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Embracing Divine Radiance: Guru Nanak Sahib's Illumination Celebration

Monday
,
November
27
2023

Today marks the Prakash Purab (illumination celebration) of Guru Nanak Sahib's arrival in the physical world nearly five and a half centuries ago.

Martyrdom Guru Teghbahadar Sahib & Gurgaddi Guru Gobind Singh Sahib

Friday
,
November
24
2023

Today, we remember the martyrdom of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib and his three devoted Sikhs. In Sikh history, Sahib Guru Tehgbahadar, the sword-warrior, is described with great reverence.

Tranquility Within Chaos

Tuesday
,
November
21
2023

In a world riddled with chaos and strife, our yearning for genuine peace and comfort often seems as distant and elusive as a mirage on the horizon. The relentless tumult surrounding us inflicts a profound disturbance, at times bordering on trauma. Ho

Bandi Chor Divas

Sunday
,
November
12
2023

Today, the SikhRI team and the global sangat celebrate Bandi Chor Divas – the Emancipation Day!

The Legacy of Stability

Tuesday
,
November
7
2023

In the ever-changing world, where chaos and uncertainty often leave us pondering and anxious about the elusive concept of stability, Guru Teghbahadar Sahib's words in the fifty-sixth stanza of Salok Mahala 9 resonate deeply.

We Remember!

Tuesday
,
October
31
2023

As we step into November, our gaze turns to a chapter of history that, although marked by pain and sorrow, carries a profound message of resilience, unity, and the unwavering human spirit.

Silk-Cotton Tree of Humility

Tuesday
,
October
24
2023

The silk-cotton tree is straight as an arrow, very tall and thick. Those birds who come having hope return hopelessly, for what reason? Its fruits are bland, its flowers tasteless, and its leaves are useless.

Gurgaddi Divas Celebration: Guru Harikrishan Sahib & Guru Granth Sahib

Tuesday
,
October
17
2023

The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) team joyfully joins the global Sikh community in celebrating the 20th of October, a significant day marking the Gurgaddi Divas, or Coronation Day, of Guru Harikrishan Sahib and Guru-Eternal Guru Granth Sahib.

The Divine Symphony of the Human Body

Tuesday
,
October
10
2023

In the profound verses of Guru Ramdas Sahib, we have the privilege of contemplating the extraordinary nature of our human bodies through the Ghoria composition.

The Enigmatic Nature of Love

Tuesday
,
October
3
2023

What is love? It's a question that has perplexed philosophers, poets, and truth seekers throughout the ages. Today, we explore love deeply through Guru Nanak Sahib's composition in the Maru Kaphi rag (musical mode).

Unlock Blissful Wisdom

Tuesday
,
September
26
2023

There exists an eternal truth that transcends time and space—a force undeniable, guiding, protecting, and nurturing those who seek it.

The Power of Faith, Humility & Surrender

Tuesday
,
September
19
2023

The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) team joins the global Sikh community in commemorating 18 September as the Gurgaddi Divas, Coronation Day, of Guru Angad Sahib.

Sikhi's Guiding Light

Tuesday
,
September
12
2023

In the depths of contemplation, one uncovers the essence of Sikhi's central principle: the recognition of Divinity in all things. This profound understanding guides the path of Sikh behavior and shapes its core values.

Guru Granth Sahib: A Journey of Wisdom & Reverence

Tuesday
,
September
5
2023

At the heart of Sikhi lies the revered Guru Granth Sahib, an eternal source of guidance and wisdom that encompasses every facet of a Sikh's existence.

1 September: First Prakash of Adi Granth Sahib

Friday
,
September
1
2023

Today is the Guru Granth Sahib's first prakash purab (illumination day). On this day in 1604, the Guru Granth Sahib was inaugurated and ceremoniously opened within the revered Harimandar Sahib in Amritsar. It took the form of the Adi Granth Sahib.

Embracing Love!

Tuesday
,
August
29
2023

How do we learn to love? Is it an action, a feeling, or something much more profound? Imagine for a moment the love that exists between a fish and water. The fish doesn't possess water; it doesn't claim ownership or criticize it. Instead, the fish's

Unlocking the Essence of Freedom & Liberation

Tuesday
,
August
15
2023

What does it truly mean to be free? How do we attain liberation?

The Radiant Path: Bhagat Pipa's Journey

Tuesday
,
August
8
2023

Bhagat Pipa is one of the fifteen Bhagat contributors to the Guru Granth Sahib, whose mesmerizing composition rests on page 695.

Yearning for the Beautiful One!

Tuesday
,
August
1
2023

We invite the seekers of Nam, Identification of IkOankar, to enter the fourth composition of So Daru, “That Door or Court.”

