Guru granth sahib

Definition

Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, revered as the eternal Guru by Sikhs. It is a compilation of hymns and writings by Sikh Gurus and other saints, which express profound spiritual truths and ethical teachings. The text plays a vital role in daily life and rituals, guiding Sikhs in their spiritual journey and practices through its poetic verses and melodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Guru Granth Sahib was first compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, in the early 17th century, ensuring the preservation of Sikh teachings.
2. The scripture contains over 1,400 pages with hymns in various languages including Gurmukhi, Hindi, and Persian, reflecting a diverse cultural influence.
3. The musical setting of hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib is crucial for Kirtan, where specific raags (melodic frameworks) are assigned to each hymn to enhance spiritual experience.
4. Sikhs treat the Guru Granth Sahib with great reverence, placing it on a raised platform called Palki and addressing it as 'Guru,' reflecting its status as a living Guru.
5. Recitation and singing from the Guru Granth Sahib are integral to Sikh rituals during significant life events such as births, marriages, and funerals.

Review Questions

• How does the Guru Granth Sahib influence daily practices and rituals among Sikhs?
  • The Guru Granth Sahib serves as a guide for Sikhs in their daily practices and rituals by providing teachings that emphasize moral conduct, devotion to God, and community service. Its hymns are recited during daily prayers and special ceremonies, shaping the spiritual framework of Sikh life. Additionally, Kirtan, which involves singing these hymns, fosters community bonding and spiritual upliftment during gatherings.
• Discuss the significance of Kirtan in relation to the teachings found in the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Kirtan holds a significant place within Sikh worship as it transforms the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib into a musical form that resonates with devotees. By singing hymns set to specific raags, Sikhs engage deeply with the scripture's messages while fostering an emotional connection to their faith. This practice not only serves as an expression of devotion but also reinforces communal ties among worshippers during gatherings at Gurdwaras.
• Evaluate how the concepts presented in the Guru Granth Sahib contribute to communal harmony within Sikh practices such as Langar.
  • The concepts presented in the Guru Granth Sahib play a vital role in promoting communal harmony within Sikh practices like Langar. The scripture emphasizes equality among all individuals regardless of caste or background, which is mirrored in the Langar service where everyone eats together. This practice not only demonstrates Sikhs' commitment to social justice but also reinforces the teachings of humility and service found within their sacred text, creating an inclusive environment that embodies Sikh values.

Related terms

Sikhism: A monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of South Asia in the 15th century, emphasizing faith in one God and the teachings of the ten Gurus.

Kirtan:

A form of devotional music in Sikhism where hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are sung, creating a spiritual atmosphere during worship.

Langar: A community kitchen in Sikhism where free meals are served to all visitors, promoting equality and communal harmony, often accompanied by music from the Guru Granth Sahib.