.svg)
Videos
.svg)
Explore Var Sat (Kabir Ji)
The poetic form ‘Var Sat’ (a composition based on the seven days of the week) is commonly called ‘Satvar’ or ‘Satvara.’ It is a unique literary style that connects each day of the week with a specific idea, emotion, teaching, or reflection.
The Eternal Spirit of Giving
Join Harinder Singh as he delves into The Eternal Spirit of Giving, exploring timeless wisdom from the Guru Granth Sahib. This talk invites reflection on the essence of giving—not just as a responsibility but as a journey towards grace and connection.
Explore Patti (Mahala 1)
Patti is a poetic form based on the Gurmukhi alphabet. Historically, students used a wooden tablet, known as patti in Panjabi, to practice writing the alphabet. The Guru Granth Sahib includes many compositions based on the alphabet.
Explore Bani Bhagat Sain Ji
In this Sabad, Bhagat Sain Ji sings the ‘Arti’ of the transcendent Supreme Being, IkOankar (the Divine). He emphasizes that the true 'Arti' of IkOankar is not a ritualistic act of adorning a platter with incense, lamps, and ghee.
Explore Chaubole
Chaubole is typically described as a poetic form governed primarily by meter and lines, usually four, as a song with four segments, or as a verse containing four languages.The theme of the Chaubole composition by Guru Arjan Sahib is love.
Explore Karhale
The term 'karhale' is derived from the Rajasthani and Sindhi word 'karhal,' which means camel. Historically, traders loaded their goods on camels to sell in distant lands, enduring long, arduous journeys.
Guru Ramdas Sahib in Rag Devgandhari | Guru Granth Sahib 527 | Artist: Bhai Avtar Singh
Guru Arjan Sahib in Sorath Rag | Guru Granth Sahib 617 | Harmandir Sahib
All vegetation contains fire, all milk contains clarified butter.In high and low the Light abides, in every being’s heart is Master-Illusionist. 1. O! True Congregation, in each and every heart abides ‘The One.’
Guru Nanak Sahib in Dhanasari Rag | Guru Granth Sahib 660 | Artist: Bhai Onkar Singh Ji
The Sabad opens with an intimate tremor within, a yearning for someone to call upon. The call to serve the Remover of sufferings reverberates in this vulnerability, underscoring the concept of an eternal giver.
Guru Ramdas Sahib in Rag Jaitsari | Guru Granth Sahib 696 | Artist: Bhai Dharam Singh Zakhmi
The Sabad then contrasts the fate of those without the Guru, describing them as self-centered and foolish, trapped in illusion and leading lives devoid of purpose.
Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag Asa | Guru Granth Sahib 406
This composition by Guru Arjan Sahib is in Rag Asa, a musical mode used to evoke a mood of hope, expectation, inspiration, and courage. Guru Arjan Sahib asks, “Where does one go to experience the ultimate comfort?”
Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag Dhanasari | GGS 681 | Artist: Bhai Baljit Singh & Gurmeet Singh
The Sabad begins by vividly illustrating the Divine's omnipotent strength, which extends in all directions and places a protective Hand on the devotee's head.
Articles
.svg)
Guru Amardas Sahib: The Essence of Giving
This essay reflects on the sacred nature of giving, inspired by Guru Amardas Sahib's and Baba Mohri ji's narrative. It explores the importance of honoring the trust placed in us when we receive resources meant for the greater good.
Stanza Structure in a Sabad
While reading the Guru Granth Sahib, we encounter various stanza structures within a Sabad, often indicated through corresponding titles on the Sabad. This diversity in stanza structures arises due to variations in the number of lines in the stanzas.
Wisdom Enthroned
Embark on a transformative journey through Sikhi’s essence as we explore the Guru Granth Sahib. Beyond a conventional text, it intertwines nature, introspection, and wisdom.
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 10: 1’s Identification
In the tenth composition of the “Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10” (popularly Shabad Hazare Patshahi 10) series, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib declares that identifying with the attributes and existence of the 1 eliminates fear.
