Page 6 Central Sikh Gurdwara Board Highlights

This is the 17th article in the series ‘Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas’
(Who is a Khalsa?)’which started in April 2008. In our previous articles, we discussed some of the virtues of the
Khalsa. In this article we will focus on“ He fears none and frightens none”.

A Sikh never hurts, envies and slanders anyone

Jaswant Singh
A Sikh always speaks the language of love. Describing attributes of the Guru-oriented
Sikhs, the Gurbani describes how they keep the Lord enshrined in their hearts at all
times. Their speech is sweet and their way of life is humble. Only such devotees enjoy the
spiritual union with God.

A Sikh never hurts anyone verbally or otherwise. Baba Farid, a Bhagat contributor of the
SGGS, advises that the minds of all are like precious jewels; to harm them is not good at
all. If you want to receive the blessings of your Beloved Lord, then do not hurt anyone's
heart. He further
counsels not to utter even a single harsh word as the true Lord abides in all.

Likewise a Sikh never envies and slanders anyone. He is aware that by indulging in these
bad habits invaluable time is wasted. So he never engages himself in jealousy and
bickering. Instead, he does good deeds and obtains whatever he needs through his own
effort.

In the context of slandering, the Gurbani states that it is wrong to slander anyone. Only
foolish people slander others. All religious activities are useless and fruitless for one who
has not stopped slandering and gossiping about others even after following the spiritual
path.

Not only is slandering others bad, but listening to slander is equally bad. However, one
whose heart is pure need not fear anyone who slanders him. It is the slanderer who
loses, not he who is being slandered. Those who slander others, carry loads of sin upon
their heads.

Those who aspire to be spiritually elevated do not listen to slander. Rather, they renounce
their self-conceit and become the humblest of all. Furthermore, the Gurbani advises us to
renounce both flattery and slander and seek instead seek the state of detachment from
both these vices. So, a Sikh pays no attention to his slander and praise. He reflects upon
the Guru’s Shabad everyday and leads his life as advised by it.

References:

gurmuiK sdw sohwgxI ipru rwiKAw aur Dwir ] imTw bolih iniv clih syjY rvY Bqwru ] (31)
ieku iPkw n gwlwie sBnw mY scw DxI ] ihAwau n kYhI Twih mwxk sB Amolvy ] (1384)
inMdw BlI iksY kI nwhI mnmuK mugD krMin ] (755)
pr inMdw muK qy nhI CUtI inPl BeI sB syvw ](1253)
irdY suD jau inMdw hoie ] hmry kpry inMdku Doie ](339)
inMdw krih isir Bwru auTwey ] (372)
ausqiq inMdw doaU iqAwgY KojY pdu inrbwnw ](218)