Some people believe that Sikhi teaches all religions are equal and lead to the same destination, but that is not true. Sikhi, or Gurmat (the teachings of the Guru), has always been presented as a unique and distinct path from the very beginning. Sikhi teaches that only Gursikhs (those who follow the Guru’s teachings) can attain the highest form of liberation, reaching Sachkhand. People from other faiths may earn merit and reach heaven, which is a realm lower than Sachkhand. However, once the reward for their actions is exhausted, they will be returned to the cycle of reincarnation. This cycle continues until they attain true liberation by following Sikhi.
Bhai Gurdaas Ji, a respected Sikh scholar, wrote:
เจฎเจพเจฐเจฟเจ เจธเจฟเฉฑเจเจพ เจเจเจค เจตเจฟเจ เจจเจพเจจเจ เจจเจฟเจฐเจฎเจฒ เจชเฉฐเจฅ เจเจฒเจพเจฏเจพเฅฅ
“In the world, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji established the authority (of his doctrines) and started a Path (of religion), devoid of any impurity.”
(Vaar 1, Pauree 45 โ Bhai Gurdaas Ji)
This means Guru Nanak started a pure and unique way, not just another version of what already existed.
Many religions talk about liberation, freedom from lifeโs struggles, or reaching a better place after death. But each one sees it differently, and Sikhiโs idea stands out. Letโs look at some examples:
In Sikhi, liberation is not a mere escape from suffering, physicality, or the cycle of rebirth. It is a profound and direct realization of the Divine through unwavering dedication to the Guruโs teachings, the practice of Naam, and a life of selfless service. This path leads to the highest form of liberation, where the soul becomes one with Waheguru, living in constant union and bliss.ย
In Sikhi, Naam is everything, itโs the key to meeting God. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji says again and again that without Naam, no one can find true liberation or reach Sach Khand (realm of Truth). Hereโs what Gurbani teaches:
เจเจนเฉ เจ
เจนเฉเจฐเจพ เจเฉเจจเฉ เจฆเจพเจจเฉ เฅฅ
เจจเจพเจจเจ เจเฉ เจเจฐเจฟ เจเฉเจตเจฒ เจจเจพเจฎเฉ เฅฅเฉชเฅฅเฉชเฅฅ
โGod has given this gift. Nanakโs home is filled with only Naam, the Name of Vaheguru. ||4||4||โ
(Ang 1136)
เจธเจญเจฟ เจธเฉเจ เจฎเฉเจเจคเจฟ เจจเจพเจฎ เจงเฉเจจเจฟ เจฌเจพเจฃเฉ เจธเจเฉ เจจเจพเจฎเฉ เจเจฐ เจงเจพเจฐเฉ เฅฅ
เจจเจพเจฎ เจฌเจฟเจจเจพ เจจเจนเฉ เจเฉเจเจธเจฟ เจจเจพเจจเจ เจธเจพเจเฉ เจคเจฐเฉ เจคเฉ เจคเจพเจฐเฉ เฅฅเฉฏเฅฅเฉญเฅฅ
โThose who enshrine the True Name within their heart, have the flowing current of Naam, and attach their consciousness to the Guruโs Baani, obtain all comforts and liberation from the illusionary world. O Nanak! Without Naam, no one is saved; You too can cross over through this true path. ||9||7||โ
(Ang 1013)
These verses tell us that Naam is the only way to escape the illusions of the world and merge with God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji brought this special gift of Gurmat Naam to the world, making Sikhi a unique path.
Sikhi does teach equality, but not in the way some people think. Itโs not about saying all religions are equal or lead to the same goal. Instead, itโs about treating everyone the same, seeing them as souls, not just as followers of different faiths. This comes from living the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Unlike some religions that say only their followers are saved, Sikhi doesnโt put others down. Sikhs pray every day for everyoneโs well-being, no matter their religion:
เจจเจพเจจเจ เจจเจพเจฎ เจเฉเจฆเฉ เจเจฒเจพเฅค เจคเฉเจฐเฉ เจญเจพเจฃเฉ เจธเจฐเจฌเฉฑเจค เจฆเจพ เจญเจฒเจพเฅค
โMay the Divine-Name preached by Nanak be exalted. May all prosper and be blessed within Your Will.โ
(Daily Sikh Ardaas)
So, why was Sikhi started? Because Guru Nanak Dev Ji wanted to share a clear and direct path to God, one that wasnโt mixed up with other ideas. Every religion has its own goals, and people will reach whatever they work toward. In some cases, people from other religions may reach heaven (Swarg), which is within the realm of Gyaan Khand. However, even if they attain this level, they must eventually be reborn. After spending some time in heaven, their soul will return to the cycle of birth and death, depending on their karma. They may pass through various life forms before attaining a human birth once again.
Only through Sikhi can one achieve the highest salvation – reaching Sach Khand, the realm of Truth. This is the ultimate goal, where the soul merges with the Divine in eternal union, breaking free from the endless cycle of reincarnation. Sikhi, with its focus on Gurmat Naam, is the unique and complete path that leads to Sach Khand, where true liberation is attained.
