True Guru in Sikhi!

There are 35 contributors of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), including Six Guru Sahibaan. Although there are 35 contributors, still the entire Gurbani (from page 1 of the SGGS to the end) is based on a single divine principle and that principle is the explanation of the ONE (Iko or Eko – ‘ੴ’ ਦੀ ਵਿਆਖਿਆ).

Note that even the Bani of the six Guru Sahibaan is identified by the word ‘Mahalaa‘, NOT by the word ‘Guru’, ‘Satguru’, or ‘sant‘!

The Guru of Sikhs is Shabad – Eternal Wisdom

In fact, Baabaa Nanak never had any embodied Guru!

During ‘Sidh Gosti’, Sidhas posed many questions to Baabaa Nanak. Three of those questions were (1) Who is your Guru? (2) How do you become a disciple? (3) Where does the Shabad reside? Baabaa Nanak’s answers them as follows:

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

In the word Guru, ‘Gu’ signifies darkness and ‘Ru‘ denotes Knowledge or Light. Thus, the word Guru denotes that Divine Light or Wisdom (Giaan, Bibek)) which removes the darkness of ignorance.

• ਗਿਆਨ ਪ੍ਰਵੇਸੁ ਗੁਰਹਿ ਧਨੁ ਦੀਆ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਮਾਨੁ ਮਨ ਏਕ ਮਏ ॥ : A person whom the Guru blessed with the Spiritual Wealth of Giaan (i.e. a person who sincerely TAKE the divine Wisdom or Bibek from the Guru), his mind remained attuned to God and he became one with God. (sggs 487).
• ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ਐਸੀ ਬੁਧਿ ਸਮਾਨੀ ॥ ਚੂਕਿ ਗਈ ਫਿਰਿ ਆਵਨ ਜਾਨੀ ॥੩॥ : By the ‘Gur Prasaad‘ (Blessing or Grace of the Shabad Guru, Gur-Giaan, Gur-Wisdom, Bibek, or Enlightenment of the Shabad.), when someone’s mind is Enlightened with such a Wisdom, then his (Afterlife Bharam-doubt about) cycle of birth and death ends forever. ||3|| (sggs 337).
• ਗੁਰਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ ਮੋਰੀ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਮਿਰਗ ਪੜਤ ਹੈ ਚੋਰੀ ॥ ਮੂੰਦਿ ਲੀਏ ਦਰਵਾਜੇ ॥ ਬਾਜੀਅਲੇ ਅਨਹਦ ਬਾਜੇ ॥੧॥ : The Guru has shown me that weakness of mine; because of which the animals like vices/ Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed etc.) were secretly taking over my spiritual life. (With the help of the Guru’s Guidance) now I have full control over my senses as if have closed the doors of the senses through which bad thoughts were entering my mind (i.e. now my mind decides what comes in and what goes out). Now I hear the Voice of my Conscious clear and Loud (i.e. BECOMING the GURBANI, now I have REALIZED the Creator Within). (sggs 656).

The term ‘Satguru’ consists of two words, ‘Sat’ and ‘Guru’. As Truth (ਸੱਚ-Sach) is eternal, the ‘Sat‘ represents the eternal nature of the Guru (Giaan, Wisdom…); the one without beginning, middle, or end — which holds true in past, present and future. It simply means that the Guru or the Satguru does not take birth; thereby, never dies.

Hence, in nutshell, according to the Gurmat (Eternal Giaan-Wisdom, Upadesh, Sikhia, or Way of the SGGS…), the true or real Guru in Sikhi is the formless Giaan (ਗਿਆਨ) — the formless Bibek (ਬਿਬੇਕ), Wisdom, Discriminating intellect (ਬਿਬੁਕ ਬੁੱਧ) etc.

• ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਮੈ ਸੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ਬਿਬੇਕੋੁ ॥੪॥੫॥: Says Kabeer, I have found that Guru, whose Name is ‘Bibek(u)’ (Wisdom, Discerning Intelligence…). ||4||5|| (sggs 793).
• ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥: Guru is my Giaan (Knowledge or Wisdom…), the Guru is (ever) within my Heart; this is my meditation (Dhiaan, Reflection, contemplation …). (sggs 864).
• ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨਾਮ ਰਤਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥: The Jewel of Giaan (Wisdom) is obtained from the Guru (sggs 1044).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹੈ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹੈ ਪੂਜਾ ॥: Satiguru is ‘GIAAN’ (i.e. WISDOM, ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ); and Satiguru (i.e. GIAAN or WISDOM) is the ‘Poojaa‘. (sggs 1069).
• ਗੁਰ ਦੀਪਕੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਬਲੀਆ ਜੀਉ ॥: (Let) the lamp of the Gur-Wisdom burn steadily in the mind. (sggs 173).

The SGGS further asserts that this Giaan-Guru, or Bibek-Guru, or Satguru (True Eternal Giaan-Wisdom – ਸਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) resides in the mind of the Sikhs (learner – ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ):

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ਸਾਜਨੁ ਉਤ ਹੀ ਠਾਇ ॥: When the Satiguru (Sach Daa Giaan, Knowledge of Truth, etc.) abides within the mind, then the ‘Sahib’ or Mool is (also) seen at the same place (that is, within…) (sggs 1087).
• ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਪਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇਰਾ ॥: Bibek Budh is obtained from the Satigur; the Guru reveals the Divine Wisdom. (sggs 711).
• ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਕਿਆ ਕਹਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਸਤ ਸਰੁ ॥: How can I Glorify the Gur? The Gur is the ‘Srovar’ of Truth and Bibek (sggs 397).
• ਬਿਬੇਕੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਮਦਰਸੀ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਸੰਕ ਉਤਾਰੇ ॥: The Bibek Guru looks upon all alike. Meeting with that (Bibek-Gueu), doubts are dispelled (sggs 981).

The food of the gross body is different than the food of the mind. The Satguru provides the spiritual food for the mind (ਮੰਨ ਦੀ ਖੁਰਾਕ) to ALL beings. Thus, the Satguru nourishes and protects all of us by providing the spiritual food for our mind from Within — Wisdom / Virtues.

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਭਸ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ॥: My True Guru is the benefactor of all (i.e. Giver of Wisdom / Virtues to all). (Sggs 1142).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਰਬ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲੈ ॥ : My true Guru nourishes all (with the spiritual food of Wisdom / Virtues). (sggs 1142).
• ਜਿਨਿ ਜੀਉ ਦੀਆ ਸੁ ਰਿਜਕੁ ਅੰਬਰਾਵੈ ॥ ਸਭ ਘਟ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਹਾਟੁ ਚਲਾਵੈ ॥ : (Creator) who has given life, also provides for its sustenance (of spiritual Guidance how to lead life – spiritual food of Wisdom / Virtues). For that He runs a shop Within all (a shop full of Wisdom / Virtues Within all). (sggs 794).
• ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੁ ॥: O my mind, deem both the Guru and Creator as one, (sggs 864).

The SGGS asserts that the Satgur is ‘Abinaasee‘ (imperishable, undying, everlasting, immortal, indestructible, etc.). The SGGS further asserts that the Satgur abides in the mind of everybody (‘ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ’). However, the Satgur needs to be Awakened within by churning the Gurbani or the Shabad-Vichaar!

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਨਾ ਆਵੈ ਨਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਓਹੁ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੧੩॥: My Satguru (Sachaa Giaan or true Wisdom) is always there, everywhere, which neither comes nor goes. The Satguru is imperishable, and pervades within all. ||13|| (sggs 759).

Hence, the Gurbani teaches us Formlessness non-duality. The Gurbani further reminds us NOT to serve any embodied beings, for they are born and then die!

Since the Gurbani teaches us non-duality, the Gurmat’s Satguru (Giaan-Guru, Bibek-Guru, Wisdom…) is Formless and ‘Eternal’ ( ਨਾਸ-ਰਹਿਤ, ਜਾਗਦੀ ਜੋਤਿ) which never perishes, and nobody is without it.

