ÿþ<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>GUR&#362</TITLE> <style type="text/css"> .BODY { background:#EAF1F7 url('../images/gtbh.jpg') no-repeat fixed center; color: #0066CC} .C1{text-align: justify;color: #0066CC;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} .BIB{text-align: center;color: #000099;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} .CONT{text-align: right;color: #FF0000;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} </style><META NAME="keywords" CONTENT="GURj"> <META http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"></HEAD> <BODY class="BODY" oncontextmenu="return false" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false"> <FONT ALIGN="JUSTIFY" FACE="Tahoma"> <p class="C1">&#65279GUR&#362, a spiritual guide or preceptor. The term, long used in the Indian religious tradition, has a special connotation in the Sikh system. The Sikh faith itself signifies discipleship, the word <i>sikh</i> (<i>&#347i&#7779ya</i> in Sanskrit and <i>sissa</i> or <i>sekha</i> in P&#257l&#299) meaning pupil or learner. The concept of Gur&#363, the teacher or enlightener, is thus central to Sikhism. The Gur&#363, according to Sikh belief, is the vital link in man's spiritual progress. He is the teacher who shows the way. He is not an intercessor, but examplar and guide. He is no <i>avat&#257r</i> or God's incarnation, but it is through him that God instructs men. He is the perfectly realized soul; at the same time, he is capable of leading the believers to the highest state of spiritual enlightenment. The Gur&#363 has been called the ladder, the row-boat by means of which one reaches God. He is the revealer of God's word. Through him God's word, <i>&#347abda</i>, enters human history. The Gur&#363 is the voice of God, the Divine self-revelation. Man turns to the Gur&#363 for instruction because of his wisdom and his moral piety. He indicates the path to liberation. It is the Gur&#363 who brings the love and nature of God to the believer. It is he who brings that grace of God by which <i>haumai</i> or egoity is mastered. The Gur&#363 is witness to God's love of His creation. He is God's <i>hukam</i>, i.e. Will, made concrete.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A special figure is employed to describe the transference of the Gur&#363ship in the Sikh tradition. This figure helps us understand the true nature of Gur&#363. The Gur&#363ship passes from one Gur&#363 to the other as one candle lights another. Thus the real Gur&#363 is God, for He is the source of all light. It is clear that the Gur&#363 is not to be confused with the human form (the unlit body) . In the Sikh faith which originated in Gur&#363 N&#257nak's revelation, Ten Gur&#363s held the office. In Sikhism the word Gur&#363 is used only for the ten spiritual prophets -- Gur&#363 N&#257nak to Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh, and for none other. Now this office of Gur&#363 is fulfilled by the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib, the Sacred Book, which was so apotheosized by Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Various connotations of <i>gur&#363</i> have been given based on different etymological interpretations. One generally accepted in Sikhism is that derived from the syllable <i>gu</i> standing for darkness and <i>r&#363</i> for its removal. Thus <i>gur&#363</i> is he who banishes the darkness of ignorance. According to Sikh belief, guidance of the <i>gur&#363</i> is essential for one's spiritual enlightenment.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No particular text dealing with the concept of <i>gur&#363</i> is found in the Sikh Scripture, though scattered references abound. They are often figurative and symbolic but are fully expressive of the pre-eminence accorded to the <i>gur&#363</i>. He has been called a <i>t&#299rtha</i>, place of holy pilgrimage, i.e. purifier; a <i>kheva&#7789</i>, the boatman who rows one across the ocean of worldliness; a <i>sarovar</i>, a lake where swans, i.e. holy saints, dwell and pick up pearls of sacred wisdom for food; a <i>samund</i>, ocean which is churned for the gems, for his <i>b&#257&#7751&#299</i>, or inspired word, is itself deep like the ocean and its wisdom can be brought out only after long meditation; a <i>d&#299pak</i>, lamp which lights up the three worlds. In another comparison the Gur&#363 is called <i>p&#299lak</i>, elephant controller, as he restrains the mind that is like a mad, romping elephant. He is called <i>d&#257t&#257</i>, donor of