The Divine Within: From Sikhism’s Holy Scripture – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Part 1 of 2

Today, it is our pleasure to share selections from Siree Raag, Section 5, Parts 73 and 74, which reveal how the Guru’s teachings and the Divine Name purify our souls and guide them toward spiritual liberation.

Section 5 - Siree Raag – Part 73

“Follow the Guru’s Teachings, and recognize your own self; the Divine Light of the Lord’s Name shall shine within. The true ones practice Truth; greatness rests in the Great Lord. Body, soul and all things belong to the Lord–praise Him, and offer your prayers to Him. Sing the Praises of the True Lord through the Word of His Shabad, and you shall abide in the peace of peace. You may practice chanting, penance and austere self-discipline within your mind, but without the Name, life is useless. Through the Guru’s Teachings, the Name is obtained, while the self-willed manmukh wastes away in emotional attachment. […]

Shalok, Third Mehl: O Nanak, He is a brave warrior, who conquers and subdues his vicious inner ego. Praising the Naam, the Name of the Lord, the Gurmukhs redeem their lives. They themselves are liberated forever, and they save all their ancestors. Those who love the Naam look beauteous at the Gate of Truth. The self-willed manmukhs die in egotism-even their death is painfully ugly. Everything happens according to the Lord’s Will; what can the poor people do? Attached to self-conceit and duality, they have forgotten their Lord and Master. O Nanak, without the Name, everything is painful, and happiness is forgotten. […]”

Section 5 - Siree Raag – Part 74

“[…] Pauree: One who is accepted at the Court of the Lord shall be accepted in courts everywhere. Wherever he goes, he is recognized as honorable. Seeing his face, all sinners are saved. Within him is the Treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord. Through the Naam, he is exalted. He worships the Name, and believes in the Name; the Name erases all his sinful mistakes. Those who meditate on the Name, with one-pointed mind and focused consciousness, remain forever stable in the world. […]”