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Videos
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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.
Rang Ratta Mera Sahib in Rag Siri | Guru Granth Sahib 23
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.
Bhai Avtar Singh in Tohi Mohi Mohi Tohi Antar Kaisa | Guru Granth Sahib 93
This composition by Bhagat Ravidas is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative.
Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag Majh | Guru Granth Sahib 102
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 Nanak Sahib in Rag Gauri Bairagan | Guru Granth Sahib 157
This composition by Guru Nanak Sahib is in Rag Gauri Bairagan, a musical mode sung in the morning. It is a rag (musical measure) of sadness, separation, and longing as opposed to depression.
Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag Asa | Guru Granth Sahib 404
This composition by Guru Arjan Sahib is in Rag Asa, a musical mode used to evoke a mood of hope, expectation, inspiration, and courage.
Bhagat Ravidas ji in Gujri Rag | Guru Granth Sahib 525 | Artist: Bhai Harjinder Singh
Metaphors come alive, painting a vivid picture of life's complexities. The imagery of a suckling calf affecting milk, bees disrupting a flower, and fish muddying water draws attention to the innate interplay of purity and impurity.
Articles
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Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 01: Renunciation Redefined
In the first composition of the “Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10” (popularly Shabad Hazare Patshahi 10) series, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib redefines everything yogic. Yoga is reframed as the original idea of union or the connection with the 1.
Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10
Multiple sources of knowledge, visits to historical places, and personal experiences to date fuel the deeper meanings of Sabad Hajare (popularly Shabad Hazare) attributed to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.
From Pothi to Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Arjan Sahib gifted the eventual Guru Granth Sahib to humanity. Why did the Guru envision it? How did the Guru compile it? What did the Guru curate?
Sabad Structure in the Guru Granth Sahib
While reading the Guru Granth Sahib, we come across various Sabad structures and forms. Some small and others long. Some have two stanzas, others three, four, or more. What do these different stanzas tell us about a Sabad or its structure?
Beadbi: Locating Irreverence amongst the Sikhs
In recent news and current events, “beadbi” has come to the forefront as a topic of discussion. But do we as Sikhs collectively understand what beadbi is, how it has been dealt with historically,...
Children's Curriculum – 2018
With summer at our doorsteps, now is a great opportunity to plan a few educational family activities for the next few months. Play is important, no doubt, but so is accepting Gurbani as part of everyday life and learning to ask the right kind of questions. Questions that are explored in Gurbani. For that to be a part of your journey, SikhRI composed a summer curriculum to engage the whole family and especially children.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
