Introduction
The foundation of Sikhism was laid by Guru Nanak in 1469 AD (his date of birth). He (in his 10 forms) continued to build it till 1708 AD (the time when Guru Gobind Singh left for heavenly abode). During this period of 239 years a new religion Sikhism and a new nation Khalsa came into existence The critical analysis of literature suggests that there have been consistent efforts through “Janam Sakhis” (biographies of Sikh Gurus) and other publications to equate Sikhism to Hinduism since the foundation of Sikhism was laid. This is attributable to those followers who could not understand the “Gurbani” (Sikh Scriptures) in its proper perspective. Probably they could not clear their minds from the then prevailing mythology and superstitions. This fact has been recorded by Guru Nanak in his third form (Guru Amardas):
( AGGS. M3. P1044)
“Sabd” (word) is the Truth.
“Bani” (verse) is the Truth.
The rare “Gurmukh” (follower
of Guru)
could recognize it.
The one who integrates oneself
with the “sabd” gets the salvation.
(AGGS M 3 P 1044)
The above observation of the Guru was so correct then and even now when we survey recent publications on Sikhism notable recent examples are publications by Dr. McLeod (6) Dr. Harjot S.Oberoi (in ref.8) Bhagwant Singh Sidhu (13) etc. If this trend continues then Sikhism will lose its identity as a religion and the Sikhs will also lose their distinct nationality. More and more publications and interpretations of Gurbani are being presented in such a way that the day is not far off when it would be difficult to distinguish between Sikhism and Hinduism. Such preachments and interpretations of Gurbani with emphasis on illogical code of conduct being taught in Gurdwaras are bringing the Sikhs closer to Hinduism. Such preachers and writers are unable to convince the Sikh youngsters of the Space-Age and of Computer-Age about the real philosophy of Sikhism.
The preachers and scholars of Sikhism should always be prepared to answer the question starting with “why” and their reasoning should always start with “because” otherwise the youngsters will not be satisfied and would never ask any question in the future to understand Gurbani and Sikhism. The youngsters of Space Age are entirely different from those of 20s and 30s when they were taught to believe whatever was told by their elders and the preachers in Gurdwaras. If Sikhism is taught scientifically and logically to the younger generation then there will be no reason why they would not accept Sikhism as their religion.
Recently there have been some attempts to interpret Gurbani according to the present day knowledge of science (11622). In the Age of Space science cannot be ignored while interpreting the Gurbani because nobody is going to believe anything which is scientifically or logically not correct.
I would like to cite the following quotation of Albert Einstein to emphasize that the religion which could be taught in the light of present day science and with logic would be able to survive in the Age of Space:
“Religion without science is blind. Science without religion is tame.”
Albert Einstein (2).
I am being a Sikh am proud to say that Sikhism is such a religion which can be taught in the light of science known today. Some examples of scientific interpretation of Gurbani are given in this paper to prove the above thesis
- Definition of the Almighty
Guru Nanak has defined the Almighty so concisely and precisely that such a definition is not found anywhere else I have used the word “Almighty” for the God in this paper because this word not only denotes the name of the God but also its absolute power over all. Guru Nanak defined the Almighty as following:
The only One
His Name is the Truth (exists for
ever);
He is the Creator (Karta Purkh);
He is without fear (not governed
by any other);
He is without any revenge;
He is timeless in existence;
He neither takes birth nor dies;
Created by Himself; and
With His grace He is realized.
(AGGSM1.P 1)
On hearing or reading his definition one gets excited to the enthusiastic admiration of the Almighty and utters “Wow” Therefore in Gurbani the Almighty is called as “Waheguru” (“Wahe” = Wow and “Guru” = the Almighty) which covers the above definition.
In spite of the above fact that the Almighty doesnt take birth and doesnt die even then most of the preachers mention in their talks that the Almighty was incarnated as Krishna or so and so to contain the evil. These preachers either failed to free their minds from the shackles of superstitions and Brahmanism or they are doing it intentionally to merge the Sikhism into Hinduism. It doesnt behave for the Sikh preachers to adopt this line.
To remove the above misconceptions about incarnation of the Almighty into human being from the minds of such Sikh preachers Guru Arjan explained it as following:
(AGGS MS P1136)
All other days have been kept
Aside.
And you believe that the Almighty
(Govind) was
born on the eighth day of moon. I
Oh! Superstition laden man you are
spreading the immature thoughts.
The Almighty is free from birth
and death. I pause!
You make sweets and feed Him (a
Stone structured as a Krishana)
Stealthily.
