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 […]
Q. 58. What do we understand by the term “chaukian”? Read More »
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
Q.57. What do we understand by the term, “Degh Tegh Fateh”? Read More »
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 »
Ans. The literal meaning of the term ‘Golak’ is “coming and going”, not staying put at one place. It also means the holes in the body, e.g., ears, eyes, nostrils etc. The money offered to Gurdwaras or donated for Gurus’ causes is supposed to come and go (spent for charitable purposes as it comes). That
Q. 55. What do we understand by the term “Golak”? Read More »
Ans. Gurdwara is one of the most important institutions of Sikhs. During his travels (udaasis), wherever Guru Nanak went and established his congregation, he founded a “Dharamsaal”. Over time Dharamsaal evolved into what is now known as Gurdwara. The meaning of the term ‘Gurdwara’ is, through Guru or Guru’s door, e.g., ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ
Q.54. What do we understand by the term ‘Gurdwara’? Read More »
Ans. Langar is the free (community) kitchen, which is an integral part of Sikh way of life. The term Langar is of Persian origin. It means anchor, a pronged weighty device made of steel, which is cast into the sea in order to hold the ships/boats in a particular place. That is why we use
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
Q.52. Why is ‘Sangat’ (congregation) given so much importance in Sikhism? Read More »
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
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)
Q. 50. What do we understand by “Naam”? Read More »
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
