Vahiguru ji ka Khalsa, Vahiguru ji ki Fatih!

The entire Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) team extends heartfelt wishes to the global Sikh sangat on the joyous occasion of Vaisakhi!

Originally a celebration of the harvest season and thanksgiving, Vaisakhi holds profound significance in Sikh history. On this day in 1699, the Guru ushered in a new era through a transformative call. The Sikhs of the Guru answered the call of their Beloved, shedding their past burdens and affiliations. They sipped the nectar of immortality through the cup of Guru’s love and merged with the Sovereign, the Beloved, to become sovereigns themselves. They became one with the Guru, embodying the Guru's image and essence. In Guru, they became the Guru. The tradition celebrates:

ਵਹੀ ਵਰਤਾਰੋ ਭੁਜੰਗਨ ਵਰਤਾਯੋ । ਆਪਸ ਗੁਰ ਚੇਲਾ ਕਹਿਵਾਯੋ ।
ਯਹੀ ਆਦ ਹੁਤ ਆਯੋ ਵਰਤਾਰਾ । ਜਿਮ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰ ਅੰਗਦ ਧਾਰਾ ।
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The same miracle was manifested through the disciples.
They came to be known as mentor-disciple in one.
This has been the tradition from the very beginning.
Just like Nanak established Angad as the Guru.

     Sri Gur Panth Prakash, Chapter 15

Receiving immortality from the Guru, receiving Nam from the Guru, receiving Sabad-Wisdom from the Guru, the Khalsa flourished in the teachings of the Guru.

ਪੀਯੋ ਪਾਹੁਲ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨ ਨਿਵਾਰੀ । ਭਯੋ ਖਾਲਸੋ ਵਡ ਕਲਧਾਰੀ ।
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Accepting the initiation of the sword of Guru’s Wisdom (Khande-ki-Pahul) as per the Guru’s liberating instructions, the Khalsa assumed great power.

     Sri Gur Panth Prakash, Chapter 15

The Tenth Sovereign graced the Sikhs with Divine authority through the Sabad-Wisdom and thus made them Sovereign.

ਖਾਲਸੋ ਹੋਵੈ ਖੁਦ ਖੁਦਾ ਜਿਮ ਖੂਬੀ ਖੂਬ ਖੁਦਾਇ ।
ਆਨ ਨ ਮਾਨੈ ਆਨ ਕੀ ਇਕ ਸੱਚੇ ਬਿਨ ਪਤਿਸ਼ਾਹ ।
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The Khalsa ought to be like the Master, as is the splendid greatness of the Master.
Never submitting to the diktats of anyone other than the true Sovereign.

     Sri Gur Panth Prakash, Chapter 14

Today, am I ready to bear this heavy responsibility? Am I a reflection of the Khalsa today? What do I need to do to be directly under the Sovereign, to be an image of the Sovereign? What knowledge and wisdom do I need to absorb and practice to be with the Guru?

This Vaisakhi, has my mind and heart warmed to the Guru's Sabad? Have I ripened? Have I experienced the sweetness of the nectar? Am I ready to be ‘harvested’ by the Guru, to be the Khalsa of the Guru? Will the Guru come and reap me?

O mind, you did not accomplish the only important task you had;
you did not praise the King, the Master, of even the Raghu clan. 1. Pause.…
Death has befallen the whole world, including the doubting religious scholars.
Say Kabir, “Those who know loving devotion of the Divine have become Khalse.” 4.

     Guru Granth Sahib, 655

With love and gratitude
The SikhRI Team