Commander Selvam Siddhar
A progressive religion well ahead of its time when it was founded over
500 years ago, The Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million
people worldwide and is ranked as the worlds 5th largest religion. Sikhism
preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful
living, equality of humankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals.
Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the
Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
founded Sikhism, (1469-1538). At Sultanpur, he received a vision to preach the
way to enlightenment and God. He taught a strict monotheism, society of
humanity. He rejected idol worship, and the oppressive Hindu concept of caste. Only
according to the Guruji’s directions In 1801, Maharaja Ranjit Singh founded the
Sikh state of Punjab in Northern
India. According to a historian Vincent Smith, "The
Punjab State was neither a traditional Indian territorial State and monarchy,
nor merely a dictatorship of one community over another.
Guru Nanak was a reformer. He attacked the vicious tentacles of
corruptions in society. He strongly protested against formalism and ritualism.
He carried the message of peace and of love to everybody. He was very liberal
in his views. He did not observe the rules of caste. He tried his level best to
remove the superstitions of the people. He preached purity, justice, goodness
and the love of God. He introduced the singing in praise of God, along with
music, as a means of linking the soul of man with God.
Guru Nanak had great reverence for women. He allowed them to join all religious
gatherings and conferences and to sing the praises of God. He gave them their
full share in religious functions.
To him, there are no barriers of race, class, caste, creed or color, which
check the progress of any in reaching the goal. He realized the great truth of
fellowship of religions. He preached the universal brotherhood of man and the
fatherhood of God to all people.
Guru Nanak points out that the road to the abode of God is long and arduous.
There are no short cuts for rich people. Everyone must undergo the same
discipline. All human beings must live according to the will of the Lord
without grumbling or murmuring. The best way to find God is to make His will
your own. Be in tune with the Infinite. The first stage in making the divine
will one’s own is attained through prayer for divine grace or favor. Guru Nanak
attaches very great importance to prayer. He says that man without divine favor
can achieve nothing. He says: "Approach God with perfect humility. Throw
yourself on His mercy. Give up pride, show and egoism. Beg for His kindness and
favor. Do not think of your own merits, abilities, faculties and capacities. Be
prepared to die in the pursuit of His love and union with Him".
The beautiful composition of mystic poems uttered by Nanak is contained in
Japji. Every Sikh sings it at daybreak. In Japji, Guru Nanak has given a vivid
description of the stages through which man must pass in order to reach the
final resting place or abode of eternal bliss. There are five stages or
Khandas. The first is called Dharm Khand or "The Realm of Duty".
Everyone must tread the path of righteousness. Everyone will be judged
according to his actions.
The next stage is Gyan Khand or "The Realm of Knowledge" where the
spirit of divine knowledge reigns. The aspirant does his duty with intense
faith and sincerity. He has the knowledge now, that only by doing his duty in a
perfect manner, he can reach the abode of bliss or the goal of life.
The third stage is Sharam Khand. This is "The Realm of Ecstasy".
There is the spiritual rapture here. There is beauty. The Dharma has become a
part of one’s own nature. It has become an ingrained habit. It is no more a
mere matter of duty or knowledge.
The fourth stage is Karam Khand or "The Realm of Power". The God of
power rules over this realm. The aspirant acquires power. He becomes a mighty
hero. He becomes invincible. The fear of death vanishes.
The fifth or the final stage is Sach Khand or "The Realm of Truth".
The formless One reigns here. Here the aspirant becomes one with God. He has
attained Godhead. He has transmuted himself into Divinity. He has attained the
goal of his life. He has found out his permanent resting place. Now ends the
arduous journey of the soul.
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