Sresht Dharm (Best Religion)

From: Kirpal Singh < >

Dear Friends,

I present to you a description of a Sresht Dharm from the Guru Granth Sahib (GSS – a holy scripture of the Sikhs, ordained as Guru in 1708, contains Bani of 6 Sikh Gurus, Bhagats – both Hindus and Muslims notably among them are Bhagat Kabir Ji, Farid Ji, Ravidas Ji, Nam Deo Ji… and other Mahapurakhs belonging to low and high caste Hindus.

The authenticity of various compositions is well known and the Spiritual Truths were tested by a row of ten Sikh Gurus (all Indians), starting with Guru Nanak Dev Ji (born in in a Hindu family in 1469) for a period of about 239 years. This is a Granth that belongs to all Indians in the first place with Universal message to forge a sense of brotherhood, unity and prosperity for all.

Sreshat Dharam is described as follows:-

ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, GSS. page 266-line 13).

Sarab Dhharam Mehi Sraesatt Dhharam ||Har Ko Naam Jap Niramal Karam ||

सरब धरम महि स्रेसट धरमु ॥ हरि को नामु जपि निरमल करमु ॥

Of all religions, the best religion

Is to chant the Name of the Lord and maintain pure conduct.

ਸਗਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਆ ਮਹਿ ਊਤਮ ਕਿਰਿਆ ॥ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਮਲੁ ਹਿਰਿਆ ॥

Sagal Kiraaa Mehi Ootham Kiriaa ||Saadhhasang Dhuramath Mal Hiriaa ||

सगल क्रिआ महि ऊतम किरिआ ॥साधसंगि दुरमति मलु हिरिआ ॥

Of all religious rituals, the most sublime ritual

Is to erase the filth of the dirty mind in the Company of the Holy.

ਸਗਲ ਉਦਮ ਮਹਿ ਉਦਮੁ ਭਲਾ ॥ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਜੀਅ ਸਦਾ ॥

Sagal Oudham Mehi Oudham Bhalaa ||Har Kaa Naam Japahu Jeea Sadhaa ||

सगल उदम महि उदमु भला ॥हरि का नामु जपहु जीअ सदा ॥

Of all efforts, the best effort

Is to chant the Name of the Lord in the heart, forever.

ਸਗਲ ਬਾਨੀ ਮਹਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਨੀ ॥ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਜਸੁ ਸੁਨਿ ਰਸਨ ਬਖਾਨੀ ॥

Sagal Baanee Mehi Anmrith Baanee ||Har Ko Jas Sun Rasan Bakhaanee ||

सगल बानी महि अम्रित बानी ॥हरि को जसु सुनि रसन बखानी ॥

Of all speech, the most ambrosial speech

Is to hear the Lord’s Praise and chant it with the tongue.

ਸਗਲ ਥਾਨ ਤੇ ਓਹੁ ਊਤਮ ਥਾਨੁ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਹ ਘਟਿ ਵਸੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੮॥੩॥

Sagal Thhaan Thae Ouhu Ootham Thhaan ||Naanak Jih Ghatt Vasai Har Naam ||8||3||

सगल थान ते ओहु ऊतम थानु ॥नानक जिह घटि वसै हरि नामु ॥८॥३॥

Of all places, the most sublime place,

O Nanak, is that heart in which the Name of the Lord abides. ||8||3||

-The Guru Granth Sahib is not only for turbaned Sikhs but is for all human-beings irrespective of their religion at birth. It is rather unfortunate that Punjabi Hindus who should claim Guru Granth Sahib as their own Granth have mostly turned away from it and Punjabi language, which is their mother tongue.

May I invite those who have exploring minds to have a dip in Guru Granth Sahib – 100% Indian built as the first platform for Interfaith dialogue by the participation of Sikh Gurus and elevated Hindu and Muslim Bhagats. They have common message:-

ਜਿਸੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਪੂਰੇ ਕਾਜਾ ॥ (Guru Arjan Dev Ji, GGS. 1155-17).

Jis Naam Ridhai This Poorae Kaajaa ||

जिसु नामु रिदै तिसु पूरे काजा ॥

One who keeps the Naam in his heart – his tasks are perfectly accomplished.

