"Singh means the Highest Self" ~ from Gobind Gita

Below is a passage from Guru Gobind Singh's version of the Bhagavad Gita, and relates to the 11th chapter of the Gita wherein Krishna reveals his true form, the Universal Form, to Arjan. Guru Gobind Singh quotes Guru Nanak's Aarti just prior to this passage to expound upon the Universal Form of Vahiguru, and then this passage follows which explains the reason why named all his followers Singh.

 

In the 11th chapter of the Gita, related to the Universal Form [of Vahiguru], Arjan had seen Prabhu's true form.

 

I, Gobind [Singh] have in every way related this to the Khalsa, the reality of all of this I have written in the vernacular.

 

I have given all [my Sikhs] the name Singh, while living I have made their name 'The Highest Self' [Paramatma]

 

The definition of Singh is within the Vedas, it is the highest Braham, the Highest Self.

 

Just as Indra [recognized Hari in all] in the Upanishads, [in this manner] I have made the definition of Singh [Paramatma].

 

Recognize the definition of Singh to be the Highest Self, and understand everything is the one Braham.

 

Within the [Khalsa's] mouth, I have placed [the word] Akal, chanting Akal they obtain Akal.

 

This is my blessing brother, my intuitive secret I have expressed to you.

 

The rest is in your hand if you wish to enshrine this [in your heart], to see Hari always in your company.

 

Nothing else will take you across, As is your understanding so is your position [be liberated or in hell].

 

Whatever you desire you will obtain, if you enshrine Akal in your mind.

 

Without you [Akal] there is nothing else, whatever you see that is Gobind [the Protector of the World]

 

Brother, there is nothing other than Gobind, see the world and Braham as one.