Hence in Sikhi of the SGGS, the Guru is neither a body-frame, nor a picture (Moorat or portrait), nor paper. Because a body will perish one day; a picture will perish one day, paper will also perish one day.

But the Giaan or Wisdom will NOT perish, for it is without any form, shape, or color!

• ਦੇਹੀ ਕਾਚੀ ਕਾਗਦ ਮਿਕਦਾਰਾ ॥ ਬੂੰਦ ਪਵੈ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਢਹਤ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਬਾਰਾ ॥: The body is frail and perishable; the paper is limited. When the drop of water falls upon it – the paper – crumbles and dissolves instantaneously (sggs 1048).
• ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਸੋ ਸੇਵੀਐ ਜੋ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਹੈ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਅਵਰੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਕਿਉ ਸੇਵੀਐ ਜੰਮੈ ਤੈ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਇ ॥: Serve That (ONE) forever who is contained in all. Why serve another who is born, and then dies? (sggs 509).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਜਾਗਤਾ ਹੈ ਦੇਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥: The Satiguru (ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ – true Wisdom) is the living divinity (ਜੀਉਂਦਾ-ਜਾਗਦਾ ਦੇਉ). ||1||Pause|| (sggs 479).

In nutshell, Wisdom of the Gurbani is for the mind (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ). Because, as mentioned above, it’s the mind that needs to become a Sikh!

A Sikh who reflects on the Gurbani (SGGS) and understands the Gurmat as is and applies the Gur-Wisdom (Sikhiaa) to his daily life, the SGGS claims that Sikh’s mind is never empty or devoid of his Guru. The bright light of a candle never ceases to shine once another candle has been lit by its flame (of Giaan-Wisdom).

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਖਾਲੀ ਕੋ ਨਹੀ ਮੇਰੈ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥: None is devoid of the Satigur; (Satgur – Knowledge of Truth – ਸਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ, Wisdom…) unites with my Mool within. (sggs 850).
• ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥: My Guru is always with me, near at hand (sggs 394).
• ਗੁਰੂ ਸਿਖੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਏਕੋ ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਚਲਾਏ ॥: The Guru’s Sikh, and the Sikh’s Guru, are one and the same; the Sikh also continues to carry forward the Gur-Upadesh (Gur-Giaan, Sikhia, Wisdom, Bibek…). (sggs 444).

Guru, Giaan, Bibek, Paarbrahm, Parmesar, Hukam are Synonymous

The divine Hukam (or the System-Rule-Law of Nature…) is without form, shape, and color.

Similarly, Giaan (Wisdom. Knowledge, Truth…) and Virtues (ਗੁਣ) are also without any form, shape, or color.

Accordingly, the Gurbani asserts that understand the Creator (Rabb, Universal Energy…) and the Guru to be same thing (‘ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਣੁ’).

• ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦ ॥੪॥੧੧॥੨੪॥ : There is no difference between God and the Guru. ||4||11||24|| (sggs 1142).
• ਗੁਰ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ਅਪਰੰਪਰ ਅਲਖ ਅਭੇਵ ॥੧੬॥ : The Guru is God, the Transcendent, Infinite, unseen and inscrutable. ||16|| (sggs 522).
• ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿ ਜੀਉ ॥ … ਸਤਿ ਸਾਚੁ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ ਆਦਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਸਦਾ ਤੁਹੀ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥੬॥ : O Guru! O wonderous Guru! O magnificent Guru! Wow! … The Creator whose existence is permanent resides within you, O Guru! O wonderous Guru! O magnificent Guru! Wow! (sggs 1402).
• ਵਾਹਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਹੈ ਜਪ ਹਉਮੈਂ ਖੋਈ ॥ : O Wondrous Guru (i.e. Wahi Guru) You (i.e. Guru) are my Mantar, realizing You I have eliminated my false ego-sense (Haumai). (Bhai Gurdas Ji, Var 13).