One is free to critise any religion but if you understand your own religion and then attempt to criticise another religion, you might find yourself lost as there may be a lot more in common than trivial differences. I find that there is a lot in common in Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), Christianity, Islam and Sikhism etc…

As per the Sikh doctrine as given in the Gurbani, a Gur-sikh is defined as one who chants the name and inspies others to do the same, as given below:-

ਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਧੂੜਿ ਮੰਗੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਕੀ ਜੋ ਆਪਿ ਜਪੈ ਅਵਰਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥ (Raag Gauri Guru Ram Das, GGS, page & line 306-2)

Jan Naanak Dhhoorr Mangai This Gurasikh Kee Jo Aap Japai Avareh Naam Japaavai ||2||

जनु नानकु धूड़ि मंगै तिसु गुरसिख की जो आपि जपै अवरह नामु जपावै ॥२॥

Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. ||2||

Naam is Divine connectivity, which brings bibek-budhi (sumat/sojee/discerning intelect). Guru Nanak Dev Ji says the following about the importance of Naam:-

ਤਾ ਤੂ ਮੁਲਾ ਤਾ ਤੂ ਕਾਜੀ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਖੁਦਾਈ ॥(Sri Raag Guru Nanak Ji, GGS. 24-9).

Thaa Thoo Mulaa Thaa Thoo Kaajee Jaanehi Naam Khudhaaee ||

ता तू मुला ता तू काजी जाणहि नामु खुदाई ॥

You are a Mullah, and you are a Qazi, only when you know the Naam, the Name of God.

ਜੇ ਬਹੁਤੇਰਾ ਪੜਿਆ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਕੋ ਰਹੈ ਨ ਭਰੀਐ ਪਾਈ ॥੨॥

Jae Bahuthaeraa Parriaa Hovehi Ko Rehai N Bhareeai Paaee ||2||

जे बहुतेरा पड़िआ होवहि को रहै न भरीऐ पाई ॥२॥

You may be very educated, but no one can remain when the measure of life is full. ||2||

ਸੋਈ ਕਾਜੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਆਪੁ ਤਜਿਆ ਇਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਕੀਆ ਆਧਾਰੋ ॥

Soee Kaajee Jin Aap Thajiaa Eik Naam Keeaa Aadhhaaro ||

सोई काजी जिनि आपु तजिआ इकु नामु कीआ आधारो ॥

He alone is a Qazi, who renounces selfishness and conceit, and makes the One Name his Support.

ਹੈ ਭੀ ਹੋਸੀ ਜਾਇ ਨ ਜਾਸੀ ਸਚਾ ਸਿਰਜਣਹਾਰੋ ॥੩॥

Hai Bhee Hosee Jaae N Jaasee Sachaa Sirajanehaaro ||3||

है भी होसी जाइ न जासी सचा सिरजणहारो ॥३॥

The True Creator Lord is, and shall always be. He was not born; He shall not die. ||3||

ਪੰਜ ਵਖਤ ਨਿਵਾਜ ਗੁਜਾਰਹਿ ਪੜਹਿ ਕਤੇਬ ਕੁਰਾਣਾ ॥

Panj Vakhath Nivaaj Gujaarehi Parrehi Kathaeb Kuraanaa ||

पंज वखत निवाज गुजारहि पड़हि कतेब कुराणा ॥

You may chant your prayers five times each day; you may read the Bible and the Koran.

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖੈ ਗੋਰ ਸਦੇਈ ਰਹਿਓ ਪੀਣਾ ਖਾਣਾ ॥੪॥੨੮॥

Naanak Aakhai Gor Sadhaeee Rehiou Peenaa Khaanaa ||4||28||

नानकु आखै गोर सदेई रहिओ पीणा खाणा ॥४॥२८॥

Says Nanak, the grave is calling you, and now your food and drink are finished. ||4||28||

-Guru Nanak Sahib further makes no secret when he says that Oh Lord, your name alone is my hope and support in life:-

ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਾਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਮੈ ਏਹਾ ਆਸ ਏਹੋ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ (Sri Raag, Guru Nanak Ji, GGS.24-15).

Thaeraa Eaek Naam Thaarae Sansaar ||Mai Eaehaa Aas Eaeho Aadhhaar ||1|| Rehaao ||

तेरा एकु नामु तारे संसारु ॥मै एहा आस एहो आधारु ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥

Your Name alone, Lord, saves the world.This is my hope; this is my support. ||1||PauseII

Importance of Naam and names of Waheguru (Ram, Har, Allah and God …..etc) are highlited in holy Vedas, Bible and Quran as well, such as:-

 

ਵੇਦਾ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਤਮੁ ਸੋ ਸੁਣਹਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਫਿਰਹਿ ਜਿਉ ਬੇਤਾਲਿਆ ॥(Raag Raamkali Guru Amar Das Ji, GGS. 919-14).

