WHAT IS DHARMA?

ਕਬਬੀਰਰਾ ਜਹਰਾ ਗਗਿਆਨਨ ਤਹ ਧਰਮਨ ਹਹੈ ਜਹਰਾ ਝਝੂਠ ਨ ਤਹ ਪਰਾਪਨ ॥:

Kabeeraa jahaa giaanu tah dharamu hai
jahaa jhoothu tah paapu (sggs 1372).
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The word Dharma comes from the Sanskrit root dhri, which means "to hold". Therefore,
Dharma refers to that innate characteristic or Eternal Nature which constantly exists with a
particular object. To put it otherwise, Dharma refers to that activity or natural law which
cannot be changed. Accordingly, the term Dharma is the Eternal function or True Nature of
all beings in relationship with the Supreme Factor.

For example, heat is the natural Dharma of fire, liquidity is the natural Dharma of water,
light is the natural Dharma of sun, to produce plants is the natural Dharma of a seed,
energy is the natural Dharma of electricity, and so on. Hence the word Dharma refers to the
Eternal occupation of all beings. It expresses the vital or Essential Nature of men, animals,
all other creatures, metals, and so on. Dharma, therefore, is a comprehensive term that
refers to the immutable Cosmic Law that pervades every particle of the Cosmos, and runs
the entire Universe and all beings. Thus, in the broader sense, Dharma is what upholds the
Universe.

Anything which has beginning and end is limited by boundaries. Something that has neither
beginning nor end cannot be limited by boundaries. As God does not have beginning, middle
or end, the Eternal Dharma also does not have any beginning or end. Thereby, it's Eternal.

Clearly, the Dharma is eternally integral with all living entities, things and places. In other
words, Dharma is that natural function of Eternal Being which can not be taken away from
it. Just as the heat cannot be taken away from fire, liquidity cannot be taken away from the
water, energy cannot be taken away from the electricity, and so on.

 ਇਹਨ ਸਰਬੀਰਨ ਸਭਨ ਧਰਮਨ ਹਹੈ ਗਜਸਨ ਅਅੰਦਗਰ ਸਚਚੇ ਕਬੀ ਗਵਿਗਚ ਜਜੋਗਤ ॥ ਗਿਨਹਜ ਰਤਨ ਗਵਿਗਚ ਲਨਗਕ ਰਹਚੇ ਕਜੋਈ ਗਿਨਰਮਨਗਖਿ ਸਚੇਵਿਕਨ ਕਢਹੈ ਖਿਜੋਗਤ ॥

ਸਭਨ ਆਤਮ ਰਰਾਮਨ ਪਛਰਾਗਣਿਆ ਤਰਾਤਾਂ ਇਕਨ ਰਗਵਿਆ ਇਕਜੋ ਓਗਤ ਪਜੋਗਤ ॥ ਇਕਨ ਦਚੇਗਖਿਆ ਇਕਨ ਮਅੰਗਨਆ ਇਕਜੋ ਸਨਗਣਿਆ ਸਸ੍ਰਵਿਣਿ ਸਰਜੋਗਤ ॥:
Ih sareer sabh dharma hai jis andar sache kee vich joti. Guhaj ratan ...: This body is
the Home of Dharma; the Divine Light of the True Lord is within it. Hidden within it
are the jewels of mystery; how rare is that Gurmukh (God-immersed soul), that
selfless servant, who digs them out. When someone realizes the All-pervading Soul,
then he sees the One and Only Lord permeating, through and through. He sees the
One, he believes in the One, and with his ears, he listens only to the One (sggs 309).

The Truth is one, however, paths to return to this Truth are many. Eternal Dharma of living
entities is the Eternal Path that is inherent in the Soul itself. This Eternal Dharma or Eternal
Path is seen reflected in all true religions. As such, this Eternal Dharma which takes the Soul
back to its Real Source (Mool) is eternally existent in all Jeeva (individual beings), and is at
work whether he is aware of the process or not. This means that the search for the Original
Source (Mool) is not this man's search or that man's search, rather, every Jeeva is pursuing
it, knowingly or unknowingly!

An important concept in Eastern spirituality is that of Dharma. With this background, one
may perhaps appreciate the difference between the English word "religion" and the word
"Dharma" mentioned in the Gurbani and other Eastern scriptures. In fact there is really no
equivalent word to Dharma in the English language. The word Dharma has a deep and
broad meaning.

Man-made religions have beginning and end in the human history and, thereby, sectarian
due to limited boundaries. Without Intuitive Understanding (Aatam-Giaan...), these limited
boundaries turn into a veil to one's own oneness with the Universal Consciousness, thus a
block to one's own Spiritual Enlightenment. However, as there is no beginning and end to
Eternal Dharma of any object, it is not sectarian, for it does not refer to any sectarian or
limited process. Thus, the Dharma of a living entity is Eternal as it remains eternally with it.
To put it otherwise, the eternal Dharma refers to that eternal nature of all beings which
constantly holds on to them. Simply put: the word "religion" is exclusivist and Dharma is
non-exclusivist.

The Divine Name (Shabad or Naam) is beyond any limiting boundaries, thus nonsectarian.
It is the Essence of the Primal Substance. It is the Eternal Divine Light (Giaan), showing the
way out from material darkness to our True Nature or Eternal Dharma. Like the One All-
pervading Spirit, it is unconditioned by the time, space, causation, name and form.

