Brahmins in Sikh Garbs and Casteism – Jaat Paat

It was never the intention of the Sikh Gurus that one type of Hindu Brahminism should come to an end and a new type of Sikh Brahminism should replace it.

There are numerous Shabads in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) describing the situation of mistreatment of the so-called lower castes – Shudras – Dalits – by the so-called upper castes, especially the Brahmins. Many Bhagats in their Bani have described that situation by their own experiences. For example:

• ਏ ਪੰਡੀਆ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਢੇਢ ਕਹਤ ਤੇਰੀ ਪੈਜ ਪਿਛੰਉਡੀ ਹੋਇਲਾ ॥੨॥: (O God!) … These pandits (i.e. clergy-Pujaaree) are calling me a person born in low caste, and in this way actually Your own honor is decreasing. ||2|| (sggs 1202, Bhagat Namdev).
• ਨਾਗਰ ਜਨਾਂ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਬਿਖਿਆਤ ਚੰਮਾਰੰ ॥ ਰਿਦੈ ਰਾਮ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਗੁਨ ਸਾਰੰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O city dwellers! It is a well-known fact that I am a cobbler or shoemaker of the caste, whom you look upon with great contempt. But I reflect upon and remember (i.e. live by) Divine Virtues of God in my heart, because of which I am no longer of low status. ||1||Pause||(sggs 1293, Bhagat Rvidas).
• ਕਬੀਰ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਕਉ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਹਸਨੇਹਾਰੁ ॥ : O Kabeer! Everyone laughs at my caste (ਮਖੋਲ ਕਰਨਾਂ). (sggs 1364).
• ਹਸਤ ਖੇਲਤ ਤੇਰੇ ਦੇਹੁਰੇ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਤ ਨਾਮਾ ਪਕਰਿ ਉਠਾਇਆ ॥੧॥ ਹੀਨੜੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਦਿਮ ਰਾਇਆ ॥ ਛੀਪੇ ਕੇ ਜਨਮਿ ਕਾਹੇ ਕਉ ਆਇਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਲੈ ਕਮਲੀ ਚਲਿਓ ਪਲਟਾਇ ॥ ਦੇਹੁਰੈ ਪਾਛੈ ਬੈਠਾ ਜਾਇ ॥੨॥ ਜਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਨਾਮਾ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਉਚਰੈ ॥ ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾਂ ਕਉ ਦੇਹੁਰਾ ਫਿਰੈ ॥੩॥੬॥ : I came to Your abode/temple with great fondness. But while performing/being absorbed in Bhagti, I, Namdev, was grabbed, caused to get up and sent out of the temple (by the Brahmin Pujaaree) because of my low caste (and also because Bhagat Namdev had told – O Pandit, I accept only the One supreme Creator as my Spiritual object; I have given up all clergy-created Gods in exchange.: ‘ਹਉ ਤਉ ਏਕੁ ਰਮਈਆ ਲੈਹਉ ॥ ਆਨ ਦੇਵ ਬਦਲਾਵਨਿ ਦੈਹਉ ॥’).  ||1|| All because of my low caste (and because I chose You over the Pujaaree’s gods and goddesses), O king of Yadavs (Krishna of the Mahabharata story). Why did I come to be born to a cloth printer’s family? ||1||Pause|| I took my small blanket and turned back and went behind the temple. ||2|| As Namdev continued to praise the Divine Virtues of the Creator; (people from inside) the temple turned towards Bhagat Namdev – devotees turned their back towards the Brahmin Pujaaree in the temple and joined Namdev. ||3||6|| (sggs 1164, Bhagat Namdev).

Just as the Hindu society in the present and present, the Sikh society is also caste ridden. The only difference is that the Hindu society has Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishya’s, Shudras whereas the Sikh society has Jatts, Sainis, Labana, Mazahbi, Khatris, Aroras, Tarkhans, Dalit, Mazhabi, Sikligar Sikhs, and so on.

With the exception of may be some enlightened Sikhs, most Sikhs are prone to caste prejudices – these Sikhs have been mislead by greedy and self-serving Sikh Pujaare (clergy: deraa babas and their trained in Nirmala traditions Bhias, Granthis, Parcharaks, Ragis, Dhadis, Jathedars etc), fake Nirankaris, Radha Swami, worshippers of Gugga, and so on.

