੀਐ ॥ : Nanak, as long as we are in this world, we must share (Knowledge / spiritual Wisdom) by listening or speaking it. (sggs 661).
• ਖੋਜਤ ਖੋਜਤ ਬਹੁ ਪਰਕਾਰੇ ਸਰਬ ਅਰਥ ਬੀਚਾਰੇ ॥ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਪਰਮ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਮਾਇਆ ਰਚਿ ਬੰਧਿ ਹਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ : Continuously engaging in research in all possible manners, I have rationalized every opinion (before accepting that); by remaining in the company of the Guru, one attains the highest spiritual state, and by falling into the bonds of Maya (infatuation) one loses (the bet of human birth). ॥1॥ (sggs 714).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੋਈ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥ : As Guru-Oriented (Gurmukh, Enlightened one), look upon all with the single eye of equality; the Divine Light (the One Creator) is present Within all. (sggs 599).
• ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥: True learning induces in the mind service to humanity. (sggs 356).
• ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਸੀਗਾਰੁ ਬਨਾਵਉ ॥ : Be embellished with the Godly Contentment, compassion and Dharma. ( (sggs 812).