Vaedhaa Mehi Naam Outham So Sunehi Naahee Firehi Jio Baethaaliaa ||

वेदा महि नामु उतमु सो सुणहि नाही फिरहि जिउ बेतालिआ ॥

In the Vedas, the ultimate objective is the Naam, the Name of the Lord; but they do not hear this, and they wander around like demons.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨ ਸਚੁ ਤਜਿਆ ਕੂੜੇ ਲਾਗੇ ਤਿਨੀ ਜਨਮੁ ਜੂਐ ਹਾਰਿਆ ॥੧੯॥

Kehai Naanak Jin Sach Thajiaa Koorrae Laagae Thinee Janam Jooai Haariaa ||19||

कहै नानकु जिन सचु तजिआ कूड़े लागे तिनी जनमु जूऐ हारिआ ॥१९॥

Says Nanak, those who forsake Truth and cling to falsehood, lose their lives in the gamble. ||19||

-Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Chief-Editor of Adi Granth Sahib (which was renamed as Guru Granth Sahib after incorporating the Bani of 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bhadur Ji), after a considerable research of various Shashtras and Vedas concluded that there is nothing in spiritual path that equals the Lord’s name:-

ਬਹੁ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਹੁ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਪੇਖੇ ਸਰਬ ਢਢੋਲਿ ॥ ਪੂਜਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਮੋਲ ॥੧॥(Raag Gauri Sukhmanee Guru Arjan Dev Ji, 265-8).

Bahu Saasathr Bahu Simrithee Paekhae Sarab Dtadtol ||Poojas Naahee Har Harae Naanak Naam Amol ||1||

बहु सासत्र बहु सिम्रिती पेखे सरब ढढोलि ॥पूजसि नाही हरि हरे नानक नाम अमोल ॥१॥

The many Shaastras and the many Simritees – I have seen and searched through them all.

They are not equal to Har, Haray – O Nanak, the Lord’s Invaluable Name. ||1||

-Gur Arjan Dev Ji further favours Naam over other religious practices,which are sunordinate to Naam:-

ਵਰਤ ਨ ਰਹਉ ਨ ਮਹ ਰਮਦਾਨਾ ॥ਤਿਸੁ ਸੇਵੀ ਜੋ ਰਖੈ ਨਿਦਾਨਾ ॥੧॥(Raag Bhairo Guru Arjan Dev Ji, GSS.1136-9).

Varath N Reho N Meh Ramadhaanaa ||This Saevee Jo Rakhai Nidhaanaa ||1||

वरत न रहउ न मह रमदाना ॥तिसु सेवी जो रखै निदाना ॥१॥

I do not keep fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadaan.

I serve only the One, who will protect me in the end. ||1||

ਏਕੁ ਗੁਸਾਈ ਅਲਹੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਤੁਰਕ ਦੁਹਾਂ ਨੇਬੇਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Eaek Gusaaee Alahu Maeraa ||Hindhoo Thurak Dhuhaan Naebaeraa ||1|| Rehaao ||

एकु गुसाई अलहु मेरा ॥हिंदू तुरक दुहां नेबेरा ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥

The One Lord, the Lord of the World, is my God Allah.

He adminsters justice to both Hindus and Muslims. ||1||Pause||

ਹਜ ਕਾਬੈ ਜਾਉ ਨ ਤੀਰਥ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ਏਕੋ ਸੇਵੀ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੨॥

Haj Kaabai Jaao N Theerathh Poojaa ||Eaeko Saevee Avar N Dhoojaa ||2||

हज काबै जाउ न तीरथ पूजा ॥एको सेवी अवरु न दूजा ॥२॥

I do not make pilgrimages to Mecca, nor do I worship at Hindu sacred shrines.

I serve the One Lord, and not any other. ||2||

ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰਉ ਨ ਨਿਵਾਜ ਗੁਜਾਰਉ ॥ਏਕ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਲੇ ਰਿਦੈ ਨਮਸਕਾਰਉ ॥੩॥

Poojaa Karo N Nivaaj Gujaaro ||Eaek Nirankaar Lae Ridhai Namasakaaro ||3||

पूजा करउ न निवाज गुजारउ ॥एक निरंकार ले रिदै नमसकारउ ॥३॥

I do not perform Hindu worship services, nor do I offer the Muslim prayers.

