Gurbani Wisdom

Q. 62. How is the “Vaak” (picking of a random hymn) to be taken from Guru Granth Sahib?

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Ans. A Sikh is both a saint as well as a soldier. A soldier stands daily in line and takes the order for the day from his/her commanding officer. Similarly, a Sikh joins, everyday, the holy cong’ egation (Sangat) and takes commandment (Hukam) from the true emperor, Guru Granth Sahib. He/she then bows and takes […]

Q. 62. How is the “Vaak” (picking of a random hymn) to be taken from Guru Granth Sahib? Read More »

Q. 58. What do we understand by the term “chaukian”?

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Ans. The meaning of the term ‘chauki’ is a ‘guard of sentries’. When in the presence of the Guru any task is performed, keeping oneself alert, cautious and careful, it is known as “chauki bharna” Performing of chauki). Guru Arjan Dev in one of his hymns, in Raag Sorath, has clearly illustrated the meaning of

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Q.57. What do we understand by the term, “Degh Tegh Fateh”?

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Ans. When the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, asked from Akaal Purakh (God) the boon, “Panth chale tab jagat meh jab tum karo sahaae”, (The Panth could succeed in the world only with your blessings O Lord), he requested at the same time (to Akaal Purakh): “DEGH TEGH JAGG MEH DOU CHALE, RAAKH AAP MOHE

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Q.56. How and when did the practice of “Daswandh” (tithe) start in Sikhism?

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Ans.It was Guru Nanak who honoured us the principle of: ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ॥ (SGGS, P. 1245) (Those who share their honest earnings with needy, truly recognize the way (to God). When Guru Nanak started farming at Kartar Pur, towards the last few years of his life, he used to

Q.56. How and when did the practice of “Daswandh” (tithe) start in Sikhism? Read More »

Q.52. Why is ‘Sangat’ (congregation) given so much importance in Sikhism?

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Ans. Before Guru Nanak the expression, “sadhu na chale jamaat”, or a saintly person could not perform his religious activities in congregation, was often heard in the Hindu society. The Western Judeo-Christian) religions emphasized on, “flight of alone to the alone”. But Guru Nanak started the institution of “Saadh Sangat” (holy congregation). On a question

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Q.51. Why is so much emphasis placed on “Naam Simran” (meditation on God’s Name) in Sikhism?

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Ans. In Guru Granth Sahib the praises of Naam Simran have been certainly given many times, but its definition has purposely been left untold. This means that every one of us is presumed to possess Simran (within), only it needs to be firmly entrenched by remembering it always never to forget it. The very meaning

Q.51. Why is so much emphasis placed on “Naam Simran” (meditation on God’s Name) in Sikhism? Read More »

Q. 50. What do we understand by “Naam”?

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Ans. While meditating, when mind attains the awareness of existence of God through His light, that state is called the revelation of Naam. Naam is also the sudden awareness (like lightening) regarding collective virtues of God. According to the third Master, Guru Amar Das: ਅੰਤਰਿ ਖੂਹਟਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਭਰਿਆ ਸਬਦੇ ਕਾਢਿ ਪੀਐ ਪਨਿਹਾਰੀ॥ (SGGS, P. 570)

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Q. 49. What is Bhakti (Bhagti); and why Sikhism is not a part of the so called Bhakti movement?

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Ans. To worship any one of the twenty-four Avtaaras (of Hindu mythology) as ones spiritual preceptor is Bhakti according to Hindu belief. The idea that God is merciful and from time to time He takes birth for the emancipation of human beings has been prevalent in the Hindu society. The twenty-four Avtaaras, which include Lord

Q. 49. What is Bhakti (Bhagti); and why Sikhism is not a part of the so called Bhakti movement? Read More »

Q. 48. What are the meanings of the terms, Naam, Daan, Ishnaan, kirat karo and vand chhako?

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Ans. Guru Nanak Dev always enjoined his disciples for Naam, Daan and Ishnaan, and asserted that all Sikhs should practice honest work and sharing their earnings with less fortunate fellow human beings. According to him the life of those observing Naam, Daan and Ishnaan always stayed in perfect balance or equipoise. Bhai Gurdas in the

Q. 48. What are the meanings of the terms, Naam, Daan, Ishnaan, kirat karo and vand chhako? Read More »

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