 ਸਬਦਨ ਦਬੀਪਕਨ ਵਿਰਤਹੈ ਗਤਹਨ ਲਜੋਇ ॥: Shabad deepak vartai tih loyi: The Shabad is a lamp
(Giaan...), illuminating the three worlds (sggs 664).

The Divine Factor (Naam, Shabad, Satguru, God, Truth, Unconditioned Consciousness, etc.)
has no beginning, middle or end. So does the Spirit Soul. As the Spirit Soul is True Image of
God (Joti-Svaroopa), it has neither birth nor death. It is Eternal — it continues to live even
after the destruction of one's physical body. It is immortal, unborn, ever-existing, primeval,
non-destructible, unbreakable, insoluble, changeless, immovable, invisible, inconceivable,
immutable, and imperishable. It can neither be cut nor slain by any weapon, nor burnt by
fire, nor moistened by water, and nor withered by wind. It is the Essence or Ansh (part-and-
parcel) of God.

The Nature of Divinity is Eternal Existence, Divine Knowledge and Pure Bliss. Being the
Essence of the same Pure Being, the Spirit Soul also has the same Eternal Nature or
Dharma. Because without liquidity, there will be no meaning to the word water; without
energy, there will be no meaning to word electricity, and so on. Accordingly, the Gurbani
urges us to discover the True Nature of our Mool within, that which constantly stays or holds
on to the Spirit Soul. That constant companion with its Eternal Quality is the Eternal Dharma
of all beings. To adhere to Dharma in our life requires a thorough understanding of our True
Nature (Joti-Svaroopa...), and the nature of this world (Maya).

 ਸਭ ਮਗਹ ਜਜੋਗਤ ਜਜੋਗਤ ਹਹੈ ਸਜੋਇ ॥ ਗਤਸ ਕਹੈ ਚਰਾਨਗਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਗਹ ਚਰਾਨਣਿਨ ਹਜੋਇ ॥ ਗਿਨਰ ਸਰਾਖਿਬੀ ਜਜੋਗਤ ਪਰਗਿਟਨ ਹਜੋਇ ॥: Sabh mahi
joti joti hai soi. Tis kai chaanan sabh mahi chaanan hoi. Gur saakhee joti pargat hoi:
You are that One Divine Light which pervades within everyone. Yours is that Light
which shines within everyone (as consciousness). (But) by the Guru's Teachings, this
Divine Light is revealed. (sggs 663).

Broadly speaking, one's Dharma demands one to adhere to Divine Virtues such as
Truthfulness, commitment to Higher Purpose in life, Daya or compassion, SatSantokh or
true contentment, Shabad-Vichaar (Giaan...), and so on. These Divine Attributes will save
one from all types of suffering and ultimately lead one to Realize his Mool(Source...) within,
which he has forgotten. However, man's intelligence engrossed and galvanized with
materialistic (Maya) knowledge is incapable to comprehend and Realize it. But, without the
Dharma there is no meaning to life. On the other hand, living a life of Dharma and, forms a
strong foundation for a rich and rewarding life.

 ਕਰਮ ਪਚੇਡਨ ਸਰਾਖਿਰਾ ਹਰਬੀ ਧਰਮਨ ਫਨਲਨ ਫਲਨ ਗਗਿਆਨਨ ॥: Karma is the tree, the Lord's Name the branches,
Dharmic faith the flowers, and spiritual wisdom the fruit. (sggs 1168).

 ਪਸਝੂ ਗਮਲਗਹ ਚਅੰਗਗਿਆਈਆ ਖਿੜਨ ਖਿਰਾਵਿਗਹ ਅਅੰਗਮਸ੍ਰਤਨ ਦਚੇਗਹ ॥ ਨਰਾਮ ਗਵਿਹਝੂਣਿਚੇ ਆਦਮਬੀ ਗਧਸ੍ਰਗਿਨ ਜਬੀਵਿਣਿ ਕਰਮ ਕਰਚੇਗਹ ॥੩॥: Pasoo
milahi changiaaeeaa kharhu khaavahi amritu dehi. Naam vihoone aadmee dhrigu
jeevan karam krehi ||3|| (sggs 489).

Therefore, the highest Dharma or duty of all of us is to find out through Realization that
each one of us is held, supported, or sustained by the Divine Hukam, Naam, Shabad.
Therefore, in essence, the Eternal Nature or Dharma of the Spirit Soul is Naam or Shabad-
Surti, a bridge that links us to our Mool within. And the Essence of the
Eternal Naam or Shabad is to abide by Dharma in life.

 ਬਗਲਓ ਚਰਰਾਗਿਨ ਅਅੰਧਧ੍ਯ੍ਯਰਾਰ ਮਗਹ ਸਭ ਕਗਲ ਉਧਰਬੀ ਇਕ ਨਰਾਮ ਧਰਮ ॥ Balio charaag andhaar mahi sabh kal
udharee ik naam dharam: The Lamp (Giaan...) is lit in the darkness (of ignorance of
the world); (by engaging in) the Dharma of the One Naam saved all in Kali (sggs
1387).

 ਸਚਹਨ ਓਰਹੈ ਸਭਨ ਕਜੋ ਉਪਗਰ ਸਚਨ ਆਚਰਾਰ ॥੫॥: Sachahu orai sabh kayu upari sach aachaar ||

5||: Everything is underneath (lower than, ਉਰਰ,ਚੇ …) Truth; the truthful living (living

with Truth) is the highest (i.e., the superior form of living, ਸਭ ਤਚੇ ਉਉੱਪਰ …) ||5|| (sggs
62).

