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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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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.
Rain! O’ Revered Cloud! Delay Not Even a Bit
Guru Arjan Sahib’s composition in Rag Malar brings to life the profound emotional experience of longing and fulfillment, set against the backdrop of the monsoon rains.
Love of the Beloved is Lovely
In the serene and contemplative ambiance of the Kedara rag, Guru Arjan Sahib's Sabad resonates with profound devotion and spirituality. Typically performed during the tranquil hours from 9 p.m. to midnight, the Kedara rag evokes deep emotions...
Remembering, My Owner Divine
In the enchanting melody of Dhanasari, a rag that evokes happiness, Guru Arjan Sahib weaves a Sabad that transcends the realms of joy and spiritual connection.
ਕਲਿ ਕਲਵਾਲੀ ਕਾਮੁ ਮਦੁ ਮਨੂਆ ਪੀਵਣਹਾਰੁ ॥ Ignorance-era is the Carafe
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.
Enticer Enticed My Mind
Guru Nanak Sahib's Sabad, set in the serene and simple Sarang Rag, beautifully captures the essence of devotion and spiritual surrender amidst the oppressive heat of a summer afternoon. Sarang, associated with the late afternoon when the...
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.
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.
Whatever is Asked From the Ruler, That’s What is Given
The narrative seamlessly transitions to the benevolence of the All-Pervasive, the Guru as the Earth-Force protecting the servants. The description of a forgiving Being embracing and erasing all vices creates an imagery of boundless compassion.
O! Divine! Glance at Me, Graciously Save Me
The Sabad opens with a jubilant acknowledgment of the Reality realized through the grace of Eternal Perfection. The appeal to the All-Pervasive, the Earth-Force, and the Destroyer of sorrow set a tone of surrender and supplication.
O! Eternal-Guru, I Have Come to Your Sanctuary
The Sabad expresses a heartfelt plea to the Eternal Guru, evoking a longing for refuge in the sanctuary of divine grace. It portrays a deep sense of surrender and acknowledgment of the futility of seeking solace elsewhere.
All-Pervasive Enables World-Ocean Crossing
The Sabad urges the mind to utter the divine name of the Charmer-Divine for liberation. It speaks of the complete elimination of countless transgressions, facilitated by the grace of the All-Pervasive, enabling the crossing of the metaphorical world-ocean
If I Address You as a Leader, How is That Expressing Your Greatness?
The Sabad begins by addressing the One as the Emperor, acknowledging that any attempt to describe the Greatness of the One falls short.
Who are Mother, Father, Children and Wife? Who is Whose Sibling?
The Sabad begins with a clear reminder: no one is your ultimate support except the Divine, the One. Relationships we hold dear—our parents, children, spouses, and siblings—are fleeting.