wisdom; <i>amritsar</i>, the pool of ambrosia of the Name; a <i>bas&#299&#7789h</i>, one joining the seeker in union with God; <i>joti</i>, the light which illuminates the world. Other comparisons are <i>añjan</i>, collyrium, which sharpens the Sight -- a metaphor for the spiritual vision; <i>sahjai d&#257 khet</i>, the field of equipoise or equanimity; <i>pahar&#363&#257</i>, the watchman who drives away the five thieves, i.e. the five evils. He is <i>s&#363r&#257</i>, the hero whose sword of <i>jñ&#257na</i> or knowledge rends the veil of darkness and overcomes ignorance and wickedness, <i>p&#257ras</i>, philosopher's stone which turns base metals into gold, for he transforms ordinary men into holy saints. There are numerous more comparisons.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The first stanza of <i>B&#257van Akhar&#299</i>, one of Gur&#363 Arjan's compositions in the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib, is a paean of glorification in honour of the Gur&#363 (Gurudev) in exalted classical style. Gurudev, i.e. the divinely inspired Master, is the mother, father; he is the Master and the Lord Supreme. He is friend, relative, brother. He confers on the seeker the name of the Supreme Being, i.e. the <i>mantra</i>, which is infallible. <i>Gurudev</i> is the touchstone which surpasses all <i>p&#257ras. Gurudev</i> is sacred <i>t&#299rath</i> of the ambrosia of immortality, a bath wherein is a bath in <i>jñ&#257na. Gurudev</i> is the banisher of sins; he makes the impure pure. <i>Gurudev</i> has existed from beginning of the beginning, from the beginning of the ages and has lasted through all the <i>yugas</i>; i.e. his light is eternal. His teachings of the Name alone can save humanity (GG, 250).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The guidance of the <i>gur&#363</i> is absolutely essential; no spiritual gain can accrue without the <i>gur&#363's</i> guidance. The view has been constantly reiterated in the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Were there to rise a hundred moons, and a thousand suns besides,</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without the <i>gur&#363</i>, it will still be pitch darkness </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 463).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None other than the <i>gur&#363</i> can give enlightenment,</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nor can happiness without him enter the heart </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 650).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "None has ever realized God, none at all, without the <i>gur&#363's</i> guidance," declares Gur&#363 N&#257nak (GG, 466). Using figurative language, it is Pointed out that no blind man can find the path without the <i>gur&#363</i>, as nobody can reach the housetop without the stairs and no one can cross the river without a boat. As says Gur&#363 Amar D&#257s, he who remains without the Gur&#363's guidance is the rejected one </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 435).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What is gained if the <i>gur&#363's</i> compassion and guidance are available is thus elaborated:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By the holy preceptor's grace is faith perfected;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By the holy preceptor's grace is grief cancelled;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By the holy preceptor's grace is suffering annulled;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By the holy preceptor's grace is love of God enjoyed;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By the holy preceptor's grace is union with God attained</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(GG, 149).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <i>gur&#363</i> cleanses the seeker's mind of the impurity and brings it to contemplating on the Name. He breaks the shackles of the disciple who turns away from the excitements of the senses. He seeks his welfare and cherishes him as the beloved of his heart. A touch of him erases all blemishes of conduct. The bard Nall refers to the transforming power of the <i>gur&#363</i> thus in symbolic language: "From base metal I became gold by hearing the words of the Gur&#363. Poison was turned into nectar as one uttered the Name revealed by the Gur&#363. From iron a diamond I became by the Gur&#363's grace. From stone one becomes a diamond in light of the <i>jñ&#257na</i> manifested by the Gur&#363. The Gur&#363 transformed common timber into fragrant sandalwood and banished all pain and misery. By worshipping the feet of the Gur&#363, the foolish and the evil became angels -- the noblest of men" (GG, 1399) .