Oh! Fool He neither takes birth
nor dies.
It is a great sin that you give Him
lullaby
to make Him sleep.
That mouth be burnt which says
that the Almighty takes birth.
The Almighty neither takes birth
nor dies and
neither comes (onto the earth) and
nor He
goes away (from this earth).
The Almighty of Nanak prevails
all over. I
(AGGS M 5. P 1136)
Guru Arjan very strongly emphasized that. That mouth be burnt which says that the Almighty takes birth.” Even then most of the Sikh Preachers don’t head to the advice of Guru Arjan. It will not be out of Place to say that there are many Sikhs and Sikh preachers who would admit that the Aad Gury Granth Sahib is their Guru but they will not heed the advice (of their Gurus) incorporated in there.
In the same Way many examples of miracles are quoted in preaching and explaining the Gurubani by Some preachers whereas there is no place of miracles in Gurubant and Sikhism In fact all the phenomena in the Universe are the result of sum of a number of actions and reactions of physical forces. If any phenomenon is not understood properly we should not call it a miracle. That is why Sikh Gurus have condemned the performance of any illusion so-called miracle before the congregation to convince certain concepts without giving any scientific or logical explanation.
- The Almighty and the Nature
The scientists believe that the creative and controlling force in the Universe is the Nature. And all the laws which control all the phenomena in the Universe are the Laws of Nature On the other hand Guru Nanak says that the creative and controlling power in the Universe is of definite existence and he calls it as the Almighty (Waheguru) which has been described previously. Let us examine what is the “Nature” according to the scientists and what is the Almighty (Waheguru) of Guru Nanak?
The Nature:
“A creative and controlling force in the Universe” (23). A more explanatory definition of the Nature is as following (24):”A creative controlling agent force or principle or set of such forces or principles operating or operative in a thing and determining wholly or chiefly its constitution development well-being or the like.
Specifically:
(a) In the Universe such a force or agency often viewed as a creative guiding intelligence or such principles regarded as established for the regulation of the Universe or observed in its operation often personified and sometimes equivalent to God natural laws universal order etc.
(b) In an individual an inner driving or promoting force as instinct appetite desire or the sum of such.
The Almighty (Waheguru):
According to Guru Nanak the Almighty (Waheguru) is the Nature. The Almighty created the Nature and even He created His own characters. He is responsible for all the forces and laws of the Nature and existence of life in everybody.
W.S.N. Is pleased to offer its readers yet another learned article from the pen of Prof. Devinder Singh Chahal Phd. An earlier treatise titled “Sikhs and Sikhism Definitions” was so well received by our readers that the editors were obliged to ask Prof. Chahal for more. The following article “Gurbani” will also be serialized beginning in this issue of W.S.N with the courtesy of Sikh Review.
The editorial staff of W.S.N. would appreciate questions comments and suggestions about this article and any others published by W.S.N. Readers and writers in our audience are urged to submit articles and ideas for publication. Please submit to W.S.N. your typed articles W.S.N reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions. Authors may or may not be identified according to their individual wishes. Original photos articles or documents may be returned by request.
The Editors.
Sikhism founded by Guru Nanak was for the benefit of the whole mankind. However, some scholars knowingly or unknowingly have presented it in such a way that it remained confined to the Sikhs only. It took about 239 years for Guru Nanak (in his 10 forms) to liberate the mankind from the shackles of Brahmanism and other systems based on mythology and superstitions. In these days some publications are appearing which are putting the Sikhs back into the shackles of mythology and superstitions and also bringing the Sikhism into the fold of Hinduism. For authentic understanding of Sikhism it is necessary to interpret the Gurbani as it is by keeping the mind off from the old and prevailing myths and keeping in view the present day knowledge of science. This paper presents some thoughts on the definition of the Almighty; the Nature; the cosmology; and the food fads to prove the above thesis.
I have confined myself only to the “Gurbani” (Sikh Scriptures) of the Sikh Gurus incorporated into the Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Arjan and Guru Gobind Singh. Gurbani has been interpreted by using the meanings of “sabd” (word) explained by Dr.Sahib Singh (17) and by Bhai Kahn Singh (15) and keeping in view the present day knowledge of science. All the references from the Aad Guru Granth Sahib (AGGS) have been referred to the succession number of the Guru as Mahla (M) followed by the large page number of AGGS as (AGGS, M 3, P 1044) means in Guru Granth Sahib, Mahla 3 (Guru Amardas), at page 1044. ‘The other references are given in parenthesis by number as (5) means reference number 5 given at end of the paper.- Writer.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 6, 1992