Transcending Pride!

Tuesday
,
July
25
2023

In the Guru Granth Sahib, pages 296 to 300 house the revealed composition of Guru Arjan Sahib, Gauri Thiti. The composition consists of seventeen pauris(stanzas) accompanied by saloks (couplets) spoken by Guru Arjan Sahib.

May We Live the Political-Spiritual Doctrine!

Tuesday
,
July
18
2023

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

Who is That Being?

Tuesday
,
July
11
2023

Who is this mysterious being that we call the One, the 1Force, the Creator, the Divine?

Political Sovereignty is Our Birthright!

Tuesday
,
July
4
2023

The Sikh world commemorates 2 July as the foundation day of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

True Comfort & True Joy!

Tuesday
,
June
20
2023

Within the Guru Granth Sahib lies a beautiful composition known as Gatha. Two perspectives exist regarding the origin of this composition within the traditional commentary of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Martyrdom Guru Arjan Sahib

Friday
,
June
16
2023

Today we commemorate Guru Arjan Sahib’s martyrdom, the Sovereign of the Halemi Raj. Peace is the abiding nature of the Guru's benign dominion, where no one troubles or dominates anyone.

Transform Into A Lover

Tuesday
,
June
13
2023

We enter the month of Harh (15 June-16 July). The Earth suffers pain; the fire of the sun sears and dries up vegetation. The sun’s fire dries up the vegetation’s sap; one dies from the scorching heat, yet that sun does not give up its action.

1984 Ghallughara: Memory & Remembrance

Tuesday
,
June
6
2023

Thirty-nine years have passed since the attack by the Government of India on the Golden Temple complex - Sri Harimandar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib - and about 90 gurduras throughout the Panjab, as per the latest count.

Reverence

Tuesday
,
May
30
2023

In a fast-paced and constantly evolving society, where instant gratification and self-centeredness often take precedence, reverence seems antiquated or even forgotten.

Who Can Give Us The Amrit?

Tuesday
,
May
23
2023

In today’s world, many individuals claim to possess the sacred “Amrit, the Aab-i-Hayat, the Maha Ras, the Fount of Nectar.” These self-proclaimed “chosen ones” assert that they can bestow this divine elixir upon those not chosen.

The Mystery of Grace!

Tuesday
,
May
16
2023

We enter the month of Jeth (mid-May- mid-June). Temperatures are rising. Heat is pervading. The deserts are burning. The land and the waters are heating. The days are getting longer; the nights are getting shorter.

The Journey from Iness to 1Ness

Tuesday
,
May
9
2023

In Asa Ki Var, the Song of Hope, Guru Nanak Sahib takes us through the journey of realizing IkOankar, 1Force to feeling Nam-Identification,1Ness, and allowing the 1-Ness to transform us.

That Inward Journey!

Tuesday
,
May
2
2023

In the third Sabad of So Daru, Guru Nanak Sahib invokes the mother figure and shares the human struggle. Whenever the mother figure is invoked, the conversation is candid and personal.

Transformation from I-ness to 1-Ness!

Tuesday
,
April
25
2023

In the seventh ballad of Asa Ki Var, the Song of Hope, Guru Nanak Sahib enlightens us about the ego—the ego not as something one-dimensional and inherently negative but as a sense of self, or I-ness.

To Be Free!

Tuesday
,
April
18
2023

Freedom is the best of human conditions. It includes the inner freedom of will and the external freedom of the environment.

Vaisakhi Greetings - Khalsa Sajana!

Friday
,
April
14
2023

We commemorate the momentous inauguration of the Khalsa Panth today—the beloved of Sahib Guru Gobind Singh.

Quieten The Noise!

Tuesday
,
April
11
2023

Guru Nanak Sahib in the Arti Sabad reveals That One whose Light is in all is the Embodiment of Light. By the radiance of "That One," there is Light in all.

Embrace the Storms

Tuesday
,
April
4
2023

Sidak (faith) is that Divine-given ability, when realized, brings the unseen into the seen, and the impossible becomes possible.

Cherish, Honor, Strengthen, Chisel!

Tuesday
,
March
28
2023

Professor Puran Singh (1881–1931) writes, “The Guru views the whole history of the human race as the history of new incarnations of Feeling, the One Primeval, the One Ancient that creates life.”

The Single Thread That Drives Humanity

Tuesday
,
March
21
2023

The foundational doctrine of the Sikh faith propagates integration, not division, to uplift human dignity. The Sikh culture, as envisioned in the Guru Granth Sahib and created by the Ten Nanaks, insists on the dignity and respect of all human beings.

