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.
The imagery of seeking the Divine's gracious glance, saving embrace, and a pull from the well of worldly entanglements invites reflection.
This composition by Bhagat Namdev is in Rag Asa, a musical mode used to evoke a mood of hope, expectation, inspiration, and courage. In Bhagat Namdev’s earlier worship mode, he was a follower of the “Bithal” deity.
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.
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?”
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.
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.
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.
This composition by Bhagat Ravidas is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative.
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.
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.
This composition by Guru Arjan Sahib is in Rag Asa, a musical mode used to evoke a mood of hope, expectation, inspiration, and courage.
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.
In the serene setting of Rag Todi, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad echoes with profound reverence, contemplation, and devotion. Todi, celebrated for its solemn and reflective atmosphere, envelops the listener in a tranquil and profound experience.
In the harmonious embrace of Dhanasari, a rag that resonates with happiness, Guru Arjan Sahib crafts a Sabad that delves into the profound aspects of spiritual realization and seeking divine refuge.
Delve into the Sabad (Shabad) of Bhagat Namdev in Rag (raag) Asa from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Read the translation done by Harinder Singh and Inni Kaur.
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.
Explore the Sabad (Shabad) of Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag (raag) Asa from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Read the translation done by Harinder Singh and Inni Kaur. Listen to Inni Kaur’s reflection on this Sabad.
In the poignant rag of Jaitsari, Guru Ramdas Sahib's Sabad unfolds as a heartfelt expression of dependence and an intense yearning for the divine presence.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
This composition by Bhagat Ravidas is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative.
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?
‘Var Sat,’ commonly called 'Satvar' or 'Satvara,' is a poetic form based on the seven days of the week. It is a unique literary style that connects each day of the week with a specific idea, emotion, teaching, or reflection.
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.
The essence of this composition is revealed in the stanza of rahau (Pause). In it, worldly accounting (entanglements) is described as useless.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This composition by Bhagat Ravidas is in Rag Siri, an ancient musical mode sung at dusk. Its mood is majestic, reflective, and meditative.
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.
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.
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.