Furthermore, the Gurbani asserts that both ‘Guru’ and ‘Parmesar‘ (Rabb) are not only the same thing but also remains within all (‘ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ’).

• ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ : Rabb (Parmesar) and the Knowledge (i.e., ‘Gur’ – Giaan, Brahm-Giaan, Wisdom…) of Rabb is the same thing (i.e. One), pervading and permeating in all (sggs 53).
• ਹਰਿ ਇਕੋ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਸਲਤੀ ਭੰਨਣ ਘੜਨ ਸਮਰਥੁ ॥: ‘Hari’ (i.e. Mool, Naam, Universal Energy, Hukam: System-Rule-Law of Nature…) is my only counselor, who is all-powerful of breaking and constructing (i.e., creating and destroying…). (sggs 958).
• ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਦੇਇ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇ ॥: The Gur-Giaan (Spiritual Wisdom…) is the Naam Padaarath. (Hence, the Guru) makes the Hari Naam firm (resolved, stable, strong, properly understood, ਪੱਕਾ, ਦ੍ਰਿੜ, etc., in the mind of the sincere seeker of Truth – ਜਗ੍ਯਾਸੂ…). (sggs 759).

What is the nature of service in the name of the Guru – Satgur Ki Sevaa

Now, the answer to a question of how to serve the Guru becomes very clear.

According to the Gurbani (SGGS), the way to serve the Guru or Satguru is through Shabad Vichaar or churning the Gurbani, then live a daily life based on Message of the Shabad (Enlightenment, Wisdom…).

As follows, the Gurbani in the SGGS reveals to its Sikhs (students, learners) the nature of the Guru’s Service (‘Gur Ki Sevaa‘). 

• ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੇ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੭॥ : Undertaking the deed of controlling my false ego-sense (Haumai) and Enlightening myself with the spiritual Message within the Shabad (Shabad Vichaar) is service (Sevaa) of the Guru (ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ – Gur Ki Sevaa). ॥7॥. (sggs 223).
• ਕਿਸੁ ਸੇਵੀ ਤੈ ਕਿਸੁ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੀ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ॥ ਸਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਦਾ ਮਤਿ ਊਤਮ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਕਮਲੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੀ ਹੇ ॥੩॥: Whom should I serve, and whom should I praise? I serve the ‘Satguru‘ (Creator-connecting True Wisdom – ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) through Shabad (i.e. living life with the Satguru’s Upadesh, Giaan, Wisdom, Naam etc.). Through the Creator-connecting Shabad, one’s intellect remains sublime and he feels so delighted, as if the Lotus within his Mind has bloomed (i.e. Enlightened). ||3|| (sggs 1048).
• ਉਤਮ ਪਦਵੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਚੇ ਰਹੈ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਪੂਰਬਿ ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਤਿਨਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਆਇ ॥੧॥ : (With the birth and death cycle eliminated) my mind Realizes a Spiritually Elevated State Within which the Creator remains. Nanak, only those who accounted moments of their lives for (Shabad Vichaar) Realize the Satguru (Creator-connecting True Wisdom — ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ). ॥1॥ (sggs 552).

The Gurbani claims that this Sevaa or service — Shabd Vichaar (ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ) — of the Guru is meaningful (fruitful, successful, worthwhile etc.) when done in sincerity:

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਫਲ ਹੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਰੇ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਅਚਿੰਤੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥ : Service in the name of the Satguru (Creator-connecting True Wisdom – ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) is meaningful when done in sincerity. (In such service) the Treasure of Divine Naam (Wisdom / Virtues) is realized and the mind comes to reside in a worry Free State (State of Inner Peace). (sggs 552).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਏ ॥: Internalization of the spiritual Message of the Shabad (the Gurmukh-Hood State of Mind) burn Haumai (false ego-sense). (sggs 942).

The status of the ‘Gurbani’ is attained only by that Bani which was recorded by the Guru Sahibs during their lifetime in the Pothi Sahib — Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS). Rest of the Bani is ‘Kachee‘ (half baked; filth; useless; lies).