However, we Sikhs never get tired of boastingly explaining to foreigners that, unlike Hindu society, Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak does not recognize the division of society on the basis of caste. What a Joke! Guru Nanak:

• ਨੀਚਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਨੀਚ ਜਾਤਿ ਨੀਚੀ ਹੂ ਅਤਿ ਨੀਚੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਾਥਿ ਵਡਿਆ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਆ ਰੀਸ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਨੀਚ ਸਮਾਲੀਅਨਿ ਤਿਥੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ॥੪॥੩॥ : Those human beings who are the lowest and those who are called lowest of the low (downtrodden, with little accumulated material, so called low caste…), Nanak associates with them and not going to emulate with those who are privileged. (O God) there is the grace of Your Blessings where downtrodden people (unrepresented, under-represented etc.) are taken care of. ||4||3|| (sggs 15).

Let alone marriages, even Gurdwaras are built along caste lines!

The Gurus and Bhagats tried to eliminate this evil from the society, and taught us to do the same.

A brief history of distortion of the Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak

Here is a brief history of distortion of the Gurbani/Gurmat/Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak of its Uniqueness (ਨਿਰਮਲਤਾ-Nirmalta) by undermining and choking Sikhi and taking it back to the belief systems that existed prior to the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469, which  started at the moment Baabaa Nanak refused to wear the sacred thread (Janaeu) and proclaimed his solidarity with downtrodden masses.

The Gurbani-English translations readily available on the Internet/Apps are not only direct literal translations, they’re also NOT in-line with the Gurmat Sidhaant of Baba Nanak (SGGS). The translations have a strong Brahmanical influence because they are based on Gurbani translation of ‘Fareedkoti Teeka‘ which was created by a group of Nirmala Pujaarees gathered by the Fareedkot ruler in 1880.

More on this subject can be read in the following separate posts:
Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi
Gurbani can only be Comprehended Through Gurbani Itself

Sikhi demands removal of the cancer of Jaat Paat – casteism

Baabaa Nanak’s Pure, Unique and Revolutionary ‘Soch’ (thinking) demands removal of the cancer of Jaat Paat (casteism) from the human society!

All Sikhs (learners or ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ of the Giaan–Wisdom of the SGGS — young or old — whether living in India or in other countries must know that SGGS is strictly against Jaat Paat (casteism).

The Gurmat (Wisdom, Giyan, Upadesh or Way of the SGGS…) is the strong supporter of equality and thus rejects madness of belief in Jaat Paat.

The Bibek or Wisdom of the SGGS instructs its Sikhs to consider all humans equal, regardless of their class, color, race, gender or religion.

• ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਸੋ ਤੇਰਾ ਰੂਪੁ ॥: Whatever is seen is Your form (sggs724).
• ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ ॥੧॥: From one Omnipresent and Omnipotent Creator, the entire Creation has been created then whom can we call good and who is bad? ||1||
• ਜਾਣਹੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥: Recognize the Light (Jot within all), and don’t ask or consider Jaatee, as there is no Jaat in the world hereafter (sggs 349).

The Gurmat rejects the Brahminical practice of casteism, which divides the mankind, resulting in hatred, inequality, injustice, disharmony, and so on. To the contrary, the Gurmat teaches to bring about the positive social change by removing the evil of Jaat Paat etc.!

Hence – regardless what Got (ਗੋਤ), surname or group you identify with – if you believe in the madness of Jaat Paat, then how you can call your a Sikh Baabaa Nanak or SGGS!

Instead, you may be a follower of Bipar (Brahminism). Why?

Because the madness of belief in Jaat Paat is the product of the Brahmin’s crafty mind or thinking (ਸੋਚ) and texts such as Mannu Simriti etc. along with fake and concocted stories (ਗੱਪ ਕਹਾਣੀਆਂ), falsehood (ਝੂਠ), disfigured history with embellishments and imaginary facts.

To say it otherwise, Sikhs who practice or believe in the madness of Jaat Paat as the Brahmins do are fraud or bogus Sikhs in disguise. Because, the true Dharma as taught by the Gurmat does not believe in this madness.

Hence, such anti-Gurmat forces (anti-Gurus and anti-teaching of the Gurbani-SGGS) who propagate Bipar-Vaad thinking (ਸੋਚ), distort Sikh tenets, corrupt Baabaa Nanak’s teaching which critiques and debunks the Brahminical practice of caste system. In other words, they simply want to superimpose Bipar-Vaad onto the Wisdom of the SGGS.

• ਗਰਭ ਵਾਸ ਮਹਿ ਕੁਲੁ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਤੀ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਬਿੰਦੁ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਉਤਪਾਤੀ ॥੧॥ ਕਹੁ ਰੇ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਬਾਮਨ ਕਬ ਕੇ ਹੋਏ ॥ ਬਾਮਨ ਕਹਿ ਕਹਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਮਤ ਖੋਏ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਜੌ ਤੂੰ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਣੀ ਜਾਇਆ ॥ ਤਉ ਆਨ ਬਾਟ ਕਾਹੇ ਨਹੀ ਆਇਆ ॥੨॥ : 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॥ So, tell me O Brahmin, at what point did you become a Brahmin? Realize that living in false pride as a Brahman results in squandering of one’s life. ||1||Pause|| O Brahmin, since you consider yourself a Brahmin born out of a Brahmin mother. Then why didn’t you enter the world through some other process, some other way (as the rest of us humans)? ॥2॥ (sggs 324).