Why does every human strive for happiness, Giaan...? It is because happiness, Giaan, Joy,
or Pure Bliss is the True Dharma or Nature of our Eternal Soul. That's why the human Spirit
has natural tendency to seek unlimited freedom and fulfillment. Like waves rise towards
moon, the human mind contains subtle waves urging our thoughts towards a Higher Reality.
This is our Dharma.

The mind of those of us who do not try to Realize their True Dharma are likened to
stagnated water. As long as water is constantly connected to it's source and keeps moving,
it remains fresh, clean and pure. On the other hand, upon becoming stagnated or
disconnected from the source, it becomes filthy, full of odor and germs. Similarly, so long a
living entity is connected to or aware of its True Dharma, he is in the state of Eternal,
Blissful, Conscious Existence.

 ਸਦਰਾ ਸਉੱਗਚਦਰਾਨਅੰ ਦ ਸਰਬਅੰ ਪਸ੍ਰਣਿਰਾਸਬੀ ॥ Sadaa sachchdaanand sarabang pranaasee ||: Thou art ever
Lord Truth, Consciousness and Bliss (Guru Gobind Singh Jee, Jaap Sahib).

 ਹਨਕਮਨ ਨ ਜਰਾਣਿਹੈ ਬਹਨਤਰਾ ਰਜੋਵਿਹੈ ॥: Hukam na jaanai bahutaa rovai: One who does not know Hukam
(Divine Command...) cries out in terrible pain and suffering (sggs 85).
How can one find or Realize this Dharma? Through Shabad-Vichaar. The Gurbani asserts
that the Shabad-Vichaar is the panacea, the remedy to cure all ills. However, as the Gurbani
declares, Dharma cannot be perceived by any religious rituals, reading books, listening to
sermons, attending meetings or seminars, rolling beads, attaining college degrees, titles,
heredity, family of birth, caste, debates, and then turning around giving lectures to others
or repeating what we have heard or read.

In mental delusion, we fall victim to worldly entanglements and useless religious rituals,
which further bind us to Maya (cosmic illusion) and Sansar (prounced Sansaar). Bewildered
by the ignorance of our True Nature, we look for Dharma in those who themselves have not
perceived It! As stressed in the Gurbani, Eternal Dharma is not a set of religious teachings.
Also, it is not a matter of outer rituals or dogmatism. It is a man's inner surrender
(Sharnaagati) to the Shabad, Naam, or Eternal Teacher that can be awakened, discovered
and used, "here" and "now". If it is followed with steady faith, there is no bound to Peace,
Love, and Joy.

 ਕਗਲਜਨਗਿ ਕਰਾ ਧਰਮਨ ਕਹਹਨ ਤਨਮ ਭਰਾਈ ਗਕਵਿ ਛਝੂਟਹ ਹਮ ਛਨਟਕਰਾਕਬੀ ॥ ਹਗਰ ਹਗਰ ਜਪਨ ਬਚੇੜਬੀ ਹਗਰ ਤਨਲਹਰਾ ਹਗਰ ਜਗਪਓ ਤਰਹੈ ਤਰਰਾਕਬੀ ॥

੧॥: Kaliyuga kaa Dharam kahahu tum bhaaee kiv shootah ham shutkaakee. Hari Hari
jap beree Hari tulhaa Hari Japio tarai traakee ||1|| : Tell me, O brother, the Dharma
for this Kali. I seek emancipation — how can I be emancipated? Naam Japa
(Understanding the Giaan of the Gurbani...) is the Boat and the raft; meditating on
God (Divine Knowledge....), the swimmer (the seeker...) swims across ||1|| (sggs
668).

 ਬਹੈਸਨਜੋ ਸਜੋ ਗਜਸਨ ਊਪਗਰ ਸਨਪਸ੍ਰਸਅੰਨ ॥ ਗਬਸਨ ਕਬੀ ਮਰਾਇਆ ਤਚੇ ਹਜੋਇ ਗਭਅੰਨ ॥ ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤ ਹਜੋਵਿਹੈ ਗਨਹਕਰਮ ॥ ਗਤਸਨ ਬਹੈਸਨਜੋ ਕਰਾ ਗਨਰਮਲ

ਧਰਮ ॥ ਕਰਾਹਝੂ ਫਲ ਕਬੀ ਇਛਰਾ ਨਹਬੀ ਬਰਾਛਹੈ ॥ ਕਚੇਵਿਲ ਭਗਿਗਤ ਕਬੀਰਤਨ ਸਅੰਗਗਿ ਰਰਾਚਹੈ ॥ ਮਨ ਤਨ ਅਅੰਤਗਰ ਗਸਮਰਨ ਗਿਜੋਪਰਾਲ ॥ ਸਭ ਊਪਗਰ

ਹਜੋਵਿਤ ਗਕਰਪਰਾਲ ॥ ਆਗਪ ਗਦ੍ਰਿੜਹੈ ਅਵਿਰਹ ਨਰਾਮਨ ਜਪਰਾਵਿਹੈ ॥ ਨਰਾਨਕ ਓਹਨ ਬਹੈਸਨਜੋ ਪਰਮ ਗਿਗਤ ਪਰਾਵਿਹੈ ॥੨॥: Baisno so jis oopar
suparsann ...: The true Vaishnav (the word "Vaishnav" literally means the one who
worships Vishnu - the Supreme, All-pervading God - out of pure love, expecting
nothing from Him in return) is the one with whom God is thoroughly pleased. He
dwells apart from Maya. He who beholds inaction in action, spotlessly pure is
the Dharma of such a Vaishnav. He has no desire for the fruits of his action. He is
absorbed in the Bhagti (devotion) and Kirtan. Within his mind and body, he
meditates on God (Naam). He is kind to all. He holds fast to the Lord's Name (Naam)
himself, and inspires others for Naam Jap. Says Nanak: such a Vaishnav obtains the
Supreme Status (sggs 274).