A Time Of Renewal

Tuesday
,
March
14
2023

The month of Chet (mid-March to mid-April) is the beginning of Nanakshahi, the Sikh New Year. It is Springtime. A time of change, of renewal, of preparing to blossom again.

New Year (1 Cet), Guru Harirai Sahib (Gurgaddi)

Tuesday
,
March
14
2023

Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) extends its warm wishes to the Sikh sangat on this first day of 555 and the coronation day of Guru Harirai Sahib, the champion of environmental preservation and developing indigenous medicines.

Journey Beyond The Moon!

Tuesday
,
March
7
2023

A thriving industry informs us which days are auspicious for certain life events. Are we getting sucked into these superstitious beliefs based on the lunar days?

The Mud Of Attachment

Tuesday
,
February
28
2023

When we become distracted by worldly pursuits and temptations and forget to focus on the One, the world seems to engulf us. Caught up with material desires and attachments, we become stagnant.

Are We Willing To Accept?

Tuesday
,
February
21
2023

As the morning mist vanishes, so will we vanish from the earth. And the world will continue, probably without even remembering us. Yet, we long for lives of self-grandeur and permanence, striving to achieve both in a world of constant change.

Immortal Stories of Love

Tuesday
,
February
14
2023

What is the Sikhi understanding of love? Of love beyond mortality, beyond boundaries, and limitations? Bhai Gurdas shares the popular narratives of Love from the Eastern context and applies them to the Beloved, inviting us to challenge...

Are We Performing?

Tuesday
,
February
7
2023

In today's world, many assume the garbs that denote certain religious behaviors without actually living out those behaviors—those with power perform intellect, knowledge, religiosity, and piety. Is this a new phenomenon, or has it always been there?

How Do We Navigate Separation?

Tuesday
,
January
31
2023

In our burning and consuming, we cry! We cry about small things like a bad day, not getting a job, or not getting into a school we want to attend. We cry about our struggles with mental health or losing loved ones.

How Can We See The Light Within All?

Tuesday
,
January
24
2023

We seem to be living in a fragmented world of extreme segregation. Has it always been this way, or has something changed?

Why Do We Struggle To Awaken?

Tuesday
,
January
17
2023

Communicating life learnings is challenging at best. They are hard to listen to, yet the learnings help us navigate life's journey.

Companionship For Life’s Journey and Beyond

Tuesday
,
January
10
2023

From a young age, we strive to form friendships. As we mature, we realize that friendships take many forms—friendships within a loving family structure and platonic relationships.

SikhRI wishes you a joyful Gurpurab!

Thursday
,
January
5
2023

Today is the Prakash Purab (Illumination Day) of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the rider of the blue steed, the epitome of love and excellence.

Where Do We Find Truth?

Tuesday
,
January
3
2023

Guru Nanak Sahib, in the second stanza of Asa Ki Var, Song of Hope, focuses on Truth and its various forms. It is about things being “True” with a capital T. When we think of something as being True, we are saying that it will remain forever, unwaver

We Remember the Soaring Spirit at Chamkaur

Tuesday
,
December
27
2022

We commemorate the martyrdom of Mata Gujri ji, Sahibzade Baba Fateh Singh (6), Baba Zoravar Singh (9), along with Baba Jujhar Singh (14), Baba Ajit Singh (18), and numerous Sikhs martyred at Chamkaur in 1705.

How Do We Rise In Times Of Struggle?

Tuesday
,
December
20
2022

How do we make sense of war, human suffering, and the struggle for human rights that are taking place globally? How do we make sense of the daily struggle for survival of millions living on this planet today?

The Fruit of Surrender

Tuesday
,
December
13
2022

Surrender and devotion are ominous words in today’s world. Yet, these words are sweeter than honey for those aching to enter the Gurus’ Sanctuary.

Bhai Vir Singh - The Sixth River of Panjab

Tuesday
,
December
6
2022

December 5 marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhai Vir Singh (1872-1957), and we commemorate “The Sixth River of Panjab.”

To Become A Work Of Art

Tuesday
,
November
29
2022

Let us, for a moment, imagine that Infinite Wisdom lies within each of us, and all we need to do is access it.

Martyrdom Guru Teghbahadar Sahib & Gurgaddi Guru Gobind Singh Sahib

Thursday
,
November
24
2022

Sword-Warrior, Sovereign-Mentor, Mediator-Diplomat, Savior-Martyr. All of these, but still beyond them, is the realm of the Absolute. Myriad facets of the limitless and dynamic Guru-personality, description of which is beyond human intellect.

Who Do We Beg From?

Tuesday
,
November
22
2022

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib in the fortieth couplet of Salok Mahala 9, says the entire world wanders like a beggar; Ram, the beautiful, charming One is the only universal giver. O mind! Remember That One so that your affairs may be resolved.