In other words, those so called Sikhs who practice or believe in the madness of casteism (Jaat Paat) are in fact followers of Bipar-Vaad which is bent on distorting the pure teachings of the SGGS.

• 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).

For example, just take a careful look at the currently available Teekaas of the SGGS on the Internet. They are primarily based on (1) literal translation, (2) incident (time, location, person etc.) based interpretations, (3) framework of Shastras, Vedas, Purans, other Hindu texts, Yogic system etc.

It would be complete travesty of truth to deny or shy away from the fact that there has already been distortion of the Teaching (Upadesh-Message) of the SGGS by the self-serving Pujaaree.

The Gurbani asserts the caste or Jaat Paat relates only to the gross body-frame; not to one’s mind!

• ਦੇਹ ਨ ਨਾਉ ਨ ਹੋਵੈ ਜਾਤਿ ॥: ‘Deh’ (i.e., subtle body – soul) has no name or ‘Jaati’ (sggs 1257).
• ਸਭ ਜੋਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਜੋਤੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਕਰਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਸਚੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਪਾਸਾਰਾ ॥: Sabh joti teree jotee… (sggs 1314).

In other words, the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS tells us that the caste-conscious person is simply a Manmukh (Saakat, Mayadhaaree…) who has confounded his True Identity (Jot Saroop) with the non-Jot or the physical body-frame.

Consequently, owing to false ego-sense and Haumai (false ego-sense), such deluded person identifies himself/herself and others as Jatt Sikh, Saini Sikh, Bhapa Sikh, Mazhabi Sikh, Tarkhan Sikh, Labana Sikh etc.

• ਅਗੈ ਨਾਉ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਇਸੀ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਦੁਖੁ ਖਾਤਾ ॥: One’s fame (ਵੱਡਾ ਨਾਮ) and social status do not accompany one in the hereafter; thus (consumed in these) the Manmukh suffers. (sggs 514).
• ਸਾਕਤ ਨੀਚ ਤਿਸੁ ਕੁਲੁ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਤੀ ॥੭॥: Saakat is always interested in low activities, and loses his family-name or social standing. ||7|| (sggs 239).
• ਮਾਇਆਧਾਰੀ ਅਤਿ ਅੰਨਾ ਬੋਲਾ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਸੁਣਈ ਬਹੁ ਰੋਲ ਘਚੋਲਾ ॥: Mayaadhaaree ati anna bolaa… (sggs 313).

The negative side of having some power (e.g. pride or superiority complex of higher caste) for a while is that it gets to one’s head. Anything we practice for a long time becomes a core part of our identity. This is the problem with Brahminical Soch (thinking). Also, this is the problem with those Sikhs and the Sikh Pujaare groups who believe in the madness of casteism (Jaat Paat) as the Bramins do.

Consequent of such madness perpetuates social inequality, divisions, separateness, ‘Baad Bibaad’ (strife, conflicts, ਝਗੜੇ, ਵੈਰ-ਵਿਰੋਧ), and so on. It’s a curse. For example, the casteism is practiced so blindly in some rural parts of Punjab that people have established caste-specific Gurudwaras, cremation grounds, wells, places of congregation, cooking and eating, and so on.

Then why so many Sikhs practice this madness?

The Gurbani provides us with an answer — it’s because of one’s doubt (Bharam), Haumai (false ego-sense), vices or Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and their countless variations).

• ਹਉਮੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਅਤਿ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰੈ ਤਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਜਾਇ ਜੋਤੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਭਗਵਾਨੁ ॥੨॥: Haumai, self-centeredness (ਮੈਂ ਮੈਂ, ਮੇਰੀ ਮੇਰੀ) and ‘Jaati’ (pride of being superior, separate, different…), (gives rise to) too much anger and pride (i.e., all Bikaar). (If) died through the Shabad (i.e., becoming absorbed in Naam, Hukam, Shabad-Vichaar, Wisdom….), then ‘Jaati’ (pride of being superior, separate, different…) goes away, (and then one’s) light merges into the (Supreme) Light and (he) Realizes ‘Bhagwaan’ (Mool, Parmaatam…). ||2|| (sggs 429).

Furthermore, the Pujaaree groups are succeeding in their alliances with management to convert Gurdwara programs into Brahamanic practices.