The True Dharma is another name for the Divine Love or Intuitive Wisdom (Aatam-
Giaan...). It can be awakened from its dormant condition within by becoming
a Gurmukh (Spiritual Being...). This Love Divine makes man not only to speak Truth but live
by the Truth. Dharma is the fearlessness that makes us able to Love others; for to Love
others is to Love the God. The Dharma is the very Essence of our practical life: if we do not
practice it, we would not understand it!

 ਤਗਜ ਸਗਭ ਭਰਮ ਭਗਜਓ ਪਰਾਰਬਸ੍ਰਹਮਨ ॥ ਕਹਨ ਨਰਾਨਕ ਅਟਲ ਇਹਨ ਧਰਮ ॥: Taji Sabhi bharam bhajio paarbrahm.
Kahu Nanak attal ih dharma: Renounce all your doubts, and vibrate upon the
Supreme Lord. Says Nanak, this path of Dharma is eternal and unchanging (sggs
196).
  ਕਰਾਹਝੂ ਜਨਗਿਗਤ ਗਕਤਹੈ ਨ ਪਰਾਈਐ ਧਰਗਮ ॥: Kaahoo jugat kitai n paaeeai dharam ||: Dharma cannot
be obtained by any rituals (sggs 274).

So, the Gurbani urges us to abide by Dharma at all costs. Through the Gur-Giaan (Divine
Knowledge, Spiritual Wisdom, Aatam-Giaan, Gurmat, Shabad-Vichaar ...), the Gurbani
urges us to build the fence of Dharma around. In fact, the Gurbani calls this earth "ਧਰਮ ਸਰਾਲ"

(Dharam Saal - the place for Jeeva to practice Dharma, ਜਬੀਵਿਰਾਤਾਂ ਲਈ ਧਰਮ ਕਮਰਾਉਣਿ ਦਰਾ ਅਸਥਰਾਨ...).

 ਸਰਾਚ ਧਰਮ ਕਬੀ ਕਗਰ ਦਬੀਨਬੀ ਵਿਰਾਗਰ ॥ ਫਰਹਚੇ ਮਨਹਕਮ ਗਿਨਰ ਗਗਿਆਨਨ ਬਬੀਚਰਾਗਰ ॥੨॥: Saach Dharam kee kari deenee
vaari. Farahe muhkam gur giaanu beechaari. ||2|| (sggs 430).

 ਗਤਸਨ ਗਵਿਗਚ ਧਰਤਬੀ ਥਰਾਗਪ ਰਖਿਬੀ ਧਰਮ ਸਰਾਲ ॥: Tisu vichi dharatee thaapi rakhee dharam saal (sggs
12).

Dharma makes one Bhagat (Gurmukh ...), not Sansaaree (worldly or Mayaic person). The
Gurbani assures us once inside the fence (ਕਰਾਰ, ਵਿਰਾੜ ...) of Dharma, we will not be plundered.

 ਤਹੈ ਸਗਹ ਗਦਤਬੀ ਵਿਰਾਗੜ ਨਰਾਨਕ ਖਿਚੇਤਨ ਨ ਗਛਜਈ ॥੨॥: Tai sahi ditee vaarri Nanak khetu n chhijaee (sggs
521).
Gurbani Speaks of One
Universal Dharma of Virtues
by T Singh

The Gurbani says the Truth, or the Divine, or the Hukam is One. Since the Divine is
One, the Dharma is also One!

The word Dharma comes from the Sanskrit root “Dhri”, which means “to hold”.
Therefore, Dharma refers to that innate characteristic or Eternal Nature which
constantly exists with a particular object — the Eternal function or True Nature of all
beings.

For example, heat is the natural Dharma of fire, liquidity is the natural Dharma of
water, light is the natural Dharma of sun, to produce plants is the natural Dharma of
a seed, energy is the natural Dharma of electricity, and so on. Hence, the word
Dharma referrers to and expresses the vital or Essential Nature of men, animals, all
other creatures, metals, and so on. Dharma, therefore, is a comprehensive term that
refers to the immutable Law of Nature (Hukam…).
In nutshell, for a heat or water or wind to become “Without Dharma” (become A-
Dharnee, ਅਧਰਮਬੀ, abandon Dharma) is to forget or give up one’s Inherited Qualities

(ਗਿਨਣਿ -Virtues), duty or responsibility (ਫਰਜ, ਗਜਅੰਮ ਚੇਵਿ ਰਾਰਬੀ).

At the human level, similarly, for a person to become “Without Dharma” (become A-
Dharnee, ਅਧਰਮਬੀ, abandon Dharma) is to forget or give up one’s Inherited Qualities

(ਗਿਨਣਿ -Virtues), duty or responsibility.