</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; God, who is "without form, colour or feature, " is yet self-communicating. 'Through the True Word (<i>&#347abda</i> ) is He revealed, " as says Gur&#363 N&#257nak (GG, 597) . Further:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Within every heart is hid the Lord;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In all hearts and bodies is his light.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By the <i>gur&#363's</i> instruction</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Are the adamantine doors opened.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Here <i>&#347abda</i> and <i>gur&#363</i> are juxtaposed. Often they become one word, <i>&#347abdagur&#363</i>, identifying <i>&#347abda</i> with the <i>gur&#363</i>.</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The <i>&#347abda gur&#363</i> is the profound teacher;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without the <i>&#347abda</i> the world remains in perplexity </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 635) .</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Set your mind on the <i>gur&#347abda</i></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which is over and above everything else </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 904) .</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the <i>&#347abda</i> one recognizes the adorable Lord</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the word of the <i>gur&#363</i> (<i>gurv&#257k</i>)</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is he imbued with the truth </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 55).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>&#346abda</i> is the same as the <i>gur&#363</i>, says Gur&#363 R&#257m D&#257s. "<i>B&#257&#7751&#299</i> (the <i>gur&#363's</i> utterance or word) is the <i>gur&#363</i> and the <i>gur&#363</i> is <i>ba&#7751&#299</i>; in <i>ba&#7751i</i> are 'contained all the elixirs" (GG, 982). <i>&#346abda</i>, ever present, is articulated through the human medium, the <i>gur&#363</i>, so ordained by the Supreme Being. The historical Gur&#363s of the Sikh faith are believed to have uttered the truth vouchsafed to them by God. "As I received the word from the Lord, so do I deliver it, " says Gur&#363 N&#257nak (GG, 722). Gur&#363 Arjan: "I know not what to say; I utter only the word I receive from God" (GG, 763). And Gur&#363 R&#257m D&#257s: "Own ye the Sikhs the <i>b&#257&#7751&#299</i> of the gur&#363 as truth and truth alone, for the Creator Himself makes him utter it" (GG, 308).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;God, thus, is the primal Gur&#363 of the whole creation. This is how Gur&#363 N&#257nak discloses the identity of his own Gur&#363. One of his compositions, the <i>Sidha Go&#7779&#7789i</i>, is in the form of a discourse with a group of <i>yog&#299s</i>. Therein a <i>yog&#299</i> puts the question to him, "Who is your Gur&#363? Whose disciple are you?" (GG, 942) . To which Gur&#363 N&#257nak replies:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>&#346abda</i> is my Gur&#363, and the meditating mind the disciple.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By dwelling on Him I remain detached.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N&#257nak, God, the cherisher of the world through the ages, is my Gur&#363 </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 943).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Elsewhere Gur&#363 N&#257nak and his successors affirm that the <i>Satigur&#363</i> is God.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The light of the pure Lord, the essence of everything, is all-pervading.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He is the infinite, transcendent Lord, the Supreme God</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Him N&#257nak has obtained as his <i>Gur&#363</i> </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 599) .</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accredited is the personality of the bright Gur&#363, God</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Who is brimful of all might.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N&#257nak, the Gur&#363 is the transcendent Lord Master.