Guru Granth Sahib

Definition

The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded as the final, eternal Guru by Sikhs. It is a collection of hymns and writings by the Sikh Gurus and other saints from different backgrounds, emphasizing spiritual wisdom, equality, and devotion to God. The scripture serves as a guide for moral living and is integral to the practices and rituals in Sikh communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Guru Granth Sahib consists of 1,430 pages and includes hymns written in Gurmukhi script, which is used in Sikh religious practices.
2. It was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, in 1604, and later expanded by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, who declared it the eternal Guru in 1708.
3. The scripture contains contributions from various saints beyond Sikh Gurus, including Hindu and Muslim mystics, reflecting its inclusive philosophy.
4. Sikhs treat the Guru Granth Sahib with immense respect, using a ceremonial palanquin to transport it and reciting from it during religious services.
5. The teachings within the Guru Granth Sahib emphasize values such as compassion, humility, and social justice, promoting a life of integrity and service to others.

Review Questions

• How does the Guru Granth Sahib reflect the principles of inclusivity and diversity in Sikhism?
  • The Guru Granth Sahib reflects inclusivity and diversity by incorporating hymns from various saints of different religious backgrounds, including Hindu and Muslim mystics. This approach showcases the Sikh belief that truth transcends individual faiths and emphasizes universal themes of spirituality and devotion to God. By recognizing these diverse voices, the scripture fosters a sense of unity among followers of different faiths while upholding core Sikh values.
• Discuss the significance of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh worship and community life.
  • The Guru Granth Sahib holds a central place in Sikh worship and community life as it serves not only as a religious text but also as the eternal Guru for Sikhs. During congregational worship known as 'Sangat,' hymns from the scripture are recited, fostering communal participation and reflection. Additionally, rituals surrounding its care—such as covering it with a cloth and placing it on a raised platform—demonstrate deep respect for its teachings, making it a focal point for community gatherings and spiritual growth.
• Analyze how the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib challenge social norms and advocate for social justice.
  • The teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib challenge social norms by promoting equality among all individuals, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. The scripture emphasizes that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God, which directly opposes entrenched social hierarchies. This advocacy for social justice is reflected in practices like Langar—where free meals are served to everyone without distinction—encouraging a culture of inclusivity and service. Such teachings have played a vital role in shaping Sikh identity and community engagement in addressing social issues.

Related terms

Sikhism: A monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of South Asia in the 15th century, focusing on the teachings of ten Gurus, emphasizing equality and service.

Guru: In Sikhism, a Guru is a spiritual teacher or leader; the term also refers to the ten human Gurus who contributed to the formation of Sikh beliefs.

Langar: A community kitchen in Sikhism where free meals are served to all visitors, promoting the values of equality and selfless service.