The greeting, “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh” is used whenever two Sikhs meet each other. This helps to spread the message of brotherhood, when we recite together.
“Sat Sri Akal”, is the ending part of the slogan, “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal”. This slogan is used in Sangat for the Chardi Kala (ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲ੍ਹਾ); to give courage for some achievements, conclusion of some program or function, etc.
The meaning of this greeting is that Khalsa belongs to the Waheguru and also the victory (Fateh) belongs to the Waheguru only.
Bhai Gurdas Ji has used the word, “Waheguru” for Shabad and Bhat’s have used, “Waheguru” for the praise of 4th Guru Ramdas Sahib in Guru Granth Sahib.
Literal meaning of Waheguru can be, (Waheguru = Wahe + Guru= Wah + with Guru), (ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ = ਵਾਹਿ + ਗੁਰੂ). Praise of Akal Purkh with the help of Guru (Shabad). When Shabad resides in one’s mind, then one achieves the state of Sach Khand (ਸਚ ਖੰਡਿ). An internal (inherent) praise and pleasure is developed in one’s mind (ਅਨੰਦ), which we generally express in our common language by saying as, Wah Wah (ਵਾਹ ਵਾਹ). This state is achievable with the help of Guru only. Hence, the combination of Wah and Guru (Waheguru) has been used to achieve this state of mind. There is no physical Guru (ਸਬਦ) or physical follower (ਸੁਰਤ) in Sikhism.
ਪਵਨ ਅਰੰਭੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਲਾ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥ (੯੪੩)
Since, Khalsa belongs to the Waheguru. When a person achieves such a state of mind. Then he merges with Akal Purkh, like water mixes with the sea with the help of Shabad Guru.
ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਜਿਹ ਨਰ ਕਉ ਕੀਨੀ ਤਿਹ ਇਹ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਪਛਾਨੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਲੀਨ ਭਇਓ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਪਾਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਪਾਨੀ ॥੩॥੧੧॥ (੬੩੩)
When a person becomes a Khalsa, then he does not have distinction between other human beings. He sees every one, as sons of same father. There is no difference of caste or creed. He sees the same light (ਜੋਤਿ) in every one.
ਏਕੁ ਪਿਤਾ ਏਕਸ ਕੇ ਹਮ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਤੂ ਮੇਰਾ ਗੁਰ ਹਾਈ ॥ ਸੁਣਿ ਮੀਤਾ ਜੀਉ ਹਮਾਰਾ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਹੁ ਦਿਖਾਈ ॥੧॥ (੬੧੧)
This greeting also implies that every part of Khalsa belongs to the Guru and you have nothing of your own. When one understands that everything is because of Guru only. Then one controls his ego and transforms himself into a Gurmukh (ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ) automatically.
The second part of the greeting is, “Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh”. That means if there is any victory or achievement, then that also belongs to the Guru only and not to that person who has achieved that. This greeting completely eliminates the ego from the person who is saying or listening. Once ego is controlled, then one can achieve anything in his life.
ਆਪੁ ਸਵਾਰਹਿ ਮੈ ਮਿਲਹਿ ਮੈ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਫਰੀਦਾ ਜੇ ਤੂ ਮੇਰਾ ਹੋਇ ਰਹਹਿ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੯੫॥ (੧੩੮੨)
There is another psychological effect of using the word “Fateh”. When a person says the word, “Fateh” an inherent impression is created in his mind to always go for victory (Fateh). This makes his habit, to always work hard to achieve his goal. Hence, a Sikh always remains in the state of “Chardi Kala”.
Author: Dr. Sarbjit Singh
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