Also, the Gurdwara programs are restricted to only singing and recitations without Shabad-Vichaar. If there is any Shabad-vichaar, it is only by the illiterate or self-serving Pujaaree (clergy)..

The Bani of all 35 writers in the SGGS introduced a major shift in the practices of the institutionalized or organized religions by promoting Vichaar to replace all useless rituals or Karamkaand.

But, alas, we are reverting back to pre-1469 times!

According to the Gurbani, the cure is in removing doubt, Haumai, or Bikaar (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride…) — BECOMING THE GURBANI (Enlightened or Gurmukh Mindset).

• ਸਬਦੇ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੀਐ ਸਚੈ ਮਹਲਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇ ॥੪॥: Through Internalizing the Message of the Shabad, conquer your ego, and enjoys the spiritual peace by realizing the Creator within. ||4|| (sggs 429).
• ਹਮਰੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਪਤਿ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ॥: The One Creator’s Naam is my social status and honor. (sggs 353).
• ਜਾਤਿ ਬਰਨ ਕੁਲ ਸਹਸਾ ਚੂਕਾ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੀ ॥੧॥: ||1||: Doubt about Jaati, Varan, and Kul (caste, social class, lineage…) is eliminated by the Gurmat (following the Teaching of the Gurbani) through the Shabad-Vichaar ||1|| (sggs 1198).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਤਿ ਪਤਿ ਸਭੁ ਆਪੇ ॥: To the Gurmukh (Enlightened Mindset), the Creator Himself is his social class, status and honor. (sggs 117).

In fact, according to the SGGS (NOT according to the fool-o-sophy), it’s the absence of Naam (Wisdom / Virtues…) which constitutes one being of low caste (ਨੀਚ, ‘ਨੀਚ ਜਾਤਿ’, ‘ਸਨਾਤ’).

• ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਸਭ ਨੀਚ ਜਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਬਿਸਟਾ ਕਾ ਕੀੜਾ ਹੋਇ ॥: Without the Naam, all are low class, like maggots in manure (sggs 426).

Relatively the older Sikh generation may not change, for they feel comfortable and are used to Jaat Paat.

Also, with old age, Haumai (false ego-sense) tend to become stubborn, stronger, bloated…

• ਅਬਰਨ ਬਰਨ ਸਿਉ ਮਨ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਗਾਵਨਿ ਗਾਵਹਿ ਗੀਤ ॥: (Those people whose) mind loves to know the high and low social class (caste…), (they) always speak in egotism (sggs 1162).

However, we Sikhs (learners of the Gurbani), old or young, around the world should educate ourselves of the true Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS and become self-aware of challenges.

On the basis of the Universal Teaching of the SGGS, particularly the youngsters should come forth and challenge and break this mad practice of casteism (Jaat Paat) in Sikhi. They must come forth and confront those who are trying to propagate this evil practices in the Gurdwaras, homes, communities etc.

In a nutshell, the Gurmat considers one’s ‘Jaat’ (if one is of low or high caste…) and ‘Paat’ (honor, dignity…) based on one’s Karma (deeds, actions…).

Listen to the ultimate edict (ਫੈਸਲਾ) of Baabaa Nanak:

• ਜਾਤਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਨਹ ਪੂਛੀਐ ਸਚ ਘਰੁ ਲੇਹੁ ਬਤਾਇ ॥ ਸਾ ਜਾਤਿ ਸਾ ਪਤਿ ਹੈ ਜੇਹੇ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਇ ॥: Do not ask about (someone’s) ‘Jaati’ or birth (family). (If you must ask, then ask) how to realize Truth in the Heart. (Jaat Paat of a person) is as he acts (sggs 1330).

As evident, Sikhi we see out there today is not a Sikhi of the SGGS. Instead, it’s a Sikhi of the self-serving Pujaaree which misleads people and fleece the gullible.

Baabaa Nanak asserts brandishing religious paraphernalia on one’s ephemeral body-frame is not a Sikhi of the SGGS.

• 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 ||1|| (sggs 843).

Related Posts:

• Guru Nanak’s concept of ‘God’
• Jaat Paat – Madness of Casteism in Sikhi
• White Blood in Veins!
• Gurbani Debunks Superstitions of Casteism
• Gurbani is not Meant to Regurgitate Pre-1469 Beliefs
• Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi
• Jaat Paat – Madness of Casteism in Sikhi
• Gurmat and Social Change
• Gurbani Speaks of one Universal Dharma of Virtues
• Gurbani’s Message is Universal and Egalitarian
• Sikhi Teaches to Discard priestly Class
• Core of Gurmat Spirituality – ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