Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Is The Universal Guru-Iqbal Singh Lalpura
Iqbal Singh Lalpura/ March 28,2024
First time in the history of religion, a Dharam Granth or a Scripture has been given the status of the living Guru of Sikhs. The concept of a world religion, which can help to reform human beings to be enlightened, truthful, spiritual, and fearless, was very present in the thought process of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. During his journeys, the Udasis, he traveled worldwide and made an effort to interact, with the religious leaders of all religions. The majority of them were convinced by the intellect and philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Guru Ji collected the writings of all those saints from different religions and castes, who only believed in one God and equality of human beings. None of them was a ritualistic person and were advocates of One God, who can be reached by, honest earning and service of humanity.
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru edited the Gurbani including the sacred ‘Baani’ of the five Gurus i.e. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji, Sri Guru Amardass Ji, Sri Guru Ramdass Ji and his own. Besides, the baani of 29 other Saints and Religious Gurus belonging to Hinduism and Islam, was also given place in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, after thorough verification. This may be the first time in the history of Religion, that the writings of other religions and religious leaders are placed along with the Sikh Gurus.
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji started the compilation of the Gurbani and writings of saints at Ramsar, Amritsar which was completed on 29th August 1604. On 1st September 1604 A.D., it was placed in Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar as the ‘Adigranth’, now Sri Granth Sahib Ji.
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji used to sleep on the floor in the room, where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was placed on a higher pedestal and always used to sit before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, as a humble devotee. Thus, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji became the guide, in the lifetime of Guru Sahiban. The baani (sacred writings) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was added by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He decided to give the status of everlasting living Guru to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in 1708 AD at Sri Hazoor Sahib, Nanded.
The Preamble of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is Almighty God ‘Ik Onkar Satnam karataapurakh nirbhau niravair akaal moorat ajonee saibhang, guruprsaad’ (There is only one Universal God, True in existence, fearless, without hatred, beyond birth, self-illuminating known by Guru’s grace).
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji guides the seeker to God apart from the religious, spiritual, social, economic, and political discipline in life. This human life is for enjoyment under the guidance of the Guru. ‘Nanak satgur bhetiai poori hovai jugat, Hasanddia khelenddiaa painanddiaa khaavanddia viche hovai mukat’ (O Nanak, meeting the True Guru, one comes to know the Perfect Way. While laughing, playing, dressing, and eating, he is liberated). For this, one has to follow the order. Udham Karaedhiaa Jeoo Toon Kamaavadhiaa Sukh Bhunch, Dhiaaendhiaa Toon Prabh Mil Naanak Outaree Chint (Ang 522 Sri Guru Granth Sahib) (Follow the principles of hard work, honest earnings, and meditating on the Almighty’s name of course, the Prayer and faith in the Guru are the other pillars). Satguru kee baannee sati saroop hai gurubaani banneeai (You have to live Gurbani not only recite it).
So far, many efforts have been made by philosophers and writers to explore the depth and messages of Gurbani, as incorporated in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, but there seems to be no initiative to preach it as the latest philosophy of converting a humble human being into an Angel, as disclosed in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Balihaaree Gur Aapanae Dhiouhaarree Sadh Vaar, Jin Maanas Thae Dhaevathae Keeeae Karat Na Laagee Vaar (A hundred times a day, I praise my Guru. As he made angels out of men in a fraction of a second) Ang 462 Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
For this, you need to light your inside lamp, as described by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Pothee puraann kamaaeeai, Bhau vateei tutani paaeeai, Sachu boojhaannu aann I jalaaeeai, Ihu tel deevaa iu jalai, Kari chanann sahib tau milai (Live life according to religious Books. The Fear/Love of God is the wick for the lamp of this body. Light this lamp with the match stick of Truth. Use this oil to light this lamp. Light the life in this way and meet your Lord and Master). Vich iduneeaa sev kamaaeeai, Taa dargah baisann u paaeeai, Kauh naanak baah ludaaeeai
( During this world, do seva. And you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord, Says Nanak, Raising his arms in joy Ang 25/26 Sri Guru Granth Sahib).
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji can unite humanity and erase all kinds of discrimination based on caste, creed, and religion. Personal Honour and respect for others are also important pillars of Sikh Philosophy. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji does not condemn any religion or religious Guru or Prophet but accept them as our own. Ved Kateb kahahu mat jhoothe jhoothaa jo na bichaarai. (Do not say that the Vedas, the Bible, and the Koran are false. Those who do not contemplate them are false). Sabh Guru Peer Hamaare (All the Gurus and Prophets are ours Ang 1350 Sri Guru Granth Sahib). This is the religion in which other religions and practices are not only accepted but adopted as the order of the Guru.