How Do We Long For Union?

Tuesday
,
November
15
2022

Guru Nanak Sahib in Barah Maha, Twelve Months, describes the human-bride as the seeker, seeking a deep love for the Spouse.

SikhRI wishes you a joyful Gurpurab!

Tuesday
,
November
8
2022

The SikhRI team extends their warm wishes on the Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Sahib.

Which Way Guides Us To Life’s Beauty?

Tuesday
,
November
1
2022

As human beings, we experience negative thinking from time to time. This thinking can quickly become toxic and hold us back from experiencing the beauty and gift of life.

Renewing Our Commitment To The Light!

Tuesday
,
October
25
2022

The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) team joins the global Sikh community in commemorating Bandi Chor Divas, Emancipation Day.

May We Yearn To Feel This Grace Together!

Tuesday
,
October
18
2022

The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) team joins the global Sikh community in celebrating 20 October as the Gurgaddi Divas, Coronation Day, of Guru Harikrishan Sahib and Guru-Eternal Guru Granth Sahib.

Where Do We Place Our Love?

Tuesday
,
October
11
2022

The IkOankar, the One who has given us this body—this wealth—is that Giver in our consciousness? Have we developed a love for the Giver, or are we unable to see past our “temporary things”? The love of these “temporary things” causes us pain.

Why Do We Seek Knowledge?

Tuesday
,
October
4
2022

From a young age, most of us are taught to search for answers, meaning, or knowledge — we need to read, learn, and read some more. Guru Nanak Sahib quantifies this search for knowledge in the ninth stanza of Asa Ki Var, Song of Hope.

What is The Narrative Of The Boundless One?

Tuesday
,
September
27
2022

By living in remembrance of IkOankar, the creative force that permeates the universe, and by rising above the distractions of material things and transitory relationships. By living our lives guided by the Wisdom in the company of the virtuous ones.

How Does One Become Fortunate?

Tuesday
,
September
20
2022

The one who has been able to rid themselves of all of the negativities of life — lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego — and who has adopted the temperament of detachment is visibly the fortunate one, for they exhibit the qualities of...

May We Yearn To Serve!

Tuesday
,
September
13
2022

The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) team joins the global Sikh community in celebrating 16 September as the Gurgaddi Divas, Coronation Day, of Guru Ramdas Sahib and Guru Arjan Sahib.

To Be Truly Fragrant!

Tuesday
,
September
6
2022

We cannot become fragrant until we imbibe humility in the way that the neem tree is humble and can take on the quality of sandalwood despite its bitter or unpleasant fragrance. 

Yearn For That Source of Eternal Comfort!

Tuesday
,
August
30
2022

We live in challenging times, with many stressed and trying to make sense of their lives. The natural yearning is wanting comfort. However, in this yearning for comfort, we often ignore Truth, for it is unsettling, and favor false comfort.

What Is ‘This’ Mystery?

Tuesday
,
August
23
2022

Astronomers and physicists have photographed the galaxies. Their telescopes have peered into the heart of atoms and looked back at the birth of the Universe, searching for that source of light. Yet, there are gaps in our understanding of the Universe

Which Freedom Are We Seeking?

Tuesday
,
August
16
2022

In today’s world, we seek happiness through material comforts or temporary relationships. Rare ones strive to be free. What is the freedom that the rare ones seek?

How Can We Swim Gracefully?

Tuesday
,
August
9
2022

We seem to be swimming through a sea of soundwaves, all communicating opinions, emotions, and experiences which are either superfluous or superficial. How can we swim and not drown in this world's ocean?

Yearning to Become Free!

Tuesday
,
April
19
2022

In a fragmented war-driven world, fear grips our minds. Fear of the other, fear of loss, fear of where we will end up. Negative thoughts, negative thinking, and negative perspectives enter our minds.

Yearning Grace

Tuesday
,
March
29
2022

Guru Nanak Sahib tells us of variation in experiences. Everyone is going to experience reality in different ways. What matters is whether we feel the Grace. We could be millionaires, but that does not mean we have made it in the world.

Yearning To Enter The Sanctuary!

Tuesday
,
March
1
2022

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib, in the fifty-fourth stanza of Salok Mahala 9, says, when through Grace, spiritual strength is received, all bondages of material attachment are removed. Then, all efforts become fruitful, and everything becomes possible.

Our Root

Tuesday
,
January
4
2022

As we enter 2022, we focus on Mul Mantar, the Root Verse. It is the opening verse of the Guru Granth Sahib that expounds on the Divine personality and attributes and serves as the nucleus of the Sikh worldview.