Hence, Dharma = Purpose in life, Truth seeking, living Virtues (Sach or Truth,
contentment, mercy, patience, Sahaj, Wisdom, etc.)…
To put it otherwise, the Wisdom (Giaan) of the SGGS teaches the principle of basic
unity (Oneness) and euality and how to build a peaceful, loving, harmonious, just,
truthful, successful, purposeful, positive society and life. If people cannot treasure
these universal Virtues, then that’s the people’s problem, NOT the Gurbani’s problem
(ਗਿਨਰਬਰਾਣਿਬੀ ਵਿਧਬੀਆ ਸਮਰਾਜ ਤਚੇ ਸਰਾਨਝੂਅੰ ਵਿਧਬੀਆ ਇਨਸਰਾਨ ਬਣਿਰਾਤਾਂਉਦਬੀ ਹਹੈ).
Seen thusly, although, the worldly or organized (i.e., man-made) religions are many,
however, the SGGS asserts there is only one true Dharma — the Universal Dharma of
Virtues (ਗਿਨਣਿ-Gun)!

This Universal Dharma is observed at the level of the mind (Surat, consciousness).
It’s so because this true Dharma is the Eternal function or Original Nature (Inner
Nature) of all beings in relationship with “Sach-ਸਚ” (Pure or “Nirmal Karma”, Truth,
Wisdom, Virtues…).
 ਏਕਜੋ ਧਰਮਨ ਗਦ੍ਰਿੜਹੈ ਸਚਨ ਕਜੋਈ ॥: If some one grasps this – there is but one Dharma of
Truth. (sggs 1188).
 ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਗਹ ਸਸ੍ਰਚੇਸਟ ਧਰਮਨ ॥ ਹਗਰ ਕਜੋ ਨਰਾਮਨ ਜਗਪ ਗਨਰਮਲ ਕਰਮਨ ॥: Of all Dharma, the best
Dharma is “Naam(u) Japi” (understand the Gurbani and obtain Giaan or Wisdom,
Virtue…) and do Pure Karma (ਪਗਵਿਤ ਆਚਰਣਿ, conduct…). (sggs 266).
Hence, a person who applies Truth or Naam (Wisdom, Virtues) in his daily life is a
Dhaarmic person, otherwise he is a sinner.

 ਜਜੋ ਧਰਮਨ ਕਮਰਾਵਿਹੈ ਗਤਸਨ ਧਰਮ ਨਰਾਉ ਹਜੋਵਿਹੈ ਪਰਾਗਪ ਕਮਰਾਣਿਹੈ ਪਰਾਪਬੀ ਜਰਾਣਿਬੀਐ ॥: He, who lives Dharma (lives
daily life of Truth, Virtues, Wisdom) is a Dhaarmic person (Virtuous…), and if he
acts contrary to Dharma is known a “Paapee”. (sggs 138).
 ਸਭ ਤਚੇ ਊਤਮ ਇਹਨ ਕਰਮਨ ॥ ਸਗਿਲ ਧਰਮ ਮਗਹ ਸਸ੍ਰਚੇਸਟ ਧਰਮਨ ॥: This (i.e., to live Virtues in life,
Naam…) is the most exalted Karma. Of all Dharma, this is the most sublime and
excellent Dharma. (sggs 895).
 ਗਿਨਰ ਸਮਰਾਗਨ ਤਬੀਰਥਨ ਨਹਬੀ ਕਜੋਇ ॥ ਸਰਨ ਸਅੰਤਜੋਖਿਨ ਤਰਾਸਨ ਗਿਨਰਨ ਹਜੋਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਰਾਉ ॥: There is no Teerath equal
to the Gur (-Giaan, Wisdom, Virtues…). The Sarovar of contentment (i.e., Virtues)
is contained in that Guru. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1328).
To the contrary, all man-made religions are mostly observed at the level of the
physical body-frame (Karamkaand or rituals, etc.). The Gurbani’s Dharma is not a
religion!
One of the things common among man-made or organized religions is their
respective Pujaare system, their religious paraphernalia, and their Karamkaand
(rituals)!
Hence, they are brain washing systems for social control. They are about tribal
survival and conquest. Each claims exclusively true, and all others evil. They use
violence if you don’t agree with their exclusive claims. Ask Prof. Giurdano Bruno who
was burned alive for saying “Earth goes around the sun”, contrary to the Church
teaching!

Accordingly, there is the Pujaaree group (ਪਨਜਰਾਰਬੀ ਲਰਾਣਿਰਾ) in Sikhi; there is the Hindu
Pujaaree Group; there is the Muslim Pujaaree Group; there is the Christian Pujaaree
Group, and so on. And this Pujaaree group is greedy, corrupt, crafty, illiterate…

Dharma without Virtues (ਗਿਨਣਿ-Gun)

There can be no true Dharma without Virtues (ਗਿਨਣਿ-Gun).

Therefore, the SGGS teaches the entire mankind — including ALL Sikhs (learners or
students of the SGGS, ਗਸਗਖਿਆਰਥਬੀ) — to follow the Dharma of Virtues.

