There is a well-known Gurbani Shabad by Baba Farid Ji that is often misunderstood because it is read without considering its deeper message. The pankiti says: ਫਰੀਦਾ ਰੋਟੀ ਮੇਰੀ ਕਾਠ ਕੀ ਲਾਵਣੁ ਮੇਰੀ ਭੁਖ ॥Fareedhaa rottee maeree kaat(h) kee laavan maeree bhukh ||ਜਿਨਾ ਖਾਧੀ ਚੋਪੜੀ ਘਣੇ
Read MoreGanika literally means a prostitute or such woman who sells her body for money. There are several references in Gurbani regarding Ganika and how she obtained salvation. I will narrate a brief story of one of the Ganikas (there is a reference to two Ganikas in
Read MoreWhen we do paath of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, we read about Ajaamal Paapi at quite a few places. Here is a brief story of his life. Hopefully, this will help us understand Baani better. Ajaamal was born to a Raaj Purohit (head priest) and
Read MoreAmong Christians, there is a popular belief that Jesus Christ was born from Virgin Mary without any physical union. According to Gurmat, this belief is not supported. Gurbani clearly explains the reality of human birth and does not make exceptions for any individual. Gurbani states:ਮਾ ਕੀ
Read MoreGuru Arjan Dev Ji laying the first brick as part of the foundation ceremony for the construction of Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. Whenever we think about Sri Harmandir Sahib, the values of shared belonging and equality naturally come to mind. This sacred place reflects Guru
Read MoreBhai Gurdas Ji – the great saint scholar, scribe and philosopher of Sikhi In the Sikh Panth, Bhai Gurdas Ji’s writings hold a very special place. They are often called gurbani di kunji (the key to gurbani), because they help explain difficult Shabads in clear, everyday
Read MoreWe just don’t believe in the Abrahamic version(s). It’s a favourite line of Sikh social media influencers attempting to explain the Sikh belief in Akal Purakh to the public: “We don’t believe that God is a man in the sky.” What they mean to say is
Read MoreIn Gurbani, many letters have special pronunciation marks beneath them, such as the Udaat symbol, the yakash symbol, etc.When these symbols are present, the pronunciation of the word changes. (1) Udaat ਗੁਣ ਰਾਸਿ ਬੰਨੑਿ ਪਲੈ ਆਨੀ ॥Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang: 372 ਠਗਿ ਮੁਠੀ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਬੰਨੑਿ
Read MoreWithin Gurbani, many rules are written in a very clear and beautiful way. By understanding them properly, they can be followed easily. Examples from Gurbani: ਰਾਗੁ ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ਪਹਿਲਾ ੧ ਘਰੁ ੧॥Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang: 14 ਗੂਜਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ਤੀਜਾ॥Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji,
Read MoreWho are “we”?Philosophies such as Advaitism distill our existence until “we” no longer remain, and what is left is the mere idea of existence, void of any actual Being to experience this state. According to these philosophies, “I” and “we” are illusions; and when we achieve our goal
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