The Virtue of Humility
Siri Chand, the eldest son of Guru Nanak Dev, lived his life as a celibate recluse. Siri Chand once met with Guru Raam Das and they entered a dialogue debating the virtues of an aesthetic way of life verses the spiritual opportunities of the householder.
Siri Chand insisted that one had to stay away from society in order to advance spiritually. Guru Raam Das maintained that for the common person, the path to spirituality lay in personal commitment, service, and humility, remaining all the while focused on the name of God.
Siri Chand taking note of the great length of the Guru's flowing beard, remarked on its attributes, comparing its length to the Guru's wisdom, and his exalted position in life. Guru Raam Das replied that the length of his beard mattered not so much as its purpose, and that he had let his beard grow to such a length so as to be able to wipe the dust from the feet of holy men like Siri Chand.
Guru Raam Das wrote:
"Je ho(n)dai guroo beh tikiaa tis jan kee vaddiaaee vaddee hoee"||
"Whomever the Guru Himself has anointed with humility, exalted is the magnificence of that one". (SGGS||309)
Similarly it is the humility, in which an Amritdhari lives, rather than the rank of Khalsa, which exalts that one spiritually.
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Amritsanchar baptism or initiation.
Comments
This is one thing in Sikhism that makes me proud to say -I’m a Sikh.
In this aspect Sikhism is different from many religions of the world.
Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh. 4give me if this comment shows twice I think I made a mistake earlier. Sukhmandir I was reading bout how you mentioned the faith you were raised in. I don’t want to offend you but I was wondering what was the catalyst the brought to sikhi? I’m new to sikhi and I find your insight helpful and comforting. like the article too. and I’m proud to call myself a sikh. thanks
Kahil ji,
Lehna at one time worshiped Durga, but after hearing Japji Sahib written by Guru Nanak, he went to meet guru Nanak, became converted and eventually became 2nd Guru Angad.
Amar Daas at one time worshiped Vishnu but after hearing the hymns of Nanak sung, he went to Meet Guru Angad became converted and eventually become 3rd Guru. He went on to compose the hymn Anand Sahib (the Song of Bliss).
It’s remarkable to think of that anythin could be so profound as to change someones life so completely, but I had a similar experience hearing upon hearing kirtan for the very first time.
I had been invited to an Ashram to experience early morning Sadhnah by some Sikhs I met. At day break the prakash of Guru Granth Sahib happened. When I heard hymn of Anand Sahib sung, I had a split second flash where I realized, “this is a religion” and made the instantaneous decision to go for it, and never looked back.
As a young adult, I used to go around singing to myself, “I don’t know who I am but life is for learning.” I felt like I lived in a bottomless dark pit without any light to show me the direction out.
When I met Singhs, I felt I recognized the identity of my true self and never have needed to look further, only deeper. It hasn’t always been easy but light of Guru Granth Sahib has always illuminated my way since becoming a Sikh.
Before becoming a Sikh the experiences of my life were like scattered beads. After becoming a Sikh whatever occurs is strung on the one thread of WaheGuru.
Sat sri akal. hope I said that correct. Thank you Sukhmandir for replying. I too have felt I was in a bottomless pit. especially these last ten years. I really just started smiling when I first looked at your web page. something changes in the heart when you feel like you’ve finally made it home. I’ve been told that I’m wasting my time, especially after 10yrs in islam but I don’t think so. thanks again may Guru ji continue to bless you.
Kahil ji,
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa
Waheguru ji ki Fateh
Sat Siri Akal, the great truth is undying.
The Gurus are great examples to us. Guru Nanak, Bhai Mardana, Lehna-Guru Angad Dev and Guru Amar Das ji did not begin life as a Sikh, but chose this way of life as the truth revealed itself to them. It matters more what you do with the remainder of your life then how you have spent your past, don’t you think? Most important is being the best human being that you can be in each moment you take breath.
Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh. Thanks again, your right it is important not to worry about the past. I will try to be the best I can be in every moment, I gonna just focus on Waheguru.
) Satanaam shree Waheguru!!