Akal Takht Sahib: Timeless Sovereign Throne – Report

State of the Panth, Report 4

The focus of this report is to understand the role and function of Akal Takht Sahib from the Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). In understanding the Gurmat explanation of the function and role of Akal Takht Sahib, individuals and institutions can come together to push for a more transparent, independent, representative, and active institution.

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The focus of this report is to understand the role and function of Akal Takht Sahib from the Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle).

In understanding the Gurmat explanation of the function and role of Akal Takht Sahib, individuals and institutions can come together to push for a more transparent, independent, representative, and active institution.

Akal Takht Sahib (Timeless Throne Sovereign) commands the worldly moral authority of the Sikhs, functioning as the institutional manifestation of the Miri-Piri (Political-Spiritual) doctrine as envisioned by the Gurus. However, over time Akal Takht Sahib has become occupied by third-party influences, not just in its institutional manifestation but also in the psyche of the Sikhs. A lack of faith in the institution leads to a feeling of disconnect within the Panth (Sikh collective), where Akal Takht Sahib exists more as a symbolic structure instead of functioning as a governance one.

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Gurmat Perspective

This study presents recommendations based on the Gurmat components on both the individual and institutional levels as a way to better engage with the Akal Takht Sahib and move towards it remaining a central institution to the Panth.

Akal Takht Sahib

Individuals must work on shifting their mindsets towards a firm belief in the authority of Akal Takht Sahib while joining institutional movements to become more aware of the political circumstances surrounding Akal Takht Sahib in its current state.

Bani, Tavarikh, and Rahit

Bani, Tavarikh, and Rahit specify the role and function of Akal Takht Sahib, and illustrate a rich tradition of sovereignty which must be internalized by each member of the Sikh Panth in order to create a flourishing Akal Takht Sahib.