Vahiguru ji ka Khalsa, Vahiguru ji ki Fatih!

In today's society, we see the persistence of social divisions, even if they don’t always carry the labels of the past. Economic status, privilege, and social class have become the new markers of separation, creating invisible barriers that impact how we perceive and treat one another. These “modern castes” influence everything from opportunities to relationships, subtly reinforcing who holds power and who serves. Yet, these divisions are not new. Centuries ago, Guru Nanak Sahib confronted the deeply entrenched caste system of his time, using its rigid framework to reveal a timeless spiritual truth—one that challenges the way we divide ourselves, even today.

In the third salok of Salok Sahaskriti, Guru Nanak Sahib says, The duty of a Yogi is to acquire knowledge, whereas the duty of a Brahmin is to read-recite Vedas. The duty of a Kshatriya is to follow the instruction of bravery; the duty of a Shudra is to provide service to others. The duty of all is the one duty; if someone may know this mystery. ‘Nanak’ is a servant to that being because that being alone is an embodiment of the Divine, the source of light without the blemish of Maya.

We pause.
We reflect.

In Indic culture, caste dictated specific duties: Yogis pursued knowledge, Brahmins recited the Vedas, Kshatriyas followed the path of bravery, and Shudras served others. This framework created rigid divisions, separating people based on birth and presumed spiritual capacity. But Guru Nanak Sahib’s message subverts this entirely. While society assigns different roles based on caste, the Guru reveals a profound truth. There is only one Wisdom for all, one shared duty for every being, transcending imposed divisions and challenging perceived spiritual superiority.

The Guru speaks of those who understand this mystery—the enlightened ones who recognize that these societal categories are meaningless. The true duty of all is to live in humility, devotion, and service to the Divine. Describing these individuals as niranjan (filth-free), Guru Nanak challenges the caste system’s obsession with purity and superiority. The Guru aligns himself with the "low-caste" Shudras, declaring that true service, rooted in humility and devotion, is the mark of one who truly understands the Divine.

Are we listening to what Guru Nanak Sahib is saying?

Even today, we continue to create hierarchies rooted in economics, privilege, and societal norms. We divide ourselves based on perceived moral or spiritual superiority. Yet the Guru’s message remains clear and timeless: there is only one truth, one duty, one Wisdom for all. Understanding this profound mystery requires us to dismantle our pride and dissolve the false sense of superiority that separates us from one another.

Guru Nanak Sahib’s proclamation in the heart of Benaras—a spiritual and caste hierarchy center—was radical. His message disrupted a society entrenched in division. He boldly declared that IkOankar, the One, is all-pervasive and accessible to all and that the true duty of every person is to live in devotion, humility, and service to the One. In a world where people often sell their way as the “best way,” the Guru’s message defied convention and proclaimed unity.

Are we ready to release the comforts we’ve gained from these divisions?
Will we surrender the power and privilege that thrive on these walls?
The Guru beckons us to a deeper way: service replaces the desire to be served.

True awakening begins when we embrace our shared humanity.
Will we walk the sacred path of devotion and humility?
The call is clear—will we answer?

May the Wisdom-Guru guide us!

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