Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal Guru and the supreme guiding authority for the Sikhs in every aspect of life. It is accorded utmost respect whenever Sikhs handle it or discuss its text. It is not only the scriptural canon of the Sikhs that offers wisdom, grace, and freedom to all, but it also personifies perfection, and the Divine instituted Sovereignty. The Guru Granth Sahib includes utterances of six Gurus, three Sikhs, fifteen saints of various religious traditions, and eleven bards from the Gurus’ courts. The Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi, a script institutionalized by Guru Angad Sahib. It was Guru Arjan Sahib, who compiled the utterances of the previous Gurus, Sikhs and saints, into the Adi Granth, and placed it in Sri Harimandar Sahib, in 1604. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib added the utterances of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib, in the Adi Granth, and raised the scripture to the status of perpetual Guru, ordaining it as the Guru Granth Sahib in 1708. The Guru Granth Sahib should not be viewed as a law book of “dos and don’ts.” It contains a timeless and unique value system for ethical and moral living based on the love of the one Divine.

Videos

Thursday
,
19
December
2024

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.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
2
December
2024

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.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
17
October
2024

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.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
19
September
2024

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.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
22
August
2024

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.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
18
July
2024

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.

watch now ⟶
Friday
,
3
March
2017

Guru Ramdas Sahib in Rag Devgandhari | Guru Granth Sahib 527 | Artist: Bhai Avtar Singh

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
20
March
2017

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.’

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
10
April
2017

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.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
10
April
2017

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.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
17
April
2017

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?”

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
20
April
2017

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.

watch now ⟶

Articles

Tuesday
,
29
October
2024

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.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
10
October
2023

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.

READ More ⟶
Friday
,
1
September
2023

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.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
14
March
2023

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.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
7
March
2023

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.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
28
February
2023

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.

READ More ⟶
Sunday
,
8
March
2009

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.

READ More ⟶
Wednesday
,
20
January
2010

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.

READ More ⟶
Thursday
,
14
January
2016

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.

READ More ⟶
Monday
,
16
January
2017

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.

READ More ⟶
Monday
,
16
January
2017

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.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
17
January
2017

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?

READ More ⟶

Podcasts

Wednesday
,
11
December
2024

Explore Mahala 5 Gatha

Gatha refers to a song or verse, rooted in the word gai, to speak, sing, or recite. It can also refer to a profound discourse with the self beyond simple praise or devotion.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
28
November
2024

Explore Patti (Mahala 3)

The essence of this composition is revealed in the stanza of rahau (Pause). In it, worldly accounting (entanglements) is described as useless.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
20
November
2024

Explore Thiti (Mahala 5) [Part 1]

Patti is a poetic form rooted in the Gurmukhi alphabet. Traditionally, students in Punjabi culture used a wooden tablet, called a patti, to practice writing letters.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
24
October
2024

Explore Patti (Mahala 1)

Patti is a poetic form rooted in the Gurmukhi alphabet. Traditionally, students in Punjabi culture used a wooden tablet, called a patti, to practice writing letters.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
9
October
2024

Explore Maru Kaphi

In Maru Kaphi, Guru Nanak Sahib reflects on the grief caused by separation from IkOankar, showing that even with worldly comforts, one remains unhappy without this connection.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
26
September
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
12
June
2017

I Cannot Live Without All-Pervasive For Even a Moment or an Instant

In the melodic embrace of Rag Asavar, Guru Ramdas Sahib's bestowed Sabad resonates, capturing the transitional hues from late afternoon to early evening.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
19
June
2017

Colorful Enticer is My Life’s Honor

The Sabad’s progress unveils the diversity of human affection. Worldly attachments and pride entrance some, while the devotees of the Divine embrace an affection for the Freedom-state inherent in the All-Pervasive.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Tuesday
,
27
June
2017

Brimful Immortal Nectar is Within the Home

Sabad is Infinite; we are very finite. This is our understanding at the moment, which was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow, as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
3
July
2017

Surrender Mind and Body, Forsake Societal Norms

The Sabad cautions against the pitfalls of ego and self-centeredness, which hinder entry into the Divine realm and lead to regret and suffering.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
10
July
2017

O! Ignorant. Wake up! Why Are You Asleep?

The Sabad begins with a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life. Each day that dawns eventually fades away, and the impermanence of our stay in this world is underscored by the inevitability of departure.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
27
July
2017

I Surrender to My Own Guru!

The Sabad begins with a profound surrender to the Guru, a heartfelt offering of praise spanning hours. This symbolizes the depth of devotion and the unyielding commitment to the Divine.

LISTEN NOW⟶

Courses

No courses found. See all Courses.

Resources

No resources found. See all Resources.