The way to Salvation is very clearly defined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a riddle or puzzle. Thhaalai Vich Thai Vasathoo Paeou Har Bhojan Anmrith Saar, Jith Khaadhhai Man Thripatheeai Paaeeai Mokh Dhuaar, Eihu Bhojan Alabh Hai Santo Labhai Gur Veechaar, Eaeh Mudhaavanee Kio Vichahu Kadteeai, Sadhaa Rakheeai ur Dhhaar, Eaeh Mudhaavanee Sathiguroo Paaee Gurasikhaa Ladhhee Bhaal. (Upon the food plate, three things have been placed; this is the sublime, ambrosial food of the Lord. Eating this, the mind is satisfied, and the Door of Salvation is found. It is so difficult to obtain this food, O Saints; it is obtained only by contemplating the Guru. Why should we cast this riddle out of our minds? We should keep it ever enshrined in our hearts. The True Guru has posed this riddle. The Guru’s Sikhs have found its solution).
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji solves this riddle in the last stanza, i.e. Mundavani which is the food on the Plate for God. Thhaal Vich Tinn Vasathu Peeou Sat Santhokh Veechaaro, Amrit Naam Thaakur Kaa Paeiou Jis Kaa Sabhas Adhhaaro, Jae Ko Khaavai Jae Ko Bhunchai tis Kaa Hoe Oudhhaaro, Eaeh Vasath Thajee Neh Jaaee Nit Nit Rakh ur Dhhaaro, Tam Sansaar Charan Lag Tareeai Sabh Naanak Breham Pasaaro. (Upon this Plate, three things have been placed: Truth, Contentment, and Contemplation. The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam, the Name of our Lord and Master, has been placed upon it as well; it is the base of all. One who eats it and enjoys it shall be saved. These things can never be forsaken; keep them always and forever in your mind. The dark world-ocean is crossed over, by grasping the Feet of the Lord; O Nanak, it is all the extension of God. With the guidance or mantra and Golden rules to be close to Him by following the life of truthfulness, contentment, Contemplation, meditation and service to humanity).
The fort of the body is the real temple of God. Har kaa Mandhar Aakheeai Kaaeiaa Kott Gad, Andhar Laal Javaeharee Guramukh Har Naam Padd, Har kaa Mandhar Sareer At Sohanaa Har Har Naam Darid( The human body is the temple of God and one should look for Him inside his body only. The rubies and gems are found within it; the Gurmukh chants the Name of the Lord. The body becomes beautiful, when the Name of the Lord, Har Har is recited deep within). Har Mandhar Soee Aakheeai Jithhahu Har Jaathaa, Maanas Dhaeh Gur Bachanee Paaeeiaa Sab Aatham Raam Pashta, Baahar Mool N Khojeeai Ghar Maahi Bidhhat (That alone is said to be the Lord’s temple, where the Lord is known. In the human body, the Guru’s Word is found, when one understands that the Lord, the Supreme Soul, is in all. Don’t look for Him outside yourself. Ang 953 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji).
This is a new religion that preaches only love and Honourable life even if have to face a threat to life. Je Jeevai Pat Lathhee Jaae, Saabh Haraam Jaethaa Kishh Khaae (Those who merely live shall depart in dishonor. If you are living a life of dishonor, the enjoyment of worldly pleasures is useless. Ang 142). Jo tou Praem Khaelan Kaa Chaao, Sir Dhhar Thalee Galee Maeree Aao, Eit Maagar Pair Dhharee jae, Sir Deejai Kaan N Keejai ( If you desire to play this game of love with Me (Guru). Then step onto my Path with your head in hand. When you place your feet on this Path. Give me your head, and do not hesitate. Ang 1412 Sri Guru Granth Sahib).
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji leads us to equality of human beings with respect for women.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the most revered Guru for the Sikhs but do they follow him in the letter and spirit? How to make available this philosophy of converting human beings to angels to the entire world? What have Sikhs done for this so far? As followers of Guru, we must take this new philosophy to every Person of the Universe to make this world a safe heaven.
Note: The views expressed are personal. The writer is a Chairman, National Commission for Minorities (Government of India)
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