Reconnect With God Through Devotion and the Guru: From Sikhism’s Holy Scripture – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Part 1 of 2

Today, November 1, marks the birthday of the Venerated Enlightened Master Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (vegetarian), the founder of Sikhism. In commemoration of this significant day, we are honored to present His teachings through the sacred scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

“O mind, how can you be saved without love? God permeates the inner beings of the Gurmukhs [those who have met the Guru within and follow the Guru’s teachings]. They are blessed with the treasure of devotion.

O mind, love the Lord, as the fish loves the water. The more the water, the more the happiness, and the greater the peace of mind and body. Without water, she cannot live, even for an instant. God knows the suffering of her mind. […]

True love shall not be broken, if the True Guru is met. Obtaining the wealth of spiritual wisdom, the understanding of the three worlds is acquired. So become a customer of merit, and do not forget the Immaculate Naam, the Name of the Lord. […]”

“Through truth and intuitive poise, great honor is obtained, with the Support of the Naam [the Name of the Lord] and the Glory of the Lord. As it pleases You, Lord, please save and protect me. Without You, O my Lord, who else is there for me?

Reading their books over and over again, people continue making mistakes; they are so proud of their religious robes. But what is the use of bathing at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, when the filth of stubborn pride is within the mind? Other than the Guru, who can explain that within the mind is the Lord, the King, the Emperor?

[…] Applying oneself to the teachings of the Guru, the mind is purified, and peace is obtained. The Word of the Guru’s Shabad [the Divine Words] abides within the mind, and egotism is eliminated from within. The Treasure of the Naam [the Name of the Lord] is acquired, and the mind reaps the lasting profit.

If He grants His Grace, then we obtain it. We cannot find it by our own efforts. Remain attached to the Feet of the Guru, and eradicate selfishness from within. Attuned to Truth, you shall obtain the True One.

Everyone makes mistakes; only the Guru and the Creator are infallible. One who instructs his mind with the Guru’s Teachings comes to embrace love for the Lord. O Nanak, do not forget the Truth; you shall receive the Infinite Word of the Shabad [the Divine Word].”