Ans. Bhagat Kabir says:
ਕਬੀਰ ਮਾਨਸ ਜਨਮੁ ਦੁਲੰਭੁ ਹੈ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਬਾਰੈ ਬਾਰ॥
(SGGS, P. 1366)
Kabir: human birth is hard to attain, it does not occur again and again”.
This is why the Gurus’ directive is that we should not waste the (counted number of breaths that the Creator has bestowed upon us.When the Gurus called “the human body as the abode of God (Harmandar):
“ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਅਤਿ ਸੋਹਣਾ
(SGGS, P. 952)
They really meant that God could be attained to while there is life in this body.
ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਸੋਈ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਥਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਾਤਾ॥
(SGGS, P. 953)
Therefore to run away from life or to commit suicide (or the current movement of euthanasia) is not accepted in Sikhism.
On the contrary “those who commit suicide are called world butchers”:
ਆਤਮ ਘਾਤੀ ਹੈ ਜਗਤ ਕਸਾਈ॥
(SGGS, P. 118)
When a calamity befalls someone, he/she should consider it as a gift from God and turn himself/herself to meditation on God. The recitation of Naam or meditation on God is also service to Satguru (true Guru – God). Those who recited the Naam have the same place (in Guru’s eyes) as those who wielded the sword for a righteous cause, or those who shared food in companionship.
The following are the duties of various faculties according to Sikh teachings:
EYES: Should not look at others beauty with covetous thoughts.
TONGUE: Should not speak a lie; should not have uncontrolled attraction for delicacies.
EARS: Should not listen to anyone’s calumny.
HANDS: Should not steal; should not touch other women.
FEET: Should not go to perform an evil task.One should use ones body to help others. One who does not do so, his/her body is useless:
ਮਿਥਿਆ ਤਨ ਨਹੀ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰਾ॥
(SGGS, P. 269)
Guru Nanak’s remedy for every malady and calamity is to remember the Name of the Lord:
ਅਉਖਧ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਮੂਲੁ ਮਨ ਏਕੈ ਜੇ ਕਰਿ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੁ ਚਿਤੁ ਕੀਜੈ ਰੇ॥
(SGGS, P. 156)
“O my mind! There is only one remedy, one mantra and one formula (for all your ailments); focus yourself firmly on the Lord”.