Articles

Reflections, opinions and creative expression

Read in-depth interpretations, opinion pieces and creative writing delving into Sikh thought and world matters. Our articles feature writings from the SikhRI team and guest contributors.

Monday
,
11
October
2021

Exploring Death in Salok Mahala 9

Death is a thing we all must do. But we are deeply afraid of it. How do we form a relationship with death? This article explores Salok Mahala 9 as Guru Teghbahadar Sahib helps us confront our fear of death and understand the lessons death...

Death is a thing we all must do. But we are deeply afraid of it. How do we form a relationship with death? This article explores Salok Mahala 9 as Guru Teghbahadar Sahib helps us confront our fear of death and understand the lessons death...

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Thursday
,
16
September
2021

Paigham-i-Goya: An Expression of Love

In this thirty-sixth ghazal, Bhai Nand Lal reflects on the transformative nature of Divine love, symbolized by the “ār” sound. The Beloved’s arrival is likened to spring, bringing life and abundance. The Beloved’s smile and gaze sustain the...

In this thirty-sixth ghazal, Bhai Nand Lal reflects on the transformative nature of Divine love, symbolized by the “ār” sound. The Beloved’s arrival is likened to spring, bringing life and abundance. The Beloved’s smile and gaze sustain the...

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Monday
,
16
August
2021

I Am Blind, O Creator

Sabad is Infinite; we are finite. This is our understanding at the moment, which was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad.

Sabad is Infinite; we are finite. This is our understanding at the moment, which was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad.

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Friday
,
30
July
2021

Paigham-i-Goya: An Expression of Love

Bhai Nand Lal’s thirtieth ghazal explores the futility of reaching the Beloved’s lane, emphasizing the superiority of spiritual connection over material wealth. Using the repeated verb nārisad ("to not arrive"), the ghazal highlights the unattainable...

Bhai Nand Lal’s thirtieth ghazal explores the futility of reaching the Beloved’s lane, emphasizing the superiority of spiritual connection over material wealth. Using the repeated verb nārisad ("to not arrive"), the ghazal highlights the unattainable...

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Wednesday
,
21
July
2021

Miri-Piri: The Spiritual-Political Sikh Doctrine

Miri comes from Perso-Arabic “Amir” or “Emir” and signals political power. Piri comes from the Perso-Arabic “Pir” and signals spiritual power. Miri-Piri encapsulates the Political-Spiritual doctrine in Sikhi, rooted in both the worldly and the timeless...

Miri comes from Perso-Arabic “Amir” or “Emir” and signals political power. Piri comes from the Perso-Arabic “Pir” and signals spiritual power. Miri-Piri encapsulates the Political-Spiritual doctrine in Sikhi, rooted in both the worldly and the timeless...

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Monday
,
19
July
2021

Politics of the Sword Warrior Guru

While serving as the Guru, Guru Teghbahadar Sahib visited far-off places and interacted with many individuals and communities. The Guru faced opposition not only on the external front but also on the home front.

While serving as the Guru, Guru Teghbahadar Sahib visited far-off places and interacted with many individuals and communities. The Guru faced opposition not only on the external front but also on the home front.

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Monday
,
28
June
2021

Paigham-i-Goya: An Expression of Love

Bhai Nand Lal’s twenty-fifth ghazal is an intimate love letter composed of whispered questions addressed to the Beloved. Each couplet begins with the recurring question “what would happen,” inviting speculation and yearning for reunion.

Bhai Nand Lal’s twenty-fifth ghazal is an intimate love letter composed of whispered questions addressed to the Beloved. Each couplet begins with the recurring question “what would happen,” inviting speculation and yearning for reunion.

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Monday
,
21
June
2021

Shrist ki Chadar Guru Teghbahadar: The Contemporary Indian Perspectives

With Guru Tegbahadar Sahib’s ideology and martyrdom, an entirely new set of discourse appears at the forefront of the Sikh philosophical thought that needs to be read as a turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent altogether.

With Guru Tegbahadar Sahib’s ideology and martyrdom, an entirely new set of discourse appears at the forefront of the Sikh philosophical thought that needs to be read as a turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent altogether.

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Friday
,
4
June
2021

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib Voices: O Mind! Transcend

Transcendence lies not in the wishful disappearance of opposition from without but in the resolution within to disregard and rise above it. How do we rise from the fragmented universe of our fears?

Transcendence lies not in the wishful disappearance of opposition from without but in the resolution within to disregard and rise above it. How do we rise from the fragmented universe of our fears?

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