Gurbani
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Gurbani (
Sikh historical writings, unauthentic writings or apocryphal compositions written under the names of Sikh Gurus and other writings by
Etymology
Gurbani is composed of two words: 'Gur' and 'Bani'. Gur has multiple meanings depending on context. In Guru Granth Sahib, Gur is used for multiple meanings, as per context of hymn. The common use of Gur is either for wisdom and internal conscious mind (referred to as Chitta or Antar Atma).[3]
Thereby Gurbani either means the speech of wisdom or the speech of conscious mind.
Gurbani is directly received from inside after attaining a Supreme state, whereas the Granth or textual form is worldly language of the same. Gurbani is also referred to as Dhur Ki Bani (ਧੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ; meaning the speech from the Supreme house). In the Adi Granth, it is considered a source of spiritual knowledge which illuminates the mind and gives internal bliss. The one who comprehends Gurbani is also described as an Amritdhari. Gurbani is a source of truth with which the internal filth and sins get eradicated and one who find Gurbani sweet is in supreme state.
Extracts from Guru Granth Sahib are called Gutkas (ਗੁਟਕਾ; meaning small books) containing sections of Gurbani. These Gutkas can vary from just a few pages to hundreds of pages and are used by the Sikhs to read these Banis on a daily basis.
Compilation
Gurbani is not seen as mere intellectual, spiritual writings conjured by the Sikh gurus, bhagats, bhatts, and gursikhs, but rather as divine word revealed by the creator itself.[4] As per Guru Arjan regarding the origin of gurbani:[4]
"Bani originated from the Primordial One (dhurki bani), and removes all anxiety."
— Guru Arjan, The Sikh View on Happiness: Guru Arjan’s Sukhmani (2020), page 36
Nitnem compositions
The hymns of the
See also
- Japji Sahib
- Anand Sahib
- Guru Granth Sahib
- Nitnem
- Sikh scriptures
- Panj Granthi
References
- ^ ਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਬੋਲੇ ਗੁਣ ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥੪॥੫॥
Servant Nanak chants the Glorious Words of the Guru's Bani; through them, one is absorbed into the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||4||5||: Page 494, M5 - ^ The Sikh Encyclopedia: APOCRYPHAL COMPOSITIONS
- ^ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ,Mahankosh, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha
- ^ ISBN 9781350139886.
- ISBN 9788170102458.