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਬਿਨਾ ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਬਾਣੀ ਤ ਕਚੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਹੋਰ ਕਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਕਹਦੇ ਕਚੇ ਸੁਣਦੇ ਕਚੇ ਕਚੀ ਆਖਿ ਵਖਾਣੀ ॥ : The Bani uttered by anybody other than the Satguru is ‘Kachee‘ (half baked; filth; useless; lies, false, devoid of divine Wisdom etc.). Yes, without being uttered or approved by the Satguru, all other Bani is ‘Kachee‘. False are the reciters (of ‘Kachee Bani), false are the listeners (of ‘Kachee Bani); false are those who discourse on ‘Kachee‘ Bani. (sggs 920).
• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਰੀਸੈ ਹੋਰਿ ਕਚੁ ਪਿਚੁ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਸੇ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਕੂੜੇ ਝੜਿ ਪੜੀਐ ॥
  ਓਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਹੋਰੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਰੁ ਹੈ ਬਿਖੁ ਮਾਇਆ ਨੋ ਝਖਿ ਮਰਦੇ ਕੜੀਐ ॥ : Emulating the Satguru, some false ones utter indefensible and false words, but because of their falsehood they fall from grace (i.e. they cannot emulate Satgur and their falsehood stands exposed). (sggs 304).

SGGS teaches us ‘Chaj-ਚਜੁ’ of life — the Way of proper living

The Wisdom (Giaan) 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 MINDSET, 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 Giaan-Wisdom 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-ਚਜੁ’ of life by reading 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 or Wisdom), then the method or style of his whole life is NOT right. (sggs 19).

Necessity of the Guru (Giaan-Wisdom)

The SGGS declares:

• ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਘੋਰੁ ਅੰਧਾਰੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਮਝ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨ ਸਿਧਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਬਿਨੁ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਵੈ ॥: Without the Guru (i.e., without Giaan, Wisdom, Bibek…), there is utter darkness (of ignorance on the way of life); without the Guru, understanding (of the correct way of life) does not come. Without the Guru, there is no (higher) Awareness does not develop and no success (in the battle of life) is obtained; without the Guru, there is no liberation. (sggs 1377).

The SGGS tells us that without understanding or Giaan-Wisdom we humans act as animals. It’s the Wisdom that separates humans from animals.

• ਬਿਨੁ ਬੂਝੇ ਪਸੂ ਭਏ ਬੇਤਾਲੇ ॥੬॥: Without understanding, people become beast (-nature) and demon ||6|| (sggs 224).
• ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰ ਪੀਰਾ ਗਹਿਰ ਗੰਭੀਰਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਬਦੈ ਜਗੁ ਬਉਰਾਨੰ ॥: Shabad (Giaan, Upadesh, Naam, Wisdom…) is the Guru and Peer; (with this Shabad, a person) becomes profoundly earnest; (however) without the Shabad the world is gone crazy (sggs 635).

Since Sikhi is a Way of life based on the Giaan-Wisdom, therefore, Wisdom (Giaan-Guru) is NECESSARY for the mind to live a daily life of Virtues.

• ਮਨ ਸਮਝਾਵਨ ਕਾਰਨੇ ਕਛੂਅਕ ਪੜੀਐ ਗਿਆਨ ॥੫॥: To instruct the mind (ਉੱਚੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਸੂਝ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਸਤੇ-to raise the Consciousness to the High Plane, one) ought to study Divine Knowledge (ਉੱਚੀ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਵਾਲੀ ਬਾਣੀ…) to some extent. ||5|| (sggs 340).

In a nutshell, Sikhi of the SGGS or Baabaa Nanak creates Gurmukh MINDSETS (Daas, Bhagat or Jan) — Wise, Bibeki, intelligent, responsible, fearless, dutiful, Braveheart, truthful, virtuous, ਵਿਚਾਰਵਾਨ, ਬੁਧੀਮਾਨ, ਅਕਲਮੰਦ, ਤਰਕਸ਼ੀਲ, etc. — who are capable of discriminating between right and wrong.

