Selections from Sikhism’s Holy “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji,” Ang 37-40, Part 1 of 2

Compassion and humility: These were the hallmarks of the great enlightened Master of Sikhism, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. We now would like to share with you excerpts of the illuminating teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, from the sacred scriptures known as the Holy “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”

Ang 37 “Without the True Guru, no one has found Him; reflect upon this in your mind and see. The filth of the self-willed manmukhs (egocentric persons) is not washed off; they have no love for the Guru's Shabad. O my mind, walk in harmony with the True Guru. Dwell within the home of your own inner being, and drink in the Ambrosial Nectar; you shall attain the Peace of the Mansion of His Presence. The unvirtuous have no merit; they are not allowed to sit in His Presence. The self-willed manmukhs (egocentric persons) do not know the Shabad; those without virtue are far removed from God. Those who recognize the True One are permeated and attuned to Truth. Their minds are pierced through by the Word of the Guru's Shabad, and God Himself ushers them into His Presence. He Himself dyes us in the Color of His Love; through the Word of His Shabad, He unites us with Himself. This True Color shall not fade away, for those who are attuned to His Love.”

“God Himself is Merciful; He Himself bestows understanding. Through the Guru's Teachings, the True One dwells forever in the mind of those who remain lovingly attached to Him. O my mind, surrender to the Guru's Will. Mind and body are totally cooled and soothed, and the Naam comes to dwell in the mind.”

Ang 39 “The Righteous Judge of Dharma serves them; blessed is the Lord who adorns them. One who eliminates mental wickedness from within the mind, and casts out emotional attachment and egotistical pride, comes to recognize the All-pervading Soul, and is intuitively absorbed into the Naam. Without the True Guru, the self-willed manmukhs (egocentric persons) do not find liberation; they wander around like lunatics. They do not contemplate the Shabad; engrossed in corruption, they utter only empty words.

The Word of the Gurmukh (God-consciousness being) is God Himself. Through the Shabad, we merge in Him. O Nanak, remember the Naam; serving Him, peace is obtained.”