In fact, Giaan (Divine Wisdom, Spiritual Knowledge, Bibek…) is called Dharma and
Gur(u) in the SGGS. Hence, the SGGS asks us to build a fence of this Dharma around!
As a matter of fact, all terms like Giaan (Wisdom), Virtues (Gun-ਗਿਨਣਿ), Truth
(Sach), Naam, Gurmat Bhagti, or Hukam (Law of Nature) are synonymous. The
Gurbani confirms it as follows:
 ਗਿਨਣਿ ਵਿਬੀਚਰਾਰਚੇ ਗਗਿਆਨਬੀ ਸਜੋਇ ॥ ਗਿਨਣਿ ਮਗਹ ਗਗਿਆਨਨ ਪਰਰਾਪਗਤ ਹਜੋਇ ॥: (One who) contemplates the
Divine Virtues is spiritually Wise. Spiritual Wisdom is obtained through the Divine
Virtues (sggs 931).
 ਨਰਾਗਮ ਰਤਚੇ ਗਿਨਣਿ ਗਗਿਆਨ ਬਬੀਚਰਾਰਨ ॥: Remaining attuned to the Naam, Virtues and spiritual
Wisdom are reflected upon. (sggs 941).
 ਗਵਿਣਿਨ ਗਿਨਣਿ ਕਬੀਤਚੇ ਭਗਿਗਤ ਨ ਹਜੋਇ ॥: Without acquiring Virtues, Bhagti can not be
performed (sggs 4).
 ਮਰਾਨਹੈ ਹਨਕਮਨ ਸਭਚੇ ਗਿਨਣਿ ਗਗਿਆਨ ॥: (One who) accepts the Divine Hukam, he is blessed
with all Divine Virtues and total Spiritual Wisdom. (sggs 944).
Hence, in nutshell, clearly, the Gurmat (Wisdom, Upadesh or Way of the SGGS) wants
us to awaken the Divine Virtues (Gun-ਗਿਨਣਿ) within in order to be a true Dhaarmic
person!
No wonder the SGGS asks all to share in the Divine Virtues!
For a Sikh can awaken within the Divine Virtues (Gun-ਗਿਨਣਿ) by remaining a good Sikh; a
Hindu can awaken within the Divine Virtues by remaining a good Hindu; a Muslim can
awaken within the Divine Virtues by remaining a good Muslim; a Bodhi can awaken
within the Divine Virtues by remaining a good Bodhi; a Christian can awaken within
the Divine Virtues by remaining a good Christian; a Jew can awaken within the Divine
Virtues by remaining a good Jew; and so on.

However, the crafty Pujaaree system of all these religions will NOT let it happen!
Instead, they will make sure the people remain divided, ignorant, without the Divine
Virtues (Gun-ਗਿਨਣਿ)…

Understandably, the SGGS breaks the corrupt Pujaaree system. They have turned
their man-made religions into a Mayaic or mundane business (ਧਅੰਧਰਾ)!

 ਗਬਨਨ ਨਰਾਵਿਹੈ ਜਗਿਨ ਕਮਲਰਾ ਗਫਰਹੈ ਗਿਨਰਮਨਗਖਿ ਨਦਰਬੀ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਧਅੰਧਰਾ ਕਰਗਤਆ ਗਨਹਫਲਨ ਜਨਮਨ ਗਿਵਿਰਾਇਆ ਸਨਖਿਦਰਾਤਰਾ ਮਗਨ

ਨ ਵਿਸਰਾਇਆ ॥: It is seen by becoming the Gurmukh that without Naam, the

world wanders around insane. Involved in worldly affairs (Mayaic business-ਧਅੰਧਰਾ),

the human birth is wasted in vain; the Giver of Sukh (Bliss…) does not come to
abide in the mind. (sggs 643).
 ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਪਰਾਖਿਅੰਡ ਜਜੋ ਦਬੀਸਗਹ ਗਤਨ ਜਮਨ ਜਰਾਗਿਰਾਤਬੀ ਲਝੂਟਹੈ ॥: Whosoever perform show off Draarmic
rituals (like bathing at Teerath, etc.) and hypocrisies, are plundered by the
“Jam(u)” (Doubt, Bikaar: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride…), the tax collector
(sggs 747).
Accordingly, for the betterment of the human society, all Gur-Sahibaan and Bhagat
tried their best to break the corrupt and stagnant Pujaaree systems. They knew that
without breaking these corrupt Pujaaree systems, people cannot be steered away
from the lifestyle of “Bhangaar” they propagate.

Gurbani’s Universal Dharma of “Sach” –

Truth
Where there is corruption, there can be no Dharma. Hence, the Gurbani rejects all
man-made religions, for they promote corruption. The truth is falsehood cannot
propagate Truth.
 ਸਰਮਨ ਧਰਮਨ ਦਨਇ ਛਗਪ ਖਿਲਜੋਏ ਕਝੂੜਨ ਗਫਰਹੈ ਪਰਧਰਾਨਨ ਵਿਚੇ ਲਰਾਲਜੋ ॥: Modesty (ਹਯਰਾ, shame, etc.) and
Dharma both have vanished, and falsehood moves about as the chief (Pardhaanu-
ਚਚੌਧਰਬੀ). (sggs 722).

 ਨਰਾ ਹਮ ਗਹਅੰਦਝੂ ਨ ਮਨਸਲਮਰਾਨ ॥ ਅਲਹ ਰਰਾਮ ਕਚੇ ਗਪਅੰਡਨ ਪਰਰਾਨ ॥੪॥: We are neither Hindu, nor Muslim.
Our body and breath of life belong to (whom Muslim call) Allah and to (whom
Hindus call) Raam. ||4|| (sggs 1136).
 ਪਅੰਗਡਤ ਮਨਲਰਾਤਾਂ ਜਜੋ ਗਲਗਖਿ ਦਬੀਆ ॥ ਛਰਾਗਡ ਚਲਚੇ ਹਮ ਕਛਝੂ ਨ ਲਬੀਆ ॥੩॥: Whatever the Pandit and the
Mullaan have written (the path of Karamkaand, Shariyat…), I have abandoned (all
of that); I have not taken any of it ||3||. (sggs 1159).
 ਕਰਾਦਬੀ ਕਝੂੜਨ ਬਜੋਗਲ ਮਲਨ ਖਿਰਾਇ ॥ ਬਸ੍ਰਰਾਹਮਣਿਨ ਨਰਾਵਿਹੈ ਜਬੀਆ ਘਰਾਇ ॥ ਜਜੋਗਿਬੀ ਜਨਗਿਗਤ ਨ ਜਰਾਣਿਹੈ ਅਅੰਧਨ ॥ ਤਬੀਨਚੇ ਓਜਰਾੜਚੇ ਕਰਾ ਬਅੰਧਨ ॥