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 09: Divine Creator
In the ninth composition of the “Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10” (popularly Shabad Hazare Patshahi 10) series, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib declares that the One Divine will remain fully capable of destroying and creating.
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 08: That One
In the eighth composition of the “Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10” (popularly Shabad Hazare Patshahi 10) series, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib questions how That One can be said to be in one human form.
Woman: Gateway to Freedom
“The whole Guru Grantha is the voice of a wedded women or a maiden pining in love of the Beautiful. Her nobleness in Guru Grantha is infinite, her freedom is of the highest. Both man and woman as sexes are forgotten in her voice.
Buttons, Jump Ropes, and Chocolate Cake
Every year, when December rolls around, there is much buzz about the holiday season. From Hanukah to Kwanzaa and, of course, Christmas, it is a time of gatherings, decorations and gift exchange.
Tresses & I
Embark on a poignant journey with the author as she reflects on her evolving relationship with her hair, exploring the nuanced layers of Sikh identity, love for Sabad, and the profound impact of choices made during the tumultuous times of 1984.
My Sovereign is Dyed in Color-Love
This composition by Guru Nanak Sahib is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative. The reflection: The Creator is in the creation. Everything is brimming with love, operating in love.
You & I, I & You; What’s the Difference?
This composition by Bhagat Ravidas is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative.
How May I Visualize Guru Gobind Singh Sahib?
In current times, the world is full of abundant images, pictures, portraits, artworks, and illustrations availing stocks and libraries as well as producing films and animations. What are the most appropriate images of the Guru Sahibs?
Podcasts
.svg)
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 01: Renunciation Redefined
In this second podcast, Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore the context of Indic paradigms, rituals, systems, and popular understandings that the Guru addresses in his reframing of renunciation and non-attachment.
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Introduction
Introducing Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 (Shabad Hazare Patshahi 10), new translations, and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. This podcast is an introduction to the series.
Beadbi: Distortions, Transgressions, Responses
Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they discuss the larger Sikh context around beadbi as a political problem in need of a political solution. What is beadbi ? How has it been dealt with historically? What are its Panthic and legal understandings? How does it relate to the reverence Sikhs collectively show to the Guru Granth Sahib? And how, given recent cases in the news, can we understand individual and collective responses given the current realities on the ground?
Reflect on the Knower
This is a continuation of the Persian Voice of the Guru's featuring the Sikh Research Institute's Researcher, Asha Marie Kaur.
12 Gurus Series: Guru Granth Sahib
In a new podcast series The 12 Gurus: From 1469 to Infinity, SikhRI sheds light on the lives and meaning of Gurus in Sikhi. Were they spiritualists and reformers or Divine and Revolutionaries? What lessons can we draw from them?
Enticer Enticed My Mind
The Sabad opens with the Guru's profound declaration of being a "maiden-slave" of the Divine Ruler, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication.
My Sovereign is Dyed in Color-Love
This composition by Guru Nanak Sahib is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative. The reflection: The Creator is in the creation. Everything is brimming with love, operating in love.
You & I, I & You; What’s the Difference?
This composition by Bhagat Ravidas is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative.
My Mind Pines for Guru’s Vision
This composition by Guru Arjan Sahib is in Rag Majh. This rag (musical mode) evolved from the folk music of the Majha area of the Panjab. There is no reference to this rag in Indian music. It is only sung in Panjab and is in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Slowly and Gently Rains the Immortal Stream
This composition by Guru Arjan Sahib is in Rag Majh. This rag (musical mode) evolved from the folk music of the Majha area of the Panjab. There is no reference to this rag in Indian music. It is only sung in Panjab and is in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Hasn’t Held It Back From the Mind
Listen as we explore the Sabad (Shabad) of Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag (raag) Asa from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Sabad is the bond between the Guru and the Sikh. Read the translation done by Harinder Singh and Inni Kaur.