Gur Gam – ਗੁਰ ਗਮ

As discussed before, ‘Gur’ or ‘Guru’ in Sikhi of the SGGS = Giaan-Wisdom, Bibek…

The term ‘Gam‘ is not easy to translate in English. Its closest English meaning could be summarized as follows: to go, to mount, to ascend; to reach or approach (ਪਹੁੰਚ), to arrive or access, to get or obtain; to get acquaintance, to get versed in divine knowledge, apprehension, and so on.

Simply put, ‘Gur Gam – ਗੁਰ ਗਮ’ => entering of the Divine Wisdom in the intellect; walking on the Way of the Wisdom of the SGGS; being established in the Wisdom of the SGGS; living daily life according to the Bibek Budhi or Wisdom of the SGGS; allowing the Gur-Shabad to guide daily life; and so on. By constantly remembering it (living it), one becomes Guruward (i.e. Gurmukh Mindset) and free of ‘Jum‘ (Bikaar: (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and their numerous variations).

• ਖਿਨੁ ਰਮ ਗੁਰ ਗਮ ਹਰਿ ਦਮ ਨਹ ਜਮ ਹਰਿ ਕੰਠਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਉਰਿ ਹਾਰੀ ਰੇ ॥੨॥੫॥੧੩੪॥: (sggs 404).

In nutshell, a Sikh is he/she who consider SGGS as their spiritual Guru and lives their daily life by Internalizing the Message of the the Creator-Connecting Shabad.

Establishing relationship with the Guru

In nutshell, ‘Sikhi’ is not a game of the gross body-frame. It’s the mind (Surat – ਸੁਰਤ) that needs to become the Sikh for the GurSikhs Solve the Riddle!

To say it otherwise, relationship (connection, link…) is established with the Guru when we know that:

• Giaan-Wisdom is the Guru in ‘Sikhi‘.
• And it’s the mind (Surat – ਸੁਰਤ) that needs to become the ‘Sikh’.
• Satguru gives the Sword of Wisdom to his Sikhs.
• As a result of living that Wisdom (ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ, ਸੱਚੀ ਵਿਚਾਰਧਾਰਾ, ਸੋਚ…) in daily life (i.e. practice, ਅਮਲ), the mind becomes Connected to the Creator Within and rejoices in ‘Anand‘ (Joy, Bliss, Happiness…).

And, this Giaan-Wisdom of the Guru is for the mind to take. Defining the Satguru, the Gurbani confirms it as follows:

• ਜਿਸੁ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਮਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸੋ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਕਹੀਐ ॥ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਲਹੀਐ ॥੧॥ : He, by meeting (i.e. realizing) whom the mind is filled with ‘Anand‘ (Bliss) is called the Satiguru (True Giaan-Wisdom, ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ…). Double-mindedness departs, and the supreme spiritual status of union with God is Realized. ||1|| (sggs 168).

However, contrary to what the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS teaches us, the gross body-frame itself is still being made a ‘Sikh’. It’s the gross body-frame still being worshipped by the Pujaaree-Vaad and Deraa-Vaad Baabaas!

• ਗਿਆਨ ਹੀਣੰ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਅੰਧ ਵਰਤਾਵਾ ਭਾਉ ਦੂਜਾ ॥: Bereft of Spiritual Wisdom, (people) worship ignorance. In the love of duality (in love of Maya, their) conduct or behavior (keeps them mentally blind or ignorant of their spiritual life). (sggs 1412).

Related posts:

• Gur Charan Kamal, Gur Charan Dhoorh and Gur Moorat,
• The Satgur’s Sword of Wisdom
• Sikhi of the Pujaaree-Vaad
• Sikhi: a Way of Life,
• Opening Verse of the SGGS – the God of Sikhi,
• SGGS Teaches to Discard the Clergy – Pujaaree System,
• Who can Say the Guru is Dead?
• Gurbani is not Meant to Regurgitate what Already Existed Before Gurus