Guru Granth Sahib Ideology

Sacred Composition and Structure of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) is the most respected and sacred book of the Sikhs. It contains 5,894 hymns, called Shabads (shown in brackets), composed in 31 ragas (musical patterns). Out of these 5,894 hymns called ‘Shabads’ 974 are by Guru Nanak; 62 by Guru Angad; 907 by Guru Amar Das; 679 by Guru Ram Das; 2,218 by Guru Arjan; 118 by Guru Tegh Bahadur; and 937 by the 15 Bhagats and bards as per details in the above chart. The 1,430 pages of SGGS are divided into 33 sections.

It took about 500 years to write above Gurbani (from Baba Farid born in 1173 to Guru Teg Bahadur martyred in 1675) as Shivpreet Singh often mentions and it will take another 200 years to understand it.

The statement highlights the profound and inclusive ideology encapsulated within the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the central religious scripture of Sikhism, which transcends religious boundaries. This inclusive philosophy is rooted in the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, who was instrumental in compiling the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Inclusivity in Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Universal Message

   - The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is unique among religious scriptures because it includes hymns not only from Sikh Gurus but also from saints and poets of different faiths, including Hinduism and Islam. This compilation signifies a universal message of unity, harmony, and spiritual oneness.

Equality and Brotherhood

   - The teachings within the Guru Granth Sahib Ji emphasize the equality of all human beings, regardless of caste, creed, gender, or religion. This egalitarian perspective promotes a sense of universal brotherhood and mutual respect among diverse communities.

Secular Spirituality

   - Guru Arjan Dev Ji's vision was to create a society where spiritual growth and secular living go hand in hand. He advocated for a spirituality that is not confined to religious rituals but is integrated into daily life, promoting ethical conduct, compassion, and service to humanity.

Interfaith Dialogue

   - By incorporating the writings of Hindu and Muslim saints, Guru Arjan Dev Ji encouraged interfaith dialogue and understanding. This inclusion reflects the Sikh principle of seeing the divine light in all and respecting all paths to the divine.

Social Justice

   - The Guru Granth Sahib Ji addresses social issues such as discrimination, oppression, and inequality. It calls for social justice and the upliftment of the marginalized, aligning with the Guru’s vision of a just and equitable society.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Enlightened Vision

Compilation of Adi Granth

  - Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth, which later became the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, with a vision of creating a spiritual text that is a repository of wisdom for all humanity. His enlightened vision was to preserve and propagate teachings that transcend temporal and religious divides.

Martyrdom and Legacy

  - Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom is a testament to his commitment to religious freedom and human rights. His sacrifice underscores the principles of standing up against tyranny and oppression, which are central to the inclusive ideology of Sikhism.

Conclusion

The Guru Granth Sahib Ji stands as a testament to the inclusive and universal teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. His vision of secular social spirituality fosters a sense of global community and underscores the oneness of humanity, making the Guru Granth Sahib Ji not just a scripture for Sikhs, but a spiritual guide for all seeking truth and harmony.

Preet Mohan Singh Kapoor

Dated May 24, 2024