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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.
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,...
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?
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 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.
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 - Sabad 02: Yoga Disrupted
In the second composition of the “Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10” (popularly Shabad Hazare Patshahi 10) series, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib emphasizes union with the 1.
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.