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He, the ever present, is the Gur&#363 </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 802) .</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to Sikh belief there is no difference in spirit between such a <i>gur&#363</i> and God. "The <i>gur&#363</i> is God and God is the Gur&#363; there is no distinction between the two" says Gur&#363 R&#257m D&#257s (GG, 442). "God hath placed Himself within the <i>gur&#363</i>, which He explicitly explaineth" (GG, 466) . "Acknowledge the Transcendent God and the <i>gur&#363</i> as one" (GG, 864) . The real personality of a human being is the <i>&#257tman</i>, the physical body is only a temporary dwelling place for the <i>&#257tman</i> which is eternal and is a spark from the Eternal Flame, the Supreme <i>&#256tman</i> or God. "O my self, you are an embodiment of God's Light; know your true origin" (GG, 441) . Being encased in the physical frame, this <i>&#257tm&#257n</i> becomes so involved in the temptations of the physical world that it forgets its reality and loses contact with the Flame of its origin, whereas the <i>&#257tman</i> of the <i>Gur&#363</i> remains ever in tune with that Supreme Light from which it has sparked off. It is thus that God is accepted as residing within the <i>gur&#363</i>. It is in this sense that there is no distinction seen between the <i>gur&#363</i> and God. <i>Gur&#363</i> or <i>satigur&#363</i> is thus a word with a double meaning in the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib. It may refer to God or to His chosen prophet.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The true <i>Gur&#363</i> is easily distinguished. "The true <i>gur&#363</i> is one who has realized the Supreme Being and whose association saves the disciple" (GG, 286) . "The true <i>gur&#363</i> is one in whose heart dwells the Name Divine" (GG, 287) . "He by meeting whom the mind is filled with bliss is the true <i>gur&#363</i>. He ends the duality of the mind and leads (the disciple) to the ultimate state of realization " (GG, 168) . "Praise, praise be to the true <i>gur&#363</i> who demolishes the fort of dubiety; wondrous, wondrous the true <i>gur&#363</i> who unites the seeker with the Lord" (GG, 522). The <i>gur&#363</i> is ordained as such for the liberation of mankind . He transmits the message of God to men and performs acts of grace to save them. The <i>gur&#363</i> is sent by God, but he is not God's incarnation. "Singed be the tongue which says that the Lord takes birth" (GG, 1136). He is <i>aj&#363n&#299</i> (unborn); He is <i>saibha&#7749</i> (self-existent) . Highest tribute and adoration are reserved for the <i>gur&#363</i>. Devotion to the <i>gur&#363</i> is deemed to be the quintessential quality of a religious man. The pain of separation from the <i>gur&#363</i> and the joy of meeting with him find expression in poetry of deep intensity, as in Gur&#363 Arjan's hymn in R&#257g M&#257jh (GG, 96-97).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gur&#363 N&#257nak was suspicious of human preceptors, <i>pa&#7751&#7693its, gur&#363s</i> and <i>p&#299rs</i>. They are generally denounced as blind guides, self-styled and traders upon ignorance and supersition. He warns against them:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never fall at the feet of one</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Who calls himself <i>gur&#363</i> and <i>p&#299r</i>, and goes begging.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He who eats what he earns</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And from his own hands gives some in charity,</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He alone knows the true way of life </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 1245).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The disciple whose <i>gur&#363</i> is blind will not attain the goal (GG, 58) . Taking up this thought the third Gur&#363 said:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The disciples whose <i>gur&#363</i> is blind perform only blind deeds.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They follow their own wayward will,</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And ever utter the grossest lies </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 951).