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An Introduction
Bhagat ? Sant ?
The word sant is derived from the word
sat- (to be and true)- meaning one who
knows truth comprehends reality
Not the same as Christians- saint no
sainthood in Sikhism
Bhagat- Sanskrit root- bhaj to share
Sikhi- 1. devotee or worshiper
Theory 2
1604- What happened / who was the scribe?
Was his work included ?
Mira Bai (in addtion to other bhagats and their works )
approached Guru Arjan Devji for their inclusion into
SGGSJi
Some accepted , some rejected
4 rejected Kanha, Chhju Pilo and Shah Hussain- non
conforming to spiritual tone of Gursikhi. (different
reasons)
Many of the bhagats lived before Guru Arjan Devji could
result in difficulties in understanding their works
Not Solely responsible for the inclusion
Theory 3
Guru Nanak introduced Bhagat bani to
SGGs Ji
Guru Nanak Uddasiss introduced him to
works of various sants
Punjab- Farid
Bengal- jaidev
Benaraes- Kabir/Ravidass
Theory 4
Guru Amar das-who was he ?
Previous life Vaninshav Caste Hindu
1st Guru to actively use names of Bhagats in own
works Kabir/Namdev
Emphasis of continuity and differences with
signature to scripture.
namdev and kabir obtained their spiritual status
from the perfect Guru M3.Siri Ragu SGGSp67
Universal discourse
Bhakti movement start 7thC spread north to Punjab
Two different groups Nirguna vs Saguna
Included different religions into this tradition (Kabir &
Jaidev)
Groups locked in man made limits- names for god , modes
of worship, language 7 dietary codes
Theological differences in beliefs and practices provide
foundation for different identities and ideologies of
different groups
Sikhism attempts to transcend man made barriers and
focus on common ideals and goals.
Gita for the Hindus Koran for the Muslims SSGGS for ALL
Divine Name
All had a vision of Akal Purakh
All followed discipline of the Bhagat and Nam Simran
Farid they who forget the divine name become a burden
on earth Jaidev gods name is the sole ambrosia and
essence of life
All yearn for Naam
5999 times Naam appears in sggsji name is the total
expression that is god (Sat Naam- his/her name is true)
Name of God and Names of God
Ram,Hari,Govind,Parmeshavar- all hindu ?
Allah, Khuda,,Rahim,Karim- all muslim ?
All designated names of different traditions only Satnam
goes beyond these.
Religious Pluralism
Co-existence of many religions in society we live ?
Sikhism born in environment of Hindu/Muslim tension ?
Guru Nanak respected both and rejected both
Defined true Muslim/hindu/yogi- emphasised the divine
truth- karam not dharma!
Is Sikhism and mix of Hinduism & Islam?
Bhagat Bani contains some element which contradict
main ideals.
Is Sikhism a way of Life?
Genuine focus of allowing us to interact with all, races
,creeds, faiths and castes- but not forgetting ourselves
Self Definition
People have to identify themselves via key
beliefs & practices- bedrock of religious identity
Guru Nanak devji made a distinction of his
teachings to other paths.
Rag ASA 465/6- (not the full quote)
The Muslims praise their law and they read and
dwell upon it The Hindus praise the infinite
forms to see the divine, the yogis dwell upon
the void. Says Nanak: the true devotees hunger
to praise the divine; the true name is their only
support.
Self Definition
Guru Arjan dev Ji furthered this process.
Treatment of Bhagat Bani to agree use of signature
Kahai Kabir/ kahai Nanak
Kabir full on rejected hindu/muslim faiths and practices
Guru Arjan Devji- I do not keep the Hindu fasts or the
Muslim fasts I do not go on Hajj or worship Hindu
temples, I offer neither Hindu Puja nor Muslim Namaz,
My body and soul belong to the one who is called Allah
and Ram, Kabir has uttered the truth (sggs p1136 not
the completed quote)
Emphasises continuity and similarities with Kabir
But reject both main religions and asserts Sikh own
identity.
Sheikh Farid
Muslim Pir born 1173 AD
Understood the Koran by aged 8 yrs old
Lifetime of study and then became an Islamic
Missionary via Sufi movement
He had several wives, 5 sons, 3 daughters and
innumerable devoted followers
Lived a life of prayer, fasts,
Strict adherent of Islamic way of life
1st Punjabi poet of the land of 5 rivers
Bhagat Jaidev
Born around 12C AD Bengal lack of material
Brahmin, later became a wandering ascetic
devoted to Jagannath (Lord of the world)
changed to lead family life once married
Followed the Hindu scriptures, Idol worshiping
Suffered for his faith Hands were Cut off and he
accepted Gods Will!
Conclusion
1.Universe of Discourse
2.Divine Name
3.Religious Pluralism
4.Self Definition
5 Feelings and emotions