Compiled by the Sikh Gurus and considered the eternal living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds profound spiritual and philosophical teachings for Sikhs worldwide. It is written in the Gurmukhi script and this sacred text serves as a guiding light for Sikhs. Mewa Singh, in an article, took inspiration from writeups of the Punjabi poet Puran Singh to showcase the essence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Let’s look at the journey of the holy scripture.
Guru Granth Sahib Ji: The 11th Sikh guru
As the 10th Guru neared his last breaths, his devoted Sikhs asked him who would lead them next. He told them to trust in the wisdom of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the collective leadership of the Sikh community. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Sikh community -the Granth-Panth is the final Guru of the Sikhs. Sikhs show revere the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It was compiled by the 5th Nanak, Guru Arjan, in 1604.He wrote "Upon this Plate, three things have been placed: Truth, Contentment, and Contemplation."
The Guru Granth Sahib Ji represents the essence of the Sikh people and its meaning is revealed through the Khalsa, who play a significant role in improving society with love instead of hatred. By understanding concepts like Love, Mercy, and Grace, we can experience Truth through the Guru Granth Sahib. It doesn't contain stories of creation or fictional tales but rather expresses the longing of a lover for their beloved. The Truth is not a distant God in the sky, but something that resides within all of us. It is our duty to let that Truth shine forth.
The essence of the holy scripture
The Guru Granth Sahib is an 'emancipation proclamation', urging Sikhs to be independent individuals. It frees people from all forms of slavery, including mental, spiritual, and physical. The Guru's main focus is on the freedom of our minds, bodies, and souls. The Guru wants humanity to live in complete freedom, while still being restrained. The path of discipleship is simple yet incredibly difficult, as it requires self-sacrifice and love for the Guru. This is the essence of humanity. This is what the Guru's teachings are all about.
In addition to guiding the Sikh community to break free from any chains, the Guru Granth Sahib also preaches the song of love. The repetition of the "Name of the Beloved" is the only way to express the passion felt within the Guru Granth Sahib. Some may find this repetition tedious if they haven't experienced the pain of love. But for those who ache with love, no philosophy can bring relief like the repetition of the "Name of the Beloved" does. When someone is deeply in love, even a single mention of their loved one brings solace. Only those who have experienced this kind of love can truly understand the significance of the love-filled verses in the Guru Granth Sahib. So, when opening Guru Granth Sahib Ji, remember to open one’s heart as well. It is in the heart that one first feels the presence of the Guru.
The living Sikh Guru
The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not just a religious book, but the perpetual Sikh Guru. It contains over 3384 hymns by 42 authors, including the first five and the ninth Sikh Gurus. The spirit of Guru Nanak was passed on through ten successors, just like one candle lighting another. When the Guru saw that Sikhs could lead themselves with his guidance hidden, the light was passed on to the Khalsa, which embodies the living spirit of the teachings in the Granth. Sikhism is not just about books or theories; it is a way of life, emphasizing brotherhood and sisterhood, devotion to the Truth, and following the Guru's example. As the 'People of the Shabad' and the 'next generation' of Sikhs, it becomes our sacred duty to delve into the depths of our Guru's teachings, seeking understanding, knowledge, and love for our revered guide.
*Based on an article blogged by Mewa Singh and posted by Jodha, published in The Langar Hall on 22nd October 2008