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Gur&#363 N&#257nak speaks of his <i>gur&#363</i> or <i>satigur&#363</i>, it is not such teachers that he has in mind. The true <i>gur&#363</i> is the means of the self-revelation of God. He makes the concealed and ineffable God known. He symbolizes the supreme act of God's grace in revealing Himself as Truth, as the Name, as the Word. The true <i>gur&#363</i> comes to unite all people of the world and to unite them to the Supreme Being. A false <i>gur&#363</i> creates schisms, divisions and prejudices. The true <i>gur&#363</i> as manifested in the history of the Sikh faith comes to suppress the forces of evil and to rally the forces of good. He comes to resuscitate the values of true religion, <i>dharma</i>.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Sikh faith developed under the guidance of ten successive Gur&#363s from 1469 to 1708. Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh, the Tenth Gur&#363, appointed no personal successor, but bequeathed the gur&#363ship to the Holy Book, the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib. The holy Word or <i>&#347abda</i> had always been referred by the Gur&#363s as well as by their disciples as of Divine origin. The Gur&#363 was the revealer of the Word. The Word was identified with the Gur&#363 when Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh proclaimed the Holy Book Gur&#363 before he passed away. Bards Balva&#7751&#7693 and Satt&#257 theorize that of their three aspects -- <i>jot&#299</i>, i.e. light, <i>jugati</i>, way or procedure, and <i>k&#257i&#257</i>, i.e. body -- it is only <i>k&#257i&#257</i>, the body, that changes as succession passed from one historical Gur&#363 of the Sikh faith to the next. <i>Jot&#299</i> and <i>jugati</i> remained the same. As sang the bards: <i>Joti oh&#257 jugati s&#257i sahi k&#257i&#257 pheri pala&#7789&#299ai</i>" (GG, 966). From their verse emerges this concept of three aspects of the gur&#363ship.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; God is the source of all light or consciousness. God kindles that light, in the chosen human body, the Gur&#363; in the <i>jot&#299</i>-aspect the Gur&#363 is the most enlightened human being, he is in direct communion with God. He communicates the message of God to mankind. He transmits His light to the world. Without the <i>gur&#363</i>, darkness prevails. Says Gur&#363 N&#257nak, "The light of the <i>gur&#363</i> alone dispels darkness" (GG, 463). "The <i>gur&#363</i> is that lamp which illuminates the three worlds" (GG, 137) . Balva&#7751&#7693 and Satt&#257 in their hymn in the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib affirm that the historical Gur&#363s of the Sikhs shared the same <i>joti</i> (light). The <i>joti</i> got transferred to the successor's body. Thus, right from 1469, the year of the birth of Gur&#363 N&#257nak, to 1708, the year of the passing away of Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh, it was one continuing <i>jot&#299</i> manifesting itself in the Ten Gur&#363s.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This awareness of one light acting through the successive Gur&#363s was so permeating among the Sikhs that Mobid Zulfiq&#257r Ardast&#257n&#299 (d. 1670) wrote in his Persian work <i>Dabist&#257n-i-Maz&#257hib</i>, "The Sikhs say that when N&#257nak left his body, he absorbed himself in Gur&#363 A&#7749gad who was his most devoted disciple, and that Gur&#363 A&#7749gad was N&#257nak himself. After that, at the time of his death, Gur&#363 A&#7749gad entered into the body of Amar D&#257s. He in the same manner occupied a place in the body of R&#257m D&#257s who in the same way got united with Arjan. They say that whoever does not acknowledge Gur&#363 Arjan to be the very self of B&#257b&#257 N&#257nak becomes a non-believer."</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh, last of the Gur&#363s, himself wrote in his poetical autobiography called <i>Bachitra N&#257&#7789ak</i>, "N&#257nak assumed the body of A&#7749gad... Afterwards, N&#257nak was called Amar D&#257s, as one lamp is lit from another... The holy N&#257nak was revered as A&#7749gad, A&#7749gad was recognized as Amar D&#257s. And Amar D&#257s became R&#257m D&#257s&#8230 When R&#257m D&#257s was blended with the Divine, he gave the Gur&#363ship to Arjan. Arjan appointed Hargobind in his place and Hargobind gave his seat to Har R&#257i. Har Krishan, his son, then became Gur&#363. After him came Te<u>gh</u> Bah&#257dur."