Guru Granth Sahib

Definition

The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded as the eternal Guru by Sikhs. It is a collection of hymns and writings by Sikh Gurus and other saints from various backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of devotion, equality, and the oneness of God, making it a vital text in the historical development of religion in literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Guru Granth Sahib was first compiled by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, in 1604 and has been expanded by later Gurus.
2. The scripture contains over 1,400 pages and includes hymns written in various languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, and Persian.
3. It emphasizes core values such as equality, social justice, and devotion to God, which are central to Sikh identity.
4. The Guru Granth Sahib is treated with utmost reverence; it is placed on a raised platform and covered with a ceremonial cloth during worship.
5. In Sikh practice, no living Guru exists after Guru Gobind Singh declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, making it unique among religious texts.

Review Questions

• How does the Guru Granth Sahib reflect the core beliefs of Sikhism and its historical significance?
  • The Guru Granth Sahib encapsulates core beliefs of Sikhism such as devotion to one God, equality among all people, and social justice. It serves as an authoritative text that guides Sikhs in their spiritual journey and daily life. Its compilation by different Gurus reflects a blend of diverse cultural and spiritual influences that have shaped Sikh identity over time.
• Discuss the role of the Guru Granth Sahib in communal life within Sikh communities.
  • The Guru Granth Sahib plays a central role in communal life among Sikhs. It is recited during worship services in gurdwaras and serves as the focal point for gatherings. The scripture's teachings promote values of equality and community service, exemplified by practices such as langar, where free meals are served to all regardless of background. This fosters a strong sense of community and shared identity among Sikhs.
• Evaluate how the reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib shapes Sikh identity and contributes to interfaith dialogue.
  • The reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib profoundly shapes Sikh identity by positioning it as an eternal spiritual guide that transcends human leadership. This respect leads to a unique cultural practice where Sikhs engage with people from other faiths through dialogues centered on themes of unity and compassion found within its hymns. Consequently, it facilitates mutual understanding and respect between different religious traditions, encouraging collaborative efforts for social justice and peace.

Related terms

Sikhism: A monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia, emphasizing the teachings of Guru Nanak and nine subsequent Gurus.

Gurdwara: A Sikh place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib is read and respected; it serves as a community center for social and spiritual gatherings.

Langar: A communal meal served to all visitors at a gurdwara, reflecting the Sikh principles of equality and community service.