I have taken the One Formless Lord into my heart; I humbly worship Him there. ||3||

ਨਾ ਹਮ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ॥ਅਲਹ ਰਾਮ ਕੇ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪਰਾਨ ॥੪॥

Naa Ham Hindhoo N Musalamaan ||Aleh Raam Kae Pindd Paraan ||4||

ना हम हिंदू न मुसलमान ॥अलह राम के पिंडु परान ॥४॥

I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim.

My body and breath of life belong to Allah – to Raam – the God of both. ||4||

If you happen to visit a Sikh Gurduara, you will hear various names of God familiar in Hinduism and Islam being recited with equal devotion with Waheguru. If someone says Waheguru in a Hindu temple, people around will raise eye brows. If some speaks out Waheguru in a mosque, one may not be surprised that some people will come forward to show you the door. It is no different in Church or Synagogue either.

Some examples of recitations of various Divine Names in Gurduara are given hereunder:-

ਕੋਈ ਬੋਲੈ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਮ ਕੋਈ ਖੁਦਾਇ ॥ਕੋਈ ਸੇਵੈ ਗੁਸਈਆ ਕੋਈ ਅਲਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ (Raag Raamkali Guru Arjan Dev Ji, GGS. 885-8).

Koee Bolai Raam Raam Koee Khudhaae ||Koee Saevai Guseeaa Koee Alaahi ||1||

कोई बोलै राम राम कोई खुदाइ ॥कोई सेवै गुसईआ कोई अलाहि ॥१॥

Some call Him, ‘Raam, Raam’, and some call Him, ‘Khudaa-i’.

Some serve Him as ‘Gusain’, others as ‘Allaah’. ||1||

ਕਾਰਣ ਕਰਣ ਕਰੀਮ ॥ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ਰਹੀਮ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Kaaran Karan Kareem ||Kirapaa Dhhaar Reheem ||1|| Rehaao ||

कारण करण करीम ॥किरपा धारि रहीम ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥

He is the Cause of causes, the Generous Lord

He showers His Grace and Mercy upon us. ||1||Pause||

ਕੋਈ ਨਾਵੈ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਕੋਈ ਹਜ ਜਾਇ ॥ਕੋਈ ਕਰੈ ਪੂਜਾ ਕੋਈ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਿਵਾਇ ॥੨॥

Koee Naavai Theerathh Koee Haj Jaae ||Koee Karai Poojaa Koee Sir Nivaae ||2||

कोई नावै तीरथि कोई हज जाइ ॥कोई करै पूजा कोई सिरु निवाइ ॥२॥

Some bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, and some make the pilgrimage to Mecca.|

Some perform devotional worship services, and some bow their heads in prayer. ||2||

ਕੋਈ ਪੜੈ ਬੇਦ ਕੋਈ ਕਤੇਬ ॥ਕੋਈ ਓਢੈ ਨੀਲ ਕੋਈ ਸੁਪੇਦ ॥੩॥

Koee Parrai Baedh Koee Kathaeb ||Koee Oudtai Neel Koee Supaedh ||3||

कोई पड़ै बेद कोई कतेब ॥कोई ओढै नील कोई सुपेद ॥३॥

Some read the Vedas, and some the Koran.

Some wear blue robes, and some wear white. ||3||

ਕੋਈ ਕਹੈ ਤੁਰਕੁ ਕੋਈ ਕਹੈ ਹਿੰਦੂ ॥ਕੋਈ ਬਾਛੈ ਭਿਸਤੁ ਕੋਈ ਸੁਰਗਿੰਦੂ ॥੪॥

Koee Kehai Thurak Koee Kehai Hindhoo ||Koee Baashhai Bhisath Koee Suragindhoo ||4||

कोई कहै तुरकु कोई कहै हिंदू ॥कोई बाछै भिसतु कोई सुरगिंदू ॥४॥

Some call themselves Muslim, and some call themselves Hindu.