</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Balva&#7751&#7693 and Satt&#257 further proclaim that the Gur&#363s indicated the same <i>jugati</i> or the method and way of life. The ministry of Gur&#363 N&#257nak combining <i>jot&#299</i> and <i>jugati</i>, took care of both the worlds, the spiritual and the temporal. It was the ministry of <i>deg</i> (charity), and <i>te<u>gh</u></i> (power), of <i>m&#299r&#299</i> (temporal authority) and <i>p&#299r&#299</i> (spiritual power). According to the bard, N&#257nak founded sovereignty on the firm rock of truth... <i>N&#257naku r&#257ju chal&#257i&#257 sachu ko&#7789u sat&#257&#7751&#299 n&#299v dai</i> (GG, 966). As N&#257nak transferred the <i>jot&#299</i> (light) to Lahi&#7751&#257 who became Gur&#363 A&#7749gad, he unfurled the umbrella over his head -- <i>laha&#7751e dharionu chhatu siri</i>, i.e. he invested Lahi&#7751&#257 with the authority to carry on with the practice he had introduced. The Gur&#363s preached devotion, <i>bhakti</i> or <i>n&#257m</i> (meditation on the Divine Name), recitation of <i>b&#257&#7751&#299</i>, the sacred texts, and <i>k&#299rtan</i>, i.e. singing of the Lord's glory in <i>sa&#7749gat</i> or holy assembly. Along with <i>n&#257m</i>, they inculcated the values of <i>kirat</i>, labouring with one's hands, and <i>vand chhak&#7751&#257</i>, sharing with others the fruit of one's exertions. The Gur&#363s had carved a clear way for the disciples.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Gur&#363's <i>k&#257i&#257</i> or body was the repository of God's light. It was the medium for the articulation of <i>&#347abda</i>, Word Divine, or God's message. So it was worthy of reverence. The historical Gur&#363 was the focal point of the <i>sa&#7749gat</i> and the living example of truths he had brought to light. He himself lived up to the teachings he imparted to his disciples.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <i>sa&#7749gat</i> turned into <u>Kh</u>&#257lsa in the time of Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh who introduced <i>kha&#7751&#7693e d&#299 p&#257hul</i>, i.e. baptism of the double-edged steel sword. With the formation of the <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257, the concept of the <i>Gur&#363 Panth</i> formalized. By becoming the sixth person to receive <i>amrit</i> at the hands of the Pañj Pi&#257re, the Five Beloved, who formed the nucleus of the <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257 Panth, Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh testified to his own membership of the Panth, and to having merged himself with it and endowed it with the charisma of his own personality. The <i>b&#257&#7751&#299</i>, always revered by the Sikhs as well as by the Gur&#363s as Word Divine, was however above all. This was something which even the Gur&#363s themselves could not change. It was this superiority which Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh acknowledged in 1708 when he invested Scripture as Gur&#363. The idea of the Gur&#363 Panth lives on in the <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257. But the <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257 itself could not alter the fundamental tenets of the Sikh faith as enunciated in the <i>b&#257&#7751&#299</i>. The Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib was, in the presence of the <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257, proclaimed Gur&#363. The finality of the pronouncement remains a cherished truth for the Sikhs and the Holy Book has since been the perpetual authority, spiritual as well as historical, for them. No living person, however holy or revered, can now have for them the title or status of Gur&#363. For Sikhs the Gur&#363 is the teacher, the prophet under direct commission from God -- the Ten who have been and the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib which is their continuing visible manifestation.</p> </font> <p class="BIB"> BIBLIOGRAPHY<p class="C1"><ol class="C1"><li class="C1"><i>&#346abad&#257rth Sr&#299 Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib</i>. Amritsar, 1959<BR> <li class="C1"> Jodh Si&#7749gh, Bh&#257&#299, <i>Gurmati Nir&#7751aya</i>. Amritsar, 1932<BR> <li class="C1"> Darshan Si&#7749gh, <i>Gur&#363 Granth B&#257&#7751&#299 vich Gur&#363 d&#257 Sa&#7749kalap</i>. Patiala, 1976<BR> <li class="C1"> Kapur Si&#7749gh, <i>Par&#257&#347arapra&#347&#7751a</i>. Amritsar, 1989<BR> <li class="C1"> Sher Singh, <i>Philosophy of Sikhism</i>. Amritsar, 1980<BR> <li class="C1"> Cole, W.O., <i>The Guru in Sikhism</i>. London, 1982<BR> </ol><p class="CONT">W. Owen Cole<br></p><BR> </font> <img src="counter.aspx" width="1px" height="1px" alt=""> </HTML></BODY>