੨॥: Telling lies, the Qazi eats filth (of taking what pertains to others, bribe,

corruption…). The Brahmin kills (inflicts pain to people by misguiding them: ਆਤਮ-

ਘਰਾਤਬੀ..), and then takes (cleansing, ਤਬੀਰਥ-ਇਸਨਰਾਨ) baths. The Yogi is (mentally or
spiritually) blind, and does not know the way (of life). These three are the cause
of destruction (of the society, people, spiritual life…). ||2||(sggs 662).
The Universal Dharma of Sach (Truth) the SGGS reminds the entire humankind of is
for the good of the entire mankind.

 ਬਜੋਲਬੀਐ ਸਚਨ ਧਰਮਨ ਝਝੂਠ ਨ ਨ ਬਜੋਲਬੀਐ ॥: Speak the “Sachu” Dharma (i.e. to speak Truth is
Dharma), and do not speak falsehood (sggs 488).
Currently, in Bhav Saagar, Jeev (individual beings) are in the cracked or split
state (“ਦਨਤਚੇੜਰਾ”) — lacking Virtues (Nirgun).
The Gurbani’s Universal Dharma wants the entire humanity to escape from Bhav
Saggar to Sukh Saagar and awaken the Divine Virtues (ਗਿਨਣਿ-Gun) or Giaan (Wisdom)
within.
A Brahmin can do that; a Muslim can do that; a Yogi can do that, a Sikh can do that; a
Khalsa can do that, list goes on and on.

Let’s take a few examples from the Gurbani:

For example, a person who identifies himself as a Sikh or Khalsa can awaken the
universal Virtues (Gun-ਗਿਨਣਿ) within, without changing his man-made religion:

 ਕਹਨ ਕਬਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਭਏ ਖਿਰਾਲਸਚੇ ਪਸ੍ਰਚੇਮ ਭਗਿਗਤ ਗਜਹ ਜਰਾਨਬੀ ॥: O Kabeer! Those persons become

“Khaalsae” (ਖਿਰਾਲਸਚੇ) who have realized the Prem Bhagti (ਗਿਨਰਮਤ ਦਰਾ ਪਝੂਰਰਾ ਗਗਿਆਨ; Perfect
Understanding of the Gur-Shabad, Gur-Giaan, or Divine Wisdom of the Gurbani…).
(sggs 655).
 ਸਜੋ ਗਸਖਿਨ ਸਖਿਰਾ ਬਅੰਧਪਨ ਹਹੈ ਭਰਾਈ ਗਜ ਗਿਨਰ ਕਚੇ ਭਰਾਣਿਚੇ ਗਵਿਗਚ ਆਵਿਹੈ ॥: O brother! He alone is a Sikh, a
friend, and a relative, who walks in the Way of the Gur-Bhaanaa (Divine Hukam,
Gurmat, the Gurbani’s Giaan or Wisdom…). (sggs 601).
A person who identifies himself Brahmin can also awaken the universal Virtues (Gun-
ਗਿਨਣਿ) within, withut changing his man-made religion:

 ਬਸ੍ਰਹਮਣਿਨ ਬਸ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਗਿਆਨ ਇਸਨਰਾਨਬੀ ਹਗਰ ਗਿਨਣਿ ਪਝੂਜਚੇ ਪਰਾਤਬੀ ॥: He alone is a Brahmin, who takes his
cleansing bath in the Brahm-Giann (spiritual wisdom), and whose leaf-offerings in
worship are the Divine Virtues. (sggs 992).
A person who identifies himself Muslim can also awaken the universal Virtues (Gun-
ਗਿਨਣਿ) within, without changing his man-made religion:

 ਪਅੰਗਜ ਗਨਵਿਰਾਜਰਾ ਵਿਖਿਤ ਪਅੰਗਜ ਪਅੰਜਰਾ ਪਅੰਜਚੇ ਨਰਾਉ ॥ ਪਗਹਲਰਾ ਸਚਨ ਹਲਰਾਲ ਦਨਇ ਤਬੀਜਰਾ ਖਿਹੈਰ ਖਿਨਦਰਾਇ ॥ ਚਉਥਬੀ ਨਬੀਅਗਤ ਰਰਾਗਸ

ਮਨਨ ਪਅੰਜਵਿਬੀ ਗਸਫਗਤ ਸਨਰਾਇ ॥ ਕਰਣਿਬੀ ਕਲਮਰਾ ਆਗਖਿ ਕਹੈ ਤਰਾ ਮਨਸਲਮਰਾਣਿਨ ਸਦਰਾਇ ॥: There are five prayers and
five times of day for prayer; the five have five names. Let the first be truthfulness,
the second honest living, and the third good will for all (Sarbatt Da Bhalaa). Let
the fourth be the pure intent and mind, and the fifth the the Divine Praise. (With
these five Namaaj) utter the creed of good deeds, and then, you may call yourself
a Muslim. (sggs 141).
A person who identifies himself Yogi can also awaken the universal Virtues (Gun-ਗਿਨਣਿ)
within, withut changing his man-made religion:

 ਮਨਅੰਦਰਾ ਸਅੰਤਜੋਖਿਨ ਸਰਮਨ ਪਤਨ ਝਜੋਲਬੀ ਗਧਆਨ ਕਬੀ ਕਰਗਹ ਗਬਭਝੂਗਤ ॥ ਗਖਿਅੰਥਰਾ ਕਰਾਲਨ ਕਨਆਰਬੀ ਕਰਾਇਆ ਜਨਗਿਗਤ ਡਅੰਡਰਾ ਪਰਤਬੀਗਤ ॥

ਆਈ ਪਅੰਥਬੀ ਸਗਿਲ ਜਮਰਾਤਬੀ ਮਗਨ ਜਬੀਤਹੈ ਜਗਿਨ ਜਬੀਤਨ ॥: Make contentment your ear-rings, humility
your begging bowl, and meditation the ashes you apply to your body. Let (the
remembrance) of death be the patched coat you wear, let the body free
of Bikaar be your skill in the world, and let knowledge (conviction, confidence,
faith) be your walking stick. See the brotherhood of all mankind as the highest
order of Yogis; if you conquer the mind, you conquer the material world. (sggs 6).
If all this happens, then, regardless of what worldly religion a person identifies with,
everybody will have the same Divine Virtues (ਗਿਨਣਿ-Gun) — Oneness, Sameness,
universal Love, universal Brotherhood, universal Citizenship…
The Divine Virtues (Gun-ਗਿਨਣਿ) build a fence of Dharma around a person. As a result,
there will be more love, less hatered and bloodshed in the name of religion or god.

However, the Gurbani’s this universal Dharma of Virtues requires people to change
and see the world with spiritual eyes.
 ਗਜਗਨ ਕਗਰ ਉਪਦਚੇਸਨ ਗਗਿਆਨ ਅਅੰਜਨਨ ਦਬੀਆ ਇਨਰਰਬੀ ਨਚੇ ਤਬੀ ਜਗਿਤਨ ਗਨਹਰਾਗਲਆ ॥: He taught me and given
me the healing eyedrops of spiritual Wisdom so that with my spiritual eyes, I
visualize the world (sggs 470).
That’s where the problem is — people don’t want to change or mend their thinking.
Since the organized religions see no material gain in teaching their followers to
change, they stick to their antagonistic adherents and engage in foolish acts in the
name of their religion and god.

Dharma revealed by the SGGS is universal

First off, Dharma of the Gurmat is Dharma of GIAAN (Divine Wisdom or Knowledge,
Virtues…). It’s NOT a Dharma of AGIAANEE (ignorant, unvirtuous, corrupt thinking…)!
The Gurbani claims that every action performed in the Light of the Gur-Wisdom
becomes Dharma. On the other hand, every deed done contrary to the Gur-Wisdom is
Paap (corrupt thinking, demerits, Bikaar, ਬਨਰਬੀ ਸਜੋਚ, ਭਚੇੜਚੇ ਗਵਿਚਰਾਰ, ਅਉਗਿਣਿ…).

 ਕਬਬੀਰਰਾ ਜਹਰਾ ਗਗਿਆਨਨ ਤਹ ਧਰਮਨ ਹਹੈ ਜਹਰਾ ਝਝੂਠ ਨ ਤਹ ਪਰਾਪਨ ॥: O Kabeer! (Within a person, if) there is
Giaan (Spiritual Wisdom, Divine Knowledge, Aatm–Giaan…) there is Dharma; (if
within him) there is falsehood, there is sin (corrupt thinking). (sggs 1372).
The Giaan or spiritual Knowledge of the SGGS is meant to raise conditioned
consciousness to the level of Immortal Consciousness. Thus the the SGGS puts the
entire mankind back on the path (Panth) of living the True Dharma (Virtues, Wisdom).
Its Divine Guidance and Universal Message is for the improvement and welfare of the
whole mankind.

 ਹਗਰ ਕਜੋ ਨਰਾਮਨ ਲਹੈ ਊਤਮ ਧਰਮਰਾ ॥: Obtain the Divine Naam (Spiritual Knowledge, Virtue…),
this is the Highest Dharma (sggs 834).
However, the members of the Gurdwara committees and the illiterate and
crafty Pujaaree-Vaad (Raagees, Bhais, Kathaakaar, preachers, Deraavaad Baabaa,
etc.) have shamelessly hijacked and tortured the real Gurmat and its Supreme
Message with concocted Karamkaand (rituals), plundering masses in the process.
The wicked Pujaaree system has connected people to mere body-consciousness
(Maya) instead of the Gur-Giaan (spiritual Knowledge of the Gurbani…) or Naam.
Regardless of religion, the Pujaaree of every religion firstly wants to close people’s
minds shut — make them dead! Also, they make people emotional so they don’t think
logically. As a result, people believe whatever the Pujaaree-Vaad tattles (ਗਿਉੱਪ ) in the
name of dharma and god.
Pujaaree, thus, plunder people by confusing theme, selling them the fake or
counterfeit dharma or god (ਨਕਲਬੀ ਧਰਮ ਅਤਚੇ ਰਉੱਬ )…
What a tragedy! To reverse this situation in Sikhi, we must read the Gurbani
ourselves, churn it through Shabad-Vichaar to understand its true meanings, and
then apply it in daily life.
If we were to understand this Universal Dharma of the SGGS, then all fake or man-
made religions manufactured by the crafty Pujaary system will collapse, leaving
standing alone the Gurmat’s Universal Dharma of “Nirmal Karma” (Virtues, Giaan,
“Sach”…)!