Some yearn for paradise, and others long for heaven. ||4||

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਾ ਤਿਨਿ ਭੇਦੁ ਜਾਤਾ ॥੫॥੯॥

Kahu Naanak Jin Hukam Pashhaathaa ||Prabh Saahib Kaa Thin Bhaedh Jaathaa ||5||9||

कहु नानक जिनि हुकमु पछाता ॥प्रभ साहिब का तिनि भेदु जाता ॥५॥९॥

Says Nanak, one who realizes the Hukam of God’s Will

Knows the secrets of his Lord and Master. ||5||9||

Kabir Ji has the follwing to say in Guru Granth Sahib:-

ਹਜ ਹਮਾਰੀ ਗੋਮਤੀ ਤੀਰ ॥ਜਹਾ ਬਸਹਿ ਪੀਤੰਬਰ ਪੀਰ ॥੧॥ (Raag Asa Bhagat Kabir, GGS. 478-17).

Haj Hamaaree Gomathee Theer ||

हज हमारी गोमती तीर ॥

My pilgrimage to Mecca is on the banks of the Gomati River

Jehaa Basehi Peethanbar Peer ||1||

जहा बसहि पीत्मबर पीर ॥१॥

The spiritual teacher in his yellow robes dwells there. ||1||

ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਕਿਆ ਖੂਬੁ ਗਾਵਤਾ ਹੈ ॥ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵਤਾ ਹੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Vaahu Vaahu Kiaa Khoob Gaavathaa Hai ||Har Kaa Naam Maerai Man Bhaavathaa Hai ||1|| Rehaao ||

वाहु वाहु किआ खूबु गावता है ॥ हरि का नामु मेरै मनि भावता है ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥

Waaho! Waaho! Hail! Hail! How wondrously he sings.

The Name of the Lord is pleasing to my mind. ||1||Pause||

ਨਾਰਦ ਸਾਰਦ ਕਰਹਿ ਖਵਾਸੀ ॥ਪਾਸਿ ਬੈਠੀ ਬੀਬੀ ਕਵਲਾ ਦਾਸੀ ॥੨॥

Naaradh Saaradh Karehi Khavaasee ||Paas Baithee Beebee Kavalaa Dhaasee ||2||

नारद सारद करहि खवासी ॥पासि बैठी बीबी कवला दासी ॥२॥

Naarada the sage, and Shaarada the goddess of knowledge, serve the Lord.

The goddess Lakhshmi sits by Him as His slave. ||2||

ਕੰਠੇ ਮਾਲਾ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਰਾਮੁ ॥ਸਹੰਸ ਨਾਮੁ ਲੈ ਲੈ ਕਰਉ ਸਲਾਮੁ ॥੩॥

Kanthae Maalaa Jihavaa Raam ||Sehans Naam Lai Lai Karo Salaam ||3||

कंठे माला जिहवा रामु ॥सहंस नामु लै लै करउ सलामु ॥३॥

The mala is around my neck, and the Lord’s Name is upon my tongue.

I repeat the Naam, the Name of the Lord, a thousand times, and bow in reverence to Him. ||3||

ਕਹਤ ਕਬੀਰ ਰਾਮ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵਉ ॥ਹਿੰਦੂ ਤੁਰਕ ਦੋਊ ਸਮਝਾਵਉ ॥੪॥੪॥੧੩॥

Kehath Kabeer Raam Gun Gaavo ||Hindhoo Thurak Dhooo Samajhaavo ||4||4||13||

कहत कबीर राम गुन गावउ ॥हिंदू तुरक दोऊ समझावउ ॥४॥४॥१३॥

Says Kabeer, I sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord

I teach both Hindus and Muslims. ||4||4||13||

I find it very disheartening to note that most learned Indians (Hindus and Muslim) on this Forum when they discuss various religions fail to even mention Sikhism, which is the fifth largest religion in the World.This could be either due to their ignorance or due to some bias.

I invite you to read the Guru Granth Sahib as your own Granth. I have a working knowledge of Punjabi and Hindi (I cannot write a letter in either language) but I can understand 75% of the Gurbani without difficulty. If you know a little bit of Urdu (or Hindustani, the language of Boolywood) and Sanskrit, the comprehension of Gurbani of Guru Granth Sahib becomes relatively easy. The translation of Guru Granth Sahib in Punjabi, English and Hindi is available on the Internet – http://www.gurbanisearch/. There are some ‘teekas’ or helpbooks available in Punjabi/Hindi/English from book stores near major Gurduaras in various cities in India and overseas.

You are free to contact me if you need any further assistance in accessing Gurbani or translation.

With best wishes.

Kirpal Singh (Professor Emeritus)

Wellington, New Zealand